CN110552408B - Sanitary seat for toilet and bidet - Google Patents
Sanitary seat for toilet and bidet Download PDFInfo
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- CN110552408B CN110552408B CN201810552190.6A CN201810552190A CN110552408B CN 110552408 B CN110552408 B CN 110552408B CN 201810552190 A CN201810552190 A CN 201810552190A CN 110552408 B CN110552408 B CN 110552408B
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
- E03D—WATER-CLOSETS OR URINALS WITH FLUSHING DEVICES; FLUSHING VALVES THEREFOR
- E03D11/00—Other component parts of water-closets, e.g. noise-reducing means in the flushing system, flushing pipes mounted in the bowl, seals for the bowl outlet, devices preventing overflow of the bowl contents; devices forming a water seal in the bowl after flushing, devices eliminating obstructions in the bowl outlet or preventing backflow of water and excrements from the waterpipe
- E03D11/02—Water-closet bowls ; Bowls with a double odour seal optionally with provisions for a good siphonic action; siphons as part of the bowl
- E03D11/06—Bowls with downwardly-extending flanges for the sake of flushing
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
- E03D—WATER-CLOSETS OR URINALS WITH FLUSHING DEVICES; FLUSHING VALVES THEREFOR
- E03D11/00—Other component parts of water-closets, e.g. noise-reducing means in the flushing system, flushing pipes mounted in the bowl, seals for the bowl outlet, devices preventing overflow of the bowl contents; devices forming a water seal in the bowl after flushing, devices eliminating obstructions in the bowl outlet or preventing backflow of water and excrements from the waterpipe
- E03D11/13—Parts or details of bowls; Special adaptations of pipe joints or couplings for use with bowls, e.g. provisions in bowl construction preventing backflow of waste-water from the bowl in the flushing pipe or cistern, provisions for a secondary flushing, for noise-reducing
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
- E03D—WATER-CLOSETS OR URINALS WITH FLUSHING DEVICES; FLUSHING VALVES THEREFOR
- E03D9/00—Sanitary or other accessories for lavatories ; Devices for cleaning or disinfecting the toilet room or the toilet bowl; Devices for eliminating smells
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- G—PHYSICS
- G01—MEASURING; TESTING
- G01N—INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
- G01N33/00—Investigating or analysing materials by specific methods not covered by groups G01N1/00 - G01N31/00
- G01N33/48—Biological material, e.g. blood, urine; Haemocytometers
- G01N33/50—Chemical analysis of biological material, e.g. blood, urine; Testing involving biospecific ligand binding methods; Immunological testing
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- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Biomedical Technology (AREA)
- Urology & Nephrology (AREA)
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- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
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- Pathology (AREA)
- Bidet-Like Cleaning Device And Other Flush Toilet Accessories (AREA)
- Investigating Or Analysing Biological Materials (AREA)
Abstract
The present invention relates to an intelligent toilet comprising a toilet base having a bowl body, a seat assembly including a seat, and a urine collection system integrated with the seat assembly, wherein the urine collection system comprises an analyzer configured to detect urine of a user and provide output health data of the user.
Description
Technical Field
The present invention relates generally to the field of toilets or bidets. More particularly, the present invention relates to intelligent toilets or bidets that provide a user with functionality responsive to data collected about the user or user input. For example, a toilet/bidet may collect and analyze urine samples to provide personal health information to a user, such as through a mobile application.
Background
Typically, urinalysis may be performed to provide an indication to the user of various health issues or statistics that may not have been detected. For example, urinalysis can be based on protein or ketone levels or the specific gravity of the sample, indicating to the user whether dehydration, the time of the menstrual cycle, or whether symptoms of various diseases are present. However, while urinalysis is beneficial for detecting and tracking health problems, people are rarely able to perform and analyze such analyses at their own home. Typically, urinalysis is performed under the supervision of a doctor or other medically trained person. This takes time and can be expensive. Thus, there is a need to provide more medical information to an individual without having to look at a doctor.
Disclosure of Invention
At least one embodiment of the invention is directed to an intelligent toilet that includes a toilet base having a bowl, a seat assembly including a seat, and a urine collection system integrated with the seat assembly. The urine collection system includes an analyzer configured to detect urine from a user and provide output health data of the user.
At least one embodiment of the present invention is directed to an intelligent toilet that includes a toilet base, a urine collection system, and a platform. The toilet base has a main body and a bowl body located within the main body. The urine collection system has a valve integrated into an opening in the bowl, and an analyzer located in the toilet base and configured to analyze urine from a user and provide output health data for the user. The platform extends from a front lower portion of the main body and includes at least one of a foot warmer, a heart rate sensor that measures a heart rate of the user, and a scale that measures a weight of the user.
At least one embodiment of the invention relates to an intelligent toilet comprising a toilet base; a seat assembly, an analyzer, a gesture module, and a control module. The seat assembly has a seat rotatably coupled to the toilet base and a cover. An analyzer is integrated with at least one of the toilet seat and the seat assembly, and the analyzer detects urine from the user and provides output health data of the user. The posture module has a sensor that measures and outputs a signal of the posture of the user while sitting on the seat. The control module receives the signal and compares the measured posture to a threshold range, issuing a first posture control signal in response to the measured posture being within the threshold range, and issuing a second posture control signal in response to the measured posture being outside the threshold range.
This summary is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. Other aspects, inventive features, and advantages of the devices and/or processes described herein, as defined solely by the claims, will become apparent in the detailed description set forth herein when taken in conjunction with the drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements.
Drawings
Exemplary embodiments will be described below with reference to the following drawings.
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of an intelligent toilet according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a side perspective view of a user on the toilet shown in FIG. 1, including a foot warmer and a posture reminder.
Fig. 3 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a communication network.
FIG. 4 is a flow diagram of various features for a toilet, such as the toilet shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a controller for use with a toilet, such as the toilet shown in FIG. 1.
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of a toilet with a urine analysis tester shown in a non-use position.
FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the toilet of FIG. 6 with the urinalysis tester shown in a use position.
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the toilet shown in FIG. 6 with the urinalysis tester being cleaned.
FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another toilet with a urinalysis tester.
FIG. 10 is a perspective view of another toilet with a urinalysis tester.
FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of another toilet with a urinalysis tester having a removable collector shown detached from the base.
FIG. 12 is a top perspective view of the toilet shown in FIG. 11 with the removable collector shown attached to the seat.
FIG. 13 is a perspective view of another toilet with a urinalysis tester.
Figure 14 is a partial view of the fingerprint scanner on the toilet shown in figure 13.
FIG. 15 is a partial view of a test strip in the inlet of the analyzer of the toilet shown in FIG. 13.
Figure 16 is a perspective view of another toilet with a fingerprint scanner.
Figure 17 is a perspective view of a toilet with a cleaning device in a seating system.
FIG. 18 is a side perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of an intelligent toilet.
Fig. 19 is a top view of the toilet shown in fig. 18.
FIG. 20 is a perspective view of a portion of the toilet shown in FIG. 18.
FIG. 21 is a partially cut-away perspective view of a portion of the toilet shown in FIG. 18.
FIG. 22 is a partially cut-away perspective view of a portion of the toilet shown in FIG. 18.
FIG. 23 is a partially cut-away perspective view of a portion of the toilet shown in FIG. 18.
Fig. 24 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of an intelligent bidet system.
Fig. 25 is a perspective view of another exemplary embodiment of an intelligent bidet system.
Detailed Description
Before turning to the figures, which illustrate exemplary embodiments in detail, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It is also to be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.
Turning to the drawings disclosed in the present invention are embodiments of a toilet that provide a mechanism and method for users to track and improve their overall health, while improving convenience and comfort when using the toilet.
Urine collection/analysis system
Fig. 1 and 2 show a smart toilet 1 (e.g., a smart toilet, etc.) having a toilet base 2 and a seat system 3 rotatably coupled to the toilet base 2. The illustrated toilet pan 2 includes an outer body 21 (e.g., shell, cover, skirt, etc.) and a foot warmer 23 disposed at a front lower portion of the outer body 21 and extending therefrom. As shown in fig. 2, the seat system 3 includes a seat 31 and a cover 33 (e.g., lid) independently rotatable about the toilet pan 2. The illustrated toilet 1 is configured to monitor a user's posture on the toilet 1 and alert the user if the posture is outside of a healthy (e.g., ergonomic) range, as will be discussed in more detail below in the "posture alert" section. The toilet 1 also includes a system for collecting and analyzing urine. For example, the system may receive and maintain urine test strips in a toilet, where each test strip is directed into the user's urine stream for collection and then analyzed within the system to generate health information for the user. After analysis, the used test strip may be discarded. These aspects will be discussed in more detail below. It should be noted that the term "toilet" as used herein includes toilets, bidets, and the like.
Fig. 6-8 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a toilet 101 having a system for collecting and analyzing urine integrated with a seat assembly 103. The system includes a base 131, and the base 131 may be part of the seat or separate from the seat, such as under the seat. The bottom portion 131 is shown mounted on the top surface of the bowl body 121. The system includes an arm 133, the arm 133 rotatably coupled to the base 131 about a pivot axis PA such that the arm 133 is movable to a plurality of positions. Fig. 6 illustrates a non-use (e.g., storage, retracted, etc.) position of the arms 133, wherein the arms 133 nest within the recesses 132 in the forward and inward portions of the base 133. Fig. 7 shows a first use position of the arms 133, wherein the arms 133 extend upwardly and inwardly relative to the edge (e.g., upper surface) of the bowl body 121. In the first use position, the test strip TS may be inserted into a receiving aperture 134 in the arm 133, e.g., a distal end 135 relative to a pivoting end 136 of the arm 133, for analysis by an analyzer of a system analyzing urine on the test strip TS. The bore 134 is shown in the end surface of the distal end 135. The analyzer can be located in the base (similar to analyzer 450 discussed below), in other portions of the base (e.g., proximate pivot end 136), or in arm 133.
The toilet system 101 may be configured to receive a clean test strip TS (i.e., a test strip that has not yet been urinated thereon) either before or after moving the arm 133 into position (e.g., the first use position, the second use position) so that a user may urinate over the distal end 135 to collect a urine sample on the test strip, such as through one or more apertures 137 in the distal end 135. It is noted that the second use position may be one or more different positions, and may be tied to the gender of the specific user or non-specific user, such as after the toilet 101 has identified the gender of the specific user or non-specific user. Alternatively, the system may be configured to receive a test strip TS on which urine has been excreted and then analyze the urine. In any event, the system can output health data (e.g., data OHD) of the user, as described below. The system may then discard the used test strip, such as by discarding it into the bowl 121 to be flushed out, holding it in the compartment to be emptied by the user, or discarded by the user or otherwise discarded in an appropriate manner. For example, the system may utilize fluid pressure (e.g., hydraulic pressure), such as water, to push the test strip TS out of the receiving hole 134 in the arm 133 and into the bowl to be flushed away during the next flush cycle of the toilet.
The system of the toilet 101 may provide a cleaning cycle that may be initiated automatically (e.g., by the system after each use) or by the user, such as to ensure that one or more surfaces of the system are disinfected and free of any contaminants or bacteria. As shown in fig. 8, during a cleaning cycle, for example after waste material has been discarded, the arm 133 is rinsed by fluid F (e.g., cleaning water, cleaning chemicals, etc. from a water tank or water inlet). During such a cleaning cycle, fluid is discharged by passing fluid (e.g., from one or more nozzles of the system) through the arm 133 and/or through the arm 133. Additionally or alternatively, the system may include other cleaning methods, such as exposing the arm 133 to UV light, high temperature, or other similar cleaning agents. The toilet 101 may be configured to clean other parts of the toilet, such as the toilet bowl, after the test strip has been discarded. Examples of additional cleaning devices are found, for example, in U.S. patent application publication No. 2017/0058500 to Garrels et al, which may be incorporated with the system of the present invention.
Fig. 9 shows another exemplary embodiment of a toilet 201 integrated with a seat assembly 203 having a system for collecting and analyzing urine. As shown, the seat assembly 203 includes a base 231 mounted to the bowl body 221, a seat 232 rotatably coupled to the base 231 for supporting a user in a down or seating position, and an arm 233 extending from the base 231 toward the front of the bowl body 221. The arm 233 may be a cantilevered rod that is mounted to and extends from the forward facing surface of the base 231. The illustrated arm 233 has a first end 234 coupled (e.g., fixedly coupled, movably coupled) to the base 231 and a second distal end 235, the second distal end 235 may be configured to receive a test strip TS, for example, through a receiving aperture. One or more upwardly facing apertures 236 may be provided adjacent the distal end 235, such as to receive urine for collection on the test strip TS in the arm 233. The arm 233 can be movable, such as telescopically repositioning the distal end 235 relative to the fixed end 234 along the longitudinal axis LA of the arm 233, and/or pivotally disposed, such as to allow the arm 233 to rotate and/or freely rotate (e.g., via a ball joint) the arm 233 (e.g., up and down, laterally, etc.) in a horizontal plane and/or a vertical plane. The telescoping arm 233 allows the user to reposition the second distal end 235, including the test strip TS, relative to the first end 234 to a position that is more suitable or more ergonomically suitable for the user to urinate on the test strip. Once the test strip contains urine, the analyzer of the system analyzes the urine on the test strip and outputs health data for the user. The analyzer can be integrated with the arm 233 (e.g., have the arm located therein), located in the base 231 (similar to the analyzer 450), or located anywhere else on the toilet 101. The seat assembly 203 can optionally be integrated with a bidet stem 237 shown in fig. 9 that is configured to clean a toilet user. The bidet stem 237 may also be configured to wash the arm 233 during a cleaning cycle of the system, for example.
Fig. 10 shows another exemplary embodiment of a toilet 301 having a system for collecting and analyzing urine integrated with a seat assembly 303, similar to assembly 203 except that the arms 333 of the assembly 303 extend from the side of the seat 332 or the side of the bottom 331 (rather than from the rear of the bottom), to which side the seat 332 is pivotally coupled to the bottom 331. Arm 333 may be movable, moving in the same manner as discussed above with respect to arm 233. Further, arm 333 is configured to receive test strip TS, such that the analyzer of the system analyzes the urine on the test strip and outputs health data of the user. Similarly, the seat assembly 303 may optionally be integrated with a bidet pole 337 configured to wash the toilet user and/or the arm 333.
For some users, the configuration shown in fig. 9 and 10 has a static or movable arm, providing the user with an easier or more ergonomic location to urinate to expose the test strip to the user's urine. However, tests have shown that users of different genders often urinate at different locations/areas of the bowl body, except for users of different genders who urinate at different locations/areas of the bowl body (e.g., urine from a seated male most often contacts the front center of the bowl body, while urine from a seated female most often contacts the bowl body more centrally in the fore-aft and lateral directions). Thus, the stationary and static devices have difficulty acquiring urine from all potential users, and it is difficult for many users to be comfortable and inconvenient. Accordingly, a urine collector mechanism that allows the collection device to be detached from the toilet to collect a urine sample, re-coupled after collection to analyze the sample provides additional flexibility and comfort to many users.
Figures 11 and 12 show another exemplary embodiment of a toilet 401 having a urine collector mechanism that can be detached from toilet 401 and reattached to toilet 401. The illustrated toilet 401 includes a seat 432 having a cutout 432a in a forward and upward portion for removably (e.g., detachably) receiving a mount 434 of a urine collection mechanism 433. The illustrated cutout 432a does not always extend through the thickness (e.g., from top to bottom) of the seat 432. The mount 434 is shaped to complement the cutout 432a such that when the mount 434 is coupled to the seat 432, the seat 432 appears to be one piece (i.e., the cutout 432a is filled by the mount 434). As shown in fig. 11, the mount 434 is detachable from the seat 432 to reposition the test arm or add/remove test strips TS depending on the configuration of the urine collection mechanism 433. The illustrated mounting member 434 includes an aperture 435 (e.g., a recess, channel, etc.) to receive a portion of the test strip TS. Upon insertion of the test strip TS into the aperture 435, the mounting member 434 can be placed in the cutout 432a, as shown in fig. 12, such that the distal end of the test strip TS extends rearward and inward toward the center of the bowl body 421. Thus, a user may urinate on (e.g., distal to) test strip TS to collect a urine sample on test strip TS for analysis in the analyzer. For some users, the urine collection mechanism 433 shown in fig. 11 and 12 may provide a more comfortable and efficient location for the user to collect a urine sample on the test strip TS, as the test strip TS will be closer to the front central portion of the bowl 421. It should be noted that the cutout 432a and the mount 434 may be repositioned elsewhere on the seat 432, such as removed from one side. The seat 432 can include multiple cutouts (one on either side as before) to provide additional flexibility with respect to the location where the test strip TS is attached. According to another embodiment, an arm (e.g., similar to arms 233, 333, etc.) can be coupled to the mount 434 and extend inwardly, wherein the arm can be configured to receive the test strip TS, for example, through a receiving aperture (e.g., receiving aperture 134), or to externally support the test strip TS on the arm.
Once the urine sample is collected (e.g., on test strip TS), the urine can be analyzed in an analyzer. Fig. 13 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of an analyzer 450 integrated into a bottom 431 of a seat assembly 403 (which may be used with toilet 401 or with any of the other toilets disclosed herein). The bottom 431 can be configured according to other bottoms described herein, such as being coupled directly to a portion of the bowl 421. As best shown in fig. 15, an inlet 451 is provided in the base 431 and/or the analyzer 450 to receive a test strip TS containing a urine sample. Once the test strip TS is inserted into the inlet 451, an internal processor 452 (e.g., a microprocessor) of the analyzer 450 performs the analysis of the sample and provides output health data OHD (e.g., data OHD) of the user.
Figure 13 shows, in a schematic block (containing "OHD"), a data OHD, which is connected to the processor 452 via a dashed line, showing that the data OHD may be transmitted over a wire, wirelessly, or in any suitable manner. For example, the data OHD may be transmitted through the communication interface 65 and/or the network 66 (fig. 5). OHD and other information obtained and/or used by the toilet can be stored in memory 456, which is accessible by processor 452. For example, the control system schematically depicted in figure 5 can be used to access, store and transport OHDs. As shown, the various components of the control system are able to communicate with each other using a bus 67. For example, the control system can be connected to a workstation, other external devices, such as a user input device 64 (e.g., a remote control, a toilet controller, a smartphone or similar device, etc.), and/or one or more sensors 61, a display 62, and/or a speaker 63. The drive unit can provide a means for receiving and reading non-transitory computer media 161 with instructions 162. Processor 452 may execute instructions that are stored in memory 456. The processor 452 may be or include a general or special purpose processor, an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), one or more Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs), one or more Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), a set of processing components, or other suitable processing components. The processor 452 may execute computer code, instructions stored in the memory 456, and/or code/algorithms received from other computer-readable media (e.g., embedded flash memory, local hard disk storage, local ROM, network storage, remote servers, etc.). The processor 452 may be a single device or a combination of devices, such as devices associated with a network, distributed processing, or cloud computing.
The memory 456 may include one or more devices (e.g., storage units, memory devices, storage devices, etc.) for storing data and/or computer code for performing and/or facilitating the various processes described in this disclosure. Memory 456 may include Random Access Memory (RAM), Read Only Memory (ROM), hard drive memory, temporary storage, non-volatile memory, flash memory, optical storage, or any other suitable memory for storing software objects and/or computer instructions. The memory 456 may include database components, object code components, script components, or any other type of information structure that supports the various activities and information structures described in this disclosure. Memory 456 may be communicatively connected to processor 452 via processing circuitry and may include computer code for performing one or more processes described herein. For example, memory 456 may include graphics, web pages, HTML files, XML files, scripting code, shower configuration files, or other resources for generating a graphical user interface for display (e.g., on display 62) and/or for interpreting user interface inputs to generate command, control, or communication decisions.
In addition to the ingress and egress ports, communication interface 65 may include any operable connection. An operable connection may be one that may send and/or receive signals, physical communication, and/or logical communication. An operable connection may include a physical interface, an electrical interface, and/or a data interface. The communication interface 65 may be connected to a network. The network may include a wired network (e.g., ethernet), 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, a Bluetooth pairing of devices, or a Bluetooth mesh network. Further, the network may be public (e.g., the Internet), private (e.g., an intranet), or a combination thereof, and may utilize any suitable network protocol (e.g., a TCP/IP based network protocol).
The computer-readable medium 458 (e.g., memory 456, drive unit 160, etc.) may be a single medium or may comprise multiple media, such as a centralized or distributed database, and/or associated caches and servers that store the one or more sets of instructions. The term "computer-readable medium" shall include any medium that is capable of storing, encoding or carrying a set of instructions for execution by a processor, or that cause a computer system to perform any one or more of the methods disclosed herein, such as, but not limited to, solid-state memory (e.g., a memory card or other package that stores one or more non-volatile read-only memories), random access memory or other volatile rewritable memory, magneto-optical or optical media (e.g., a disk or tape or other storage device to capture a carrier wave signal, such as a signal transmitted over a transmission medium). An email or other separate archive of information or a digital file attachment to a set of archives may be considered a distribution medium for a tangible storage medium. Accordingly, the disclosure is considered to include any one or more of a computer-readable medium or a distribution medium and other equivalent and subsequent media in which data or instructions may be stored. Computer-readable media can be non-transitory and include all tangible computer-readable media.
It is noted that dedicated hardware implementations, such as application specific integrated circuits, programmable logic arrays and other hardware devices, can be constructed to implement one or more of the methods described herein. Applications that may include the apparatus and systems of various embodiments may broadly include a variety of electronic and computer systems. One or more embodiments described herein may implement functions using two or more specific interconnected hardware modules or devices with related control and data signals that may be communicated between and through the modules, or as portions of an application-specific integrated circuit. Accordingly, the present system includes software, firmware, and hardware implementations.
The data OHD may be transmitted by the system to other components/components of the toilet, which may be physically and/or electronically coupled to the toilet or may be completely remote from the toilet, such as a smart device (e.g., phone, tablet, etc.). The analyzer 450 (e.g., microprocessor 452) may be powered by an internal battery 453 and/or an external power source (not shown). For example, the toilet 1 may be connected to a standard residential power outlet (e.g., 120V at 60Hz, 220V at 50Hz, etc.), a generator, or other power source (e.g., other batteries, capacitors, etc.).
A toilet with a urine collection device (e.g., arms 133, 233, 333, urine collection mechanism 433, etc.) may include a user identification feature, which may be integrated with the urine collection device or other components of the toilet. Figures 13 and 14 show a fingerprint scanner 454 located on the bottom 431 of the seat assembly 403. The intelligent toilet may identify the user based on a scan of the user's fingerprint on the fingerprint scanner 454. In this way, the toilet can collect, store (e.g., record, etc.) and/or output data OHD specific to the identified user based on, for example, a urine sample of the toilet test. Thus, the smart toilet can track data OHD of multiple users (e.g., the same home) based on identification using the fingerprint scanner 454. Fig. 16 shows another intelligent toilet 401 ' having a fingerprint scanner 454 ' located in the front central portion of the top of seat 432 '. It is noted that the fingerprint scanner may be located anywhere on the toilet. As another form of identification, the toilet may communicate with an external device 44, such as a user's smart phone, to instruct the user to supply, for example, a urine sample for testing. Other biometric data may be used to allow the toilets disclosed herein to identify a particular user, such as storing, tracking, and outputting data associated with the user's health (e.g., data OHD).
As described above, the urine collection device (e.g., arms 133, 233, 333, urine collection mechanism 433, etc.) can be cleaned or sterilized as needed (e.g., after each use or as desired by the user). As also discussed above, fig. 8 shows the arm 133 being cleaned by the fluid F. This type of system may be incorporated into any other urine collection device. FIG. 17 illustrates another type of cleaning device that may be combined with or substituted for the fluid wash device of FIG. 8. The toilet 151 shown in fig. 17 includes an arm 183 of similar construction to the arm 133, except on the opposite side of the toilet 151. The arm 183 is rotatable between a first use position (reference 183), which may be for a first user of the toilet (e.g., a female user), a second use position (reference 183 ") which may be for a second user of the toilet (e.g., a male user), and a non-use or cleaning position (reference 183'). The illustrated toilet 151 includes a cleaning device 185 that includes an Ultraviolet (UV) emitter 186 and a water spray 187, both of which are configured to clean or disinfect the arm 183' in a cleaning position. The ultraviolet light emitter 186, when activated, emits UV light to the arm 183' for a predetermined or input length of time. Similarly, the water jet 187, when activated, emits water to the arm 183' for a predetermined or input length of time. The water emitted by water spray 187 may be heated, for example, to a sanitizing temperature (e.g., at least 65 ℃ for at least 10 minutes; at least 70 ℃ for at least 5 minutes, etc.), or may include a cleaning chemical. The toilet disclosed herein may include one, both, or none of the ultraviolet emitters 186 and the water spray 187.
Medical toilet/bidet
Returning to fig. 1 and 2, the intelligent toilet 1 includes a base 2 and a seat system 3. The base 2 includes an outer body 21 that serves as a housing that surrounds (e.g., encloses, encapsulates, contains, etc.) other components of the toilet 1 (e.g., plumbing components, electrical components, mechanical components, etc.). The toilet 1 may provide additional features, for example, contained within, external to, or on the body 21. For example, the toilet 1 may provide automatic opening and closing of the lid 33 and/or seat 31, such as by a motor driven by user detection of a sensor (e.g., proximity sensor) or other identifier, as well as flushing and other hygiene features. Based on the identification of the user by those identifiers disclosed herein and implemented by other intelligent bathroom devices, data collected by such other devices, or by user selection of the toilet 1 or such other devices, the toilet 1 can monitor lid positioning or position and provide an alert (e.g., a ring tone) to the user. The status of the smart toilet 1 may be communicated to or displayed by other devices (e.g., display 62, smart phone, external device 44, etc.).
For user comfort, the toilet 1 may comprise a foot warmer 23 with a heating element that increases the temperature of the foot platform in which the foot warmer 23 is integrated. The foot warmer 23 may include a resistor (e.g., a resistance wire, etc.), a conduit carrying hot water, or any other suitable heating element to increase the temperature of the foot platform. The temperature may be selected based on the user's identification entered by the user through user input device 64 or other external device 44 (such as other smart bathroom devices) (discussed below), or by data collected by such other device. The user input device 64 may be a user interface integrated with the toilet 1 or a remote device (e.g., a smartphone, tablet, remote control, etc.). The toilet 1 may collect biometric data or biometric features from one or more users of the toilet 1 that may be used to improve service, such as by activating the foot warmer 23 or aiming the lid 33 at a particular angle α (fig. 2) or within a threshold range (e.g., angle α +/-other angles). Further, if the angle of the lid 33 is within a less ergonomic range (e.g., a range of angles β), the toilet 1 may alert the user (e.g., a ring). The feature may be a posture reminder for the user.
The toilet 1 may include other features in the foot platform with the foot warmer 23. For example, a scale (e.g., a weight sensor) may be included to measure the user's weight or to provide the user with the user's weight, Body Mass Index (BMI), and/or body fat value. For example, a scale may include one or more pressure sensors or other suitable gravimetric measuring instruments. The measured information may be displayed on the display 62, the display 62 may be located on the toilet 1 (e.g., on the foot platform, the outer body 21, etc.), or may be remotely located, such as on a wall display near the toilet 1. The measured information may be sent as data OHD to a smartphone or other user-enabled device over a network 66 (fig. 5), such as the internet, network 43 (fig. 3), or other suitable system. For example, the data OHD may communicate wirelessly with the mobile application, such as over a Wi-Fi or bluetooth communication connection. With respect to BMI or body fat, the user may, for example, input the user's height, gender, and age into the mobile application, and the toilet 1 (e.g., microprocessor 452, controller 51, scale, etc.) may analyze and indicate the user's current weight, body mass index, and/or body fat. Alternatively, the user's smartphone/device may calculate this information based on the data OHD transmitted from the toilet 1.
In one or more embodiments, the scale platform includes a pressure sensor configured to detect pressure of a user's foot on the platform. The pressure sensor may be activated (e.g., actuated) by the presence of the user's foot only on the foot warmer 23. The platform may additionally include a temperature sensor that may initiate heating of the foot warmer 23 in response to the sensed temperature of the user and/or the temperature of the ambient air.
In one or more embodiments, the platform is equipped with a heart rate sensor, such as disposed on a top surface of a foot platform (e.g., a scale). In this way, when the user places his feet on the platform, the heart rate sensor senses the user's heart rate and indicates the current heart rate to the user, for example by the toilet 1 and/or a connected smart phone or device.
The toilet 1 may include one or more speakers 63 (fig. 5), which may be integral to the base 2, the seat assembly 3, and/or located remotely from the toilet 1, but connected thereto via a network (e.g., network 43). For example, one or more speakers 63 may be integrated or embedded in the foot platform (e.g., scale, foot warmer, etc.) to alert the user regarding aspects such as posture, urinalysis, or other features of the toilet, and to play music from the user's smartphone on a playlist, etc.
The toilet 1 may include a bidet stem or nozzle (e.g., bidet stem 237), and if provided, the toilet 1 may provide water from the bidet stem at a predetermined temperature and/or a predetermined flow rate from the bidet stem based on user identification and preferences, as discussed herein (as selected by the user on mobile applications). The status of the bidet stem 237 and its water flow may be communicated to and/or displayed on an external device (e.g., a mobile application). The arm (e.g., arm 233) and/or bidet stem 237 (if provided and movable) may be automatically moved to any position by the toilet 1 based on user identification and preference or in response to user input (e.g., external devices). The bidet stem 237 may provide various dispensing options for cleaning a user, which may be customized for a particular user based on user identification. For example, the bidet stem may provide one or more dispensing options configured to use various amounts of water or electricity during a dispensing cycle. The bidet stem may provide various control options including user customizable spray modes, adjustable spray pressures, temperatures, and/or positions, each of which may be adjusted based on user data obtained by the communication network 43 (fig. 3).
Fig. 18-23 illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a sanitary toilet/bidet system 501 including a toilet base 502, a seat assembly 503 coupled to the toilet base 502, and a platform 504 configured to rest on a floor and/or support the toilet base 502. The seat assembly 503 may be configured according to any other configuration disclosed herein, for example, having a seat, a cover, and/or a base. Platform 504 may include any of the features disclosed herein for other foot platforms, such as a foot warmer, scale, speaker, sensor (e.g., heart rate sensor), etc.
The illustrated toilet base 502 includes a housing 520 surrounding a toilet bowl 521. Disposed in an opening 523 in the bowl 521, shown in fig. 19 and 20, is a urine collection system 505. The opening 523 is shown located laterally in a central portion of the bowl body 521 between the outlet 525 of the bowl body 521 and the front 527 of the bowl body 521. Studies have shown that this position is advantageous for obtaining urine from the largest population.
As shown in fig. 21-23, the sleeve 522 defines an opening 523 and extends away from the bowl 521, which receives the valve 550 of the urine collection system 505. In the open position of the valve 550 (fig. 23), urine is allowed to pass between the valve 550 and the sleeve 522 to capture a test sample (e.g., on a test strip), which can then be analyzed by the analyzer 555. In the closed position of the valve 550, urine is prevented from passing through the inlet opening 523, as the head of the valve 550 closes the opening 523, for example by covering. The valve 550 is shown spring loaded and may be moved using any suitable means (e.g., solenoid, motor, manual, etc.). The valve 550 may be controlled by the user, for example, through the user interface of the toilet 501 and/or a smartphone/device. A plurality of test strips may be stored in a receptacle 524 within the housing 520. The test strip used may be discarded through an outlet (e.g., outlet 529 shown in fig. 22). Toilet 501 may include a cleaner to clean urine collection system 505, such as the cleaner discussed herein. As shown in fig. 22, urine collection system 505 is cleaned during the cleaning cycle.
Other types of toilets may be converted to a bidet system, such as by connecting a bidet seat system to the toilet. Fig. 24 and 25 show two examples of such bidet seat systems 570, 580. The system 570 includes a bottom 571, a seat 572, a lid 573, and a side panel 574. Side panel 574 (e.g., user interface, communication interface 65, etc.) allows a user to control the system 570 and/or all functions of the toilet to which the system 570 is coupled. These functions include, but are not limited to, all of the functions discussed herein. System 570 may include a urine collector and analyzer 575, which may be configured according to any of the examples discussed herein. System 580 is similar to system 570 except that it does not have side panels. Accordingly, system 580 can include a urine collector and analyzer 585.
Personal (e.g., feminine) care application
The toilet/bidet/system disclosed herein may include one or more sensors 61 (fig. 5), which may be configured to collect data about human waste. The sensor data may include or provide a urinalysis or urinalysis. The sensor data may include pH levels, indications of the presence or absence of one or more ketones, indications of the presence or absence of hormones indicative of pregnancy, indications of the presence or absence of blood cells or bacteria indicative of urinary tract infection, indications of the presence or absence of drugs, indications of the presence or absence of particular types of cells (e.g., cancer cells), and/or indications of the presence or absence of other substances. The sensors 61 may include light sensors (e.g., infrared light, laser light, etc.) for testing blood glucose levels or oxygen levels, which may be used to monitor diabetes. The sensor 61 may comprise a camera that may collect data of a stool sample. The control module, the home hub communication device and/or the external device may be used to perform image analysis on the stool sample.
A control module (e.g., controller 51) may send commands to the gesture control module 52 to initiate gesture corrective actions (e.g., raise an alarm and adjust the lid angle). The control module may send commands to the dispensing device (e.g., of the bidet) to command a particular type of spray (e.g., a particular spray pattern, pressure, or temperature). A dedicated remote (e.g., external device 44, wireless device 53, etc.) or remote application on the smartphone/device may receive user input of any commands for controlling the module.
The smart toilet 1, 501 may include a sensor, such as sensor 61, and the sensor 61 may be located anywhere on the toilet 1, 501 and may be configured to collect sensor data from one or more users. The sensor 61 may be an image pickup device having a lens, such as a camera, or an image pickup device having a Charge Coupled Device (CCD), such as an integrated circuit formed on a silicon surface on which a photosensitive element is formed. The image acquisition device can acquire images of a user. The image capture device may capture images that identify image characteristics of the user, such as the user's skin tone or shape (e.g., bone density, contour, height, and/or weight). The image capture device may include a gesture sensor.
The sensor 61 may comprise a relative distance collection device such as a proximity sensor or a laser scanner. For example, a laser scanner may emit one or more laser pulses that reflect off of an object and are received by the laser scanner. The time of flight of the laser pulse represents the distance to the object. The proximity sensor may detect the presence of an object at a predetermined distance or within a predetermined distance range. For example, a proximity sensor may be coupled to the toilet, such as the lid 33, and may measure the distance between the user's back and the lid 33, such as where the proximity sensor is coupled.
The proximity sensor may emit and/or detect a light beam (e.g., infrared light). Interrupting or interrupting the light beam indicates that the user is on the toilet and/or foot platform. Interrupting the light beam may include placing a body part or object in the path of the light beam such that the proximity sensor does not receive the light beam. The light beam may be located near the floor or base of the intelligent toilet so that the light beam can be easily broken by the user's foot.
The sensor 61 may include a temperature mapping device, such as an infrared camera for detecting a thermal signature of the user. The sensor 61 may comprise a retinal scanner configured to scan the user's eye. The sensor 61 may include a fingerprint sensor or scanner (e.g., fingerprint scanner 454). The sensor 61 may be an audio sensor, such as a microphone.
The sensor 61 may be in communication with the controller 51, the display 62, and/or the communication interface 65 to output a signal or data describing when the smart toilet 1, 501 is in use. The sensor signal/data may be binary, including one value to indicate that the intelligent toilet 1, 501 is in use and another value to indicate that the toilet is not in use.
One or more sensors 61 may be incorporated into or with seat assembly 3, base 2, housing 520, foot platform, and/or other portions of the toilet. A weight sensor (e.g., a pressure sensor) may be used to detect the weight of the user when standing, or a rough estimate of the user's weight when sitting on the toilet seat. The control module may calculate the weight of the user based on the sensor data. The control module may determine a demographic type of the user, such as male versus female or adult versus child. The control module may identify the user, for example, by biometric data. For example, in a home, the weight of a person is sufficiently clear to identify an individual user. The control module may learn the identity by measuring the weight of a known user. For example, the user may use a dedicated remote control or telephone connection, and the control module may record the weight reading from the sensor 61. The weight is stored by the control module, for example in memory and/or the drive unit, and when a subsequent user is seated, subsequent readings are compared to the stored readings to determine if the user's identity matches any stored values (e.g., within a set tolerance). Any number of readings may be taken for any number of users.
The automatic seat cover or lid, seat or base or bowl of the intelligent toilet may include a sensor, such as a biometric sensor to detect a biological feature or biometric characteristic of the user. The sensors may include a weight sensor configured to collect weight data of the user, a height sensor to determine the height of the user, and other sensors that the control module may use to calculate the BMI or body fat of the user.
The biometric sensor may include a body composition sensor, which may use bioelectrical impedance analysis to measure muscle mass and/or body fat percentage. Alternatively, the body composition sensor may use bioelectrical impedance analysis to measure the percentage of body moisture contained in cells and tissues, or bioelectrical impedance analysis to measure bone mass. Changes in muscle or fat in certain parts of the body can alter the impedance of those parts of the body. The impedance may be detected or communicated to the control module by the control module, sending a low level current through the user's body and measuring the change in the low level current as it returns to the sensor and/or control module. The current may enter and return from the user's body through, for example, a seat, seat cover, or back or foot platform, or the current may enter through one such component/element and return through another such component/element.
The biometric sensor may include a metabolic sensor that measures the Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) or minimum energy rate per consumption by the user when sitting at rest on a toilet. BMR describes the calories required for the body at rest.
The biometric sensor may include a photoplethysmogram (PPG) configured to optically obtain volumetric measurements of the organ. The PPG may be configured to measure a user's heart rate (e.g., through the skin), cardiovascular pulse wave velocity, respiration, or other characteristics of the user.
In one or more of these examples, the sensor detects a biometric characteristic, such as a user's body composition, heart rate, temperature, and/or blood pressure. The biometric sensor alone or in combination with the weight sensor may provide a user characteristic for identifying the user.
In addition to the commands of the intelligent toilet, the control module may also select auxiliary commands for auxiliary devices that coordinate with the intelligent toilet based on analysis of the sensor data. The auxiliary command may be selected for a particular user. The assistance command of the assistance device is based on an instruction from the user received at the user interface, and the data displayed at the user interface comprises status data of the assistance device, setting data of the assistance device, configuration data of the user, or type data of the assistance device. For example, the seat may be raised based on the identity of the user and/or the time of day (e.g., gender, mode of use, etc.).
The analysis of the sensor data may determine instructions received at the user interface of the intelligent toilet, such as through gestures or other commands (e.g., voice commands) received by the sensor. For example, a user may provide instructions to a music module (e.g., media player 54) to play music. Additionally or alternatively, data from the external device 44 may affect or drive one or more settings of the toilet. In one example, weather data from a weather service is used to determine the temperature of the heater of the toilet seat.
Posture alert
Fig. 2 shows a toilet bowl 1 having a posture detection and reminder mechanism configured to detect a sitting posture of a user on the toilet bowl 1, determine whether the detected posture is healthy, and remind the user in response to the determination result. The gesture detection and alert mechanism may include a distance sensor (e.g., sensor 61), a gesture control module (e.g., gesture module 52), and an alarm (e.g., speaker 63). The distance sensor may be mounted in or on the base 2 of the toilet 1, such as the cover 33 of the seat assembly 3. The distance sensor may be installed at a predetermined height above the toilet bowl 1 when the cover 33 is lifted to the open position. The distance sensor may be any type of distance proximity sensor (e.g., capacitive, displacement, doppler effect, inductive, magnetic, optical, etc.) that uses any type of distance sensing technology to measure the distance between the distance sensor and the user's body. The distance sensor may be configured to send a distance signal representative of the distance measurement to the attitude control module.
The gesture control module includes processing circuitry having a processor (e.g., a microprocessor) and/or memory (fig. 5). The control module may be configured to calculate an angle (e.g., angle a) between the spine and thighs of a user seated on the toilet 1 by using the height of the distance sensor and the horizontal distance from the spine of the user. The posture control module may compare the calculated angle to a threshold or threshold range to determine whether the user has a healthy posture. In some embodiments, the threshold range is approximately 45-55 °. If the calculated angle is within the threshold range, the gesture control module sends a first gesture control signal to the reminding module. In response to receiving the first posture control signal, the reminder module may optionally generate a first alert to indicate that the user currently has a healthy bowel movement posture. In some embodiments, the reminder module may play music in response to receiving the first gesture control signal. The distance sensor may continue to send distance signals to the gesture control module such that when the calculated angle is not within the threshold range, the gesture control module may send a second gesture control signal to the reminder module. In response to receiving a second posture control signal indicating that the user is no longer within the healthy posture range, the reminder module may generate a second alert and/or stop playing music to indicate the posture change to the user. Alternatively, the first alarm may be silent, while the second alarm is a warning or a repetitive jingle. In this way, the user is encouraged to maintain a healthy posture while defecating.
Communication network
Fig. 3 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a communication network in communication with the toilet/bidet system disclosed herein. The illustrated communication network includes a server 41, a network device 42, a communication bus or local network 43, and an external device 44. A communication bus or local network 43 is connected to one or more sanitary toilets and/or intelligent toilets. As shown, a communication bus or local network 43 is connected to the sanitary toilet/bidet system 501 and the intelligent toilet 1. Note that the communication system may include additional, different, or fewer components. By way of example, the external device 44 may be a smart phone, a smart tablet, a computer, a smart watch, a remote control, or any other suitable device.
The server 41 may be a cloud device configured to communicate with a plurality of network devices 42 located in a plurality of locations (e.g., different homes or businesses). Server 41 may be involved or implemented as a cloud service that coordinates and analyzes data from multiple network appliances 42 connecting multiple devices (e.g., device X, device Y, etc.).
The network device 42 may be a stand-alone device (e.g., having a dedicated power supply, speakers or smart speakers and/or microphones) that functions as a home hub communication device. Alternatively, network appliance 42 may be integrated with one or more devices.
With respect to the local analytics embodiment, network appliance 42 receives data collected at device X and performs an analysis of the data to generate commands for device Y. The analysis may include determining the identity of the user of device X, a temporary status of the user of device X, or a command from the user of device X. Examples of user identities include, but are not limited to, identifiers of users (e.g., user name, user number, user code, etc.). Examples of temporary states of a user include, but are not limited to, drowsiness (e.g., insufficient sleep), complexion, illness, intoxication or mood. Examples of commands from the user include, but are not limited to, turning on/off the device Y or changing the settings of the device Y.
With respect to the remote analysis embodiment, network device 42 may package or pre-process the data in a predetermined format and send the data to server 41. Network device 42 may filter data according to type, examples of which include, without limitation, audio data, image data, location data, biometric data, environmental data, and/or other data types. Network appliance 42 may select a particular type of data to send to server 41 based on the type of device associated with network appliance 42. That is, the network apparatus 42 may classify and select data collected at the device X for use with the device Y according to the capability or configuration of the device Y, and transmit the selected data to the server 41. In turn, the server 41 transmits the selected data to the device Y in response to the capabilities or configuration of the device Y.
The network device 42 may package the data in a predetermined format and transmit the data to the server 41. The predetermined format may be specific to a data type (e.g., a specific file format). In one example, the collected data includes voice commands and the predetermined format is an audio file. The predetermined format may be an audio encoding format (e.g., Moving Picture Experts Group (MPEG) standard, MPEG-2, mp3, waveform file, or other format).
Fig. 4 shows that the intelligent toilet 1 receives data via the communication bus or local network 43 and communicates with various features of the toilet 1 via the electronic controller 51. The illustrated toilet 1 includes a gesture module 52, a wireless device 53 (e.g., a remote control), a media player 54, sensors 55 (e.g., a visual sensor, an IR sensor, a proximity sensor, a heat sensor, etc.), and an analyzer 56, all of which may be operatively controlled by the controller 51. For example, data may be input to the external device 44 (fig. 3) using, for example, a mobile application that communicates with the toilet 1 over the network 43, which in turn may activate or control the operation of one or more of the various features of the toilet 1. As a specific example, a user may input a desired temperature of foot warmer 23 into a mobile application of a smartphone, which in turn communicates with controller 51 over network 43, causing controller 51 to activate a heater to heat foot warmer 23 to the temperature detected by the temperature sensor. Further, the controller 51 may communicate with other devices through the network 43. For example, once the analyzer 56 has analyzed a urine sample from the user, the data OHD may be transmitted to the user's smartphone via the network 43. It is understood that the other features shown in fig. 4 and disclosed elsewhere herein may be controlled in a similar manner to these examples, which are not limiting but illustrative.
The hardware and data processing components used to implement the various processes, operations, illustrative logic, logic blocks, modules, and circuits described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented or realized with a general purpose single-or multi-chip processor, a Digital Signal Processor (DSP), an Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), a Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device designed to perform the functions described herein, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof. A general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, or any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, e.g., a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. In some embodiments, certain processes and methods may be performed by circuitry that is specific to a given function. The memory (e.g., memory units, storage devices, etc.) may include one or more devices (e.g., RAM, ROM, flash memory, hard disk memory, etc.) for storing data and/or computer code for performing or implementing the various processes, layers, and modules described in this disclosure. The memory may be or include volatile or non-volatile memory, and may include database components, object code components, script components, or any other type of information structure for supporting the various activities and information structures described in this disclosure. According to an exemplary embodiment, the memory is communicatively connected to the processor via the processing circuitry and includes computer code for performing (as by the processing circuitry and/or the processor) one or more processes described herein.
The present disclosure contemplates methods, systems, and program products on any machine-readable media for accomplishing various operations. Embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented using an existing computer processor or by a special purpose computer processor for an appropriate system, which may be incorporated for this or other purposes, or by a hardwired system. Embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure include program products comprising machine-readable media for carrying or having machine-executable instructions or data structures stored thereon. Such machine-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer or other machine with a processor. By way of example, such machine-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of machine-executable instructions or data structures and which can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer or other machine with a processor. Combinations of the above are also included within the scope of machine-readable media. Machine-executable instructions comprise, for example, instructions and data which cause a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or special purpose processing machines to perform a certain function or group of functions.
The foregoing description is intended to be illustrative, and thus non-limiting in nature. It should be noted that other variations can be made by those skilled in the art based on the principles of the present disclosure, which should also be included within the scope of the present invention as described in the claims.
As used herein, the terms "approximately," "about," "generally," and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning consistent with the ordinary and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. Those skilled in the art will understand, upon reading this disclosure, that these terms are intended to allow an explanation of certain features described and claimed, without limiting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations to the described and claimed subject matter are considered to be within the scope of the invention as recited in the appended claims.
The terms "coupled," "connected," and the like as used herein mean that two members are directly or indirectly connected to each other. Such a connection may be stationary (e.g., permanent) or movable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being integrally formed as a unitary body with one another or with the two members or the two members and any additional intermediate members being attached to one another.
As used herein, the term "or" is used in its inclusive sense (and not in its exclusive sense), and thus when used in conjunction with a list of elements, the term "or" means one, some, or all of the elements in the list. Joinder language, such as "at least one of X, Y and Z," unless specifically stated otherwise, is understood to mean that the element may be X, Y, Z; x and Y; x and Z; y and Z; or X, Y and Z (i.e., any combination of X, Y and Z). Thus, such conjunctive language is not generally intended to imply that certain embodiments require the presence of at least one X, at least one Y, and at least one Z, unless otherwise indicated.
References herein to element positions (e.g., "top," "bottom," "above," "below," etc.) are merely used to describe the orientation of the various elements in the figures. It should be noted that the orientation of the various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and such variations are intended to be covered by the present disclosure.
The construction and arrangement of the elements of the control system/method for toilets, bidets, etc. as shown in the exemplary embodiments is illustrative only. Although only a few embodiments of the present disclosure have been described in detail, those skilled in the art who review this disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited. For example, elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed or otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or positions may be altered or varied.
Additionally, the word "exemplary" is used to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Any embodiment or design described herein as "exemplary" is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments or designs (and such terms are not to imply that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or superlative examples). Rather, use of the word "exemplary" is intended to present concepts in a concrete fashion. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this disclosure. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims.
Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the various exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the present inventions. Any element (e.g., module, switch, etc.) as disclosed in one embodiment may be combined or used with any other embodiment disclosed herein. Moreover, the order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced as appropriate in accordance with alternative embodiments. Any means-plus-function clause is intended to cover the structures described herein as performing the recited function and not only structural equivalents but also equivalent structures. Other substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may be made in the design, operating configuration and arrangement of the preferred and other exemplary embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (20)
1. An intelligent toilet, comprising:
a toilet base having a bowl body;
a seat assembly comprising a seat, the seat assembly comprising a bottom coupled to a toilet pan; and
a urine collection system integrated with the bottom portion of the seat assembly, the urine collection system comprising an analyzer configured to detect urine from a user and provide output health data of the user;
the urine collection system also includes an arm that in a non-use position is nested in a recess at a lateral lower edge of a forward and inward facing portion of the bottom of the seat assembly and is extendable upwardly and inwardly relative to the upper surface of the bowl body, the arm to receive a test strip for capturing urine from a user.
2. The intelligent toilet of claim 1, wherein the arm is movable within the bowl between a use position and a non-use position, and the arm includes a receiving aperture configured to receive the test strip.
3. The smart toilet of claim 2, further comprising a cleaning device that cleans at least a portion of the arm during a cleaning cycle, wherein the cleaning device comprises at least one of:
a fluid emitter that emits cleaning fluid over the at least a portion of the arm during the cleaning cycle; and
an ultraviolet light emitter that emits ultraviolet light onto the at least a portion of the arm during the cleaning cycle.
4. The smart toilet of claim 3, wherein the arm is in a non-use position during the cleaning cycle in which the arm is embedded in a recess in a bottom of the seat assembly, the cleaning device includes both a fluid emitter and an ultraviolet light emitter, and both the fluid emitter and the ultraviolet light emitter are located in the bottom of the seat assembly.
5. The intelligent toilet of claim 2, wherein the use positions include a first use position and a second use position, the first use position being preset for female users and the second use position being preset for male users, and the intelligent toilet further comprises an identification system that identifies the gender of the user by at least one of a fingerprint, biometric data, and user input from an external device.
6. The intelligent toilet of claim 5, further comprising:
a fingerprint scanner on one of the toilet base and seat assembly for identifying a user from the fingerprint; and
a controller configured to communicate with the fingerprint scanner, analyzer and external device over a network such that the external device is capable of receiving output health data of a user.
7. The intelligent toilet of claim 2, further comprising a bidet stem located proximate to the arm, wherein the arm is retractable.
8. The intelligent toilet of claim 2, further comprising a bidet stem extending from a rear of the bowl body to a central portion of the bowl body, wherein the arm extends from a side of the bowl body to the central portion of the bowl body.
9. The intelligent toilet of claim 1, wherein the seat includes a cutout for removably receiving a mount of the urine collection system, the mount including an aperture configured to receive a test strip, and complementing the seat when the mount is coupled to the seat in the cutout.
10. The intelligent toilet of claim 9, wherein the bottom of the seat assembly includes an inlet for receiving a test strip and the analyzer is located in the bottom of the seat assembly.
11. The intelligent toilet of claim 1, further comprising a foot platform extending from a lower front portion of the toilet base, wherein the foot platform comprises:
a foot warmer including a heating element;
a heart rate sensor that measures a heart rate of a user;
a scale that measures the weight of a user;
a controller having a microprocessor controlling operation of the heating element, receiving a first input signal from the heart rate sensor in response to a measured heart rate, and a second input signal from the scale in response to a measured body weight; and
a display that displays the measured heart rate and the measured weight in response to the first and second input signals.
12. An intelligent toilet, comprising:
a toilet base having a main body and a bowl located within the main body;
a seat assembly including a bottom coupled to a toilet pan;
a urine collection system integrated with the base, comprising:
a valve integrated in an opening in the bowl body;
an arm embedded in a recess at a laterally lower edge of a forward and inward facing portion of the bottom in a non-use position and extendable upwardly and inwardly relative to an upper surface of the bowl body, the arm to receive a test strip for capturing urine from a user, and
an analyzer in the toilet base configured to analyze urine from a user captured to the test strip and provide output health data of the user; and
a platform extending from a front lower portion of the main body, the platform including at least one of a foot warmer, a heart rate sensor to measure a heart rate of a user, and a scale to measure a weight of the user.
13. The intelligent toilet of claim 12, wherein the analyzer is configured to collect a urine sample from a user.
14. The smart toilet of claim 13, further comprising a foot warmer, a heart rate sensor, a scale, and a controller, wherein the controller includes a microprocessor that controls operation of the foot warmer, receives a first input signal from the heart rate sensor in response to a measured heart rate, and receives a second input signal from the scale in response to a measured weight.
15. The intelligent toilet of claim 14, further comprising a display located on the toilet base or platform, wherein the display is configured to display the measured heart rate and the measured weight in response to the received first and second input signals.
16. The intelligent toilet of claim 14, wherein the controller communicates with an external device over a network such that the first and second input signals are received by the external device.
17. An intelligent toilet, comprising:
a toilet base;
a seat assembly having a seat rotatably coupled to the toilet base and a cover;
a urine collection system integrated with the seat assembly and including an arm that in a non-use position is embedded in a recess at a lateral lower edge of a forward and inward facing portion of the bottom of the seat assembly and that can extend upwardly and inwardly relative to an upper surface of the bowl body, the arm to receive a test strip for capturing urine from a user;
an analyzer integrated with at least one of the toilet base and seat assembly, wherein the analyzer detects urine from a user and provides output health data for the user;
a posture module including a sensor that measures and outputs a signal of a posture of a user when sitting on the seat; and
a control module that receives the signal and compares the measured posture to a threshold range, to transmit a first posture control signal in response to the measured posture being within the threshold range, and to transmit a second posture control signal in response to the measured posture being outside the threshold range.
18. The intelligent toilet of claim 17, wherein the sensor is a distance sensor coupled to the lid such that in the open position of the lid, the distance sensor measures a distance to a user and transmits the distance to the control module.
19. The intelligent toilet of claim 18, further comprising a speaker that emits a first sound in response to the first gestural control signal and a second sound in response to the second gestural control signal, wherein the first sound is music and the second sound is an alarm.
20. The intelligent toilet of claim 17, further comprising a speaker that is silent in response to the first gestural control signal and emits a sound in response to the second gestural control signal.
Priority Applications (4)
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CN201810552190.6A CN110552408B (en) | 2018-05-31 | 2018-05-31 | Sanitary seat for toilet and bidet |
US16/425,473 US11536712B2 (en) | 2018-05-31 | 2019-05-29 | Health seat for toilets and bidets |
US17/989,341 US11927588B2 (en) | 2018-05-31 | 2022-11-17 | Health seat for toilets and bidets |
US18/442,619 US20240183841A1 (en) | 2018-05-31 | 2024-02-15 | Health seat for toilets and bidets |
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CN201810552190.6A CN110552408B (en) | 2018-05-31 | 2018-05-31 | Sanitary seat for toilet and bidet |
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CN110552408B true CN110552408B (en) | 2021-09-17 |
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JP3401898B2 (en) * | 1994-02-23 | 2003-04-28 | 東陶機器株式会社 | Cleaning mechanism of urine sampling device |
JPH08262015A (en) * | 1995-03-22 | 1996-10-11 | Toto Ltd | Cleaning mechanism of urine sampling device |
JP4035645B2 (en) * | 2002-09-30 | 2008-01-23 | Toto株式会社 | Toilet seat device |
CN102041844B (en) * | 2010-12-14 | 2012-07-18 | 叶之谦 | Urine collecting structure for intelligent detection squatting pan |
CN104790487B (en) * | 2015-03-27 | 2016-05-18 | 深圳大学 | A kind of urinalysis intelligent closestool, urinalysis method and system thereof of automation |
CN105971082B (en) * | 2016-07-04 | 2018-05-18 | 松誉隆智能科技(江苏)有限公司 | A kind of intelligent bidet with urine detection function |
CN205983742U (en) * | 2016-08-12 | 2017-02-22 | 杭州培宇电子有限公司 | Human health monitoring closestool |
CN106567435A (en) * | 2016-11-09 | 2017-04-19 | 中科院合肥技术创新工程院 | Intelligent detection system and method for intelligent and healthy toilet |
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