Patent Publication Number: US-2022213675-A1

Title: Toilet device with enhanced control and support functions

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/847,906, filed May 14, 2019, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
    
    
     FIELD 
     The present technology relates to toilet devices with integrated functions for cleaning, drying, inspection, treatment and support functions. 
     BACKGROUND 
     The field of toilets with bidets is growing and the acceptance of such toilets is spreading from Asian markets where the devices were first widely accepted to other markets. 
     Such bidet toilets typically include at least one port for rinse water to replace or support the traditional use of toilet paper with the use of a cleansing water jet. Additional amenities such as air drying, seat heating and various pulsation and strength adjustment of the water jet are readily available. 
     Bidet toilets on the market to date carry out the water cleansing task essentially blindly in that they give the user no means to visually directly inspect the cleansing process. 
     In addition, there is no integrated capability of visually inspecting and documenting the user&#39;s behind or genitals, especially for female users. Also, while some toilets allow the reporting of stool consistency, there is no toilet on the market that allows the user to observe and visually document their stool. 
     Handicapped or mobility impaired people, as well as visually impaired people benefit from a high degree of automation, as well as, if residual vision is still available, from visual enhancement techniques through the disclosed features. 
     SUMMARY 
     This disclosure presents a device and technology which seeks to overcome one or more of the limitations seen in bidet toilet devices on the market today. We are presenting means for strongly enhanced control, visibility and reliable, documentable cleansing, as well as means for early detection of a large variety of health or diet related issues that the user may have. 
     We present easy and readily usable means for the user to document and relay their information for their own safekeeping, but also to caregivers and medical staff. All this is possible confidently and in a confidential way. 
     For mobility limited people we present additional means to enhance their capability and control of cleansing, but also provide novel apparatuses to support the bowl movement process particularly for such users. 
     Particularly people with limited mobility often cannot see and inspect their excretions or cannot sense the completion of the excretion process. But also, in general, toilet users are typically not able to see their posteriors after excretion and cleaning. 
     This disclosure teaches several embodiments of applying observation cameras, fixed or mobile, into the toilet bowl and keeping them operational. 
     Very importantly, it is also demonstrated how such devices are kept clean during daily use by employing certain useful structures and methods. 
     It also teaches the application of such observation cameras in directly controlling and improving the cleansing process after excretion by various techniques. 
     In addition, we disclose cleansing component concepts for superior control and results of cleaning. 
     It also teaches the use of either voice control, touch screen control, joystick control or a combination thereof for applying bidet functions of rinsing and drying and moving cameras to cover the entire region of interest. 
     In addition, it teaches the use of image recognition for determining that the user&#39;s posterior is sufficiently undressed during the session. 
     For paraplegic and quadriplegic users, it is also essential to directly observe completion of the excretion process, as well as to observe cleaning and drying, as such users often have little or no sensation in addition to their lack of mobility to observe these critical points. Being able to have excellent control over each status is self-evident for many. Yet it can make a significant contribution to self-confidence and overall quality of life to those with said restrictions or handicaps. 
     The features provided in this disclosure are also amenable and very useful to users without mobility impairment, especially as it concerns the capability to document stool and users&#39; posteriors. 
     Furthermore, this disclosure features apparatuses and methods for enhanced drying after the water cleaning. Such enhanced and accelerated, hygienic drying is an essential feature for those with reduced mobility, strength or sensory ability 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The features, nature, and advantages of the disclosed subject matter may become more apparent from the detailed description set forth below when taken in conjunction with the drawings in which like reference numerals indicate like features and wherein: 
         FIG. 1  depicts a toilet device with bidet function by water jet and camera function. Said camera and bidet functions residing in a resting area below the rear of the toilet seat. The figure depicts the mechanism in idle state, with both water jet cleaning mechanism and observation mechanism retracted. 
         FIG. 2  depicts a toilet device with bidet function by water jet and camera function. Said camera and bidet functions residing in a resting area below the rear of the toilet seat. The figure depicts the mechanism in an operational state, with both water jet cleaning mechanism and observation mechanism moved out and engaged. A front camera is engaged in observing the cleaning process. 
         FIG. 3  depicts a toilet device with bidet function by water jet and camera function. Said camera and bidet functions residing in a resting area below the rear of the toilet seat. The figure depicts the mechanism in an operational state, with the water jet cleaning mechanism in idle but the observation mechanism moved out and engaged. 
       In this embodiment, three cameras are employed, one to look forward for examining the excretion or subsequent cleaning process from a safe distance, the other looking upward to observe and inspect the user&#39;s buttocks and genitals when engaged and a third camera looking downward to observe and inspect the excrements. 
         FIG. 4A  shows a view of a ring illumination, seen from below the seat. A ring of LEDs is arranged around the circumference of the seat, preferably smoothly integrated into the surface for easy maintenance. 
         FIG. 4B  shows a cross section of the toilet bowl, illustrating illumination light from various LED sources being reflected and scattered along various paths. 
         FIG. 5A  shows a side view of the assembly for the observation cameras, mounted in a telescopic fashion. Said cameras protected by a preferably clear, preferably smooth-surfaced preferably cylindrical and easily exchangeable cap. 
         FIG. 5B  shows a top view of the assembly for the observation cameras, mounted in a telescopic fashion. Said cameras protected by a preferably clear, preferably round and smooth surfaced preferably cylindrical and easily exchangeable cap. A separation line indicating the segmentation of the front camera mount is shown. 
         FIG. 6  shows a side view of the assembly for the observation cameras, mounted in a telescopic fashion. Said cameras protected by a preferably clear, preferably smooth-surfaced preferably cylindrical and easily exchangeable cap. An infrared or thermal camera is operated in parallel to a visible light camera. 
         FIG. 7  depicts exemplary images comparing side by side visible and thermal or infrared images, as well as same visible and thermal images at a different point in time for the same user. 
         FIG. 8  shows a view of the camera device housing and camera mount body, taken from another angle, such as to show an exemplary drive mechanism for the telescopic camera mount body. Also indicated are cleaning and drying ports. 
         FIG. 9  shows a view of the camera device housing and camera mount body, mounted in a telescopic fashion, with internal details highlighted which depict rinse water and drying air supply lines leading to a ring of rinse nozzles and a ring of drying nozzles near the front of the camera device housing. 
         FIG. 10  shows the same assembly for the observation cameras, mounted in a telescopic fashion, at a side view perspective, with internal details depicting rinse water and drying air supply lines leading to a ring of rinse nozzles and a ring of drying nozzles near the front of the camera telescope mechanism housing. 
         FIG. 11  shows a top view of the assembly for the observation cameras, mounted in a telescopic fashion, taken from another angle, such as to show an exemplary drive mechanism of the telescopic rod. Also indicated are cleaning and drying lines and ports. The two extreme positions of fully retracted ( FIG. 11A ) and fully extracted ( FIG. 11B ) telescopic rod are depicted. 
         FIG. 12  shows a side view of the assembly for the observation cameras, mounted in a telescopic fashion, with emphasis on the cables of the camera leading from camera controller to image sensor. This embodiment depicts a mobile camera, with moving image sensor cable, and a stationary camera controller with antenna. 
         FIG. 13  shows a side view of the assembly for the observation cameras, mounted in a telescopic fashion, with emphasis on the cables of the camera leading from camera controller to image sensor. This embodiment depicts a mobile camera, with moving camera controller with antenna. In this embodiment the power supply cable to the camera controller and antenna is moving when the camera assembly is moved. 
         FIG. 14A  shows a toilet device with a cleaning and observation mechanism with a user and with a monitor that lets the user observe their buttocks or genital region and lets the user directly control the cleaning of said region, in this picture by means of a crosshair indicating the expected hit region for the cleansing water jet. 
         FIG. 14B  shows a close-up of a monitor showing images of a toilet user&#39;s buttocks or genitalia, with indication of control for the user as to where the water jet will hit, as well as camera control to center the camera image in the most important regions; said control optionally via a joystick, touchscreen or voice activated. 
         FIG. 15A  depicts a bidet tube, containing a cleaning fluid or water tube and nozzle, as well as a laser or point light source arranged such as to shine light concentrically and in the same direction as a cleaning fluid or water jet emanating from said cleaning fluid nozzle. 
         FIG. 15B  depicts a bidet tube, containing a cleaning fluid or water tube and nozzle, as well as a laser or point light source arranged to shine light in parallel and close proximity to a cleaning fluid or water jet emanating from said cleaning fluid nozzle. 
         FIG. 16  depicts a toilet device with a user, said toilet device having a movable, rockable seat and backrest assembly, with the seat and backrest assembly in idle state. 
         FIG. 17  depicts a toilet device with a user, said toilet device having a movable, rockable seat and backrest assembly, with the seat and backrest assembly in engaged and tilted state, exposing a gap between seat and toilet bowl which is covered by a flexible or movable skirt or other means. 
         FIG. 18  depicts a toilet device with a seat, said seat containing an actuation mechanism to separate the seat at the rear part, for instance by a worm gear driven assembly or similar. Said seat also contains anchor or pivot points further forward around which the two seat halves pivot upon actuation. Said depicted seat also contains an upper and a lower segment where the actuation is effected onto the upper segment. 
         FIG. 19A  depicts a toilet device with a seat, said seat containing actuation mechanisms wherein one mechanism acts to separate the seat at the rear part, for instance by a worm gear driven assembly or similar. Said seat also contains an actuation mechanism to lift the thighs of the user up. 
         FIG. 19B  depicts the same toilet device as  FIG. 19A , but with inner and outer sealing skirt also shown. 
         FIG. 20  depicts a cross section of a toilet device with a seat, taken across the toilet bowl, wherein said seat contains an upper and a lower segment and wherein said lower segment is partially enclosed or hidden inside the bowl and wherein various actuation mechanisms and rinsing mechanisms are included. 
         FIG. 21  depicts a toilet seat, seen from below, with an arrangement for drying the user&#39;s posterior. 
         FIG. 22  shows a side view of a toilet seat with a user and an arrangement of a drying mechanism for the user&#39;s posterior. 
         FIG. 23  shows an air curtain with additional air extraction along the rear end of a toilet seat. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       FIG. 1  depicts a toilet device  10  with toilet bowl  20  and toilet seat  30 , toilet lid  40  in open position, a toilet user  50 , an integrated bidet function with a telescopic actuation mechanism  60  with a bidet tube in retracted position  70 , as well as a camera observation device, with a housing, drive and telescopic actuation mechanism  80  to drive a camera mount body  90 , containing one or more cameras  100 ,  110 ,  120  for various observations to be explained below. In the depicted status, both the bidet function  70  and the camera observation function with the camera mount body  90  are fully retracted and in idle mode. Also depicted is a user&#39;s buttock or posterior region  130  as well as frontal genital region  140 . 
       FIG. 2  depicts a toilet device  10  with toilet bowl  20  and toilet seat  30 , a toilet user  50 , an integrated bidet function with a telescopic actuation mechanism  60 , as well as a camera observation device, with a telescopic actuation mechanism  80 , containing one or more cameras  100 ,  110 ,  120  for various observations to be explained below. An excrement  150  is also shown. In the depicted status, both the bidet function  60  with bidet tube  70  and the camera observation function  80  with the camera mount body  90  are in their active and engaged positions  160  and  170 , respectively. The bidet&#39;s telescopic arm is bringing a cleaning fluid jet  180 , most readily water, which may be heated, pulsed, activated using air, CO2 or other gas bubbles, or ultrasonic energy, can be oscillated by moving backward and forward, or by moving sideways or rotated around an axis, and regulated in strength to the user&#39;s buttocks or genital region in order to effect cleansing of these regions. Instead of water, a cleaning solution such as soapy water can also be implemented, as well as a combination, starting out with soapy water and finishing with plain water can be implemented. In addition to cleansing, the cleaning fluid jet  180  can also be focused on the user&#39;s anal region to serve as an enema to induce excretion. 
     A frontal viewing camera  100  with a wide-angle viewing field  190  can observe the cleaning process or the enema inducing process from a relatively protected position. 
     The depicted bidet function in its standard embodiment has one direction of motion, typically inward and outward of the bowl  195 , with a fixed or extension-dependent angle. However, in a further embodiment said bidet function contains an additional actuation, such as a rotary motion  197  around its long axis. With that in place, the fluid jet can be applied by coupled motions, such as circular or ellipsoidal motion of the water jet. 
     The depicted camera observation mechanism is actuated in this figure in such a way that the camera is located in a safe position near the rear of the bowl, such as to not interfere with the cleansing process. As the camera observation mechanism is actuated, the covering door, described later in this disclosure, is opened. 
       FIG. 3  depicts a toilet device  10  with toilet bowl  20  and toilet seat  30 , a toilet user  50 , an integrated bidet function  60  with a telescopic actuation mechanism, as well as a camera observation device  80 , with a telescopic actuation mechanism, containing one or more cameras  100 ,  110 ,  120  for various observations to be explained below. In the depicted status, the bidet function  60  with bidet tube  70  is retracted and idle, but the camera observation function  80  with camera mount body  90  is active and engaged in an extended position  200 . In this position  200 , the top camera  110  with large viewing angle  205  allows observing the user&#39;s buttocks  130  or front genital region  140 . A camera with a sufficiently wide angle, with adequate distance from the body parts to obtain a sufficiently focused image, may allow the user to observe both buttocks and genital region at the same time. Otherwise the user may control the camera location, for instance using a remote control, a touchscreen, a touchscreen of a smart phone or tablet, a joystick or via voice control. 
     A downward oriented camera  120  with viewing angle  207  can also visualize and optionally record the user&#39;s excrements  150 . 
     Camera observation of the user&#39;s buttocks or genitals greatly enhances the control over the degree of cleanliness after the post-excretion cleaning process. It also allows the user observation and early detection of a multitude of issues in the region, for instance, but not limited to the onset of menstruation for female users, infections such as yeast infections, but also hemorrhoids, abscesses, bowel inversion issues (often encountered with paraplegics), decubitus, fungal growth issues and many more. Regular observation of this region trains the user&#39;s eye on any changes occurring that warrant an action. With the observation cameras linked to controllers, such as smart phones or tablets via cable, WiFi, Bluetooth or other preferably but not exclusively wireless data transfer, images of the region can be viewed as live images, can be stored as well as forwarded to care givers or medical staff for further analysis, where and when warranted. 
     Image acquisition, processing, storage and transfer can readily be done in a safe mode, by using user detection, encryption and other safety precautions. Different users may each use their own device for control by downloading the control app provided by the toilet supplier. 
     By storing images and using advanced image analysis such as employing learning and artificial intelligence in general, a system can be devised which, for one, can track any medically relevant changes in the captured images over time and trigger alerts for further examination. By using anonymous user data base information from preferably a large set of volunteer users, we also conceive that the system will be capable to identify symptoms and observations made by images from an individual user, including development of such images over even long time scales, and comparing medically significant features with identified medical symptoms and observations from said data base or bases. 
     The same telescopic arm can contain several cameras  100 ,  110 ,  120 . In addition to observing the excretion and cleansing process  100 , we have described a camera to observe the user&#39;s buttocks and genitals  110 . That is done by an upward looking camera. It is also possible to have a camera looking downward into the bowl  120 , in order to observe and optionally store images of the user&#39;s excretions. Alternatively, the upward camera can be rotated downwards to also inspect and store images of excrements. Having separate cameras has the advantage of certain simplifications in terms of being able to instantly switch from image to image on a display screen (such as above-mentioned screen of smart phone or tablet). 
     The employed cameras may benefit from autofocus. Alternatively, lenses that show focused images in the range of interest are also suitable. For illumination, several scenarios are available, including at least one light, preferably a light emitting diode. For ideal and low shadow illumination, this disclosure teaches two different embodiments, wherein one comprises a ring of LEDs, which can for instance be mounted on the bottom side of the toilet seat, preferably integrated flush with the lower surface of the seat. For good camera image color fidelity, it is advisable to use LEDs, or illumination in general that is not red-deficient. Illumination with distinct colors or wavelength, however, can help in the determination of certain physical issues the user may exhibit in the buttocks or genital region. 
     It should be noted that while embodiments presented in this disclosure contain a plurality of cameras for observing cleaning process, user&#39;s posterior and genitals as well as excrements, it is also conceived to cover all these observation tasks with a single camera, for instance by using additional rotation or mirror functions to capture the respective regions of interest. However, we believe that the overall system benefits significantly from the use of a plurality of cameras for speed and simplicity, as images can be taken essentially simultaneous and split screen live imaging is also possible. 
       FIG. 4A  shows a view of a ring illumination, seen from below the toilet seat  30 . LEDs  210  with emission angles  220  are arranged in a ring  230  around the circumference of the seat, preferably smoothly integrated into the surface for easy maintenance. Co-molding of viewports for the LEDs with the toilet seat or manufacturing the toilet seat  30  at least partially from a transparent material, are both options to accomplish clean and smooth integration of such ring illumination. 
       FIG. 4B  shows a cross section of the toilet device  10  with toilet bowl  20 , toilet seat  30  and toilet user&#39;s buttock region  130 , illustrating illumination light rays from various LED sources  210  being either aimed directly  240  or reflected and scattered  250  along various paths, essentially eliminating any shading and assuring even illumination of the user&#39;s posterior for imaging purposes. The toilet bowl itself is typically manufactured from a white material (ceramic or plastic) and also supports the even illumination through its diffuse reflection characteristics. 
     Another option for illumination is to have the illumination as part of the camera telescope, or to have a separate motorized illumination, akin to the motorized camera illumination, but either coupled, monolithic or separate, in order to optimize cost or performance of such an alternative illumination concept. 
     The camera observation mechanism benefits from automatic cleaning and drying, even as a precautionary measure. Such automatic cleaning and drying of the camera observation mechanism can make use of the telescopic motion mechanism, by engaging a camera telescope cleaning and drying arrangement which will be described further in this disclosure. 
       FIG. 5A  depicts a sample structure of the driven telescopic arm structure that contains the cameras. In this embodiment, three cameras  100 ,  110 ,  120  are mounted onto a telescope camera mount body  90 . It also depicts one or more upward illuminating topside light emitting diodes (LEDs)  105 , as well as one or more downward oriented bottom side illuminating LEDs  115 . 
     A first, frontal camera  100  is angled to readily depict the excretion and the cleansing process while only being extracted a minimal distance. Alternatively, and not shown here, such a camera can be mounted fix inside the bowl or inside the bowl walls, best covered and protected by a transparent window that is arranged flush with the toilet bowl. 
     Said camera consists of a base with the image sensor  330 , and a lens arrangement with the wide-angle lens  320  with cover at the top. 
     Also shown is the camera cable  340  that is being routed towards the back. 
     Another camera  110  is position for upward views, such as to observe and inspect the user&#39;s buttock or genitals, depending on the position of the telescope. The same features of image sensor base, wide angle lens and cables are shown. 
     Thirdly, a downward angled camera  120  is implemented which can inspect the lower portion of the toilet bowl, notably the user&#39;s excrements. The camera cables are routed through a non-interfering path  350  such that standard flat cable can be employed, even though round cable bundles are also an option. 
     The displayed embodiment teaches one means of having mobile cameras, of protecting the cameras from soiling, of rendering the camera mount body easily cleanable, of covering all viewing areas of interest and of enabling quick camera exchange. Other means can be derived from this embodiment, using similar performance criteria. 
     Said top side ( 105 ) and bottom side ( 115 ) LEDs may provide one or more benefits or functionalities. Having the illumination source for a camera close to, but not directly scattering into the camera, provides light paths without shading, as light from the LED may hit all the surfaces visible and exposed to its adjacent camera. In addition, image recognition as well as diagnostics may benefit from illuminating a user&#39;s buttocks or genitals by selectable color or wavelength LEDs such as to highlight certain features and distinguish certain observed potential health issues and thus help in diagnosis. 
     The cameras are protected from the environment by a transparent cover  370  with a preferably but not necessarily cylindrical shape, with flat or rounded front surface. Said cover should at least be transparent in the camera regions. This at least locally transparent cover is connected to the telescope camera mount body. The connection in this embodiment is realized by at least one, preferably a plurality of O-Rings  380  located behind the camera region. Said O-Rings, sitting in O-Ring grooves  385 , in the camera mount body, together with optional distancing guidance spacers  400  along the edges of the front part of the telescope camera mount body, also serve to easily align the transparent cover to the telescope camera mount body. The transparent cover is preferably easily removable for cleaning or for access to the cameras if required. 
     The ledge  410  of the camera mount body behind the transparent covers should have a diameter or extent barely but sufficiently larger than the outer diameter or extent of the transparent cover, such as to prevent the cover from being stripped off accidentally upon retraction of the telescope mechanism. 
     Also shown in this image are optional screws  360  to hold together two segments of mounting blocks for the camera mount. Alternatively, such mounting can be done without using screws, but rather by snapping two pieces together. 
     Ideally, the telescope camera mount body is made from an injection molded plastic with an easily cleanable surface. Optionally such surface can be coated with a coating that is antimicrobial and rejects dirt. 
     The transparent cover is preferably in a round or ellipsoidal cross-sectional shape, as this readily enables rinse water to be removed either by dying or by gravity roll-off and reduce issues of drying on and leaving calcification stains after a while. If not round or ellipsoidal, it should at least be smooth, such as to readily enable cleaning and drying. Tilting the camera mount body  90  downwards into the toilet also facilitates readily shedding of cleansing liquid. It also enables efficient drying. 
     For calcification stains, however, it is envisioned that the transparent cover can easily be removed by the user or directly be cleaned by a suitable, e.g. vinegar containing cleaner. The user engages a software function that moves the telescope arm out for maintenance, and then pulls the transparent cover off from the O-Rings. It should be noted that to prevent or alleviate calcification, it is also envisioned to add a decalcification agent to the cleansing liquid. 
       FIG. 5B  shows a top view of the telescopic camera mount body  90 . Segmentation lines or seams  500  are shown (dashed) which indicate an example how the mount body can be segmented into two portions for easy mounting and replacement of the cameras. Threaded screws  360  as example of a fastening mechanism are also depicted. 
       FIG. 6  shows a sample embodiment of a camera mount body  90  which contains, in addition to the embodiment presented in previous figures an additional arrangement. A thermal or infrared camera  125  is arranged to capture an image common with top camera  110 . Here, the terms thermal and infrared cameras may be used interchangeably, but with the intention to state that cameras in the near infrared as well as in the far, longer wavelength, infrared, are conceived as part of this embodiment. Specifically, low cost infrared cameras can be made either of silicon cameras with a filter preventing visible light to hit the sensor. An alternative material that captures infrared information further into the infrared (often sensitive up to about 1700 nm wavelength) are InGaAs (Indium gallium arsenide) cameras, which are becoming more affordable, particularly when resolution lower than high definition (HD) is required. In the presented arrangement, both cameras are arranged adjacent to each other. A benefit for the user and for diagnostic purposes is that a thermal or infrared image of a same region of the body that is captured by a camera working with visible light may reveal additional features and may help in distinction and diagnosis of certain health related issues. Localized inflammations, particularly when confined under the skin, may for instance not be distinguishable in the visible image, but may show a signature in relationship to adjacent points on a user&#39;s skin surface. Even visible surface inflammations may only manifest themselves as such when observed using thermal imaging. Contrary to inflammations which typically may have a signature of locally increased temperature, regions of insufficient blood circulation may show up as having a cooler thermal signature. 
       FIG. 7  gives exemplary visualization of images of a user&#39;s buttock. The figure conveys separate phenomena. For once, it demonstrates how capturing images over the course of time can be tracked and compared. In addition, it conveys how with the help of infrared or thermal imaging and by comparing such images with images captured using visible light as illumination spectrum, certain health-related features may be addressed and identified. 
     In  FIG. 7 , the upper two figures signify images of a user&#39;s posterior region  130 , wherein the left figure refers to a visible light image and the right figure signifies an infrared or thermal image of the same region. 
     The lower two figures signify the same set of images, taken at a different point in time, with the intent of examining differences. 
     In all four images, a user&#39;s posterior region  130  is imaged. Marked here in an exemplary way are three observed anomalies. Anomaly  570  consisting of an observed visual anomaly without a thermal signature, which remains unchanged over the time period of observation. Anomaly  580  is a visible anomaly with a thermal signature indicated by horizontal hash marks  585 , wherein same thermal signature changed over time, indicated by vertical hashmarks  590 . In this specific example, the visible geometric extent  580  remains unchanged over time. 
     Anomaly  595  indicates an example of an anomaly without a thermal signature, but with an evolved size or shape, indicated by the changed anomaly outline  600 . 
     Coordination of thermal images with visible images, as well as coordination of observed features from one occasion to the next at a different point in time can be aided by certain orientation aides along the user&#39;s anatomy. For instance, local image contrast from the user&#39;s intergluteal cleft  520  can serve as a quasi-vertical orientation help, whereas a user&#39;s anus  560  can serve as the origin of a quasi-horizontal orientation line  570 . It is to be noted that both the quasi-horizontal and the quasi-vertical line are in general not exactly horizontal or vertical, but are envisioned to nevertheless be used as references for the image processing and assigning specific visible anomalies to their thermal or infrared counterparts, as well as assigning specific anomalies taken at one time to same anomalies taken at a different point in time. The software may set certain reasonable threshold for changed geometries or thermal signatures as warnings or alerts to a user. Additional anatomic features may also serve for improved orientation and geometrical assignments. For instance, the gluteal fold  530 , genital location or the tip of the intergluteal crest  540  may also serve as orientation supports. Additionally, any anomalies as well as specific individual users&#39; features themselves may be utilized by an image processing software to form a signature for orientation. For instance, distances between three or more anomaly or signature centers may serve to provide local coordinate systems for orientation. 
     Another embodiment that can serve to provide a quasi-three-dimensional representation or image of a user&#39;s posterior region can be acquired when the cameras depicted in multiple figures in this disclosure, such as  FIGS. 1-3, 6, 7, 7B  and others are replaced or augmented by 3-D scanners such as those used for light detection and ranging (LIDAR) measurements. By reflecting scanned laser beams off the surface of a user&#39;s posterior, an accurate three-dimensional image of topography can be acquired, which serves to characterize, among others, anomalies and potential health related issues by additional topographic signatures. For miniaturized LIDAR scanners, we envision the same basic mechanisms for engaging and retracting for operation and idle stages, respectively, as well as placement at different points utilizing one- or more dimensional motion of said cameras or scanners. 
     Additionally, the same encapsulation and automatable cleaning and drying of said camera or LIDAR scanners is envisioned. LIDAR at different wavelengths, including different visible and infrared wavelengths can serve to provide a multitude of information, including information from subcutaneous regions, allowing early detection of anomalies as they evolve, potentially prior to breaking through the skin surface for such anomalies which develop underneath the skin. 
       FIG. 8  shows the described telescopic camera mount body  90  embedded in a telescope housing and guiding block that also contains the drive mechanism  80 . The telescope housing and guide block may optionally contain a door in the front, which can be closed by spring action or gravity when the camera telescope body is fully retracted. Said door is described later in this disclosure and said door can contain outlets for rinsing and drying the tip or front region of the camera telescope body. The telescope guide block also contains a slit  640 , here shown in an L-shaped cross-section along one of the sides of the telescope guide block. Said slit acts as a side guide which allows for a segment  650  of the camera telescope mount body  90  which may be for instance formed in an L-shape or similar and protrudes out sideways to be guided and moved. Said protruded side segment  650  contains features to render it drivable by the use of an actuation mechanism, such as for instance a worm gear rod or a toothed belt or flexible toothed chain  660 . Said toothed belt, toothed flexible chain or worm gear itself can be driven by a wheel gear  630  with sprockets which is driven by a motor, the camera telescope motor. 
     Through sufficiently tight guidance of the protruding segment along the slit and coupling of the drive mechanism (belt, chain, worm gear rod), the telescope position can directly be inferred from the motor position, such as the motor steps, or through the use of a motor encoder or the likes. The same holds for the motor and mechanism driving the bidet telescope. With this information, position of bidet rod with water jet and camera can both readily be inferred. 
       FIG. 9  depicts cleaning and drying mechanism and components for the telescopic camera mount body. 
     Shown here is an outline of the inner part of the housing of the camera telescope guide housing block  700  of the camera assembly  80  (removed for clarity), with integrated cleaning or rinsing fluid (typically water) line  710  and drying gas (typically air) lines  720  (tubes, bores or injection molded solutions possible) for rinse-cleaning and drying the camera mount body  90 . Said fluid line leads to an essentially ring-shaped assembly of cleaning nozzles  730  that are capable to clean the circumference of the camera telescope body. Said cleaning nozzles are preferably directed both inward towards the camera telescope body as well as outward towards the front and towards the toilet, as arrows  740  show. Most easily the spent rinse water is discharged into the toilet. The mentioned drying line leads similarly to an essentially ring-shaped assembly of drying nozzles  750  that are capable to dry the circumference of the camera telescope body. Said drying nozzles are preferably directed both inward towards the camera telescope body as well as outward towards the front and towards the toilet, as arrows  760  show. Most easily the spent drying air is discharged towards the front into the toilet. The ring nozzles for both fluid and air can also be devised as slits or just single or few port outlets, depending on the cleaning and drying capability requirement. Said fluid and air can escape from the region due to the fact that the camera telescope body and the telescope guide are not hermetically sealing, but there is a small but sufficiently large gap  770  between the ring rinse nozzle and the camera mount body and also a small but sufficiently large gap  780  between the drying nozzle and the camera mount body, each gap signified by an dual tipped arrow. 
     Preferably, the rinsing and drying is done while the camera mount body is retracted after use and passes by the ring nozzles. However, the same can be done as the camera mount body is moved forward past the ring nozzles. The drying line and nozzles can be run during the cleaning process as well, while the rinse water is on, thereby reliably driving the rinse water towards the front and preventing back flow of rinse water. In addition, the telescope direction is arranged such that while the motion is essentially forward into the toilet bowl and backward out of the toilet bowl, there is an additional downward component for the telescope as it moves into the toilet bowl. This downward tilt also contributes to readily guide spent rinse water from the array into the toilet bowl. 
     In a simpler embodiment, rinsing water and drying air may use the same lines, just subsequently. For that it may be advantageous to have the camera telescope body oscillate more than once past the rinsing/drying nozzle, first for rinsing, then for drying. 
     If surface materials are chosen or engineered to be hydrophobic and potentially antimicrobial, only small amounts or rinsing and especially only a short time is required for drying. The drying time is also shortened by the smooth, preferably round or oblong, lightly downward tilted cross-section of the camera telescope body, at least in the exposed regions. 
     The preference for rounded surfaces does not preclude the use of straight surfaces, preferably with rounded edges, to accomplish the same mechanisms described here and, as with other readily transferred thoughts, this disclosure seeks to teach and cover all such embodiments and realizations. 
       FIG. 10  depicts the same assembly and mechanism as the previous figure, yet from a direct side view. Depicted are rinsing line  710  with ring rinse nozzle  730  and drying line  720  with ring drying nozzle  750 . It is significant and advantageous to mount rinse and dry nozzles closely to the front edge  800  of the guide body  80 , such as to be able to address and clean the tip  755  of the camera telescope body  90 . Ideally, in a fully retracted position, said tip  755  should be retracted further inward from rinse and drying line. Should this clean not be adequate, the tip of the camera can also be cleaned by rinses emanating from the front door of the assembly, which is not shown in this figure, but instead described in subsequent figures. 
       FIG. 11  shows a top view of the camera device telescope housing assembly  80 , with the telescopic guide block, the telescopic camera mount body  90  in fully retracted, idle position ( FIG. 11A ) and in fully extended position ( FIG. 11 b   ). Forward  100  and upward  110  looking cameras are also indicated, and so are camera cables  340  and the at least partially transparent camera cover  370 . Also shown is the drive mechanism for the camera telescope body with drive motor  620 , sprocket gear  630  and translating toothed belt, worm gear or chain  660 , with a segment  650  of the camera mount body  80  protruding out (top in figure), said protruding segment  650  being engaged to a drive mechanism  660  such as a worm gear, toothed belt or flexible toothed chain. The figure shows the maximum travel range of the camera telescope body, given by the maximum travel range of the protruding segment of the drive mechanism. In addition, across from the drive mechanism side, the rinse line  710  and dry lines  720  are shown, leading to rinse  730  and dry  750  ring nozzles.  FIG. 11  also introduces a protecting front door  785 , which protects the camera mount body  90  and the camera drive assembly  80 . In  FIG. 11A , this optional front door is closed, for instance using gravity or a spring loading mechanism.  FIG. 11B  illustrates how the door  785  is pushed open when the camera mount body is moving into an active position. Also shown in both figures are optional door mounted rinsing line  790  and door mounted drying line  795 . Such additional rinsing and drying capability can be advisable if rinsing and drying through ring nozzles  730  and  750  are not sufficient for reliably retaining a clean and dry front edge of the camera mount body  90 . 
     Also depicted in these figures are the essentially upward looking cameras  100  and  110 . Flat camera cables are also indicated. Camera cable travel and camera controllers are not shown in these figures. They are indicated in subsequent figures. 
       FIG. 12  contains a simplified illustration of the telescope camera mechanism with housing, guide and drive assembly  80  and camera mount body  90  with cameras  100 ,  110 ,  120  from a side view, with an emphasis on the camera cable routing. Only the camera telescope guide block  80  is shown. Also depicted is the camera telescope mount body  90 , both in fully retracted position ( FIG. 12A ) and in fully extended position ( FIG. 12B ). The camera cables  340  are shown, leading to the camera controllers  900  with the WiFi, Bluetooth or other components and antenna integrated. In this embodiment, said camera controllers do not move. As the camera telescope body is moved in and moved out, the camera cables are moved in a gentle way and within a guided cable routing casing  910  which protects the cables from getting kinked or wear out over time. The camera controllers typically will have a power supply cable, which does not need to move in this embodiment. In this embodiment, the camera controllers are also enclosed in said casing  910 . However, it is also conceived that the camera controllers remain outside of the casing and only cables run in the casing.  FIG. 12A  shows the cable in the casing with slack  920  as the camera mount body  90  is in the retracted position and  FIG. 12B  shows the cable with almost no slack  930  when the camera mount body  90  is in its fully extended position. Also envisioned is the use of small geometry cameras which have their readout chip directly attached to their image sensor base in a small formfactor. In such embodiments, the number and size of cables to said cameras is reduced significantly, as a video signal can be conveyed on one line, while other lines bring power to the assembly. 
       FIG. 13  illustrates another mechanism of enabling the telescopic camera motion.  FIG. 13A  depicts the camera mechanism  80  with camera mount body  90  in retracted, idle position, while  FIG. 13B  depicts the mechanism with the camera mount body  90  in maximum engaged position. Here depicted is an embodiment where the camera controllers  900  move directly with the camera telescope body from retracted position  960  in  FIG. 13A  to engaged position  970  in  FIG. 13B , but camera controllers are physically sufficiently separated to not be exposed to any wet ambient and optionally encapsulated by housing  950 . This assembly requires a larger space for its motion; yet it does not require the camera cables to move relatively between camera and camera controller with antenna. The cable which does require movement for this embodiment is the power supply cable to the camera controller. A preferably rigid connection  980  between camera mount body  90  and camera controller  900  ( 960 ,  970 ) should be used to facilitate smooth parallel movement of camera mount body and camera controller. 
       FIG. 14A  depicts a toilet device  10  with toilet bowl  20 , toilet seat  30 , integrated bidet function  60  with bidet tube  70  for cleaning, integrated camera device for observation  80 , a toilet user  50  and a smart device  1000  such as a tablet or smartphone with video touchscreen  1010  displaying one or more of images taken using cameras  100 ,  110 ,  120 , implemented in camera mount body  90 , in this example an image  1020  of the user&#39;s posterior thus allowing the toilet user to observe and inspect their posterior  130  or genital region  140  and observe, inspect and control the cleaning activity performed by the bidet cleaning device  60  with bidet tube  70  moved into cleaning position  160  and dispensing cleaning jet  180 . The unit&#39;s controller system, by tracking current positions of all motors that drive bidet tube  70  and camera mount body  90 , determines the location where the cleaning fluid jet, usually a water jet, is to hit the surface of the user when used in current position of user and bidet tube  160 , and places a marker  1040 , such as a cross-hair or similar, on the screen for the user. The way the controller determines the contact location of the water jet is by evaluating one or more of the following, and ideally as much of the following as is economically possible: a) The camera location is determined by the camera telescope drive motor status, which can be determined for instance either via an encoder or via counting steps if a stepper motor is employed. In the case of stepper motor step counting action it is advantageous to have the stepper motor and telescope hit a hard stop home location with every use, in order to not have any errors accumulate. b) The camera may use an auto focus function or distance finder to determine the location of the user&#39;s posterior or genital surface. Alternatively, an estimate of average user depth position can be determined. In addition, it is possible to take images of the user&#39;s posterior at different extracted positions of the camera mount body and use image shifts and size changes to locate the depth of the user&#39;s posterior. c) The controller may use basic geometry such as the inner outline of the toilet seat as reference. For instance, markers along toilet seat rim or the toilet seat rim contour itself can serve as additional location references. d) The bidet telescope motor or motors uses a similar function as the camera telescope motor to determine the in-out position of the bidet fluid jet port. Should the bidet telescope have an additional degree of motion, such as a motorized (or otherwise driven) rotation  197  around the long axis, as indicated in the figure, then that second motor&#39;s position is also recorded to add to the information regarding the position and direction of the bidet fluid jet. e) The water pump supplying water to the bidet fluid jet is motorized and with relatively fixed fluid path geometry between water pump and water jet outlet, the water pump speed and possible aeration determine the trajectory of the water jet. 
     With all this data, the system can calculate and place an estimated striking position  1040  onto the screen. The user can have options to change the target location by e.g. using their finger  1030  to touch a desired area to be cleaned on the touch screen. That location is then translated back to the system and the motor(s) of the bidet tube are programmed to hit the desired area. The directions of motion, such as translational movement  195  and rotational movement  197  of the bidet function can both be used to execute a certain desired cleaning routine in an area determined using the controller touchscreen. For optimum accuracy, the system may allow for corrective alignment settings or use factory settings and use said crosshairs for targeting locations or patterns to clean. Instead of a touch screen, it is also conceived to use a joystick or similar, or to use voice activation or other help for users with impaired motion of their upper extremities. 
     For the rotational motions, it is envisioned that such motions can either be implemented independently for bidet tube  70  and camera mount body  90 , or be done in one combined, coupled motion or by one motion that for instance rotates the entire bidet tube housing and camera device housing around its axis. 
       FIG. 14B  shows a larger view of an example screen image  1020  on a touch screen  1010  of a smart device  1000 , such as a tablet or smartphone, or dedicated toilet controller device, where the utilization of such location is demonstrated. The image  1020  indicates a user&#39;s posterior and crosshairs  1040  placed where the fluid jet is to hit. For instance, the user can be given a second crosshair or an indication where exactly his finger is touching the screen, such as a finger icon  1060  or similar and use a joystick or touch-screen motion to describe, with their fingers or the joystick, a desired cleaning pattern on the screen or circle and, for instance by a circling motion, select the area to be cleaned, or do a voice or foot command if desired if the user does not have full functionality of their upper extremities. By describing the marking area as circling, we explicitly state that the region does not need to be of circular shape, but may for instance include an area circumscribed using a freestyle line or any similar measure. 
     Such control or guidance can be done using the live image and be done during the clean itself, in real-time observation, or it can use a stored image that was taken when the water jet is not on, as such image will tend to give better visibility, but accuracy then relies on the user not moving the surface as it is being cleaned. Or the process can be done intermittently with turning the fluid jet on and off in quick succession in order to get updated images of the cleaning status. It is also envisioned that the user merely circles an area to be cleaned and the system executes a cleaning pattern around this area. Or the user directly guides the cleaning stream and controls via live image (or intermittent live and stored image for location, or via image view with intermittent water jet on/off for image quality). Various embodiments of such direct and enhanced cleaning control, with and without the use of cross hairs or the likes, and with and without the use of intermittent images, are imaginable and are considered covered by this disclosure. For instance, instead of cross hairs, an LED or laser which is aligned with the water jet path can be used to illustrate to the user the location where the water jet is to hit the surface. It is readily conceivable to have laser light or otherwise adequately focused light coupled in near the tip of the water jet nozzle and be emitted essentially concentric with the water jet path. Gravity based corrections may need to be applied, their degree depending on the strength of the water jet. However, the water jet itself guiding the laser beam to an extent, via total internal reflection, is also a known phenomenon and may be employed here if desired. 
     Regarding the cleaning fluid jet, it should be noted that while a circular hole with circular fluid jet pattern is readily implemented, it is also conceivable to use a fan spray which covers a larger area per unit time and can provide a quicker clean in certain circumstances, especially when combined with a programmed sweeping pattern. 
       FIG. 14B  also indicates various other user accessible touch control buttons  1050  for other control functions having to do with the bidet function and adjustment as well as with camera control, such as image switching, image acquisition, image or video storage and the likes. Overall, the control of the whole device is conceived as being downloadable as an App onto a user&#39;s smart device, or to run directly on a control device dedicated to the toilet device with enhanced control and support functions. 
       FIG. 15A  depicts a bidet tube  70 , containing a cleaning fluid or water tube  1070  and nozzle  1080 , as well as a laser or point light source  1090  with supply cable  1095  arranged such as to shine light concentrically and in the same direction as a cleaning fluid or water jet  180  emanating from said cleaning fluid nozzle. Fluid or water tube  1070  and nozzle are connected via tube-to-nozzle connector  1085 . Point light source  1080  couples light in through a transparent bottom of said tube-to-nozzle connector  1085 . Water or cleaning fluid direction is illustrated by solid arrows  1075 , while light from the point light source is indicated by dashed arrows  1097 . 
       FIG. 15B  depicts a bidet tube  70 , containing a cleaning fluid or water tube  1070  and nozzle  1080 , as well as a laser or point light source  1090  with supply cable  1095  arranged to shine light in parallel and close proximity to a cleaning fluid or water jet  180  emanating from said cleaning fluid nozzle  1080 . Water or cleaning fluid direction is illustrated by solid arrows  1075 , while light from the point light source is indicated by dashed arrows  1097 . 
     With such an arrangement utilizing a point light source, the image  1020  on monitor  1000  in  FIG. 14B  may thus directly visualize the spot on the user&#39;s posterior or genital skin surface so that in place of projected crosshairs  1040 , the point light source or laser spot is directly visible to the user. The user can then use this spot to direct the cleaning fluid jet to wherever specific cleaning by the cleaning fluid or water jet are required. 
     Drying of the user&#39;s posterior or genitals after the cleaning process is typically done by a warm or hot air fan which is stationary. But it is also conceivable to do drying, or part of the drying, using compressed air, for instance using a parallel hole pattern or fan pattern to shear off the water from the user&#39;s posterior or genital surfaces. Such compressed air drying can be combined with a telescopic or sweeping or shearing motion akin to the bidet telescope motion, in order to cover the wetted region quickly. Such shearing motion is best and safest done by using a somewhat grazing angle towards the surface, such that the drying air rushes toward the surface at a low angle, far from vertical impingement. This yields the best drying results as well as the lowest impact. Such compressed (or fast) air drying can be accompanied by an active (negative pressure) air extract or just by a shield that is on the opposed side from the air outlet. The function of that is to retain the fluid droplets within the bowl and not let them be driven out of the bowl by the compressed air. 
     Such extracts or shields should include automatic cleaning as well, to prevent accumulation of dirt or microbes. 
     Such compressed air drying can be used by itself or combined with hot air drying, to accelerate the overall drying process. 
     Example embodiments of such enhanced drying process capabilities are described further down in this disclosure. 
       FIG. 16  illustrates a toilet device  10  with toilet bowl  20 , toilet seat cover which doubles as potential back rest  40 , toilet seat  1100  with actuation, in idle position, preferably with an upper and a lower seat segment, signaled by a dividing line  1110 , a front seat segment  1140  in flat idle position and optional telescopic bidet function  60  as well as telescopic camera observation function  80 . Backrest  40  contains an inflatable back support  1165 , depicted as uninflated. In  FIG. 16 , the toilet user  50  is seated such that the user&#39;s torso  1150  and thighs  1160  are arranged in an essential L-shape. User&#39;s feet  1170  are placed on an actuatable, compressed foot stool  1130 . The device depicted here and in the next figure emphasizes functions and mechanisms to help the user with their bowel movement process. It will become clear from the description that the described functions and mechanisms are of particular importance and advantage to people that are either suffering from lack of sensation in the region, such as paraplegic or quadriplegic people, but also to people of diminished or waning physical strength or coordination. It is well known that a crouching position can help a user with a bowel movement. A rocking motion can support this as well, and so can stimulation of the anus using a fluid jet  180 , potentially specifically an aerated or pulsed fluid jet. This disclosure also describes how the position of the pulsed fluid jet can be observed and controlled precisely by means of previously described camera and visualization system, such as touchscreens of smart phones. This helps in providing a well targeted stimulation. The devices, structures and mechanisms described here are all geared to provide the user with such supports. 
       FIG. 17  shows the concept of a toilet with several actuation functions, including lifting the user&#39;s thighs, supporting the user in a partially crouched position where the user&#39;s upper leg and torso resemble a V shape. It shows the toilet device  10 , with toilet bowl  20 , toilet seat with upper and lower segment  1100 , toilet cover as back rest  40  with inflated back support  1175 , an optional foot stool with motorized lifting capability in an actuated elevation position  1280 , and the user  50 . 
     Shown here is an engaged actuation wherein the upper segment of the toilet seat has a front section  1140  that is lifted by actuation, for instance by a scissor lift-like actuator  1210  with motor. In addition, the back rest may be motorized in a similar way (actuation not shown here). The foot lift is in an actuated elevated position  1280 . Said front seat section is lifted and pivots around pivot point  1220 . The toilet cover or back rest  40  may pivot around pivot point  1230 . The toilet cover or back rest may have an inflated back support  1175 . Said inflation can optionally be carried out on command. It is envisioned that a pressure sensor and cutoff or limit switch are used in order to prevent a user from experiencing an excessive squeezing force when being brought into said V-shape. One convenient option for such pressure sensing is the direct sensing and control of the pressure of the inflated back rest. In order to cover the gap between upper and lower segment of the front part of actuatable toilet seat  1100 , a collapsible skirt can be envisioned, said skirt itself being rinseable if required. Similar to the front upper segment of the seat, the rear upper segment is also envisioned to be liftable in similar fashion. In the lifted position, the user&#39;s torso  1150  and thighs  1160  essentially form a V-shape  1240 , thereby applying pressure on the user&#39;s bowels and supporting the initiation or continuation of bowel movement. The motions of the various actuators can be combined in such a form that the user, while in a V-shaped position, can be rocked back and forth in combined or separate motions  1250 , wherein motion of the toilet seat cover or back rest, the front section of the toilet seat and the foot stool  1280  can be coordinated to form a rocking motion where the user&#39;s torso and upper legs are cradled and move synchronously, or in a squeezing motion, wherein user&#39;s torso and upper legs alternately form a V-shape or an L-shape. Said rocking or squeezing motions may be beneficial to the user&#39;s bowel movement. 
     In addition, the user can choose to stimulate the bowel movement using the fluid jet  180  from a telescopic bidet function  60 , as described earlier in this disclosure to carry out an enema or to stimulate the anal region to trigger or support a bowel movement. The procedure and progress, as well as subsequent cleaning, can be observed, guided and controlled using the telescopic camera mechanism described earlier. 
     It is to be noted that in order to enable such mobile toilet seat segments, it is advisable to have a hygienic, soft or semi soft cover on the toilet seat, such as from an elastomer, which can itself be supported in segments. Preferably such a hygienic flexible elastomer covers the seat hermetically but is also easily removable for cleaning. 
     It is also noted that differing arrangements and actuations for cradling, rocking or squeezing the user to induce bowel movement are also envisioned and included to the fullest extent. Examples are to have a rear section of a seat actuatable as well, or to have a toilet seat with a surface that can conform to a user for optimized cradling during the rocking or squeezing motion. Preferably, actuatable surfaces may be covered with a flexible, yet hermetic and sanitary material, perhaps with a foam layer, in order to separate the user&#39;s buttocks and rear thighs from pivot points or actuation mechanisms and prevent any of a user&#39;s skin to be caught within a pivot point or actuator. 
     Placing a user into a squeezed position by the above described example actuation mechanisms can also serve to improve imaging of a user&#39;s posterior or genitals for diagnostic purposes, especially in such cases, where skin creases can be smoothed and the actuation serves to temporarily spread, stretch, smooth and thus expose the regions of diagnostic interest, namely anal and genital regions. Furthermore, the same action can facilitate improved cleaning and drying of said regions after bowel movement, as it makes the region overall more accessible for the cleaning fluid jet or jets. 
       FIG. 18  shows an additional actuation with the same improvement goals to bowel movement, post-bowel movement cleaning, drying and imaging. It shows a toilet device  10  with a toilet bowl  20  and toilet seat  1100 , which is segmented between an upper  1310  and lower toilet seat  1320 , wherein said lower toilet seat segment is more or less stationary whereas the upper seat segment can be actuated. In the described embodiment in this figure, the rear upper segments  1330  of the toilet seat can be spread apart, such as to support spreading the buttocks of a toilet user sitting on said seat. The actuator for the lateral spreading  1340  is preferably located near the rear of the seat and is preferably covered by the afore mentioned hygienic, hermetic and flexible elastomer seal (not shown). Upon actuation, the rear upper segments  1330  of the toilet seat are spread and pivot around pivot points  1350  located further forward on the toilet seat. Such spreading is to support the bowel movement of the user as well as cleaning and diagnostic imaging information, in much a similar way that the afore described thigh lifting and rocking or squeezing motion does. 
       FIG. 19A  show a toilet device  10  with a toilet seat  1100  consisting of an upper  1310  and a lower segment  1320  wherein said toilet seat combines the actuation mechanisms described in the previous figures and shows the features in the actuated state. The figure indicates how the front section  1140  of the upper segment of the toilet seat can be lifted in order to lift the toilet user&#39;s thighs, while the rear section of the upper segment of the toilet seat can be spread, and optionally also be lifted, even though that motion is not shown explicitly in this figure. The frontal lifting occurs around pivot points or hinges  1220  located closer to the middle of the toilet seat. As mentioned for the other figures, it is advantageous for hygiene and safety purposes that the seats and their actuation mechanism  1480  with actuation direction  1490  be covered by a preferably hermetic yet flexible elastomer seal, not shown, which also contains the skirt that covers the gap that is generated when the frontal upper segments of the toilet seat are lifted. The rear upper segments  1330  of the toilet seat are also depicted in actuated, spread mode, spread symmetrically around pivot points  1350  with pivot rotation direction  1360 . The actuator  1340  for this motion is also shown. Preferably all actuation mechanisms are covered by flexible elastomer seals, which are not shown. 
       FIG. 19B  shows the same embodiment of a toilet device as  FIG. 19A , except that inner skirt  1410  and outer skirt  1420  are also depicted. Both skirts have the function of keeping the user safe from getting their skin caught in actuation functions. They also serve to protect the actuation functions. In addition, inner skirt  1410 , which may be contiguous along the front side of the toilet seat also serves to prevent any liquid, be it urine or cleaning fluid, from accidentally being released from toilet bowl  20 , especially while the seat lifting elements are actuated. 
       FIG. 20A  shows a cross section of a toilet device  10  with toilet bowl  20  and with toilet seat  1100  with segmented upper  1310  and lower segments  1320 .  FIG. 20B  shows a larger view of a segment of the toilet seat cross section region. Depicted here is the hermetic inner  1410  and outer  1420  seal, which is compressed in an accordion shape between upper and lower seat segments  1310  and  1320 , respectively. Also indicated is a rinse line with rinse nozzles that can be used as a toilet bowl sidewall rinse  1600 , as well as a rinse for the skirt  1610 . In a similar fashion, a drying line for post rinse drying is also envisioned. The figure also indicates how a lower part of the lower toilet seat segment  1620  is integrated and obscured by the toilet bowl, mainly for aesthetic or architectural reasons, since particularly the lower segment needs to house actuators of substantial size in order to lift or move the user&#39;s thighs or rock the user back and forth on the toilet seat. 
       FIGS. 16-20  describe embodiments with actuations for a toilet seat, where the toilet seat has an upper and lower segment. Such embodiments lend themselves to be used as retrofits to existing toilet bowls. In addition, the segmentation has certain maintenance advantages, as described. However, it is also envisioned that the lower segment can be part of an integrated toilet itself. 
       FIGS. 21-23  depict example embodiments for enhanced drying mechanisms. 
       FIG. 21  depicts a toilet seat  1700 , seen from below, with an arrangement for drying the user&#39;s posterior. A Motor driven air knife bar  1730  e.g. on each side of the toilet seat is presented which pivots around a pivot point  1760  and sweeps across at least one side of a user&#39;s posterior, in this embodiment sweeping from front to rear of a toilet seat along path  1750 . Said air knife bar has a resting position  1710  tucked into or underneath said toilet seat. Compressed air is fed into the air knife bar via duct  1870 . The air knife bar is optionally accompanied by a driven air extract bar e.g. on each side of the toilet seat which also has a resting position  1720  and which is moved  1740  in connection with said air knife mechanism, preferably preceding the air knife on its path from front to rear of said toilet seat, such as to catch air and droplets from drying the user&#39;s posterior and extracting them through air ducts and optional filter with optional heating or other moisture trapping capabilities. Said air extract is preferably powered by an air fan  1800  generating an air suction force sufficient for efficient collection of the droplet-laden drying air and driving it out through an air extract filter  1810 .  FIG. 21  shows one air knife  1730  with extract arrangement  1740  being swept across the open area of the toilet seat, while the other side&#39;s air knife  1710  with extract arrangement  1720  is still in its resting position, nested within the toilet seat. Drying air direction  1770  from the air knife is also indicated via arrows. 
     In said resting position  1710  and  1720 , respectively, it is advantageous to provide a rinsing and optional drying capability  1880  of said air knife and extract mechanism, such as to keep the mechanism clean at all times. In such a cleaning with optional drying setup  1880 , it is envisioned that cleaning fluid, typically water or water enhanced by a cleaning chemical, can be delivered to said air knife also in a multi-nozzle arrangement and fluid and water lines can be separate or joined. For the latter case, the drying air used to dry the air knife and air extract mechanism acts to drive out the residual fluid through the cleaning line and then dries the air knife. Arrows  1890  indicate the direction of air knife rinsing and drying liquid and air. Rinsing fluid and drying air can be fed into the duct by T-connector  1900 . Such cleaning and drying of the air knife may also cover the air extract bar  1720  and it is a quick process. Even so, it can even be finished after the user has left the toilet, when air knife and air extract mechanism are back in resting position. If a user so choses, it is evident that such air knife cleaning and rinsing in place can also be done prior to applying the air knife for drying the user&#39;s posterior. It should be mentioned that instead of using a separate motor to drive the air knife and air extract mechanism, it is also conceived that a portion of the drying air itself which is used for the drying is also employed to actuate the air knife bar, since this drying air contains a certain kinetic energy and its momentum can be used to impact and repel/propel the air knife from a position. In such cases, a spring loading mechanism can also be employed for instance to drive the air knife bar back into its resting position. 
     In addition to the drying of the user&#39;s posterior or genitals by said air knife, additional hot air drying can be employed to hot air feed ports  1830  via a hot air fan  1840  and heater  1850  at the same time or after the air knife. Arrows  1860  show the general direction of the drying air. 
     The air knife itself can consist of a slit for the air outlet, or of a plurality of nozzles, arranged in parallel, perhaps with slightly varying angles to best cover certain heights and angles of the user&#39;s posterior. 
     In addition to adding air extracts to the air knife, additional air extract ports  1780  can be placed into the toilet or toilet seat. Ducts for the air extracts  1790  are also shown. 
       FIG. 22  shows a side view of a toilet device  10  with toilet seat  1700  with a user  50  and an arrangement of a drying mechanism for the user&#39;s posterior  130  and front genitals  140 . An example trajectory  1950  of air from an air knife bar  1730  is shown. In a preferred embodiment, said air has a relatively low angle towards the user&#39;s posterior. Such a relatively low angle can improve sheeting off liquid attached to the user&#39;s posterior from the bidet-based cleaning of the user&#39;s posterior or genitals. However, care should be taken in the design such as to prevent interfering with male user&#39;s genitals during drying. The air path of the droplet laden air  1960  from the user&#39;s posterior into the air extract bar  1740  is also shown. A preferred path  1970  of the air knife bar across the toilet seat is to start from a resting position in the toilet seat, then dip downwards as it is swept across the seat and move back up towards the rear of the toilet seat. The air path is to be designed such that the air extract bar collects the droplet-laden drying air as it is reflecting off the user&#39;s posterior. For very elaborate designs, it is possible to add a second axis of motion that governs the vertical distance of the air knife bar and air extract bar from the user&#39;s posterior. Such a second axis can be driven in a fixed program or guided by sensors, such as optical, capacitive, or air back pressure sensors to judge the proximity of the air knife to the user as all times of operation. One simple means to achieve an arc for the air knife bar and air extract mechanism moving downward and back upward is for example by proper tilting of the rotational axis of the pivot. Another simple means is by using gravity and having the arms of the air knife bar and the air extract bar follow a track close to the pivot point that guides them downward and back upward again. 
       FIG. 23  shows the top view of a toilet seat  1700 , containing a vacuum loaded or extract air loaded air curtain across the rear of the toilet seat. Additional forced air  2040  is guided towards the user&#39;s lower back or upper posterior while at the same time air is extracted  2050  from this region. This is enabled by an extract loaded air supply with negative pressure  2010  in the rear of the toilet seat, combined with a duct and supply for drying air  2020 . Such an air curtain can serve to prevent droplet laden air from the drying process to be expelled at the rear of the toilet seat during the drying process. Practicality determines whether such a two-directional air curtain is required or whether merely additional air or additional air extraction are beneficial for preventing droplet-laden air from being expelled. 
     The devices, structures, mechanisms and procedures presented in this disclosure provide a multitude of benefits. Not only do they enable the user to have direct feedback and good control over their cleanliness. They also provide capability for early detection of any health issues related either to bowel movement or more generally to the posteriors or genitals of the person, such as early detection and avoidance of decubitus, of fistulas or hemorrhoids, or even of scrotum infections or necrotic skin tissue in any posterior position of the body. Other instances such as the onset of menstruation, the formation of fungal infections and much more can be determined. Also, users can utilize the camera functions to help guide them while urinating on urine analysis strips or to help especially female users with self-implementation of catheters, which is a topic of daily challenge, particularly for female paraplegic users of the toilet. In addition, when combined with diet diaries, sources for food allergies, diarrhea and constipation can all be detected and correlated with rashes or other skin reactions, as well as with specific bowel movement issues earlier and more reliably. Sharing such images and data including their history has high value for the medical providers and may turn out to cut health care costs significantly. This holds not only for mobility or sensory impaired people but also for non-impaired people. Several features presented here require integration and installation of a completely new toilet device. However, it is also envisioned that all or most features can be implemented as part of an add-on kit to an existing toilet device.