Evaluation of urinary tract and pelvic floor function

Abstract

The purpose is to evaluate the urinary tract and pelvic floor function. [Solution] The present invention describes an apparatus and method comprising one or more sensors (76) configured to detect the flow of urine from a subject's body without contact with the subject's body when the subject pauses urination during urination. A processor (44, 96) calculates one or more parameters of the pause based on the detection and outputs a score based on the parameters. Other applications are also described.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] (Cross - Reference to Related Applications) This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 713,852, titled "Assessing Urinary and Pelvic - Floor Function" by Kapp - Barnea, filed on October 30, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] Embodiments generally relate to medical devices, and more specifically to devices and methods for assessing urinary tract and pelvic floor function, for example, for promoting improvement of such functions through appropriate exercises.

Background Art

[0003] The urinary tract includes the bladder, urethra, and other organs. The bladder wall includes detrusor muscles that are continuous with the internal urethral sphincter. Both the detrusor muscles and the internal urethral sphincter are involuntary muscles.

[0004] The pelvic floor muscles, including voluntary muscles such as the external urethral sphincter, support pelvic organs and maintain the ability to inhibit urination. The pelvic floor muscles can be damaged or weakened due to injuries, excessive weight gain, hormonal changes in women, pregnancy, vaginal delivery, and other life events. This can lead to incontinence, constipation, genital prolapse, and other symptoms that reduce the quality of life.

Summary of the Invention

[0005] Embodiments provide a system that calculates a urination - related score. The system includes one or more sensors configured to detect the flow of urine from a subject during urination, and a processor configured to calculate a score based on the detection performed by the sensors. The sensors do not contact the subject's body. For example, in some embodiments, the sensors include a microphone and / or an imaging sensor mounted on the rim of a toilet.

[0006] In some embodiments, a subject pauses urination in response to prompts, for example, via a smartphone application, and a sensor detects the urine flow when the subject pauses urination. Based on the detection, the processor calculates one or more parameters of the pause, such as the duration required for the urine flow rate to fall below a predetermined threshold, a parameter quantifying urine leakage during the pause, the duration for which the flow rate is below the predetermined threshold, and / or an estimated force exerted by the subject's pelvic floor to pause the flow. The processor then outputs a score based on the parameters, which, in some embodiments, indicates how well the subject's pelvic floor muscles are functioning.

[0007] In some embodiments, the subject does not necessarily need to pause urination. Rather, the processor calculates one or more parameters of urination based on the detection and outputs a score indicating the function of at least one of the subject's involuntary muscles, such as the detrusor and / or internal urethral sphincter, based on the parameters. For example, in some embodiments, the parameters include the delay time from when the subject arrives at the toilet until urination begins (degree of urination hesitation), the rate of increase in flow rate at the start of urination, and / or the period during which the flow rate is approximately at its maximum.

[0008] Therefore, according to some embodiments, a system is provided comprising one or more sensors configured to detect the flow of urine from a subject's body without contacting the subject's body when the subject pauses urination during urination, and a processor. The processor is configured to calculate one or more parameters of the pause based on the detection and to output a score based on the parameters.

[0009] In some embodiments, the processor is further configured to prompt the subject to pause urination.

[0010] In some embodiments, the sensor includes a microphone configured to detect the sound of the flow.

[0011] In some embodiments, the sensor includes an imaging sensor configured to capture images of the flow.

[0012] In some embodiments, urine flows into the toilet bowl, and the sensor is configured to be coupled to the toilet bowl.

[0013] In some embodiments, the processor is The system accepts input indicating the degree of the subject's incontinence. It is further configured to calculate a score based on the degree of incontinence.

[0014] In some embodiments, the parameter includes the period of time required for the flow rate to fall below a predetermined threshold.

[0015] In some embodiments, the parameter includes the flow rate before the subject pauses urination.

[0016] In some embodiments, at least one parameter quantifies urine leakage during pause.

[0017] In some embodiments, the parameter includes a period during which the flow rate is below a predetermined threshold.

[0018] In some embodiments, the parameters include an estimated force exerted by the subject's pelvic floor to pause the flow.

[0019] In some embodiments, the processor is To calculate the estimated pressure applied to the subject's external urethral sphincter by urine, To calculate the estimated diameter of the subject's urethra at the external urethral sphincter, The system is configured to calculate the estimated force by calculating the estimated force based on the estimated pressure and estimated diameter.

[0020] In some embodiments, the processor is configured to calculate the estimated pressure by solving the Navier-Stokes equations that describe the flow.

[0021] In some embodiments, the processor calculates an estimated diameter of the urethra at the outer boundary of the urethra based on the detection, and calculates an estimated diameter of the urethra in the external urethral sphincter based on the estimated diameter of the urethra at the outer boundary of the urethra, and is configured to calculate the estimated diameter of the urethra in the external urethral sphincter.

[0022] Furthermore, according to some embodiments, a method is provided that includes detecting a urine flow from a subject's body using one or more sensors that do not contact the subject's body when the subject temporarily stops urination during urination. Further, the method includes calculating, using a processor, one or more parameters of the temporary stop based on the detection, and outputting a score based on the parameters.

[0023] Furthermore, according to some embodiments, a method is provided that includes detecting a urine flow from a subject's body using one or more sensors that do not contact the subject's body during urination. Further, the method includes calculating, using a processor, one or more parameters of the urination based on the detection, and outputting a score indicating the function of at least one involuntary muscle of the subject based on the parameters.

[0024] In some embodiments, the involuntary muscle is selected from the group of muscles including the detrusor muscle and the internal urethral sphincter.

[0025] In some embodiments, the sensor includes a microphone configured to detect the sound of the flow.

[0026] In some embodiments, the sensor includes an imaging sensor configured to image the flow.

[0027] In some embodiments, urine flows into a toilet bowl and the sensor is coupled to the toilet bowl.

[0028] In some embodiments, the parameter includes a delay time from when the subject arrives at the toilet until they begin urinating.

[0029] In some embodiments, the parameter includes the rate of increase in the flow rate at the start of urination.

[0030] In some embodiments, the parameter includes a period during which the difference between the maximum flow rate of the urination flow and the flow rate is less than a predetermined threshold.

[0031] In some embodiments, the parameter includes a period during which, after an increase in flow rate at the start of urination, the absolute value of the rate of change of flow rate remains below a predetermined threshold.

[0032] This disclosure will be better understood from the detailed description of the embodiments with reference to the following drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0033] [Figure 1] This is a schematic diagram of a system for calculating urination-related scores according to several embodiments. [Figure 2] This is a block diagram showing the components of a sensor module according to several embodiments. [Figure 3-4] The following are urination-related parameters calculated by several embodiments. [Figure 5] This is a flowchart illustrating a method for improving pelvic floor function according to several embodiments. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0034] System Description First, referring to Figure 1, this is a schematic diagram of a system 21 for calculating urination-related scores according to several embodiments. Next, referring to Figure 2, this is a block diagram of the components of a sensor module 22 according to several embodiments.

[0035] The system 21 includes one or more sensors 76 (Figure 2) configured to passively detect the flow of urine from the subject's body while the subject is urinating, i.e., without contact with the subject's body. In some examples, the subject urinates into the toilet bowl 23 of the toilet 20, and the sensors 76 are coupled to the toilet bowl so that the sensors detect the flow of urine as it flows into the bowl. For example, in some examples, the sensors 76 are housed in a sensor module 22 that is built into the toilet bowl 23 or mounted on the rim 80 of the toilet bowl 23. For example, in some embodiments, the sensor module 22 is connected to a housing 30 by a connecting arm 82 that straddles the rim 80, such that the sensor module is inside the toilet bowl and the housing 30 is outside the toilet. The sensor module may have a waterproof housing. The housing 30 houses a power supply 28 (e.g., a battery pack) configured to power the sensor module 22 by wire or wirelessly. Alternatively or additionally, the sensor module 22 is connected to a commercial power supply.

[0036] In some embodiments, the sensor 76 includes a microphone 40 configured to detect the sound of the flow. Alternatively or additionally, the sensor includes an imaging sensor 42 for imaging the flow. In some such embodiments, the system 21 (e.g., sensor module 22) further includes a light source 24 configured to illuminate the urine for the imaging sensor 42 by irradiating the urine with light 78 as the urine flows from the subject's body. Alternatively or additionally, the sensor 76 includes an ultra-broadband sensor, for example, in some embodiments, the system 21 (e.g., sensor module 22) further includes an ultra-broadband radar comprising an ultra-broadband emitter configured to irradiate the flow with ultra-broadband waves and an ultra-broadband sensor configured to detect the reflection of the ultra-broadband waves. Alternatively or additionally, the sensor includes an ultrasonic transducer configured to irradiate the flow with ultrasonic waves and detect the reflection of the ultrasonic waves.

[0037] In some embodiments, the sensor module 22 includes a computer processor 44 configured to control and / or receive signals from other components of the sensor module, such as a light source 24 and / or a sensor 76. In some examples, the sensor module 22 further includes a communication module 48 with a wireless communication interface. In some embodiments, the sensor module 22 further includes a memory 46 configured for the processor 44 to store data. In some such embodiments, the memory 46 includes a removable memory card, such as a secure digital card.

[0038] In some examples, as shown in Figure 1, the system 21 further includes a processor 96 configured to calculate one or more parameters based on the detections made by the sensor 76, i.e., the signals output by the sensor 76 in response to the detections. The processor 96 is further configured to output quantitative or qualitative urination-related scores about the subject based on the parameters.

[0039] In some embodiments, the urination-related score is one of the parameters. In other embodiments, the processor 96 calculates the urination-related score from the parameters, for example, by inputting the parameters into a machine learning model trained to output a urination-related score based on the parameters, or by applying a predetermined closed-form function to the parameters. In some such embodiments, the processor 96 maps the parameters to numerical values ​​within a typical range of score values ​​(e.g., 1 to 10) or to qualitative descriptions belonging to a typical set of descriptions (e.g., the set of "very bad," "bad," "average," "good," and "very good") in calculating the urination-related score.

[0040] In some embodiments, the processor 96 belongs to a device 98 located away from the toilet 20, such as a cloud server. In such embodiments, the processor 44 of the sensor module 22 is configured to transmit data received from the sensor 76 to the device 98 via the communication module 48 over at least one network 100 (e.g., a Wi-Fi network and / or the internet).

[0041] In some embodiments, the system 21 is configured to be used with at least one device 32 (e.g., a smartphone 34, a tablet computer 36, or a laptop computer 38) owned, for example, by the subject or the subject's healthcare provider. The processor 96 is configured to output urination-related scores to the device 32, for example, via the network 100, and the device 32 includes a display 86 configured to display the output. Alternatively or additionally, the processor 96 outputs urination-related scores by storing the scores in memory and / or displaying the scores on the display.

[0042] In some embodiments, one or more other processors perform at least some of the functions of processor 96 described herein. For example, in some embodiments, processor 44 or the processor of device 32 calculates parameters by processing data from sensor 76. Alternatively or additionally, for example, processor 44 or the processor of device 32 calculates and / or outputs a urination-related score based on the parameters.

[0043] In some embodiments, the sensor module 22 includes an indicator 50 configured to be shown to the subject when urination is successfully detected and / or when data has been successfully transmitted to a remote device. In some embodiments, the indicator 50 includes a visual indicator such as a light-emitting diode. Alternatively or additionally, the indicator 50 includes an audible indicator (e.g., a speaker configured to emit a beep).

[0044] In some embodiments, the processor 44 is further configured to process signals from sensors 76 (e.g., microphone 40 and / or imaging sensor 42) to determine when a subject has arrived at the toilet. Alternatively or additionally, the system 21 includes at least one additional sensor configured to output a signal to the processor indicating when a subject has arrived at the toilet. In some such embodiments, the additional sensor includes other passive sensors such as proximity sensors (e.g., infrared, ultrasonic, or ultra-wideband proximity sensors). In other such embodiments, the additional sensor includes a sensor coupled to the toilet seat of the toilet 20 and configured to output a signal in response to the subject's contact with the sensor when the subject sits on the toilet seat. Alternatively or additionally, the subject indicates their arrival at the toilet to the processor using an input interface such as a button on or near the toilet, or a virtual button, such as an application running on a smartphone 34. Once the processor confirms the subject's arrival, it activates one or more components of the system 21. Alternatively or additionally, the processor calculates a urination-related score based on the time of arrival, as further described with reference to Figure 3.

[0045] Generally, each processor described herein may be embodied as a single processor or as a cooperatively networked or clustered group of processors. The functions of each processor may be implemented solely in hardware, for example, using one or more fixed-function or general-purpose integrated circuits, application-specific integrated circuits and / or field-programmable gate arrays. Alternatively, the functions may be implemented at least partially in software. For example, a processor may be embodied as a programmed processor including a central processing unit and / or graphics processing unit. Program code, including software programs and / or data, may be loaded for execution and processing by the central processing unit and / or graphics processing unit. The program code and / or data may be downloaded to the processor, for example, in electronic form over a network. Alternatively or additionally, the program code and / or data may be provided to and / or stored in a non-temporary tangible storage medium such as magnetic memory, optical memory, or electronic memory. When such program code and / or data is provided to the processor, it realizes a machine or special-purpose computer configured to perform the tasks described herein.

[0046] Output of urination-related scores Refer to Figure 3, which shows urination-related parameters calculated according to several embodiments.

[0047] Figure 3 schematically shows the subject's bladder 52 and urethra 54 as urine 56 is expelled from the bladder 52 at several points in time during the subject's hypothetical urination. Figure 3 also plots the flow rate of urine 56 as a function of time.

[0048] At time A, the subject voluntarily begins to open the external urethral sphincter 58. In response, the subject's internal urethral sphincter 60 begins to open involuntarily by a conditioned reflex, and simultaneously, by a conditioned reflex, the detrusor muscle 62 of the bladder 52 contracts inward, compressing the urine 56 from the bladder to the urethra 54. As the sphincter opens and the detrusor muscle 62 continues to compress the urine, the urine flow rate increases during time interval a, until the sphincter is fully open at time B. Subsequently, the urine 56 continues to flow at nearly maximum flow rate during time interval b, until time C. At time C, sufficient urine is expelled to reduce the contact of the detrusor muscle 62 with the urine in the bladder, thereby reducing the pressure on the urine in the bladder. Therefore, the urine flow rate decreases during the following time interval c, until time D. At time D, the bladder 52 is almost completely empty, and the subject begins to close the external urethral sphincter 58, while the internal urethral sphincter 60 begins to close involuntarily due to a conditioned reflex. Once the sphincters close, the flow rate decreases for the duration of time interval d until time E, when urine flow stops.

[0049] In some embodiments, the processor 96 (Figure 1) calculates one or more parameters of urination based on detections made by the sensor 76 (Figure 2). Based on the parameters, the processor outputs a urination-related score indicating the function of at least one involuntary muscle of the subject (e.g., the detrusor muscle 62 and / or the internal urethral sphincter 60). In other words, the score indicates how well at least one involuntary muscle is functioning.

[0050] For example, in some embodiments, the parameter is the delay time (around time A) from when the subject arrives at the toilet until they begin urinating, and includes the degree of hesitation to urinate. Based on this parameter, the processor outputs a score indicating the health of the conditioned reflex of the detrusor muscle 62 and / or internal urethral sphincter 60.

[0051] Alternatively or additionally, in some embodiments, the parameter includes the rate of increase in flow rate during a period roughly corresponding to, for example, time interval a, at the start of urination. Based on this parameter, the processor outputs a score indicating the flexibility and / or strength of the detrusor muscle 62, the flexibility of the internal urethral sphincter 60, and / or the health of the conditioned reflex of the detrusor muscle 62 and / or the internal urethral sphincter 60.

[0052] Alternatively or additionally, the parameters include the period during which the difference between the maximum flow rate and the current flow rate is less than a predetermined threshold, and / or the period during which, after the increase in flow rate at the start of urination, the absolute value of the rate of change of the flow rate remains below a predetermined threshold. In some examples, these periods each roughly correspond to time interval b. Based on one or both of these parameters, the processor outputs a score indicating the flexibility, force at maximum load, and / or elasticity of the detrusor muscle 62.

[0053] Alternatively, voiding-related scores can be indicators of the function of one or more voluntary muscles, such as the pelvic floor muscles, and / or the function of other components of the urinary tract. In this regard, refer to Figure 4, which shows voiding-related parameters calculated according to several embodiments.

[0054] In some embodiments, at time t0 during urination, the subject begins to pause urination. In some examples, the pause begins in time interval b (Figure 3) when the urine flow rate is at its maximum or near-maximum.

[0055] For example, in some embodiments, the processor prompts the subject to pause urination by launching, for example, an application running on device 32 (Figure 1) at time t0 to output visual and / or auditory prompts. For example, in some embodiments, the processor prompts the subject based on the flow rate exceeding a predetermined threshold for a predetermined time (e.g., 1 to 5 seconds) and / or based on the rate of change of the flow rate being below a predetermined threshold for a predetermined time (e.g., 1 to 5 seconds). In other embodiments, the subject begins pausing without prompting. For example, in some embodiments, the subject begins pausing based on the feeling that the maximum flow rate has been maintained for several seconds.

[0056] In some embodiments, the subject attempts, with or without prompting, to pause the flow of urine for at least a predetermined minimum time, such as 1 to 5 seconds. Alternatively or additionally, the subject is informed that the duration of the pause does not need to exceed a predetermined maximum value. In other embodiments, the target duration of the pause is left to the subject's discretion.

[0057] Sensor 76 (Figure 2) detects urine flow when the subject pauses urination. Based on the detection, processor 96 (Figure 1) calculates one or more parameters of the pause. The processor then outputs a urination-related score based on these parameters.

[0058] For example, in some embodiments, assuming that the subject succeeds in lowering the flow rate below a predetermined threshold r0 at time t1, the parameter includes the time required for the flow rate to fall below r0 from the flow rate before the pause (which may be the maximum flow rate during urination or near it, as described above). For example, this parameter may be calculated as t1-t0. (In embodiments where the subject is not prompted to begin pausing, t0 may be estimated, for example, by subtracting a predetermined time from the time when the flow rate began to decrease.) This parameter may also be called the subject's "urinary cessation period" and indicates the strength of the pelvic floor muscles and / or the speed of neurofeedback to the pelvic floor muscles. In some examples, the score is higher for shorter periods than for longer periods.

[0059] Alternatively or additionally, the parameter includes the flow rate of urine before the subject pauses urination, e.g., the flow rate at t0. In some cases, the score is higher when the initial flow rate is higher than when it is lower.

[0060] Alternatively or additionally, at least one parameter quantifies urine leakage during pause. For example, in some embodiments, “leakage” is defined as any flow of urine during pause at a flow rate below a predetermined threshold, which is r0, or another value greater than or less than r0. For the quantification of leakage, the processor may calculate, for example, the total amount of leaked urine and / or the duration of the leak. In some examples, the score is higher when there is less leakage than when there is more.

[0061] Alternatively or additionally, the parameter may include the period during which the flow rate is below a given threshold, and may be r0, or another value greater than or less than r0. For example, assuming that the flow rate is less than r0 until time t2, the parameter may be calculated as t2-t1. In some examples, the score is higher for longer periods than for shorter periods.

[0062] Alternatively or additionally, the parameters include the estimated force exerted by the subject's pelvic floor muscles to pause the flow. For example, in some embodiments, the processor calculates the estimated pressure exerted by the urine on the external urethral sphincter 58 (Figure 3), along with the estimated diameter of the urethra 54 (Figure 3) in the external urethral sphincter. The processor then calculates the estimated force based on the estimated pressure and estimated diameter. In some examples, the score is higher when the estimated force is greater than when it is smaller.

[0063] In some embodiments, the processor calculates the estimated pressure by solving the Navier-Stokes equations describing the flow of urine in the urethra, assuming that the flow is laminar and Newtonian, based on predetermined values ​​of urine density and viscosity. The Navier-Stokes equations are as follows:

[0064]

number

[0065] Here, ρ is the density of the urine, v is the flow velocity vector (derived from flow detection), p is the pressure (solved by the processor), μ is the viscosity of the urine, and F is the force vector for gravity and other external forces.

[0066] Alternatively or additionally, to calculate the estimated diameter of the urethra at the external urethral sphincter, the processor first calculates the estimated diameter of the urethra at its outer boundary based on flow detection. Next, based on the estimated diameter at the outer boundary of the urethra, the processor calculates the estimated diameter of the urethra at the external urethral sphincter using a differential equation solver such as Ansys Fluent® or COMSOL Multiphysics®.

[0067] In some embodiments, the subject inputs the degree of their incontinence, such as the estimated frequency of involuntary urination, to the processor 96, which then calculates a score based on the degree of incontinence. In some examples, the score is higher when incontinence is less frequent than when it is more frequent.

[0068] In some embodiments, the processor 96 calculates the amount of urine expelled by the subject during one or more urinations based on detections made by the sensor 76 (Figure 2). Based on the calculated amount, the processor calculates and outputs an estimated bladder capacity of the subject. For example, in some embodiments, after calculating the amount of urine expelled over several urinations, the processor estimates the bladder capacity based on the maximum urine volume, for example, by setting the estimated bladder capacity to be equal to this maximum value. Alternatively or additionally, the processor estimates the bladder capacity based on input from the subject, such as per-urination inputs indicating the subject's estimate of how full the bladder is at the start of urination.

[0069] Pelvic floor trainer Now, referring to Figure 5, this is a flowchart of a method 64 for improving pelvic floor function according to some embodiments.

[0070] In some embodiments, during setup step 66, the subject installs the sensor module 22 (Figure 1) and downloads the pelvic floor trainer application to device 32 (Figure 1). Next, when the subject wishes to train their pelvic floor, they refrain from urinating during step 68, until they feel a strong urge to urinate. Generally, a strong urge to urinate constitutes a more intense workout for the subject's pelvic floor.

[0071] When a subject feels a strong urge to urinate, in the first urination step 70, the subject urinates, for example, at maximum flow rate for 1 to 5 seconds. The subject then attempts to pause urination for, for example, 1 to 5 seconds in the pause step 72. After the pause (or if the attempt fails), the subject completes urination in the second urination step 74. Finally, in the output reception step 75, the subject obtains a urination-related score via the application and optionally obtains individual and / or population trends in the score. In this way, the application functions as a wellness biofeedback tool, allowing the subject to track their progress over time as they exercise to improve their score.

[0072] Those skilled in the art will understand that this disclosure is not limited to what is specifically shown and described above. Rather, the scope of this disclosure includes various combinations and partial combinations of the features described above, as well as variations and modifications thereof that are not in the prior art and that a person skilled in the art might conceive of upon reading the above description.

Claims

1. One or more sensors configured to detect the flow of urine from the subject's body without contacting the subject's body when the subject pauses urination during urination, It is a processor, Based on the detection, one or more parameters of the pause are calculated, A system comprising a processor configured to output a score based on the aforementioned parameters.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to prompt the subject to pause urination.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the sensor comprises a microphone configured to detect the sound of the flow.

4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the sensor comprises an imaging sensor configured to capture the flow.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein the urine flows into a toilet bowl and the sensor is configured to be coupled to the toilet bowl.

6. The aforementioned processor, The system accepts input indicating the degree of incontinence of the subject. The system according to claim 1, further configured to calculate the score based on the degree of incontinence.

7. The system according to claim 1, wherein the parameter includes the period of time required for the flow rate of the flow to fall below a predetermined threshold.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein the parameter includes the flow rate of the flow before the subject pauses urination.

9. The system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the parameters quantifies the leakage of urine during the pause.

10. The system according to claim 1, wherein the parameter includes a period of time during which the flow rate of the flow is less than a predetermined threshold.

11. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the parameters include the estimated force exerted by the subject's pelvic floor to pause the flow.

12. The aforementioned processor, The estimated pressure applied to the external urethral sphincter of the subject is calculated using the aforementioned urine, To calculate the estimated diameter of the subject's urethra in the external urethral sphincter, The system according to claim 11, configured to calculate an estimated force by calculating an estimated force based on the estimated pressure and the estimated diameter.

13. The system according to claim 12, wherein the processor is configured to calculate the estimated pressure by solving the Navier-Stokes equations that describe the flow.

14. The aforementioned processor, Based on the above detection, the estimated diameter of the urethra at the outer boundary of the urethra is calculated, The system according to claim 12, configured to calculate the estimated diameter of the urethra in the external urethral sphincter by calculating the estimated diameter of the urethra in the external urethral sphincter based on the estimated diameter of the urethra at the outer boundary of the urethra.

15. Using one or more sensors that do not come into contact with the subject's body, the flow of urine from the subject's body is detected when the subject pauses urination during urination, Using a processor, Based on the detection, one or more parameters of the pause are calculated, A method including outputting a score based on the aforementioned parameters.

16. The method according to claim 15, further comprising using the processor to prompt the subject to temporarily suspend urination.

17. The method according to claim 15, wherein the sensor comprises a microphone configured to detect the sound of the flow.

18. The method according to claim 15, wherein the sensor comprises an imaging sensor configured to capture the flow.

19. The method according to claim 15, wherein the urine flows into the toilet bowl and the sensor is connected to the toilet bowl.

20. The processor receives input indicating the degree of incontinence of the subject, The method according to claim 15, further comprising calculating the score based on the degree of incontinence.

21. The method according to claim 15, wherein the parameter includes the period required for the flow rate of the flow to fall below a predetermined threshold.

22. The method according to claim 15, wherein the parameter includes the flow rate of the flow before the subject pauses urination.

23. The method according to claim 15, wherein at least one of the parameters quantifies the leakage of urine during the pause.

24. The method according to claim 15, wherein the parameter includes a period during which the flow rate of the flow is less than a predetermined threshold.

25. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 24, wherein the parameter includes an estimated force exerted by the subject's pelvic floor to pause the flow.

26. Calculating the aforementioned estimating power is The estimated pressure applied to the external urethral sphincter of the subject is calculated using the aforementioned urine, To calculate the estimated diameter of the subject's urethra in the external urethral sphincter, The method according to claim 25, comprising calculating the estimated force based on the estimated pressure and the estimated diameter.

27. The method according to claim 26, wherein calculating the estimated pressure includes calculating the estimated pressure by solving the Navier-Stokes equations that describe the flow.

28. Calculating the estimated diameter of the urethra in the external urethral sphincter is Based on the above detection, the estimated diameter of the urethra at the outer boundary of the urethra is calculated, The method according to claim 26, comprising calculating the estimated diameter of the urethra in the external urethral sphincter based on the estimated diameter of the urethra at the outer boundary of the urethra.

29. Using one or more sensors that do not come into contact with the subject's body, the flow of urine from the subject's body is detected during the subject's urination. Using a processor, Based on the above detection, one or more parameters of the urination are calculated, A method comprising outputting a score indicating the function of at least one involuntary muscle of the subject based on the aforementioned parameters.

30. The method according to claim 29, wherein the involuntary muscle is selected from a group of muscles consisting of the detrusor muscle and the internal urethral sphincter muscle.

31. The method according to claim 29, wherein the sensor comprises a microphone configured to detect the sound of the flow.

32. The method according to claim 29, wherein the sensor comprises an imaging sensor configured to capture the flow.

33. The method according to claim 29, wherein the urine flows into the toilet bowl and the sensor is coupled to the toilet bowl.

34. The method according to any one of claims 29 to 33, wherein the parameter includes a delay time from when the subject arrives at the toilet until he begins to urinate.

35. The method according to any one of claims 29 to 33, wherein the parameter includes the rate of increase of the flow rate of the flow at the start of urination.

36. The method according to any one of claims 29 to 33, wherein the parameter includes a period of time during which the difference between the maximum flow rate of the flow during urination and the flow rate of the flow is less than a predetermined threshold.

37. The method according to any one of claims 29 to 33, wherein the parameter includes a period of time after an increase in the flow rate of the flow at the start of urination, during which the absolute value of the rate of change of the flow rate remains below a predetermined threshold.

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