INTRODUCTION

This invention pertains to the field of medical diagnostics where the sanitary ware is incorporated with a diagnostic device for the purpose of examination of the human excreta, especially for making an early cancer diagnosis and other stool tests.

The incidence of cancers in the gastrointestinal tract especially the colon and small intestine are on the increase. One of the major causes of severe morbidity and mortality is late detection. To detect cancers earlier, stool tests are in vogue. But due to the practical difficulty and aversion associated with the collection and transportation of the stools, many patients miss early diagnosis.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The sanitary ware industry can be traced back to several centuries where the toilet systems were very different in various parts of the world. As the civilization began its modernization, the toilet systems started to become universal. Now there are only a few methods of toileting around the globe and only two methods are very popular.

The Western commode system and the eastern or Indian toilet systems are the two commonly used toileting systems.

There are several types of western and Indian sanitary ware which satisfy the users. Many a times the sanitary ware fails to satisfy the users but the users just get used to the available sanitary ware. The importance of a perfect sanitary ware is not understood by the users. The manufacturers though they understand the defects of the sanitary ware, fail to rectify their defects and some manufacturers make genuine efforts to give the best to their customers. Invariably all the major manufacturers have R & D facilities to upgrade their products. It deserves appreciation that a few companies have shown utmost care to make their products user friendly. PRIOR ART

The stool examination has been in practice since several centuries. In earlier days, the doctors used to detect abnormality in the stools by color and odor only. Later on the advancement in the field of biochemistry led to several tests. The present world is able to detect the stool based DNA methylation biomarkers for cancer screening. The earlier methods recommend the stool sample taken from the toilet has to be brought or sent to the laboratory for analysis.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a toilet commode comprising a diagnostic device for analysing a stool sample deposited in the toilet commode, wherein the diagnostic device comprises: an analysis tool configured to analyse a stool sample; and a stool sample extraction tool configured to extract a stool sample from an outlet pipe of the toilet commode and to supply the stool sample to the analysis tool.

The toilet commode may circumvent the uneasiness associated with stool collection and transportation by eliminating the handling of human excreta by the patient and by the laboratory staff. Further, the human excreta may be examined at the site of defecation and so the time related alterations in the sample can be avoided. Early cancer diagnosis may be made practically possible with this concept.

At least the preferred embodiments of the invention aim at promoting the user friendly concept and making the toilet commode as the best possible medical diagnostic device to detect blood in the stools/urine at an early stage to fight cancer menace that is troubling the world. Not all types of cancers but definitely the genitourinary tract cancers, gastro intestinal cancers and uterine cancers may be detected at an early stage by detecting the pain less loss of blood in the stools/urine during the toilet usage. Both the occult blood and altered blood in the stools could be detected with this device. In addition to this the worm infestations and other defecation abnormalities and abnormal stools can be detected or diagnosed. Medical diagnosis is a very crucial part of human life as it involves the way to find out human disease and treat that disease. If there is a delay or fault in the diagnosis, it leads to increased suffering and increased number of deaths due to that disease. So, early diagnosis and perfect diagnosis are very important for disease management. There are several methods of diagnosis to find out a disease. For better understanding the methods of diagnosis could be classified in to easy investigations and cumbersome investigations. Easy ones are drawing blood and ultrasound investigations, which the patient does not hesitate to do or tell others. There are some cumbersome investigations, which include an MRI, barium meal X rays, endoscopy, stool and urine examinations. The patients even hesitate to mention the experiences of these diagnostic procedures. The important cumbersome diagnostic procedure that the patients hesitate to undergo is the stool examination. As soon as the doctor advises the patient to go for stool examination, there is a kind of uneasy feeling the patient gets.

The hesitation leads to delay and finally when the patient decides to undergo the stool examination, the disease reaches the next stage contributing to more morbidity and mortality.

The existing stool diagnostic methods include huge costs in spite of the obnoxious feeling. It is also time consuming where the patient has to write to get a box by courier, take the stool sample and pack it, send it by courier to the lab and then the lab will send the result in a few days. The whole procedure may take up to a minimum of 7 days and sometimes even more. If the lab does not have the facility to send and receive the stool container boxes, then the patient will have to carry the stool sample to the laboratory.

So the need of the hour is a quick stool examination procedure with least or nil discomfort to the patient and to the technician. This need triggered this concept of the diagnostic commode, in which a diagnostic device is incorporated in to the commode outlet pipe line, which may be controlled by a software app or Al, and which may be connected to a lab technician at his lab office. The user of this device is expected to put on a switch when he/she begins to use the toilet, which will alert the lab technician to operate the diagnostic device, which will take a stool sample as the patient is using the toilet. As the patient has started to use the toilet, the lab technician operates a stool sample extraction tool which may take the form of a robotic elevator having a stool sample plate at its base, and make it plunge in to the water column of the outlet pipe (e.g. the S-trap) to get a sample of the stool and bring it closer to the analysis tool. The analysis tool may for example be a digital microscope, optionally also including a light source. Focusing is done and the images are recorded and the result is prepared. Other reagents and components may also enable other relevant tests to be carried out. Thus the total procedure is done without the patient and the lab technician having to handle the stools. As we live in the days of robotics, any future robotic advancement could become a part of this diagnostic technique. Alternatively, an infra-red microscope could be used for diagnosis as this could detect the presence of hidden blood which is called occult blood in the stools. This device is proposed to be installed along with the toilet commode as an additional attachment. It is also possible to fit this device in the existing toilet system, where a chamber box of the diagnostic device will have to be fitted over the S-trap, where the stool sample extraction tool (e.g. a robotic elevator) could dip inside the S-trap to get the stool sample. In this case, if the existing toilet has a P-trap, the diagnostic device has to be fitted at the most dependent position so as to allow a stool sample plate to plunge in to the water column of the trap, where the stools remain before flushing. There has to be a reasonable spacing between the S-trap pipe line and the diagnostic device to avoid water splashing in to the diagnostic device which may contain a microscope and light source with its electrical connections. A stirrer could also be made to be available if the defecated material is solidified and hard. All the electrical and electronic components within the diagnostic device can be operated from the laboratory through software and Al. The Bluetooth technology has to be incorporated with appropriate licensing. The possibility of utilizing other remote sensing technologies is not beyond the scope of this invention.

In addition to this or alternatively, all the chemical tests and immunological tests could be done by loading the appropriate chemicals, reagents and devices as additional attachments to this diagnostic device.

The commode design also is given a drastic change in the very fundamental concept, wherein the flush tank called the cistern is brought to the front aspect of the commode. Conventionally, the flush tank is always behind the toilet user. Here it is in front of the user. The flush tank is divided in to two compartments as water compartment and the electrical compartment. The water chamber functions as regular cistern with all its accessories like ball valve, piston and other necessary assembly of the cistern. The electrical chamber contains the electrical connections needed for the operation of the diagnostic device. The front aspect of the electrical chamber contains the control switches, flush knob, red & green indicators, and power indicators. This concept makes the cistern unit as a reading table so that the toilet user could place newspapers or books on top of the cistern so that the toilet time is not wasted. In addition, it will encourage reasonable toilet time for the user in an unhurried manner, allowing proper time for a perfect and complete evacuation. The electrical chamber on its front aspect also contains sequential numbers as indicators of the user identity. For example if there are 4 users of a particular toilet, there could be user numbers provided for each user. As number 1 begins to use the toilet, that person has to press number one before using the toilet and so on.

The front aspect of the flush tank is provided with flush button, the indicator light [blood indicator light] and user selection buttons. Each permanent user of the commode is given a code number, like, father - 1 , mother -2, children -3, 4, & 5. There may be other option for the guests with 1 or 2 buttons. All together a series of 6 or 7 buttons can be provided. The number of user buttons may vary from house to house. Each user must push their respective button before using the commode. The control panel within the electrical compartment will record and maintain the details of each user. The control panel is provided with electronic digital calendar and clock so that each user’s information is retrievable when needed.

In addition to or instead of this modification, there is also another addition in the commode design where there will be a foot pedal control device (e.g. a piston) on the commode pan. This when operated by the user will control adjustable foot pedals provided on either side of the commode where the toilet user keeps the feet. By controlling the adjustable foot pedals, the legs are lifted up so that the angle between the thigh and the abdomen is made acute. Normally when a person uses the western toilet commode, for all practical purposes, we could consider that the angle between the thigh and anterior abdominal wall at the groin is 90 degrees. In this position, the defecation is considered to be incomplete. The Indian type of squatting for defecation is considered to be the best position for a perfect defecation because only in a squatting position the sigmoid colon acquires the right position for a perfect defecation. So, here we are trying to provide that benefit too to the user by providing the adjustable foot pedal operated by a foot pedal control device such as a hand-operated piston, with which the user can decide his/her comfortable position for complete evacuation.

The flush tank also is useful as a reading table to make use of the toilet time productively. The extended time of defecation is one of the major healthy habits for a complete evacuation of the bowels. Unhurried time spent in the toilet will help a person maintain good health. There are lots of studies available to prove that short time hurried incomplete defaecators land up with migraine and other diseases and other diseases.

This concept is akin to that of the endoscopy where the magnified direct viewing of the internal organs is considered to be the best way to treat the diseases of the internal organs. Our concept promotes the direct visualization of the stools afresh. The cumbersome procedure of taking the stool and urine sample may be avoided in the future by adopting better and more scientific diagnostic tools with in our design of toilet commode. In the conventional stool and urine examinations, manual collection and transportation of stool and urine samples, the contamination of the stool and urine samples, delayed presentation at the lab counter are major issues to be addressed. By our concept, we have provided a solution to these issues.

The future advanced diagnostic tools incorporated in to this invention may differentiate blood from the urinary tract and the digestive system.

Pus detection, fresh blood and altered blood detection are the other possibilities if appropriate accessories are incorporated.

Thus the toilet commode may in future be known as a medical diagnostic device. The possibilities of incorporating vital parameter measuring tools for pulse, blood pressure and blood sugar tests at the front aspect of the flush tank cannot be ruled out. The 24 hour urine measurements and basic urine tests may also be done with suitable modifications and alterations.

As we live in the days of robotics, it is also possible that the whole diagnostic device is robotized and can be controlled from a distant laboratory by means of a software app or Al, which looks through the microscope to view the stool and urine samples within the diagnostic chamber, where a probe protrudes in to the posterior aspect of the water seal column of the S-trap and gets a sample and elevated to the microscope and the sample is examined by the lab expert at the office. The diagnostic device will be having the strips and reagents for antigen antibodies tests, pH of the stool, FIT, FOBT and other tests. The other possible tests could be to find out the presence of white blood cells, parasites, bile and mucus in the stools. The pH of the stool also could be easily tested. As we apply robotics in to this diagnostic device, all possible stool examination techniques could be employed with ease.

We could even consider any other inclusions in the field of stool diagnostics as we have circumvented the obnoxious experience of handling fecal matter with human hands.

DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described in greater detail, by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG 1 shows a commode with a diagnostic device; FIG 2 shows the diagnostic device of Figure 1 ;

FIG 3 shows another commode with a diagnostic device;

FIG 4 shows the diagnostic device of Figure 3;

FIG 5 shows an electrical circuit;

FIG 6 shows a commode with a shifted cistern; and FIG 7 shows a cut section through the commode with the shifted cistern. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The diagnostic commode depicted in the diagrams as Fig 1 shows the bowl of the commode 1 is the conventional commode with a water column of the S-trap 3. The top portion of the S-trap curvature is fitted with the diagnostic device 2. The stool sample extraction tool which includes a stool sample elevator 4 is positioned appropriately such that a stool sample plate 8 could reach the bottom of the water column of the S-trap 3. The motor with electrical connections 6 is kept well away from the water column 3 of the S-trap to avoid water splash on the electrical circuit and motor. The digital microscope 5 is fitted as a permanent structure with a support system 9. Alternatively, an infra red microscope or other analysis tool also could be used instead of or in addition to the digital microscope to examine the stool sample.

Fig 2 shows the diagnostic device 2 with all its components. It contains a stool sample elevator 4, with a stool sample plate 8, a digital microscope 5 and the support system 9 which holds the structures in the diagnostic device 2. The stool sample plate 8 may be circular or rectangular having its edges corrugated at the margins to hold the stool sample from sliding back in to the water column of the S-trap 3. This corrugated arrangement will provide the way for the water alone to drain back in to the water column of the S-trap 3. If the stools sample 7 is watery, it may be sliding through the gaps in the corrugated margins of the stool sample plate 8. However, a portion of the stool sample 7 will be available for the digital microscope 5 to focus on. If the stool sample 7 is hard, the stirrer, which is not shown in the picture, could be used to stir the stool and water column of the S-trap to make the stool sample 7 available for stool sample elevator 4 to lift up.

Alternatively, if the S-trap is a double trap, it makes the procedure easier by positioning the diagnostic device 2 on top of the second S-trap. In case of P-trap, e.g. as shown in Figure 3, the diagnostic device 2 could be positioned according to the space availability, at the most dependent site on the P-trap. As there are umpteen numbers of toilet pan and outlet pipe designs, it is not possible to describe the positioning of the diagnostic device 2. However, it does not limit the scope of the concept of diagnostic device 2 being incorporated on the top surface of the toilet outlet pipe line which is easily understandable by a person experienced in this field. Here, we have attempted to show the best possible way to incorporate the diagnostic device 2 on the S-trap of the toilet outlet pipeline. The diagnostic device 2 also houses the various electrical and electronic components as well as the reagents and chemicals used for testing. The first option of implementing could be to incorporate the diagnostic commode in the manufacturing of the sanitary ware. The next option is to attach the diagnostic devices 2 in to the existing toilet commode outlet pipes. In both the situations, the purpose is served.

Many alterations, modifications, additions are possible which lie within the scope of this invention as defined by the appended claims.

Fig 3 shows a toilet commode with an alternative diagnostic device 2’ fitted in a P-trap 3’ of a toilet outlet pipe. The diagnostic device 2’ is integrated with the P-trap 3’ and is oriented at 45 degrees to the horizontal. The P-trap 3’ with the integrated diagnostic device 2’ can replace a P-trap or S-trap of an existing toilet commode. Fig 4 shows a closer view of the diagnostic device 2’. The diagnostic device 2’ comprises a support pillar 9’, a spur gear 23, a stepper motor 24, a guide 25, a microscope 5’, a camera support 26, a sensor mounting plate 27, and an infrared (IR) sensor 28. The components are housed within a cover 29. The spur gear 23, the stepper motor 24 and the guide 25 are components of a stool sample extraction tool for extracting the stool sample from the P-trap. The guide 25 has an internal thread to convert rotator motion of the stepper motor 24 into linear motion to lift the stool sample from the P-trap. The microscope 5 and the IR sensor 28 are for analysis of the stool sample.

The diagnostic device 2’ shown in Figures 3 and 4 may function in substantially the same manner (e.g. have substantially the same functionality) as the diagnostic device 2 described above with reference to Figures 1 and 2. The diagnostic device 2’ may include features described in respect of diagnostic device 2. For instance the diagnostic device 2’ may include a stirrer, and/or a stool sample plate which may have corrugated edges, and/or other features described above. Fig 5, shows an example electrical circuit for operating the diagnostic device 2. The incoming volt electricity is converted in to 5 volt through three rectifiers 11 , 12 & 13. The DC motor M1 is connected to the arm that lifts the fecal sample closer to the objective lens of the digital microscope and the DC motor M2 is connected to the adjustment screw of the digital microscope. These two motors M1 & M2 are controlled by the regulator 14. The 6 volt relay 15 is attached to both the DC motors M1 & M2. The relay 15 comprises four relay components, each labelled with reference number 15. The two leftmost relay components 15 are connected to the motor M1 and the rectifier 12. The two rightmost relay components 15 are connected to the motor M2 and to rectifiers 11 and 13. The relay 15 is itself controlled by another system, which is not shown. The relay 15 (and thus the circuit as a whole) may be remotely operated/controlled. The description is not confined to only this and is not limited to this description but the connections and rectifiers and regulators may vary from place to place and person to person. The description does not restrict to only these parameters.

Fig 6, depicts the modified version of the toilet commode with the cistern 20 being on the front aspect of the commode bowl 1 against the conventional position, where it used to be kept behind the commode bowl. The flush button 18 is positioned in the conventional position on the top aspect of the cistern 20. The front aspect of the cistern 20 has a control panel 19, which includes a few buttons and a few indicators. The number of buttons and indicators may vary according to the need and the location of installation. There is also a provision for the adjustable foot pedal 16 which is controlled by a foot pedal control device, which in this example is a hand-operated piston 17. The foot pedal height is adjustable with the hand-operated piston 17 according to the user’s choice of positioning the legs during defecation. As recommended by the experts and scientists, the angle between the anterior abdominal wall and the thigh of the person using the toilet could be made acute, approximately 45 degrees. This position makes the defecation process easier and the evacuation is complete, as the sigmoid colon is believed to be attaining the right position for a perfect evacuation of the bowels.

Fig 7 depicts the modified commode with its cut section. The cistern 20 has two compartments namely the water compartment 21, and the electrical compartment 22. The water compartment contains all the conventional components of the toilet cistern namely, the float ball, float rod, inlet valve, siphon and the piston, which are not shown in the figure to avoid complicating the diagram. Any one skilled in this art will easily understand that the inner components of the cistern 20 that are necessary for a normal functioning. Fig 7 also shows the diagnostic device 2 properly positioned on the top aspect of the water column of the S-trap 3. The modified commode could also be used with diagnostic device 2’.

All the additions and modifications are purposed to address the issues around human defecation process and collection of the stool sample for examination which is a crucial health necessity. As it is commonly well accepted and understood that the human excreta gives valuable health information, this commode design provides the perfect way for making a perfect diagnosis of major gastro intestinal diseases like cancer and other diseases, at the site of defecation and during defaecation.

The alterations and modifications are not limited to the design suggested here, but may include other alterations, modifications, additions , deletions, extra fittings all purposed to make a diagnosis at the site of defecation, that is inside the toilet commode, with in the bowl 1 , toilet outlet pipes or within the toilet. The scope of this invention is defined by the appended claims.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS 1. Bowl of the commode

2, 2’. Diagnostic device

3. Water column of the S-trap

3’. P-trap

4. Stool sample elevator 5. Digital microscope

6. Motor with electrical connections 7. Stool sample

8. Stool sample plate

9. Support system

9’. Support pillar 10. Light beam from the microscope

11. Rectifier 1 (5 volt)

12. Rectifier 2 (5 volt)

13. Rectifier 3 (5 volt)

14. Fan regulator 15. Relay (6 volt)

16. Adjustable foot pedal

17. Hand-operated piston

18. Flush button

19. Control panel 20. Cistern

21. Water compartment

22. Electrical compartment

23. Spur gear

24. Stepper motor 25. Guide

26. Camera support