"High-tech" toilets
Advanced technology is being integrated into toilets with more functions, especially in Japan (see Toilets in Japan). The biggest maker of these toilets is TOTO. Such toilets can cost anywhere from US$200 to $5,000. The features are operated by control pads (sometimes with bilingual labels), and even hand-held remote control devices. Some of these features are
- Automatic-flushing mechanisms, operated by a photocell or other sensor. Typically these flush a toilet when the user stands up, or flush a urinal when the user steps away.
- Water jets, or "bottom washers" like a bidet, as an alternative to toilet paper
- The "Portable Washlet", Toto's portable hand-held bottom washer
- Blow dryers, to dry the body after use of water jets
- Artificial flush sounds, to mask noises such as body functions
- Urine and stool analysis, for medical monitoring. Matsushita's "Smart Toilet" checks blood pressure, temperature, and blood sugar.
- Digital clock, to monitor time spent at the toilet
- Automatic lid operation, to open and close the lid
- Heated seats (some of which may overheat)
- Deodorizing fans
- Automated paper toilet-seat-cover replacers, which automatically replace a paper toilet-seat cover with the push of a button.
- Electric Toilet Brushes
- Invented in Australia in 1980, and available in more than thirty countries, are dual flush toilets, also known as duosets. Two buttons allow for the user to select between a flush for urine or feces. Because the density of urine is nearly equal to that of the water around it, it requires far less water to flush into a home's sewage system. Because most of a households' flushes are for urine, dual flush toilets can save a significant amount of water.
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