User position sensor and user profile for toilet

Abstract

The invention discloses a user position sensor and a user profile for a toilet. A toilet includes a base, a seat rotatably coupled to the base, a drive mechanism, a sensor, and a controller. The drive mechanism is configured to rotate the race relative to the base. The sensor is configured to generate image data for a user within a predetermined distance from the base. The controller is configured to determine an orientation of the user based on the image data and generate a command for driving the mechanism in response to the orientation of the user.

Description

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0002] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 649,035 filed on May 17, 2024 (docket number No. 010222-23045B) and U.S. Provisional Application No. 63 / 529,873 filed on July 31, 2023 (attorney docket number No. 010222-23045A), the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] The present disclosure relates generally to toilets. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to toilets having features for improved cleanliness and uses of the toilets. Background Art

[0004] In some conventional toilets, the lid and seat of the toilet are typically hingeably attached to a portion of the toilet base, allowing a user to raise the front of each of the lid and seat from a closed or lowered position to an open or stowed position. The lid and seat each pivot about a horizontal axis between a lowered position and a stowed position. However, it is often difficult to maintain the cleanliness of the toilet, especially at the hinged position, and it is often difficult to maintain both the overall appearance and aesthetics of a toilet having this conventional configuration and motion. Summary of the invention

[0005] The present application provides a toilet, comprising: a base; a seat ring, which is rotatably connected to the base and can rotate about an angled axis, and the angled axis is oriented upward and forward toward the front end of the base; a drive mechanism, which is configured to rotate the seat ring relative to the base; a sensor, which is configured to generate image data for a user within a predetermined distance from the base; and a controller, which is configured to determine the orientation of the user based on the image data and generate a command for the drive mechanism in response to the orientation of the user.

[0006] The present application also provides a toilet, comprising: a base; a seat ring, which is rotatably connected to the base; a drive mechanism, which is configured to rotate the seat ring relative to the base about a non-horizontal axis; a proximity sensor, which is configured to determine when a user is within a predetermined distance from the base; an image sensor, which is configured to generate image data for the user; and a controller, which is configured to analyze the image data when the user is within the predetermined distance from the base according to the proximity sensor, to determine the user's orientation based on the image data, and to generate a command for the drive mechanism in response to the user's orientation.

[0007] The present application also provides a method for operating an automatic toilet, the method comprising: detecting a user near the toilet; collecting image data of the user near the toilet; identifying the position of the user near the toilet; and actuating the seat of the toilet in response to the position of the user.

[0008] The present application also provides a toilet, comprising: a sensor configured to generate identification data according to a user's physical attributes; and a controller configured to determine at least one bidet setting in response to the identification data for the user.

[0009] The present application also provides a method for selecting personalized bidet settings, the method comprising: detecting attributes of a user; receiving bidet settings from input of the user; defining a baseline profile based on the attributes of the user and the bidet settings; and storing the baseline profile in a manner associated with the attributes of the user and the bidet settings.

[0010] The present application also provides a bidet controller, comprising: a sensor, the sensor being configured to generate identification data based on a user's physical attributes; a controller, the controller being configured to determine at least one bidet setting in response to the identification data of the user; and a memory, the memory being configured to store a profile of the user, the profile comprising the at least one bidet setting and the user's physical attributes. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Other features, characteristics, and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from the following detailed description of various embodiments of the present disclosure made with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like elements.

[0012] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a toilet according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0013] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional view of a toilet with the lid in a stowed position and the seat in a lowered position.

[0014] Figure 3 It is an exploded view of the lid and seat opening mechanism of the toilet.

[0015] Figure 4 is a schematic diagram of a control system for a lid and seat opening mechanism of a toilet according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0016] Figure 5 is an example control sequence for a control system of a toilet's lid and seat opening mechanism.

[0017] Figure 6 An example bidet for a toilet is illustrated.

[0018] Figure 7 An example control system for selecting a user profile for a toilet and / or bidet is illustrated.

[0019] Figure 8 Another example control system for selecting a user profile for a toilet and / or bidet is illustrated.

[0020] Fig. 9 Another example control system for selecting a user profile for a toilet and / or bidet is illustrated.

[0021] Fig.10 An example control structure for selecting a user profile is illustrated.

[0022] Fig.11 An example flow chart for creating and selecting a user profile is illustrated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] Before turning to the drawings that illustrate certain exemplary embodiments in detail, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the details or methods set forth in the specification or illustrated in the drawings. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is for descriptive purposes only and should not be regarded as limiting.

[0024] Various aspects of the present disclosure will now be described with respect to certain examples and embodiments, which are intended to illustrate rather than limit the present disclosure. Nothing in this disclosure is intended to imply that any particular feature or characteristic of the disclosed embodiments is essential. The scope of protection is not limited by any particular embodiment described herein.

[0025] Referring generally to the accompanying drawings, a toilet (referred to herein as toilet 20 and toilet 20') including structural features, components, and integrated systems is disclosed herein that can provide a cleaner and more sanitary user experience compared to conventional toilets. For example, various components, features, and configurations of toilet 20 and toilet 20' as further described herein allow toilet 20 and toilet 20' to present a non-contact sanitary mode of operation compared to conventional toilets. In addition, various components, features, and configurations of toilet 20 and toilet 20' as further described herein allow toilet 20 and toilet 20' to help keep it clean, allow toilet 20 and toilet 20' to look cleaner, and allow toilet 20 and toilet 20' to have a more simplified, beautiful, and sanitary structure compared to some conventional toilets. Various features described herein (e.g., opening mechanism 120 and opening mechanism 120') can advantageously be automatically enabled to provide an enhanced user experience. Furthermore, various features allow each of toilets 20 and 20' to operate as a smart toilet to adapt to the needs of the user.

[0026] It should be noted that the toilet 20 and toilet 20' described herein are configured to have similar structural features, components, functions, and integrated systems. Therefore, for the sake of brevity, the following description focuses primarily on the various features and functions of toilet 20, but it should be understood that unless otherwise specified, these features and functions can also be applied to toilet 20' and vice versa.

[0027] Toilet lid and seat opening mechanism

[0028] In some conventional toilets, the toilet lid and seat are typically hingeably attached to a portion of the toilet base so that a user can raise the front of each of the lid and seat from a closed or lowered position to an open or stowed position. The lid and seat each pivot about a horizontal axis between the lowered position and the stowed position. However, it is often difficult to maintain the cleanliness of the toilet, especially at the hinge location, and it is often difficult to maintain both the overall appearance and aesthetics of a toilet having this conventional configuration and motion.

[0029] Furthermore, where the lid and seat each pivot about a horizontal axis between a lowered position and a stowed position, it is difficult to provide an electrically operated (e.g., battery operated) lid and seat opening mechanism due to the amount of stored energy required to lift the lid and seat against gravity. Accordingly, in these types of lid and seat opening mechanisms, the automatic sensing of the user's position for automatically opening the lid and seat also has high power requirements.

[0030] Furthermore, it is difficult to provide independent operation of the seat and lid for different user requirements when the lid and seat each pivot about a horizontal axis between a lowered position and a stowed position.The following embodiments include user sensing and detection techniques that independently operate the opening and closing of the seat and lid in response to the user's position.

[0031] Therefore, if Figure 1 to Figure 2 As shown in the exemplary embodiment of , the toilet 20 includes a lid and seat opening mechanism 120 that allows both the lid 70 and the seat 50 to be easily moved relative to the toilet 20 with low power requirements and allows both the lid 70 and the seat 50 to maintain the cleanliness of the toilet 20 (especially during use). More specifically, as Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the hinge, pivot, or opening mechanism 120 allows each of the cover 70 and the seat 50 to move between a lowered position 72 and a stowed position 74, in which the cover 70 and the seat 50 are positioned adjacent to the base 30 (eg, Figure 1 In the stowed position 74, the cover 70 and the seat ring 50 are oriented in an upward direction away from the base 30 (as shown in FIG. Figure 2 The cover 70 and the seat ring 50 may be moved individually and separately (ie, individually and separately at different times).

[0032] To allow the cover 70 and seat 50 to move between the lowered position 72 and the stowed position 74, the opening mechanism 120 may include a ball and socket hinge or joint between the cover 70 and the base 30. Specifically, the cover 70 (including the front end 82 and the rear end 84) and the seat 50 (including the front end 62 and the rear end 64) are each first pivoted upward to a specific angle about a generally transverse axis 122 (as further described herein), and then rotated or rotated rearward about an angled axis 124 to move from the lowered position 72 to the stowed position 74. The transverse or lateral axis 122 (i.e., the y-axis, Figure 4 ) refers to the direction extending horizontally along the width of the base 30.

[0033] The seat 50 is rotated so that in the lowered position 72, the top surface 56 of the seat 50 faces away from the bowl 32 and the top edge 36 of the base 30, and the bottom surface 58 of the seat 50 faces the bowl 32 and the top edge 36 of the base 30. In the stowed position 74, the top surface 56 of the seat 50 faces the front end 42 of the base 30 and the bottom surface 78 of the cover 70, and the bottom surface 58 of the seat 50 faces the rear end 44 of the base 30.

[0034] When the lid 70 and seat 50 are in the stowed position 74, the top edge 36 of the base 30 and the bowl 32 of the base 30 are exposed so that a user can use the toilet 20. For example, a user can use the toilet 20 while standing and thus facing the top surface 76 of the lid 70 in this position.

[0035] It should be appreciated that to move the cover 70 and the seat 50 rearwardly from the stowed position 74 to the lowered position 72 , the cover 70 and the seat 50 are moved in the same, but opposite, manner as described above.

[0036] As shown, when the cover 70 and the seat 50 are in the lowered position 72, the seat 50 is positioned between the cover 70 and the top edge 36 of the base 30 such that the cover 70 covers and obscures the seat 50. Additionally, when the cover 70 and the seat 50 are in the stowed position 74, the seat 50 is positioned between the cover 70 and the rear end 44 of the base 30 such that the cover 70 also covers and obscures the seat 50 in this position.

[0037] according to Figure 3 Another exemplary embodiment shown, toilet 20' includes a lid and seat opening mechanism 120' that is similar to the opening mechanism 120 of toilet 20 discussed above, allowing lid 70' and seat 50' to be easily moved relative to toilet 20' and allowing lid 70' and seat 50' to maintain the cleanliness of toilet 20' (especially during use). Toilet 20' includes lid 70', seat 50' and base 30'. Lid 70', seat 50' and base 30' have similar structural configurations as corresponding lid 70, seat 50 and base 30 of toilet 20 discussed above, except that lid 70', seat 50' and base 30' include features that collectively define opening mechanism 120' that is different from opening mechanism 120. The opening mechanism 120' can advantageously allow the cover 70' and the seat 50' to each rotate about an angular axis 124' between a lowered position 72' in which the cover 70' and the seat 50' are positioned proximate to the base 30' and a stowed position 74' in which the cover 70' and the seat 50' are oriented in an upward direction away from the base 30'. The cover 70' and the seat 50' can be moved individually and separately (i.e., individually and separately at different times). Alternatively, the cover 70' and the seat 50' can move together (i.e., move simultaneously) and can move in alignment with or out of alignment with each other, depending on the user's preference.

[0038] like Figure 3As shown, the opening mechanism 120' is defined by the features of the cover 70', the seat ring 50', the housing 60' and the base 30'. For example, the cover 70' includes a top surface 76' and a bottom surface 78', the top surface 76' having a generally convex shape or portion, and the bottom surface 78' is positioned opposite to the top surface 76' and has a generally concave shape or portion. The cover 70' further defines a front end 82' and a rear end 84' positioned opposite to the front end 82'. The cover 70' includes an elongated member 73', which extends outwardly away from the bottom surface 78' toward the rear end 84'. The elongated member 73' has a generally cylindrical shape defined by a first portion 73a' and a second portion 73b', and the second portion 73b' extends from the first portion 73a'. The elongated member 73' may include one or more openings through which the elongated member 73' extends to receive, for example, fluid conduits, electrical wires, or other components of the cover 70' (e.g., a flushing mechanism, a bidet mechanism, etc.). The diameter of the first portion 73a' is greater than the diameter of the second portion 73b', thereby defining a flange 73c' for limiting the axial position of the cover 70' relative to the seat ring 50', the details of which will be discussed in the following paragraphs. The elongated member 73' also defines an angled axis 124' about which the cover 70' rotates, as discussed in more detail below.

[0039] The seat ring 50' includes a top surface 56' having a generally convex shape complementary to the surface profile of the bottom surface 78' of the cover 70'. The seat ring 50' also includes a bottom surface 58' positioned opposite to the top surface 56'. The seat ring 50' further defines a front end 62' and a rear end 64' positioned opposite to the front end 62'. The seat ring 50' includes a generally hollow elongated member 53', which extends outwardly away from the bottom surface 58' toward the rear end 64'. The hollow elongated member 53' has a generally hollow cylindrical shape defining an opening 53', which extends through the top surface 56' of the seat ring and extends through the entire length of the hollow elongated member 53'. The hollow elongated member 53' can receive the elongated member 73' of the cover 70' through at least a portion or the entire length of the opening 53a'.

[0040] According to an exemplary embodiment, the opening 53a' is countersunk to define an inner flange for engaging with the flange 73c' of the elongated member 73' near the top surface 56', thereby limiting the axial position of the cover 70' relative to the seat ring 50' to allow relative rotational movement between the cover 70' and the seat ring 50'. The cover 70' can be rotated relative to the seat ring 50' within the opening 53a' of the hollow elongated member 53' via the elongated member 73'. Similarly, the seat ring 50' can be rotated relative to the cover 70' via the hollow elongated member 53'. In this way, the elongated member 73' and the hollow elongated member 53' jointly define the same angled axis 124'. As shown in FIG. Figure 3 As shown, the hollow elongated member 53' also includes an outer surface having an outer thread 53b', which is used to engage the first rotatable member 55' in a threaded manner. The first rotatable member 55' has an annular shape defining an inner thread 55a' and an outer surface 55b'. The inner thread 55a' can selectively engage the outer thread 53b' in a threaded manner to allow the seat ring 50' and the cover 70' to translate along the angled axis 124' in an axial direction. Rotating the first rotatable member 55' around the angled axis 124' will cause the hollow elongated member 53' to straighten or translate outwardly along the angled axis 124' via the thread 53b'. This translational movement will cause the seat ring 50' and the cover 70' to move in an upward and forward direction along the angled axis 124' toward the front end of the base 30'.

[0041] The angled axis 124' may be angled away from the vertical axis according to an offset angle O, such as Figure 3 . In another alternative, the cover 70' and the seat 50' rotate about a vertical axis. In other words, the cover 70' and the seat 50' rotate without being turned over. When the axis of rotation is a vertical axis, the cover 70' and the seat 50' rotate in a horizontal plane without being turned over. Thus, the user contact surface of the seat remains facing upward in both the open position and the closed position. In other examples, the angled axis 124' can be replaced by any non-horizontal axis so that the cover 70' and the seat 50' do not turn upward and do not rotate about a horizontal axis.

[0042] The opening mechanism 120' also includes a second rotatable member 57' for coupling to the elongated member 73'. For example, the elongated member 73' can have a length sufficient to extend through the opening 53a' at the distal end of the hollow elongated member 53', so that the second rotatable member 57' can be coupled to a portion of the elongated member 73' extending through the opening 53a'. The second rotatable member 57' has an annular shape defining an inner surface 57a' and an outer surface 57b'. The inner surface 57a' can be coupled to the outer surface of the second portion 73b' of the elongated member 73' in a fixed manner. According to an exemplary embodiment, the outer surface 57b' can define one or more gear teeth, which are used to engage one or more independent drive gears of the motor 61'. For example, the motor 61' can be an electric motor including one or more independent drive gears having gear teeth that can rotatably engage complementary gear teeth on the outer surface 57b' of the second rotatable member 57' to selectively rotate the second rotatable member 57' and the cover 70' about the angular axis 124' via the elongated member 73' in response to user input. According to other exemplary embodiments, the motor 61' can be configured to engage and rotate the second rotatable member 57' in other ways other than a gear arrangement (e.g., rotatable bearings, belt drive, etc.). In this manner, the cover 70' can be automatically and independently rotated about the angular axis 124' via the motor 61'.

[0043] Still refer to Figure 3, the opening mechanism 120' also includes a third rotatable member 59' for coupling to the hollow elongated member 53'. The third rotatable member 59' has an annular shape defining an inner surface 59a' and an outer surface 59b'. The inner surface 59a' can be coupled to the second portion of the hollow elongated member 53' in a fixed manner. According to an exemplary embodiment, the outer surface 59b' can define one or more gear teeth for engaging with one or more independent drive gears of the motor 61'. For example, the motor 61' can be an electric motor including one or more independent drive gears having gear teeth, which can rotatably engage complementary gear teeth on the outer surface 59b' of the third rotatable member 59' to selectively rotate the third rotatable member 59' and the seat ring 50' about the angular axis 124' via the hollow elongated member 53' in response to operation of the motor. According to other exemplary embodiments, the motor 61' may include a plurality of separate motors for individually engaging the first rotatable member 55', the second rotatable member 57', and the third rotatable member 59', respectively. According to other exemplary embodiments, the motor 61' may be configured to engage and rotate the third rotatable member 59' in other ways other than a gear arrangement. In this way, the seat ring 50' may automatically and independently rotate about the angular axis 124' in a similar manner to the cover 70'.

[0044] The opening mechanism 120' also includes a housing 60' for containing the first rotatable member 55', the second rotatable member 57', the third rotatable member 59', and portions of the elongated members 53', 73'. The housing 60' includes an opening 60a' in which portions of the elongated members 53', 73' are received. The housing 60' may include additional openings to provide an interface between the rotatable members 55', 57', 59' and one or more independent drive gears of a motor 61', and the housing 60' may be coupled to an interior portion of the base 30'. According to another exemplary embodiment, a motor 61' or multiple motors 61' are housed in the housing 60'.

[0045] The housing 60' also includes an outer surface 60b' that defines a foolproof feature for positioning the housing 60' relative to the base 30' and aligning the housing 60' relative to the base 30'. For example, the housing 60' may include a longitudinal protrusion on the outer surface 60b' that is configured to engage a complementary feature defined by the interior of the base 30' that defines the opening 32a' so as to align the housing 60' with the base 30' and removably couple the housing 60' to the base 30'. The housing 60' and / or the base 30' may include a fastening device for removably connecting the housing 60' to the base 30', such as a snap-fit ​​feature, a bayonet feature, or other types of fastening devices to allow the housing 60' to be removed from the base 30'. As such, the cover 70' and seat 50' may be selectively removed from the base 30' as a seat and cover assembly via the housing 60' to allow for repair, maintenance, or cleaning of the various components of the toilet 20'.

[0046] The opening mechanism 120' allows the cover 70' and the seat ring 50' to each pivot or rotate rearwardly about an angled axis 124' to move between the lowered position 72' and the stowed position 74'. The angled axis 124' is an axis extending forwardly in an upward direction toward the front end 42' of the base 30' at an angle (e.g., an oblique angle) relative to the vertical axis and the longitudinal axis (wherein the vertical axis (i.e., the z-axis) extends vertically along the height of the base 30', and the longitudinal axis (i.e., the x-axis) extends horizontally along the depth of the base 30' (i.e., between the front end 42' of the base 30' and the rear end 44' of the base 30'). The angled axis 124' extends through the elongated member 53', 73' in a manner that passes longitudinally through the opening 53a'. The transverse axis (i.e., the y-axis), the vertical axis (i.e., the z-axis), and the longitudinal axis (i.e., the x-axis) are substantially perpendicular to each other.

[0047] When the lid 70' and seat 50' are in the stowed position 74', the top edge 36' of the base 30' and the bowl 32' of the base 30' are exposed so that a user can use the toilet 20'. For example, a user can use the toilet 20' while standing and thus face the top surface 76' of the lid 70' in this position.

[0048] It should be appreciated that to move the cover 70 ′ and seat 50 ′ rearwardly from the stowed position 74 ′ to the lowered position 72 ′, the cover 70 ′ and seat 50 ′ are moved in the same but opposite manner as described above.

[0049] The cover 70, 70' and the seat ring 50, 50' can be fully or partially automatically lifted by a motor or multiple motors (e.g., motor 61', etc.). The motor can be operatively connected to a control system (e.g., Figure 4, etc.) to achieve electronic control of the movement of the cover 70, 70' and the seat 50, 50' in response to user input. Alternatively, the cover 70, 70' and the seat 50, 50' can be lifted manually or mechanically by the user. According to another embodiment, the opening mechanism 120, 120' can optionally be spring-guided or spring-loaded. Therefore, the opening mechanism 120, 120' can include a spring to assist or guide the movement of the cover 70, 70' and the seat 50, 50' in either direction or both directions (particularly during the rotation of the cover 70, 70' and the seat 50, 50' about the angled axis 124 and the angled axis 124', respectively). According to another embodiment, the line pressure of the water can be used to wind, wrap, actuate or load the spring by twisting the spring back. The spring can optionally be loaded when the toilet 20, 20' is pre-cleaned during a courtesy flush. Additionally, due to the size and configuration of opening mechanism 120, 120', air and / or liquid may be delivered through opening mechanism 120, 120' to seat 50, 50' and / or cover 70, 70' for use with vacuum mechanism 220 or flushing mechanism 620, 620', as further described herein.

[0050] Open and close control structure

[0051] Reference Figure 4 , a control system 500 for each of toilets 20 and 20' and for implementing various functions of toilets 20, 20' is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. The control system 500 includes a processing circuit 502 defined by a processor 504 and a memory 506. In various embodiments described herein, the processor 504 can be implemented as a general-purpose processor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), a digital signal processor (DSP), a group of processing components, or other suitable electronic processing components. The memory 506 is one or more devices (e.g., RAM, ROM, flash memory, hard disk memory, etc.) for storing data and / or computer code to facilitate the various processes described herein. In other embodiments, the memory 506 can be a portable storage device such as an SD card, a micro SD card, or other similar types of portable storage devices. The memory 506 can be a non-transient volatile memory or a non-volatile memory or can include a non-transient volatile memory or a non-volatile memory. The memory 506 can include a database component, an object code component, a script component, or any other type of information structure for supporting various activities and information structures described herein. Memory 506 may be communicatively connected to processor 504 and may provide computer code or commands to processor 504 for performing the processes described herein.

[0052] Still refer to Figure 4 , the processing circuit 502 is powered by a power source 508. According to an exemplary embodiment, the power source 508 is a battery pack coupled to the toilet 20, 20', such as a battery pack in the base 30, 30' or a battery pack in the cover 70, 70'. The power source 508 can be coupled to the rear portion of the cover 70, 70' so that the power source 508 can also be used as a counterweight to help achieve the rotational movement of the cover 70, 70' about the angular axis 124, 124'. According to another exemplary embodiment, the power source 508 is positioned away from the toilet 20, 20'. The control system 500 also includes an I / O communication interface 510 that allows electronic communication between the toilet 20, 20' and a mobile communication device such as a smart phone, tablet computer, laptop computer, etc. to achieve remote control and programming of various functions of the toilet 20, 20'. The I / O communication interface 510 may also be configured to provide various feedback signals to the user, such as audio, visual, or other types of signals, to indicate various states, functions, or conditions of the toilet 20, 20'. Additionally, the I / O communication interface 510 may include a microphone or similar device coupled to the toilet 20' to allow the user to control various functions of the toilet 20' using voice commands. The processing circuit 502 may be operatively coupled to the Internet to, for example, enable over-the-air software updates for various components of the toilet 20, 20', download diagnostic information, usage information, and the like.

[0053] The processing circuit 502 communicates with the opening mechanism 120 for the seat 50 and the cover 70. The opening mechanism 120 may include a drive mechanism, such as a motor 61' or a solenoid configured to move the seat 50 and / or the cover 70 relative to the base. The motor 61' is operable to engage the first rotatable member 55' to allow translational movement of the seat 50 and the cover 70 in the axial direction. The motor 61' is operable to engage the second rotatable member 57' to allow translational movement of the cover 70' (independent of the seat 50'). The motor 61' is operable to engage the third rotatable member 59' to allow translational movement of the seat 50' (independent of the cover 70').

[0054] The processing circuit 502 communicates with one or more sensors (eg, a plurality of sensors) from the group consisting of a first sensor S1, a second sensor S2, a third sensor S3, and a fourth sensor S4. Various combinations of sensors as well as a single sensor may be used in the disclosed embodiments.

[0055] The first sensor S1 may correspond to an image sensor. The first sensor S1 may be an image collecting device with a lens, such as a digital aperture collecting device (e.g., a camera), or an image collecting device with a charge coupled device (CCD), such as an integrated circuit formed on a silicon surface forming a photosensitive element. The first sensor S1 may be a retinal scanner configured to scan the user's eyes. The retinal scan may detect the position of the eye, which indicates the orientation or facing direction of the user. The retinal scan may indicate an eye signature for identifying the user. The first sensor S1 may be a low-resolution image sensor. The low-resolution image sensor may be defined as having less than a predetermined number of pixels within a viewing range close to the toilet 10. The predetermined number of pixels may be 100 pixels (e.g., 10×10 pixels), 4096 pixels (e.g., 64×64 pixels), 10,000 pixels (e.g., 100×100 pixels), or another value of pixels. The low-resolution image sensor may be defined as having less than a predetermined frame rate. An example low-resolution predetermined frame rate may be 10 frames per second, 5 frames per second, or other values.

[0056] The second sensor S2 may correspond to a proximity sensor. The proximity sensor may be used to detect the presence of a user within a detection area near the toilet 20. Potential sensors, projected capacitive sensors, light detection and ranging (LiDAR), and infrared sensors (e.g., projected infrared sensors, passive infrared sensors) are non-limiting examples of proximity sensors that may be used with the system of the present disclosure. Motion sensors may be used to detect motion (e.g., a change in the position of a target relative to its surroundings). Potential sensors, optical sensors, radio frequency (RF) sensors, sound sensors, magnetic sensors (e.g., magnetometers), vibration sensors, and infrared sensors (e.g., projected infrared sensors, passive infrared sensors) are non-limiting examples of motion sensors that may be used for the system of the present application. In another example, the sensor may include a time of flight (ToF) or include a light detection and ranging (LiDAR) used as a proximity sensor.

[0057] In one embodiment, a single sensor such as a LiDAR sensor may perform the functions of the first sensor S1 and the second sensor S2. The LiDAR sensor may generate a series of laser pulses that are emitted toward a user and reflected from the user (e.g., the user's face or the user's body). When the LiDAR sensor detects a return pulse, a point cloud or three-dimensional map is generated based on the amount of time it takes for the pulse to reach the user and return to the LiDAR sensor. This process is repeated multiple times, and the point cloud or three-dimensional map may contain thousands of data points, millions of data points, or more data points.

[0058] The third sensor S3 may correspond to a capacitive sensor associated with the seat 50. The third sensor S3 may respond to a touch on the seat 50. The fourth sensor S4 may correspond to a pressure sensor or a weight sensor. The fourth sensor S4 may respond to the weight of a user sitting on the seat 50.

[0059] The processing circuit 502 is configured to generate commands based on the data collected by the sensor and send commands to the motor 61 or other drive mechanism to open and close the seat 50 and the lid 70. The processing circuit 502 is a controller configured to determine the user's orientation based on the sensor data and generate commands for the drive mechanism in response to the user's orientation. Example orientations of the user include facing the toilet 10 or facing away from the toilet 10. Example orientations of the user include approaching the toilet 10 or leaving the toilet 10.

[0060] In some examples, the processing circuit 502 uses the image data from the first sensor S1 to determine whether the user is facing the toilet 10 or facing away from the toilet 10. For example, the processing circuit 502 analyzes the image data to determine whether the facial features of the person can be identified from the image data (e.g., facial recognition). When the facial features are identified, the processing circuit 502 determines that the user is facing the toilet 10. Otherwise, the processing circuit 502 determines that the user is facing away from the toilet 10. When the user is facing the toilet 10, the seat 50 and the lid 70 are opened. When the user is facing away from the toilet, the seat 50 and the lid 70 are closed. In the LiDAR example, the processing circuit 502 can compare the point cloud or three-dimensional map with a template or other threshold to identify the direction the user is facing.

[0061] In addition, processing circuit 502 can determine whether the user has turned around. For example, after processing circuit 502 determines that the user is facing toilet 10, processing circuit 502 can further analyze the image data to determine that the image data still includes the user but no longer includes facial features. This indicates that the user has turned around. When the user has turned around, processing circuit 502 can generate a command to close seat 50 (e.g., lowered position) and / or keep lid 70 open (e.g., stowed position).

[0062] In addition, processing circuit 502 can determine whether the user walks away from toilet 10. For example, after processing circuit 502 determines that the user is facing toilet 10, processing circuit 502 can further analyze the image data to determine that the image data no longer includes the user and / or no longer includes facial features. This indicates that the user is no longer at the toilet. When the user is no longer present, processing circuit 502 can generate a command to close seat 50 (e.g., lower position) and / or close lid 70 (e.g., lower position).

[0063] The processing circuit 502 can determine the orientation of the user based on the template. The memory 506 can be configured to store multiple templates for possible orientations of the user. The processing circuit 502 is configured to access the template from the memory 506 and compare the image data from at least one of the sensors S1-S4 with the multiple templates. In one example, the template is based on the image data at the sensor data compared with the template from the first sensor S1. At least one of the templates includes a pixel arrangement indicating the face (e.g., facial features) of the user. The processing circuit 502 compares the collected image data to determine whether it matches the facial features. If there is a match, the processing circuit 502 determines that the user is facing the toilet 10. Other templates may include pixel arrangements indicating the back (e.g., hair) of the user.

[0064] Figure 5 An example sequence for detecting a user and for operating the toilet 10 or another automatic toilet is illustrated, including automatically raising and / or lowering the seat 50 and / or lid 70 based on the direction the toilet 10 is facing relative to the approaching user. Figure 5 The sequences or states illustrated in the figure may be performed in any order and in any combination. Figure 5 The sequences or states in are illustrated to show the arrangement of operation of the toilet 10. Example operations may generally include fewer states or sequences than those illustrated.

[0065] In state S101, the user is not at the toilet 10, the lid 70 remains closed, and the seat 50 remains closed. State S101 illustrates that the toilet 10 is not operating when the sensors of the toilet 10 do not detect a user. During state S101, the processing circuit 502 can remain in an idle mode or a standby mode.

[0066] In state S103, the user is approaching the toilet 10, the lid 70 is opened, and the seat 50 is opened. The processing circuit 502 may first check the sensor data from the second sensor S2 to determine whether the user is within a predetermined distance range of the toilet 10. The user's approach may be detected by the second sensor S2 (e.g., a proximity sensor). The second sensor S2 may transmit a laser, an infrared signal, a sonar signal, a radar signal, or other types of motion sensors to detect motion near the toilet 10 (e.g., a change in the user's position). When the second sensor S2 detects the user, the processing circuit 502 generates one or more commands to open the seat 50 and the lid 70. When the second sensor S2 detects the user, the processing circuit 502 may be awakened from an idle mode or a standby mode, and image data may be collected via the sensor S1. The default state of the processing circuit 502 is to open the lid 70 and the seat 50 when the user is detected.

[0067] In state S105, the user faces the toilet 10, the lid 70 is opened, and the seat 50 is opened. The processing circuit 502 collects image data for the user near the toilet 10 from the first sensor S1. The processing circuit 502 identifies the position of the user near the toilet 10. In some examples, the position of the user is defined as whether there are recognized facial features in the image data. In some examples, other features of the user (e.g., hands, feet, zippers) can be detected. For the position of the user, the processing circuit 502 either generates a command to actuate the seat 50 of the toilet 10 and / or the lid 70 of the toilet 10 in response to the position of the user, or maintains the seat 50 of the toilet 10 and / or the lid 70 of the toilet 10 in response to the position of the user. Open state.

[0068] In state S107, the user turns around, the lid 70 remains open, and the seat 50 is closed. The processing circuit 502 collects image data for the user near the toilet 10 from the first sensor S1. The processing circuit 502 identifies the position of the user near the toilet 10, for example, by the absence of facial features identified in the image data. In response to the position of the user and the absence of facial features, the processing circuit 502 generates one or more commands to actuate the seat 50 to a closed position (e.g., a lowered position). In addition, the processing circuit 502 can keep the lid 70 of the toilet 10 in a closed position in response to the position of the user.

[0069] In state S109, the user sits on the toilet 10, the lid 70 remains open, and the seat 50 remains closed. The third sensor S3 and / or the fourth sensor S4 can detect that the user is sitting on the toilet. When the third sensor S3 and / or the fourth sensor S4 indicate that the user is sitting, the processing circuit 502 can maintain the lid 70 in an open position and the seat 50 in a closed position. In some examples, when the third sensor S3 and / or the fourth sensor S4 indicate that the user has stood, the processing circuit 502 can actuate the lid 70 to a closed position. In other examples, the processor circuit 502 can maintain the position of the seat 50 and the lid 70 until the first sensor S1 collects additional image data.

[0070] In state S201, the user leaves the toilet 10, the lid 70 is closed, and the seat 50 remains closed. As described above, the processing circuit 502 collects proximity data from the second sensor S2. When the proximity data indicates that the user is no longer close to the toilet 10 or is moving away from the toilet 10, the processing circuit 502 generates one or more commands to close the seat 50 and / or the lid 70. In state S203, the user is no longer present at the toilet 10, the lid 70 remains closed, and the seat 50 remains closed.

[0071] Returning to the earlier branch in the figure, state S301 illustrates a situation in which a user sitting at the toilet 10 stands and faces the toilet 10. In state S301, the user changes position (e.g., stands up and faces the toilet 10), the lid 70 remains open, and the seat 50 is opened. The processing circuit 501 collects image data for the user near the toilet 10 from the first sensor S1. The processing circuit 502 identifies the position of the user near the toilet 10 as leaving the vicinity of the toilet 10. In some examples, the position of the user is defined as whether there is a recognized facial feature in the image data. For the position of the user, the processing circuit 502 either generates a command in response to the position of the user to actuate the seat 50 of the toilet 10 to an open position (e.g., a stowed position), or maintains the open state of the lid 70 of the toilet 10 in response to the position of the user. In state S303, the user faces the toilet 10, the lid 70 remains open, and the seat 50 remains open when the user continues to stand and face the toilet 10.

[0072] In state S305, the user leaves the toilet 10, the lid 70 is closed, and the seat 50 remains closed. As described above, the processing circuit 502 collects proximity data from the second sensor S2. When the proximity data indicates that the user is no longer close to the toilet 10 or is moving away from the toilet 10, the processing circuit 502 generates one or more commands to close the seat 50 and / or lid 70.

[0073] In addition to any of these examples, the user can also provide manual commands to the toilet 10 to move the seat 50 and the cover 70 independently or together from the open position to the closed position, and vice versa. The manual command may include a gesture, a voice command, or a command from a mobile device (e.g., a tablet, a remote control). For example, the user can selectively operate the motor 61' to move the cover 70' and the seat 50' between the lowered position 72' and the stowed position 74' by pressing or activating a control on the control structure 520 associated with controlling the movement of the cover 70' and / or the seat 50'. Alternatively, the user can send a control signal to the processing circuit 502 via a software application available on the mobile communication device and via the I / O communication interface 510 to remotely control the movement of the cover 70' and the seat 50'. The control signal can be sent from the processing circuit 502 to, for example, the motor 61' to control the movement of the cover 70' and the seat 50'. The control structure 520 can include a plurality of controls associated with various components of the opening mechanism 120', such as the first rotatable member 55', the second rotatable member 57', and the third rotatable member 59', respectively, to allow for selective and independent control of the rotation of the lid 70' and / or the seat 50' about the angled axis 124' (e.g., to move the lid 70' and the seat 50' between the lowered position 72' and the stowed position 74'), or to allow for translation of the lid 70' and the seat 50' along the angled axis 124' (e.g., to assist a user in standing up from a seated position on the seat 50'). It should be understood that the control structure 520 can include additional controls to control other features of the toilet 20, 20' in a manner similar to that described above.

[0074] Flushing control structure

[0075] Generally, most conventional toilets are controlled (e.g., flushing, etc.) via controls or actuators (e.g., levers, etc.) located along the body of the toilet, such as on the tank of the toilet. However, the controls on conventional toilets may not always be easily accessible to the user.

[0076] Thus, the toilet 20 includes a control structure 520 configured to control one or more features of the toilet 20. It should be understood that, according to another exemplary embodiment, the control structure 520 can be similarly applied to the lid 70' of the toilet 20' to enable control of one or more features of the toilet 20'. Due to the positioning of the control structure 520 (as further described herein), the control structure 520 is easily accessible to the user. The control structure 520 can form a part of a control system 500, which can be integrated in each of the toilet 20 and the toilet 20' and / or connected to each of the toilet 20 and the toilet 20' to achieve automatic or electronic activation of various functions of the toilet 20, 20', as described in further detail herein.

[0077] The control structure 520 includes at least one control (e.g., a button, an actuator, etc.) that a user can press or activate to control a feature of the toilet 20. The controller is configured to control various functions or features of the toilet 20, including, but not limited to, controlling the opening mechanism 120 (i.e., moving the seat 50 and / or the lid 70). The control can optionally be a contactless control (e.g., a proximity sensor, a capacitive sensor, etc.). The various controls can be a variety of sizes and shapes. The controls can be electronic controls and / or mechanical controls. For example, according to one embodiment, one of the controls can send an electronic signal to flush the toilet 20 (e.g., to activate the flushing mechanism, etc.). According to another embodiment, one of the controls can pull a wire to flush the toilet 20 (e.g., to activate the flushing mechanism). As further described herein, the electronic or mechanical wiring for the controls can extend through the opening mechanism 120, which is movably attached to the lid 70 and the base 30.

[0078] Reference Figure 4, a control system 500 for each of toilets 20 and 20' and for implementing various functions of toilets 20, 20' is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. The control system 500 includes a processing circuit 502 defined by a processor 504 and a memory 506. In various embodiments described herein, the processor 504 can be implemented as a general-purpose processor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), a digital signal processor (DSP), a group of processing components, or other suitable electronic processing components. The memory 506 is one or more devices (e.g., RAM, ROM, flash memory, hard disk memory, etc.) for storing data and / or computer code to facilitate the various processes described herein. In other embodiments, the memory 506 can be a portable storage device such as an SD card, a micro SD card, or other similar types of portable storage devices. The memory 506 can be a non-transient volatile memory or a non-volatile memory or can include a non-transient volatile memory or a non-volatile memory. The memory 506 can include a database component, an object code component, a script component, or any other type of information structure for supporting various activities and information structures described herein. Memory 506 may be communicatively connected to processor 504 and may provide computer code or commands to processor 504 for performing the processes described herein.

[0079] Still refer to Figure 4, the processing circuit 502 is powered by a power source 508. According to an exemplary embodiment, the power source 508 is a battery pack coupled to the toilet 20, 20', such as a battery pack in the base 30, 30' or a battery pack in the cover 70, 70'. The power source 508 can be coupled to the rear portion of the cover 70, 70' so that the power source 508 can also be used as a counterweight to help achieve the rotational movement of the cover 70, 70' about the angular axis 124, 124'. According to another exemplary embodiment, the power source 508 is positioned away from the toilet 20, 20'. The control system 500 also includes an I / O communication interface 510 that allows electronic communication between the toilet 20, 20' and a mobile communication device such as a smart phone, tablet computer, laptop computer, etc. to achieve remote control and programming of various functions of the toilet 20, 20'. The I / O communication interface 510 may also be configured to provide various feedback signals such as audio, visual, or other types of signals to the user to indicate various states, functions, or conditions of the toilet 20, 20' (e.g., the heating mechanism 420 is operating, the vacuum mechanism 220 has completed the odor removal process, etc.). In addition, the I / O communication interface 510 may include a microphone or similar device coupled to the toilet 20' to allow the user to control various functions of the toilet 20' using voice commands. The processing circuit 502 may be operatively coupled to the Internet to, for example, implement over-the-air software updates for various components of the toilet 20, 20', download diagnostic information, usage information, etc.

[0080] Still refer to Figure 4 The processing circuit 502 is also operatively coupled to a control structure 520 to implement, for example, the operation of the opening mechanism 120, 120' (eg, motor 61', etc.). The control structure 520 may include a plurality of controls associated with the opening mechanism 120, 120' (eg, motor 61', etc.).

[0081] Bidet mechanism

[0082] according to Figure 6In another exemplary embodiment of the toilet 20, the toilet 20 has a bidet mechanism 840, which is configured to clean the underside of the user. The bidet mechanism 840 includes a bidet spray bar 842, which can be retracted into the cover 70 and can be extended from the cover 70. Therefore, the bidet spray bar 842 is movable between a stowed or retracted position and an exposed or extended position 852. In the extended position 852, the bidet spray bar 842 is at least partially exposed and extends from the cover 70, and extends above a portion of the toilet bowl 32 of the base 30. Optionally, the bidet spray bar 842 can extend downward and forward into the extended position 852 so as to be recessed in a portion of the toilet bowl 32 and positioned in the central area of ​​the toilet bowl 32. Therefore, the user can use the bidet mechanism 840 and clean himself when the bidet spray bar 842 is in the extended position 852. In the retracted position, the bidet spray boom 842 is retracted into the cover 70 and is substantially concealed by the cover 70 for storage.

[0083] The bidet spray bar 842 is positioned near or along the rear end 84 of the cover 70 so that the bidet spray bar 842 can extend from the rear end 84 of the cover 70 and extend over a portion of the toilet bowl 32 when the cover 70 is in the stowed position 74. The bidet spray bar 842 is movably attached to the cover 70. Thus, the cover 70 includes an aperture within which the bidet spray bar 842 can move and move into and out of the aperture between a retracted position and an extended position 852. In the retracted position, the bidet spray bar 842 is substantially positioned within the aperture of the cover 70. By positioning the bidet spray bar 842 within or at least partially within the cover 70, the bidet mechanism 840 conserves and saves space within the toilet 20 and promotes better hygiene.

[0084] The bidet spray bar 842 includes at least one upper nozzle 844, which is positioned on the top side of the bidet spray bar 842 and is positioned toward the end of the bidet spray bar 842 (i.e., along the end of the bidet spray bar 842 that is farthest from the cover 770 in the extended position 852). When the bidet mechanism 840 is turned on, the nozzle 844 distributes a stream or spray of a rinse liquid 846 upward to clean the user. The spray rinse liquid 846 can optionally be tilted upward and toward the front end 42 of the base 30 to better clean the user. The spray rinse liquid 846 can be water.

[0085] The bidet mechanism 840 may also include a motor operatively coupled to the bidet boom 842 to selectively control movement of the bidet boom 842 between the retracted position, the first extended position, and the second extended position. According to an exemplary embodiment, the motor forms part of a linear actuator for translating the bidet boom 842 between the various positions.

[0086] The body cleaner mechanism 840 and / or the motor can be controlled by the processing circuit 502 in response to the user's orientation. When the image data collected by the first sensor S1 indicates that the user is facing the toilet 10, the body cleaner mechanism 840 can move to the retracted position (e.g., from the first extended position or the second extended position to the retracted position). The example of the user facing the toilet 10 includes a situation in which the image data collected by the first sensor S1 includes facial features or retinal scans. When the image data collected by the first sensor S1 indicates that the user is not facing the toilet 10, the body cleaner mechanism 840 can move to the first extended position or the second extended position. When the image data collected by the third sensor S3 or the fourth sensor S4 indicates that the user is sitting on the seat 50, the body cleaner mechanism 840 can move to the first extended position or the second extended position. In some examples, when the third sensor S3 detects the user, the body cleaner mechanism 842 moves to the first extended position, and when the fourth sensor S4 detects the user, the body cleaner mechanism 842 moves to the second extended position.

[0087] In addition or in the alternative, the bidet mechanism 840 can be controlled by controls on the toilet 20 (e.g., control structure 520, etc.) and / or controls on a software application accessible via a mobile device. The controls can allow a user to control various aspects of the bidet mechanism 840, including turning the bidet mechanism 840 on and off and positioning the bidet spray bar 842.

[0088] User Profiles

[0089] The bidet mechanism 840 may include various user inputs for specifying bidet settings. For example, the user may specify the temperature of the water, the pressure of the water, the nozzle type, the position of the spray bar or other settings. In the following embodiments, the user is detected and the user's settings are stored as a profile. When the user returns to the toilet and bidet mechanism 840, the user profile is retrieved to automatically apply the settings that the user has selected in the past. In some examples, the user profile can be modified over time. The user can be identified by physical attributes such as weight or height. In some private environments of toilets and bidet mechanisms 840 such as houses, only a few users may exist, and these users can easily distinguish according to height and / or weight.

[0090] Figures 7 to 9 An example control system for selecting a user profile for a toilet and / or bidet mechanism 840 is illustrated. One or more sensors may be used to detect a user's physical attributes. Figure 7In the embodiment of the present invention, the weight sensor 601 provides sensor data for the user's physical attributes to the controller 600, and the controller 600 stores the sensor data and one or more settings from the user input 610 in the memory 606. An example of the weight sensor 601 can include the fourth sensor S4 as described herein. The weight sensor 601 can correspond to the pressure or weight placed on the seat or toilet. Example placements of the weight sensor 601 include placement below the seat 50, inside the seat 50, inside a hinge connected to the seat 50, below the base 30 of the toilet, or inside the base 30 of the toilet.

[0091] When the weight sensor 601 is located under or within the seat 50, when the user sits on the seat 50, pressure is placed on the weight sensor 601. It should be noted that the weight sensor 601 cannot measure the entire weight of the user. In many cases, the user's feet apply pressure to the floor, which reduces the weight detected by the weight sensor 601.

[0092] When the weight sensor 601 is located inside the hinge, the hinge may bend in response to a user sitting on the seat 50. The deflection or pressure detected in the hinge by the weight sensor 601 may be proportional to the weight of the user.

[0093] When the weight sensor 601 is located below or inside the base 30 , the weight sensor 601 detects the weight placed on the seat 50 based on the weight of the toilet as a whole.

[0094] exist Figure 8 , height sensor 602 provides sensor data for a user's physical attributes to controller 600 , which stores the sensor data in memory 606 along with one or more settings from user input 610 .

[0095] An example of height sensor 602 may include an image sensor such as the image sensor described herein with respect to first sensor S1. Height sensor 602 may be a camera or a charge coupled device (CCD) such as an integrated circuit formed on a silicon surface forming a photosensitive element. Height sensor 602 may be a retinal scanner configured to scan the user's eyes. Retinal scanning may detect the position of the eyes and estimate the height of the user based on the position of the eyes. Height sensor 602 may be a low-resolution image sensor having a predetermined number of pixels per unit area. The low-resolution image sensor may be defined as having a frame rate less than a predetermined frame rate.

[0096] exist Fig. 9, height sensor 602 and weight sensor 601 provide sensor data for the user's physical attributes to controller 600 , which stores the sensor data in memory 606 along with one or more settings from user input 610 .

[0097] In any of these examples, the controller 600 is configured to generate a user profile for a user during one or more initial uses of the toilet and to access the user profile for the user during one or more subsequent uses of the toilet.

[0098] The controller 600 receives sensor data for a user's physical attributes. The controller 600 may modify the sensor data according to one or more weights or coefficients. The controller 600 receives settings selected by a user input 610. Each setting may include a device value (e.g., boom, heater, etc.), a duration value (e.g., 1 second, 2 seconds, 5 seconds), a position value (e.g., front, back, right, left), and an intensity value (e.g., high or low pressure, high or low temperature). The controller 600 generates a user profile based on the settings including one or more of the device value, duration value, and intensity value, which is stored in the memory 606 along with the sensor data or the modified sensor data.

[0099] The controller 600 also receives sensor data of the user's physical attributes during subsequent visits to the toilet. The subsequent sensor data is used to select a user profile from the memory 606. The controller 600 is configured to determine at least one bidet setting in response to the user's identification data.

[0100] Fig.10 A control structure 720 is shown, which may represent the controller 600 and / or the memory 606, for selecting bidet settings in response to a user's physical attributes.

[0101] When the user is present at the toilet, the control structure 720 receives values ​​for the height data 612 and the weight data 611. It should be noted that the height data 612 may be received when the user is near the toilet, and the weight data 611 may be received when the user is sitting on the toilet.

[0102] The control structure 720 can scale the sensor data or otherwise modify the sensor data to define or select a user profile. For example, the height data 612 and the weight data 611 can be used in combination to create an aggregate value. A first scaling factor can be applied to the height data 612 via the coefficient matrix 613, and a second scaling factor can be applied to the weight data 611 via the coefficient matrix 613.

[0103] In other examples, the coefficient matrix 613 can apply ranges or categories to the height data 612 and the weight data 611. In this way, a range of values ​​can be paired with the height data 612 within a range of heights to provide a more favorable error margin when matching the stored weights with subsequently collected weights. Similarly, in this manner, a range of values ​​can be paired with the weight data 611 within a range of heights to provide a more favorable error margin when matching the stored weights with subsequently collected weights.

[0104] In other embodiments, a range of weight values ​​and a range of height values ​​can be automatically determined over time. For example, the control structure 720 can analyze historical data of height or weight and identify one or more statistical parameters of the data. For example, an array of weight values ​​over time can include two clusters or two patterns over time that identify two primary users as being present at the toilet. The control structure 720 can define a threshold or range (e.g., a standard deviation around a predetermined number of clusters) for identifying each user.

[0105] Control structure 720 can be used to define user profile 620A to user profile 620C in this example.Similarly, when subsequent data is received, profile 620A to profile 620C can be identified using the same calculation.Each of profile 620A to profile 620C includes at least one threshold value or range for a combination of height, weight, or height and weight.Each of profile 620A to profile 620C includes at least one setting, and the at least one setting is set up by the user by using the body cleaner mechanism 840 or by the direct input selection of the user. Fig.10 Each of the profiles 620A-620C is illustrated as including settings 1, settings 2, and settings 3, but any number of settings may be used. Example settings include bidet boom position, bidet spray type, bidet water pressure, front-wash position, front-wash spray type, front-wash water pressure, overall wash temperature, single back-wash temperature, single front-wash temperature, front-wash mode / position / motion, dryer use (e.g., dryer automatically comes out after bidet duration), dryer temperature, or rinse time (e.g., rinse after lid closed, rinse before lid closed).

[0106] Fig.11 An example flow chart for creating and selecting a user profile is illustrated. Additional, different, or fewer actions may be included.

[0107] In action S201, the controller 600 or sensor detects attributes of a user and generates user data describing the attributes of the user. In some examples, a proximity trigger may first detect the presence of a user, which causes the weight sensor 601 and / or the height sensor 602 to detect details of the user.

[0108] In action S203, controller 600 receives bidet settings from user input.Bidet settings include any one of the specific sequence, duration, device, or operating mode described herein.When the user uses the toilet and bidet, bidet settings may be passively recorded over time.The user can be prompted directly by bidet settings.

[0109] In action S205, the controller 600 may define a baseline profile based on the user's attributes and bidet settings. The controller 600 and the memory 606 may store the baseline profile in association with the user's attributes and bidet settings.

[0110] In action S207, the controller 600 or a sensor such as a proximity sensor, a weight sensor 601 or a height sensor 602 may detect a subsequent user. It should be noted that the term "subsequent user" refers to a subsequent instance of a user. It is typically the same user that is detected in action S201 and action S207. The controller 600 compares the attributes of the subsequent user with the stored attributes and accesses the baseline profile in response to the comparison.

[0111] In action S209, the controller 600 identifies the bidet setting from the baseline profile. The controller 600 generates a command signal for the bidet mechanism 840 to apply the bidet setting to the bidet and / or toilet.

[0112] As time goes by, controller 600 is configured to update profile and bidet settings.Controller 600 can receive second bidet settings from user's input and modify baseline profile based on second bidet settings.Each setting in the setting of profile 620A to 6 profile 20C is limited to the average value of user input over time.For example, if in some usage, user selects first temperature and first pressure for bidet, and in some usage, user selects second temperature and second pressure for bidet, then controller can average (or weighted average) value, to determine average temperature and average pressure stored in the user profile of update.

[0113] As used herein, the terms "approximately," "about," "substantially," and similar terms are intended to have a broad meaning consistent with common and recognized usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of the present disclosure belongs. Those skilled in the art who review the present disclosure should understand that these terms are intended to allow a description of certain features described and claimed without limiting the scope of these features to the precise numerical ranges provided. Therefore, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or insignificant modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure as recited in the appended claims.

[0114] 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 examples, representations and / or illustrations of possible embodiments (and that such terms are not intended to mean that such embodiments are necessarily specific or superlative examples).

[0115] As used herein, the term "connection" and its variations mean that two components are directly or indirectly connected to each other. Such connection can be static (e.g., permanent or fixed) or movable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such connection can be achieved by directly connecting two components to each other, by connecting two components to each other using a separate intermediate member and any additional intermediate members connected to each other, or by connecting two components to each other using an intermediate member that is integrally formed into a single integral body with one of the two components. If "connection" or its variations are modified by additional items (e.g., direct connection), the general definition of "connection" provided above is modified by the ordinary language meaning of the additional items (e.g., "direct connection" means the connection of two components without any separate intermediate member), resulting in a narrower definition than the general definition of "connection" provided above. Such connection can be mechanical, electrical or fluid.

[0116] As used herein, the term "or" is used in its inclusive sense (rather than its exclusive sense), such that when used to connect a list of elements, the term "or" means one, some, or all of the elements in the list. Unless expressly stated otherwise, linking language such as the phrase "at least one of X, Y, and Z" is understood to mean that the element can be X, Y, Z; X and Y; X and Z; Y and Z; or X, Y and Z (i.e., any combination of X, Y, and Z). Therefore, unless otherwise stated, these linking languages ​​are generally not intended to imply that certain embodiments require that at least one of X, at least one of Y, and at least one of Z each be present.

[0117] References to the positions of elements herein (e.g., "top," "bottom," "above," "below," etc.) are only used to describe the orientation of the various elements in the drawings. It should be noted that according to other exemplary embodiments, the orientation of the various elements may be different, and these variations are intended to be covered by the present disclosure.

[0118] Although the drawings and descriptions may illustrate a particular order of method steps, unless otherwise specified above, the order of these steps may be different from that depicted and described. In addition, unless otherwise specified above, two or more steps may be performed simultaneously or partially simultaneously. Such variations may depend on, for example, the selected software and hardware systems and the designer's choice. All of these variations are within the scope of the present disclosure. Similarly, the software implementation of the described method can be accomplished using standard programming techniques with rule-based logic and other logic to accomplish various connection steps, processing steps, comparison steps, and decision steps.

[0119] It is important to note that the construction and arrangement of the toilet components shown in the various exemplary embodiments are illustrative only. Additionally, any element disclosed in one embodiment may be combined or used with any other embodiment disclosed herein. For example, various features, components, functions, and systems of toilet 20 may be incorporated into toilet 20', and vice versa. Although only one example of an element from one embodiment that may be incorporated or used in another embodiment is described above, it should be understood that other elements of the various embodiments may be incorporated or used in any of the other embodiments disclosed herein.

Claims

1. A toilet, comprising: base; a seat ring rotatably coupled to the base and rotatable about an angled axis oriented upward and forward toward a front end of the base; a drive mechanism configured to rotate the race relative to the base; a sensor configured to generate image data for a user within a predetermined distance from the base; as well as A controller is configured to determine an orientation of the user based on the image data and to generate commands for the drive mechanism in response to the orientation of the user.

2. The toilet according to claim 1, further comprising a memory configured to store a plurality of templates for possible orientations of the user, wherein: The controller is configured to compare the image data to the plurality of templates.

3. The toilet according to claim 1, wherein: The drive mechanism includes a motor configured to move the race relative to the base.

4. The toilet according to claim 1, wherein: The drive mechanism includes a solenoid configured to move the race relative to the base.

5. The toilet according to claim 1, wherein: The orientation of the user indicates that the user is facing the toilet.

6. The toilet according to claim 1, wherein: The orientation of the user indicates that the user is facing away from the toilet.

7. The toilet according to claim 1, wherein: The position of the user indicates that the user is approaching the toilet.

8. The toilet according to claim 1, wherein: The position of the user indicates that the user is moving away from the toilet.

9. The toilet of claim 1, further comprising a cover rotatably coupled to the base, wherein The drive mechanism is configured to rotate the cover relative to the base.

10. The toilet according to claim 9, wherein: The cover and the seat are each configured to rotate about the angled axis between a lowered position in which the cover and the seat are positioned adjacent the base and a stowed position in which the cover and the seat are oriented in an upward direction.

11. The toilet according to claim 10, wherein: The seat ring is configured to rotate between the lowered position and the stowed position when the cover is in the lowered position.

12. The toilet according to claim 1, wherein: The sensor is an image sensor, the toilet further comprising a proximity sensor configured to determine when the user is within the predetermined distance from the base, wherein the controller analyzes data from the image sensor in response to data from the proximity sensor.

13. The toilet according to claim 1, wherein: The sensor is an image sensor and the toilet further includes a seat sensor configured to determine when the user sits on the seat.

14. A toilet, comprising: base; a seat ring rotatably coupled to the base; a drive mechanism configured to rotate the race relative to the base about a non-horizontal axis; a proximity sensor configured to determine when a user is within a predetermined distance from the base; an image sensor configured to generate image data for the user; as well as A controller configured to analyze the image data when the user is within the predetermined distance from the base according to the proximity sensor, to determine the position of the user based on the image data, and to generate commands for the drive mechanism in response to the position of the user.

15. The toilet of claim 14, further comprising a memory configured to store a plurality of templates for possible orientations of the user, wherein: The controller is configured to compare the image data to the plurality of templates.

16. The toilet according to claim 14, wherein: The drive mechanism includes a motor configured to move the race relative to the base.

17. The toilet according to claim 14, wherein: The orientation of the user indicates that the user is facing the toilet.

18. The toilet of claim 14, further comprising a cover rotatably coupled to the base, wherein The drive mechanism is configured to rotate the cover relative to the base.

19. The toilet of claim 14, further comprising a seat sensor configured to determine when the user sits on the seat.

20. A method for operating an automatic toilet, the method comprising: detecting a user in proximity to the toilet; collecting image data of the user near the toilet; identifying a location of the user near the toilet; as well as A seat of the toilet is actuated responsive to the position of the user.

21. A toilet, comprising: a sensor configured to generate identification data based on a physical attribute of a user; as well as A controller is configured to determine at least one bidet setting in response to the identification data of the user.

22. The toilet according to claim 21, wherein The physical attribute of the user is weight.

23. The toilet according to claim 22, further comprising: base; as well as A seat ring is rotatably coupled to the base.

24. The toilet according to claim 23, wherein: The sensor is mounted relative to the seat ring.

25. The toilet according to claim 23, wherein: The sensor is mounted relative to the base.

26. The toilet according to claim 21, wherein The physical attribute of the user is height.

27. The toilet according to claim 26, wherein: The sensor is an image sensor.

28. The toilet of claim 21, further comprising a memory configured to store a plurality of profiles of possible values ​​for the physical attribute of the user.

29. The toilet according to claim 21, wherein: The at least one bidet setting includes a temperature setting.

30. The toilet according to claim 21, wherein: The at least one bidet setting includes a pressure setting.

31. The toilet according to claim 21, wherein: The at least one bidet setting includes a nozzle selection.

32. The toilet according to claim 21, wherein: The at least one bidet setting includes a nozzle position.

33. The toilet according to claim 21, wherein: The at least one bidet setting includes a dryer setting.

34. A method for selecting personalized bidet settings, the method comprising: Detecting user attributes; receiving bidet settings from input from the user; defining a baseline profile based on the attributes of the user and the bidet settings; as well as The baseline profile is stored in association with the attributes of the user and the bidet settings.

35. The method of claim 34, further comprising: Detect subsequent users; comparing the attributes of the subsequent user with the stored attributes; as well as The baseline profile is accessed responsive to the comparing.

36. The method of claim 35, further comprising: identifying the bidet setting according to the baseline profile; as well as Apply the bidet setting to the bidet.

37. The method of claim 36, further comprising: receiving a second bidet setting from an input from the user; as well as The baseline profile is modified based on the second bidet setting.

38. The method of claim 36, wherein: The attribute of the user is weight.

39. The method of claim 36, wherein: The attribute of the user is height.

40. A bidet controller, comprising: a sensor configured to generate identification data based on a physical attribute of a user; a controller configured to determine at least one bidet setting in response to the identification data of the user; as well as A memory configured to store a profile of the user, the profile comprising the at least one bidet setting and the physical attribute of the user.

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