AI-Driven Defecation Analysis by Smart Healthcare Toilet: Exploring Biometric Patterns and Eu-Tenesmus.

Journal: Advanced science (Weinheim, Baden-Wurttemberg, Germany)
Published Date: May 11, 2025

Abstract

Defecation, a fundamental physiological process, remains underexplored despite its importance in human health. To address this gap, a smart toilet system is developed that enables real-time monitoring of defecation behaviors. Analyzing 45 defecation events from 11 participants, key defecation parameters are identified, including stool dropping duration, stool thickness, and eu-tenesmus interval. Stool dropping duration follows a log-normal distribution, with longer durations (>5 s) linked to lower Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS) scores, suggesting constipation (p = 0.008 for BSFS1/2/3 vs BSFS5/6/7). Stool thickness decreases with increasing BSFS scores (p = 5 × 10⁻⁶ for BSFS1/2/3 vs BSFS5/6/7), validating its role as an objective marker for bowel function. Eu-tenesmus is introduced, defined as the interval between the last stool drop and cleansing, averaging 74.8 s. It shows significant gender differences (p = 0.014) but no correlation with stool consistency, suggesting its potential as an independent biomarker for gut health. Defecation behaviors between humans and animals is also compared in detail. Longitudinal monitoring demonstrates the potential for personalized health tracking and dietary recommendations. Furthermore, the feasibility of biometric identification is established using 11 defecation-related parameters, including stool properties and cleansing behavior. These features enable high participant differentiation, supporting non-invasive identity verification.

Authors

  • Zhiquan Song
    School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore.
  • TaeHyung Kwon
    Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
  • Jeung Lee
    Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
  • Daeyoun D Won
    Seokjeong Wellpark Hospital, Jeollabuk-do, Republic of Korea.
  • Brian J Lee
    School of Mechanical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea.
  • Hyuk Soon Choi
    Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
  • Joseph C Liao
    Department of Urology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
  • Walter G Park
    Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
  • Irene Sonu
    Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
  • Stephan Rogalla
    Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA.
  • Michael J Rosen
    Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio.
  • David L Hu
    George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA.
  • Jonathan Kuang Ziyang
    Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore.
  • Sunny Hei Wong
    Department of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Singapore.
  • Bong Hyun Jun
    Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Konkuk University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
  • Soh Kim
    Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
  • Seung-Min Park
    School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore.

Keywords

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