Optical sensors and algorithms for controlling automatic bathroom flushers and faucets

Abstract

The present invention is directed to novel optical sensors and novel methods for sensing optical radiation that can be used to control the operation of automatic faucets and flushers. The novel sensors and flow controllers require only small amounts of electrical power for sensing users of bathroom facilities, enabling battery operation for many years. An electronic system for controlling fluid flow may include an electromagnetic actuator, a controller and an optical sensor. Preferred embodiments include a control circuit constructed to sample periodically the detector based on the amount of light detected; a control circuit constructed to adjust a sample period based on the detected amount of light after determining whether a facility is in use; a detector optically coupled to the input port using an optical fiber; the input port may be located in an aerator of the electronic faucet; the system includes batteries for powering the electronic faucet. These embodiments may also include a variety of other features. A passive optical sensor includes a light detector sensitive to ambient (room) light for controlling the operation of automatic faucets or automatic bathroom flushers. An active optical sensor includes a light emitter and a light detector. The detected signals may be processed using novel algorithms

Description

[0001]This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 11 / 159,422 filed on Jun. 22, 2005, which is a continuation of PCT Application PCT / US03 / 041303, filed on Dec. 26, 2003, which is a continuation-in-part of PCT Application PCT / US03 / 38730, entitled “Passive Sensors for Automatic Faucets and Bathroom Flushers” filed on Dec. 4, 2003, which claims priority from U.S. Application 60 / 513,722, “Automatic Faucets with Novel Flow Control Sensors,” filed on Oct. 22, 2003 and is a continuation-in-part of PCT Application PCT / US03 / 20117, “Irrigation Systems and Control Methods,” filed on Jun. 24, 2003; and PCT Application PCT / US02 / 41576, “Automatic Bathroom Flushers” filed on Dec. 26, 2002; all of which are incorporated by reference.[0002]The PCT / US03 / 041303 application is also a continuation-in-part of PCT Application PCT / US02 / 38757, “Electronic Faucets for Long Term Operation,” filed on Dec. 4, 2002; and PCT Application PCT / US02 / 38758, “Automatic Bathroom Flushers,” filed on De...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

However, a coat or another object can still provide a false trigger to the faucet.

In the optical sensor, the emitter power and / or the receiver sensitivity is limited to restrict the sensor's range to eliminate reflections from the sink, or from the bathroom walls or other installed objects.

Frequently, problems arise due to highly reflective doors and walls, mirrors, highly reflective sinks, the shape of different sinks, water in the sink, the colors and rough / shiny surfaces of fabrics, and moving users who are walking by but not using the facility.

Mirrors, doors, walls, and sinks are not valid targets, although they may reflect more energy back to the receiver than rough surfaces at the right angle incidence.

Depending on the design, the emitter (or the receiver) may consume a large amount of power and thus deplete the battery over time (or require large batteries).

The cost of battery replacement involves not only the cost of batteries, but more importantly the labor cost, which may be relatively high for skilled personnel.

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