Patent Document

FIELD 
       [0001]    This invention relates to the field of toilet fixtures and more particularly to a system for improving sanitation in the vicinity of the toilet fixtures. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    An emission of urine from animals creates a breading ground for odor and bacteria. Although urine is a sterile fluid as it leaves the body of most animals, due to its temperature and composition, it quickly becomes a breading ground for bacteria and odor. 
         [0003]    An efficient system has been introduced to most of the world&#39;s population to safely dispose of urine. At the terminus of such a system is typically a sewerage treatment plant that processes effluent, including the urine, in a safe manner. At the start of the system is a fixture such as a flush toilet or wall-urinal. After urination, the fixture is typically flushed with fresh water to wash the urine through plumbing and eventually to the sewerage treatment plant. 
         [0004]    Although humans can sit on a toilet fixture to urinate, particularly for the male human, urination is often performed while standing. This provides for a more efficient, less time consuming process, but, due to the distance between the source of the urine and the fixture, this process often results in over spray due to splashing, bad aim or carelessness, resulting in urine landing on surfaces of the fixtures that do not get rinsed with water during the flushing operation. Furthermore, in some situations, the lack of aim results in urine on surfaces around the fixture such as walls or floors. Once urine is allowed onto these surfaces, the urine starts to grow bacteria, create an odor and stain the surfaces, particularly grout between tiles. The bacteria, odor and stain are large problems, especially with regard to public bathrooms where there is often a lack of regard or care in aiming correctly, possibly because the urinator is not in charge of cleaning up after themselves. 
         [0005]    It has long been known to place target decals in a toilet bowl or urinal to help some with their aim. In general, such targets are decals or printing of a specific artwork, typically representing a target bulls eye. Although these devices provide a target at which to aim, they soon become boring and are quickly ignored. 
         [0006]    What is needed is a urinal target system that will improve the likelihood that a male unrinator will correctly aim, thereby reducing urine deposits around the toilet/urinal. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0007]    A urinal target system is disclosed having a target area and an optional score board. The target area is customizable, in that, an image is embedded or attached to in the target area to make it more fun to hit the target. For example, one might use a picture of a political person, a boss, sports team logo or a family member, thereby providing entertainment value while also providing an interesting target that will improve the chances of hitting the target and missing the surrounding walls and floors. The urinal target system has an optional score board that adds an element of competition and achievement. The score board displays a score for the urinator that is proportional to the length of time that the target is hit and the pressure exerted on the target, so a urinator with good aim is more likely to achieve a higher score than one with bad aim. 
         [0008]    In one embodiment, a urinal target system is disclosed including a base member having at least a back wall and a cover member. The cover member has at least a front wall, is movably interfaced to the base member, and is urged away from the base member by a resilient member such that a flow of urine applies a force to the front wall of the cover member thereby the force counteracts the spring, moving the front wall of the cover member closer to the back wall of the base member. A target graphics is placed on an outside surface of the front wall of the cover member whereas the base member is interfaced to a wall of a toilet and/or urinal and the target graphics is a target for a person urinating. 
         [0009]    In another embodiment, a method of improving aim of a person that is urinating is disclosed including the steps of (a) directing the flow of the urine towards a target graphics that is an outside surface of a urinal target system. The urinal target system has a base member with at least a back wall and a cover member with at least a front wall. The cover member is movably interfaced to the base member and is urged away from the base member by a spring such that a flow of urine applying a force to an outside surface of the front wall of the cover member counteracts the spring, moving the front wall of the cover member closer to the back wall of the base member. A sensor is coupled to the urinal target system such that the sensor detects the force from the flow of the urine and converts the force into an electrical signal, the electrical signal being proportional to the force of the flow of the urine. A processor (or electronic circuit) is interfaced to the sensor such that the processor receives the electrical signal. (b) Software running on the processor calculates a score value that is a function of the force of the flow of the urine. (c) The software running on the processor displaying the score value on a display that is electrically interfaced to the processor. (d) After the flow of urine abates, the software running on the processor delays for a period of time, and then blanks the display. 
         [0010]    In another embodiment, a target system is disclosed including a target graphics and a device for supporting the target graphics and/or electronics away from a wall of a toilet. The target system includes a device for measuring a force from a flow of urine applied as the flow is applied to the device for supporting the target graphics. The device for supporting is interfaced to the wall of the toilet/urinal and the target graphics is a target for a person urinating. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]    The invention can be best understood by those having ordinary skill in the art by reference to the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: 
           [0012]      FIG. 1  illustrates a schematic view of an exemplary target circuit. 
           [0013]      FIG. 2A  illustrates a cut-away view of internal components of an exemplary target system. 
           [0014]      FIG. 2B  illustrates a front plan view of the exemplary target system. 
           [0015]      FIG. 2C  illustrates a side plan view of the exemplary target system mounted to a urinal with covered target art work. 
           [0016]      FIG. 2D  illustrates a side plan view of the exemplary target system mounted to a urinal with external art work. 
           [0017]      FIG. 3  illustrates an exemplary block diagram of a typical target system controller. 
           [0018]      FIG. 4  illustrates an exemplary flow chart of a typical target system. 
           [0019]      FIG. 5  illustrates an exemplary flow chart of an order, delivery and development of the typical target system. 
           [0020]      FIG. 6A  illustrates a cut-away view showing internal components of a second exemplary target system. 
           [0021]      FIG. 6B  illustrates a front plan view of the second exemplary target system. 
           [0022]      FIG. 6C  illustrates a side plan view of the second exemplary target system mounted to the inside surface of a toilet bowl with covered target art work. 
           [0023]      FIG. 6D  illustrates a side plan view of the second exemplary target system mounted to the inside surface of a toilet bowl with external art work. 
           [0024]      FIG. 7  illustrates a printed label of a typical target system. 
           [0025]      FIG. 8A  illustrates a side cut-away view showing internal components of a third exemplary target system. 
           [0026]      FIG. 8B  illustrates a front plan view of the third exemplary target system. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0027]    Reference will now be made in detail to the presently preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Throughout the following detailed description, the same reference numerals refer to the same elements in all figures. 
         [0028]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , a schematic view of a typical urinal target system  5  will be described. Although shown as a micro-controller-based system  5 , it is anticipated that, in some embodiments, the urinal target system  5  is fabricated from other electronic components without the use of a processor  100 . The processor  100  is any processor or micro-controller, as known in the industry. An exemplary micro-controller system  5  is shown in  FIG. 3 . It is preferred that the micro-controller  100  be a low-power device to consume as little battery power as possible. It is also preferred, though not required, that the micro-controller  100  have internal storage, both persistent storage and random access memory to reduce power consumption, cost and real estate consumption. In some embodiment, a reset switch  60  is interfaced to the micro-controller  100  as known in the industry, though the urinal target system  5  need only reset when the battery  90  is initially connected, as known in the industry. 
         [0029]    The micro-controller  100  and other circuitry  10 / 60 / 40 / 30  is powered by a battery  90 . Power from the battery  90  is regulated by a regulator  92  to provide the operating voltage required by the other components  100 / 10 / 40  as known in the industry, though in some embodiments, some or all components are powered directly by the battery  90  without any regulation. The micro-controller  100  is interfaced to a display  10  as known in the industry through a direct, serial, or parallel interface. 
         [0030]    The output device  10  is shown as a display  10  as an example of an output device. Any suitable output device  10  is anticipated such as a TN display (twisted nematic), STN display (super-twisted nematic), LED display, or TFT display (thin film transistor), etc. In alternate embodiments, the output device  10  is an audio output device. It is desired that the display consume as little power as possible to maintain maximum battery life. Although many display configurations are possible (e.g. dot-matrix, 13-segment, bar-graph, discrete LEDs, etc.), a multi-digit, seven-segment display is shown in the examples, being low cost and very good at displaying numerical data such as the urinator&#39;s score. 
         [0031]    Although not required, a status indicator  60 / 62  such as an LED  60  with current-limiting resistor  62  is provided in some embodiments. This optional status indicator  60 / 62  is illuminated in various ways to indicate normal operation, failure and/or low-battery. For example, a flash every 3 seconds indicates normal operation, a flash every 10 seconds indicates low battery and no flash indicates a dead battery or other failure. 
         [0032]    A sensor  30  is interface to the micro-controller  100  as known in the industry. In this example, an amplifier  40  conditions the signal from the sensor  30  and provides a voltage value to the micro-controller analog-to-digital converter input port (ADC). This is but an example of a way to sense a value from a sensor  30  as there are many ways known in the industry, all of which are included here within. The sensor  30  is any sensor  30  known in the industry that is capable of detecting the start, continuation and stop of a liquid flow, in particular a urine flow. The types of sensors  30  include, but are not limited to, pressure sensors, Hall Effect sensors, strain gauges, etc. For example, a magnet is attached to a target surface that is urged away from a base by a spring. A Hall Effect sensor  30  is attached to the base in proximity to the magnet. When a flow of liquid (urine) hits the target surface, the spring is compressed and the magnet moves closer to the Hall Effect sensor  30  and the signal from the Hall Effect sensor  30  is proportional to the force of the flow of the liquid. As will be shown later, a program running in/on the micro-controller  100  uses the length of time and/or the force of the flow to determine a score that is displayed on the display  10 . 
         [0033]    Referring to  FIGS. 2A ,  2 B,  2 C, and  2 D an exemplary target system will be described. Although many different physical embodiments are anticipated, there are at least two basic categories of enclosures. Once category is a monolithic enclosure in which the sensor  30  and display  10  are housed within the same walls (see  FIGS. 6A-6D ). Although this category of enclosure works fine, it is sometimes difficult to read the display  10  during urination since the flow of urine is directed in the area of the display. Another category is a bifurcated housing as shown in  FIGS. 2A ,  2 B,  2 C and  2 D. In this, the display  10  is housed within one set of walls  8  and the sensor  30  in another set of walls  36 / 36  and the housings  8 / 36 / 38  are connected by a bridge  14  or cable (not shown) to physically and electrically link the sensor  30  with the rest of the micro-controller  100 . It is also anticipated that in some embodiments, the display housing  8  is not physically connected to the sensor housing  36 / 38  and the sensor  30  communicates with the micro-controller  100  by a wireless signal, though this embodiment may require greater battery capacity because two batteries are required and greater amounts of power are required to transmit/receive the wireless signal. 
         [0034]    In the exemplary housing of  FIGS. 2A-2D , the display housing  8  contains the battery  90 , the display  10  and the electronics, preferably mounted on a circuit board  12 . The display housing  8  is made of any suitable material such as plastic or metal. The display housing  8  has a transparent or translucent window on an outward surface so that the display  10  is visible. 
         [0035]    The sensor  30  is housed within the target housing  36 / 38 . How and where the sensor  30  is mounted is dependent upon the type of sensor  30 . In this example, a Hall Effect sensor  30  is shown mounted to a back wall of the base  30  of the target housing  36 / 38 . A magnet  32  is mounted in the target cover  36 . The target cover  36  is movably attached to the target base  38  and is urged outwardly away from the target base  38  by a spring  34 . Preferably, an outer surface of a front wall of the target cover  36  has a printed target graphic  42  that is visible for the urinator to take aim. As urine flows onto the target cover  36 , pressure from the flow of urine against the front wall of the target cover  36  counteracts the force of the spring  34  and the magnet  32  moves closer to the Hall Effect sensor  30 , resulting in an electrical change across the sensor  30 . The sensor  30  is interfaced to the micro-controller  100  by wires running through the bridge  14 . The micro-controller  100  determines the pressure and flow length from the electrical change and determines a score value that is then displayed on the display  10 . 
         [0036]    As shown in  FIG. 2C , the display housing  8  is affixed to a front facing wall  1  of a urinal by, for example, an adhesive or double sided tape  17 . In some embodiments, the adhesive or double sided tape  17  provides a removable adhesion to enable removal of the entire target system for cleaning and battery replacement. In this embodiment, the target graphics  42  is a printed sheet that is located between the target cover  36  and a transparent or translucent cap  39 . The cap  39  protects the target graphics  42  from damage from the flow of urine  3 . 
         [0037]    In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 2D , the target graphics  42  is a printed sheet that adheres to the target cover  36 . In this, the target graphics  42  is made of a material that resists degradation due to exposure to the urine  3 . For example, the target graphics  42  has a clear-coat layer that protects the target graphics  42  from damage from the flow of urine  3 . In another example, the target graphics  42  is printed on a label with an adhesive backing and then the label with the target graphics  42  is affixed to the target cover and then a self-adhesive clear-coat layer is affixed over the target graphics  42  to reduce damage from the flow of urine  3 . 
         [0038]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , an exemplary block diagram of typical urinal target system  5  will be described. Although it is possible to fabricate the urinal target system  5  from logic gates, etc, it is preferred to utilize a controller, microcontroller, etc. A typical controller includes a central processor  100  having memory  120  and program/data storage  125  connected to the controller  100  by a memory bus  115 . Any type of memory  120  and program/data storage  125  is anticipated including static RAM, dynamic RAM and various types of persistent memory such as ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, FLASH, etc. 
         [0039]    A program is initially stored in the program/data storage  125  and initializes operation when power is applied to the urinal target system  5 . The program reads the urine pressure from a sensor  30  and, optionally, a status of a reset switch  60  through an input port or ports  142 . The program writes to the display  10  through an output port or ports  140 . In some embodiments, a power/status indicator LED  60  is present and the program writes to the indication LED  60  through an output port  140 . In such, the power/status indicator LED is controlled by software and indicates status such as the urinal target system  5  is powered and/or operational. For example, the power/status indicator LED is controlled to blink on periodically for short periods of time to signal that the internal battery  90  has sufficient capacity and the urinal target system is operational. Any other indication scheme is anticipated such as blinking at different rates to signal a low battery, using multiple-color LEDs, of which one color indicates a good status and another color indicates a low battery, etc. 
         [0040]    In some embodiments, the input ports  142  and output ports  140  are connected to the central processing unit  100  by a bus  130  (e.g. SPI bus, etc) as known in the industry. 
         [0041]    Referring to  FIG. 4 , an exemplary flow chart of the target system will be described. This program begins when power is applied to the urinal target system  5 , for example when the battery  90  is connected. The display  10  is initialized  200 . Depending upon the type of display, if the display has a low-power mode, the initialization  200  includes entering the low-power mode which, in some display systems  10  blanks the display  10  (e.g. no digits are displayed). 
         [0042]    Next, the program reads  201  the sensor  30  to determine if a flow of urine  3  is in progress. Flow of urine is determined, for example, by reading the sensor  30  and determining if the force of the flow of urine  3  is greater than a predetermined threshold (THR) which, in some embodiments is any pressure greater than zero. If no flow of urine  3  is detected  202 , the program loops  201 / 202  until flow is detected  202  (e.g. urine has started hitting the target). The program now resets scoring variables  204 , in this example, delta-time (DT) which represents the amount of time that urine pressure continually hits the target cover  36 . The display  10  is now set to display all zeros  206 . 
         [0043]    Now the program enters a loop to measure the time and force of the urine flow  3 . In this example, the program reads  207  the sensor  30  to determine if the flow of urine  3  is still in progress. Again, flow of urine  3  is determined, for example, by reading the sensor  30  and determining if the force of the flow of urine  3  is greater than a predetermined threshold (THR) which, in some embodiments is any pressure greater than zero. If a continuation of flow of urine  3  is detected  208 , the delta time (DT) is incremented  210  and a score is calculated based upon a function of the force (F) of the flow of urine  3  and/or the delta-time (DT) and the score is displayed  212  on the display  10 . For each loop, the optional reset switch is checked  214  and if pressed, the program exits the loop and reinitialized  200 . If no reset  222 , the program repeats the loop  207 / 208 / 210 / 212 / 220 / 222 / 224 . In some embodiments, a fixed delay is inserted in the loop to add proportion to delta-time (DT). For example, a one-second delay is inserted in the loop before reading the sensor  207  and, therefore, delta-time (DT) represents the number of seconds that the flow of urine  3  continues. 
         [0044]    Once the flow of urine  3  falls below the threshold (THR)  208 , a short loop  220 / 222 / 224 / 226  provides hysteresis, for example, if the urinator veers the flow of urine  3  away from the target for a short duration. The loop  220 / 222 / 224 / 226  begins with setting a timer  220  which, in some embodiments, is an initialization of a variable to a preset value (e.g. zero). In other embodiments, the timer is a hardware time of the processor  100 . The timer is checked  222  to see if it has expired (e.g. reached a terminal count or the hardware timer expired). If the timer has expired  222 , the program resets  200  (e.g. it has been surmised that the flow of urine  3  is stopped). If the timer has not expired  222 , for embodiments utilizing a counter to perform the timing function, the timer is incremented (or decremented, etc.) and the program reads  224  the sensor  30  to determine if the flow of urine  3  is still in progress. Again, flow of urine  3  is determined, for example, by reading the sensor  30  and determining  226  if the force of the flow of urine  3  is greater than a predetermined threshold (THR) which, in some embodiments is any pressure greater than zero. If the force of the flow of urine  3  is still not greater than a predetermined threshold (THR), the hysteresis loop continues  222 / 224 / 226  until either the timer expires  222  or it is determined  226  that the force of the flow of urine  3  becomes greater than a predetermined threshold (THR), at which time the display loop is re-entered to display the score  212 . 
         [0045]    Again, this is an example of one embodiment of a program that monitors the force of a flow of urine  3  and converts the force and/or length of time of the flow of urine  3  into a score. 
         [0046]    The scoring function  212  is any function that provides a score value that is proportional to either a length of time (delta-time or DT) of the flow of urine  3 , force of the flow of urine  3  (F) or both. For example, one exemplary scoring function  212  provides a score value that is equal to the length of time (DT) plus the force (F). So, as long as the urinator hits the target, the score continues to increase (e.g. delta-time increases) and if the urinator provides a high force, a higher force value is added or, in some examples, if the urinator provides a low force, a higher value is added to the score value. The latter provides an incentive to the urinator to control the flow to a lower force, thereby reducing splashing. 
         [0047]    Referring to  FIG. 5 , an exemplary flow chart of an order, delivery and installation of the typical target system is shown. This method of doing business starts with receiving an order  300  as known in the industry. For example, an order is placed by a user through an Internet web page as known in the industry. Next, a payment is accepted  304  also as known in the industry. For example, a payment is made with a credit card, debit card, paypal, etc., by a user through an Internet web page as known in the industry, preferably with a secure connection to reduce identity theft. If the payment fails  308 , for example, the user enters an invalid credit card number, the system loops back  304 / 308 . 
         [0048]    Once a valid payment is made  308 , a kit is shipped to the user  312 . The kit includes the target system along with labels  43  (see  FIG. 7 ) and optionally, label creation software. Although any number of labels  43  is possible, it is anticipated that a sheet of labels  41  (see  FIG. 7 ) is provided allowing for mistakes and later changes to the target graphic  42 . The user prints whatever graphics  42  are desired  314  on the labels  43 . Although not required, it is anticipated that the user has access to software (e.g. web-based) or is delivered software that uploads, crops and positions the graphics  42  (e.g. images) appropriately for the sheet of labels  41 . The user then prints the label(s) using, for example, a standard color printer. Once the user is happy with a printed label  43 , the user assembles the target device with the printed label  43 , for example affixing the label  43  on the front surface of the target device or placing the label beneath a clear or translucent cap  39  then connecting the cap  39  to the cover  36  of the target device. Once the graphics  42  is properly secured to the cover  36 , the target device is mounted  322  to the urinal  1  or toilet  2  (see  FIG. 6C ). 
         [0049]    Referring to  FIGS. 6A ,  6 B,  6 C and  6 D, a second exemplary target system will be described. In this example, the target housing  36 / 38  has a mounting tab  24 / 25  for mounting to the inside toilet bowl surface. The angle between the sections  24 / 25  of the mounting tab  24 / 25  holds the target system outwardly away from the inside surface of the toilet bowl. 
         [0050]    In electronic embodiments, a sensor  30  (not shown in  FIGS. 6A-6D ) is housed within the target housing  36 / 38 . How and where the sensor  30  is mounted is dependent upon the type of sensor  30 . Preferably, the target cover  36  has a printed target graphic  42  that is visible for the urinator to take aim. As urine flows onto the target cover  36 , pressure from the flow of urine counteracts the force of the spring  34  and the sensor  30  converts the urine pressure into an electrical signal that is interfaced to the micro-controller  100 . The micro-controller  100  determines the pressure and flow length and determines a score that is then displayed on the display  10  (not shown in  FIGS. 6A-6D ). Note that when electronic scoring circuitry is included in embodiments similar to those shown in  FIGS. 6A-6D , it is anticipated that the pressure signal from the sensor  30  is wirelessly transmitted to another enclosure housing the processor and display, an alternate/small display  10  is integrated into the cover  36 , or an alternate scoring output is utilized. An example of an alternate/small display  10  is a blinking LED in which the LED blinks faster when the score value is higher or the LED changes color and/or blinks dependent upon the score value. Another example of an alternate/small display  10  is a single digit seven-segment display which displays a score value of from 0 to 9 but, in some embodiments, is sequenced to indicate even higher score values. For example, the outer  6  segments of a single digit display  10  are sequenced to indicate a score higher than 9. An example of an alternate scoring output is an audible sound emitter such as a Piezo sound transducer that emits a beep and the period and/or frequency of the beep changes proportional to the score value. 
         [0051]    As shown in  FIG. 6D , the target mounting tab  24 / 25  is affixed to a front facing inner wall  2  of a toilet by, for example, an adhesive or double sided tape  17 , thereby holding the target outwardly from the surface  2  of the toilet bowl. In some embodiments, the adhesive or double sided tape  17  provides a removable adhesion to enable removal of the entire target system for cleaning and battery replacement. In this embodiment, the target graphics  42  is a printed sheet that is located between the target cover  36  and a transparent or translucent cap  39 . The cap  39  protects the target graphics  42  from damage from the flow of urine  3 . 
         [0052]    In the embodiment shown in  FIG. 6C , the target graphics  42  is a printed sheet that adheres to the target cover  36 . In this, the target graphics  42  is made of a material that resists degradation due to exposure to the urine  3 . For example, the target graphics  42  has a clear-coat layer that protects the target graphics  42  from damage from the flow of urine  3 . In another example, the target graphics  42  is printed on a label with an adhesive backing and then the label with the target graphics  42  is affixed to the target cover and then a self-adhesive clear-coat layer is affixed over the target graphics  42  to reduce damage from the flow of urine  3 . 
         [0053]    Referring to  FIG. 7 , printed labels  43  of a typical target system are shown. The exemplary printed labels  43  are on a sheet  41 . For description purposes, four individual labels  43  are shown printed with the same target graphics  42 , though any graphical content are anticipated as created and/or provided by the end user. It is anticipated that, in some embodiments, the end user is provided with a library of sample target graphics  42 . It is also anticipated that software is provided or made available (e.g. Internet-based) to the end user that accepts an image file and crops/adjusts the image for printing on one or more of the labels  43 . In this, the end user is free to place any graphics  42  on their own private target system. 
         [0054]    Referring to  FIGS. 8A , and  8 B, a third exemplary target system will be described. In this example, a first end of the target housing  36   a / 38   a  is movably held together by a hinge  107  that is formed, for example, by a slot in the target cover  36   a  holding a protrusion of the target base  38   a.  At the other end of the target housing  36   a / 38   a  is a longer slot  111  in the target cover  36   a  holding a second protrusion  109  of the target base  38   a.  The longer slot  111  allows for lateral movement of the protrusion  109  with respect to the target cover  36   a.  A spring  105  or other resilient member  105  urges the target cover  36   a  away from the target base  38   a  until counteracted, for example by the force of a flow of urine. 
         [0055]    In this example, the sensor  30  is interfaced to a circuit board  101  that also holds the processor  100  and display  10 . Mounting of the sensor  30  is mounted is dependent upon the type of sensor  30 . In some examples, the target cover  36   a  has a printed target graphic  42  that is visible for the urinator to take aim. As urine flows onto the target cover  36   a,  pressure from the flow of urine counteracts the force of the spring  105  and the target cover  36   a  is forced closer to the target base  38   a.  This brings the magnet  32  closer to the Hall Effect sensor  30 . The Hall Effect sensor  30  converts the urine pressure into an electrical signal that is interfaced to the micro-controller  100 . The micro-controller  100  determines a score based upon either the pressure and/or a flow length (e.g. the length of time of urination). The score is then displayed on the display  10 , visible through a window  15  in the target cover  36   a.  Note that when electronic scoring circuitry is included in embodiments similar to those shown in Although a numeric display  10  is shown, any other output device is anticipated such as a blinking LED in which the LED blinks faster when the score value is higher or the LED changes color and/or blinks dependent upon the score value. Another example of an alternate/small display  10  is a single digit seven-segment display which displays a score value of from 0 to 9 but, in some embodiments, is sequenced to indicate even higher score values. For example, the outer  6  segments of a single digit display  10  are sequenced to indicate a score higher than 9. An example of another alternate scoring output is an audible sound emitter such as a Piezo sound transducer that emits a beep and the period and/or frequency of the beep changes proportional to the score value. 
         [0056]    It is anticipated, that the electronics, sensor and/or battery are sealed or potted to reduce or prevent contamination from urine. 
         [0057]    Equivalent elements can be substituted for the ones set forth above such that they perform in substantially the same manner in substantially the same way for achieving substantially the same result. 
         [0058]    It is believed that the system and method as described and many of its attendant advantages will be understood by the foregoing description. It is also believed that it will be apparent that various changes may be made in the form, construction and arrangement of the components thereof without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention or without sacrificing all of its material advantages. The form herein before described being merely exemplary and explanatory embodiment thereof. It is the intention of the following claims to encompass and include such changes.

Technology Category: 0