Radar device and toilet comprising the same

Abstract

The invention relates to a radar device and a toilet comprising the same. A radar device arranged to be included in a toilet is provided. A radar device includes a housing configured to attenuate radar waves originating within and / or outside of the housing and impinging thereon. The housing includes an opening formed to be covered by a tank of the toilet in a mounted position of the radar apparatus. In addition, the radar device includes a radar sensor disposed in the housing. A field of view of the radar sensor extends through the opening.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to radar for a toilet. In particular, examples of the present disclosure relate to a radar device arranged to be included in a toilet, and a toilet comprising such a radar device. BACKGROUND

[0002] Radar is used in toilets to provide various smart toilet functions. Conventional toilet tank structures are complex and interfere with radar signals. For example, the multiple layers of the tank structure can distort the radar signals. Furthermore, the distortion can depend on whether the toilet lid is open or closed. Furthermore, metalized components with reflective metal structures, such as a water pump, mechanical parts or electric motor of the toilet, can interfere with the radar signals.

[0003] Hence, there can be a need for improved radar for a toilet. SUMMARY

[0004] This need is met by the subject-matter of the independent claims. The dependent claims relate to advantageous embodiments.

[0005] According to a first aspect, the disclosure provides a radar device arranged to be included in a toilet. The radar device comprises a housing configured to attenuate radar waves originating from inside and / or outside the housing and impinging thereon. The housing comprises an opening formed to be covered by a tank of the toilet in a mounting position of the radar device. Furthermore, the radar device comprises a radar sensor arranged in the housing. A field of view (FoV) of the radar sensor extends through the opening of the housing.

[0006] According to a second aspect, the disclosure provides a toilet comprising the radar device according to the first aspect. The toilet further comprises a processing circuitry configured to control one or more functions of the toilet based on radar data output by the radar sensor of the radar device. Furthermore, the toilet comprises a tank. The opening of the radar device housing is covered by the tank of the toilet. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0007] Some examples of apparatuses and / or methods will hereinafter be described by way of example only, and with reference to the drawings, in which

[0008] Figure 1 Fig. 1 illustrates a first example of a radar device;

[0009] Figure 2 Fig. 2 illustrates a second example of a radar device;

[0010] Figure 3 Fig. 3 illustrates a third example of a radar device; and

[0011] Figure 4 Fig. 4 illustrates an example of a toilet. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0012] Some examples are now described in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Other potential examples, however, are not limited to the features described in detail with reference to these embodiments. Other examples can include modifications and equivalents of the features and combinations of the features. Additionally, terminology used herein for describing certain examples should not be limiting with respect to other potential examples.

[0013] Throughout the description of the figures, same or similar reference numbers refer to same or similar elements and / or features, which can be identical or implemented in modified forms, while providing the same or similar functions. The thicknesses of lines, layers, and / or regions in the figures can be exaggerated for clarity.

[0014] When using the “or” combination of two elements A and B, this should be understood as disclosing all possible combinations, i.e. only A, only B, as well as A and B, unless otherwise explicitly limited in the individual case. As an alternative wording of the same combination, “at least one of A and B” or “at least one of A and / or B” can be used. This applies equally to combinations of more than two elements.

[0015] If the singular “a”, “an” and “the” are used, and only a single element is used in the claims, this does not exclude several elements from being used to implement the same function, unless explicitly or implicitly limited to a single element. If the function of a plurality of elements is described, other examples can use a single element or a single processing entity to implement the same function. It will also be understood that the terms “include”, “including”, “comprise” and / or “comprising” when used, describe the presence of the specified features, integers, steps, operations, processes, elements, components and / or groups thereof, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, processes, elements, components and / or groups thereof.

[0016] Figure 1 A radar device 100 is illustrated, which is arranged to be comprised in a toilet bowl. In other words, the radar device 100 is designated as a part of the toilet bowl.

[0017] The radar device 100 comprises a housing (box, enclosure) 110, which is configured to attenuate radar waves originating from inside and / or outside the housing 110 and impinging thereon. In other words, the housing 110 is designed or adapted to reduce the concentration or intensity of radar waves in contact with the housing 110, which are generated or emitted by one or more sources inside the housing 110, outside the housing 110, or both. Attenuation here refers to a reduction or dampening of the radar waves.

[0018] The housing 110 can be a separate housing designated to be installed in the toilet, as Figure 1 illustrated. However, alternatively and as further described, the housing 110 can be configured as an integral part of the toilet.

[0019] The housing 110 includes an outer wall 115 and an opening (gap, hole, window) 111. The outer wall 115 defines an interior space (volume, enclosure) of the housing 110 therebetween. The opening 111 is formed to be covered by a tank (e.g., an outer tank) of the toilet in the installation position of the radar device 110. In other words, the opening is designed or shaped in such a way as to allow it to be covered or hidden by the tank of the toilet when the radar device 100 is installed onto the toilet. For example, the opening 111 can be formed in a top face of the housing 110 in the installation position of the radar device 100. The outer tank of the toilet refers to an outer covering or shell that surrounds the inner components of the toilet. When the toilet is viewed from the outside, it can correspond to the visible part of the toilet. The outer tank of the toilet is not covered by any other material of the toilet. The installation position of the radar device 100 is a specific position and orientation in which the radar device 100 is installed onto the toilet.

[0020] In the example of Figure 1 , the housing 110 is shaped as a cuboid, and the opening 111 is formed as a rectangular cutout in one face of the cuboid, such that in the installation position of the radar device 100, the opening 111 is formed in the top face of the cuboid. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The housing 110 can assume any shape. For example, the housing 110 can be shaped as any other type of polyhedron or as a semi-sphere. The opening 111 can be formed in one or more surfaces of the polyhedron. In some examples, the housing 110 can assume one or more curved (bent) faces instead of the flat faces shown in Figure 1 . Alternatively or additionally, the housing 110 can assume one or more irregular faces. According to examples, the housing can include only non-planar faces. Similarly to the housing 110, the opening 111 can assume any shape (such as rectangular, elliptical, irregular, etc.). Furthermore, regardless of whether the faces are planar or not, the opening 111 can extend over only a portion of these faces. For example, Figure 1 , the opening 111 in the configuration of

[0021] The radar device 100 comprises a radar sensor 120. The radar sensor 120 can use any type of radar operating principle. For example, the radar sensor 120 can use pulsed radar, continuous wave (CW) radar, such as frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radar or Doppler radar. According to an example, the radar sensor 120 can be an FMCW radar sensor. The operating frequency of the radar sensor 120 can be, for example, at least 300 MHz and at most 300 GHz. In other words, the carrier frequency of the radar signals emitted by the radar sensor 120 can be at least 300 MHz and at most 300 GHz. For example, the operating frequency can be 24 GHz, 60 GHz or 77 GHz. The radar sensor 120 comprises a transmission circuitry configured to generate one or more transmitted radar signals for transmission to the environment. Additionally, the radar sensor 120 comprises a reception circuitry configured to process one or more received reflections of the one or more transmitted transmitted radar signals. The radar sensor 120 comprises one or more antennas for transmitting the transmitted radar signals and receiving the one or more reflections. The antennas can be co-located at the same physical location or separated from each other at different locations. In other words, the radar sensor 120 can be a monostatic radar sensor or a bistatic radar sensor. In an alternative example, at least a portion of the antennas, e.g. all antennas, can be external to the radar sensor 120, i.e. not part of the radar sensor 120. For example, the external antennas can be one or more metal structures formed on or extending from a printed circuit board (PCB) separate from the radar sensor 120. The radar sensor 120 can be a semiconductor device.

[0022] The radar sensor 120 is arranged (inside) in the housing 110. The radar sensor 120 is arranged in the housing 110 such that the FoV of the radar sensor 120 extends through the opening 111. The FoV of the radar sensor 120 identifies a spatial region or angular range in which the radar sensor 120 can detect objects or phenomena. In other words, the FoV of the radar sensor 120 describes a region in space that the radar sensor 120 can “see” or sense. The FoV of the radar sensor 120 can be, for example, a three-dimensional volume or a two-dimensional area. The FoV of the radar sensor 120 can be, for example, a cone or a cylinder. Figure 1 In an example, the radar sensor 120 is arranged on an inclined platform or mounting space 112 of the housing such that the FoV of the radar sensor 120 extends through the opening 111. The mounting space 112 is, for example, part of or fixed to one of the outer walls 115 of the housing 110. However, it should be noted that the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Depending on the geometry of the housing 110 and / or the mounting position of the radar device 100, the arrangement and configuration of the mounting space for the radar sensor 120 within the housing 110 can vary.

[0023] The opening 111 is formed to be covered by the (e.g., outer) tank of the toilet in the installation position of the radar device 110. In case of a tank in the outer tank of the toilet, the FoV of the radar sensor 120 extends through the opening 111 such that only the outer tank of the toilet interferes with the radar signals transmitted / received by the radar sensor 120. This can allow to minimize the interference of the radar signals transmitted / received by the radar sensor 120 with other components of the toilet compared to conventional setups. In particular, interference of the radar signals transmitted / received by the radar sensor 120 with metalized components having reflective metal structures, such as a water pump, mechanical parts or electric motor of the toilet, can be avoided. Moreover, since the housing 110 is configured to attenuate radar waves impinging thereon and originating inside and / or outside the housing 110, it can be avoided to transmit / receive radar signals to / from undesired (non-targeted) spatial regions or zones in space. In other words, the radar sensor 120 only “sees” or senses the space outside the housing 110 through the opening 111.

[0024] In examples where the housing 110 is a standalone housing, the radar device 100 can further comprise a mounting structure (element, mechanism) 130 for mounting the housing 110 to a receiving structure of the toilet. The mounting structure 130 is a structure, element or mechanism suitable for attaching or fixing the housing 110 to another structure, such as a receiving structure of the toilet. The receiving structure is a portion of the toilet and a corresponding portion of the mounting structure 130. In other words, the receiving structure designates a portion of the toilet to which the radar device 100 is mountable via the mounting structure 130. In examples where the housing 110 is a standalone housing, the radar device 100 can further comprise a mounting structure (element, mechanism) 130 for mounting the housing 110 to a receiving structure of the toilet. The mounting structure 130 is a structure, element or mechanism suitable for attaching or fixing the housing 110 to another structure, such as a receiving structure of the toilet. The receiving structure is a portion of the toilet and a corresponding portion of the mounting structure 130. In other words, the receiving structure designates a portion of the toilet to which the radar device 100 is mountable via the mounting structure 130. In Figure 1 In the example shown, the mounting structure 130 comprises two attachment elements (structures) 131, 132 protruding outwardly from the outer wall 115 of the housing 110. Each attachment element 131, 132 exhibits a respective recess allowing the radar device 100 to be fastened to a corresponding receiving structure of the toilet (e.g., by screwing). However, the present disclosure is not limited to the type of mounting structure 130 shown. In alternative examples, different types of mounting structures can be used instead. For example, one or more clips, one or more hooks or one or more clamps can be used instead of the mounting structure 130. Figure 1 In the example shown, the mounting structure 130 comprises two attachment elements (structures) 131, 132 protruding outwardly from the outer wall 115 of the housing 110. Each attachment element 131, 132 exhibits a respective recess allowing the radar device 100 to be fastened to a corresponding receiving structure of the toilet (e.g., by screwing). However, the present disclosure is not limited to the type of mounting structure 130 shown. In alternative examples, different types of mounting structures can be used instead. For example, one or more clips, one or more hooks or one or more clamps can be used instead of the mounting structure 130.

[0025] The mounting structures described in the foregoing allow to detachably mount the radar device 100 to a receiving structure of the toilet. However, as previously indicated, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In other examples, the mounting structure 130 can be arranged to permanently mount the radar device 100 to a receiving structure of the toilet.

[0026] The radar device 100, in particular the housing 110, can be a separate device mounted to the toilet via the mounting structure 130. In other examples, the radar device 100, in particular the housing 110, can be an integral part of the outer tank of the toilet or an internal structure of the toilet facing the outer tank. According to examples, the housing can be integrally formed with a corresponding receiving structure of the toilet in a molding process. In other examples, the housing 110 can be glued or welded (e.g., by way of plastic welding) to a corresponding structure of the toilet. In case the housing is part of the outer tank, the opening 111 can be a closable (sealable) opening in the toilet housing.

[0027] According to examples, the distance between the radar sensor 120 and the opening 111 can be equal to the wavelength (i.e., one wavelength) of the radar waves emitted by the radar sensor 120. In case the housing is filled with a gas, such as air, it refers to the wavelength of the radar waves emitted by the radar sensor 120 in the gas. If the housing 110 is filled with a material, such as a fireproof or waterproof material (e.g., an epoxy material), it refers to the wavelength of the radar waves emitted by the radar sensor 120 in the respective material. The distance between the opening 111 and one of the center of the radar sensor 120, the position of the emission antenna of the radar sensor 120, or a weighted position of the positions of the multiple emission antennas of the radar sensor 120 can be measured, for example, along a normal direction of the radar sensor 120 (i.e., a direction perpendicular to the surface of the radar sensor 120). When the radar device 100 is mounted to the toilet, the radar sensor 120 is spaced apart from the opening 111 by one wavelength of the radar waves it emits, which allows to minimize distortion of the radar signals emitted by the outer tank of the toilet.

[0028] To attenuate the radar waves, the housing 110 can comprise a radiation absorbing material (RAM). A RAM is a material designed to absorb electromagnetic radiation. In particular, the RAM is configured to absorb the radar waves emitted by the radar sensor 120 and radar interferences generated by components in the toilet outside the housing 110. For example, the RAM can exhibit an insertion loss of at least 10 dB, 25 dB, or 50 dB per cm material thickness for the radar waves emitted by the radar sensor 120. The RAM can be, for example, or comprise, a polypropylene with RF-absorbing ingredients, such as RF-absorbing silicon, or a neoprene plastic mixed with RF-absorbing ingredients. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above examples. Other materials can be used alternatively or additionally.

[0029] According to examples, the RAM can be, for example, at least partially linearly arranged on an interior surface (e.g. outer wall 115) of the housing 110. In other words, the material of the housing 110 can comprise a non-RAM wall material, wherein its interior surface is at least partially covered or coated by RAM. The RAM can, but need not, cover the entire interior surface of the non-RAM wall material. For example, the non-RAM wall material can be plastic.

[0030] In alternative examples, the RAM can be integral with the wall material of the housing 110. In other words, the RAM can be an inherent part of the wall material of the housing 110. That is, the walls of the housing 110 can comprise RAM. Forming the walls of the housing 110 from RAM can allow for a reduction in manufacturing costs of the radar device 100. In these examples, the (wall) thickness of the wall material can be n + ¼ of the wavelength of the radar waves in the wall material (i.e. the material-internal wavelength of the radar waves measured in the material), where n is an integer equal to or greater than zero. This allows for improved attenuation of the radar waves by the housing 110.

[0031] In Figure 1 examples, the interior surface of the housing 110 is planar, i.e. not structured. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In other examples, the housing 110 can comprise protruding structures formed on the interior surface of the housing 110 and protruding from said interior surface into the housing 110. The protruding structures are configured to cause the radar waves to undergo multiple reflections for attenuating the radar waves. In Figure 2 and Figure 3 two exemplary configurations of protruding structures are shown.

[0032] Figure 2 Another radar device 200 is shown. The radar device 200 differs from the radar device 100 in that protruding structures 113 exhibiting a pyramidal configuration are formed on the interior surface of the housing 110 such that they protrude from said interior surface into the housing 110. More specifically, the protruding structures 113 are present on the side walls 116 as well as the floor 117 of the housing 110. In Figure 2 examples, the respective base of the pyramidal protrusions is square. However, it should be noted that the present disclosure is not limited thereto. In general, the base can be any polygon. In alternative examples, a truncated pyramid configuration can be used instead of the pyramid configuration shown in Figure 2

[0033] Figure 3 A radar device 300 is shown, which differs from the radar devices 100 and 200 in that protruding structures 114 exhibiting a wedge-shaped configuration are formed on the interior surface of the housing 110 such that they protrude from said interior surface into the housing 110. In alternative examples, a wedge-shaped array configuration can be used instead of the pyramid configuration shown in Figure 3 ​The wedge-shaped configuration illustrated in the middle (i.e., the protruding structure can comprise two or more respective arrays of wedges instead of a single wedge).

[0034] As will be apparent from the foregoing examples, a variety of configurations can be used for the protruding structure. For example, a conical configuration can be used instead of Figure 2 and Figure 3 the configuration illustrated in the right (i.e., the protruding structure can be conical instead of pyramidal or wedge-shaped). However, the present disclosure is not limited to the foregoing examples. Other suitable configurations for the protruding structure can alternatively or additionally be used.

[0035] The protruding structure can at least partially be made of RAM.

[0036] Figure 4 An exemplary toilet 400 comprising a radar device 410 according to the proposed technology is schematically illustrated. The radar device 410 can be one of the radar devices 100, 200 and 300 described above, for example. As described above, the toilet 400 can comprise a receiving structure 420 via which the mounting structure of the radar device 410 is mounted to the receiving structure 420. Since the mounting structure of the radar device 410 and the receiving structure 420 can be diverse (see above), the receiving structure 420 is schematically indicated in Figure 4 . In alternative examples, the housing of the radar device 410 can be an integral part of the toilet 400 (see above). The receiving structure 420 can be omitted in these examples.

[0037] The opening 411 of the radar device 410 is only covered by the cabinet 430 of the toilet 400. As Figure 4 indicated, the cabinet 430 can be an outer cabinet of the toilet 400. The FoV 413 of the radar sensor 412 of the radar device 410 extends through the opening 411. Accordingly, only the (e.g., outer) cabinet 430 of the toilet 400 interferes with the radar waves emitted / received by the radar sensor 412. As described above, this can allow to minimize the interference of the radar signals emitted / received by the radar sensor 412 with other components of the toilet 400 compared to conventional toilet setups.

[0038] As Figure 4 indicated, the FoV 413 of the radar sensor 412 can cover the space in front of the toilet 400 such that a person or a movement in the area in front of the toilet can be sensed (detected).

[0039] The toilet 400 further comprises a processing circuitry 440 coupled (electrically) to the radar sensor 412. The processing circuitry 410 can be, for example, a single dedicated processor, a single shared processor, or multiple individual processors (some or all of which can be shared), digital signal processor (DSP) hardware, application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), system-on-a-chip (SoC), neuromorphic processor, or field-programmable gate array (FPGA), for example. The processing circuitry 440 can optionally be coupled to a memory (such as read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), and / or non-volatile memory) for storing software, for example. The toilet 400 can comprise a memory configured to store instructions which, when executed by the processing circuitry 440, cause the processing circuitry 440 to perform the steps and methods described herein, for example. The processing circuitry 440 can be arranged outside (i.e. separate from) the radar device 410, as Figure 4 indicated. In other examples, the processing circuitry 440 can be arranged within (inside) the housing of the radar device 410.

[0040] The processing circuitry 440 is configured to control one or more functions of the toilet 400 based on radar data output by the radar sensor 412 of the radar device 410. For example, the one or more functions of the toilet 400 can comprise one or more of opening and closing the toilet lid 450 of the toilet 400 and opening and closing the toilet seat 460 of the toilet 400. For example, if the processing circuitry 440 determines, based on radar data output by the radar sensor 412, that a person is approaching the toilet 400, at least one of the toilet lid 450 and the toilet seat 460 can be controlled to open. Similarly, if the processing circuitry 440 determines, based on radar data output by the radar sensor 412, that a person who previously used the toilet 400 is leaving the toilet, at least one of the toilet lid 450 and the toilet seat 460 can be controlled to close. Similarly, the one or more functions of the toilet 400 can comprise switching on and off a heater of the toilet seat 460. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the above examples. Other functions of the toilet 400 can alternatively or additionally be controlled by the processing circuitry 440 based on radar data output by the radar sensor 412 of the radar device 410.

[0041] According to examples of the present disclosure, a portion of the (outer) housing 430 can be detachable from the toilet 400 for accessing the radar device 410. Thus, the radar sensor 412, the housing of the radar device 410, or other elements can be maintained or replaced.

[0042] As mentioned above, the radar device 410 can be detachably mounted to the containment structure of the toilet 400. Thus, the radar device 410 can be removed from the toilet for maintenance or replacement, for example.

[0043] Toilet 400 may include various other components, such as toilet bowl 470, water tank, flushing mechanism, etc.

[0044] exist Figure 4 In this example, the radar device 410 is positioned between the rear end 472 of the toilet bowl 470 and the rear end 402 of the toilet 400. The rear end 402 of the toilet 400 is opposite to the front end 401 of the toilet 400. The front end 401 of the toilet 400 refers to the portion facing the user when standing in front of the toilet 400. The rear end 402 of the toilet 400 is typically positioned against a wall. The rear end 472 of the toilet bowl 470 refers to the portion of the bowl 470 that connects to the toilet tank and plumbing. However, it should be noted that this disclosure is not limited thereto. Typically, the radar device 410 can be positioned anywhere within the toilet 400, provided that the opening 411 of the radar device 410 is covered only by the (outer) housing 430 of the toilet 400. For example, the radar device 410 can be integrated into the toilet 470 at the front end 471 of the toilet bowl 470 (i.e., the portion facing the user when standing in front of the toilet 400).

[0045] According to this technology, the radar sensor essentially senses the toilet's environment solely through an opening (window) formed in the housing of the radar device. The toilet's outer casing can be reused as a sealing surface to enclose the radar device.

[0046] The examples described in this article can be summarized as follows:

[0047] An example (e.g., Example 1) relates to a radar device arranged to be included in a toilet. The radar device includes a housing configured to attenuate radar waves originating inside and / or outside the housing and impacting thereon. The housing includes an opening formed to be covered by the toilet bowl in the mounting location of the radar device. Furthermore, the radar device includes a radar sensor arranged within the housing. The FoV of the radar sensor extends through the opening.

[0048] Another example (e.g., Example 2) relates to a previous example (e.g., Example 1) or any other example, where the distance between the radar sensor and the opening is equal to the wavelength of the radar wave emitted by the radar sensor.

[0049] Another example (e.g., Example 3) relates to a previous example (e.g., one of Example 1 or 2) or any other example, wherein the housing includes a radiation-absorbing material for attenuating radar waves, the radiation-absorbing material being configured to absorb radar waves emitted by a radar sensor.

[0050] Another example (e.g., Example 4) relates to a previous example (e.g., Example 3) or any other example, wherein the radiation-absorbing material is arranged in a linear pattern on the inner surface of the housing, at least partially.

[0051] Another example (e.g., Example 5) relates to the previous example (e.g., Example 3) or any other example, wherein the radiation-absorbing material is integral with a wall material of the housing, wherein a thickness of the wall material is n + ¼ of a wavelength of the radar waves in the wall material, wherein n is an integer equal to or greater than zero.

[0052] Another example (e.g., Example 6) relates to the previous example (e.g., one of Examples 1 to 5) or any other example, wherein the housing comprises a protruding structure formed on an interior surface of the housing and protruding into the housing from said interior surface, the protruding structure being configured to cause the radar waves to experience multiple reflections to attenuate the radar waves.

[0053] Another example (e.g., Example 7) relates to the previous example (e.g., Example 6) or any other example, wherein the protruding structure exhibits a tapered configuration, a wedge-shaped configuration, a conical configuration, a truncated conical configuration, or a wedge-shaped array configuration.

[0054] Another example (e.g., Example 8) relates to the previous example (e.g., one of Examples 1 to 7) or any other example, wherein the opening is formed in a top face of the housing in a mounting location of the radar device.

[0055] An example (e.g., Example 9) relates to a toilet comprising a radar device according to the previous example (e.g., one of Examples 1 to 8) or any other example. The toilet further comprises a processing circuitry configured to control one or more functions of the toilet based on radar data output by a radar sensor of the radar device. Furthermore, the toilet comprises a tank. The opening of the radar device is covered by the tank of the toilet.

[0056] Another example (e.g., Example 10) relates to the previous example (e.g., Example 9) or any other example, wherein the tank is an outer tank of the toilet, and wherein the opening of the radar device is covered only by the outer tank of the toilet.

[0057] Another example (e.g., Example 11) relates to the previous example (e.g., one of Examples 9 or 10) or any other example, wherein the FoV of the radar sensor covers a space in front of the toilet.

[0058] Another example (e.g., Example 12) relates to the previous example (e.g., one of Examples 9 to 11) or any other example, wherein a part of the tank can be detached from the toilet for accessing the radar device.

[0059] Another example (e.g., Example 13) relates to the previous example (e.g., one of Examples 9 to 12) or any other example, wherein the one or more functions of the toilet comprise one or more of opening and closing a toilet lid of the toilet and opening and closing a toilet seat of the toilet.

[0060] Another example, e.g., example 14, relates to the previous example, e.g., one of examples 9 to 13, or any other example, wherein the radar device is detachably mounted to the receiving structure.

[0061] Another example, e.g., example 15, relates to the previous example, e.g., one of examples 9 to 14, or any other example, wherein the radar device is arranged between a rear end of the toilet bowl of the toilet and a rear end of the toilet.

[0062] Aspects and features described with respect to a particular one of the previous examples can also be combined with one or more of the other examples to replace the same or similar features of the other examples or to introduce features into the other examples in addition.

[0063] It should also be understood that the disclosure of several steps, processes, operations, or functions disclosed in the specification or claims should not be construed to be in a specific order unless explicitly stated or necessary for technical reasons. Therefore, the preceding description does not limit the execution of several steps or functions to a certain order. Moreover, in other examples, a single step, function, process, or operation can include and / or be broken up into several sub-steps, sub-functions, sub-processes, or sub-operations.

[0064] If some aspects have been described with respect to a device or system, these aspects should also be understood as a description of a corresponding method. For example, a block, device or functional aspect of a device or system can correspond to a feature of a corresponding method, such as a method step. Therefore, aspects described with respect to a method should also be understood as a description of corresponding blocks, corresponding elements, properties or functional features of a corresponding device or of a corresponding system.

[0065] The following claims are hereby incorporated into the detailed description, wherein each claim can stand on its own as a separate example. It should also be noted that while in the claims the dependent claim refers back to a specific combination with one or more other claims, other examples can also include a combination of the dependent claim with the subject matter of any other dependent claim or independent claim. Such combinations are explicitly made herein, unless in an individual case it is pointed out that a specific combination is not intended. Furthermore, features of a claim should also be included in any other independent claim, even if the claim is not directly defined as dependent on the other independent claim.

Claims

1. A radar device (100, 200, 300) arranged to be included in a toilet bowl, the radar device (100, 200, 300) comprising: a housing (110) configured to attenuate radar waves originating inside and / or outside the housing (110) and impinging on the housing (110), wherein the housing (110) comprises an opening (111) formed to be covered by a tank of the toilet bowl in a mounting position of the radar device (100, 200, 300); and a radar sensor (120) arranged in the housing (110), wherein a field of view, FoV, of the radar sensor (120) extends through the opening (111).

2. The radar device (100, 200, 300) according to claim 1, wherein a distance between the radar sensor (120) and the opening (111) is equal to a wavelength of radar waves emitted by the radar sensor (120).

3. The radar device (100, 200, 300) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the housing (110) comprises a radiation absorbing material for attenuating radar waves, the radiation absorbing material being configured to absorb radar waves emitted by the radar sensor (120).

4. The radar device (100, 200, 300) according to claim 3, wherein the radiation absorbing material is at least partially arranged in a line on an inner surface of the housing (110).

5. The radar device (100, 200, 300) according to claim 3, wherein the radiation absorbing material is integral with a wall material of the housing (110), wherein a thickness of the wall material is n+1 / 4 of a wavelength of the radar waves in the wall material, wherein n is an integer equal to or greater than zero.

6. The radar device (200, 300) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the housing (110) comprises a protruding structure (113, 114) formed on an inner surface of the housing (110) and protruding from the inner surface into the housing (110), the protruding structure (113, 114) being configured to cause the radar waves to undergo multiple reflections for attenuating the radar waves.

7. The radar device (200, 300) according to claim 6, wherein the protruding structure (113, 114) assumes a pyramidal configuration, a wedge configuration, a conical configuration, a pyramidal frustum configuration, or a wedge array configuration.

8. The radar device (100, 200, 300) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the opening (111) is formed in a top face of the housing (110) in the mounting position of the radar device (100, 200, 300).

9. A toilet bowl (400) comprising: a radar device (410) according to any one of claims 1 to 8; ​ processing circuitry (440) configured to control one or more functions of the toilet (400) based on radar data output by the radar sensor (412) of the radar device (410); and a housing (430), wherein the opening (411) of the radar device (410) is covered by the housing (430) of the toilet (400).

10. The toilet (400) of claim 9, wherein the housing (430) is an outer housing of the toilet (400), and wherein the opening (411) of the radar device (410) is covered only by the outer housing (430) of the toilet (400).

11. The toilet (400) of claim 9 or claim 10, wherein the FoV of the radar sensor covers a space in front of the toilet (400).

12. The toilet (400) of any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein a portion of the housing (430) is detachable from the toilet (400) for accessing the radar device (410).

13. The toilet (400) of any one of claims 9 to 12, wherein the one or more functions of the toilet (400) comprise one or more of opening and closing a toilet lid (450) of the toilet (400) and opening and closing a toilet seat (460) of the toilet (400).

14. The toilet (400) of any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the radar device (410) is detachably mounted to the receiving structure (420).

15. The toilet (400) of any one of claims 9 to 14, wherein the radar device (410) is arranged between a back end of a toilet bowl (470) of the toilet (400) and a back end of the toilet (400).

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