Feces color detection device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting occult blood in feces, such as the fecal sampling pick method, have low detection rates for early-stage colorectal cancer due to unsanitary conditions and limited sampling areas, and existing household methods are infrequent and difficult to maintain, leading to delayed disease recognition.
Innovation Solution
A device with color cameras positioned on the reverse side of the toilet seat captures images of the feces surface from multiple directions, recording time-series data to detect occult blood changes correlated with colorectal cancer, using wavelength spectrum distribution for accurate detection without requiring special reagents or frequent maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fecal sampling pick method is used to detect occult blood, then detection can be conducted in medical institutions, but detection rate for early-stage colorectal cancer is low due to limited sampling areas and unsanitary conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical fecal sampling pick method with an optical imaging system using color cameras to capture images of the feces surface. This substitution eliminates the need for direct contact with feces, improving sanitary conditions while enabling automated color analysis for occult blood detection across the entire feces surface, not just a sampled portion.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates visual copies (images) of the feces surface using color cameras positioned on the toilet seat. These images allow for non-contact observation and automated color analysis, replacing the need for physical sampling and enabling remote, hygienic detection of occult blood through color changes.
2Ease of operation
If existing household fecal occult blood test methods are used, then testing can be conducted at home, but testing frequency is low and maintenance is difficult leading to delayed disease recognition
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the detection system directly into the toilet seat, allowing it to automatically perform fecal color analysis during normal defecation without requiring user intervention for sampling or reagent preparation. The system self-activates when needed and provides immediate results, enabling frequent home testing without burdening the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous monitoring capability by capturing images during every defecation event. The system continuously analyzes feces color changes over time, building a time-series dataset that allows for ongoing health monitoring and early detection of colorectal cancer through gradual color changes indicative of occult blood.
3Device complexity
If single-direction camera is used to capture feces image, then device structure is simple, but detection coverage is limited and may miss occult blood in other portions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection task among multiple color cameras positioned at different locations on the toilet seat (front, rear, left, right sides). Each camera captures a specific portion of the feces surface, and the combined coverage of all cameras ensures complete detection of the entire feces surface, eliminating blind spots where occult blood might be missed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-point detection approach to a multi-dimensional coverage approach by positioning cameras at various spatial locations around the toilet seat. This three-dimensional arrangement ensures that the entire feces surface is captured from multiple angles, providing comprehensive detection coverage without significantly increasing system complexity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enables hygienic, daily monitoring of feces color changes, improving detection accuracy for occult blood and facilitating early colorectal cancer detection, reducing the risk of advanced disease recognition.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of color cameras 7 are provided on the reverse side portion of the toilet seat 2 so as to capture an image of the feces surface 5
Implementation Method 2
the detection accuracy is improved by comparison with other wavelength ranges based on the wavelength spectrum distribution of oxygenated hemoglobin corresponding to an occult blood reaction
Data Source
AI summary
A plurality of color sensing sections are attached to a toilet seat so as to test a health state or a fecal occult blood portion every time by capturing the feces surface color during defecation. Before feces which have been excreted from a body sink into a water-seal portion, the circumference of the feces is optically captured to detect the color of the surface of the feces. By monitoring changes in color, the health state of the defecator is monitored. In particular, by checking the presence/absence of an occult blood portion, the present invention assists in early detection of colorectal cancer and allows a fecal occult blood test to be performed in a hygienic manner without burdening the user.