Connected private makes biometric recognition of anus
Scientists at Stanford University in the USA have created an intelligent toilet that uses algorithms and motion sensors to detect the health of users – the device analyzes urine and feces, in addition to recognizing nudes by image.
The study was published in the April 6 issue of the journal Nature, one of the most respected scientific publications in the world.
"We know it sounds strange, but its analogue print is unique," said Sanjiv Gambhir, the researcher who led the study, in a statement.
According to him, the invention could be used to identify signs of colon and prostate cancer.
The idea that the equipment can do continuous monitoring, is part of people's routine – something done in other health areas, for example, by connected clocks, such as the Apple Watch.
"Everyone uses the bathroom – there is no way to avoid it – and this increases the value of this equipment as a disease detector," said Gambhir.
In the models presented, the toilet has pressure sensors that put it into operation when someone sits down.
Cameras record faeces – data is sent to an encrypted server in the cloud that looks for inconsistencies that indicate health problems.
The same applies to the user's nudes.
In relation to urine, sensors detect the flow, the speed and the volume produced.
So far, the connected toilet has been tested on 21 people – in a study of another 300 people, 52% said they would feel comfortable in some way when using the equipment.
There are still no indications of widespread and commercial use of the device.
"To have all the benefits of the smart toilet, users must be comfortable with a camera that scans their nudes," said Gambhir.
