DE102022111526A1 - Device for measuring urine flow and determining the biochemical composition of a user's urine stream - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for measuring urine flow and for determining the biochemical composition of a user's urine stream, comprising a flow area (2) surrounded by an edge area (1), which can be brought manually into a measuring position, and at least two first sensors (3) for non-contact detection the flow rate of the urine stream and means (4) for non-contact detection of the biochemical composition of the urine stream, the first sensors (3) being arranged on or in the edge region (1) and one arranged in the flow region (2) of the device or in the direction of the flow region pointing detection field (3.1) and wherein the first sensors are optical sensors and / or ultrasonic sensors.

Description

The present invention relates to a device for measuring urine flow and for determining the biochemical composition of a user's urine stream.

By examining a person's urine, broad conclusions can be drawn about their physical well-being. In this way, not only indications of diseases of the kidney and urinary system, but also of metabolic diseases such as diabetes or liver diseases can be discovered.

The amount of urine released when the urinary bladder is emptied or the flow rate of the urinary stream also provides clues to possible diseases such as prostate enlargement, which leads to a narrowing of the urethra and thus affects the flow rate.

The biochemical composition of urine can be examined using self-tests in the person's usual environment, although this often involves a subjective and by no means expert evaluation of the test.

Examinations that relate to both the flow rate and the biochemical composition of urine are often more complex and are usually carried out in doctor's offices or hospitals. Since many of the affected people shy away from going to a specialist or consider it unnecessary due to symptoms that are not yet too bothersome, many illnesses remain undetected that could be treated more efficiently through early detection.

The WO 2019/231513 A1 describes a uroflowmeter and a method for processing the data generated by it. In one aspect, the uroflowmeter is a handheld device. The uroflowmeter includes a handle, a flow chamber connected to the handle, and a sensor connected to the flow chamber that detects a parameter of the urine received in the flow chamber. The uroflowmeter can contain both reusable and disposable components. As a uroflowmeter, it can identify and record data corresponding to the flow rate over the measured duration of a void, but it can also timestamp the void and transmit the data to an external data collection center for additional analysis and inclusion in a comprehensive void report or void diary . The urine is first collected in the uroflowmeter, which must be emptied and cleaned after use. However, a biochemical examination of the urine is not planned.

In the DE 10 2014 008 760 A1 A single-use urinary flow measuring device is disclosed, which comprises a substantially funnel-shaped collecting container with a lower end having an outlet opening for receiving urine liquid whose maximum flow rate (Qmax) is to be measured, wherein at the outlet opening a flow measuring device for measuring the maximum flow rate (Qmax) is arranged. This device also does not allow analysis of the biochemical composition of urine.

Finally describes the EP 3 331 450 A1 a device for determining physiological data by analyzing human excrement in a toilet using at least one indicator and / or sensor and a method for determining physiological data by analyzing human excrement in a toilet by measuring urine and / or stool values. A measuring system is used for this purpose, in which an indicator or sensor can be brought into a measuring position by means of an arm in which there is sufficient contact with the urine or stool to be examined, whereby the indicator or sensor is designed as an independent unit/ are, as well as a corresponding method in which a number of previously determined values are measured and then further processed and, if necessary, forwarded. The disadvantage of this device is that it has to be attached to a toilet and cannot be used hand-held.

The previously known devices either do not carry out uroflowmetry and/or biochemical analysis of the urine or are too large and too complicated to operate and are not suitable for home use.

The invention is therefore based on the object of providing a device for simple urological prevention, which can be manually brought into a measuring position and with which both uroflowmetry and a biochemical analysis of the urine can be carried out. The task is solved by the features of patent claim 1. Further expedient embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

This object is achieved by a device for measuring urine flow and for determining the biochemical composition of a user's urine stream, the device having a passage surrounded by an edge region flow area, which can be brought manually into a measuring position, at least two first sensors for contactless detection of the flow rate of the urine stream and means for contactless detection of the biochemical composition of the urine stream. These sensors can be designed as optical sensors and/or ultrasonic sensors. The first optical sensors and/or the ultrasonic sensors are arranged on or in the edge region and have a detection field directed or arranged in the flow area or in the direction of the flow area of the device.

According to the invention, at least one lighting device for illuminating the detection field(s) of the first sensors (optical and/or ultrasound) and the means for non-contact detection of the biochemical composition of the urine stream is arranged on or in the edge region, with between the lighting device and the detection field(s). /ern advantageously a diffuser is arranged.

The device preferably has a handle that is designed to be gripped by a user.

The flow area has an inner diameter of preferably at least eight cm and is designed such that the user can urinate through the flow area. The edge region surrounding the flow region is preferably closed on the circumference and preferably has a substantially round shape. The edge region can, for example, be circular, oval or teardrop-shaped.

In particular, the preferably round design of the edge area ensures better drainage of the urine stream and simplified cleaning of the device, since the edge area has no corners in which urine residue can remain.

The edge area is preferably made of urea-resistant plastic.

The first two optical sensors are preferably designed as cameras, which preferably each have an opening angle of in particular 90° to 120°. It can be provided that each of the cameras captures the silhouette of the urine stream in a two-dimensional image. The two-dimensional images from the individual cameras together form a three-dimensional image of the urine stream flowing through, whereupon an evaluation unit calculates the flow rate of the urine stream (i.e. the volume flowed through in a certain unit of time) by tracking the pattern of the urine stream. In this way, conclusions can also be drawn about the total volume and/or the total time of micturition. The evaluation unit can be arranged internally in the device or can be external, with the data recorded by the device being transmitted to the evaluation unit.

For better illumination of the urine stream, according to the invention at least one lighting device is arranged on or in the edge region. In particular, the lighting device illuminates the detection field of the first optical sensors and the means for non-contact detection of the biochemical composition of the urine stream, a diffuser being arranged between the lighting device and the detection field(s) in order to scatter the backlight emitted by the lighting device. The illumination source can emit light in the visible range as well as in the non-visible range, such as infrared light. Advantageously, the lighting source and the diffuser arranged in front of it create almost the same lighting conditions for the camera evaluation of both cameras.

As already described above, ultrasonic sensors can also be provided instead of the optical sensors. In this case, lighting and a diffuser may no longer be absolutely necessary.

The device according to the invention makes it possible to carry out a determination of the biochemical composition of the urine stream at the same time as the urine flow measurement.

In certain embodiments of the device it can be provided that one of the at least two first optical sensors is designed as a means for non-contact detection of the biochemical composition of the urine stream.

It can further be provided that at least one second optical sensor is designed as a means for contactless detection of the biochemical composition of the urine stream.

This second optical sensor can be formed on or in the edge region of the device or in the handle or in a holding handle connected to the handle.

The second optical sensor is also preferably designed as a camera.

In one embodiment of the invention, the means for non-contact detection of the biochemical composition of the urine stream has a detection field arranged in the flow area of the device.

This means that optical abnormalities in the urine stream can be registered, which are detected by the first and/or the second optical sensor, for example a noticeable red discoloration or cloudiness. This alone allows limited conclusions to be drawn about the biochemical composition of the urine.

In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the device has a holding element for releasably attaching a test strip, which detects the biochemical composition of the urine stream upon contact with the urine stream.

Advantageously, the test strips used can be easily replaced.

Commercially available urine test strips can be used, each of which has several individual color fields that change color upon contact with the substance to be tested.

The discoloration of the test strip is detected by the means for non-contact detection of the biochemical composition of the urine stream and evaluated by the evaluation unit. For this purpose, the means for non-contact detection of the biochemical composition of the urine stream has a detection field through which a test strip arranged on the holding element is detected.

The test strip is preferably arranged inclined with respect to a plane which is spanned by the edge region of the device. As a result, it can advantageously be better detected by the first optical sensors arranged in the edge region and/or the means for non-contact detection of the biochemical composition of the urine stream. An inclination of the test strip of 30°-45° in relation to the plane spanned by the edge area is preferred. This particularly preferably results in an alignment of the image surface of the test strip of 80° - 100° with respect to the optical axis of the means for non-contact detection of the biochemical composition of the urine stream.

It can be provided that the device has a reservoir for unused test strips.

The holding element is preferably designed for releasably attaching a test strip in such a way that it is possible to automatically detect whether a test strip is attached or not.

Alternatively or additionally, the means for non-contact detection of the biochemical composition of the urine stream can also be designed in such a way that it can detect whether a test strip is attached or not and/or which test strip is attached.

It can be provided that the first optical sensors and/or the second optical sensor are cameras. The first optical sensors can alternatively be designed as lasers. The second optical sensor can alternatively be designed as a color sensor.

Preferably, when detecting the biochemical composition of the urine stream, the presence of at least one parameter selected from erythrocytes, proteins, sugars, ketones, leukocytes, bilirubin and/or urobilinogen in the urine stream can be detected.

An increased concentration of erythrocytes in the urine can indicate a possible inflammation or infection of the urinary tract and/or prostate, and in rarer cases also tumors, such as kidney or bladder cancer, or urinary stones. As a rule, an erythrocyte quantity of 100 cells/ml can be considered harmless.

An increased concentration of leukocytes can also indicate inflammation and/or infections of the bladder or kidneys.

When testing for the presence of proteins, the concentration of albumin is particularly important. An increase in albumin concentration can indicate kidney damage in diabetes mellitus or high blood pressure.

An increased concentration of sugar, especially glucose, in the urine can be an indication of increased blood sugar levels and/or diabetes mellitus. The concentration of glucose in the urine can also be increased during pregnancy or in some types of cancer.

The presence of ketones as breakdown products of fatty acids in the urine can occur, for example, with a high-fat diet or with intensive fasting, but can also be a sign of metabolic derailment in diabetics and/or pregnant women.

Elevated bilirubin and/or urobilinogen levels in the urine can, among other things, indicate liver disease. However, the cause can also be a blockage in the flow of bile caused by gallstones, inflammation or tumors.

In particular, erythrocytes can be detected from a quantity of 5 erythrocytes/ml urine and/or proteins from a quantity of 10 mg/dl urine and/or sugar from a quantity of 40 mg/dl urine.

It can also be provided that the pH value of the urine to be examined is determined. This can advantageously be done by a test strip attached to the holding element, the discoloration of which is detected by the means for non-contact detection of the biochemical composition of the urine stream. A changed pH value can occur, for example, in cases of diarrhea or diabetes.

When detecting the flow rate of the urine stream, the flow rate in ml/s and/or a total volume in a definable unit of time and/or the flow curve in a definable unit of time can advantageously be detected. For this purpose, the flow rate of the urine stream (i.e. the volume flowed through in a certain unit of time) can be calculated using the three-dimensional image of the urine stream flowing through, determined by the first optical sensors, via pattern tracking of the urine stream carried out by an evaluation unit. The total volume and/or the total time of micturition and/or the flow pattern can also be determined in this way.

It can be provided that the edge region of the device is designed to be closed on the circumference.

Advantageously, this visually clearly delimits the flow area for the user and stabilizes the device itself.

The edge area surrounding the flow area is advantageously round, in particular annular (circular), oval or teardrop-shaped. Advantageously, the absence of corners in the edge area prevents urine residue from getting caught and makes cleaning the device easier.

It can be provided that one or more circuit boards for the first and/or second sensors are arranged in the edge region.

Furthermore, the device preferably has a receptacle for a battery for power supply, which can be arranged in the edge area or in the handle, with an arrangement in the handle being regarded as the preferred arrangement.

It can be provided that the device has a fastening element for releasably attaching the device to a toilet and/or a urinal. The fastening element can be a clamping element or a hook or a similar suitable element, for example to enable hanging on a toilet and/or a urinal.

In a preferred embodiment, the device has an interface for transmitting the data recorded by the first optical sensors and by the means for contactless detection of the biochemical composition of the urine stream to an evaluation unit, preferably to a computer and/or a mobile phone and/or a tablet .

Such an interface can be, for example, a Bluetooth connection or a WiFi connection.

It can be provided that the recorded data is processed by means of a processor arranged in the device and then transmitted to the evaluation unit. Evaluation and display of the results can be done via an app.

It can also be provided that the device has an integrated evaluation unit and a display device and that the recorded data is evaluated directly in the device and the results are displayed.

It can also be provided that the device has one or more signal lights that emit a signal when predetermined critical limit values are exceeded or fallen below.

It can also be provided that the user is informed in the event of a deviation of the recorded data from standard or normal values, for example supplemented by a note that a doctor's visit is necessary.

In a further embodiment, the device has a storage medium for storing the data recorded by the first optical sensors and by the means for non-contact detection of the biochemical composition of the urine stream.

The design of the device according to the invention provides an easy-to-use device for home use, which enables early detection of urological Key figures for urine flow enabled. By examining their own urine, users can discreetly and privately draw conclusions about their body's health and, if necessary, seek additional advice from a specialist if the results of the examination indicate an illness or other change in the body.

The device offers a simple health check for the early detection of, for example, prostate, kidney or bladder diseases. Especially in older patients, a prostate/kidney/bladder disease that is diagnosed too late can lead to significant functional disorders. The easy-to-perform self-test means that any abnormal findings or changes over time can be quickly identified and a specialist can be consulted. Functional abnormalities (changes in urine flow such as enlargement of the prostate or narrowing of the urethra) as well as the composition of the urine components are evaluated and recorded. These results are stored digitally and can be viewed by the user and evaluated by a doctor.

The longitudinal measurement is easily repeatable and makes it possible to detect changes that occur over time. A follow-up check is also possible for diseases that have already been diagnosed, such as blood sugar disease, bladder cancer, urinary tract infections, kidney and/or bladder diseases, gout (ketones as a metabolic product during fat loss), stones and/or cancer.

The device according to the invention enables a combination of digital urine flow measurement and biochemical urine analysis. The data evaluation preferably takes place on the mobile phone. The particularly simple health check can be repeated as required and preferably triggers a warning if there are any abnormal findings. The usually very subjective strip test evaluation is objectified by the device according to the invention because it can be evaluated and documented digitally.

After use, the device is advantageously particularly easy to clean by rinsing with water. The device can be used by several users, for example in a family.

The device is advantageously designed as a hand-held device / hand-held and can therefore be used anywhere. It is possible to use the device at home, take it with you on vacation or generally use it in any location, e.g. in the toilet of a rest stop, a hotel or restaurant or even outdoors.

For use at home, the device according to the invention can be positioned near the toilet or urinal, for example on the toilet paper holder or on a separate holder that can be positioned on the wall or on the floor for easy access.

Of course, it is also possible to use the device according to the invention in medical facilities, for example for routine fever measurements and for routine urine examinations, without putting excessive strain on the staff.

The invention is explained in more detail below using exemplary embodiments and associated figures, without being limited to these.

• 1 eine Seitansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung;
• 2 eine Frontansicht einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung;
• 3 eine Draufsicht auf eine erfindungsgemäße Vorrichtung;
• 4 eine Schnittansicht des Durchströmbereiches einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung;
• 5 eine Detailansicht des Halteelementes mit eingesetztem Teststreifen im Schnitt;
• 6 eine Querschnittsansicht durch den Randbereich einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung; und
• 7 eine Draufsicht auf eine weitere Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung,
• 8 eine dreidimensionale beispielhafte Darstellung der Vorrichtung,
• 9 eine Prinzipdarstellung einer Vorrichtung mit teleskopierbarem und klappbarem Haltestiel,
• 10 Prinzipdarstellung gemäß 9 mit eingeschobenem Haltestiel während des Einklappens des Haltestiels.

Show it:

• 1 a side view of a device according to the invention;
• 2 a front view of a device according to the invention;
• 3 a top view of a device according to the invention;
• 4 a sectional view of the flow area of a device according to the invention;
• 5 a detailed view of the holding element with the test strip inserted in section;
• 6 a cross-sectional view through the edge region of a device according to the invention; and
• 7 a top view of a further embodiment of a device according to the invention,
• 8th a three-dimensional exemplary representation of the device,
• 9 a schematic diagram of a device with a telescopic and foldable holding handle,
• 10 Principle representation according to 9 with the holding handle pushed in while the holding handle is folded in.

In 1 A side view of an embodiment of the device according to the invention is shown as an example. The device has an edge region 1 which surrounds a flow area that is not visible here. In the embodiment shown here, the edge area has an upper housing shell 1.1 and a lower housing shell 1.2 on. Below the flow area is a holding element 8 for detachably holding a test strip (in 1 not visible). Starting from the edge region 1, the device has a holding handle 11, at the end of which there is a handle 10 which is designed to be gripped by a user. With the help of the handle 10, the user can bring the device according to the invention into a position that enables him to urinate through the flow area into a toilet or a urinal.

2 shows a front view of a device according to the invention, in which all in 1 The features shown can also be seen. In addition, a test strip 9 arranged in the holding element 8 is shown schematically. The test strip 9 is arranged by the holding element 8 in the middle of the flow area, or slightly below the flow area, so that it is easier for a user to wet the test strip 9 with urine when urinating.

The test strip 9 is arranged within the holding element 8 with an angle of inclination a, such that the test strip points towards an in 2 means 4, not shown, for non-contact detection of the biochemical composition of the urine stream is inclined, so that the image area can be optimally recorded by the means 4.

In 3 a top view of a device according to the invention is shown. It can be seen that a flow area 2 is surrounded by an edge area 1 which is here annular and closed on the circumference. A holding element 8 for detachably holding a test strip is arranged centrally below the flow area 2. For example, a test strip can be inserted laterally. With the help of the handle 10 arranged on the holding handle 11, a user can grasp the device and position the flow area 2 in a measuring position, ideally above a sanitary ceramic.

Two first optical sensors 3 are arranged in the edge area 1 of the device, which cover and detect a large part of the flow area 2 with their detection fields 3.1. The first two optical sensors 3 are arranged with an offset b of 10 to 15 mm from one another, so that they detect the urine stream from as different perspectives as possible. From the 2D images of the urine stream recorded by the first optical sensors 3, the flow rate of the urine stream is determined via pattern tracking. The necessary calculations can be carried out by an internal or external evaluation unit.

In the edge region 1, opposite the two first optical sensors 3, a lighting device (not shown) with a diffuser 6 arranged in front of it is arranged. The lighting device generates - favored by its arrangement - a backlight to the first two optical sensors 3, which is evenly distributed by the diffuser 6 in the flow area 2. This ensures optimal illumination of the urine stream to be captured.

The means 4 for non-contact detection of the biochemical composition of the urine stream can either be one of the first two optical sensors 3, or an in 3 second optical sensor, not shown, which can be arranged in the edge region 1 or in the holding handle 11 or in the handle 10.

A sectional view of the flow area of a device according to the invention is shown in 4 shown. The edge region 1 of the device is divided into an upper housing shell 1.1 and a lower housing shell 1.2. To accommodate the lighting device as well as the circuit boards for the lighting device and control electronics, the edge region 1 is designed to be hollow, at least in some areas.

4 illustrates the arrangement of a means 4 arranged offset to the holding handle 11 in the edge region 1 for contactless detection of the biochemical composition of the urine stream. A test strip 9 is arranged in the holding element 8, which is inclined in the direction of the means 4 for non-contact detection of the biochemical composition of the urine stream in order to ensure better detection of the image area of the test strip 9 by the detection field 4.1 of the means 4 for non-contact detection of the biochemical composition of the urine stream To ensure urinary stream.

If, according to an alternative embodiment, the means 4 for non-contact detection of the biochemical composition of the urine stream is arranged in the holding handle 11 or the handle of the device, the test strip 9 is preferably in the direction of the means 4 for non-contact detection of the biochemical composition of the urine stream and thus in Arranged inclined towards the holding handle 11.

In a further embodiment, the holding element 8 can be designed to be movable and/or pivotable and/or tiltable in order to make an optimal alignment of the test strip manually adjustable.

5 shows a detailed view of the holding element 8 with the test strip 9 inserted in section. The test strip is inserted or inserted into two grooves formed laterally in the holding element 8. Different test substrates 9.1 are formed on the test strip 9, which change their color upon contact with the respective substance to be tested in the urine, the color change being detected by the means for non-contact detection of the biochemical composition of the urine stream and evaluated by the evaluation unit.

In 6 is a cross-sectional view through the edge region 1 of a device according to the invention. The section of the edge area shown here is located in the area of the lighting device 5, which is arranged on a circuit board 12 behind a diffuser 6. Also in the edge area 1 is a circuit board 13 for the control electronics, for example an on/off switch for the first optical sensors and/or the means for contactless detection of the biochemical composition of the urine stream.

7 shows a top view of a further embodiment of a device according to the invention. In this embodiment too, a flow area 2 is surrounded by an annular edge area 1 that is closed on the circumference. A holding element 8 for detachably holding a test strip 9 is arranged centrally below the flow area 2. A test strip 9 can, for example, be inserted laterally. With the help of the handle 10 arranged on the holding handle 11, a user can grasp the device and position the flow area 2 in a measuring position, ideally above a sanitary ceramic.

Two first optical sensors 3 are arranged in the edge area 1 of the device, which cover and detect a large part of the flow area 2 with their detection fields (not shown here). From the 2D images of the urine stream recorded by the first optical sensors 3, the flow rate of the urine stream is determined via pattern tracking. The necessary calculations can be carried out by an internal or external evaluation unit.

In the edge region 1, opposite the two first optical sensors 3, two lighting devices 5 are arranged, each with a diffuser 6 arranged in front of it. The lighting devices generate - favored by their arrangement - a backlight to the first two optical sensors 3, which is evenly distributed by the diffusers 6 in the flow area 2. This ensures optimal illumination of the urine stream to be captured.

As a means 4 for non-contact detection of the biochemical composition of the urine stream, a second optical sensor is arranged in the edge region 1 opposite the holding handle 11. The test strip 9 is advantageously fastened in the holding element 8 at an angle towards the means 4, such that the test strip lies completely in the detection field of the means 4 for non-contact detection of the biochemical composition of the urine stream.

8th shows a three-dimensional exemplary representation of the device. The edge region 1 here is ring-shaped and essentially rectangular in cross section, with a cylindrical outside 1a, a cylindrical inside 1b and a flat top 1c and a flat bottom 1d. The lighting 5 with diffuser 6 is provided here on the cylindrical inside 1b and a first camera 3 can be seen in this illustration. The holding element 8 for the test strip 9 extends from the underside 1d. The holding style 11 with the handle 10 adjoins the cylindrical outside 1a.

In 9 is a schematic representation of the device according to the invention with a telescopic and foldable holding handle 11. A joint 14 is provided between the holding handle 11 and the edge region 1. The holding handle 11 is divided into three telescopic areas. If this has been pushed together, the much shorter handle can now be folded with the handle area towards the top 1c of the edge area 1 and preferably placed on it.

10 shows the basic diagram according to 9 with the holding handle 11 pushed in while the holding handle 11 is folded in towards the top 1c of the edge region 1 in the direction of the arrow by pivoting over the joint 14.
If the handle rests on the top of the edge area 1, this creates a small design for transport. When folded, the device can easily be stored in a container for transport.
The invention thus enables the user to carry out a simple digital urine flow measurement as well as a biochemical urine analysis as a longitudinal health check. A simple, self-administered health check is provided for the early detection of prostate, kidney or bladder diseases. Especially in older patients, a prostate/kidney/bladder disease that is diagnosed too late can lead to significant functional disorders. The easy-to-carry self-test can detect any conspicuous findings or changes Problems can be quickly identified over time and a specialist can be consulted. Functional abnormalities (changes in urine flow such as enlargement of the prostate or narrowing of the urethra) as well as the composition of the urine components are evaluated and recorded. These results are stored digitally and can be viewed by the user and evaluated by a doctor.

The invention describes an extremely practical device for home urological care for everyone. Whether man, woman or child. The system, known as “Streamcheck24”, consists of a type of “selfistick” with a ring or ring-shaped element at the bottom. The user can urinate through there when urinating. At least 2 cameras are installed in the side wall of the ring, facing inwards, which measure the geometry of the (jet) and record the flow rate in ml/s. Furthermore, the entire beam is recorded over the period of the respective process in order to record the total amounts (volume) and the course. Very good urological insights can be gained from this. One of the two cameras or another camera detects the biochemical data of the urine. Specifically, these are, for example, blood, protein, egg white. The data is stored in an app on the mobile phone and displayed visually there. In the event of deviations from (normal), the user will be informed and advised that a doctor's visit is necessary. The following data is recorded in particular: 1. Flow rate a) ml/s b) Total volume / t c) Flow curve / t 2. Blood = Erys < 5/ul 3. Protein = 10mg/dl 4. Sugar = 40 mg/dl. A feature of the invention is that instead of contactless recording of the biochemical data, a replaceable urine strip is used. This is also recorded and evaluated contactlessly by a camera. The urine test allows conclusions to be drawn about the health of the person being examined and changes that occur over time as well as a follow-up check in the case of illnesses. These can be, for example: Blood sugar disease, bladder cancer, urinary tract infections, kidney and/or bladder diseases, gout (ketone metabolic product when breaking down fat!), follow-up checks for stones, cancer, the pH value - this is changed, among other things, with diarrhea, diabetes, red blood cells: inflammation, Infections, cancers, urinary stones, white blood cells: inflammation, infections. The aim is to make urological care as easy as possible for people - without much effort. The invention can easily be used by anyone when going to the toilet. Simply turn it on, urinate through the ring and you're done. Then simply rinse with water and the Streamcheck is ready for the next use. The ring-shaped shape and the preferably round cross-section ensure that urine drains easily and any urine that may still be adhered to can be washed off easily and safely.

Reference symbol list

1

Edge area

1a

Outside

2 B

inside

1c

Top

1d

bottom

1.1

upper housing shell

1.2

lower housing shell

2

flow area

3

first optical sensors

3.1

Detection field(s) of the first optical sensors

4

Means for non-contact detection of the biochemical composition of the urine stream

4.1

Detection field of the means for non-contact detection of the biochemical composition of the urine stream

5

lighting device

6

diffuser

7

second optical sensor

8th

Holding element

9

Test strips

9.1

Test substrate

10

Handle

11

holding handle

12

Lighting device board

13

Control electronics board

14

joint

a

Tilt angle of the test strip

b

Distance of the first optical sensors

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• WO 2019231513 A1 [0006]
• DE 102014008760 A1 [0007]
• EP 3331450 A1 [0008]

Claims (15)

Device for measuring urine flow and for determining the biochemical composition of a user's urine stream, comprising a flow area (2) surrounded by an edge region (1) which can be manually brought into a measuring position, at least two first sensors (3) for non-contact detection of the flow rate of the urine stream and means (4) for non-contact detection of the biochemical composition of the urine stream, the first sensors (3) being arranged on or in the edge region (1) and a detection field (3.1) arranged in the flow area (2) of the device or pointing in the direction of the flow area ) and wherein the first sensors are optical sensors and / or ultrasonic sensors. Device according to Claim 1 , characterized in that at least one second sensor is arranged in the device as a means (4) for non-contact measurement of the biochemical composition of the urine stream. Device according to Claim 1 or 2 , characterized in that one of the at least two first optical sensors (3) is designed as a means (4) for non-contact detection of the biochemical composition of the urine stream. Device according to one of the Claims 1 until 3 , characterized in that when using at least one optical sensor on or in the edge region (1) at least one lighting device (5) is arranged, a diffuser (5) being between the lighting device (5) and the detection field(s) (3.1, 4.1). 6) is arranged. Device according to one of the Claims 1 until 4 , characterized in that the means (4) for non-contact detection of the biochemical composition of the urine stream has a detection field (4.1) arranged in the flow area of the device. Device according to one of the Claims 1 until 5 , comprising a holding element (8) for releasably attaching a test strip (9), which detects the biochemical composition of the urine stream upon contact with the urine stream. Device according to Claim 6 , characterized in that the means (4) for non-contact detection of the biochemical composition of the urine stream has a detection field (4.1) through which a test strip (9) arranged on the holding element (8) is detected. Device according to one of the Claims 1 until 7 , characterized in that at least a first optical sensor (3) and / or the second optical sensor (7) are cameras. Device according to one of the Claims 1 until 8th , characterized in that when detecting the biochemical composition of the urine stream, the presence of at least one parameter selected from erythrocytes, proteins, sugars, ketones, leukocytes, bilirubin and / or urobilinogen in the urine stream can be detected. Device according to Claim 9 , characterized in that erythrocytes can be detected from an amount of 5 erythrocytes/ml urine and/or proteins from an amount of 10 mg/dl urine and/or sugar from an amount of 40 mg/dl urine. Device according to one of the Claims 1 until 10 , characterized in that when detecting the flow rate of the urine stream, the flow rate in ml/s and/or a total volume in a definable unit of time and/or the flow course in a definable unit of time can be detected. Device according to one of the Claims 1 until 11 , characterized in that the edge region (1) is designed to be closed on the circumference. Device according to one of the Claims 1 until 12 , having a handle (10) which is designed to be gripped by a user. Device according to one of the Claims 1 until 13 , having an interface for transmitting the data recorded by the first sensors (3) and by the means (4) for contactless detection of the biochemical composition of the urine stream to an evaluation unit, preferably to a computer and / or a mobile phone and / or a tablet. Device according to one of the Claims 1 until 14 , comprising a storage medium for storing the data recorded by the first sensors (3) and by the means (4) for non-contact detection of the biochemical composition of the urine stream.

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