Intelligent closestool flushing method and system based on infrared detection

Abstract

The invention discloses an intelligent closestool flushing method and system based on infrared detection. The method comprises the steps that infrared rays are actively emitted to the water surface, then the change of infrared ray signals reflected back when a water seal plane fluctuates is detected, and a fluctuation characterization value is obtained; monitoring the starting and ending time points of defecation based on the characterization value, and triggering the automatic control function of the intelligent closestool according to the time points. According to the invention, the toilet recognition area is arranged in the toilet and above the water seal, the function of automatic control is realized by actively emitting infrared rays to the water surface and then detecting the change of infrared signals reflected when the plane of the water seal fluctuates, and the condition of frequent mistaken touch in a small space is avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of intelligent toilets, and particularly to an intelligent toilet flushing method and system based on infrared detection. Background Art

[0002] The automatic flushing function of intelligent toilets mainly relies on infrared induction or microwave sensor technology. When a person approaches or leaves the toilet, these sensors can keenly detect the presence or movement of the person, and then trigger the automatic flushing mechanism. Taking the infrared sensor as an example, its working principle is to process the received signal through a microcomputer in the integrated circuit, and then send an instruction to the pulse solenoid valve to control the flushing process. When the user sits on the toilet, the infrared sensing device can sense the body temperature and movement of the person, activating the flushing system. After the user leaves, the sensing device will detect this action and automatically execute the flushing after a set delay. When the solenoid valve does not receive a signal, it will automatically reset through the action of the internal spring, thus closing the water flow. In addition, the system can also control the solenoid valve to open when a person leaves the toilet for flushing, which avoids the traditional pyroelectric infrared sensor triggering flushing when a person enters and leaves the toilet, achieving a water-saving effect.

[0003] However, this design requires setting an infrared sensing area or sensing range in the three-dimensional space of the toilet to ensure that the flushing function is triggered only when the human hand or body is within the sensing range. For toilets with a small space, this may increase the risk of misoperation. If the sensing range is set too large, when the user conducts daily activities in the toilet (such as taking a bath, brushing teeth), due to space limitations, the flushing may be frequently triggered; while if the sensing range is set too small, the user may need to actively trigger the sensing, which will weaken the convenience of the intelligent toilet. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, the purpose of the present invention is to propose an intelligent toilet flushing method and system based on infrared detection, set the identified area of the toilet inside the toilet and above the water seal, and achieve the function of automatic control by actively emitting infrared rays to the water surface and then detecting the change of the infrared signal reflected when the water seal plane fluctuates, avoiding frequent false touches in a small space.

[0005] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided an intelligent toilet flushing method based on infrared detection, the method comprising:

[0006] By actively emitting infrared rays to the water surface, then detecting the change of the infrared signal reflected when the water seal plane fluctuates, and obtaining a fluctuation characterization value;

[0007] Based on the characterization value, monitor the start and end time points of using the toilet, and trigger the automatic control function of the intelligent toilet according to the time points.

[0008] In the above technical solution, the toilet water seal plane, that is, the static water film formed at the bottom of the toilet, plays an important role in isolating the odor, bacteria and insects in the sewer and preventing them from invading the room. This water seal layer is naturally formed by gravity and persists due to the S-shaped or U-shaped pipe structure inside the toilet. During the flushing process, the water flow quickly carries the dirt through the pipe and discharges it. Subsequently, the system automatically replenishes clear water to the water seal line to form a new water seal layer. In this study, the change in infrared emission is sensed by monitoring the minute fluctuations of the water seal plane. The experimental results show that when the water seal plane fluctuates, the integrated infrared sensor can sensitively capture the subtle changes in infrared emission, and the characteristic values generated by these fluctuations can be used as the trigger signal for flushing. Compared with the traditional external solution, in this case, the recognition area is placed inside the toilet, reducing the probability of accidental touch.

[0009] In some embodiments, the method specifically includes:

[0010] Emit an infrared light signal to the water seal plane at a preset distance above the water seal plane;

[0011] Record the infrared emission signal reflected when the water seal plane is calm and use it as the first characteristic value;

[0012] When the water seal plane fluctuates, continuously collect the fluctuating parameter values of infrared reflection or refraction, use this parameter value as the second characteristic value, and form a characteristic sequence after subtracting the first characteristic value;

[0013] Based on the start and end points of this characteristic sequence as the time points to trigger the flushing of the intelligent toilet.

[0014] In the above technical solution, when a person urinates, it will cause fluctuations in the water seal plane. At this time, the fluctuation value captured by the infrared sensor is used as the starting signal for flushing; when the fluctuation value gradually stabilizes, it is used as the termination signal for flushing. Once the termination point is reached, the system automatically triggers the flushing mechanism to ensure the cleanliness and hygiene of the toilet. Specifically: The infrared sensor emits infrared light signals at a preset position above the water seal plane and monitors the reflection of these signals. When there are no fluctuations in the water seal plane, the reflected infrared emission signals remain stable, and this state is recorded as the reference signal or the first characteristic value. When the water seal plane fluctuates due to human actions or other factors, the reflected infrared emission signals change accordingly, and these changes are continuously collected and recorded as the second characteristic value. By subtracting the first characteristic value (the reflection value at rest) from the second characteristic value (the reflection value during fluctuations), a characteristic sequence is obtained. This sequence truly reflects the fluctuations of the water seal plane and excludes the influence of environmental factors on infrared emission, thereby enhancing the accuracy and reliability of the system. Analyzing the starting and ending points of this characteristic sequence can accurately determine the start and end of the toilet use behavior. For example, when the user starts using the toilet, the water seal plane fluctuates more severely, and the characteristic sequence changes accordingly; after the user leaves, the fluctuations decrease, and the characteristic sequence returns to calm. The intelligent toilet automatically triggers the flushing function based on this, realizing the automation and intelligence of flushing control. This solution not only has the advantage of water conservation - because it only triggers flushing after detecting actual use, avoiding unnecessary waste of water resources - but also, compared with traditional induction methods (such as microwave induction), it is not easily mis-triggered, providing a more accurate and reliable user experience.

[0015] In some embodiments, when the water seal plane fluctuates, it further includes:

[0016] Subtracting the first characteristic from the second characteristic value collected when the water seal plane first fluctuates. If the resulting value is less than the first threshold, it is determined to be urination; otherwise, it is defecation.

[0017] In the above technical solution, an infrared light signal is emitted at a predetermined position above the water seal plane, and the infrared emission signals reflected by the water seal plane in the stationary state are recorded, and these signals are used as the first characterization values of the reference. When the water seal plane fluctuates due to toilet use, the infrared emission parameter values of these fluctuations are continuously collected and regarded as the second characterization values. By comparing the difference between the second characterization value (parameter value during fluctuation) and the first characterization value (reflection value at rest), the intelligent toilet can distinguish between defecation and urination events. If this difference is lower than a preset first threshold, the system will judge it as urination; if the difference reaches or exceeds the threshold, it will be judged as defecation. This judgment mechanism sets the threshold based on the fluctuation characteristics of the water seal plane caused by different toilet use behaviors. Experimental results show that there are obvious differences in the infrared emission changes in the cases of urination and defecation, mainly because the fluctuations caused by urine entering the water are usually smaller than those caused by feces entering the water, resulting in different fluctuations in infrared emission and the intensities collected in the two cases. Based on this finding, the threshold can be preset according to different usage scenarios to achieve accurate judgment and response of the intelligent toilet. This method not only improves the intelligence level of the intelligent toilet but also provides a more hygienic and convenient user experience.

[0018] In some embodiments, if it is determined as urination, based on the start and end points of the characterization sequence as the time points to trigger the flushing of the intelligent toilet, the following steps are further included:

[0019] Construct a mapping relationship between the characterization value and the toilet use time t of this toilet use based on the characterization sequence, extract the average value of the characterization values in the interval of 15%t to 85%t, and use this average value as the first index of this toilet use;

[0020] Loop the above steps for a preset number of times, and respectively extract the median value of the toilet use time and the median value of the characterization value, denoted as (t 0 , Q 0 ), where t 0 is the median value of the toilet use time, and Q 0 is the median value of the characterization value;

[0021] Using (t 0 , Q 0 ) as the coordinate values, adopt the four-quadrant classification method to construct a four-quadrant classification interval.

[0022] In the above technical solution, when the smart toilet identifies a urination event, the triggering of its flushing mechanism is based on the start and end points of the characterization sequence. Specifically, the system starts timing at the moment when the urination behavior is detected and performs the flushing operation at an appropriate time point after the behavior ends. By constructing the mapping relationship between the characterization value and the toilet use time t, the dynamic change of the characterization value over time during the toilet use process can be deeply understood. Further, in this study, the characterization values in the range of 15% to 85% of the toilet use time were extracted, and the average value of the characterization values in this range was calculated. This average value is defined as the first index of this toilet use event and serves as a key parameter for evaluating the characteristics of the toilet use behavior. By repeating the above steps a predetermined number of times, the average value of the characterization values is extracted for each iteration. After the iteration is completed, these average values are sorted, and the median value is respectively extracted, denoted as (t 0 ,Q 0 ), where t 0 is the median value of the toilet use time, and Q 0 is the median value of the characterization value. The median value is a robust statistic that can reduce the influence of outliers and provide more reliable data. Using (t 0 ,Q 0 ) as the coordinate values, a four-quadrant classification interval is constructed using the four-quadrant classification method. This method can map different toilet use behavior characteristics into four quadrants, and each quadrant represents a specific behavior pattern or health condition. For example: The first quadrant: short toilet use time and high characterization value, which may indicate a fast and strong toilet use behavior. The second quadrant: long toilet use time and high characterization value, which may indicate a long-lasting toilet use behavior. The third quadrant: short toilet use time and low characterization value, which may indicate a mild toilet use behavior. The fourth quadrant: long toilet use time and low characterization value, which may indicate a slow toilet use behavior. This classification method allows the smart toilet not only to automatically perform the flushing function but also to monitor the user's health condition and provide health feedback or warnings. For example, if the user's toilet use behavior frequently appears in a specific quadrant, the system can prompt the user to pay attention to their eating habits or seek medical advice. This solution not only improves the automation level of the smart toilet by analyzing and classifying toilet use behaviors but also provides potential value for user health monitoring. This system can be used for personal health management and assist medical institutions in remotely monitoring the health conditions of patients.

[0023] In some embodiments, using (t 0 ,Q 0 ) as the coordinate values, a four-quadrant classification interval is constructed using the four-quadrant classification method. After that, it further includes,

[0024] Each time when urinating, record the characterization value - the toilet use time t of this time. Based on the characterization value - the toilet use time t of this time and the four-quadrant classification interval, distinguish: young and middle-aged men, young and middle-aged women, middle-aged and elderly people, and children.

[0025] In the above technical solution, according to the age segmentation standard of the World Health Organization (WHO), the population can be divided into the following age groups: children (0 - 14 years old), youth (15 - 44 years old), middle-aged (45 - 59 years old), and elderly (60 years old and above). The intelligent toilet can identify users of different age groups by analyzing the distribution characteristics within the four-quadrant classification interval and combining the above age segmentation. Specifically, due to their relatively small body size, children may have a shorter toilet use time, and the corresponding characteristic value is also relatively low. In contrast, due to the differences in body shape and muscle mass between young and middle-aged men and women, there are significant differences in the characteristic values generated by their toilet use behaviors. Due to physiological changes, the elderly may have a longer toilet use time, and the characteristic value may also change accordingly. When differentiating between young and middle-aged men and women, in addition to considering the toilet use time and characteristic value, other physiological parameters such as weight and body shape can also be combined, as these parameters may affect the distribution of the characteristic value. The intelligent toilet can provide customized feedback and suggestions based on the age and gender of the user. For example, for children, the intelligent toilet can provide a more gentle flushing setting; while for the elderly, it can provide a more comfortable seat heating and appropriate flushing intensity. By comprehensively analyzing the characteristic value and time data of toilet use behaviors and combining the four-quadrant classification method, the intelligent toilet can effectively distinguish users of different age groups and genders, and then provide more personalized services and health monitoring. This meticulous method can not only improve the user experience but also contribute to accurate health assessment and intervention, bringing more intelligent sanitation solutions that meet the physiological and health needs of different user groups.

[0026] In some embodiments, each time when urinating, record the characteristic value - the toilet use time t of this time. Based on the characteristic value - the toilet use time t of this time and the four-quadrant classification interval, distinguish: young and middle-aged men, young and middle-aged women, the elderly, and children. After that, it further includes:

[0027] Based on this second characteristic value, obtain the output voltage value of collecting the second characteristic value at the corresponding time point, and calculate based on the following formula:

[0028]

[0029] In the formula, C is the theoretical temperature measurement value; V is the output voltage value; K is the sensor constant, and its value is the product of the sensitivity R of the detector, the standard urine emissivity ∈, and the Stefan-Boltzmann constant σ;

[0030] Based on the characteristic sequence, construct the mapping relationship between the theoretical temperature measurement value - the toilet use time t of this time, extract the average value of the theoretical temperature measurement values in the interval of 15%t to 85%t, and use this average value as the second index of this toilet use.

[0031] Compare this second index with the second threshold to determine whether it is abnormal.

[0032] In the above technical solution, each time when urinating, the intelligent toilet records the relationship between the characterization value and the toilet use time t. Based on the characterization value of this toilet use, the system will capture the output voltage value V of the second characterization value at the corresponding time point. This voltage value reflects the sensitive response of the sensor to changes in urine or other physical quantities (such as temperature), providing basic data for subsequent calculations. Use the formula to calculate the theoretical temperature measurement value C. This formula is based on physical laws and is used to extract temperature information from the voltage output of the sensor. Further, based on the characterization sequence, a mapping relationship between the theoretical temperature measurement value and the toilet use time t is constructed. This mapping relationship helps to deeply understand the dynamic change of temperature over time during toilet use. Extract the theoretical temperature measurement values in the range of 15% to 85% of the toilet use time, and calculate the average value of the temperature values in this range, which is used as the second index for this toilet use. This average value, as a key parameter, is used to evaluate the characteristics of the toilet use behavior. Compare the second index calculated this time with a preset second threshold to determine whether there is an abnormality. If the difference between the current index and the second threshold is large, it may indicate an abnormal situation, such as a health problem or a system failure. This second threshold can be set through a calibration process or determined based on the mean value of historical second indices. By comparing the current second index with the second threshold, the intelligent toilet can identify potential health problems or system abnormalities. For example, if the temperature value is continuously abnormally high or low, it may indicate that the user has a fever or other health problems; if the fluctuation range of the temperature value is abnormal, it may indicate a sensor failure or the need for recalibration. By analyzing the characterization values and time data of the toilet use behavior, combining physical formulas to calculate the theoretical temperature measurement value, and comparing with historical data, the intelligent toilet can effectively distinguish users of different age groups and provide a health monitoring function. This method not only improves the automation level of the intelligent toilet but also provides the possibility of health monitoring for users, opening up a new way for personal health management and remote patient monitoring in medical institutions.

[0033] In some embodiments, if it is determined to be a bowel movement, based on the start and end points of the characterization sequence as the time points to trigger the intelligent toilet to flush, and then it further includes:

[0034] If it is determined to be a bowel movement, when the fluctuating characterization value remains unchanged, trigger the intelligent toilet to flush.

[0035] In the above technical solution, the smart toilet continuously monitors the infrared emission fluctuations above the water seal plane and converts these fluctuations into characterization values. These characterization values reflect the fluctuations of the water seal plane, and thus the user's toilet behavior can be inferred. When the fluctuation characterization value remains unchanged for a period of time, the smart toilet determines that the user's defecation behavior has ended. This is because during defecation, the fluctuations of the water seal plane change with the user's movements. When the fluctuations stop, it can be considered that defecation is complete. The smart toilet can also adjust the flushing intensity and duration according to the amount of feces judged from the fluctuation situation of the fluctuation characterization value. For example, if the amount of feces is large, the toilet may use a stronger flushing force and a longer flushing time to ensure cleanliness.

[0036] According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided an intelligent toilet flushing system based on infrared detection, characterized in that it is based on the above method; the system includes:

[0037] A sensor module, which is configured to: actively emit infrared rays to the water surface, then detect the change of the infrared ray signal reflected when monitoring the fluctuations of the water seal plane, and obtain the fluctuation characterization value; monitor the start and end time points of using the toilet based on the characterization value, and trigger the automatic control function of the smart toilet according to the time points;

[0038] An intelligent module, which is configured to trigger the flushing of the smart toilet based on the start and end time points obtained from the sensor module.

[0039] In the above technical solution, in order to better use the above method, the present application proposes an intelligent toilet flushing system based on infrared detection. Each module corresponds to each step of the above method, and its specific principle has been described above and will not be elaborated here. Description of the Drawings

[0040] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments or the prior art. Obviously, the following drawings are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those of ordinary skill in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative efforts.

[0041] Figure 1 It is a schematic flowchart of an embodiment of a method for flushing an intelligent toilet based on infrared detection according to the present invention;

[0042] Figure 2 It is a schematic diagram of the water seal plane in a calm state in an embodiment of a method for flushing an intelligent toilet based on infrared detection according to the present invention;

[0043] Figure 3It is a schematic diagram of the water seal plane in the state where the user stands and urinates in an embodiment of an intelligent toilet flushing method based on infrared detection according to the present invention;

[0044] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of the water seal plane in the state where the user sits and urinates in an embodiment of an intelligent toilet flushing method based on infrared detection according to the present invention;

[0045] Figure 5 It is a schematic diagram of the water seal plane in the state where the user sits and defecates in an embodiment of an intelligent toilet flushing method based on infrared detection according to the present invention;

[0046] Figure 6 It is one of the schematic diagrams of the four - quadrant classification in an embodiment of an intelligent toilet flushing method based on infrared detection according to the present invention;

[0047] Figure 7 It is the second of the schematic diagrams of the four - quadrant classification in an embodiment of an intelligent toilet flushing method based on infrared detection according to the present invention;

[0048] Figure 8 It is a schematic diagram of the framework of an embodiment of an intelligent toilet flushing system based on infrared detection according to the present invention;

[0049] Figure 9 It is an actual example diagram of an intelligent toilet flushing method based on infrared detection according to the present invention. Detailed implementation manners

[0050] The present invention will be further described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be specifically pointed out that the following embodiments are only used to illustrate the present invention, but do not limit the scope of the present invention. Similarly, the following embodiments are only partial embodiments of the present invention rather than all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative efforts fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0051] The present invention provides an intelligent toilet flushing method and system based on infrared detection. The identified area of the toilet is set inside the toilet, above the water seal. By actively emitting infrared rays to the water surface and then detecting the change in the infrared ray signal reflected when the water seal plane fluctuates, the function of automatic control is realized, avoiding frequent false touches in a small space.

[0052] Embodiment 1

[0053] Please refer to Figure 1 , an intelligent toilet flushing method based on infrared detection, the method includes:

[0054] S1. Monitor the infrared emission fluctuations caused by the fluctuations of the toilet water seal plane M, and obtain the fluctuation characterization value; the fluctuation characterization value is the intensity signal of light or combined with the change in distance.

[0055] Please refer to Figure 2 , where K in the figure represents a transceiver integrated infrared sensor, that is, an active infrared sensor, which irradiates infrared light onto the water surface, and the light reflected from the water surface returns to the receiving tube. A split sensor can also be used, as long as it can emit infrared light and receive the reflected light, which will not be elaborated and listed here. At the same time, it should be noted that the emission angle can be set according to the configuration of the toilet inner wall, and try to ensure that the emitted light is on the water seal plane. The specific angle setting can be determined according to actual needs. The figure shows the schematic diagrams of emission and reflection at different angles for reference only. M in the figure 0 represents the toilet water seal plane, that is, the static water film formed at the bottom of the toilet, which plays an important role in isolating the odor, bacteria and insects in the sewer and preventing them from invading the room. This water seal layer is naturally formed by gravity and continues to exist by relying on the S-shaped or U-shaped pipe structure inside the toilet. During the flushing process, the water flow quickly carries the dirt through the pipe and discharges it. Subsequently, the system will automatically replenish clean water to the water seal line to form a new water seal layer.

[0056] Please refer to Figure 3 , Figure 3 draws a schematic diagram of a man urinating. P in the figure 1 represents the urine emission direction and trajectory. When a man urinates, it causes the toilet water seal plane M 0 to fluctuate and form water waves M 1 . When the urine enters the water seal plane, the change in infrared emission is sensed by monitoring the fluctuations of the water seal plane. The experimental results show that when the water seal plane fluctuates, the integrated infrared sensor can sensitively capture the subtle changes in infrared emission. The characteristic values generated by these fluctuation changes can be used as the trigger signal for flushing. Compared with the traditional external scheme, in this case, the recognition area is placed inside the toilet, reducing the probability of accidental touch. It should be noted that the sensitivity and other parameter indicators of different infrared sensors are different, and the structures of different toilet products are also different. Those skilled in the art can adapt the corresponding infrared sensors according to the configuration of their own toilets, which will not be elaborated here.

[0057] Please refer to Figure 4 , Figure 4 draws a schematic diagram of a woman urinating. P in the figure 1 represents the urine emission direction and trajectory. When a man urinates, it causes the toilet water seal plane M 0 to fluctuate and form water waves M 2Since men usually urinate while standing, and due to differences in body size and muscle mass, when urine enters the water seal plane, the ripples are more intense, while those of women are more gentle. The monitoring principle is the same as above and will not be elaborated here. The gender of men and women can be distinguished through the numerical feedback of the infrared sensor for subsequent analysis.

[0058] S2. Monitor the start and end time points of using the toilet based on the characteristic values, and trigger the automatic control function of the smart toilet according to the time points.

[0059] Please refer to Figure 9 , Figure 9 , which shows the change diagram during a urination. Through the start and end points of the changes, the start point and end point of using the toilet can be judged, and the toilet use time can be counted. The smart toilet flushing program is triggered through the end point, or an automatic flushing program such as a deferred trigger. It should be noted that the way of automatic flushing can refer to the description in the background technology or the prior art. The automatic flushing scheme is not the protected content of this case, and those skilled in the art can refer to the prior art for setting, which will not be elaborated here.

[0060] In this embodiment, taking Figure 2 as an example, the method is specifically as follows:

[0061] A1. Emit an infrared light signal to the water seal plane M at a preset distance above the water seal plane 0 ;

[0062] A2. Record the infrared emission signal reflected by the water seal plane M 0 when it is calm, and use it as the first characteristic value;

[0063] A3. When the water seal plane generates fluctuations to form water waves M 1 , continuously collect the fluctuation parameter values of infrared reflection or refraction, use the parameter values as the second characteristic value, and form a characteristic sequence after subtracting the first characteristic value;

[0064] A4. Use the start and end points of the characteristic sequence as the time points to trigger the flushing of the smart toilet.

[0065] In this embodiment, the water seal plane will fluctuate when the human body urinates. At this time, the fluctuation value captured by the infrared sensor is used as the start signal of flushing; when the fluctuation value gradually stabilizes, it is used as the end signal of flushing. Once the end point is reached, the system automatically triggers the flushing mechanism to ensure the cleanliness and hygiene of the toilet. Specifically: the infrared sensor emits infrared light signals at a preset position above the water seal plane and monitors the reflection of these signals. When the water seal plane does not fluctuate, the reflected infrared emission signal remains stable, and this state is recorded as a reference signal or a first characterization value. When the water seal plane fluctuates due to human body movements or other factors, the reflected infrared emission signal changes accordingly, and these changes are continuously collected and recorded as a second characterization value. By subtracting the first characterization value (reflection value in calm) from the second characterization value (reflection value in fluctuation), a characterization sequence is obtained, which truly reflects the fluctuation of the water seal plane and eliminates the influence of environmental factors on infrared emission, thereby enhancing the accuracy and reliability of the system. By analyzing the starting and ending points of this characterization sequence, the beginning and end of the toilet behavior can be accurately determined. For example, when the user starts to use the toilet, the water seal plane fluctuates more and the characterization sequence changes accordingly; after the user leaves, the fluctuation decreases and the characterization sequence returns to calm. The smart toilet automatically triggers the flushing function based on this, realizing the automation and intelligence of flushing control. This solution not only has the advantage of saving water - because it only triggers the flushing after detecting actual use, avoiding unnecessary waste of water resources - but also compared with traditional sensing methods (such as microwave sensing), it is not prone to false triggering, providing a more accurate and reliable user experience.

[0066] In this example, see Figure 5 , P 3 To distinguish. When the water seal plane M 0 When fluctuations occur, it also includes:

[0067] A31, first water seal plane M 0 When the wave is generated to form water waves, M 3 The second characterization value collected during the test is deducted from the first characterization value. If the result is less than the first threshold, it is judged as urination; otherwise, it is defecation. Since the volume and weight of feces far exceed those of urine, the intensity of the fluctuation of the water seal plane when entering the water is much higher than that of urination. The threshold can be set to judge the initial state and distinguish the two toilet methods, thereby avoiding false triggering. It should be noted that due to the different toilet heights, water seal plane sizes and sensor usage, the first threshold can be set according to the products of technicians in this field, and is not limited here.

[0068] In this embodiment, an infrared light signal is emitted at a predetermined position above the water seal plane, and the infrared emission signal reflected by the water seal plane in a stationary state is recorded, and these signals are used as the first characterization values of the reference. When the water seal plane fluctuates due to toilet use behavior, the infrared emission parameter values of these fluctuations are continuously collected and regarded as the second characterization values. By comparing the difference between the second characterization value (the parameter value during fluctuations) and the first characterization value (the reflection value at rest), the intelligent toilet can distinguish between defecation and urination events. If this difference is lower than a preset first threshold, the system will judge it as urination; if the difference reaches or exceeds the threshold, it will be judged as defecation. This judgment mechanism sets the threshold based on the fluctuation characteristics of the water seal plane caused by different toilet use behaviors. Experimental results show that there are obvious differences in the infrared emission changes in the cases of urination and defecation, mainly because the fluctuations caused by urine entering the water are usually smaller than those caused by feces entering the water, resulting in different fluctuations in infrared emission and the intensities collected in the two cases. Based on this discovery, the threshold can be preset according to different usage scenarios to achieve accurate judgment and response of the intelligent toilet. This method not only improves the intelligent level of the intelligent toilet but also provides a more hygienic and convenient user experience.

[0069] In this embodiment, if it is determined as urination, then based on the start and end points of the characterization sequence as the time points to trigger the intelligent toilet to flush, and then it further includes:

[0070] A51. Construct a mapping relationship between the characterization value and the toilet use time t of this time based on the characterization sequence, extract the average value of the characterization values in the interval of 15%t to 85%t, and use this average value as the first index of this toilet use;

[0071] A61. Loop the above steps for a preset number of times, and respectively extract the median value of the toilet use time and the median value of the characterization value, denoted as (t 0 , Q 0 ), where t 0 is the median value of the toilet use time, and Q 0 is the median value of the characterization value;

[0072] A71. Using (t 0 , Q 0 ) as the coordinate values, adopt the four-quadrant classification method to construct a four-quadrant classification interval. Figure 6For example, in the first quadrant: long toilet use time and high characterization value, which may indicate a relatively long and intense toilet use behavior. In the second quadrant: short toilet use time and high characterization value, which may indicate a fast and intense toilet use behavior. In the third quadrant: short toilet use time and low characterization value, which may indicate a mild toilet use behavior. In the fourth quadrant: long toilet use time and low characterization value, which may indicate a slow toilet use behavior. Specifically, it can be set according to different requirements, and only an example is given here for illustration. When the smart toilet identifies a urine event, the triggering of its flushing mechanism is based on the start and end points of the characterization sequence. Specifically, the system starts timing at the moment when the urine behavior is detected and performs the flushing operation at an appropriate time point after the behavior ends. By constructing the mapping relationship between the characterization value and the toilet use time t, the dynamic change of the characterization value over time during the toilet use process can be deeply understood. Further, in this study, the characterization values in the range of 15% to 85% of the toilet use time were extracted, and the average value of the characterization values in this range was calculated. This average value is defined as the first index of this toilet use event and serves as a key parameter for evaluating the characteristics of the toilet use behavior. By repeating the above steps a predetermined number of times, the average value of the characterization values is extracted each iteration. After the iteration is completed, these average values are sorted, and the median value is respectively extracted, denoted as (t 0 ,Q 0 ), where t 0 is the median value of the toilet use time, and Q 0 is the median value of the characterization value. The median value is a robust statistic that can reduce the influence of outliers and provide more reliable data. Using (t 0 ,Q 0 ) as the coordinate values, a four-quadrant classification interval is constructed using the four-quadrant classification method. This method can map different toilet use behavior characteristics into four quadrants, and each quadrant represents a specific behavior pattern or health condition. This classification method allows the smart toilet not only to automatically perform the flushing function but also to monitor the user's health condition and provide health feedback or warnings. For example, if the user's toilet use behavior frequently appears in a specific quadrant, the system can prompt the user to pay attention to eating habits or seek medical advice. This solution not only improves the automation level of the smart toilet by analyzing and classifying toilet use behaviors but also provides potential value for user health monitoring. This system can be used for personal health management and assist medical institutions in remotely monitoring the health status of patients.

[0073] In this embodiment, A71. Using (t 0 ,Q 0 ) as the coordinate values, a four-quadrant classification interval is constructed using the four-quadrant classification method. After that, it further includes,

[0074] A81. Each time when urinating, record the characteristic value - the toilet use time t for this time. Based on the characteristic value - the toilet use time t for this time and the four - quadrant classification intervals, distinguish: young and middle - aged men, young and middle - aged women, middle - aged and elderly people, and children.

[0075] Please refer to Figure 7 , according to the age - segmentation standard of the World Health Organization (WHO), the population can be divided into the following age groups: children (0 - 14 years old), youth (15 - 44 years old), middle - aged (45 - 59 years old), and elderly (60 years old and above). The intelligent toilet can identify users of different age groups by analyzing the distribution characteristics within the four - quadrant classification intervals and combining the above age segmentation. Specifically,

[0076] Due to their relatively small body size, children may have a shorter toilet use time, and the corresponding characteristic value is also relatively low. They can be classified into the third quadrant.

[0077] In contrast, due to the differences in body size and muscle mass between young and middle - aged men and women, there are significant differences in the characteristic values generated by their toilet use behaviors. Studies have shown that the average bladder urine storage volume of men is generally higher than that of women, and the average bladder urine storage volume of men is 50 ml - 100 ml larger than that of women on average. Therefore, young and middle - aged men are classified in the first quadrant, and women are in the second quadrant. Middle - aged and elderly people may have a longer toilet use time due to physiological changes, and the characteristic values are also relatively flat, so they are classified in the fourth quadrant. It should be noted that the four - quadrant example here only roughly distinguishes four different groups. Those skilled in the art can further cluster through big data on this basis to make more classifications, such as adolescent men, adult men, adolescent women, adult women, etc., which will not be elaborated here. At the same time, when distinguishing between young and middle - aged men and women, in addition to considering the toilet use time and characteristic values, other physiological parameters can also be combined, such as weight and body size, etc. These parameters may affect the distribution of characteristic values. The intelligent toilet can provide customized feedback and suggestions according to the age and gender of the user. For example, for children, the intelligent toilet can provide a more gentle flushing setting; for middle - aged and elderly people, it can provide a more comfortable seat heating and appropriate flushing intensity. By comprehensively analyzing the characteristic values and time data of toilet use behaviors and combining the four - quadrant classification method, the intelligent toilet can effectively distinguish users of different ages and genders, and then provide more personalized services and health monitoring. This meticulous method can not only improve the user experience, but also contribute to accurate health assessment and intervention, bringing more intelligent hygiene solutions that are more in line with the physiological and health needs of different user groups.

[0078] In this embodiment, A81. Each time when urinating, record the characteristic value - the toilet use time t for this time. Based on the characteristic value - the toilet use time t for this time and the four - quadrant classification intervals, distinguish: young and middle - aged men, young and middle - aged women, middle - aged and elderly people, and children. After that, it further includes:

[0079] A91. Based on the second characterization value, obtain the output voltage value of the second characterization value collected at the corresponding time point, and calculate based on the following formula:

[0080]

[0081] In the formula, C is the theoretical temperature measurement value; V is the output voltage value; K is the sensor constant, and its value is the product of the sensitivity R of the detector, the standard urine emissivity ∈, and the Stefan-Boltzmann constant σ;

[0082] A101. Based on the characterization sequence, construct the mapping relationship between the theoretical temperature measurement value and the toilet use time t for this time, extract the average value of the theoretical temperature measurement values in the interval of 15%t to 85%t, and use this average value as the second index for this toilet use;

[0083] A111. Compare this second index with the second threshold to determine whether it is abnormal.

[0084] During each urination, the intelligent toilet will record the relationship between the characterization value and the toilet use time t for this time. Based on the characterization value of this toilet use, the system will capture the output voltage value V of the second characterization value at the corresponding time point. This voltage value reflects the sensitive response of the sensor to changes in urine or other physical quantities (such as temperature), providing basic data for subsequent calculations. Using the formula To calculate the theoretical temperature measurement value C, this formula is based on physical laws and is used to extract temperature information from the voltage output of the sensor. Further, based on the characterization sequence, a mapping relationship between the theoretical temperature measurement value and the toilet use time t for this instance is constructed. This mapping relationship helps to deeply understand the dynamic change of temperature over time during toilet use. Extract the theoretical temperature measurement values in the range of 15% to 85% of the toilet use time, and calculate the average value of the temperature values within this range. This average value is used as the second indicator for this toilet use. This average value, as a key parameter, is used to evaluate the characteristics of the toilet use behavior. Compare the second indicator calculated this time with a preset second threshold to determine whether there is an abnormality. If the difference between the current indicator and the second threshold is large, it may indicate an abnormal situation, such as a health problem or a system failure. This second threshold can be set through a calibration process or determined based on the mean value of historical second indicators. By comparing the current second indicator with the second threshold, the smart toilet can identify potential health problems or system abnormalities. For example, if the temperature value is continuously abnormally high or low, it may indicate that the user has a fever or other health problems; if the fluctuation range of the temperature value is abnormal, it may indicate a sensor failure or the need for recalibration. The smart toilet can effectively distinguish users of different age groups and provide a health monitoring function by analyzing the characterization values and time data of toilet use behavior, calculating the theoretical temperature measurement value using a physical formula, and comparing it with historical data. This method not only improves the automation level of the smart toilet but also provides the possibility of health monitoring for users, opening up new ways for personal health management and remote patient monitoring in medical institutions. It should be noted that the temperature measured by this solution is not accurate, but it can be used as a relative quantity to measure the relative change in different urination situations. Therefore, in this case, the calculation result is more inclined to be recorded as a dimensionless indicator. However, it is also possible to set up an additional temperature sensor to obtain corresponding temperature data, or use an infrared sensor with higher accuracy and higher sensitivity to obtain more accurate data, which will not be elaborated here.

[0085] In this embodiment, if it is determined to be a bowel movement, based on the start and end points of this characterization sequence as the time points to trigger the smart toilet to flush, the following steps are also included:

[0086] A62. If it is determined to be a bowel movement, when the fluctuation characterization value remains unchanged, trigger the smart toilet to flush. The smart toilet continuously monitors the infrared emission fluctuations above the water seal plane and converts these fluctuations into characterization values. These characterization values reflect the fluctuations of the water seal plane and can thus infer the user's toilet use behavior. When the fluctuation characterization value remains unchanged for a period of time, the smart toilet determines that the user's bowel movement behavior has ended. This is because during a bowel movement, the fluctuations of the water seal plane change with the user's actions, and when the fluctuations stop, it can be considered that the bowel movement is complete.

[0087] The intelligent toilet can also judge the amount of feces according to the fluctuation of the fluctuation characterization value, and then adjust the flushing intensity and duration. For example, if the amount of feces is large, the corresponding fluctuation of the characterization value is more obvious. By setting a threshold or calibration, the approximate amount value of feces can be initially judged each time there is a fluctuation. When the amount of feces is large, the toilet can use a stronger flushing force and a longer flushing time to ensure cleanliness. It should be noted that the sensitivity and other parameter indicators of different infrared sensors are different, and the structures of different toilet products are also different. Those skilled in the art can adapt the corresponding infrared sensors according to the configuration of their own toilets, and then set the threshold or calibration, which will not be elaborated here.

[0088] Embodiment 2

[0089] Please refer to Figure 8 , an intelligent toilet flushing system based on infrared detection, characterized in that it is based on the above method; the system includes:

[0090] A sensor module, which is configured to: actively emit infrared rays to the water surface, then detect the change of the infrared ray signal reflected when the water seal plane fluctuates, and obtain the fluctuation characterization value; monitor the start and end time points of using the toilet based on the characterization value, and trigger the automatic control function of the intelligent toilet according to the time points.

[0091] An intelligent module, which is configured to trigger the flushing of the intelligent toilet based on the start and end time points obtained from the sensor module.

[0092] In the above technical solution, in order to better use the method described in Embodiment 1, the present application proposes an intelligent toilet flushing system based on infrared detection. Each module corresponds to each step of the method described in Embodiment 1, and its specific principle has been described above and will not be elaborated here.

[0093] The above are only some embodiments of the present invention, and thus do not limit the protection scope of the present invention. Any equivalent device or equivalent process transformation made by using the content of the specification and drawings of the present invention, or directly or indirectly applied to other related technical fields, shall be equally included in the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A smart toilet flushing method based on infrared detection, characterized in that: The method comprises: By actively emitting infrared rays to the water surface, and then detecting the changes in the reflected infrared signals when the water seal plane fluctuates, the fluctuation characterization value is obtained; The start and end time points of using the toilet are monitored based on the characterization value, and the automatic control function of the smart toilet is triggered according to the time points.

2. The intelligent toilet flushing method based on infrared detection as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The method, specifically: Transmitting an infrared light signal to the water seal plane at a preset distance above the water seal plane; When the water seal plane is calm, the reflected infrared emission signal is recorded and used as the first characterization value; When the water seal plane fluctuates, the fluctuation parameter value of infrared reflection or refraction is continuously collected, and the parameter value is used as the second characterization value, and the characterization sequence is formed after deducting the first characterization value; The starting and ending points of the characterization sequence are used as the time points for triggering the smart toilet flushing.

3. The intelligent toilet flushing method based on infrared detection as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that: When the water seal plane fluctuates, it also includes: The first characterization value is deducted from the second characterization value collected when the water seal plane fluctuates for the first time. If the result is less than the first threshold, it is judged as urine; otherwise, it is defecation.

4. The intelligent toilet flushing method based on infrared detection as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that: If it is determined to be urination, the start and end points of the characterization sequence are used as the time points to trigger the smart toilet flushing, and then the following are also included: Based on the characterization sequence, a mapping relationship between the characterization value and the toilet time t is constructed, and the characterization values ​​in the range of 15%t to 85%t are extracted to calculate the average value, and the average value is used as the first indicator of the toilet time; The above steps are repeated for a preset number of times, and the median value of the toilet time and the median value of the characterization value are extracted respectively, which are recorded as (t0, Q0), where t0 is the median value of the toilet time and Q0 is the median value of the characterization value; Taking (t0, Q0) as the coordinate value and adopting the four-quadrant classification method, a four-quadrant classification interval is constructed.

5. The intelligent toilet flushing method based on infrared detection as claimed in claim 4, characterized in that: Taking (t0, Q0) as the coordinate value, the four-quadrant classification method is used to construct the four-quadrant classification interval, which is also included. Each time you urinate, record the characterization value - the time t of this toilet visit, and based on the characterization value - the time t of this toilet visit and the four-quadrant classification intervals, distinguish: young and strong men, young and strong women, middle-aged and elderly people, and children.

6. The intelligent toilet flushing method based on infrared detection as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that: Each time you urinate, record the characterization value - the time t of this toilet trip, and based on the characterization value - the time t of this toilet trip and the four-quadrant classification interval, distinguish: young and strong men, young and strong women, middle-aged and elderly people, and children, and then also include: Based on the second characterization value, the output voltage value of the collected second characterization value at the corresponding time point is obtained, and is calculated based on the following formula: Where, C is the theoretical temperature value; V is the output voltage value; K is the sensor constant, which is the product of the detector sensitivity R, the standard urine emissivity ∈ and the Stefan-Boltzmann constant σ; Based on the characterization sequence, a mapping relationship between the theoretical temperature measurement value and the toilet time t is constructed, and the theoretical temperature measurement values ​​in the range of 15%t to 85%t are extracted to calculate the average value, and the average value is used as the second indicator of the toilet time; The second indicator is compared with a second threshold to determine whether it is abnormal.

7. The intelligent toilet flushing method based on infrared detection as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that: If it is determined to be defecation, the start and end points of the characterization sequence are used as the time points to trigger the smart toilet flushing, and then the following are included: If it is judged as defecation, when the fluctuation characterization value remains unchanged, the smart toilet flushing is triggered.

8. An intelligent toilet flushing system based on infrared detection, characterized in that: Based on the method described in any one of claims 1 to 7; the system comprises: The sensor module is configured to: actively emit infrared rays to the water surface, detect the change of the reflected infrared signal when the water seal plane fluctuates, and obtain the fluctuation characterization value; monitor the start and end time points of toileting based on the characterization value, and trigger the automatic control function of the smart toilet according to the time point; The smart module is configured to trigger the smart toilet flushing based on the start and end time points obtained from the sensor module.

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