MILLIMETER WAVE RADAR DETECTION

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of priority to: Chinese Patent Application No. 202410781197.0 filed in the Chinese Intellectual Property Office on Jun. 18, 2024, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD

The present application relates to automated water dispensing in bathroom devices.

BACKGROUND

Line of sight sensors and capacitive sensors may be used in bathroom devices to detect user presence or gestures and control the operation of the device. Establishing line of sight limits the placement of these sensors. Similarly, capacitance sensors require physical contact to detect movement. Placement of these types of sensors are therefore limited.

The automatic flushing device for male urination currently mainly uses infrared technology: the device emits infrared light, and when it encounters a human body, the reflected energy returns to the receiving window. The processor determines the presence or absence of the human body based on the reflected light. If a person approaches and leaves for a period of time, it is considered that male urination is done, and the solenoid valve is activated to flush the water. The main drawbacks of this technology are the need for transmitting and receiving windows, the need to reserve installation positions on walls or in the urinal ceramics, increasing product costs and manual installation and maintenance costs. In areas with strong ambient light or user wearing black clothes, the sensing range is short, and in severe cases, it does not activate to flush.

SUMMARY

A technical problem to be solved by the present disclosure is to provide presence or gesture sensing in a bathroom device from a hidden sensor.

The present disclosure provides an apparatus including: a vitreous body including a user-facing side opposite to a fixture-facing side; a water outlet coupled to the user-facing side of the vitreous body; a microwave radar sensor coupled to the fixture-facing side of the vitreous body; and a control unit configured to receive sensor data from the microwave radar sensor and generate a command to provide water to the water outlet in response to the sensor data from the microwave radar sensor.

The microwave radar sensor is an anonymous sensor design with several advantages. The microwave radar sensor provides a urinal flushing and handsfree faucet operation that includes no optical window, plate, or other sensor interface. Thus, the solution is free of optical window contamination and ambient light interference. One type and size of sensor may fit all different shapes of urinals across product lines. In comparison to existing sensor faceplate or sensor windows on the urinal ceramics, it is easy to manufacture with lower cost due to no esthetic requirement and easy to be attached to the ceramics.

Moreover, such an easy installation may also be further realized with the sensor is integrated with the valve or vitreous material of the urinal. In addition, this solution provides smart water conservation without trap way or drainpipe clogging issues.

The present disclosure further includes: a main valve configured to selectively provide the water to the water outlet in response to the command from the control unit.

The present disclosure further includes: a supply valve configured to provide a safety shutoff to the main valve.

The present disclosure further includes: a power supply configured to provide power to the control unit and/or the microwave radar sensor. The power supply may include a first battery for the control unit. The power supply may include a second battery for the microwave radar sensor.

The present disclosure further includes at least one embodiment where the vitreous body is integrated in a sink, and the water outlet is a faucet of the sink. In these embodiments the microwave radar sensor is configured to detect movement in a target area in proximity to the faucet.

The present disclosure further includes at least one embodiment where the vitreous body is integrated in a urinal, and the water outlet is configured to flush the urinal. In these embodiments the microwave radar sensor is configured to detect movement in a target area on the user-facing side of the urinal. The movement may be a urine stream having a duration. The command to provide water to the water outlet may have a time period proportional to the duration of the urine stream.

The present disclosure provides a method for operation of an apparatus having a vitreous body having a fixture side and a user side, the method including: receiving sensor data from a microwave radar sensor at the fixture side of the vitreous body; comparing the sensor data to a threshold; and activating a water outlet on the user side of the vitreous body in response to the comparison.

The present disclosure further includes determining a duration from the sensor data, wherein the duration is compared to the threshold. The threshold may be a position threshold.

The control system according to the present disclosure has the beneficial effect that user gestures may be narrowly detected through a solid body (e.g., lavatory or urinal). Further, in the case of a urinal, the urine stream may be detected, and an appropriate flush volume or time period may be selected in response to the detected urine stream.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

In order to illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure more clearly, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments are briefly described below. Apparently, the drawings in the following description are merely some embodiments of the present disclosure. For those of ordinary skills in the art, other drawings may also be obtained based on these drawings without any creative work and should fall within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a urinal according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is an example wall installation for a control system for the urinal according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is an example internal installation for a control system for the urinal according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate example wall placement for a urinal and example sensor placement withing the urinal according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 5 is a lavatory according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is an example control system for the lavatory of the second embodiment;

FIG. 7 is an example block diagram for the control system and/or control unit;

FIG. 8 illustrates an example flowchart for the control system;

FIG. 9 illustrates an example flowchart of a method for controlling a urinal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; and

FIG. 10 illustrates an example block diagram for a sensor according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

To make those skilled in the art to better understand the solutions in the present disclosure, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present disclosure are clearly and completely described hereinafter with reference to the drawings in the embodiments of the present disclosure. It should be apparent that the described embodiments are merely some rather than all embodiments of the present disclosure. Based on the embodiments of the present disclosure, all other embodiments obtained by those having ordinary skills in the art without going through any creative work should fall within the scope of protection of the present disclosure.

The terms “first”, “second”, “third” and the like in the specification, claims and drawings of the present disclosure are used to distinguish different objects, and are not used to describe a specific sequence. Furthermore, those terms “including” and “provided with” and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion. For example, processes, methods, apparatuses, products, or devices including a series of steps or units are not limited to the listed steps or units, but optionally include steps or units not listed, or optionally include other steps or units inherent to these processes, methods, products, or devices.

By way of introduction, a microwave radar sensor emits electromagnetic wave signals and receives electromagnetic wave echo signals reflected by objects. Millimeter wave radar sensor with FMCW (Frequency Modulated Continuous Wave) technology is a high-precision radar ranging technology that generates an intermediate frequency signal with target distance and signal strength after mixing the microwave transmitted wave with the reflected wave of the object through a radio frequency (RF) circuit. The intermediate frequency signal is processed to obtain the distance, intensity, and speed of the objects. Based on these behavioral characteristics of targets, the sensor identifies the urination and users approaching the urinal, by which it detects the duration of urination and controls the amount of water flushed to achieve water-saving.

The microwave radar sensor 30 is configured to detect the presence of one or more objects or motion of one or more objects. The microwave radar sensor 30 may be included in a control device according to the following embodiments. The microwave radar sensor 30 includes a millimeter wave sensor module 301, a microcontroller unit (MCU) 302, and a mixer 303. In some examples, the control device may further include a solenoid valve or other type of valve, and at least one power supply or power supply circuit. The valve and the power supply may be the main valve 33 and input valve 34 as described in the present disclosure. The power supply may be the power supply 31 as described in the present disclosure. In one example, millimeter wave control unit, the microwave operating frequency can be selected as either 24 GHz or 60/77 GHz, with no frequency restrictions. In an embodiment, the microwave operating frequency is desirably selected as 60/77 GHz so that the sensor 30 may more accurately detect the object. The millimeter wave sensor control device is anonymous from users behind the back wall of the urinal or lavatory ceramic. In other words, the millimeter wave sensor control device is not visible to a user standing in front of the urinal or lavatory. By using the microwave radar sensor 30, there is no need to reserve installation positions on walls or in the urinal ceramics for the sensor because the transmission signals emitted by the sensor and the echo signals reflected by the objects may penetrate the back wall of the urinal or the lavatory ceramic.

The basic process of microwave ranging, and speed measurement is summarized according to the following. The transmission antenna (Tx chirp) of the millimeter wave sensor module transmits millimeter wave signal. The receiving antenna of the millimeter wave sensor module receives reflected waves (Rx chirp) when there is a user in the range. The emitted wave and reflected wave are mixed in the mixer 303 of the sensor 30 to generate an intermediate frequency signal in the millimeter wave sensor. The MCU 302 of the millimeter wave sensor performs fast Fourier transform (FFT) operation on the intermediate frequency signal to obtain the distance, intensity, and velocity information of the objects (e.g., users and urine streams). Based on the characteristics of radar signals, when a person approaches or leaves or when urination starts and ends may be identified.

First Embodiment

FIG. 1 is a urinal 20 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. The urinal 20 includes a bowl 24, an inner portion 22, an outer portion 21, and a water outlet 23. Additional, different or fewer components may be included.

The urinal 20 may be substantially formed as a vitreous body. An example manufacturing technique for vitreous bodies is described herein. The vitreous body may include a front portion (e.g., user-facing side), which is opposite to a rear portion (e.g., fixture facing side) in certain embodiments. The urinal 20 may include the water outlet on the front portion and above the bowl 24. The bowl 24, which may be referred to as a basin or reservoir, is defined by a bowl surface that forms part of the front portion of the urinal 20.

The urinal 20 may also include a trapway connected to the bowl 24 and for fluidly coupling the bowl 24 to a sewer or drain pipe at an outlet port. An inner portion 22 of the urinal extends upwardly from the bowl 24. The urinal 20 further includes a first side portion 28 and a second side portion 29 located opposite the first side portion 28. According to the exemplary embodiment shown, the urinal 20 is symmetrical about an x-z plane extending through the middle of the urinal 10, such that the first side portion 28 is the mirror image of the second side portion 29. The urinal 10 further includes an upper portion and a rear portion. The urinal 10 is configured to be coupled to, for example, a wall of a building at the rear portion (i.e., the urinal 20 is configured as a wall-hung urinal). It should be appreciated, however, that the urinal 20 may be configured as a floor-mounted urinal, according to other exemplary embodiments. The bowl 24 may also include, or otherwise be coupled to, a sump that extends to the trapway.

One example technique for manufacturing or otherwise forming the urinal 20 may include a series of steps. In a first step, a mold having the basic shape and structure of the urinal 20 is filled with liquid clay slip. The mold is oriented such that the rear portion is located on the bottom of the mold with the front portion oriented in an upward direction above the rear portion. In a second step, the liquid clay slip may set up in the cast to form the various solid cast walls of the urinal 20. In a third step, some components of the mold are removed (e.g., funnels for directing liquid slip into the mold, pins, etc.) and the mold is tilted at an angle relative to horizontal, such that the remaining liquid slip drains. In a fourth step, the mold may be laid flat with a back piece of the mold removed, such that various forming operations can be performed on the urinal 20 (e.g., holes punched, radii formed, etc.). In a fifth step, the mold may be flipped back over to remove the other parts of the mold from the urinal 10. Additionally, the various parting lines and edges of the urinal 20 may be removed or smoothed. In a seventh step, the urinal 12 is dried for a period of time. In an eighth step, the urinal 20 may be sprayed with glaze and then baked in a kiln to form the urinal 20.

FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate the control system for improvements according to the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is an example wall installation for a control system for the urinal 20 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. The control system, or at least a portion thereof, is installed, mounted, or otherwise coupled to components within the wall 25. The urinal 20 may be mounted to the wall 25. In this way the urinal 20 may not include any components of the control system. In some examples, the sensor 30 is mounted to the urinal 20, and in other examples, the sensor is mounted to the wall 25.

The control system includes a power supply 31, a control unit 32, a main valve 33, and a sensor 30. Optionally, an input valve 34 may connect the main valve 33 to a water supply. Additional, different or fewer components may be included.

The sensor 30 may be a microwave radar sensor. The microwave radar sensor emits electromagnetic wave signals and receives electromagnetic wave echo signals reflected by objects. In the first embodiment, one example frequency for the emitted electromagnetic waves is 24 GHz (i.e., wavelength of approximately 12.5 millimeters). The microwave radar sensor is configured to detect the presence of one or more objects or motion of one or more objects. The microwave radar sensor emits microwaves that may travel through a variety of media including both air and solid objects. The vitreous body of the urinal 20 is a solid body through which microwaves of the microwave radar sensor can travel. The microwave radar sensor may be minimally affected by external factors such as temperature, humidity, noise, airflow, light, scale, and residue. The microwave radar sensor may be configured to distinguish between water and open space.

The microwave radar sensor may continuously send out microwave signals through one or more transmitters. The microwave signals reflect, or otherwise return, based on the objects in the vicinity or detection range of the microwave radar sensor. Through analysis of the return signals through one or more antenna or receivers, it can be determined the motion and/or position of the objects in the vicinity of the microwave radar sensor. The sensor 30 may generate sensor data in response to the return signals that indicate the timing of the received signals. Different objects have different reflection characteristics for electromagnetic waves. The response time of the detection of the electromagnetic waves by the sensor 30 may be low (e.g., less than 0.5 seconds).

The microwave radar sensor 30 may include a circuit board (e.g., printed circuit board) having a predetermined arrangement of the one or more transmitters and one or more receivers. The sensor 30 may compare the received signals and calculate, based on the predetermined arrangement of the one or more receivers whether objects in the detection range of the microwave radar sensor have moved.

As noted above, the MCU 302 of the millimeter wave sensor 30 performs fast Fourier transform (FFT) operation on the intermediate frequency signal to obtain the distance, intensity, and velocity information of the objects (e.g., users and urine steams). Based on the characteristics of radar signals, when a person approaches or leaves or when urination starts and ends may be identified. The emitted wave and reflected wave are mixed in the mixer 303 to generate an intermediate frequency signal in the millimeter wave sensor.

Specifically, the intermediate frequency signal is an electrical signal having a frequency and an intensity (e.g., an amplitude). The frequency of the intermediate frequency signal ranges from several-hundred Hz to about 5 KHz. The frequency of the intermediate frequency signal has a mathematical relationship with a distance between the sensor 30 and the object (e.g., users or urine steams). The frequency of the intermediate frequency signal also has a mathematical relationship with a velocity of the motion of the object based on the Principle of Doppler (e.g., the Doppler shift). The object in motion with respect to the sensor 30 results in a change in the frequency of the waves generated by the sensor 30. Thus, the start time and the end time of the urine may be determined based on the frequency of the intermediate frequency signal. The frequency of the intermediate frequency signal increases when the distance between the sensor 30 and the object increases.

The intensity of the intermediate frequency signal indicates a probability of the presence of the object. This is because, when the echo signal is reflected by the object, the echo signal contains energy having a value. The probability of the presence of the object increases when the intensity of intermediate frequency signal increases.

When the intensity of intermediate frequency signal is smaller than a predetermined intensity, the MCU 302 will determine that the intermediate frequency signal is an invalid signal.

The frequency and the intensity (e.g., the amplitude) of the intermediate frequency signal may be determined by using the FFT operation. Specifically, the MCU 302 of the millimeter wave sensor performs the A/D sampling. The changes in the frequency and the amplitude of the intermediate frequency signal correspond to the change in the voltage of the intermediate frequency signal. Thus, the voltages of the intermediate frequency signal may be sampled. Then, the MCU 302 of the millimeter wave sensor performs the FFT operation on the intermediate frequency signal (e.g., the sampled voltages of the intermediate frequency signal) to obtain the frequency and the intensity (e.g., the amplitude) of the intermediate frequency signal so as to obtain the distance, intensity, angle, and/or velocity information of the objects (e.g., users and urine steams).

In an ideal state, during the time difference, a reflected wave is formed by the object reflecting the transmission wave and has substantially the same wave shape as the transmission wave. In this embodiment, the reflected wave is in a linear shape, and thus the MCU 302 may perform the FFT operation more easily.

There is a frequency difference (i.e., the frequency of the intermediate frequency signal) between the transmission wave and the reflected wave.

The sensor 30 may be coupled to the fixture-facing side (e.g., front portion) of the vitreous body. One example, object in the detection range of the sensor 30 is a urine stream S, as shown in FIG. 2, that the user is depositing in the bowl 24 of the urinal 20. In other words, as the user urinates into the bowl 24, the sensor 30 detect the presence of the urine stream S or motion of the urine stream S. The detection range may extend horizontally to the extent of the bowl 24. The detection range may extend vertically to a predetermined height along the inner portion 22 of the urinal 20. The urine stream S may also reflect the electromagnetic waves in a single and uniform relative motion speed. The sensor 30 and/or the control unit 32 may identify the urine stream S based on this characteristic.

The control unit 32 is configured to receive sensor data from the sensor 30 and generate a command to provide water to the water outlet 23 in response to the sensor data from the sensor 30. Water from the water outlet 23 flushes or rinses the urinal 20. The sensor 30 or the control unit 32 may analyze the sensor data to determine the duration of the urine stream S. The control unit 32 may determine a timer period for the water outlet 23 to release water based on the duration of the water stream S. For example, for every 10 seconds of the duration of the urine stream S, the control unit 32 activates the water outlet 23 to release water for 1 second. Other ratios or proportions may be used.

In some examples, the control unit 32 may analyze the sensor data indicative of the reflected electromagnetic waves to identify one or more characteristics of the object. In this way, the control unit 32 may distinguish liquids from solids, e.g., human body from urine.

The main valve 33 is configured to selectively provide the water to the water outlet 23 in response to the command from the control unit. The main valve 33 may include a solenoid, a diverter, or another type of gate configured to selectively connect a plumbing system to the water outlet 23.

The plumbing system may include one or more pipes or hoses to connect the main valve 33 to the water outlet 23 and the main valve 33 to a water supply through an input valve 34. The input valve 34 is one example of a supply valve configured to provide a safety shutoff to the main valve 33. Other types of valves are possible. As shown in FIG. 2, the plumbing system includes a first path 41 (e.g., first pipe or hose) to connect the water supply (e.g., utility line, line-pressure water, water tank, recycled water, grey water, or other source) to the input valve 34, a second path 42 (e.g., second pipe or hose) to connect the input valve 34 to the main valve 33, and a third path 43 (e.g., second pipe or hose) to connect the main valve 33 to the water outlet 23. A portion of the plumbing system, as designated by path 44 may be internal to the urinal 20.

The control system further includes an electrical system. For example, the power supply 31 is configured to provide power to the control unit and/or the sensor 30. The power supply 31 may be electrically coupled to AC power for example for the house or building in which the urinal 20 is installed. Example AC power includes 110 Volts/60 Hertz and 220 Volts/50 Hertz. The power supply 31 may be electrically coupled to a DC power source such as one or more batteries.

The power supply 31 may include a first battery for the control unit 32. The power supply 31 may include a second battery for the sensor 30. A single battery may provide power to both the control unit 32 and the sensor 30.

FIG. 3 is an example internal installation for a control system for the urinal 20 according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. In the example of FIG. 3, the control system, or at least a portion thereof, is installed, mounted, or otherwise coupled to components within the urinal 20. The urinal 20 may be mounted to the wall 25 or be supported apart from the wall 25. The urinal 20 includes substantial portions of the control system including two or more of the power supply 31, the control unit 32, the main valve 33, and the sensor 30. Optionally, the input valve 34 may connect the main valve 33 to a water supply internally or externally to the urinal 20. The urinal 20 may include a cavity include the main valve 33, the control unit 32, the power supply 31, and the sensor 30. A cover may conceal a rear portion of the urinal 20 including the cavity. In this way, the urinal 20 may include only a power port or connection to provide power to the power supply 31 and/or a water port or connection to provide water to the input valve 34 or the main valve 33. In some examples, the power supply 31 includes one or more batteries. In this example, the urinal may include a water port or connection. Thus, all components of the control system may be internal and only the water port or connection is external to the urinal 20. Additional, different or fewer components may be included.

In some examples, the flushing function of the water outlet 23 of the urinal 20 may also be performed by an override switch. The override switch may be mounted on the urinal or adjacent to the urinal 20 (e.g., on the wall 25). The override switch may be triggered by a physical depress, infrared induction, capacitive touch, etc.

FIGS. 4A and 4B illustrate example wall placement for a urinal and example sensor placement withing the urinal according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

A urinal 20 is illustrated including a sensor 30 placed or mounted in a millimeter wave sensor area. That is, the sensor 30 may be mounted behind the urinal 20 in the millimeter wave sensor area. A variety of relative distances may be used for the millimeter wave sensor area. As shown in FIG. 4A, the millimeter wave sensor area may be defined by a width (W₁) and a height (H₁). The width (W₁) may be defined as a predetermined proportion of a width (W₂) of the urinal (e.g., W₁ is middle 50% of W₂). The height (H₁) may be defined as a predetermined proportion of a height (H₂) of the urinal or an inner surface cavity of the urinal (e.g., H₁ is middle 50% of H₂).

In some examples, the MM wave sensor module is installed in the center and behind the urinal ceramic wall, with a height below the flushing nozzle (e.g., the water outlet 23). The sensor 30 and the water outlet are substantially disposed in a vertical line. Such an arrangement may result in a highest signal-to-noise ratio of the urine speed detection and may reduce the interferences caused by the water outlet, which is usually made of a metal material, to the transmission waves and/or the reflected waves (e.g., the MM wave emission and echo signal angle).

In some examples, the sensor is disposed above a front tip of the ceramic bowl of the urinal 20. Such an arrangement may result in a highest signal-to-noise ratio of the urine speed detection and may prevent the interferences caused by the flooding in the bowl 24 (e.g., when the bowl 24 is clogged) to the transmission waves and/or the reflected waves (e.g., the MM wave emission and echo signal angle).

In some examples, the millimeter wave sensor area may be defined according to a position of a drain 48. The drain 48 is connected to a trapway and/or a drain pipe 45 that is coupled to a sanitary path to a sewer or septic system. The millimeter wave sensor area may be defined according to at least a height (H₃) above the drain 48. In another example, the millimeter wave sensor area may be defined according to a height (H₄) for the total height of the urinal 20.

The urinal 20 may be mounted on wall 47 such that the urinal 20 and the sensor 30 are on the user-facing side of the wall 47 and the drain 48 is behind the wall 47. The urinal 20 may be mounted a predetermined distance above the urinal 20.

A sensor zone may be defined based on the wall 47 and/or the floor 46. For example, the user may stand up to a set back distance (e.g., 70 centimeters) from the wall 47 and trigger the sensor 30 as a first feature and/or a urine stream may trigger the sensor 30 as a second feature.

The urine stream detection may be operable in a defined fluid detection zone. The defined fluid detection zone may be set according to a field of view (FOV) of the sensor 30. The control unit 32 may identify urine stream is within the FOV to determine the urine stream drops in the urinal bowl according to the second feature.

The control unit 32 may also perform urine stream velocity signal processing. From the sensor 30, the control unit 32 may continuously or semi-continuously (e.g., based on a sampling rate) to collect urine steam speed signals with consistent directions and in the speed range or velocity range of the set threshold. In one example, the velocity range, or a vertical component of the velocity range, is centered at 1 to 2 meters per second.

The control unit 32 may determine a first characteristic (e.g., value or flag) in response to the presence of the user. The control unit 32 may determine a second characteristic (e.g., value or flag) in response to the presence of a urine stream. The control unit 32 may determine a third characteristic (e.g., velocity measurement) in response to the time period that the urine stream is detected.

After meeting the first, second, and third characteristics, the control unit 32 starts a timer. For example, the timer may be started when the speed signal appears, and stopped when the speed signal disappears. The control unit 32 may calculate the duration of urination. Based on the characteristics of a target discrimination model, the millimeter wave sensor detects the user is within the set range and there is a certain amount of speed information of urination for a certain period of time. The control unit 32 turns on the main valve 33 for an amount of time calculated from the measured time duration of the urine stream to dispense the certain amount of water to flush the urine.

Second Embodiment

FIG. 5 is a lavatory 50 according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure. The lavatory 50 is a sink including a basin 52 mounted on a countertop 51. The lavatory 50 includes a faucet 53. Optionally, the lavatory 50 may include one or more manual controls such as a hot water knob 54, a cold water knob 55, and a drain actuator 56. Additional, different or fewer components may be included.

The lavatory 50 may include a vitreous body including a user-facing side opposite to a fixture-facing side. The vitreous body may include the basin 52 and the countertop 51. The user-facing side of the vitreous body is illustrated in FIG. 5. The faucet 53 is a water outlet coupled to the user-facing side of the vitreous body.

FIG. 6 is an example control system for the lavatory 50 of the second embodiment. FIG. 6 illustrates the fixture-facing side of the lavatory 50 including portions of the countertop 51 and the basin 52.

The control system of the second embodiment also includes a power supply 31, a control unit 32, a main valve 33, and a sensor 30. Optionally, an input valve 34 may connect the main valve 33 to a water supply.

The sensor 30 may be a microwave radar sensor as described herein. In the second embodiment, one example frequency for the emitted electromagnetic waves is 60 GHz (i.e., wavelength of approximately 5 millimeters). The sensor 30 may be coupled to the fixture-facing side of the vitreous body of the lavatory 50. For example, as shown in FIG. 6, the sensor 30 is coupled (e.g., adhesive or fastened) to the basin 52. The sensor 30 may also be coupled to the countertop 51, preferably the fixture-facing side of the countertop. Because the microwave radar sensor emits microwaves that penetrate and pass through the lavatory 50, the sensor 30 can be mounted behind the lavatory 50 without line of sight, and out of sight of a user on the user-facing side of the lavatory 50.

The detection range of the sensor 30 may be calibrated based on the position of the faucet 53. The detection range may extend horizontally only to the extent of the faucet 53. The detection range may extend vertically to a predetermined range under the faucet 53. In other words, the sensor 30 may be programmed to detect objects only directly below the faucet 53. The detection range of the sensor 30 may be set according to at least one distance range and at least one angle range.

The microwave radar sensor may continuously send out microwave signals through one or more transmitters. The microwave signals reflect, or otherwise return, based on the objects in the vicinity or detection range of the microwave radar sensor. Through analysis of the return signals through one or more antenna or receivers, it can be determined the motion and/or position of the objects in the vicinity of the microwave radar sensor. The sensor 30 may generate sensor data in response to the return signals that indicate the timing of the received signals.

The microwave radar sensor may include a circuit board (e.g., printed circuit board) having a predetermined arrangement of the one or more transmitters and one or more receivers. The sensor 30 may compare the received signals and calculate, based on the predetermined arrangement of the one or more receivers whether objects in the detection range of the microwave radar sensor have moved.

The control unit 32 is configured to receive sensor data from the sensor 30 and generate a command to provide water to the water outlet 23 in response to the sensor data from the sensor 30. Water from the water outlet 23 may be used for washing hands or other objects, rinsing the basin 52, or performing other cleansing or sanity functions.

The sensor 30 or the control unit 32 may analyze the sensor data to determine whether the user's hand is present under the faucet 53. The control unit 32 may determine a timer period for the water outlet 23 to release water based on the presence of the user's hand. In some examples, other that propagation delay, there is no delay between the presence of the user's hand below the faucet 53 and dispensing water from the faucet 53.

The main valve 33 is configured to selectively provide the water to the water outlet 23 in response to the command from the control unit. The main valve 33 may include a solenoid, a diverter, or another type of gate configured to selectively connect a plumbing system to the water outlet 23.

The plumbing system may include one or more pipes or hoses to connect the main valve 33 to the water outlet 23 and the main valve 33 to a water supply through an input valve 34. The input valve 34 is one example of a supply valve configured to provide a safety shutoff to the main valve 33. Other types of valves are possible. As shown in FIG. 6, the plumbing system includes a first path 41 (e.g., first pipe or hose) to connect the water supply (e.g., utility line, line-pressure water, water tank, recycled water, grey water, or other source) to the input valve 34, a second path 42 (e.g., second pipe or hose) to connect the input valve 34 to the main valve 33, and a third path 43 (e.g., second pipe or hose) to connect the main valve 33 to the water outlet 23. A portion of the plumbing system, as designated by path 44 may be internal to the urinal 20.

The control system further includes an electrical system. For example, the power supply 31 is configured to provide power to the control unit and/or the sensor 30. The power supply 31 may be electrically coupled to AC power or DC power source.

FIG. 7 is an example block diagram for a controller 100, which may be implemented by the control unit 32 of any of the embodiments described herein. The controller 100 may include a processor 300, a memory 352, and a communication interface 353 for interfacing with devices or to the internet and/or other networks 346. In addition to the communication interface 353, a sensor interface may be configured to receive data from the sensors described herein or data from any source. The controller 100 may include an integrated an indicator (e.g., display, LED, speaker, or other output devices). The components of the control system may communicate using bus 348. The control system may be connected to a workstation or another external device (e.g., control panel) and/or a database for receiving user inputs, system characteristics, durations and any of the thresholds described herein.

Optionally, the control system may include an input device 355 and/or a sensing circuit 356 in communication with any of the sensors such as sensor 30. The sensing circuit receives sensor measurements from sensors as described above. The input device 355 may alternatively include one or more user inputs such as buttons, touchscreen, a keyboard, a microphone or other mechanism for calibrated any of the system characteristics, durations and any of the thresholds described herein.

Optionally, the control system may include a drive unit 340 for receiving and reading non-transitory computer media 341 having instructions 342. Additional, different, or fewer components may be included. The processor 300 is configured to perform instructions 342 stored in memory 352 for executing the algorithms described herein.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example flow chart for the operation of the controller 100 for the control system of the apparatus having a vitreous body according to any of the embodiments described herein. Additional, different or fewer acts may be included.

At act S101, the controller 100 (e.g., processor 300) receives sensor data from a microwave radar sensor at a fixture side of the vitreous body. The microwave radar sensor may be hidden from sight such as mounted below or behind the vitreous body. The sensor data may include temporal and positional characteristics of one or more objects on an opposite side of the vitreous body from the microwave radar sensor.

At act S103, the controller 100 (e.g., processor 300) compares the sensor data to a threshold. The threshold may be a position threshold. For example, when the motion of the object falls within a target position range, the threshold is met. The target position range may be selected by the controller 100 from within the limited range of action of the microwave radar sensor (e.g., one example range of action spans about 0.6 meters). In the example of a urinal, where the object detected by the microwave radar sensor is a urine stream. The controller 100 (e.g., processor 300) may also determine a duration from the sensor data, and the duration is compared to the threshold.

At act S105, the controller 100 (e.g., processor 300) sends a command to open one or more valves to active a water outlet on the user side of the vitreous body in response to the comparison.

The above acts may also be performed by the MCU 302 of the millimeter wave sensor and/or the control unit 32 as described above.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example flowchart of a method for controlling a urinal according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The urinal in the method may be the urinal according to any of the embodiments, and the descriptions regarding the toilet are incorporated herein. The urinal is configured to perform an operation, function, or the like as described in the present disclosure.

At act S201, the controller 100 (e.g., processor 300) determines whether a user is present within a predetermined distance based on the intensity of the intermediate frequency signal. In an embodiment, the predetermined distance may be 70 cm from the sensor 30.

As noted above, the intensity (e.g., the amplitude) of the intermediate frequency signal may be determined by using the FFT operation. The intensity of the intermediate frequency signal indicates a probability of the presence of the object. This is because, when the echo signal is reflected by the object, the echo signal contains energy having a value. The probability of the presence of the object increases when the intensity of intermediate frequency signal increases.

Thus, when the intensity of intermediate frequency signal is equal to or larger than a predetermined intensity, the controller 100 (e.g., processor 300) determines that the user is present within the predetermined distance.

At act S203, when the user is present within the predetermined distance (Yes in S201), the controller 100 (e.g., processor 300) determines whether the urine is present within a predetermined range of position based on the frequency of the intermediate frequency signal.

As noted above, the frequency of the intermediate frequency signal may be determined by using the FFT operation. The frequency of the intermediate frequency signal has a mathematical relationship with a distance between the sensor 30 and the object (e.g., users or urine steams). The frequency of the intermediate frequency signal increases when the distance between the sensor 30 and the urine increases.

Thus, when the frequency of intermediate frequency signal is less than a predetermined frequency, the controller 100 (e.g., processor 300) determines that the urine is present within the predetermined range of position.

At act S205, when the urine is present within the predetermined range of position (Yes in S203), the controller 100 (e.g., processor 300) determines the duration of the urine based on the frequency of the intermediate frequency signal.

As noted above, the frequency of the intermediate frequency signal also has a mathematical relationship with a velocity of the motion of the object based on the Principle of Doppler (e.g., the Doppler shift). The urine in motion with respect to the sensor 30 results in a change in the frequency of the waves generated by the sensor 30. Thus, the start time and the end time of the urine may be determined based on the frequency of the intermediate frequency signal. Then, the controller 100 (e.g., processor 300) determines the duration of the urine based on the start time and the end time of the urine.

At act S207, the controller 100 (e.g., processor 300) controls the water outlet 23 to output an amount of water in response to the duration of the urine and turns off the sensor 30.

In some examples, when the duration of the urine is equal to or longer than a predetermined period (e.g., 8 seconds), the controller 100 (e.g., processor 300) controls the water outlet 23 to output a large amount of water (e.g., 1 liter). When the duration of the urine is less than the predetermined period, the controller 100 (e.g., processor 300) controls the water outlet 23 to output a small amount of water (e.g., 0.5 liters).

During the output of the water, the controller 100 (e.g., processor 300) turns off the sensor 30, e.g., stopping the sensor 30 emitting the transmission signal and receiving the echo signal. Thus, this may prevent the sensor 30 from incorrectly detecting the output water as the urine.

The above acts may also be performed by the MCU 302 of the millimeter wave sensor and/or the control unit 32 as described above.

Processor 300 may be a general purpose or specific purpose processor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), one or more programmable logic controllers (PLCs), one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), a group of processing components, or other suitable processing components. Processor 300 is configured to execute computer code or instructions stored in memory 352 or received from other computer readable media (e.g., embedded flash memory, local hard disk storage, local ROM, network storage, a remote server, etc.). The processor 300 may be a single device or combinations of devices, such as associated with a network, distributed processing, or cloud computing.

Memory 352 may include one or more devices (e.g., memory units, memory devices, storage devices, etc.) for storing data and/or computer code for completing and/or facilitating the various processes described in the present disclosure. Memory 352 may include random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), hard drive storage, temporary storage, non-volatile memory, flash memory, optical memory, or any other suitable memory for storing software objects and/or computer instructions. Memory 352 may include database components, object code components, script components, or any other type of information structure for supporting the various activities and information structures described in the present disclosure. Memory 352 may be communicably connected to processor 300 via a processing circuit and may include computer code for executing (e.g., by processor 300) one or more processes described herein. For example, the memory 352 may include graphics, web pages, HTML files, XML files, script code, shower configuration files, or other resources for use in generating graphical user interfaces for display and/or for use in interpreting user interface inputs to make command, control, or communication decisions.

In addition to ingress ports and egress ports, the communication interface 353 may include any operable connection. An operable connection may be one in which signals, physical communications, and/or logical communications may be sent and/or received. An operable connection may include a physical interface, an electrical interface, and/or a data interface. The communication interface 353 may be connected to a network. The network may include wired networks (e.g., Ethernet), wireless networks, or combinations thereof. The wireless network may be a cellular telephone network, an 802.11, 802.16, 802.20, or WiMax network, a Bluetooth pairing of devices, or a Bluetooth mesh network. Further, the network may be a public network, such as the Internet, a private network, such as an intranet, or combinations thereof, and may utilize a variety of networking protocols now available or later developed including, but not limited to TCP/IP based networking protocols.

While the computer-readable medium (e.g., memory 352) is shown to be a single medium, the term “computer-readable medium” includes a single medium or multiple media, such as a centralized or distributed database, and/or associated caches and servers that store one or more sets of instructions. The term “computer-readable medium” shall also include any medium that is capable of storing, encoding or carrying a set of instructions for execution by a processor or that cause a computer system to perform any one or more of the methods or operations disclosed herein.

In a particular non-limiting, exemplary embodiment, the computer-readable medium can include a solid-state memory such as a memory card or other package that houses one or more non-volatile read-only memories. Further, the computer-readable medium can be a random access memory or other volatile re-writable memory. Additionally, the computer-readable medium can include a magneto-optical or optical medium, such as a disk or tapes or other storage device to capture carrier wave signals such as a signal communicated over a transmission medium. A digital file attachment to an e-mail or other self-contained information archive or set of archives may be considered a distribution medium that is a tangible storage medium. Accordingly, the disclosure is considered to include any one or more of a computer-readable medium or a distribution medium and other equivalents and successor media, in which data or instructions may be stored. The computer-readable medium may be non-transitory, which includes all tangible computer-readable media.

In an alternative embodiment, dedicated hardware implementations, such as application specific integrated circuits, programmable logic arrays and other hardware devices, can be constructed to implement one or more of the methods described herein. Applications that may include the apparatus and systems of various embodiments can broadly include a variety of electronic and computer systems. One or more embodiments described herein may implement functions using two or more specific interconnected hardware modules or devices with related control and data signals that can be communicated between and through the modules, or as portions of an application-specific integrated circuit. Accordingly, the present system encompasses software, firmware, and hardware implementations.

The illustrations of the embodiments described herein are intended to provide a general understanding of the structure of the various embodiments. The illustrations are not intended to serve as a complete description of all of the elements and features of apparatus and systems that utilize the structures or methods described herein. Many other embodiments may be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the disclosure. Other embodiments may be utilized and derived from the disclosure, such that structural and logical substitutions and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Additionally, the illustrations are merely representational and may not be drawn to scale. Certain proportions within the illustrations may be exaggerated, while other proportions may be minimized. Accordingly, the disclosure and the figures are to be regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive.

While this specification contains many specifics, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention or of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features specific to particular embodiments of the invention. Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable sub-combination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a sub-combination or variation of a sub-combination.

One or more embodiments of the disclosure may be referred to herein, individually and/or collectively, by the term “invention” merely for convenience and without intending to voluntarily limit the scope of this application to any particular invention or inventive concept. Moreover, although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it should be appreciated that any subsequent arrangement designed to achieve the same or similar purpose may be substituted for the specific embodiments shown. This disclosure is intended to cover any and all subsequent adaptations or variations of various embodiments. Combinations of the above embodiments, and other embodiments not specifically described herein, will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reviewing the description.

It is intended that the foregoing detailed description be regarded as illustrative rather than limiting and that it is understood that the following claims including all equivalents are intended to define the scope of the invention. The claims should not be read as limited to the described order or elements unless stated to that effect. Therefore, all embodiments that come within the scope and spirit of the following claims and equivalents thereto are claimed as the invention.