A public facility location and operational control system

Abstract

The described system is a comprehensive public facility management solution designed primarily for restroom facilities but with broader applicability to various public facilities. It comprises a central enclosure controller equipped with processors and memory that manage a wide array of facility subsystems, from door locks to cameras, lighting, and occupancy sensors. Users interact with the system through their electronic devices, typically mobile devices with dedicated applications, offering a user-friendly interface that includes map views, reservation capabilities, and control over facility subsystems. The system enables dynamic management of facility availability, allowing users to reserve facilities and automatically controlling subsystems based on user proximity and scheduling. It ensures user safety by providing real-time camera feeds, sensor data, and emergency buttons. Overall, the system streamlines public facility access and management, prioritising user convenience and safety.

Description

A public facility location and operational control systemField of the Invention

[0001] This invention relates to a public facility location and operational control system.Background of the Invention

[0002] Public facilities like restrooms serve as essential amenities for individuals when they are away from their homes. Conventionally, these facilities are operated with little technological assistance and rely on manual management. Users access these facilities freely, and operational aspects such as cleaning, maintenance, and security are typically handled by facility staff. Availability and cleanliness are often challenges, and users have limited control over the facility's condition. The conventional operation may lack real-time information, making it challenging to cater to user needs effectively.

[0003] A need therefore arises from the increasing demand for improved management and accessibility of public facilities, with a particular focus on restrooms , which seeks to enhance user experience and safety while leveraging modern technology for a more convenient and efficient public facility management solution.Summary of the Disclosure

[0004] There is provided herein a public facility management system with a focus on restroom facilities but designed for broader public facility use. The system is cantered around an enclosure that includes a controller equipped with a processor and memory for storing computer program instructions. These instructions are organised into various controllers that manage different aspects of the facility.

[0005] The system's controller may interface with long-range data networks, like the Internet, and short-range wireless interfaces, such as Bluetooth, to facilitate communication with users and external systems. The facility's electronic subsystems, including location sensors, door locks, cameras, lighting, and occupancy sensors, are controlled through an Input / Output (I / O) interface.

[0006] Additionally, the system includes user electronic devices allowing them to execute control instructions and interface with the facility.

[0007] These electronic devices may display user interfaces including map interface and a control interfaces. A server handles data transmission and reception between multiple enclosures and electronic devices.

[0008] The system allows for several key functionalities, such as determining the availability of facilities based on factors like door lock status and occupancy. Users can reserve facilities through the system, with reservations scheduled to start at a specific time, taking into account the user's estimated arrival time. The system can also determine the location of the facility and the electronic device, automatically controlling facility subsystems when the user is nearby.

[0009] The control interface on electronic devices allows users to manage facility subsystems, view camera feeds and sensor signals, and even includes an emergency button for triggering emergency alerts. The system may also display only nearby facilities on the map and restrict control of facility subsystems when the user is no longer nearby.

[0010] For communication within close proximity, the system may employ short-range wireless interfaces.

[0011] The system's goal is to efficiently manage public facilities, making them accessible, safe, and convenient for users, with a particular focus on restroom facilities but with applicability to various types of public facilities.

[0012] Other aspects of the invention are also disclosed.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the present invention, preferred embodiments of the disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0014] Figure 1 shows a public facility location and operational control system in accordance with an embodiment;

[0015] Figure 2 shows an exemplary map interface displayed by electronic device of the system;

[0016] Figure 3 shows an exemplary control interface displayed by electronic device of the system; and

[0017] Figure 4 illustrates exemplary processing of the system.Description of Embodiments

[0018] Figure 1 shows a public facility location and operational control system 100. In accordance with a preferred embodiment described herein, the public facility is a restroom, but it should be appreciated that the present system 100 may be applicable for other types of facilities accessible by the public.

[0019] The system comprises an enclosure 101 comprising a controller 102. The enclosure typically takes the form of a small structure or housing with a door which may include restroom apparatus therein, such as toilets, hand washbasins, hand drying stations and the like.

[0020] The controller 102 comprises a processor 103 in operable communication with a memory device 104 via a system bus. The memory device 104 is configured for storing digital data 105 including computer program code instructions. In use, the processor 103 fetches these computer program code instructions and associated data implementation of the computational and control functionality described herein.

[0021] These computer program code instructions may be logically divided into a plurality of computer program code instruction controllers 106.

[0022] The enclosure controllers 106 may operably interface a long-range data interface 107 for sending and receiving data across a wide area network, such as the Internet. Where possible, the long-range data interface 107 may be a GSM data network. However, where the enclosure 101 is located more remote locations, satellite communication may be employed.

[0023] The enclosure controllers 106 may further operably control a short-range wireless interface 108. In embodiments, the short-range wireless interface 108 may be a Bluetooth wireless interface. As will be described in further detail below, the short-range wireless interface 108 may be configured for establishing communication with electronic devices 1 17 of users of the enclosure 101 when in proximity.

[0024] The controllers 106 may further interface an I / O interface 109 for controlling various electronic subsystems of the enclosure 101.

[0025] Specifically, the I / O interface 109 may interface a location sensor 1 10, such as a GPS receiver which is configured to determine a location of the enclosure 101. Such location sensor 101 has particular applicability for wherein the enclosure 101 is a portable enclosure which may be installed at an unspecified location.

[0026] The I / O interface 109 may further operably control an electronic door lock 1 10 to control access via the door of the enclosure 101 . The I / O interface 109 may further interface at least one exterior camera 1 12 to obtain image and / or video data therefrom. The I / O interface 109 may further operably control interior and / or exterior lighting 1 13 of the enclosure 101.

[0027] The I / O interface 109 may further operably interface at least one sensor 1 14. In one embodiment, the at least one sensor 1 14 is an occupancy sensor configured to determine occupancy within the enclosure 101 . In accordance with this embodiment, the occupancy sensor 1 14 may comprise an interior motion sensor, such as a passive infrared motion sensor.

[0028] In further embodiments, the at least one sensor 1 14 may be an exterior sensor. More specifically, the at least one sensor 1 14 may be an exterior motion sensor 1 14 configured to detect movement outside the enclosure 101 . Similarly, the exterior sensor 1 14 may comprise a passive infrared motion sensor.

[0029] As will be described in further detail below, the I / O interface 109 allows for remote-control of these various electronic subsystems remotely and automatically by the system 100 or by a user using an associated electronic device 1 17.

[0030] The enclosure 101 may comprise a power controller 1 15 and battery backup 1 16 to power the controller 102 and electronic subsystems. Solar panels may recharge the battery backup 1 16.

[0031] The system 100 further comprises at least one user electronic device 1 17. The electronic device 1 17 may similarly comprise the aforedescribed processor 103 and memory 104 and be configured to execute computer program code instruction controllers 106.

[0032] In embodiments, the electronic device 1 17 takes the form of a mobile communication device having a software application downloaded and installed thereon, the software application comprising the electronic device controllers 106.

[0033] The electronic device 1 17 comprises a digital display 1 18 for the display of digital information thereon. A haptic overlay may interface the digital display 1 18 to receive user input gestures in relation to digital information displayed thereon.

[0034] The electronic device controllers 106 may control the digital display 1 18 to display a user interface 1 19 thereon. The user interface 1 19 may comprise a map interface 120 or a control interface 121.

[0035] The server 122 may operably interface a plurality of enclosures 101 and a plurality of electronic devices 1 17, being responsible for sending and receiving data between these enclosures 101 and devices 1 17, storing data and the like.

[0036] Figure 2 shows the map interface 120 in further detail. The map interface 120 may display the user location 123 and the relative locations of a plurality of enclosures 101. The map interface 120 may further display an active route 124 according to active route guidance implemented by the electronic device controllers 106.

[0037] Figure 3 shows the control interface 125 in accordance with an embodiment. The control interface 125 may comprise a plurality of control switches 126 which, for example, may comprise a door control switch 127 and / or a lighting control switch 128.

[0038] The control interface 125 may further display a camera feed 129 obtained from the exterior cameras 1 12.

[0039] The control interface 125 may further display sensor signals 130, including movement signals 131 obtained from the aforedescribed exterior movement sensor 1 14.

[0040] The control interface 125 may further comprise an emergency button 132 configured to cause the system 100 to transmit an emergency signal via the long- range data interface 107 or, in embodiments, an emergency transponder.

[0041] Specific functionality of the system 100 will now be described with reference to the aforedescribed hardware and componentry.

[0042] In embodiments, the system 100 is configured to determine and availability status of the enclosure 101 and wherein the map interface 120 is configured to display enclosures 101 thereon according to the availability status. In embodiments, if an enclosure 101 is not available, it may be omitted from the map interface 120 by the system 100. Alternatively, the enclosure 101 may be shown in a different colour or with a different icon, for example.

[0043] In embodiments, the system 100 determines the availability status of the enclosure 101 according to the operational state of the electronic door lock 1 1 1 thereof. In other words, if the enclosure 101 is in use wherein the electronic door lock 1 1 1 is locked, the enclosure 101 would be displayed as not being available on the map interface 120.

[0044] In a further embodiment, the system 100 is configured to determine the availability status according to an interior occupancy sensor 1 14 detecting occupancy within the enclosure 101. In other words, where the sensor 1 14 comprises a passive infrared sensor 1 14, movement within the enclosure 101 would be detected thereby indicative of the occupancy status of the enclosure 101.

[0045] In embodiments, the system 100 is configured to schedule and associate occupancy of the enclosure 101 with an electronic device 1 17 responsive to signals received from the electronic device 1 17. For example, a user may ascertain an available enclosure 101 via the map interface 120 and then select the enclosure 1 14 to reserve the enclosure 101 . Responsively, the system 100 would reserve the enclosure 101 and associate the reserved enclosure 101 with the electronic device 1 17 for a scheduled duration, such as for a time period. In embodiments, the time period may commence after a delay such as wherein, for example, the user may only wish to use the enclosure 101 after a certain time taken to arrive at the enclosure 101. In this regard, the system 100 may reference the active route guidance implemented by the controllers 106 of the electronic device 1 17 to determine the commencement of the reserved time period. For example, the system 100 may determine that according to the current travel speed and active route determined by the active route guidance of the electronic device 1 17, the user may only arrive at theenclosure 101 in 45 minutes. As such, the reservations scheduling of the enclosure 101 by the system 100 would be for a time period of 10 minutes for example, commencing in 45 minutes. In the intervening time period, the enclosure 101 may be available to be used by other users.

[0046] In embodiments, the location of the enclosure 101 may be programmed into the system 100. However, as alluded to above, in embodiments, the enclosure controller 106 may operably interface the location sensor 1 10 to ascertain the location of the enclosure 101 . Such dynamic location ascertaining may be especially applicable for portable enclosures 101 which, for example, may comprise demountables, containers and or the like which are installed at unspecified locations, either permanently or temporarily. As such, in accordance with his embodiments, the enclosure controller 106 would obtain a location of the enclosure 101 using the location sensor 1 10 and transmit the location to the server 122. In this way, the server 122 may record the locations of various enclosures 101 for display on the map interface 120 accordingly.

[0047] In embodiments, the system 100 is configured to determine enclosures 101 according to a minimum route path distance from an active route implemented by active route guidance of the electronic device controllers 106. For example, for the active route 124 displayed on the map interface 120 of the system 100 may determine those enclosures 101 which are along the route. In embodiments, the map interface 120 may only specify these enclosures 101 or, in alternative embodiments, these enclosures 101 may be displayed differently to other enclosures 101. In embodiments, the user may set parameters configured for the display of these enclosures 101 , such as a maximum travel time from the active route. For example, these may specify that the user only wishes to view the enclosures 101 which are within a 10-minute detour of the active route 124.

[0048] In embodiments, the system 100 is configured to determine a location of the electronic device 1 17 and wherein the system 100 automatically controls the electronic subsystems of the enclosure 101 when determining that the location of the electronic device 1 17 is within a proximity radius of the enclosure. In this regard, theelectronic device 1 17 may comprise a GPS receiver configured to sense the location of the electronic device 1 17 and which is transmitted to the server 122 via the wide area network.

[0049] For example, when the electronic device 1 17 is determined to be within a 10m radius of the enclosure 101 , the system 100 may automatically unlock the electronic door lock 1 17 and turn on the lighting. Thereafter, when the system 100 determines that the electronic device 1 17 is no longer within 10m radius of the enclosure 101 , the system 100 may lock the electronic door lock 1 17 and turn off the lighting.

[0050] In further embodiments, the system 100 may automatically control the electronic subsystems according to sensor signals received by the sensor 1 14. For example, system 100 may automatically turn on interior lighting within the enclosure 101 when detecting occupancy using the interior occupancy sensor 1 14.

[0051] The control interface 121 may be usable by the user of the electronic device 1 17 to control the operation of the electronic subsystems of the enclosure 101. For example, the user may unlock the door using the aforedescribed or control switch 127 and turn on the lighting using the lighting switch 128.

[0052] In embodiments, the system 100 may be configured to inhibit operational control of the electronic subsystems of the enclosure 101 using the control interface 121 when detecting that allocation of the electronic device 1 17 is beyond a proximity radius of the enclosure 101.

[0053] In embodiments, the short-range wireless interface 108 of the enclosure 101 may establish communication with the electronic device 1 17 when the electronic device 101 is within proximity. Thereafter, control of the electronic subsystems of the enclosure 101 is via the short-range wireless interface 108. Local communication via the short-range interface 108 offers advantages in bandwidth and responsiveness as compared to control of the enclosure 101 via the long-range data interface 107. Also, local communication via the short-range interface 108 ensures that only a user in proximity of the enclosure 101 can control the electronic subsystems thereof.

[0054] Typically, the user would use their electronic device 1 17 to control the electronic subsystems when within the enclosure 101. As alluded to above, the user could control the operation of the door, the lighting and the like.

[0055] However, the user may also view the camera feed 129 obtained by the exterior camera 1 12 using the control interface 121 . As such, the user within the enclosure 101 may ascertain whether it is safe to open the door prior leaving the enclosure 101.

[0056] Similarly, the user may view the sensor signals 131 , including movement signals 131 to ascertain whether movement is detected outside the enclosure prior opening the door.

[0057] In the case of emergency, the user may operate the emergency button 132 which transmits an emergency signal, either via the long-range data interface 107 or via an emergency transponder. In embodiments, the enclosure 101 may comprise an alarm system such as comprising strobe light and / or sirens which are activated responsive to the operation of the emergency button 132.

[0058] Exemplary operation of the system 100 will now be described with reference to the exemplary method 133 given in Figure 4.

[0059] At step 134, the system 100 determines the location of the electronic device 1 17. As alluded to above, electronic device 134 may comprise a location sensor configured to determine the location of the electronic device 1 17 which is transmitted by the electronic device 1 17 to the server 122.

[0060] At step 135, the system 100 determine the location of the enclosures 101. In embodiments, the location of certain enclosures 101 may be programmed into the system 100. However, for portable enclosures 101 , the locations thereof may be ascertained using the location sensors 1 10 thereof which transmit respective locations to the server 122 for storage.

[0061] As such, at step 123, the electronic device 1 17 displays the map interface 120 on the digital display 1 18 thereof.

[0062] The interface 120 may display an active route 124 at step 137. The map interface 120 may display the user location and the relative location of the enclosures 101 at step 138.

[0063] At step 139, the system 100 may determine and display the availability status 139 of the enclosures 101 according to the aforedescribed methods including operation of the electronic door lock 1 1 1 , signals received from the occupancy sensor 1 14 and / or enclosure 101 reservations. As alluded to above, unavailable enclosures 101 may be omitted from the interface 120 or alternatively displayed differently, such as in a different colour or with a particular icon.

[0064] As also alluded to above, the map interface 120 may only display those enclosures 101 close to the current active route 124.

[0065] At step 140, the user may select one of the enclosures 101 in the interface 120 wherein the system 100 reserves the selected enclosure 101 and updates the availability status thereof. As alluded to above, the system 100 may schedule the reservation of the enclosure 101 according to the arrival time determined by the active route guidance of the electronic device 1 17.

[0066] At step 141 , the system 100 may determine that the electronic device 1 17 is within proximity of the enclosure 101. The system 100 may detect proximity of the electronic device 1 17 and the selected enclosure 101 using location signals received from the electronic device 1 17.

[0067] However, at step 142, the electronic device 1 17 may establish short-range communication with the short-range wireless interface 108 of the enclosure 101 .

[0068] At step 143, the user may use the control interface 121 to control the electronic subsystems of the enclosure 101 . Such control may be via the short-range wireless interface 108. As alluded to above, the user may use the switches 126 to control the electronic door lock 1 1 1 , lighting 1 13 and or the like.

[0069] Furthermore, at step 144 using the control interface 125, the user may view a video feed 129 or view exterior movement sensor signals 131. The user may rely on the camera feed 129 and / or sensor signals 131 to determine when it is safe to open the door. In the case of an emergency, the user may operate the emergency button 132 which would cause the enclosure 101 to transmit an emergency signal via the long-range data interface 107 or via an emergency transponder.

[0070] The foregoing description, for purposes of explanation, used specific nomenclature to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that specific details are not required in order to practise the invention. Thus, the foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the invention are presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed as obviously many modifications and variations are possible in view of the above teachings. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical applications, thereby enabling others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the following claims and their equivalents define the scope of the invention.

Claims

Claims1 . A public facility location and operational control system comprising: an enclosure comprising a controller comprising a processor executing computer program code instruction controllers; and an electronic device comprising a processor executing computer program code instruction controllers operably controlling a digital display to display a map interface operable to display a relative location of the enclosure with respect to the electronic device, wherein the system is configured to determine availability status of the enclosure and wherein the map interface is configured to display the relative location of the enclosure according to the availability status.

2. The system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the system is configured to determine the availability status according to an operational state of the electronic door lock.

3. The system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the system is configured to determine the availability status according to an occupancy sensor detecting occupancy within the enclosure.

4. The system as claimed in claim 2, wherein the system is configured to schedule and associate occupancy of the enclosure with the electronic device responsive to signals received from the electronic device.

5. The system as claimed in claim 4, wherein the availability status of the enclosure depends on occupancy association of enclosures and electronic devices.

6. The system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the enclosure controller operably interfaces a location sensor and wherein the relative location of the enclosure with respect to the electronic device accords to a location determined by the location sensor and transmitted from the enclosure.

7. The system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the electronic device controllers execute route guidance wherein the system is configured to select enclosures according to minimum route path distance.

8. The system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the system automatically controls at least one electronic subsystem of the enclosure when detecting that a location of the electronic device is within a proximity radius of the enclosure.

9. The system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the electronic subsystem comprises at least one of an electronic door lock and lighting.

10. The system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the enclosure controllers operably interfaces an occupancy sensor and wherein the system automatically controls at least one electronic subsystem of the enclosure dependent on occupancy sensed by the occupancy sensor.1 1 . The system as claimed in claim 1 , wherein the electronic device controllers are further configured to control the digital display to display a control interface operable to control the operation of at least one electronic subsystem of the enclosure.

12. The system as claimed in claim 1 1 , wherein the system is configured to inhibit operational control of the at least one electronic subsystem using the control interface when detecting that a location of the electronic device is beyond a proximity radius of the enclosure.

13. The system as claimed in claim 1 1 , wherein the enclosure comprises a short- range wireless interface which establishes communication with the electronic device when the electronic device is in proximity with the short-range wireless interface and wherein operational control of the at least one electronic subsystem is controlled by the electronic device via short-range wireless interface.

14. The system as claimed in claim 1 1 , wherein the electronic subsystem comprises at least one of an electronic door lock and lighting.

15. The system as claimed in claim 1 1 , wherein the enclosure controllers operably interface an exterior camera and wherein the control interface is configured to display a video feed obtained by the exterior camera.

16. The system as claimed in claim 1 1 , wherein the enclosure controllers operably interface an exterior sensor and wherein the control interface is configured to display a signal sensed by the exterior sensor.

17. The system as claimed in claim 16, wherein the exterior sensor is a movement sensor.

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