Contactless pipe control system

Abstract

A control unit for a plumbing assembly includes a first sensor for sensing a gesture and at least one direction associated with the gesture. The control unit also includes a first pair of sensors disposed along a first axis of the control unit that determine a speed of the gesture along the first axis. The control unit includes a second pair of sensors disposed along a second axis of the control unit that determine a speed of the gesture along the second axis. The control unit includes at least one controller operably coupled with the first sensor, the first pair of sensors, and the second pair of sensors, wherein the at least one controller adjusts an operational state of the plumbing assembly based on the speed of the gesture along the first axis, the speed of the gesture along the second axis, and the at least one direction.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference with related patent applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit and priority of Indian Provisional Patent Application No. 202211022378, filed on April 14, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure generally relates to control systems for piping structures. More specifically, this disclosure relates to contactless piping control systems. Background Technology

[0004] Faucets and similar plumbing fixtures typically include various knobs, levers, buttons, or other actuators that require physical contact to control the flow of water through the plumbing fixture. In some cases, depending on the user's dexterity, ability level, and / or the size / layout of the faucet, turning a knob, adjusting a lever, or pressing a button can be daunting or cumbersome.

[0005] Therefore, it is advantageous to provide a control system for a piping system or component that does not require physical contact between the user and the control system. Summary of the Invention

[0006] One aspect of this disclosure relates to a control unit for a piping assembly. The control unit includes a first pair of sensors arranged along a first axis of the control unit, wherein the first pair of sensors is configured to determine the velocity of at least one gesture along a first dimension aligned with the first axis. The control unit also includes a second pair of sensors arranged along a second axis of the control unit, wherein the second pair of sensors is configured to determine the velocity of at least one gesture along a second dimension aligned with the second axis. The control unit further includes at least one controller operatively coupled to the first and second pairs of sensors, wherein the at least one controller is configured to adjust at least one operating state of the piping assembly based on the velocity of the at least one gesture along the first dimension and the velocity of the gesture along the second dimension.

[0007] In various embodiments, at least one of the first pair of sensors or the second pair of sensors is a time-of-flight (TOF) sensor. In some embodiments, the control unit further includes a gesture recognition sensor disposed between the first and second sensors in the first pair of sensors. In other embodiments, the gesture recognition sensor includes four directional diodes. In still other embodiments, at least one of the first pair of sensors or the second pair of sensors is an infrared sensor. In each embodiment, the first sensor in the first pair of sensors is disposed on a first side of the control unit, and the second sensor in the first pair of sensors is disposed on a second side of the control unit, opposite to the first side. Similarly, the first sensor in the second pair of sensors is disposed on a third side of the control unit, and the second sensor in the second pair of sensors is disposed on a fourth side of the control unit, opposite to the third side. In various embodiments, at least one gesture includes a first gesture and a second gesture, and at least one operating state includes a first operating state and a second operating state, wherein the first gesture corresponds to the first operating state and the second gesture corresponds to the second operating state.

[0008] Another aspect of this disclosure relates to a pipeline control system. The pipeline control system includes a control unit communicatively coupled to a control component, wherein input received by the control unit causes the control component to adjust at least one of water flow rate or water temperature through the pipeline assembly. The control component includes a first diverter and a second diverter, respectively coupled to a first inlet and a second inlet. The control component also includes a first valve and a second valve disposed downstream of the first and second diverters, wherein at least one of the first valve or the second valve is configured to control the amount of water flowing through at least one of the first and second diverters. The control unit includes a first pair of sensors arranged along a first axis of the control unit, wherein the first pair of sensors is configured to determine the velocity of at least one gesture along a first dimension aligned with the first axis. The control unit also includes a second pair of sensors arranged along a second axis of the control unit, wherein the second pair of sensors is configured to determine the velocity of at least one gesture along a second dimension aligned with the second axis. The control unit also includes at least one controller operatively coupled to the first pair of sensors and the second pair of sensors, wherein the at least one controller is configured to adjust the operating state of at least one of the first valves or the second valve based on the velocity of the at least one gesture along the first dimension and the velocity of the at least one gesture along the second dimension.

[0009] In various embodiments, the at least one gesture includes a first gesture and a second gesture, and the at least one operating state includes a first operating state and a second operating state, wherein the first gesture corresponds to the first operating state, and the second gesture corresponds to the second operating state. In some embodiments, the first operating state corresponds to a first water flow rate, and the second operating state corresponds to a second water flow rate. In other embodiments, the first operating state corresponds to a first water temperature, and the second operating state corresponds to a second water temperature. In still other embodiments, the first gesture is in a first direction, and the second gesture is in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

[0010] Another aspect of this disclosure relates to a piping system. The piping system includes a piping assembly and a control assembly fluidly connected to the piping assembly. The piping system also includes a hot water source and a cold water source, wherein hot water enters the control assembly through a hot water inlet, and cold water enters the control assembly through a cold water inlet. The piping system also includes a control unit communicatively connected to the control assembly, wherein input received by the control unit causes the control assembly to adjust at least one of the water flow rate or water temperature through the piping assembly. The control assembly includes a first diverter and a second diverter, respectively connected to the hot water inlet and the cold water inlet. The control assembly further includes: a first valve fluidly connected to the first diverter, wherein the first valve is configured to control the flow of hot water, and a second valve fluidly connected to the second diverter, wherein the second valve is configured to control the flow of cold water. The first and second diverters, and the first and second valves, are arranged in parallel. The piping assembly is fluidly connected downstream of the first and second valves. The control unit includes at least one sensor configured to receive input based on at least one of the presence of a user or movement of a user above the control unit, and the input causes a configuration change of at least one of the first or second valves.

[0011] In various embodiments, the at least one sensor includes a first pair of sensors arranged along a first axis. In some embodiments, the at least one sensor further includes a second pair of sensors arranged along a second axis, wherein the second axis is perpendicular to the first axis. In other embodiments, user movement includes gestures, wherein the first and second pairs of sensors are configured to measure the speed of the gesture along the first and second axes. In still other embodiments, the control unit is a modular knob. In various embodiments, the modular knob includes an indicator circumferentially disposed around the modular knob and including at least one light source, wherein the indicator is configured to indicate the operating state of the control unit. In various embodiments, the modular knob includes a first portion and a second portion coupled to the first portion, wherein the first portion includes at least one sensor and the second portion includes a power source. In some embodiments, the at least one light source is configured to change at least one of brightness, intensity, or color based on input.

[0012] The content of this invention is illustrative only and should not be considered restrictive. Attached Figure Description

[0013] The present disclosure will be more fully understood from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein similar figures in the drawings refer to similar elements.

[0014] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a three-dimensional view of a piping system according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0015] Figure 2 According to exemplary embodiments Figure 1 A schematic diagram of control components configured in parallel in a pipeline system.

[0016] Figure 3 According to exemplary embodiments Figure 1 A schematic diagram of control components configured in series in a piping system.

[0017] Figure 4 According to exemplary embodiments, for Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of the control unit of the piping system.

[0018] Figure 5 This is according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 4 Top sectional view of the control unit.

[0019] Figures 6A to 6D According to the exemplary embodiments, the user and Figure 4 A top view of the control unit interaction.

[0020] Figures 7A to 7D According to the exemplary embodiments, the user and Figure 4 A top view of the control unit interaction.

[0021] Figures 8A to 8D According to the exemplary embodiments, the user and Figure 4 A top view of the control unit interaction.

[0022] Figure 9 This is a perspective view of a piping system according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0023] Figure 10 This is a perspective view of a piping system according to another exemplary embodiment.

[0024] Figure 11 This is according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 1 A schematic diagram of control components configured in series within a piping system.

[0025] Figure 12A This is according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 11 A schematic diagram of the control unit within the control components.

[0026] Figure 12B According to another exemplary embodiment Figure 11 A schematic diagram of the control unit within the control components.

[0027] Figure 13 This is a flowchart illustrating the operation method of a control unit according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0028] Figures 14A to 14F The user and various exemplary embodiments are shown. Figure 11 A 3D diagram showing the interaction between the control unit and the user.

[0029] Figures 15A to 15L Various exemplary embodiments are shown. Figure 11 A top view of the control unit, showing the screen portion.

[0030] Figure 16 This is according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 11 A 3D view of the control unit.

[0031] Figure 17 This is according to an exemplary embodiment. Figure 11 A perspective view of the control unit and the wireless charging unit configured for use with the control unit. Detailed Implementation

[0032] Before turning to the accompanying drawings, which detail certain exemplary embodiments, it should be understood that this disclosure is not limited to the details or methods set forth in the description or illustrated in the drawings. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is for descriptive purposes only and should not be considered limiting.

[0033] refer to Figure 1According to an exemplary embodiment, a piping system 100 is shown. The piping system 100 includes a piping assembly 105 configured to supply water to a container 110 (e.g., a sink, bathtub, shower area, etc.). The water through the piping assembly 105 is fluidly connected to and controlled by a piping control system 200. The control system 200 includes a control component 205 associated with a hot and cold water supply and can be mounted below or behind (i.e., under a countertop) the surface on which the piping assembly 105 is mounted. The control component 205 is communicatively coupled to a control unit 210, which can be mounted on or adjacent to (i.e., above a countertop) the surface on which the piping assembly 105 is mounted. The control unit 210 is configured to receive input from a user without requiring the user to touch the control unit 210, wherein the input causes a configuration change within the control component 205. The configuration change within the control component 205 causes a configuration change in the piping assembly 105 to adjust the flow rate and / or temperature of the water flowing through the piping assembly 105. In various embodiments, the piping assembly 105 also includes one or more manual controls, including but not limited to one or more knobs, levers, buttons or sliders, which can be operated to control the amount and / or temperature of water flowing through the piping assembly 105.

[0034] In various embodiments, control component 205 can be coupled to control unit 210 via a wired or wireless connection. In some embodiments, control component 205 may be configured to receive input from control unit 210 via Wi-Fi and / or Bluetooth. In various embodiments, control system 200 may be integrally configured within piping system 100. In other embodiments, control system 200 may be separately configured and retrofitted within piping system 100. In various embodiments, control component 205 may include a diversion system configured to switch the operation of piping component 105 between automatic control via control unit 210 and manual control via manual controls. In various embodiments, control unit 210 and / or control component 205 may be communicatively coupled to one or more devices (e.g., user devices, remote controls), smart home AI devices (e.g., Google Home, Echo, Alexa, etc.) to facilitate control of water flowing through piping component 105.

[0035] Figure 2A schematic diagram of a control assembly 205 configured in parallel according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. As shown, water enters the control assembly 205 through a hot water inlet 215 and a cold water inlet 217. Hot water from the hot water inlet 215 flows to a hot water distributor 220, and cold water from the cold water inlet 217 flows to a cold water distributor 222. When the control assembly 205 is operating in manual mode, water flows from the hot water distributor 220 in a first direction 219, allowing water to flow directly to the hot water outlet 250, where it is distributed by the piping assembly 105. Similarly, cold water flows from the cold water distributor 222 in a first direction 223, through a connector 245, and out through the cold water outlet 252, where it is distributed by the piping assembly 105. The ratio of hot to cold water and / or the amount of mixed water through the piping assembly 105 can be manually adjusted by manipulating one or more knobs, levers, buttons, etc.

[0036] like Figure 2 As shown, when control component 205 operates in automatic mode, hot water flows in the second direction 222 to the first valve and stepper motor 225, while cold water flows in the second direction 224 to the second valve and stepper motor 227. Because control component 205 is configured in parallel, the hot water lines and cold water lines (i.e., the water paths between hot water inlets and cold water inlets 215, 217 and hot water outlets and cold water outlets 250, 252) are essentially arranged in parallel, and during flow regulation, the first and second valves and stepper motors 225, 227 operate synchronously. However, during temperature control, the valves and stepper motors 225, 227 are adjusted independently to increase or decrease the flow rate of hot or cold water through them. Figure 2 As shown, hot and cold water are received by tee connector 230 and flow to connector 245. In the water passage between connectors 230 and 245, control component 205 includes thermocouple 235 and flow meter 240, which measure the temperature and flow rate of the water passing through control component 205, respectively. Therefore, control component 205 can control the water temperature and flow rate by adjusting valves and stepper motors 225 and 227, which control the flow rate from their respective hot and cold water distributors 220 and 222 through independent hot and cold water lines.

[0037] Figure 3A series configuration of control component 205 according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. The series configuration of control component 205 in manual mode guides water in the same way as the parallel configuration of control component 205 in manual mode. However, in automatic mode, control component 205 can be configured such that hot and cold water (from hot water inlet and cold water inlet 215, 217) can exit their respective distributors 220 and 220 and be mixed first at valve and stepper motor 225, where valve and stepper motor 225 is a mixing valve configured to adjust the ratio of hot and cold water. The flow rate of the mixed water can then be regulated by valve and stepper motor 227 in the same pipeline.

[0038] As described above, the control component 205 receives input from the control unit 210, with which a user can interact to change one or more operating conditions of the piping system 100. Figure 4 A perspective view of a control unit 210 according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. As shown, the control unit 210 includes a sensing surface 260 mounted on the top of a housing 265. The sensing surface 260 may include various indicators (e.g., lights, light bars, luminous lines or curves, etc.) that can emit light in response to user input. Figure 4 As shown, the sensing surface 260 includes a first indicator 261 extending along a first axis of the sensing surface 260 and a second indicator 263 extending along a second axis, wherein the second axis is substantially perpendicular to the first axis (e.g., forming a cross pattern with an intersection point at or near the center of the sensing surface 260). In various embodiments, the first indicator 261 and / or the second indicator 263 may include one or more light sources (e.g., LEDs), or may be positioned directly above one or more light sources that illuminate the indicators 261, 263 in response to user input.

[0039] The sensing surface 260 also includes various sensing areas. As shown, the sensing surface 260 includes four areas 267, 269, 271, and 273 arranged in quadrants. Each area 267, 269, 271, and 273 can be configured to display indicators related to the flow of water through the piping assembly 105. For example, at least one of the areas 267, 269, 271, and 273 can display water temperature (i.e., detected by thermocouple 235), water flow rate (i.e., detected by flow meter 240), the operating status of the control system 200, and so on. In various embodiments, the operating status of the control system 200 may include an indication that the system 200 is in an ON state, where the control system 200 operates in automatic mode. This indication may also inform the user whether the control system 200 is operating normally or whether one or more components have malfunctioned. The control unit 210 is configured to sense at least one of the following: a user approaching or moving within an area above the sensing surface 260, so that the user does not need to touch or contact the control unit 210 to cause a change in the operation of the control assembly 205, thereby causing a change in operation within the piping system 100.

[0040] To sense user approach and / or user movement above sensing surface 260, control unit 210 includes one or more sensors 281, 284, 286 disposed within housing 265, such as Figure 5 As shown. In various embodiments, one or more sensors 281, 284, 286 may include at least one of an ultrasonic sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a thermal sensor, a vibration sensor, a reflection sensor, a time-of-flight sensor, or any other sensor type known in the art to sense at least one of a user's proximity or movement. In some embodiments, control component 210 includes two infrared sensors for detecting the presence of a user (i.e., the user's hand) and an ultrasonic sensor for measuring the distance between the user (i.e., the user's hand) and sensing surface 260. One or more sensors 281, 284, 286 may be coupled to one or more controllers 280, 282, which may accumulate, process, and send inputs to shunts 220, 222 and / or valves and stepper motors 225, 227 in response to inputs sensed by sensors 281, 284, 286.

[0041] As shown, the control component 210 also includes one or more light sources 283 that can illuminate indicators 261, 263 disposed on the sensing surface 260. In various embodiments, the one or more light sources may be multi-color LEDs. Finally, the control component 210 includes one or more power sources 275 (e.g., lithium-ion batteries) that provide power to the sensors 281, 284, 286, controllers 280, 282, and / or the light sources 283. In various embodiments, the power source 275 may be configured for wireless charging. In various embodiments, at least one of the sensing surface 260 or housing 265 may be styling or customized by the user to conform to a specific aesthetic style or similar to a specific medium (e.g., wood, glass, metal, fabric, etc.). In some embodiments, at least one of the sensing surface 260 or housing 265 may be replaced or interchanged to conform to the user's style preferences.

[0042] During the use of the piping control system 200, the control unit 210 can be installed within or near the surface on which the piping assembly 105 is mounted (e.g., a kitchen countertop or surface, adjacent to a sink, or within a wall in a shower area). The control unit 210 can be coupled to the control assembly 205, which can be located below or behind the surface on which the piping assembly 105 is mounted (i.e., under the countertop). The control assembly 205 can be fluidly coupled to both a hot water source and a cold water source, and to the piping assembly 105, such that the flow of hot and cold water from the hot and cold water sources through the piping assembly 105 is controlled by the control assembly 205.

[0043] To control the water flowing through the pipe assembly 105, the user can place their hand 300 (or other body part) on the sensing surface 260, such as Figures 6A to 6D As shown. For example, as Figure 6B As shown, the pipeline control system 200 can be left unlit when not in use (i.e., in an off state). Then, when the user's hand 300 is placed in front of the sensing surface 260, as... Figure 6C As shown, one or more sensors 281, 284, 286 within the housing 265 can sense the presence and proximity of the user's hand 300. In response, as... Figure 6DAs shown, one or more light sources 283 can illuminate at least one of indicators 261, 263 to indicate that the pipe control system 200 is in an on state and can subsequently initiate the flow of water through the pipe assembly 105. In various embodiments, the control system 200 can be configured to initiate the flow of water through the pipe assembly 105 at a default flow rate and / or default temperature. In various embodiments, the default flow rate can be approximately 70% of the maximum flow rate, and the default temperature can be a warm temperature. In response to a user placing their hand 300 over the sensing surface 260, at least one of areas 267, 269, 271, 273 can display the default flow rate and / or default temperature. In various embodiments, the color and / or intensity of one or more light sources 283 can also indicate the operating status of the control system 200 to the user.

[0044] To adjust the temperature of the water flowing through the pipe assembly 105, the user can move their hand 300 along the first axis 303 in direction 305 or direction 310, where direction 310 is opposite to direction 305. Figure 7A As shown in the diagram. For example, if a user intends to lower the temperature of the water flowing through the pipe assembly 105, the user can move their hand 300 in direction 305 (e.g., as shown in the diagram). Figure 7D As shown), this is detected by at least one of sensors 281, 284, and 286 (e.g., as shown). Figure 7C (As shown). Then, the user's movement sensed by sensors 281, 284, 286 is transmitted by controllers 280, 282 to distributors 220, 222 and / or valves and stepper motors 225, 227. Therefore, the configuration of at least one of distributors 220, 222 and / or valves and stepper motors 225, 227 can be adjusted to reduce the ratio of hot and cold water through hot water inlets and cold water inlets 215, 217, thereby reducing the temperature of the water flowing through pipe assembly 105. Similarly, if the user intends to increase the temperature of the water flowing through pipe assembly 105, the user can move their hand 300 in direction 310 (e.g., as shown). Figure 7B As shown, this is detected by at least one of sensors 281, 284, and 286, and the ratio of hot to cold water through hot water inlets and cold water inlets 215 and 217 can be increased, thereby increasing the temperature of the water flowing through pipe assembly 105. In various embodiments, at least one of zones 267, 269, 271, and 273 can display the water temperature in real time, allowing the user to precisely adjust the water temperature flowing through pipe assembly 105. Indicator 261 can also change color and / or intensity according to the current temperature of the water flowing through pipe assembly 105.

[0045] To adjust the flow rate of water through the pipe assembly 105, the user can move their hand 300 along the second axis 304 in direction 320 or direction 325, where direction 325 is opposite to direction 320. Figure 8A As shown. For example, if a user intends to reduce the flow rate of water through pipe assembly 105, the user can move their hand 300 in direction 320 (e.g., as shown). Figure 8D As shown), this is detected by at least one of sensors 281, 284, and 286 (e.g., as shown). Figure 8C (As shown). Then, the user's movements sensed by sensors 281, 284, 286 are transmitted by controllers 280, 282 to distributors 220, 222 and / or valves and stepper motors 225, 227. Therefore, the configuration of at least one of distributors 220, 222 and / or valves and stepper motors 225, 227 can be adjusted to reduce the amount of hot and cold water flowing through hot water inlets and cold water inlets 215, 217, thereby reducing the flow rate of water through pipe assembly 105. Similarly, if the user intends to increase the flow rate of water through pipe assembly 105, the user can move their hand 300 in direction 325 (e.g., as shown). Figure 8B As shown, this is detected by at least one of sensors 281, 284, and 286, and the amount of hot and cold water through the hot water inlet and cold water inlet 215, 217 can be increased, thereby increasing the flow rate of water through pipe assembly 105. In various embodiments, at least one of regions 267, 269, 271, and 273 can display the water flow rate in real time so that the user can precisely adjust the flow rate of water through pipe assembly 105. Indicator 263 can also change color and / or intensity according to the current flow rate of water through pipe assembly 105. In different embodiments, the flow of water through pipe assembly 105 can be turned off by the user moving their hand in the 300 direction and / or based on the speed of the user's movement.

[0046] In various embodiments, the control system 200 may be configured to operate according to one or more preset modes. For example, the control system 200 may be configured to automatically cut off power after a predetermined amount of time, thereby preventing excess water from flowing through the pipe assembly 105. In other embodiments, the control system 200 may be configured to operate within one or more predetermined temperature and / or flow ranges to prevent harm to users (e.g., by limiting the maximum temperature of water flowing through the pipe assembly 105), prevent water waste (e.g., by limiting the maximum flow rate through the pipe assembly 105), and prevent pipe freezing (e.g., by maintaining a constant flow rate or initiating periodic water flow through the pipe assembly 105).

[0047] As described above, piping system 100 is primarily described in relation to a faucet. However, considering that piping system 100 is not limited to any particular type of piping structure, and can be used to monitor and control flow through various types of piping structures (e.g., sinks, faucets, showerheads, bath spouts, hoses, pipes, valves, etc.), Figure 9 As shown, the duct control system 200 can be incorporated into a shower facility, wherein the duct assembly 105 includes multiple water outlets, such as a shower head 405 and / or a handheld shower stick 410. A control unit 210 can be installed in the shower area adjacent to the duct assembly 105, allowing the user to control water flow and temperature via the control unit. In other embodiments, the duct control system 200 can be incorporated into a sink facility, such as... Figure 10 As shown, the piping assembly 105 includes a single outlet, such as a faucet 415, which discharges water into a sink (i.e., container 110). A control unit 210 can then be installed in or near the sink and / or faucet 415, enabling the user to control the flow and / or temperature of the water through the piping assembly 105.

[0048] Figure 11 A control assembly 505 configured in series according to an exemplary embodiment is shown. In various embodiments, the control assembly 505 may be similar to or equivalent to the control assembly 205, wherein elements 510-552 of the control assembly 505 are respectively equivalent to elements 210-252 of the control assembly 205. Thus, the control assembly 505 receives input from the control unit 510, with which a user can interact to change one or more operating conditions of the piping system 100.

[0049] As shown in the figure, the control unit 510 can be configured to be communicatively coupled to at least one of a first valve and stepper motor 525, a second valve and stepper motor 527, a thermocouple 535, a flow meter 540, or a solenoid valve 543. The control unit 510 may include one or more controllers 580 (in... Figure 11 (Displayed as a motherboard), which can communicate with one or more processors and memory, wherein one or more controllers 580 are configured to receive from electrical input 584, receiving device 585 or power supply 575 (in Figure 11The control unit 505 receives at least one signal from a battery and responds by sending one or more control signals to at least one of a first valve and stepper motor 525, a second valve and stepper motor 527, a thermocouple 535, a flow meter 540, or a solenoid valve 543. In various embodiments, an electrical input 584 is configured to receive power, such as from a power source 575 or from the grid, and to adjust (e.g., step down) components within the control unit 510. In some embodiments, one or more receiving devices 584 may be configured to receive one or more inputs from an input source (e.g., a user, user equipment, other control devices, etc.) and communicate such inputs to one or more controllers 580. In various embodiments, one or more receiving devices 584 may include multiple sensors. The power source 575, configured to supply power to components within the control unit 510, may be a lithium-ion battery. In various embodiments, the control unit 505 may also include one or more check valves 547 in fluid communication with at least one water flow meter 520, 522, wherein the one or more check valves 547 are configured to prevent backflow within the control unit 505.

[0050] Figures 12A to 12B A schematic diagram of a control unit 510 according to various exemplary embodiments is shown. As shown, the control unit 510 includes one or more receiving devices 584 (e.g., sensors, user input devices, etc.) that can cooperate to sense user motion, gestures (i.e., user movement or motion in one or more directions) or other interactions with the control unit 510 (e.g., touch), and responsively transmit one or more signals to one or more controllers 580. As shown, the one or more receiving devices 584 within the control unit 510 may include a first time-of-flight (TOF) sensor 587 and a second TOF sensor 588, wherein the first TOF sensor 587 is disposed on a first side of the control unit 510 (i.e., Figure 12A The second TOF sensor 588 is disposed on the second side of the control unit 510 opposite to the first side (i.e., the right side of the first side). Figure 12A(Left side of the control unit 510). The first and second TOF sensors 587, 588 are arranged such that they are substantially coplanar (e.g., positioned on or near the front surface of the control unit 510) and aligned along the first axis 503 of the control unit 510. Each of the first and second TOF sensors 587, 588 may be configured to detect or measure the distance between the user's hand and the respective TOF sensor 587, 588 by measuring the amount of time required for light emitted by the TOF sensor 587, 588 (e.g., infrared light, optical light, ultraviolet light, or other electromagnetic radiation of any wavelength) to reach the user's hand and return to the TOF sensor 587, 588. In some embodiments, the first and second TOF sensors 587, 588 are infrared (IR) sensors and are configured to sense one or more user gestures by detecting and recording at least one of the presence or proximity of the user's hand in front of the control unit 510.

[0051] A gesture recognition sensor (“PAJ sensor”) 595 is disposed between (e.g., at the midpoint) the first and second TOF sensors 587, 588, wherein the PAJ sensor 595 is configured to record user gestures. In various embodiments, the PAJ sensor 595 may be an infrared sensor with four directional diodes. By recording changes in the presence and / or proximity of the user’s hand between the first and second TOF sensors 587, 588 in relation to the gestures recorded by the PAJ sensor 595, the TOF sensors 587, 588 can be used to determine the speed of the user’s hand (and thus the speed of the gesture). For example, measurements taken by the PAJ sensor 595 and the TOF sensors 587, 588 at different times can be used to determine the position of the user’s hand at each time. The change in position can then be divided by the amount of time elapsed to determine the speed of the user’s hand. The gesture, characterized by the direction and speed associated with the user’s hand and associated with one or more control functions of the control unit 510, can then be transmitted to one or more controllers 580 to change the operating state of one or more components within the control assembly 505.

[0052] Similarly, control unit 510 may include a third TOF sensor 590 and a fourth TOF sensor 591 respectively disposed on a third and fourth side of control unit 510. The third and fourth TOF sensors 590, 591 may be substantially coplanar and aligned with a second axis 504 of control unit 510, wherein the second axis 504 is substantially perpendicular to the first axis 503. Similar to the first and second TOF sensors 587, 588, the third and fourth TOF sensors 590, 591 may be infrared (IR) sensors and are configured to sense one or more user gestures by detecting and recording at least one of the presence or proximity of a user's hand in front of control unit 510. By recording the change over time in relation to the gesture recorded by PAJ sensor 595 between the third and fourth TOF sensors 590, 591, the TOF sensors 590, 591 can be used to determine the speed of the user's hand (and therefore the speed of the gesture). In different embodiments, PAJ sensor 595 may be disposed at or near the midpoint between sensors 590, 591. Gestures are characterized by the direction and speed associated with the user's hand and are associated with one or more control functions of the control unit 510, and can then be transmitted to one or more controllers 580 to change the operating state of one or more components within the control assembly 505.

[0053] Advantageously, by including, for example Figure 12A The multiple pairs of TOF sensors 587, 588, 590, and 591 arranged as shown enable the control unit 510 to determine the position of the user's hand along multiple orthogonal dimensions in three-dimensional space. For example, the first and second TOF sensors 587 and 588 can be used to determine the position of the user's hand along a first dimension aligned with a first axis 503 (e.g., ...). Figure 12A The position of the user's hand (from left to right). Similarly, the third and fourth TOF sensors 590, 591 can be used to determine the user's hand along a second dimension aligned with the second axis 504 (e.g., from left to right). Figure 12AThe position of the user's hand (from top to bottom). By combining measurements from TOF sensors 587, 588, 590, and 591 and / or PAJ sensor 595, the control unit 510 can also determine the position of the user's hand along a third dimension orthogonal to the first and second dimensions (e.g., perpendicular to the front surface of the control unit 510). This allows the control unit 510 to determine the position and time of the user's hand movement in three-dimensional space so that various types of gestures (e.g., linear gestures, two-dimensional gestures, three-dimensional gestures, etc.) can be detected and used for control purposes. In various embodiments, the first axis 503 and the second axis 504 are orthogonal or non-orthogonal. Similarly, the first, second, and third dimensions can be orthogonal or non-orthogonal dimensions of three-dimensional space in various embodiments. For example, the first and second dimensions (and their corresponding axes 503 and 504) are not necessarily perpendicular or orthogonal, but can be oriented at any relative angle. In various embodiments, the first and second dimensions (and their corresponding axes 503 and 504) are non-orthogonal and not parallel to each other, or they can be orthogonal and not parallel to each other.

[0054] In some embodiments, the control unit 510 is capable of detecting and distinguishing gestures defined not only by the spatial position of the user's hand, but also by its velocity or other measures containing a time element (e.g., speed, acceleration, etc.). Therefore, gestures can be defined in up to four dimensions, including three spatial dimensions and one temporal dimension. For example, the control unit 510 can be configured to distinguish between rapid movement of the user's hand and slow movement of the user's hand along the same path, and can map rapid movement to a first gesture and slow movement to a second gesture. The first gesture can trigger the control unit 510 to perform a first control action, and the second gesture can trigger the control unit 510 to perform a second control action. In some embodiments, the control unit 510 stores a database of various gestures that can be defined or characterized by time series of the user's hand positions in up to three dimensions to plot a path in up to three dimensions of space, and can define the velocity of the user's hand moving along that path. The path can be defined by an absolute position (e.g., based on an absolute distance to the sensor unit 510) or a relative position defined based on the point in space where the gesture begins. When a user's hand is detected within the detection area, the control unit 510 can record the position of the user's hand over a period of time and match the detected position and time with gestures stored in the database.

[0055] In various embodiments, a gesture sensed between the first and second TOF sensors 587, 588 can cause one or more controllers 580 to change a first operating state of one or more components in control assembly 505. Similarly, a gesture sensed between the third and fourth TOF sensors 590, 591 (and recorded by PAJ sensor 595) can cause one or more controllers 580 to change a second operating state of one or more components in control assembly 505. For example, a gesture sensed between the first and second TOF sensors 587, 588 can control the temperature of water flowing through pipe assembly 105. A gesture sensed between the third and fourth TOF sensors 590, 591 can control the flow rate of water flowing through pipe assembly 105. Control unit 510 may also include one or more passive infrared (PIR) sensors 593, which are configured to detect the proximity of a user's hand in front of control unit 510. Therefore, control unit 510 can be configured to activate in response to one or more PIR sensors 593 detecting the presence of a user's hand within a predetermined threshold.

[0056] As described above, one or more components within the control unit 510 (e.g., sensors 58, 588, 590, 591, 593, 595) can receive power from the power source 575. In various embodiments, to charge the power source 575, the control unit 510 may be temporarily connected to the mains or other power source (e.g., via a wall outlet, USB, etc.). In other embodiments, such as Figure 12A As shown, the control unit 510 may include a wireless charging area 597, which may include one or more electromagnetic induction charging components, radiated electromagnetic resonant charging components, or non-connected radio frequency wireless charging components. Therefore, the control unit 510 can wirelessly charge the power supply 575 via the wireless charging area 597, allowing the control unit 510 to be remotely used from the conduit assembly 105. In various embodiments, such as Figure 12B As shown, the control unit 510 may also include a display (“screen”) 599 communicatively coupled to one or more controllers 580, wherein the screen 599 is configured to display the operating status associated with one or more components within the control assembly 505 and / or piping assembly 105 (i.e., to provide a visible representation or diagram of the operating status associated with one or more components within the control assembly 505 and / or piping assembly 105).

[0057] A method 600, executed by control unit 510, for controlling one or more operating states of control component 505. Figure 13The diagram is depicted. In a first operation 605, control unit 510 may initialize in response to PIR sensor 593 detecting a user's hand in front of or near control unit 510. In response to the initialization in operation 605, one or more controllers 580 may determine whether motion (i.e., movement of the user's hand) has been detected based on input received from one or more of PAJ sensor 595 and / or TOF sensors 587, 588, 590, 591 (operation 610). If one or more controllers 580 determine that no motion has been detected in operation 607, operation 610 may be repeated or control unit 510 may be deactivated until PIR sensor 593 receives another input. If one or more controllers 580 determine that motion has been detected, one or more controllers 580 may determine a motion-related gesture based on input received from PAJ sensor 595 and / or TOF sensors 587, 588, 590, 591 in operation 615. One or more controllers 580 may process the gesture based on at least one of the direction, proximity, or speed associated with the gesture, determined by TOF sensors 587, 588, 590, 591, and as a result, determine the corresponding operational function (e.g., flow rate, temperature, etc.) associated with the control component 505 (operation 620). In operation 625, one or more controllers 580 may transmit one or more control signals to one or more components within the control component 505 (e.g., first valve and stepper motor 525, second valve and stepper motor 527, thermocouple 535, flow meter 540, solenoid valve 543, etc.) to change or adjust their operating states. Finally, after one or more controllers 580 have changed or adjusted the operating states of one or more components within the control component 505, the control unit 510 may be deactivated in operation 630 until the PIR sensor 593 receives another input.

[0058] Appendix Figures 14A to 14F The illustration shows an example gesture that can be sensed and recorded by the control unit 510. For example... Figure 14A As shown, the user's hand 700 can be near or positioned close to the sensing surface (e.g., similar to or equivalent to sensing surface 260), which can be sensed by the PIR sensor 593. In some embodiments, such as Figure 14B As shown, the user's hand 700 can generate a gesture 705, wherein the gesture 705 includes a wave (e.g., turning, circular motion, or other non-linear movement), which can be sensed by the PAJ sensor 595. In other embodiments, such as Figure 14CAs shown, gesture 705 may include a linear movement in a first direction aligned with the first axis 503 of the control unit 510, which can be sensed by TOF sensors 587, 588. Similarly, gesture 705 may include a linear movement in a second direction aligned with the first axis 503 of the control unit 510, such as... Figure 14D As shown, the TOF sensors 587 and 588 can sense and characterize the gesture 705 based on its direction and speed. In various embodiments, such as Figure 14E As shown, gesture 705 may include a linear movement in a first direction aligned with the second axis 504 of the control unit 510, which may be sensed by TOF sensors 590, 591. Similarly, gesture 705 may include a linear movement in a second direction aligned with the second axis 504 of the control unit 510, such as... Figure 14F As shown, the TOF sensors 590 and 591 can sense and characterize the gesture 705 based on the direction and speed of the gesture 705.

[0059] In various embodiments, control unit 510 (via sensors 587, 588, 590, 591, 593, 595) can be configured to detect 11 different gestures. As previously described, during operation, one or more controllers 580 may receive one or more inputs from PAJ sensor 595 to determine gesture 705, and subsequently (or simultaneously) receive one or more inputs from TOF sensors 587, 588, 590, 591. The one or more controllers 580 may then use the inputs from at least two TOF sensors 587, 588, 590, 591 to determine a control signal corresponding to the determined gesture 705 (i.e., a control signal associated with control component 510).

[0060] Because the TOF sensors 587, 588, 590, and 591 detect not only the direction of the gesture 705 but also its speed (i.e., based on the time each sensor is intercepted by the gesture), control signals (and therefore the corresponding operating state of the control component 505) can be altered or based on the direction and speed of the gesture 705. In various embodiments, the PAJ sensor 595 can determine the direction associated with the gesture 705 (e.g., up, down, left, right, forward, backward, undulating, approaching, clockwise, or counterclockwise), which are received as inputs by one or more controllers 580. The inputs associated with the TOF sensors 587 and 588 (i.e., the portion of the gesture 705 in the direction aligned with the first axis 503) and / or the inputs associated with the TOF sensors 590 and 591 (i.e., the portion of the gesture 705 in the direction aligned with the second axis 504) can be subtracted to calculate the time the user's hand 700 passes through the control unit 510 during the gesture 705. Because the distances between TOF sensors 587 and 588 and between TOF sensors 590 and 591 are known, the speed of gesture 705 can be calculated by one or more controllers 580 by dividing the distance traveled by the user's hand 700 during gesture 705 by the amount of time the user's hand 700 is making gesture 705. Therefore, in addition to recording the direction (or multiple directions) of gesture 705, one or more controllers 580 can determine the speed of gesture 705 to determine control signals to change the operating state of one or more components within control component 505. For example, a gesture 705 at a first speed along a first direction of a first axis 503 may correspond to a first operating state, while a gesture 705 at a second speed along the first direction of the first axis 503 may correspond to a second operating state. In various embodiments, the speed may correspond to an adjustment increment. For example, a larger speed of gesture 705 may cause a large incremental adjustment to the operating state of control component 505. In another example, a smaller speed of gesture may cause a small incremental adjustment to the operating state of control component 505.

[0061] In various embodiments, one or more controllers 580 may be configured to stop adjusting the operational state of control component 505 in response to a second gesture following a first gesture 705. For example, the first gesture 705 may include a user's hand 700 moving along a first axis 503 in a first direction at a first speed, and the second gesture may include a touch or movement along the first axis 503 in a second direction at a second speed. In response, one or more controllers 580 may be configured to adjust one or more operational states of one or more components in control component 505 based on the first gesture 705, and may stop adjusting in response to a second, subsequent gesture.

[0062] In various embodiments, control unit 510 may be configured to adjust numerous operational states of components within control assembly 505. Before or during adjustment, control unit 510 may be configured to display one or more indicators related to the operational state to be adjusted in response to gesture 705, such as... Figures 15A to 15L As shown. In some embodiments, as Figure 15A Figure 15C As shown, the screen 599 of the control unit 510 can be configured to indicate a mode associated with the control component 505 and / or the piping component 105. For example, this mode may include a filling mode (…). Figure 15A ), Flow mode ( Figure 15B ) or flushing mode ( Figure 15C This pattern can be determined based on the type of pipe assembly 105. In other embodiments, such as... Figure 15D-15F As shown, screen 599 can be configured to indicate the amount of water flowing through control component 505 (and thus through pipe assembly 105). For example, screen 599 can indicate the water level ( Figure 15D ), fill progress or percentage ( Figure 15E ), or filling amount or volume ( Figure 15F ( ), wherein at least one of the water level, progress, or volume can be set by the user or the manufacturer of the control component 505. In other embodiments, the screen 599 may be configured to indicate an outlet within the pipe assembly 105, such as Figure 15G As shown in the figure. In some embodiments, screen 599 may be configured to indicate water temperature characteristics (as shown in the figure). Figure 15H ) or water temperature value ( Figure 15I In other embodiments, control component 505 and / or control unit 510 may be configured to be used based on one or more user profiles, wherein the user profiles may be associated with one or more operating states of control component 505. Therefore, screen 599 may be configured to indicate the user profile being used by control unit 510. Figure 15J In other embodiments, screen 599 may be configured to indicate display settings associated with control unit 510 and / or pipe assembly 105. For example, screen 599 may indicate the brightness level of indicator lights (e.g., on control unit 510, on pipe assembly 105, or on indicator lights near pipe assembly 105), such as... Figure 15K As shown in the diagram. In another example, screen 599 may indicate the characteristics, type, or level of an indicator light (e.g., on control unit 510, on pipe assembly 105, or near pipe assembly 105), such as... Figure 15L As shown in the image.

[0063] The control unit 510 can be configured as a modular knob, such as Figure 16As shown in the figure, the control unit 510 may have a first portion 715, which may include one or more receiving devices 584 and a screen 599. The first portion may be coupled to a second portion 720, which may be configured to house a power supply 575. An indicator 725 may be circumferentially arranged around the first portion 715 and / or the second portion 720, wherein the indicator 725 may include one or more light sources configured to indicate the activation state of the control unit 510 or the operational state of the control component 505. In various embodiments, the indicator 725 may include one or more light-emitting diodes (LEDs) configured to change brightness, intensity, and / or color according to a gesture 705 detected by the receiving device 584.

[0064] Because the control unit 510 includes a power supply 575 and can be configured for wireless charging (via wireless charging area 597), the control unit 510 can be easily repositioned during use, thereby being configured to remotely control numerous different piping components 105. For example... Figure 17 As shown, a wireless charging area 597 may be disposed within the second portion 720 (e.g., on the bottom side), wherein the wireless charging area 597 includes one or more pins 728, and wherein the one or more pins 728 are configured to engage with a wireless charger 730 to facilitate charging of a power source 575 within the control unit 510. As shown, the wireless charger 730 may include a base 735 having a shape complementary to that of the second portion 720, such that the base 735 may accommodate the second portion 720 during charging of the control unit 510. In various embodiments, the control unit 510 may be customized depending on the type of the coupled conduit assembly 105 and / or user preferences. For example, in various embodiments, the control unit 510 may be configured to have one or more switchable external portions that may be interchanged (i.e., in a manner similar to or equivalent to the control unit 210) to alter the appearance or aesthetic quality of the control unit 510.

[0065] It should be noted that while this disclosure contemplates piping systems and piping assemblies in conjunction with a control unit, other systems and components that can be configured to operate in conjunction with a control unit are also contemplated. In various embodiments, the control unit (e.g., control unit 210, 510) may be configured to be used with one or more non-piped systems or components, including but not limited to mirrors, fans, air circulation devices, heating and ventilation air conditioning (HVAC) systems, elevators, and / or any other type of equipment, system, or device capable of receiving user input.

[0066] Despite Figures 1 to 17 The above embodiments have been described, but various modifications and inclusions of these embodiments are taken into account and are considered to be within the scope of this disclosure.

[0067] As used herein with respect to numerical ranges, unless otherwise specified, the terms “about,” “approximately,” “substantially,” and similar terms generally refer to + / - 10% of the disclosed value. As used herein with respect to structural features (e.g., describing shape, size, orientation, direction, relative position, etc.), the terms “about,” “approximately,” “substantially,” and similar terms are intended to cover minor structural variations that may result from, for example, manufacturing or assembly processes, and are intended to have a broad meaning consistent with common and generally accepted usage by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. Therefore, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that non-substantial or insignificant modifications or alterations to the described and claimed subject matter are considered to be within the scope of the disclosure defined in the appended claims.

[0068] It should be noted that the term "exemplary" and variations thereof used herein to describe various embodiments are intended to indicate that such embodiments are possible, representative, or illustrative (and such terms are not intended to imply that such embodiments are necessarily extraordinary or unconventional examples).

[0069] As used herein, the term "connection" and its variations refer to the direct or indirect linking of two components to each other. Such a connection can be static (e.g., permanent or fixed) or movable (e.g., movable or separable). This connection can be implemented by directly linking the two components together, by linking them together using a separate intermediate component and any additional intermediate components linked to each other, or by linking them together using an intermediate component integrally formed as a single unit with one of the two components. If "connection" or its variations are modified by additional terms (e.g., direct connection), the general definition of "connection" provided above is modified by the common linguistic meaning of the additional terms (e.g., "direct connection" means the connection of two components without the use of any separate intermediate components), resulting in a narrower definition than the general definition of "connection" provided above. Such a connection can be mechanical, electrical, or fluid.

[0070] The locations of the elements mentioned herein (e.g., "top", "bottom", "above", "below") are used only to describe the orientation of the various elements in the figures. It should be noted that the orientation of the various elements may differ according to other exemplary embodiments, and such variations are intended to be covered by this disclosure.

[0071] Hardware and data processing components for implementing the various processes, operations, illustrative logic, logic blocks, modules, and circuits related to the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented or executed using a general-purpose single-chip or multi-chip processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof to perform the functions described herein. A general-purpose processor may be a microprocessor, or any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. The processor may also be implemented as a combination of computing devices, such as a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, multiple microprocessors, one or more microprocessors combined with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. In some embodiments, specific processes and methods may be performed by circuitry specific to a particular function. Memory (e.g., memory, storage cell, storage device) may include one or more devices (e.g., RAM, ROM, flash memory, hard disk storage) for storing data and / or computer code to perform or facilitate the various processes, layers, and modules described in this disclosure. The memory may be or include volatile or non-volatile memory, and 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 herein. According to one exemplary embodiment, the memory is communicatively coupled to a processor via processing circuitry and includes computer code for performing (e.g., by the processing circuitry or processor) one or more processes described herein.

[0072] This disclosure contemplates methods, systems, and program products on any machine-readable medium to accomplish a variety of operations. Embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented using existing computer processors, or by a special-purpose computer processor integrated into a suitable system for this or another purpose, or by a hardwired system. Embodiments within the scope of this disclosure include program products comprising a machine-readable medium for carrying or storing machine-executable instructions or data structures thereon. Such a machine-readable medium can be any available medium accessible to a general-purpose or special-purpose computer or other machine with a processor. For example, such a machine-readable medium may include RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage, or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium suitable for carrying or storing desired program code in the form of machine-executable instructions or data structures and accessible to a general-purpose or special-purpose computer or other machine with a processor. Combinations of the foregoing are also included within the scope of machine-readable media. Machine-executable instructions include, for example, instructions and data that cause a general-purpose computer, special-purpose computer, or special-purpose processor to perform a function or a set of functions.

[0073] Although diagrams and descriptions can illustrate a specific order of method steps, this order may differ from what is depicted and described unless otherwise specified above. Furthermore, two or more steps may be performed simultaneously or partially simultaneously, unless otherwise specified above.

[0074] It should be noted that any element disclosed in one embodiment may be incorporated into or used together with any other embodiment disclosed herein. For example, the piping assembly 105 of the exemplary embodiment described at least in paragraph 30 may be incorporated into the piping system 100 of the exemplary embodiment described at least in paragraph 18. Although only one example of an element that may be incorporated into or utilized in another embodiment has been described above, it should be understood that other elements of various embodiments may be incorporated into or used in any other embodiment disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A control unit for a plumbing assembly, the control unit comprising: a first pair of sensors arranged along a first axis of the control unit, the first pair of sensors configured to determine a velocity of at least one hand gesture along a first dimension aligned with the first axis; a second pair of sensors arranged along a second axis of the control unit, the second pair of sensors configured to determine a velocity of the at least one hand gesture along a second dimension aligned with the second axis; and at least one controller operably coupled to the first pair of sensors and the second pair of sensors; wherein the at least one controller is configured to adjust at least one operating state of the plumbing assembly in accordance with the velocity of the at least one hand gesture along the first dimension and the velocity of the at least one hand gesture along the second dimension, and the velocities correspond to adjustment increments, a greater velocity causing a large increment adjustment of the at least one operating state and a lesser velocity causing a small increment adjustment of the at least one operating state.

2. The control unit of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first pair of sensors or the second pair of sensors is a time-of-flight (TOF) sensor.

3. The control unit of claim 1, further comprising a gesture recognition sensor disposed between a first sensor and a second sensor of the first pair of sensors.

4. The control unit of claim 3, wherein the gesture recognition sensor comprises four directional diodes.

5. The control unit of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first pair of sensors or the second pair of sensors is an infrared sensor.

6. The control unit of claim 1, wherein: a first sensor of the first pair of sensors is disposed on a first side of the control unit, a second sensor of the first pair of sensors is disposed on a second side of the control unit, the second side opposite the first side; and a first sensor of the second pair of sensors is disposed on a third side of the control unit, a second sensor of the second pair of sensors is disposed on a fourth side of the control unit, the fourth side opposite the third side.

7. The control unit of claim 1, wherein the at least one hand gesture comprises a first hand gesture and a second hand gesture, and wherein the at least one operating state comprises a first operating state and a second operating state, the first hand gesture corresponding to the first operating state, the second hand gesture corresponding to the second operating state.

8. A plumbing control system comprising: a control unit communicably coupled with a control assembly, wherein input received by the control unit causes the control assembly to adjust at least one of a water flow or a water temperature through a plumbing assembly; wherein the control assembly comprises: a first diverter and a second diverter connected with a first water inlet and a second water inlet, respectively; and a control unit communicably coupled with a control assembly, wherein input received by the control unit causes the control assembly to adjust at least one of a water flow or a water temperature through a plumbing assembly; wherein the control assembly comprises: a first diverter and a second diverter connected with a first water inlet and a second water inlet, respectively; and a first valve and a second valve disposed downstream of the first diverter and the second diverter, wherein at least one of the first valve or the second valve is configured to control an amount of water flowing through at least one of the first diverter or the second diverter; and wherein the control unit comprises: a first pair of sensors arranged along a first axis of the control unit, the first pair of sensors configured to determine a velocity of at least one gesture along a first dimension aligned with the first axis; a second pair of sensors arranged along a second axis of the control unit, the second pair of sensors configured to determine a velocity of the at least one gesture along a second dimension aligned with the second axis; and at least one controller operably coupled to the first pair of sensors and the second pair of sensors; wherein the at least one controller is configured to adjust at least one operating state of at least one of a first valve or a second valve in accordance with the velocity of the at least one gesture along the first dimension and the velocity of the at least one gesture along the second dimension, and the velocities correspond to adjustment increments, a greater velocity causing a large increment adjustment of the at least one operating state and a lesser velocity causing a small increment adjustment of the at least one operating state.

9. The pipeline control system of claim 8, wherein, the at least one gesture comprises a first gesture and a second gesture, the at least one operating state comprises a first operating state and a second operating state, the first gesture corresponds to the first operating state, and the second gesture corresponds to the second operating state.

10. The pipeline control system of claim 9, wherein, the first operating state corresponds to a first water flow rate, and the second operating state corresponds to a second water flow rate.

11. The pipeline control system of claim 9, wherein, the first operating state corresponds to a first water temperature, and the second operating state corresponds to a second water temperature.

12. The pipeline control system of claim 9, wherein, the first gesture is in a first direction, and the second gesture is in a second direction opposite the first direction.

13. A plumbing system comprising a plumbing assembly; a control assembly fluidly coupled with the plumbing assembly, a hot water source, and a cold water source, wherein hot water enters the control assembly through a hot water inlet, and cold water enters the control assembly through a cold water inlet; and a control unit communicably coupled with the control assembly, wherein input received by the control unit causes the control assembly to adjust at least one of a water flow rate or a water temperature through the plumbing assembly; wherein the control assembly comprises: a first diverter and a second diverter coupled with the hot water inlet and the cold water inlet, respectively; a first valve fluidly coupled with the first diverter, the first valve configured to control a flow rate of hot water; and a second valve fluidly coupled with the second diverter, the second valve configured to control a flow rate of cold water; wherein the first diverter and the second diverter, and the first valve and the second valve are arranged in parallel; and wherein the plumbing assembly is fluidly coupled downstream of the first valve and the second valve; and wherein the control unit comprises at least one sensor configured to receive input from at least one of a user presence or a user motion above the control unit, and the input causes a change in configuration of at least one of the first valve or the second valve, wherein the at least one sensor comprises a first pair of sensors arranged along a first axis, wherein the at least one sensor further comprises a second pair of sensors arranged along a second axis, the second axis being perpendicular to the first axis, wherein the user motion comprises a hand gesture, and wherein the first pair of sensors and the second pair of sensors are configured to measure a speed of the hand gesture along the first axis and the second axis, and the speed corresponds to a change increment, a greater speed causing a large increment change in the configuration, a smaller speed causing a small increment change in the configuration.

14. The plumbing system of claim 13, wherein the control unit is a modular knob.

15. The plumbing system of claim 14, wherein the modular knob comprises a first portion and a second portion coupled with the first portion, wherein the first portion comprises the at least one sensor, and the second portion comprises a power source.

16. The plumbing system of claim 14, wherein the modular knob comprises an indicator disposed circumferentially around the modular knob and comprising at least one light source, and wherein the indicator is configured to indicate an operational state of the control unit.

17. The plumbing system of claim 16, wherein the at least one light source is configured to change at least one of a brightness, an intensity, or a color based on the input.

Images