Urine flow monitoring device and method
US8276465B2 · kind B2 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 8, 2010 |
| Grant date | Oct 2, 2012 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Nov 13, 2030 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
- CPC primaryA61B2562/0204
- WIPO fieldMeasurement
- WIPO sectorInstruments
Abstract
The unique characteristic sounds produced by urine as it impacts the surface of the water in a toilet are used to monitor men's urinary flow pattern and its dynamics. By detecting the intensity at selected acoustic frequencies, it is possible to accurately and precisely measure the urine flow rate. Techniques for analyzing urine flow and its dynamics employ sound levels that are detected at two or more distinct frequency regions or channels of the sound spectrum. One frequency region that is designated the measurement channel is where the sound measurement intensity strongly depends on urine flow levels. Another frequency region that is designated the reference channel is where the sound measurement intensity is not dependent on urine flow levels. By using a combination of measurements from the measurement channel and the reference channel, the urine-flow monitoring apparatus compensates for variations in operating conditions and other factors during use.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.