Patent Application
20210319911
The present disclosure relates to a system and method to obtain clearance.
The ability to track an individual's health and wellness is currently limited due to the lack of available data related to personal health. Many diagnostic tools are based on examination and testing of excreta, but the high cost of frequent doctor's visits and/or scans make these options available only on a very limited and infrequent basis. Thus, they are not widely available to people interested in tracking their own personal wellbeing.
There can be significant risk to the general public when in close contact with individuals who are infected with a contagious disease, such as a coronavirus. Individuals who may or may not be showing symptoms may be unaware they are infected with a contagious disease and are acting as a disease vector. Closed and confined areas such as airplane cabins, buses, commuter trains, and subway cars are especially robust areas to spread diseases.
The disclosure provides a system and a method for determining clearance for a user. The system includes user identification hardware configured to establish identity of the user. The system also includes a toilet configured to analyze a sample of excreta or sputum from the user, to thereby determine the status of the user with respect to a pre-determined condition. A processing module is configured to link the identity of the user with the status of the user. A communication module communicates information including the linked identity and status of the user to an authority. As such the authority is provided the information required to grant or deny clearance to the user.
The method uses an analytical toilet system with the capability to identify the user and to detect a condition by analyzing a sample of excreta or sputum from the user. The user is identified and a sample of excreta or sputum from the user is received in the analytical toilet system. The sample is analyzed in the analytical toilet system to detect the condition. The status of the user with respect to the condition is determined based on the result of the analysis. Information is transferred to an authority, which information includes the identity of the user linked to the status of the user with respect to the condition. Clearance is granted or denied based on the status of the user.
Further aspects and embodiments are provided in the foregoing drawings, detailed description and claims.
The following drawings are provided to illustrate certain embodiments described herein. The drawings are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of claimed inventions and are not intended to show every potential feature or embodiment of the claimed inventions. The drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale; in some instances, certain elements of the drawing may be enlarged with respect to other elements of the drawing for purposes of illustration.
The following description recites various aspects and embodiments of the inventions disclosed herein. No particular embodiment is intended to define the scope of the invention. Rather, the embodiments provide non-limiting examples of various compositions, and methods that are included within the scope of the claimed inventions. The description is to be read from the perspective of one of ordinary skill in the art. Therefore, information that is well known to the ordinarily skilled artisan is not necessarily included.
The following terms and phrases have the meanings indicated below, unless otherwise provided herein. This disclosure may employ other terms and phrases not expressly defined herein. Such other terms and phrases shall have the meanings that they would possess within the context of this disclosure to those of ordinary skill in the art. In some instances, a term or phrase may be defined in the singular or plural. In such instances, it is understood that any term in the singular may include its plural counterpart and vice versa, unless expressly indicated to the contrary.
As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. For example, reference to “a substituent” encompasses a single substituent as well as two or more substituents, and the like.
As used herein, “for example,” “for instance,” “such as,” or “including” are meant to introduce examples that further clarify more general subject matter. Unless otherwise expressly indicated, such examples are provided only as an aid for understanding embodiments illustrated in the present disclosure and are not meant to be limiting in any fashion. Nor do these phrases indicate any kind of preference for the disclosed embodiment.
As used herein, “toilet” is meant to refer to any device or system for receiving human excreta, including urinals.
As used herein, the term “bowl” refers to the portion of a toilet that is designed to receive excreta.
As used herein, the term “base” refers to the portion of the toilet below and around the bowl supporting it.
As used herein, the term “user” refers to any individual who interacts with the toilet and deposits excreta therein.
As used herein, the term “excreta” refers to any substance released from the body including urine, feces, menstrual discharge, saliva, mucus, expectorate, sputum, and anything contained therein or excreted therewith.
As used herein, the term “sputum” refers to a mixture of saliva and mucus coughed up from the respiratory tract, typically as a result of infection or other disease and often examined to aid medical diagnosis.
As used herein, the term “manifold” is intended to have a relatively broad meaning, referring to a device with multiple conduits and valves to controllably distribute fluids, namely water, liquid sample and air.
As used herein, the term “test chamber” is meant to refer broadly to any space adapted to receive a sample for testing, receive any other substances used in a test, and apparatus for conducting a test, including any flow channel for a fluid being tested or used for testing.
As used herein, the term “sensor” is meant to refer to any device for detecting and/or measuring a property of a person or substance regardless of how that property is detected or measured, including the absence of a target molecule or characteristic.
As used herein, the term “microfluidics” is meant to refer to the manipulation of fluids that, are contained to small scale, typically sub-millimeter channels. The “micro” used with this term and others in describing this invention is not intended to set a maximum or a minimum size for the channels or volumes.
As used herein, the term “microfluidic chip (MFC)” is meant, to refer to is a set of channels, typically less than 1 mm2, that are etched, machined, 3D printed, or molded into a microchip. The micro-channels are used to manipulate microfluidic flows into, within, and out of the microfluidic chip.
As used herein, the term “microfluidic chamber” is meant to refer to a test chamber adapted to receive microfluidic flows and/or a test chamber on a microfluidic chip.
As used herein, the term “lab-on-chip” is meant to refer to a device that integrates one or more laboratory functions or tests on a single integrated circuit, lab-on-a-chip devices are a subset of microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) and are sometimes called “micro total analysis systems” (μTAS).
As used herein, the term “data connection” and similar terms are meant to refer to any wired or wireless means of transmitting analog or digital data and a data connection may refer to a connection within a toilet system or with devices outside the toilet.
As used herein, “biomarker” and “biological marker” are meant to refer to a measurable indicator of some biological state or condition, such as a normal biological processes, pathogenic processes, or pharmacologic, responses to a therapeutic intervention. Some biomarkers are related to individual states or conditions. Other biomarkers are related to groups or classifications or states or conditions. For example, a biomarker may be symptomatic of a single disease or of a group of similar diseases that create the same biomarker.
As used herein, “analyte” is meant to refer to a substance whose chemical constituents are being identified and measured.
As used herein, the prefix “nano-” is meant to refer to something in size such that units are often converted to the nano-scale for ease before a value is provided. For example, the dimensions of a molecule may be given in nanometers rather than in meters.
As used herein, “miniaturized electronic system” is meant to refer to an electronic system that uses nanometer scale technology.
As used herein, a “fluidic circuit” is meant to refer to the purposeful control of the flow of a fluid. Often, this is accomplished through physical structures that direct the fluid flow. Sometimes, a fluidic circuit does not include moving parts.
As used herein, a “fluidic chip” is meant to refer to a physical device that, houses a fluidic circuit. Often, a fluidic chip facilitates the fluid connection of the fluidic circuit to a body of fluid.
As used herein, a “authority” is meant to refer to a governing body. The governing body can be a government of a nation or governmental agency of a nation. The governing body can preside over a form of public transportation such as an airline, subway, bus, ship, cruise line, city or regional transit or other transportation organization. The governing body can preside over a sports or athletics organization. The governing body may be made up of one or more people. The governing body can establish rules, guidelines or laws that a user must follow in order for a user to use or have access to the services provided.
As used herein, “clearance” is meant to refer to allowance granted to a user who has successfully passed pre-determined requirements. The clearance allows the user to use public transportation, travel across borders, attend amusement parks, attend or participate in sporting events, or in general, participate in activities where large groups of people congregate. The user may also include employees who work for public transportation, amusement parks, sports, border control or other organizations that manage and come into contact with large groups of people. Clearance allows a user to participate in or manage activities that do not affect themselves or others in a negative way. A user who has obtained clearance may also be referred to as one who has been “certified”, “granted permission” or “approved”.
As used herein, “PET” is meant to refer to a field effect transistor, which is a device which uses an electric, field to control the current flowing through a device. FETs are also known by the name “unipolar transistor”.
As used herein, a “NAT” is meant to refer to a nucleic-acid test which is a technique used to detect a particular nucleic acid sequence and thus usually to detect and identify a particular species or subspecies of organism, often a virus or bacteria that acts as a pathogen in blood, tissue, urine, etc. NATs differ from other tests in that they detect genetic materials (RNA or DNA) rather than antigens or antibodies. Detection of genetic materials allows an early diagnosis of a disease because the detection of antigens and/or antibodies requires time for them to start appearing in the stool, bloodstream, or other locations.
As used herein, a “NAAT” is meant to refer to a nucleic-acid amplification test to identify small amounts of DNA or RNA in test samples. They can, therefore, be used to identify bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens even when the material of interest is present in very small amounts. NAATs required an additional step to amplify the genetic material by making copies of it. NAATs are typically used in conjunction with such amplification methods as PCR, strand displacement assay (SDA), or transcription mediated assay (TMA).
As used herein, the term “virus” is given its ordinary meaning, namely a small infectious agent, comprised of genetic material within a capsid (protein coat), that replicates only inside the living ceils of an organism.
As used herein, a “coronavirus” is a type of virus that causes diseases in birds and mammals. In humans, coronaviruses cause respiratory tract infections that can be mild, such as some cases of the common cold, and others that can be lethal. The coronavirus class of viruses includes alphacoronavirus, betacoronavirus, gammacoronavirus, or deltacoronavirus. More specifically, these viruses include severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV), SARS-CoV-2 (also known as COVID-19), and middle east respiratory syndrome (MERS-CoV).
Toilets present a fertile environment for locating a variety of useful sensors to detect, analyze, and track trends for multiple health conditions. Locating sensors in such a location allows for passive observation and tracking on a regular basis of daily visits without the necessity of visiting a medical clinic for collection of samples and data. Monitoring trends over time of health conditions supports continual wellness monitoring and maintenance rather than waiting for symptoms to appear and become severe enough to motivate a person to seek care. At that point, preventative care may be eliminated as an option leaving only more intrusive and potentially less effective curative treatments. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
One particular variety of detection, analysis, and trend tracking is related to biomarkers. “A bio-marker, or biological marker, is a measurable indicator of some biological state or condition. Biomarkers are often measured and evaluated to examine normal biological processes, pathogenic processes, or pharmacologic responses to a therapeutic intervention. Biomarker information can be a valuable resource in providing for the health and wellness of an individual or population. Some of the uses include being used to detect a contagious disease at its earliest stages and monitoring the progression of key health metrics over time.
The present disclosure relates to a method to obtain clearance. The disclosure further relates to analytical toilets with analytical tools (may also be referred to as a “smart toilet” or a “health and wellness” toilet) which detects, analyzes, and/or tracks the trends of analytes, such as biomarkers, of a user who deposits excreta into the toilet. More specifically, the toilet receives excreta or sputum from a user, processes the excreta or sputum in preparation for analysis, and brings a sample extracted from the excreta or sputum into a testing area for detection of a health condition by a detection system. In some embodiments, sputum deposited upon a probe may also be deposited in the toilet or inserted into a receptacle for analysis. The health condition may include, for example, if the user has alcohol or illicit drugs in their body, high blood pressure, fever, diabetes or congestive heart failure. In an exemplary embodiment, the detection system in an analytical toilet described herein may be able to detect one or more viruses or bacteria. In particular, the detection system can detect contagious viruses such as from the coronavirus class including alphacoronavirus, betacoronavirus, gammacoronavirus, or deltacoronavirus. More preferably, the viruses that may be detected include SARS-CoV-2 (also known as COVID-19) or SARS-CoV. Other contagious viruses include influenza A (e.g., H1N1, H1N2), dengue, bacterial meningitis, viral meningitis, Ebola and Zika. The detection area may comprise a NAT, NAAT, or FET-based detection system After the toilet has finished with the sample, the toilet purges the sample from the toilet in preparation for receiving a new sample of excreta or sputum. The information received from the detection system in the analytical toilet may be used by an authority to grant clearance to a user if the user is found to not have a condition that would affect themselves or others in a negative manner. For example, travel clearance would not be granted to a user who is infected by a contagious disease or other disease that may put the general public at risk. The travel clearance would prevent the user from crossing continental, national, state, city, county, regional or other borders and would prevent the user from using one or more forms of public transportation.
In various exemplary embodiments, the analytical toilet comprises test devices that are designed to perform one or more of a variety of laboratory tests. Any test that could be performed in a medical or laboratory setting may be implemented in an analytical test device. These tests may include measuring pulse, blood pressure, blood oxygenation, electrocardiography, body temperature, body weight, excreta or sputum content, excreta or sputum weight, excreta or sputum volume, excreta or sputum temperature, excreta or sputum density, excreta flow rate, and other health and wellness indicators. This information may also be used to grant or not grant clearance to a user.
In accordance with the present disclosure, an analytical toilet that includes an infrastructure for multiple health and wellness analysis tools is provided. This provides a platform for the development of new analytical tools by interested scientists and companies. Newly developed tests and diagnostic tools may be readily adapted for use in a system having a consistent tool interface.
In various exemplary embodiments, the analytical toilet provides a fluid processing manifold that collects and routes samples from the toilet bowl to various scientific test devices and waste handling portals throughout the device.
In various exemplary embodiments, the analytical toilet provides multiple fluid sources via a manifold system. The manifold is adapted to connect to a plurality of analytic test devices adapted to receive fluids from the manifold. The manifold is designed to selectively provide a variety of different fluid flows to the analytical test device. These fluids may include, among others, excreta samples, sputum, buffer solutions, reagents, water, cleaners, biomarkers, dilution solutions, calibration solutions, and gases such as air or nitrogen. These fluids may be provided at different, pressures and temperatures. The manifold and analytical test device are also adapted to include a fluid drain from the analytical test, devices.
In various exemplary embodiments, the manifold system provides a standardized interface for analytical test, devices to connect and receive all common supplies (e.g., excreta samples, sputum, flush water), data, and power. Common supplies may be supplied from within (e.g., reagents, cleaners) or without (e.g., water) the toilet system. The analytical test devices may be designed to receive some or all of the standardized flows. The analytical test devices may also include storage cells for their own unique supplies (e.g., test reagent).
In various exemplary embodiments, the manifold is adapted to direct fluids from one or more sources to one or more analytical test devices. The manifold and analytical test devices are designed such that analytical test devices can be attached to and detached from the manifold making them interchangeable based on the needs of the user. Different analytical test devices are designed to utilize different test methods and to test excreta or sputum samples for different constituents, such as contagious bacteria or viruses.
In various exemplary embodiments, the analytical toilet provides an electrical power connection and a data connection for the analytical test device. In a preferred embodiment, the electrical power and data connections use the same circuit. In various exemplary embodiments, the toilet is provided with pneumatic and/or hydraulic power to accommodate the analytical test devices.
In various exemplary embodiments, the analytical toilet platform performs various functions necessary to prepare samples for examination. These functions include, but are not limited to, separating urine from feces, diluting or concentrating samples, large particle filtration, sample agitation, and adding reagents.
In various exemplary embodiments, the analytical toilet also provides, among other things, fluid transport, fluid metering, fluid valving, fluid mixing, separation, amplification, storage and release, and incubation. The analytical toilet also is equipped to provide cleansers, sanitizers, rinsing, and flushing of all parts of the system to prevent cross contamination of samples. In some embodiments, the system produces electrolyzed water for cleaning.
In various exemplary embodiments, one layer of the fluidic manifold is dedicated to macro-scale mixing of fluids. Sample, diluents, and reagents are available as inputs to the mixers. The mixing chamber is placed in series with all other scientific test devices, allowing bulk mixed sample to be routed to anywhere from one to all stations (i.e., analytical test device interfaces) for analysis. Mixing may also occur in an analytical test device.
In various exemplary embodiments, urine samples are filtered for large particulates at the fluid ingress ports of the manifold. The fluid manifold uses a network of channels along with simple valves to route prepared stool samples to one of several scientific test devices located on the platform.
In various exemplary embodiments, the manifold is constructed using additive layers, and different layers can be customized for particular applications. Standard ports and layouts are used for interfacing with external components, such as pressure sources and flow sensors. In general, characteristic channel volumes at the bottom of the manifold stack are on the order of milliliters. At the top of the manifold stack is the microfluidic science device, which will interface simultaneously with multiple microfluidic chips using standardized layout and pressure seals.
In various exemplary embodiments, the system is adapted to work with a variety of actuation technologies that may be used in the analytical test devices. The system provides electronic and fluidic interconnects for various actuator technologies and supports OEM equipment. In a preferred embodiment, the system is adapted to work with actuator modules that can be attached to the sample delivery manifold and controlled by a central processor. The system platform supports an inlet and outlet for the pressure transducer that interfaces with the fluidic manifold, and electronic or pneumatic connections where required. The system supports a variety of macro- and microfluidic actuation technologies including, but not limited to, pneumatic driven, mechanical pumps (e.g., peristaltic), on-chip check-valve actuators (e.g., piezo-driven or magnetic), electroosmotic driven flow, vacuum pumps, and capillary or gravity driven flow (i.e., with open channels and vents).
One benefit of the present disclosure is the detection, monitoring, and tracking of a user's biomarkers without having any inconvenience aside from what they would otherwise do using the toilet. Without the present disclosure, among other things, people often have to manually collect samples of excreta, use equipment they are less familiar with than a toilet, or wait longer for analysis and results. Each of these things can negatively impact a user's experience and/or the quality or accuracy of the results. Additionally, the present disclosure describes tracking the trend data of a population of users. This may be beneficial in the detection of an emergence of an epidemic or even a pandemic.
Now referring to
A manifold 200 is located below the bowl 108. The manifold 200 comprises a plurality of fluid paths. These fluid paths allow the manifold 200 to move fluids between the bowl 108, fluid containers 114, outside sources (e.g., municipal water supplies), other sources (e.g., air or water electrolyzing unit), analytical test devices 210, and the toilet outlet. The analytical test devices 210 make up a detection system for one or more viruses. The manifold 200 also provides electrical power and data connections to the analytical test devices 210. The manifold 200 can also directly pass fluids and/or solids from the bowl 108 to the toilet, outlet. The manifold 200 is adapted to provide receptacles 210 with standardized connection interfaces for multiple analytical test devices 210. The manifold 200 is shown here with multiple fluid sources 201 for the analytical test device 210. In various embodiments, the manifold 200 may include receptacles for more than one type of analytical test device 210 (e.g., different sizes, fluid supply needs, etc.). In various exemplary embodiments, the analytical test device 210 includes multiple inlets in fluid communication with the manifold 200. The analytic test device 210 may also include at least one outlet or drain in fluid communication with the manifold 200.
In various exemplary embodiments, manifold may comprise a microfluidic system to isolate and transport a sample, add and mix reagents if appropriate, filter out solids, and test the sample for one or more coronaviruses on a small scale (i.e., sub-millimeter scale) in a health and wellness analytical toilet described herein. The microfluidic system may comprise an open microfluidic system, continuous-flow microfluidic system, droplet-based microfluidic system, digital microfluidic system, nanofluidic system, paper based microfluidic system or combinations thereof.
A microfluidic-based contagious disease detection system may be located on a microfluidic chip (MFC). In a preferred embodiment, the MFC includes a test chamber with a lab-on-chip (“LoC”) (also known as “test-on-chip”). The LoC may be designed to perform one or more laboratory tests. In various exemplary embodiments, one or more microfluidic chips (MFCs) may be removed or added to the toilet system as desired or needed at any given time, such as for different biomarker tests. In exemplary embodiments, a DNA microfluidic chip may be used as a component in a virus biomarker sensor in a health and wellness analytical toilet. The DNA chip may comprise a DNA microarray, such as the GeneChip DNAarray (Affymetrix, Santa Clara, Calif., USA). The DNA microarray comprises one or more pieces of DNA (probes) for virus biomarker detection. The MFC may comprise one or more affixed proteins in an array like fashion. In an exemplary embodiment, the proteins are monoclonal antibodies for detection of antigens. A DNA microarray may also be used to detect RNA-based virus genetic material.
In various exemplary embodiments, a MFC is designed to use very small quantities of reagent. In various exemplary embodiments, reagents are dispensed using technology similar to that used in inkjet, printers to dispense ink. In some embodiments, an electrical current is applied piezoelectric crystal causing its shape or size to change forcing a droplet of reagent to be ejected through a nozzle. In some embodiments, an electrical current is applied to a heating element (i.e., resistor) causing reagent to be heated into a tiny gas bubble increasing pressure in the reagent vessel forcing a droplet of reagent to be ejected.
In various exemplary embodiments, the toilet fluidic manifold provides routing. Interconnecting levels of channels allows routing from one port to all others. Each channel includes an accumulator; allows for constant pressure pumping of all active channels simultaneously, while time-multiplexing pump-driven inflow.
In various exemplary embodiments, the manifold has reaction chambers built in for general purpose mixing and filtering operations. Each chamber has a macro-sized channel through which the manifold delivers a sample extracted from urine (filling the reaction chamber), and the chamber has a micro-sized channel. Pumps located internal or external to the manifold drive fluid into the reaction chamber, and into the micro-sized channel. A valve at the output of the macro channel, and possibly at the output of the micro-channel, controls fluid direction as it exits the reaction chamber.
Microfluidic applications require support infrastructure for sample preparation, sample delivery, consumable storage, consumable delivery or replenishment, and waste extraction. In various exemplary embodiments, the manifold includes integrated support for differential pressure applications, pneumatic operations, sample and additive reservoirs, sample accumulators, external pumps, pneumatic pressure sources, active pump pressure (e.g., peristaltic, check-valve actuators, electro-osmotic, electrophoretic), acoustic or vibrational energy, and light-interaction (e.g., spectrometer, laser, UV, magnification). The acoustic energy source may be a high frequency (54 MHz) bulk acoustic wave (BAW) actuator.
In various exemplary embodiments, the manifold interface has a matrix of ports, possibly laid out in a regular grid. These ports may be activated or closed via an external support manifold. Routing is fully programmable.
In various exemplary embodiments, the manifold directs one or more fluids to the analytical test device or an MFC analytical test device to cleanse the devices. These may include cleaning solutions, disinfectants, and flushing fluids. In various exemplary embodiments, the manifold directs hot water or steam to clean sample, reagents, etc. from the devices. In various exemplary embodiments, the toilet systems using oxygenated water, ozonated water, electrolyzed water, which may be generated on an as-needed basis by the toilet system (this may be internal or external to the toilet).
In some embodiments, the manifold comprises a heater. The heater may be used to drive off water and concentrate a urine sample.
In various exemplary embodiments, waste from the MFCs is managed based on its characteristics and associated legal requirements. Waste that can be safely disposed is discharged into the sewer line. Waste that can be rendered chemically inert, (e.g., heat treatment, vaporization, neutralization) is processed and discharged. Waste that cannot be discharged or treated in the toilet system is stored, and sequestered if necessary, for removal and appropriate handling.
In various exemplary embodiments, the manifold creates sequestered zones for each of these waste categories and ensures that all products are properly handled. In various exemplary embodiments, the manifold directs flushing water and/or cleansing fluids to clean the manifold and MFC. In some embodiments, high-pressure fluids are used for cleaning. In such an embodiment, the high-pressure fluids are not used in the MFC. In some embodiments, the MFC is removed from the backplate interface and all ports are part of the high-pressure cleansing and/or rinse.
There are many ways to incorporate detection systems into the toilet, the selection of which will depend on various factors, including ease of manufacture and maintenance, target market, physical constraints, frequency of use compared to other desired functions of the toilet, and cost. In one preferred embodiment, the detection system is integrated with a fluidic circuit. More preferably, the fluidic circuit is on a fluidic card. Still more preferably, the fluidic circuit on the fluidic card is a microfluidic circuit on a micro fluidic card. Yet more preferably, the microfluidic circuit interfaces with nano-scale fluidic circuits. Preferably, the fluidic card is inserted into a slot or receptacle of the toilet which connects the fluid circuit on the card to the toilet's fluidic delivery system, enabling the card to receive the sample derived from excreta or sputum. Alternatively, the detection system is part of a larger device that may be attached to the toilet, such as a device that processes and/or analyzes the sample extracted from excreta or sputum. Alternatively, the detection system is built into the toilet rather than being on a card. Alternatively, the sensor is external to the remainder of the toilet and is connected to receive and/or return fluid from the toilet, such as may be accomplished by connecting the sensor to part of the toilet with tubes or pipes.
In some embodiments, analytical toilet may further comprise one or more sensors to collect information such as the temperature, blood pressure, pulse, body weight and electrocardiography (EKG), blood oxygenation, water retention, skin moisture, excreta content, excreta weight, excreta volume, excreta temperature, excreta density, and excreta flow rate of the user. The sensors may be located in the seat, lid, or other location in the toilet. To gain an accurate body temperature of a user, an infra-red (IR) camera may be located in the bowl such that the temperature of a stream of urine may be taken as it is leaving the body of the user. This would provide an accurate method of determining the core temperature of the user. In a preferred embodiment, the seat is attached to the toilet via a powered quick disconnect system that allows the seat to be interchangeable. This facilitates installing custom seats to include user-specific tests based on known health conditions. It also facilitates installing upgraded seats as sensor technology improves.
In a first step in a method to obtain clearance, a user downloads an application onto their mobile phone, computer or tablet. The user sets up an account using the application over an encrypted network and enters driver's license, passport, social security information and any other information required to prove the user's identity. In another method, a user may purchase a card with a chip or magnetic stripe that contains identification information that may only be used with an analytical toilet.
The user's account may be linked to a governmental authority such as the United States (U.S.) Department of State, U.S. Department of the interior, U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), U.S. Homeland Security, U.S. Transportation Security Administration (TSA), U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), U.S. Border Patrol, or other authority. The user's account may also be linked to any foreign authority such as a foreign governmental body or foreign non-governmental body. The user's account may be directly linked to one or more transportation-based authorities. Such accounts may be a ride sharing account such as Uber or Lyft. The accounts may be an airline account such as American Airlines, Allegiant, Southwest, United Airlines, JetBlue, or any other domestic or foreign airline. Other accounts may be a passenger train account such as Amtrak, a transit authority account for a local bus system, subway system, or ferry system. Other accounts may include a cruise line or passenger ship line such as Carnival Cruise Line or Canadian Star Line. The user's account may be linked to their health care provider. The user's account may be linked to a venue or other location where large groups of people congregate such as amusement parks, hotels, national parks, beaches, convention centers, or stadiums. The user's account may be linked to one or more athletic competition authorities to allow or not allow a user to compete in an athletic competition such as wrestling, football, basketball, martial arts or other sport.
Once an account has been created to identify a user, the user may then locate a certified or approved analytical toilet. The toilet may be linked to any authority described herein or other related authority. The toilet may be located in a transportation terminal such as an airport terminal, bus station, train station, ferry station, cruise line terminal or taxi station. The toilet may be located at home, a nursing home, doctor's office, hospital, gymnasium, or fitness center. In some embodiments, the toilet may be located in a privately owned and exclusive facility such as a lounge or a spa. The lounge or spa may provide a more comfortable, private and sterile setting to utilize the toilet. The lounge or spa may be sex or gender specific. The lounge or spa may grant memberships and require a fee to use the lounge service. For example, a monthly or yearly fee may be charged.
A user may create an electronic data connection with an analytical toilet and enter the user's identification information. This is such that the data from the testing of excreta or sputum is linked to the user. This may be done by logging in to the analytical toilet system using an interface that is in electronic communication with the analytical toilet. This may be done manually by using a touch pad dedicated to the toilet or on a user device (e.g., phone, tablet, laptop) with appropriate software installed.
The linking of a user to an analytical toilet may be done using a Bluetooth connection or using a QR code or other optical or wireless connection to a smart device such as a mobile phone, tablet or computer of a user.
The linking may also be done biometrically by using a biometric identification unit, such as a fingerprint scanner, palm scanner, face recognition scanner, hand geometry scanner, iris scanner, or retinal scanner to identify a user.
In another method to identify a user and link the results from use of an analytical toilet is to use a card with a magnetic stripe with a card reading unit. Such cards could be a passport, driver's license, or a credit card. In some instances, a user could have a card that is specifically issued by an authority, like a membership card, to use an analytical toilet. The card could have a pre paid option, such as using the toilet at a lounge or spa instead of in a public location. An advantage of this user identification method is that the user could carry a physical membership card with them and would not need a smart phone to access a station-an option that might be more appealing to some populations. A card reading unit may also be used to pay a fee to use the toilet with a credit card, gift card or debit card.
In some instances, the identity of a user may use one or more methods of the identification methods described herein. For example, a user may need to complete a biometric scan in addition to scanning an identification card comprising a magnetic strip in order to link the results to an analytical toilet.
In some embodiments, a user may desire to not set up an account or link the results. The user may want to use an analytical toilet for their own personal health and wellness evaluation and information and not send the results to an authority.
Whatever the form of or combination of user identification used, the purpose is not necessarily to lock out users who are not prequalified. The user identification unit may be used to enable the smart features of the toilet, and identification is necessary to connect the data to a user profile. However, in a preferred embodiment, the analytical toilets may be used and accessed like normal washroom facilities by anyone who chooses not to utilize the other features.
In various exemplary embodiments, the toilet system passively monitors usage to test users without identifying individuals or connecting the data obtained to an individual. This data may be used to track trends among users, identify new outbreaks (e.g., monitoring for the appearance of seasonal flu), or group monitoring among other purposes. In some such embodiments, a sample that indicates the presence of a contagious pathogen (e.g., CoVID-19 virus) may be tracked back to an individual or small group of users using passive monitoring and identification such as facial recognition applied to recordings of users entering and/or exiting the toilet system and biometric data such as weight, gender, height, etc. Persons who might have provided the sample may then be tested to determine if any are infected. Such an embodiment may be placed in a public location (e.g., airport, bus or train terminal, public building) or a location with limited access (e.g., private building, airplane, train).
A user may next leave a sample of excreta or sputum in an analytical toilet. The analytical toilet processes and prepares the excreta or sputum sample. The sample may then be transferred using a passage to a detection system. One or more detection systems may be installed in the analytical toilet such as a DNA microarray, NAT, NAAT or FET-based detection system. The detection system analyzes the sample and other health and wellness data taken by the toilet and determines if the user has a condition that would prevent the user from obtaining clearance. This includes being under the influence of alcohol or an illicit drug such as cocaine or marijuana. This includes being infected with a contagious disease such as coronavirus, dengue, bacterial or viral meningitis, Zika, Ebola, or influenza A. This may also include testing for temperature, blood pressure, pulse, body weight, electrocardiography (EKG), blood oxygenation, water retention, skin moisture, excreta content, excreta weight, excreta volume, excreta temperature, excreta density, and excreta flow rate of the user. In some instances, the user may not have an infection but may have congestive heart failure, high or low blood pressure, or another health condition. In this instance, the user may not obtain clearance to participate in athletic competitions, take an intercontinental flight, or enter an amusement park or participate in other risky activities that put themselves in danger.
The analytical toilet processes the computer readable data from the detection system and sends the information to the user. In this instance, the information could not be sent to an authority as identification of the user was not set up before the test. This prevents fraudulent activity from testing and analysis of one user being sent in place of another user. This method allows for a user to be tested for their own personal and confidential information. The user may choose to keep the information private and be re tested using an analytical toilet at a later date when the user may be cured of a disease, healed of any condition or no longer under the influence of alcohol or an illicit drug that would prevent them from obtaining clearance. The user may have it sent to their health care provider.
In another embodiment, a user may link to the analytical toilet system to substantiate their identity, leave a sample of excreta or sputum to be tested, then have the option of keeping the information private or sending it directly to an authority for clearance. The results may or not be permanently linked to the user.
In preferred embodiments, the information collected from the analytical toilet is sent directly to a governmental authority, athletic competition authority or transportation based company, or other authority such as those previously listed herein. In some instances, the authority only receives indication of pass or fail without receiving all of the health and wellness information that was collected by the analytical toilet. This provides enough information to an authority to give or not to give clearance to a user but protects the information of the user and keeps it confidential to the user and, at the option of the user, their health care provider. At any time, the clearance of a user may be revoked by one or more authorities. This may be done to remove one or more people from a venue such as a governmental building.
When the user uses the analytical toilet, a time stamp may also be associated with the health and wellness information collected by the toilet. This is especially important for control of the spreading of contagious diseases amongst the general public. For example, if a contagion, such as a strain of coronavirus, has a seven-day period from which a user is infected to when the user is contagious, the authority may require the user to be tested every seven days. Thus, the length of time between uses of the toilet may be disease dependent. The length of time required between using the analytical toilet may vary from country to country, region to region, or if there is a threat of an epidemic or pandemic. In some instances, a transportation authority may require a test within a short time frame before boarding such as one or two hours prior. In any of the methods described to transfer health and wellness data from an analytical toilet, the data may be uploaded to a cloud storage center. The data may be retrieved from the cloud by the user, an authorized entity, or a health care provider.
1. User Enters Identification Information at an Analytical Toilet 502;
2. User Deposits Excreta or Sputum in an Analytical Toilet 504;
3. Analytical Toilet Processes Excreta or Sputum 506;
4. A Risky Health Condition is Not Found in the User 508;
5. Analytical Toilet Sends Information to the User 510;
6. User Sends Information to an Authority 512;
7. Authority Receives Information 514; and
8. Authority Grants Clearance to the User 516.
Following use of the analytical toilet, the toilet may prepare the system for future analysis by removing from the test area waste products and other things that might contaminate the next analysis. This could include flushing the detection system, adding a buffer or stabilizing solution, or adding a gas to remove all liquid from the system. There are various options to clean, sanitize, and/or prepare the various components of the detection system between uses of the toilet. In one preferred embodiment, hot water is run through the fluidic circuits. In another preferred embodiment, oxygenated water is run through the fluidic circuits. In yet another preferred embodiment, a gas is run through the fluidic circuits to remove any liquid from being in contact with the detection system. Alternatively, cleaning and/or preservation agents are run through the fluid circuits.
In various exemplary embodiments, the lid may contain health and wellness sensors that interact with the user's back or that analyze gases in the bowl after the lid is closed.
In various exemplary embodiments, the analytical toilet includes software and hardware controls that are pre-set so that any manufacturer can configure their devices (i.e., analytical test devices) to work in the system. In a preferred embodiment, the system includes a software stack that allows for data channels to transfer data from the sensors in the medical toilet to cloud data systems. The software and hardware controls and/or software stack may be stored in the analytical toilet or remotely. This would allow scientists to place sensors, reagents, etc. in the system to obtain data for their research. It also allows user data to be individually processed, analyzed, and delivered to the user, or their health care provider, digitally (e.g., on a phone, tablet, or computer application). The seat may also contain sensors to measure fluid levels in the toilet. This could include proximity sensors. Alternatively, tubes in fluid communication with the bowl water could be used to determine changes to bowl fluids (e.g., volume, temperature, rate of changes, etc.).
The toilet disclosed herein has many possible uses, including private and public use. Whether for use by one individual, a small group of known users, or general public use, the toilet can detect, monitor, and create one-time and/or trend data for a variety of analytes, such as virus biomarkers. This data can be used to prompt a user to seek additional medical, health, or wellness advice or treatment; track or monitor a user or population's known condition; and provide early detection or anticipation of a disease or another condition of which a user or population may wish to be aware. The analytical toilet described herein may be used for travelers seeking to pass through a continental, national, state, city, county, regional, or other border. Mobile units may be developed for a population under quarantine.
While the present disclosure often notes the detection system and other components supporting excreta and sputum analysis are located within the toilet, it is possible that some or all of the components are located outside of the toilet. For example, the sample preparation, detection, and processing equipment may be a separate unit adjacent to the toilet which cooperates with the toilet to automatically or semi-automatically receive excreta or sputum, prepare a sample of excreta or sputum for analysis, test the sample, discard the sample, and prevent cross contamination by cleaning and/or sterilizing portions of the toilet and external equipment that do any portion of the described process.
The following example is provided as part of the disclosure as an embodiment of the present invention. As such, none of the information provided below is to be taken as limiting the scope of the invention.
Example 1 is illustrative of a preferred method of obtaining travel clearance. The method comprises:
1. A user downloads an application on to their mobile phone. The user sets up an account over an encrypted network and enters driver's license and social security information.
2. A user electronically connects to the analytical toilet by exposing the QR code from the application on the user's phone or tablet to the user interface of the analytical toilet.
3. A user deposits a sample of sputum into the analytical toilet.
4. The analytical toilet transports the sample of sputum through a passage to the manifold. The manifold prepares the sample and delivers it to the detection system.
5. The detection system does not detect the presence of a contagious virus material.
6. The detection system relays the computer-readable data to a processor.
7. The processor processes the data and relays the information to the application on the user's mobile phone.
8. The user relays the information to the U.S. Transportation Safety Administration.
9. The U.S. Transportation Safety Administration grants the user clearance to travel aboard an airline for the next seven days.
10. The clearance to travel information appears on the boarding pass of the user.
11. The analytical toilet flushes and cleans the detection system and bowl in preparation for the next user.
All patents, published patent applications, and other publications referred to herein are incorporated herein by reference. The invention has been described with reference to various specific and preferred embodiments and techniques. Nevertheless, it is understood that many variations and modifications may be made while remaining within the spirit and scope of the invention.
This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/007,257 entitled “Method for Obtaining Clearance” filed on 8 Apr. 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 63007257 | Apr 2020 | US |
