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When nature calls: New device alerts you when it’s time to use the bathroom

[This invention aims to prevent you from never have another bathroom-timing mishap again/Kotaku]

A new invention out of Japan could help users avoid unfortunate bathroom accidents by tracking their bowel movements.

The ‘D Free’ is small wearable device that easily attaches to a user’s stomach. By using ultrasound waves, the gadget is able to actually monitor your insides to predict when your next bowel movement will be, reports ABC.

An accompanying app, installed to your smartphone, will give you a ten minute warning before nature finally calls.

Atsushi Nakanishi, the creator of the ‘D Free’, said he was inspired to create his unique invention after experiencing his own unfortunate bathroom mishap.

During his university days, Nakanishi found himself in a busy part of the city, with not a single bathroom to be found, when suddenly nature started knocking heavily on his door.

“I pooped my pants… it was very embarrassing,” he said.

Two years after that faithful day, he now has an system that closely mimics the same ultrasound technology used for expecting mothers.

“If it can see a tiny baby inside a mother, it must be able to keep track of poo,” he said.

He also hopes his device will be especially useful for Japan’s growing population of senior citizens as well.

"Because of Japan’s aging population, more adult nappies are sold here than baby nappies,” he said.

The device is currently being tested in several Japanese nursing homes, and if all goes according to plan he hopes to be able to start selling it to individuals by the end of the year.