Urine analysis

Abstract

To provide apparatuses and methods for detecting and classifying an elevated level of creatinine in urine of a subject.SOLUTION: Apparatuses and methods are described, the apparatus comprising: one or more sensors coupled to a toilet bowl and configured to detect one or more urine-related parameters of urine of a subject; and at least one computer processor configured to receive the one or more urine-related parameters from the one or more sensors, determine when the urine of the subject has an elevated creatinine concentration, and determine a likely cause of the elevated creatinine concentration. Other applications are also described.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] (CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS) This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 403,424, filed September 2, 2022, and U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 235,318, filed August 17, 2023, each of which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0002] Some applications of the present invention relate generally to the analysis of bodily excretions. Specifically, some applications of the present invention relate to devices and methods for detecting and classifying elevated creatinine in the urine of a subject. [Background technology]

[0003] Creatinine is a normal waste product of ingested muscle (e.g., by eating meat) and of autologous muscle catabolism. Healthy kidneys remove creatinine from the blood, and it leaves the body in the urine. Creatinine is a relatively small molecule (60 daltons) distributed throughout the body's water. The concentration of creatinine in urine can indicate muscle metabolism, diet, hydration status, and the kidney's ability to perform glomerular filtration. Physiological creatinine concentrations in healthy individuals can vary depending on body size and muscle mass, but normal urinary creatinine concentrations are often within the range of 0.2 to 3.2 g / L. Summary of the Invention

[0004] According to some applications of the present invention, the sensor module includes one or more sensors disposed within the toilet bowl and configured to detect one or more urine-related parameters. In some applications, the one or more sensors detect at least some of the aforementioned parameters while the subject is urinating in the toilet bowl. Alternatively or additionally, the one or more sensors detect at least some of the aforementioned parameters when the body waste is disposed in the toilet bowl after urinating by the subject. In some applications, the sensor includes an imaging component, such as an RGB camera, a spectral camera, and / or a hyperspectral camera. Alternatively or additionally, the one or more sensors may include one or more optical sensors configured to receive light from the body waste. In some applications, the sensor module includes one or more illumination components. According to the respective applications, such illumination components include an illumination component configured to illuminate the body waste in a given spectral band (e.g., an LED and / or a laser) and / or a broadband light source. In some applications, the broadband light source is used in combination with one or more bandpass filters (which can be used to filter the emitted light and / or the detected light). In some applications, a computer processor receives one or more urine-related parameters from one or more sensors. In some applications, the computer processor determines that the subject has elevated creatinine based at least in part on the one or more urine-related parameters. In some applications, the computer processor determines the possible causes of the subject's elevated creatinine by distinguishing between: (a) elevated creatinine resulting from the subject's diet (e.g., excessive meat consumption); (b) elevated creatinine resulting from a catabolic process (i.e., muscle breakdown in the subject, which may be caused by a stress response to excessive exercise); (c) elevated creatinine resulting from dehydration; and / or (d) elevated creatinine resulting from renal dysfunction (i.e., glomerular filtration problems).In some applications, the sensor is configured to detect light within the visible range, and the computer processor is configured to determine whether the subject has elevated creatinine based on the light detected within the visible range. In some applications, the toilet bowl is illuminated with broadband light, and absorption of light within a given spectral range is detected to determine whether the subject has elevated creatinine. In some applications, the computer processor derives the concentration of creatinine by detecting an absorbance peak centered around a predetermined wavelength range, such as between 500 nm and 570 nm, between 510 nm and 550 nm, or another range. In some applications, the computer processor derives the concentration of creatinine based on the absorbance at the absorbance peak relative to the absorbance at other wavelengths. In some applications, the computer processor identifies an optical signature of creatinine within the visible light range, for example, a spectral range between 350 nm and 700 nm. In some such applications, the computer processor detects a ratio of (a) light intensity in a wavelength band within the range in which creatinine is expected to have an absorbance peak (e.g., between 500 nm and 570 nm, and / or between 510 nm and 550 nm) to (b) light intensity in a wavelength band within the range in which creatinine is expected to have an absorbance minimum (e.g., between 600 and 680 nm, and / or between 360 nm and 440 nm). Alternatively or additionally, the one or more sensors are configured to detect light in the near-infrared and / or mid-infrared range, and the computer processor is configured to determine that the subject has elevated creatinine based on the light detected in the near-infrared and / or mid-infrared range.

[0005] As noted above, in some applications, following determining that the subject has elevated creatinine, the computer processor determines the likely cause of the subject's elevated creatinine by distinguishing between: (a) elevated creatinine resulting from the subject's diet (e.g., excessive meat consumption); (b) elevated creatinine resulting from a catabolic process (i.e., breakdown of the subject's muscles, which may be caused by a stress response to excessive exercise); (c) elevated creatinine resulting from dehydration; and / or (d) elevated creatinine resulting from impaired kidney function (i.e., glomerular filtration problems).

[0006] In some applications, based on the determined cause of the elevated creatinine, the computer processor generates an output indicating, for example, a recommended lifestyle change. For example, the computer processor may generate an output on a user interface device indicating a recommendation that the subject should consider making changes to their diet (e.g., in response to detecting elevated creatinine resulting from diet), that the subject should consider modifying their exercise plan (e.g., in response to detecting elevated creatinine resulting from catabolic processes), that the subject should increase their fluid intake (e.g., in response to detecting elevated creatinine resulting from dehydration), and / or that the subject should seek medical attention (e.g., in response to detecting elevated creatinine resulting from dehydration or renal dysfunction).

[0007] In some applications, the sensor module and / or user interface device communicate with a remote server. For example, the device may communicate with a doctor or insurance company via a communications network without intervention from the subject. The doctor or insurance company may evaluate the output and determine whether further testing or intervention is appropriate for the subject. In some applications, data related to the received sensor signals is stored in memory. Periodically, the subject may submit the stored data to a facility, such as a medical facility (e.g., a doctor's office or pharmacy) or insurance company, and a computer processor at the facility may perform the above-described analysis on batches of data related to the subject's multiple bodily wastes acquired over a period of time.

[0008] Thus, according to some applications of the present invention: one or more sensors coupled to the toilet bowl and configured to detect one or more urine-related parameters related to urine; receiving one or more urine-related parameters from one or more sensors; determining the time point at which the subject's urine has an elevated creatinine concentration; Determine the possible causes of elevated creatinine levels at least one computer processor configured to: An apparatus is provided comprising:

[0009] In some applications, the one or more sensors are configured to detect one or more urine-related parameters associated with the subject's urine after urination into the toilet bowl without requiring any action to be performed by any person.

[0010] In some applications, the one or more sensors include one or more optical sensors configured to detect visible light, and the computer processor is configured to derive a concentration of creatinine in the subject's urine by detecting an absorbance peak in the detected visible light centered between 500 nm and 570 nm.

[0011] In some applications, the one or more sensors include one or more light sensors configured to detect visible light, and the computer processor: analyzing the received light to determine light intensities of at least two spectral bands within the received light that are within a range of 350 nm and 700 nm; Determining the ratio of intensities of at least two spectral bands in the received light The method is configured to derive the concentration of creatinine in the subject's urine by:

[0012] For some applications, the apparatus is configured for use with an output device, and in response to determining the likely cause of the creatinine concentration, the computer processor is configured to generate an output on the output device indicative of a recommended lifestyle change by the subject.

[0013] For some applications, the computer processor is configured to detect that the subject's urine has an elevated concentration of urinary NT-titin, and, at least in part, in response to detecting that the subject's urine has an elevated concentration of urinary NT-titin, to determine that a catabolic process is a likely cause of the creatinine concentration.

[0014] For some applications, the apparatus is configured for use with an output device, and in response to determining that a catabolic process is the likely cause of the elevated creatinine concentration, the computer processor is configured to generate an output on the output device indicating that the subject should modify their exercise plan.

[0015] In some applications, the one or more sensors include one or more optical sensors configured to detect light in a range between 190 nm and 250 nm, and the computer processor is configured to detect that the subject's urine has an elevated concentration of urinary NT-titin by detecting an optical signature of NT-titin in the range between 190 nm and 250 nm.

[0016] For some applications, the computer processor is configured to detect the specific gravity of the subject's urine and, at least in part, responsive thereto, to determine the likely cause of the elevated creatinine concentration.

[0017] For some applications, at least in part in response to determining that the subject's urine has a low specific gravity, the computer processor is configured to determine that a likely cause of the elevated creatinine concentration is renal dysfunction.

[0018] For some applications, the apparatus is configured for use with an output device, and in response to determining that the likely cause of the elevated creatinine concentration is impaired renal function, the computer processor is configured to generate an output on the output device indicating that the subject should seek medical attention.

[0019] In some applications, the computer processor is further configured to detect a concentration of urinary NT-titin in the subject's urine, and at least in part, in response to determining that the concentration of urinary NT-titin and the specific gravity of the subject's urine are both within normal ranges, the computer processor is configured to determine that diet is a likely cause of the elevated creatinine concentration.

[0020] For some applications, the apparatus is configured for use with an output device, and in response to determining that diet is the likely cause of the elevated creatinine concentration, the computer processor is configured to generate an output on the output device indicating that the subject should modify their diet.

[0021] For some applications, at least in part in response to determining that the subject's urine specific gravity is elevated, the computer processor is configured to determine that the likely cause of the elevated creatinine concentration is either renal dysfunction or dehydration.

[0022] For some applications, the computer processor is configured to determine a level of protein in the subject's urine and, at least in part in response thereto, to determine a possible cause of the elevated creatinine concentration.

[0023] For some applications, the computer processor is configured to derive parameters indicative of foaming and / or turbidity of the subject's urine, and to determine a level of protein in the subject's urine based on the derived parameters.

[0024] For some applications, at least in part in response to determining that the specific gravity of the subject's urine is elevated and that the level of protein in the subject's urine is elevated, the computer processor is configured to determine that a likely cause of the elevated creatinine concentration is renal dysfunction.

[0025] For some applications, the apparatus is configured for use with an output device, and in response to determining that the likely cause of the elevated creatinine concentration is impaired renal function, the computer processor is configured to generate an output on the output device indicating that the subject should seek medical attention.

[0026] For some applications, at least in part in response to determining that the specific gravity of the subject's urine is elevated and that the level of protein in the subject's urine is normal, the computer processor is configured to determine that a likely cause of the elevated creatinine concentration is dehydration.

[0027] For some applications, the apparatus is configured for use with an output device, and in response to determining that the likely cause of the elevated creatinine concentration is dehydration, the computer processor is configured to generate an output on the output device indicating that the subject should consume more fluids.

[0028] For some applications, the computer processor is configured to determine a level of protein in the subject's urine and, at least in part in response thereto, to determine a possible cause of the elevated creatinine concentration.

[0029] For some applications, the computer processor is configured to derive parameters indicative of foaming and / or turbidity of the subject's urine, and to determine a level of protein in the subject's urine based on the derived parameters.

[0030] For some applications, at least in part in response to determining that the level of protein in the subject's urine is elevated, the computer processor is configured to determine that a likely cause of the elevated creatinine concentration is renal dysfunction.

[0031] For some applications, the apparatus is configured for use with an output device, and in response to determining that the likely cause of the elevated creatinine concentration is impaired renal function, the computer processor is configured to generate an output on the output device indicating that the subject should seek medical attention.

[0032] Furthermore, according to some applications of the present invention: detecting one or more urine-related parameters associated with the subject's urine using one or more sensors; receiving one or more urine-related parameters from one or more sensors; determining the time point at which the subject's urine has an elevated creatinine concentration; Determine the possible causes of elevated creatinine levels, using at least one computer processor; A method is provided, comprising:

[0033] Furthermore, according to some applications of the present invention: one or more optical sensors configured to receive light from the toilet bowl while the subject's urine is placed in the toilet bowl; analyzing the received light to determine light intensities of at least two spectral bands of the received light within a range of 350 nm and 700 nm; determining a ratio of the intensities of at least two spectral bands of the received light; and determining whether the subject has elevated creatinine in the urine in response. a computer processor configured to: An apparatus is provided comprising:

[0034] The present invention will be more fully understood from the following detailed description of the embodiments, taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0035] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram of an apparatus for analyzing bodily waste, according to some applications of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 1 is a flow chart illustrating steps of an analysis performed on a subject's urine, according to some applications of the present disclosure. [Figure 3] 1 is a flow chart illustrating steps of an analysis performed on a subject's urine, according to some applications of the present disclosure. [Figure 4]FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a toilet including a device for analyzing bodily waste. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 illustrates another example of a toilet including a device for analyzing bodily waste. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 illustrates another example of an apparatus for analyzing bodily waste. [Figure 7] FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a controller for an apparatus for analyzing bodily waste. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a flowchart according to the examples of FIGS. 1 to 7. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0036] Detailed Description of the Embodiments As shown, in some applications, the device 20 includes a sensor module 22 disposed within the toilet bowl 23. For example, the device 20 may be supported by or positioned proximate to the rim of the toilet bowl 23. For some applications, the sensor module 22 (and / or additional components of the device) may be integrated into the toilet bowl 23. For example, the sensor module 22 may be disposed within the base of the toilet bowl 23 such that a window within the toilet bowl 23 allows viewing of the interior of the toilet bowl 23. The sensor module 22 includes one or more sensors 24. In some applications, the one or more sensors 24 are configured to detect one or more urine-related parameters (such as urination frequency, urine volume, urine color, and / or urine consistency) and / or one or more stool-related parameters (such as stool shape, size, consistency, etc.). In some applications, the one or more sensors 24 detect at least some of the aforementioned parameters while bodily waste is being discharged into the toilet bowl 23 by the subject. Alternatively or additionally, when bodily waste is placed in the toilet bowl 23 after the subject's excretion thereof, one or more sensors 24 detect at least some of the aforementioned parameters. In some applications, the sensor 24 includes an imaging component, such as an RGB (red, green, blue) camera configured to detect light in the visible range, a spectral camera, and / or a hyperspectral camera. The spectral camera may be configured to detect light in multiple ranges of wavelengths or bands, including infrared, the visible spectrum, ultraviolet, x-rays, or any combination of the above. The spectral camera may be configured to simultaneously acquire image data in visible and non-visible bands, acquire illumination from outside the visible range, or use optical filters to capture specific spectral ranges. The spectral camera may be configured to output data values ​​in multiple wavelength bands for each pixel in the image. In a similar example, a hyperspectral camera may be configured to acquire the entire spectrum for each pixel in the image.

[0037] Alternatively or additionally, the one or more sensors may include one or more optical sensors configured to receive light from the bodily waste. In some applications, the sensor module 22 includes one or more illumination components 25. Depending on the respective application, such illumination components may include illumination components configured to illuminate the bodily waste in a given spectral band (e.g., LEDs and / or lasers) and / or broadband light sources. In some applications, broadband light sources are used in combination with one or more bandpass filters (which may be used to filter the emitted light and / or the detected light).

[0038] In some applications, a computer processor receives one or more urine-related parameters from one or more sensors and / or one or more stool-related parameters from one or more sensors. According to each application, the computer processor that performs the analyses described herein is computer processor 28 located within housing 30 (which may also house sensor module 22) or a different computer processor in communication with sensor module 22.

[0039] In some applications, the device 20 includes a power source (e.g., a battery or other power source) located outside the toilet bowl inside the housing 30. Alternatively or additionally, the sensor module 22 is connected to a main power source (e.g., a utility power source). In some applications, the power source and the sensor module 22 are connected wired or wirelessly. Depending on the application, a computer processor that performs the analyses described herein may be located within the toilet bowl 23 (e.g., a computer processor 28 located within the housing 30 (which may also house the sensor module 22)) or remotely. For example, as shown, the sensor module 22 may communicate wirelessly with a user interface device 32 that includes a computer processor. Such user interface devices may include, but are not limited to, a telephone 34, a tablet computer 36, a laptop computer 38, or different types of personal computing devices. In some applications, the user interface device acts as both an input device and an output device through which a user interacts with the sensor module 22. The sensor module 22 may transmit data to the user interface device, and the computer processor of the user interface device may execute a program configured to analyze the received data.

[0040] In some applications, the sensor module 22 and / or the user interface device 32 communicate with a remote server (as shown by network 346 in FIG. 7 ). For example, the device can communicate with a doctor or insurance company via a communications network without intervention from the subject. The doctor or insurance company can evaluate the results and determine whether further testing or intervention is appropriate for the subject. In some applications, data regarding the received sensor signals is stored in a memory. For example, the memory may be located within the toilet bowl 23 (e.g., within the sensor unit), within the housing 30, or remotely. Periodically, the subject can submit the stored data to a facility, such as a medical facility (e.g., a doctor's office or pharmacy) or an insurance company, and a computer processor at the facility can then perform the above-described analysis on batches of data regarding the subject's multiple bodily wastes acquired over a period of time.

[0041] It should be noted that the devices and methods described herein include screening tests that do not require the subject to physically touch bodily waste. Furthermore, in some applications, the subject is only required to periodically touch any portion of the dedicated sensing device, for example, to install the device or to replace or recharge the device's batteries. (Note that the subject may handle a user interface device, which may be a device the subject handles even when not using the sensing device, such as a phone 34, tablet computer 36, laptop computer 38, or a different type of personal computing device.) For some applications, the devices and methods described herein do not require the subject to add anything to the toilet bowl 23 after releasing bodily waste into the toilet bowl 23 to facilitate analysis of the waste and / or determination that the subject is suffering from dehydration and its classification. In some applications, the subject is not required to perform any action after placing the device in the toilet bowl 23. The test is automatic and handled by the device, and monitoring the subject's waste is seamless to the subject and does not require compliance by the subject unless an abnormality is detected.

[0042] In some applications, after the subject has discharged the bodily waste into the toilet bowl 23 (and optionally after the subject has finished discharging the bodily waste and the bodily waste has been at least partially disposed in the water of the toilet bowl 23), the bodily waste is imaged by receiving reflected and / or transmitted light from the toilet bowl 23 after the discharge, without requiring any action to be taken by any person. In some applications, the bodily waste is analyzed during discharge of the bodily waste into the toilet bowl 23. That is, sensor data may be collected while the waste is falling between the subject and the toilet bowl 23.

[0043] In some applications, for each of the subject's bowel movements, the apparatus reports any findings, if any, to the subject via an output device, such as, for example, user interface device 32. For some applications, the output device includes an output component (e.g., a light (e.g., a light emitting diode (LED)) or a screen) integrated into apparatus 20.

[0044] In some applications, the sensor module 22 is disposed within the toilet bowl 23. In some applications, the sensor module 22 includes an imaging component, the imaging component including one or more optical sensors configured to receive light from bodily waste discharged by the subject and disposed within the toilet bowl 23. In some applications, the sensor module 22 is contained within a waterproof housing. In some applications, the imaging component is attached below the sensor module 22, and the surface of the sensor module 22 is covered with a transparent, waterproof cover. Note that FIG. 1 shows the sensor module 22 disposed above the water level in the toilet bowl 23. However, in some applications, at least a portion of the sensor module 22 (e.g., the entire sensor module 22) is submerged in the water in the toilet bowl 23.

[0045] In some applications, the sensor module 22 includes a subject sensor (e.g., as shown in FIG. 7 as sensor 356 or included in the sensor module 22). The subject sensor is configured to detect when a subject is on or near the toilet and / or whether the subject has defecate and / or urinated in the toilet bowl 23. For example, the subject sensor may include a motion sensor configured to sense the movement of feces, urine, the subject, or water in the toilet bowl 23. Alternatively or additionally, the subject sensor may include a light sensor configured to detect when a light in the bathroom is turned on or when the subject sits on the toilet. In some applications, the light sensor used to detect light from bodily waste is also used for the aforementioned functions. For some such applications, the sensor module 22 is configured to be in standby mode most of the time (so that the sensor module 22 uses a reduced amount of power). The sensor module 22 is switched on in response to detecting that a subject is on or near the toilet and / or that the subject has defecate and / or urinated in the toilet bowl 23. In some applications, the imaging and / or sensing components of the sensor module 22 acquire data in response to detecting that the subject is on or near the toilet and / or that the subject has defecate and / or urinate into the toilet bowl 23. In some applications, the subject manually switches on the sensor module 22.

[0046] In some applications, based at least in part on one or more urine-related parameters, the computer processor determines that the subject has elevated creatinine (e.g., creatinine in the sample above a predetermined creatinine level). In some applications, the computer processor determines the likely cause of the subject's elevated creatinine by identifying the likely causes of the elevated creatinine: (a) the elevated creatinine resulting from the subject's diet (e.g., resulting from excessive meat intake), (b) the elevated creatinine resulting from a catabolic process (i.e., breakdown of the subject's muscle, which may be caused by a stress response to excessive exercise), (c) dehydration, and / or (d) renal dysfunction (i.e., glomerular filtration problems).

[0047] In some applications, one or more sensors 24 are configured to detect light within the visible range, and a computer processor is configured to determine that the subject has elevated creatinine based on the light detected within the visible range. In some applications, the toilet bowl 23 is illuminated with broadband light, and absorption of light within a given spectral range is detected to determine that the subject has elevated creatinine. In some such applications, the computer processor derives the concentration of creatinine by detecting an absorbance peak centered between 500 nm and 570 nm (e.g., between 510 nm and 550 nm). In some applications, the computer processor derives the concentration of creatinine based on the absorbance at the absorbance peak relative to the absorbance at other wavelengths. In some applications, the computer processor identifies an optical signature of creatinine within the visible light range, e.g., the spectral range between 350 nm and 700 nm. In some such applications, a computer processor detects the ratio of (a) the light intensity in a wavelength band within this range where creatinine is expected to have an absorbance peak (e.g., 500 nm to 570 nm, and / or 510 nm to 550 nm) to (b) the light intensity in a wavelength band within this range where creatinine is expected to have an absorbance minimum (e.g., 600 nm to 680 nm, and / or 360 nm to 440 nm).

[0048] Alternatively or additionally, the one or more sensors may be configured to detect light in the near-infrared and / or mid-infrared ranges, and the computer processor may be configured to determine whether the subject has elevated creatinine based on the light detected in the near-infrared and / or mid-infrared ranges. For example, the computer processor may derive the creatinine concentration by detecting light intensity in a spectral band centered between 2260 and 3000 nm and / or light intensity in a spectral band centered between 1370 and 1410 nm.

[0049] In some applications, the computer processor determines that the subject has elevated creatinine by detecting a urinary creatinine concentration above a threshold. For example, the threshold may be a concentration of 3.3-4 g / L, e.g., 3.5 g / L, or 3.7 g / L. As described above, for some applications, following determining that the subject has elevated creatinine, the computer processor determines the likely cause of the subject's elevated creatinine by distinguishing between: (a) elevated creatinine resulting from the subject's diet (e.g., excessive meat intake); (b) elevated creatinine resulting from a catabolic process (i.e., the breakdown of the subject's muscle, which may be caused by a stress response to excessive exercise); (c) elevated creatinine resulting from dehydration; and / or (d) elevated creatinine resulting from renal dysfunction (i.e., glomerular filtration problems).

[0050] Referring to FIG. 2A, which is a flowchart illustrating steps of an analysis performed on a subject's urine in accordance with some applications of the present invention. For some applications, in a first step 40, a computer processor determines that the subject has elevated creatinine, for example, using the spectral analysis methods described above. Subsequently, in step 42, the computer processor determines the likely cause of the elevated creatinine, for example, by distinguishing between: (a) elevated creatinine resulting from the subject's diet (e.g., too much meat intake); (b) elevated creatinine resulting from a catabolic process (i.e., the subject's muscle breakdown, which may be caused by a stress response to excessive exercise); (c) elevated creatinine resulting from dehydration; and / or (d) impaired kidney function (i.e., glomerular filtration problems). In some applications, based on the cause of elevated creatinine determined in step 42, the computer processor generates an output in step 44. In some applications, the computer processor generates an output indicating recommended lifestyle modifications. For example, the computer processor may generate output on a user interface device indicating that the subject should consider making changes to their diet (in response to detecting an increase in creatinine resulting from diet), that the subject should consider modifying their exercise plan (e.g., in response to detecting an increase in creatinine that may be caused by a stress response to excessive exercise), that the subject should drink more fluids (e.g., in response to detecting an increase in creatinine resulting from dehydration), and / or that the subject should seek medical attention (e.g., in response to detecting an increase in creatinine resulting from dehydration or renal dysfunction).

[0051] As described above, in some applications, the sensor module 22 and / or the user interface device communicate with a remote server. For example, the device may communicate with a doctor or insurance company via a communications network without intervention from the subject. The doctor or insurance company may evaluate the output and determine whether further testing or intervention is appropriate for the subject. In some applications, data regarding the received sensor signals is stored in a memory. For example, the memory may be located within the toilet bowl (e.g., within the sensor unit), within the housing 30, or remotely. The subject may periodically submit the stored data to a facility, such as a medical facility (e.g., a doctor's office or pharmacy) or an insurance company, and a computer processor at the facility may then perform the above-described analysis on batches of data regarding the subject's multiple bodily wastes acquired over a period of time.

[0052] Reference is now made to Figure 2B. Figure 2 is a flow chart illustrating a series of trials performed to determine the possible cause of elevated creatinine (i.e., step 42 of Figure 2A) according to some applications of the present invention. Note that the order in which these steps are performed does not necessarily follow the order shown in Figure 2B. Additionally, in some cases, only a portion of the steps shown in Figure 2B are performed to determine the possible cause of elevated creatinine. The scope of the present disclosure includes performing one or more of the steps described with reference to Figure 2B in any order to determine the possible cause of elevated creatinine.

[0053] One possible cause of elevated creatinine is catabolic processes (i.e., the breakdown of human muscle, which may be caused by a stress response to excessive exercise). Often, such catabolic processes also result in the breakdown of titin into urinary titin N-fragments (also known as NT-titin). Therefore, if excessive exercise is the cause of a subject's elevated creatinine, the subject is expected to also exhibit elevated urinary NT-titin. In some applications, in step 42a, the computer processor determines whether the subject's urine has an elevated concentration of urinary NT-titin. In some such applications, one or more sensors 24 are configured to detect light in the range of 190 nm to 250 nm (e.g., 200 nm to 240 nm). Within this range, NT-titin has an optical signature that includes a peak at approximately 200 nm, a trough at 210 to 230 nm, and another peak at approximately 240 nm. In some applications, the computer processor derives the urinary NT-titin concentration based on the absorbance exhibiting the optical signature compared to absorbance at other wavelengths. In some applications, in response to determining that the subject's urinary NT-titin is elevated (e.g., by detecting that the concentration of urinary NT-titin exceeds a predetermined threshold, e.g., 1.5-20 ng / ml), the computer processor determines that the subject's creatinine elevation is caused, at least in part, by a catabolic process (step 42b).

[0054] Urine specific gravity measures the concentration of solutes in urine by measuring the ratio of urine density compared to water density. In some applications, in step 42c, the computer processor measures the specific gravity of the subject's urine. Urine from healthy adults often has a specific gravity in the range of 1.010 to 1.030. In some applications, the sensor module 22 is configured to generate a signal indicative of absorption of light by the subject's urine, and the computer processor derives the specific gravity of the subject's urine based on the signal. In some applications, the computer processor derives the specific gravity of the subject's urine based on a sensor signal indicative of absorption of cyan-green light (e.g., light within a wavelength band of 480 to 520 nm) by the subject's urine.

[0055] Two possible causes of elevated creatinine are dehydration and / or impaired renal function. In some applications, both of these conditions result in an abnormal urine specific gravity of the subject's urine in addition to an elevated creatinine concentration. While impaired renal function can cause an increase or decrease in urine specific gravity, dehydration often causes elevated urine specific gravity. Dietary factors (e.g., excessive meat intake) typically do not result in elevated urine specific gravity. Thus, if the computer processor determines that the subject's urine specific gravity is within a predetermined range (e.g., within a range of 1.010 to 1.030) and that the subject does not have elevated urinary NT-titin, for some applications, the computer processor determines that diet is a likely cause of the elevated creatinine (step 42d). If the computer processor determines that the subject's urine specific gravity is decreased compared to a predetermined normal range (e.g., is below a threshold of 1.010 or less, e.g., is below a predetermined threshold such as 1.010 or 1.005), for some applications, the computer processor determines that the likely cause of the elevated creatinine is renal dysfunction (step 42e).

[0056] If the computer processor determines that the subject's urine specific gravity is elevated relative to a predetermined normal range (e.g., above 1.030, e.g., above a predetermined threshold, such as a threshold of 1.030, 1.035, or 1.040), the cause of the elevated creatinine may be either renal insufficiency or dehydration. In some applications, to distinguish between elevated creatinine caused by dehydration and elevated creatinine caused by renal dysfunction, the computer processor determines whether there is an elevated level of protein (e.g., albumin) in the subject's urine (step 42f). Protein (e.g., albumin) is normally abundant in blood. Often, renal dysfunction causes elevated urinary protein (e.g., albumin), while dehydration does not.

[0057] Kidney problems can cause protein to leak into the urine, and therefore, a large amount of protein in the urine often indicates kidney disease. While proteins in urine tend not to have an optical signature, it has been observed that the presence of protein in a subject's urine can cause the urine to foam, as proteins have a soap-like effect that lowers the surface tension of the urine. Urinary excretion causes electrostatic interactions between molecules in the liquid and surfaces, resulting in the formation of bubbles as a result of the dispersion of air in the urine. In some applications, a computer processor is configured to detect a sensor signal indicative of foaming and / or cloudiness of the subject's urine and / or the amount of foaming and / or cloudiness, and the subject is configured to determine, at least in part, that the protein concentration in the subject's urine is elevated in response thereto. Alternatively or additionally, the computer processor is configured to estimate the concentration of protein in the subject's urine in response to the foaming and / or cloudiness of the subject's urine and / or the amount of foaming and / or cloudiness. In some such applications, the computer processor is configured to estimate the turbidity of the urine by detecting the opacity of the urine. In some applications, the computer processor is configured to measure the height of the foam layer above the urine and, in response, determine that the subject has an elevated protein concentration in their urine and / or estimate the protein concentration in the subject's urine.

[0058] In some applications, in response to detecting an indication that the subject has a high concentration of protein in their urine (e.g., by detecting a level of opacity above a threshold, a level of foaming above a threshold, and / or a level of turbidity above a threshold, thereby deriving a protein concentration above a threshold), the computer processor determines that the cause of the elevated creatinine is renal insufficiency (step 42e). In some applications, in response to detecting an indication that the subject does not have a high concentration of protein in their urine, in combination with the subject's urine specific gravity being elevated, the computer processor determines that the cause of the elevated creatinine is dehydration (step 42g).

[0059] 4 and 5 illustrate an exemplary toilet 10 including a device for analyzing bodily waste. The toilet 10 can include a biometric toilet data collection device 200, which can be configured using the structure and functionality described herein for the device 20 and sensor module 22. The biometric toilet data collection device 200 may be removable. The biometric toilet data collection device 200 can be incorporated into or physically coupled to either of the exemplary toilets 10 of Examples 4 and 5. For example, a mounting hole through the toilet 10 in the toilet bowl can separate the sensor portion of the biometric toilet data collection device 200 from the processing and / or battery portion of the biometric toilet data collection device 200. A mounting rod coupled to the sensor portion can pass through the mounting hole and be threaded or otherwise coupled to the processing and / or battery portion of the biometric toilet data collection device 200. The biometric toilet data collection device 200 can also be magnetically mounted. The sensor portion of the biometric toilet data collection device 200 may include one magnet that attracts a second magnet that includes the processing and / or battery portion of the biometric toilet data collection device 200. Data may be exchanged between the two portions inductively or by another wireless technology. In other embodiments, the biometric toilet data collection device 200 may be incorporated into the toilet seat assembly. Figure 5 shows such a device mounted under the rim of a toilet.

[0060] In another embodiment, the biometric restroom data collection device 200 may be made from an insert molding and installed within a cavity in the biometric restroom data collection device 200 covered with a transparent or semi-transparent window.

[0061] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a skirted toilet 10, including a tank 11, a pedestal 21 (or base), a seat assembly 17, and a coupling or mounting assembly. The tank 11 may include a hollow container 12 for storing water used during an operation (or flush) cycle, a lid (or cover) 13 for providing selective access to the container 12, and an actuator 14 configured to initiate an operation cycle upon actuation. The actuator 14 or flush mechanism may be a button configured to activate when depressed (or pulled) a predetermined distance or touched, a lever configured to activate when rotated a predetermined angular movement, or any suitable device configured to activate based on a user input. The actuator 14 may include multiple buttons, levers, or inputs so that multiple flush types can be selected. Flush types may include a low-volume flush and a high-volume flush. A medium-volume flush may also be included.

[0062] It should be noted that the shape and configuration of the tank, pedestal, seat assembly, and internal components (including trapways and other features) may differ from the embodiments shown and described herein, and the embodiments disclosed herein are not intended as limiting. Various components of the toilet may be made from vitreous porcelain. Various components of the toilet may be polymeric and may be molded or otherwise secured to the toilet. For example, while the exemplary embodiment of toilet 10 is shown configured with tank 11 formed separately from and later coupled to pedestal 21, it should be noted that the tank may be integrally formed with the pedestal as a one-piece design. In other words, the toilet may have a one-piece design, a two-piece design, or any suitable configuration. The toilets disclosed herein may have a wide variety of skirted toilet configurations, and all such configurations are intended to be encompassed herein. Accordingly, the following description of various toilet features is intended only as an illustration of one possible embodiment, and it should be understood by those reviewing this description that similar concepts or features may be included in various other embodiments.

[0063] The tank 11 may include an inlet opening configured to receive water from a water supply connected thereto, such as via a hose (e.g., line, tube). The tank 11 may also include an inlet valve assembly or other device configured to control the flow of water from the water supply into the tank 11 through the inlet opening. A float device may be provided within the tank 11 to control the inlet valve assembly, such as by opening a valve to refill the tank 11 after an operating cycle and closing the valve when water in the tank 11 reaches a pre-set volume or height. The tank 11 may also include an outlet opening configured to transfer (e.g., direct) water stored within the tank 11 to a pedestal 21 upon activation of the actuator 14. The pedestal 21 may include a toilet bowl 23. The tank 11 may also include an outlet valve assembly or other device configured to control the flow of water from the tank to the pedestal 21 through the outlet opening.

[0064] The pedestal 21 (or base) of the toilet 10 may include walls 122 having any suitable shape configured to form a bowl 23 with an opening formed by an upper rim at the upper end of the opening. The pedestal 21 may also be configured to include multiple walls of various shapes that together form a bowl with an opening formed by a rim. The pedestal walls 122 may extend downward and / or rearward from the bowl 23 to form a lower portion 125 configured to support the pedestal 21 and the toilet 10. The lower portion 125 may be formed by an end (e.g., a lower rim) of the wall 122, or may include a member extending in a generally horizontal plane from one or more ends of the wall. The pedestal 21 may also include a top member 124 extending between two sides (or between two opposing walls) of the wall 122 and provided at the rear (or back) of the bowl 23, the top member 124 forming a plateau for supporting the tank 11, e.g., the bottom surface of the tank 11. The top member 124 can include an inlet opening that can be aligned with the outlet opening of the tank 11, such as when the tank 11 is coupled to (or placed on) the pedestal 21, and water can be selectively transferred (e.g., conducted) from the tank 11 through the outlet opening of the tank to the pedestal 21 through the inlet opening of the pedestal 21 when the toilet is actuated via the actuator 14. An outlet valve assembly can control the flow of water from the tank to the pedestal. The toilet can also include a gasket or seal disposed between the tank 11 and the pedestal 21 to prevent leakage. For example, a gasket may be disposed between the outlet opening of the tank and the inlet opening of the pedestal to prevent leakage between the tank and the pedestal.

[0065] The plateau formed by the top member 124 of the pedestal 21 may also provide for coupling of the seat assembly 17 to the pedestal 21 of the toilet bowl 10. For example, the top member 124 may include one or more openings, each configured to receive a fastener (e.g., bolt, screw, etc.) for coupling (e.g., attaching) the seat assembly 17 to the top member 124 of the pedestal 21. As another example, the top member 124 may include one or more fasteners (e.g., bolts, recess nuts, etc.) integrally formed therein (i.e., connected or coupled to the pedestal 21), which fasteners may be used to couple or secure at least a portion of the seat assembly 17 to the pedestal 21.

[0066] The top member 124 of the pedestal 21 may also be shaped to support the biometric toilet data collection device 200, which may be configured using the structures and functions described herein for the device 20 and sensor module 22. The toilet data collection device 200 may include at least one support element configured to be supported by the top member 124. The top member 124 may include one or more openings, each configured to receive a fastening device (e.g., bolt, screw, etc.) for coupling (e.g., attaching) the toilet data collection device 200 to the top member 124 of the pedestal 21. As another example, the top member 124 may include one or more fastening devices (e.g., bolts, recess nuts, etc.) integrally formed therein (i.e., already provided connected or coupled to the pedestal 21), which may be used to couple or secure at least a portion of the top member 124 to the pedestal 21. The toilet data collection device 200 may rest on a surface of the top member 124 and be held in place by friction or spring force.

[0067] The bowl 23 of the pedestal 21 may be configured to include a receptacle (e.g., a sump) and an outlet opening, where water and waste collect until removed through the outlet opening, such as upon activation of the actuator 14. The pedestal 21 may also include an internal pedestal passageway, such as a trapway, that connects the outlet opening or waste outlet of the bowl 23 to a drain or soil pipe. The passageway or trapway generally includes a first portion, a second portion, and a weir separating the first and second portions. The first portion of the passageway may extend upward from the outlet opening of the bowl 23 at an oblique angle relative to the weir. The second portion of the passageway may extend downward from the weir to an outlet device, such as a drain or soil pipe.

[0068] During an operating cycle (e.g., a flush cycle) of the toilet 10, water (and waste) collects in a first portion of the trapway (in addition to the bowl receptacle) such that water is prohibited from passing through the weir and entering the second portion of the trapway. A flushing cycle can be initiated upon actuation of the actuator 14. When the actuator is actuated, additional water (e.g., fresh water and / or grey water) is discharged into the bowl 23 of the pedestal 21, resulting in a flushing action and removal of waste through the waste pipe. The flushing cycle can include the creation of a siphon to assist in the flushing action and waste removal.

[0069] The seat assembly 17 may include a cover member 18 (e.g., a lid), a seat member 19 (e.g., a ring member), and a hinge. The seat member 19 may be configured to include an annular member surrounding an opening, the annular member providing a seating surface for a user of the toilet 10. The seat member 19 may also be pivotally coupled (e.g., attached) to a hinge, about which the seat member may rotate (or pivot), such as between a first lowered or seated position and a second raised or upright position. The cover member 18 may be circular, oval, or any other suitable shape. Typically, the contour or shape of the outer surface of the cover member is configured to match (i.e., be substantially similar to) the contour of the outer surface of the seat member to improve the aesthetics of the seat assembly and toilet bowl. The cover member 18 may also be coupled to a hinge, about which the cover member may rotate (or pivot), such as between a first lowered or down position and a second raised or upright position. The cover member 18 is provided above the seat member 19 in the lowered position, thereby covering the opening in the seat member 19 and concealing the interior of the bowl 23 of the pedestal 21. When the cover member 18 is in the upright position, the cover member 18 may be configured to rest against the outer surface of the tank 11, such that the cover member 18 remains in the upright position for a user to sit on the seat member 19. In one alternative, the seat assembly 17 may include a toilet data collection device 200 mounted behind a window.

[0070] As described below, the seat member 19 and / or cover member 18 may be coupled to a sensor and / or a drive mechanism for initiating a cleaning cycle or a particular portion of a cleaning cycle, which may involve the release of water from the tank 11 or the actuation of a component of the cleaning assembly.

[0071] FIG. 5 illustrates a skirtless toilet 110 according to another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Throughout this disclosure, "toilet 10" may be used to alternatively refer to toilet 10 of FIG. 1 or toilet 110 of FIG. 20. That is, the following embodiments may apply to both toilet 10 and toilet 110. Internal components, including trapway 15, are visible within pedestal 21 of skirtless toilet 20. It should be noted that the apparatus, methods, and systems described herein may include and / or be used with both skirted and skirtless toilets.

[0072] 5 also includes a flush lever 126 configured to receive input from a user for actuation of a flush cycle. The flush lever 126 may be physically connected to an outlet valve, such as a flapper, for expelling water from the tank 11 into the toilet bowl 23. The flush lever 126 may also be electrically connected to a controller such that a sensor associated with (e.g., within) the flush lever 126 may generate data indicative of user detection or movement of the flush lever 126. The controller may, in response, generate a command to open the outlet valve.

[0073] The actuator 14 or flush lever 126 may also be connected or in communication with any of the flush assemblies described herein. That is, in addition to actuating the outlet valve, user input to the actuator 14 or flush lever 126 may cause one or more actions in the following cleaning assemblies. In some embodiments, user input to the actuator 14 may first actuate the flush assembly and then cause actuation of the outlet valve. In other embodiments, the flush assembly and outlet valve actuate simultaneously or substantially simultaneously. "Substantially simultaneously" may mean within a time period that is relatively small compared to the time of the cleaning cycle. Examples of times may include 1 second, 100 milliseconds, or 10 milliseconds. Actuation of the cleaning assembly may cause water collected in the first portion of the trapway (in addition to the bowl receptacle) to pass through the weir and enter the second portion of the trapway.

[0074] The flush lever 126 or actuator 14 may include or be replaced with a variety of other sensor types configured to generate an output signal indicative of user input for the wash cycle. A magnetic sensor may be incorporated into the flush lever 126 or actuator 14 to generate an electronic signal (e.g., sensor data) in response to actuation. A magnetic sensor may be embedded in the flush lever 126 or actuator 14 (e.g., a Hall Effect sensor) to detect movement. An optical sensor may detect movement near the user (e.g., a hand gesture, the presence of a hand or user). The flush lever 126 or actuator 14 may be coupled to a reed sensor or other mechanical sensor to detect movement.

[0075] The flush lever 126 or actuator 14 may include a button or buttons that a user can press to generate an output signal. In addition to, or instead of, the flush lever 126 or actuator 14, a touchscreen may receive user input and generate an output signal. In some embodiments, the touchscreen may be capacitive. Other capacitance sensors may be incorporated directly onto the toilet 10.

[0076] The flash lever 126 or actuator 14 may include communication with another input device, such as a remote control. The remote control may be a stand-alone device that is battery operated and communicates with the controller or flash lever 26 or actuator 14. The external input device may be a smartphone, tablet, computer, or other mobile device.

[0077] In any of these examples, the flush lever 126, actuator 14, or stand-alone device may communicate with the toilet data collection device 200 to reset or otherwise affect the collection of data in the toilet data collection device 200. For example, when a flush cycle is initiated by the flush lever 126, actuator 14, or stand-alone device, the toilet data collection device 200 may stop collecting any current data about bodily waste and return to a standby state. In the standby state, the toilet data collection device 200 may wait for a subject sensor to detect when a subject (user) is on or near the toilet 10 and / or whether the subject has defecated and / or urinated in the toilet bowl 23. That is, the toilet data collection device 200 may be placed in a standby state by the flush lever 126 and transition from the standby state to a data collection mode based on a motion sensor configured to sense the movement of feces, urine, the subject, or water in the toilet bowl 23. Alternatively or additionally, the toilet data collection device 200 may return from the standby state to the data collection mode based on a light sensor configured to detect when a light in the bathroom is switched on or when the subject sits on the toilet.

[0078] FIG. 6 shows a more detailed view of an example toilet data collection device 200 for analyzing bodily waste. The toilet data collection device 200 may include one or more mechanisms for securing the toilet data collection device 200 to the rim of the toilet 10 with minimal moving parts. Toilets, and particularly toilet rims, are available in a variety of sizes and widths. Additionally, the width of the toilet rim may vary along the perimeter of the toilet. Thus, the data collection device may be adjustable to fit toilet rims of various sizes. In a first embodiment, a spring-loaded sleeve allows the collection device to adjust to various rim sizes. In a second embodiment, a modular extender may be interchangeable to accommodate different rim sizes. In a third embodiment, the collection device is flexible and can be adjusted to fit the size of the rim.

[0079] 6 shows the toilet data collection device 200 in an unattached position relative to the toilet 10. The data collection device 200 may include a first compartment 221 and a second compartment 222. The first compartment 221 is coupled to the second compartment 222 by a bridge 230. The second compartment 222 may include a data port 226 for interfacing with another device. Additional, different, or fewer components may be included.

[0080] The bridge 230 includes the outer extender 224 and the inner extender 223 as a sleeve, such that the inner extender 223 fits within the outer extender 224. The inner extender 223 may be coupled to the first section 221. The outer extender 224 may be coupled to the second section 222. A spring inside the outer extender 224 may be configured to push the inner extender 223, causing it to slide farther within the outer extender 224. The spring may pull the inner extender 223 against the outer extender 224. The spring may pull the inner extender 223 toward the rim 12. The spring may be a constant force spring, which requires that the force applied to the inner extender 223 and / or the outer extender 224 be constant. Other examples may include a progressive spring, in which the force applied by the spring is proportional to the relative distance between the inner extender 223 and the outer extender 224. The one or more progressive springs include a spring constant that is variable depending on the relative positions of the inner extender 223 and the outer extender 224. In one alternative, the inner extender 223 and / or the outer extender 224 include a ratchet device that allows, but is not a part of, the inner extender 223 and / or the outer extender 224 to press the inner extender 223 and the outer extender 224 together. The ratchet mechanism may be released via a release button.

[0081] In a second embodiment, the bridge is modular or replaceable. The bridge may be replaceable such that a first size bridge can be removed and replaced with a second size bridge. The bridge may be removable from the first section 221 and the second section 222. The bridge may snap into recesses in the first section 221 and the second section 222, respectively. The bridge may be fastened to the first section 221 and / or the second section 222 using screws, pins, springs, or another fastener. The bridge may be magnetically coupled to the first section 221 and / or the second section 222.

[0082] A user can change the bridge to select a bridge that fits a particular rim. A particular size of bridge 31 can be selected based on the width of the rim. For example, a user can measure the width of the rim and order a collection device 20 with a bridge of the corresponding width. In one example, a user can place an order by phone or on a website according to a particular model of toilet, and the bridge size is retrieved according to that model of toilet.

[0083] The inner extender 223 and / or the first section 221 may include a bumper or grip 225 configured to press against the rim to hold the data collection device 200 to the toilet 10. A user can manually press the inner extender 223 and the outer extender 224 toward each other to bring the grip 225 into contact with the rim 12 and hold the data collection device 200 to the toilet 10.

[0084] First section 221 includes at least one circuit component, and second section 222 includes at least one circuit component. Bridge 230 includes wires, traces, or other conductors for providing power and / or communication between the circuitry of first section 221 and the circuitry of second section 222.

[0085] The conductors should be adjustable, as the bridge 230 changes size due to relative movement between the inner extender 223 and the outer extender 224. In some embodiments, the conductors may comprise ribbon cables configured to expand or contract. In some embodiments, the conductors may comprise looped or slack wiring within the bridge, such that the wires move within the cavity as the bridge 230 changes size. In some embodiments, the conductors may include traces on the inner extender 223 and the outer extender 224, which slide relative to each other in parallel directions and move relative to the outer extender 224 to maintain physical and electrical conductivity.

[0086] In other words, when the size of bridge 230 is adjusted, one or more electrical conductors (e.g., power connections and / or data connections) are also changed in response to the adjustment of the size of bridge 230. In some examples, the one or more electrical conductors include a first electrical connection corresponding to a first size (e.g., a reduced size) of bridge 230 and a second electrical connection corresponding to a second size (e.g., an expanded size) of bridge 230.

[0087] FIG. 7 shows an exemplary control system 100 of any of the embodiments described herein for analyzing bodily waste. The controller 100 may include a processor 300, a memory 352, and a communication interface 353 for interfacing with devices or the Internet and / or other networks 346. In addition to the communication interface 353, a sensor interface may be configured to receive data from sensors described herein or from any source. The controller 100 may include an integrated display 350 or other output device. Components of the control system may communicate using a bus 348. The control system may be connected to a workstation or another external device (e.g., a control panel) and / or a database to receive user inputs, system characteristics, and any of the values ​​described herein.

[0088] 8 shows an example flow chart of the operation of a biometric data collection device using control system 100. Additional, different, or fewer operations may be performed.

[0089] In operation S101, the toilet data collection device 200 is in a standby state in which no waste data is being collected, and receives proximity data from the subject sensor 356. The data from the subject sensor 356 indicates that a user has approached, sat on, or is in proximity to the toilet. The subject sensor 356 may detect the presence, movement, temperature, or other characteristics of the user. The subject sensor 356 may detect the user's face. The subject sensor 356 may detect the user's identification information.

[0090] The subject sensor 356 may communicate with a user's personal device (e.g., a phone) to receive the user's identifying information using a wireless communication protocol. Examples of wireless communication include the family of protocols known as Bluetooth®. The Bluetooth® protocol, or another ad hoc network, may allow for direct connection probes without user intervention. For example, a Bluetooth® transceiver, another example of a network device, may transmit or broadcast a packet of information announcing the presence of the Bluetooth® transceiver as available for ad hoc connection. The presence of a directional connection probe, or, stated another way, the network device's radio's ability to receive a directional connection probe from a mobile device, indicates that the mobile device is in proximity. Other examples of wireless communication include radio frequency identification (RFID) or near field communication (NFC). These short-range communication signals may be received when a mobile device passes near a receiver.

[0091] In operation S103, the control system 100 initiates a data collection mode in response to data received by the subject sensor 356. In the data collection mode, the waste sensor 24 generates data about urine and / or feces that may be in the toilet bowl 23 or in the vicinity (e.g., in the air) of the toilet data collection device 200. The waste sensor 24 can generate data based on light in one or more wavelength ranges. The waste sensor 24 can detect light across multiple wavelength ranges. Multiple sensors may be used, each programmed with a specific, different wavelength range or otherwise subject to specific, different wavelength ranges. The processor 300 may be programmed with one or more algorithms for analyzing wavelength ranges, including the minimum and maximum wavelengths of each range, via a data port 226 wired to a programming device (e.g., a phone 34, a tablet computer 36, a laptop computer 38, etc.).

[0092] In operation S105, the control system 100 stores data for a first wavelength range in the memory 252. The data may include one or more pixel intensities. The first wavelength range may be a wavelength band associated with a maximum absorbance of a compound. For example, creatinine is expected to have an absorbance peak (e.g., 500 nm to 570 nm, and / or 510 nm to 550 nm).

[0093] In operation S107, the control system 100 stores data for a second wavelength range in the memory 252. The data may include one or more pixel intensities. The second wavelength range may be a wavelength band associated with a minimum absorbance of the compound. For example, light intensity in a wavelength band where creatinine is expected to have a minimum absorbance (e.g., 600-680 nm and / or 360-440 nm).

[0094] In operation S109, the control system 100 compares the data from the first wavelength range with the data from the second wavelength range. For example, the control system 100 may calculate a ratio of the value from the first wavelength range to the value from the second wavelength range.

[0095] As an alternative, the control system 100 may compare the data for the first wavelength range or the second wavelength range to a predetermined value.

[0096] In operation S111, the control system 100 identifies a condition based on the comparison. The condition may be that the user increases the concentration of the compound. The control system 100 may also generate a message including a recommendation to the user in response to the condition identified from the comparison. The recommendation may be a specific dietary change (e.g., a food). The recommendation may be medical (e.g., visit a medical professional and seek further medical testing). Increasing water intake may be recommended.

[0097] Optionally, the control system may include an input device 355. The input device may include any user input, such as buttons, a touch screen, a keyboard, a microphone for voice input, a camera for gesture input, and / or another mechanism.

[0098] Optionally, the control system may include a drive unit 340 for receiving and reading a non-transitory computer medium 341 having instructions 342. Additional, different, or fewer components may be included. The processor 300 is configured to execute instructions 342 stored in memory 352 to perform the algorithms described herein. The display 350 may be an indicator or other visual output device. The display 350 may be combined with a user input device 355.

[0099] Processor 300 may be a general-purpose or application-specific processor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), one or more programmable logic controllers (PLCs), one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), processing elements, or other suitable grouping of processing elements. Processor 300 is configured to execute computer code or instructions stored in memory 352 or received from other computer-readable media (e.g., embedded flash memory, local hard disk storage, local ROM, network storage, remote server, etc.). Processor 300 may be a single device or a combination of devices, such as those involved in a network, distributed processing, or cloud computing.

[0100] Memory 352 may include one or more devices (e.g., memory units, memory devices, storage devices, etc.) for storing data and / or computer code for completing and / or facilitating the various processes described in this disclosure. Memory 352 may include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), hard drive storage, temporary storage, non-volatile memory, flash memory, optical memory, or any other suitable memory for storing software objects and / or computer instructions. Memory 352 may include database components, object code components, script components, or any other type of information structure for supporting the various operations and information structures described in this disclosure. Memory 352 may be communicatively coupled to processor 300 via processing circuitry and may include computer code for executing (e.g., by processor 300) one or more processes described herein. For example, memory 352 may include graphics, web pages, HTML files, XML files, script code, shower configuration files, or other resources for use in generating a graphical user interface for display and / or for use in interpreting user interface input to make command, control, or communication decisions.

[0101] In addition to ingress and egress ports, the communication interface 353 may include any operable connection (e.g., data port 226). An operable connection may be a connection through which signals, physical communications, and / or logical communications may be transmitted and / or received. An operable connection may include a physical interface, an electrical interface, and / or a data interface. The communication interface 353 may be connected to a network. The network may include a wired network (e.g., Ethernet), a Universal Serial Bus (USB), a wireless network, or a combination thereof. The wireless network may be a cellular telephone network, an 802.11, 802.16, 802.20, or WiMax network, Bluetooth pairing of devices, or a Bluetooth mesh network. Furthermore, the network may be a public network such as the Internet, a private network such as an intranet, or a combination thereof, and may utilize various currently available or later developed networking protocols, including, but not limited to, TCP / IP-based networking protocols.

[0102] Although the computer-readable medium (e.g., memory 352) is shown to be a single medium, the term "computer-readable medium" includes a single medium or multiple media, such as centralized or distributed databases, and / or associated caches and servers that store one or more sets of instructions. The term "computer-readable medium" is also intended to include any medium capable of storing, encoding, or carrying a set of instructions for execution by a processor or that causes a computer system to perform any one or more of the methods or operations disclosed herein.

[0103] In certain non-limiting exemplary embodiments, the computer-readable medium may include solid-state memory, such as a memory card or other package containing one or more non-volatile read-only memories. Additionally, the computer-readable medium may be random access memory or other non-volatile rewritable memory. Additionally, the computer-readable medium may include magnetic-optical or optical media, such as disks or tapes, or other storage devices for capturing carrier signals, such as signals communicated over transmission media. A digital file attached to an email or other self-contained information archive or set of archives may be considered a distribution medium that is a tangible storage medium. Therefore, the present disclosure is considered to include any one or more of computer-readable media or distribution media, as well as other equivalent and successor media, on which data or instructions may be stored. The computer-readable medium may be non-transitory, including all tangible computer-readable media.

[0104] In alternative embodiments, dedicated hardware embodiments such as application-specific integrated circuits, programmable logic arrays, and other hardware devices may be configured to perform one or more of the methods described herein. Applications that may include the devices and systems of various embodiments may broadly include a variety of electronic and computer systems. One or more embodiments described herein may perform functions using two or more specific interconnected hardware modules or devices with associated control and data signals that may communicate between the modules, through the modules, or as part of an application-specific integrated circuit. Thus, the present system encompasses software, firmware, and hardware implementations.

[0105] The illustrations of the embodiments described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structures of various embodiments. The illustrations are not intended to serve as a complete description of all of the elements and features of apparatus and systems utilizing the structures or methods described herein. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reviewing this disclosure. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived from this disclosure, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Additionally, the illustrations are merely representative and may not be drawn to scale. Certain proportions in the figures have been exaggerated, while other proportions have been minimized. Therefore, the disclosure and the drawings should be considered illustrative and not limiting.

[0106] While this specification contains many details, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention or what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular embodiments of the invention. Certain features described herein in the context of separate embodiments may also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single embodiment may also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable combination. Furthermore, although features may be described above as acting in a particular combination, even if initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination may in some cases be separated from that combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to subcombinations or variations of the subcombination.

[0107] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure may be individually and / or collectively referred to herein by the term "invention" merely for convenience and without any intention to intentionally limit the scope of the present application to any particular invention or inventive concept. Furthermore, while specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be understood that any subsequent configurations designed to achieve the same or similar purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiment shown. The present disclosure is intended to cover any and all subsequent adaptations or modifications of the various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein, will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reviewing the description.

[0108] The inventive applications described herein may take the form of a computer program product accessible from a computer-usable or computer-readable medium (e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable medium) that provides program code for use by or in connection with a computer or any instruction execution system, such as a computer processor of user interface device 32, computer processor 28 located within housing 30, or a remote, cloud-based computer processor. For purposes of this description, a computer-usable or computer-readable medium may be any apparatus that can comprise, store, communicate, propagate, or transport a program for use by or in connection with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. The medium may be an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system (or apparatus or device), or a propagation medium. In some applications, the computer-usable or computer-readable medium is a non-transitory computer-usable or computer-readable medium.

[0109] Examples of computer-readable media include semiconductor or solid-state memory, magnetic tape, removable computer diskettes, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), rigid magnetic disks, and optical disks. Current examples of optical disks include compact disk-read-only memory (CD-ROM), compact disk-read / write (CD-R / W), and DVD. In some applications, cloud storage is used.

[0110] A data processing system suitable for storing and / or executing program code includes at least one processor (e.g., a computer processor in the user interface device 32, a computer processor 28 located within the housing 30, or a remote cloud-based computer processor) coupled directly or indirectly to memory elements (e.g., memory in the user interface device 32) via a system bus. The memory elements may include local memory used during the actual execution of the program code, mass storage, and cache memory that provides temporary storage of at least some of the program code to reduce the number of times the code must be retrieved from mass storage during execution. The system is capable of reading instructions of the present invention from a program storage device and following these instructions to perform the method of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0111] A network adapter may be coupled to the processor to enable the processor to be coupled to other processors or remote printers or storage devices through an intervening private or public network. Modems, cable modems, and Ethernet cards are just some of the types of network adapters currently available.

[0112] Computer program code for carrying out operations of the present invention may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages, including object-oriented programming languages ​​such as Java, Smalltalk, C++, and conventional procedural programming languages, such as the C programming language or similar programming languages.

[0113] It will be understood that the algorithms described herein can be implemented by computer program instructions. These computer program instructions can be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing device to generate a machine such that the instructions, executed via the computer's processor (e.g., the computer processor of user interface device 32, computer processor 28 located within housing 30, or a remote, cloud-based computer processor), or other programmable data processing device, create means for performing the functions / operations specified in the algorithms described herein. These computer program instructions can be stored on a computer-readable medium (e.g., a non-transitory computer-readable medium), which can direct the computer or other programmable data processing device to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored on the computer-readable medium create a product including instruction means for performing the functions / operations specified in the algorithms. Computer program instructions can also be loaded onto a computer or other programmable data processing device to cause the computer or other programmable device to perform a series of operational steps, creating a computer-implemented process, such that the instructions, executed on the computer or other programmable device, provide a process for performing the functions / operations specified in the algorithms described herein.

[0114] The computer processors described herein are typically hardware devices programmed with computer program instructions to create a dedicated computer. For example, when programmed to execute the algorithms described herein, the computer processor typically functions as a dedicated bodily waste analysis computer processor. Typically, the operations described herein performed by the computer processor transform the physical state of memory, which is an actual physical item, to have different magnetic polarities, electrical charges, etc. depending on the memory technology used.

[0115] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention is not limited to what has been particularly shown and described above, but rather the scope of the present invention includes both combinations and subcombinations of the various features described above, as well as variations and modifications thereof that would occur to one skilled in the art upon reading the foregoing description and that are not in the prior art.

[0116] It is intended that the foregoing detailed description be considered illustrative rather than limiting, with the understanding that the following claims, including all equivalents, are intended to define the scope of the invention. The claims should not be construed as limited to the described order or elements unless expressly stated to that effect. Accordingly, all embodiments that come within the scope and spirit of the following claims and equivalents thereto are claimed as the invention.

Claims

1. one or more sensors coupled to the toilet bowl and configured to detect one or more urine-related parameters related to urine, the one or more sensors including a light sensor configured to detect visible light from the toilet bowl while urine of the subject is disposed in the toilet bowl; receiving the one or more urine-related parameters from the one or more sensors; determining light intensities of at least two spectral bands within the detected visible light that fall within a predetermined range by analyzing the detected visible light; determining a ratio of the intensities of the at least two spectral bands within the detected visible light; determining that the subject has an elevated urinary creatinine concentration in response thereto; detecting a specific gravity of the urine and, in response to determining that the specific gravity of the urine is elevated, determining a level of protein in the urine; determining the cause of said elevated creatinine concentration at least partially in response to said elevated specific gravity of said urine and said level of protein in said urine; at least one computer processor configured to: An apparatus comprising:

2. 2. The device of claim 1, wherein the one or more sensors are configured to detect the one or more urine-related parameters associated with the urine without requiring any action to be performed by any person after the urine is discharged into the toilet bowl.

3. 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the apparatus is configured for use with an output device, and wherein in response to determining the cause of the elevated creatinine concentration, the computer processor is configured to generate an output on the output device indicating a recommendation.

4. 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the computer processor is configured to detect that the urine has an elevated concentration of urinary NT-titin and, at least in part, to determine that the cause of the elevated creatinine concentration is a catabolic process in response to detecting that the urine has the elevated concentration of urinary NT-titin.

5. 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the apparatus is configured for use with an output device, and wherein, in response to determining that the cause of the elevated creatinine concentration is a catabolic process, the computer processor is configured to generate an output on the output device indicating a recommendation to modify an exercise plan.

6. 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, at least in part, in response to determining that the specific gravity of the urine is low, the computer processor is configured to determine that the cause of the elevated creatinine concentration is renal dysfunction.

7. 7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the apparatus is configured for use with an output device, and wherein, in response to determining that the cause of the elevated creatinine concentration is impaired renal function, the computer processor is configured to generate an output on the output device that is a recommendation to seek medical attention.

8. 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the computer processor is further configured to detect a concentration of urinary NT-titin in urine, and wherein, at least in part, in response to determining that the concentration of urinary NT-titin and the specific gravity of the urine are both within normal ranges, the computer processor is configured to determine that the cause of the elevated creatinine concentration is diet.

9. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the computer processor is configured to derive parameters indicative of foaming and / or turbidity of the urine and to determine a level of protein in the urine based on the derived parameters.

10. 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, at least in part, in response to determining that the specific gravity of the urine is elevated and the level of protein in the urine is elevated, the computer processor is configured to determine that the cause of the elevated creatinine concentration is impaired renal function.

11. 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, at least in part, in response to determining that the specific gravity of the urine is elevated and the level of protein in the urine is normal, the computer processor is configured to determine that the cause of the elevated creatinine concentration is dehydration.

12. detecting one or more urine-related parameters associated with the urine sample, the detecting step comprising receiving light from the toilet bowl through an optical sensor while urine from the subject is placed in the toilet bowl; determining light intensities of at least two spectral bands within the received light that are within an elevated range by analyzing the received light; a comparing step of performing a comparison between a first intensity value for the first optical spectrum and a second intensity value for the second optical spectrum; calculating a creatinine concentration based on said comparison; determining whether the urine sample has an elevated creatinine concentration; a detecting step of detecting the specific gravity of the urine, and a level determining step of determining a level of protein in the urine in response to determining that the specific gravity of the urine is elevated; determining a cause of the elevated creatinine concentration at least in part in response to the elevated specific gravity of the urine and the level of protein in the urine; 10. The method performed by the apparatus of claim 1, comprising:

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