Apparatus having an acoustically controlled flow range, system including such an apparatus, and method

Abstract

The device includes a flow range configured to flow a fluid having flow characteristics. The device includes actuator means configured to change the flow characteristics of the flow range, and further includes acoustic sensor means configured to receive an acoustic signal and output a sensor signal based on the acoustic signal. The device includes analysis means configured to analyze the sensor signal to obtain an analysis result. The device is configured to control the actuator means based on the analysis result for changing the flow characteristics.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for acoustic control of a flow range, a system comprising such an apparatus, and a method for controlling a fluid flow. The present invention relates in particular to acoustic detection of the intended use of a liquid and / or the assistance of an operation by an automatic liquid dosage.

Background Art

[0002] Especially in the kitchen, a lot of fresh water is used, and often warm water is used. Depending on the intended use, there are very different requirements for the flow rate. For example, when it is necessary to rinse something spontaneously under running water, such as a kitchen knife, a very low, and in some cases even more focused, flow rate is sufficient. However, when filling a container such as a pot with water for cooking, a very large flow rate is desired for time efficiency so that the container quickly reaches the desired filling level.

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0003] Today's common single lever mixer taps allow for the input of water volume and temperature, but often can only be optimally adjusted with great sensitivity and a certain amount of time-consuming effort that the user usually cannot perform. This results in excessive water consumption. Currently, one option for focusing the water jet for a small amount of water exists at best with a possible water-saving attachment, but it essentially reduces the maximum flow rate.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need for a well-adjustable device for adjusting the fluid flow range.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus, a system comprising such an apparatus, and a method that enable adjustment of the characteristics of a flow range for managing a fluid. This object is solved by the subject matter of the independent claims.

[0006] According to one embodiment, the device includes a flow range configured to flow a fluid having flow characteristics. The device includes actuator means configured to change the flow characteristics of the flow range. The device includes acoustic sensor means configured to receive an acoustic signal and output a sensor signal based on the acoustic signal. The device includes analysis means configured to analyze the sensor signal to obtain an analysis result. The device is configured to control the actuator means based on the analysis result for changing the flow characteristics.

[0007] By controlling the flow characteristics based on the acoustic sensor means and the analysis means, it becomes possible to adapt the flow characteristics based on the acoustic signal, which enables good adjustment and easy implementation.

[0008] According to one embodiment, the acoustic sensor means is configured to receive structure-borne sound in a collection area such as a washbasin and output a sensor signal based on the structure-borne sound. This enables reliable detection of sound waves and diversification such as the source of the structure-borne sound, and enables high-dimensionalization of the solution space.

[0009] According to one embodiment, the acoustic sensor means is configured to receive airborne sound and output a sensor signal based on the airborne sound. The airborne sound enables, for example, analyzing the interaction between the fluid and an object with which the fluid collides and / or performing speech recognition. Both concepts can be alternatively or combinatorially accepted by the sensor means.

[0010] According to one embodiment, the fluid is a liquid, in particular water. This enables, for example, implementation in a washbasin and reduction or optimization of water consumption.

[0011] According to one embodiment, the flow characteristics are at least one of the start or end of the flow, the flow rate of the fluid, the flow velocity of the fluid, the flow duration of the fluid, the convergence of the fluid in the outlet area of the flow range, the composition of the fluid from a plurality of fluid sources, and the temperature of the fluid, whereby accurate adjustment becomes possible.

[0012] According to one embodiment, the analysis means is configured to analyze the sensor signal over time, continuously or repeatedly, for sensor signal characteristics during the flow of the fluid, and the device is configured to control the actuator means to stop the flow of the fluid based on reaching a predetermined set value or threshold value of the sensor signal characteristics. This enables an automatic and situation-adaptive stop of the fluid flow.

[0013] The analysis means can be configured to analyze the sensor signal in the time domain and / or the frequency domain for one or several characteristics. For example, the analysis can be performed in response to reaching a specific amplitude value in the time domain and / or the frequency domain, and in response to the analysis of the temporal repetition or repetition rate of the occurring events. Frequency domain analysis can be advantageous for distinguishing events, for example by deriving and / or analyzing a spectrum based on the sensor signal.

[0014] According to one embodiment, the analysis means is configured to analyze the spectrum of the sensor signal continuously or repeatedly over time during the flow of the fluid. The increase in the filling level of the container filled with the fluid can be correlated with an increase in the frequency of the spectrum. The device is configured to control the actuator means to stop the flow of the fluid, for example, based on reaching a predetermined frequency and / or based on reaching a predetermined increase in frequency starting from the original value. This means that each time a frequency is reached or after detecting a frequency change, the system detects the filling level of the container and stops the flow when the container overflows or before that. This prevents waste.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the device is configured to control the actuator means to stop the flow based on the information in the sensor signal as to whether the container filled with fluid is filled or overflowing. The automatic stop of the flow enables low loss or waste of the fluid. When using the sensor signal as an information source, such behavior can be easily controlled, especially automated.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the analysis means is configured to analyze the sensor signal for the number of subsequent repetitions of a transient event such as that caused by a knocking sound in order to obtain an analysis result. The device is configured to control the actuator means differently based on different numbers of repetitions. This enables easy control by different numbers of transient events and the like.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the analysis means is configured to analyze the sensor signal for the spectrum of a transient event, for example correlated with the location where the transient event is caused. The device is configured to compare with several predetermined spectra in order to obtain an analysis result. The device is configured to control the actuator means based on the similarity with one of the plurality of predetermined spectra and to assign different controls of the actuator means to each of the plurality of spectra. As an alternative to or in addition to the number of repetitions of the transient event, in an embodiment, the location of the transient event can be evaluated, which can provide different information and enables improved adjustment of the fluid flow by taking this information into account.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the plurality of different spectra are associated with at least one of the location of the source of the transient event and the state of the object triggering the transient event. This enables very good adjustment of the flow characteristics, for example, because the rinsing of an object with fluid, for example a knife, is processed in a different way than filling the container, so that the object being processed with the fluid can be inferred or at least a predetermined distinction can be used.

[0019] According to one embodiment, the analysis means is configured to analyze sensor signals regarding voice commands, and the device is configured to control actuator means in accordance with the detected voice commands. Thereby, accurate control of fluid by voice becomes possible.

[0020] According to one embodiment, the device is configured for a learning operation mode and an execution mode. The device acquires at least one piece of information regarding sensor signals in the learning mode, for example, from acoustic sensor means or by programming, acquires one piece of information regarding the control of actuator means, and is configured to combine the information regarding sensor signals with the information regarding control means. In the execution mode, the device is configured to execute control of actuator means based on what has been learned in the learning operation mode. Thereby, it becomes possible to adapt the device to individual and / or time-varying environmental conditions.

[0021] According to one embodiment, the device is configured as a water tap, filling means, filling level monitoring means, rinsing means, or dosing means. Thereby, various applications of the embodiments described in this specification become possible.

[0022] According to one embodiment, the system includes the device described in this specification and a collection area. According to one embodiment, the acoustic sensor means is configured to receive structure-borne sound from the collection area, and the device is configured to control the actuator means based on different characteristics of the structure-borne sound, thereby controlling at least one of the flow rate of the fluid, the flow velocity of the fluid, the flow duration of the fluid, the focusing of the fluid in the outlet area of the flow range, the temperature of the fluid, the composition of the fluid from a plurality of fluid sources. In particular, the analysis of the structure-borne sound in the collection area enables large errors and robustness because the structure-borne sound is affected only slightly, if at all, by ambient sounds such as leaking fluid.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the acoustic signal is based on the sound when placed within the collection area. Alternatively or additionally, the acoustic signal is based on knocking sounds related to objects in or within the collection area. The device is configured to control the actuator means differently based on different source positions of the acoustic signal and / or the pattern of the acoustic signal. This enables simple and reliable control of the flow range, possibly already based on the operating sounds output when using and / or introducing each object within the collection area.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the system is configured to start the fluid flow automatically or in response to subsequent knocking sounds when placing the container in the collection area. Thereby, the flow can be started with less effort.

[0025] According to one embodiment, the system is configured to automatically stop the fluid flow when placing the container in the collection area as soon as the sensor signal indicates filling or overfilling of the container. In this way, for example, filing can be started automatically when the container is placed and filling can be terminated when the filling level is reached.

[0026] According to one embodiment, the system analyzes the sound generated by the fluid in or at the collection area by the sensor means and the analysis means, and using the actuator means, based on the correspondence with one of a plurality of different sounds, adjusts the focusing of the fluid from a plurality of different focusings assigned to the corresponding sound. Additionally or alternatively, using the actuator means, based on the correspondence with one of a plurality of different sounds, the system can adjust the flow rate of the fluid at a plurality of different flow rates assigned to the corresponding sound. In this way, based on different detected and analyzed sounds, the system can adjust different adjustments of the focusing and / or the flow rate that are advantageous with respect to consumption and the required time.

[0027] According to one embodiment, the method includes analyzing sound within an area or structure of a fluid collection area to obtain an analysis result. The method includes controlling the flow of fluid through a flow range based on the analysis result. Here, the same advantages as those of the device of the present invention can be obtained.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the sound includes a voice command, mechanical contact with the area or structure of the collection area, and controlling includes starting or stopping the flow. This enables highly reliable, robust, and good adjustment of the fluid flow.

[0029] According to one embodiment, it is generated by the fluid, and controlling includes adapting the flow rate, flow velocity, fluid temperature, stopping the flow, or adjusting the focusing of the fluid during outflow from the flow range.

[0030] Further advantageous configurations are the subject matter of the further dependent claims. Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0031]

Figure 1

Figure 2

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Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0032] Before explaining the embodiments of the present invention in detail below with reference to the drawings, the same, functionally equivalent, or equal element objects and / or structures in different drawings are assigned the same reference numbers. Therefore, it should be noted that the descriptions of these elements shown in different embodiments are interchangeable or mutually applicable.

[0033] The embodiments described below are described in the context of a plurality of details. However, the embodiments may be implemented without these detailed features. Further, to clarify, block diagrams are used to describe the embodiments instead of detailed descriptions. Furthermore, the details and / or features of individual embodiments can be easily combined unless explicitly stated to the contrary.

[0034] The following embodiments relate to a flow range configured to flow a fluid having flow characteristics. The fluid can be configured in a liquid mode, but the embodiments are not limited thereto. For example, gaseous fluids transported within, filled in, or discharged from a pressure vessel can also be used in the embodiments described herein.

[0035] Some of the embodiments described herein relate particularly to a faucet, or to a faucet configured to provide a flow range and dispense water as a fluid to a washbasin as a collection area for the fluid. Here, the present invention relates to the control of flow characteristics based on an acoustic signal. Therefore, the embodiments described herein are not limited to water as a fluid, to a washbasin as a collection area if present, or to a faucet as a faucet or flow range. As an alternative to, or in addition to, a faucet, the device described herein can be formed as filling means for filling the fluid to be filled, filling level monitoring means for monitoring the filling level of the fluid, rinsing means, and / or administration means.

[0036] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an apparatus 10 according to an embodiment. The apparatus 10 includes a flow range 12 configured to flow a fluid 14 having flow characteristics.

[0037] The fluid characteristics can include, for example, the start or end of the flow, and can be related to the fluid flow rate, the fluid flow velocity, the fluid flow duration, the convergence of the fluid at the outlet area 16 such as the area of the aerator or the aerator, the composition of the fluid from multiple fluid sources, and / or the temperature of the fluid 14.

[0038] The actuator means 18 of the device 10 is configured to change or adjust the flow characteristics of the flow range 12. When the flow characteristic is, for example, the start or end of the flow, the change in the flow characteristic relates to, for example, the opening and closing of the valve. When the flow characteristic is, for example, the fluid flow rate, this can be adjusted by the actuator means 18, for example, by adjusting the duration for which the valve is open and / or by the opening degree within a specific period.

[0039] The device 10 includes acoustic sensor means 22 configured to receive an acoustic signal 24 and output a sensor signal 26 based on the acoustic signal 24. Further, the device includes analysis means 28 configured to analyze the sensor signal 26 to obtain an analysis result 32.

[0040] The device 10 is configured to control the actuator means 18 based on the analysis result 32 for changing the flow characteristics. This can be done directly by the analysis means 28 and / or by using intermediate means such as processor means, control means, microcontroller or the like.

[0041] The sensor means 22 can be configured to receive structure-borne sound in the collection area and / or airborne sound. In this way, the acoustic signal 24 can be structure-borne sound, but alternatively can also include airborne sound.

[0042] The analysis means 28 can be configured to evaluate the sensor signal 26, in particular with respect to the frequency response, spectrum, amplitude, duration, number of repetitions or repetition rate, such as transient events. This does not exclude further or more computationally intensive evaluations, such as voice evaluations. The analysis means can perform the analysis such that the analysis results, such as the determined signal amplitude, repetition rate, characteristics of the spectrum such as the frequencies included or not included in the spectrum, frequency components, amplitude or frequency, or changes in the frequency response over time, are compared with values stored in an unillustrated data storage such as a comparison value or a threshold value. Alternatively or additionally, the spectra or their representatives can be stored in such a data storage and used by the analysis means 32 for, for example, similarity comparisons, which can be used to assign the location of an event occurring by comparison, such as when different locations are assigned different control actions.

[0043] The sensor means 22 can be configured to output the sensor signal 26 continuously or discretely over time or based on respective triggers. The analysis means 28 can be configured to evaluate the sensor signal 26 before, during or after the flow of the fluid 14. The evaluation by the analysis means 28 can be performed continuously or repeatedly over time. In this way, the analysis means 28 can analyze the sensor signal with respect to sensor characteristics, such as amplitude or frequency components. The device 10 can be configured to control the actuator means 18 to stop the flow of the fluid 14 after the start of the flow of the fluid 14 through the flow range 12 when a predetermined set value of the sensor characteristics is reached and / or when respective threshold values of the sensor signal characteristics are reached.

[0044] In this way, for example, the container to be filled can be arranged such that the container receives the fluid 14 from the outlet area 16. The collision of the fluid within the container can result in the generation of sound, and the frequency component of this sound can be based on the decreasing free volume of the container. The decrease in free volume can result in an increase in the frequency component, such that, for example, reaching a predetermined frequency and / or reaching a predetermined increase in frequency based on the original value is interpreted by the analysis means 28, whereby the device 10 controls the actuator means 18 to stop the flow of the fluid 14. This can be obtained, for example, by the analysis means 28 repeatedly analyzing the spectrum of the sensor signal 26 continuously or discretely over time during the flow of the fluid 14. In other words, the analysis means 28 can be configured to evaluate the sensor signal 26 for frequency changes and / or sound changes of the acoustic signal 24.

[0045] According to one embodiment, the device is configured to control the actuator means 18 to stop the flow of the fluid based on information within the sensor signal 26, such as a changing frequency component, that the container filled with the fluid is filled or overflowing.

[0046] FIG. 2 shows a schematic side cross-sectional view of a system 20 according to one embodiment. This figure includes a configuration 10' of the device 10 in which, for example, the flow range 12 is formed as a faucet and the fluid 14 includes water.

[0047] The system 20 includes a collection area 34 configured to collect the fluid 14. The collection area 14 can particularly include a washbasin such as a sink, a hand-washer, or the like. The sensor means 22 can include, for example, a microphone that monitors the sound within the filling area or the collection area 34. Alternatively or additionally, a microphone for structure-borne sound can also be provided.

[0048] The sensor means 22, the analysis means 28, and the actuator means 18 can be integrated individually or in combination with one or several other components within the flow range 12, such as the faucet and / or the collection area 34, and can be in contact with these components as individual components, either as a wireless connection or by a wired connection.

[0049] The sensor means 22 can be configured to detect structure-borne sound of the flow range 12, the collection area 34, or other components mechanically connected thereto. Alternatively or additionally, the acoustic sensor means 22 can be configured to receive airborne sound, particularly in the area of the collection area 34.

[0050] To control the faucet 12, for example, apart from the start and / or end of the flow, alternatively or additionally, one or several of the flow rate of the fluid 14, the flow velocity of the fluid 14, the flow duration of the fluid, or other characteristics of the flow can be controlled. Thus, for example, the focusing of the fluid 14 in the outlet area 16 of the flow range 12 can be adjusted. Focusing can mean, for example, adjusting the variable jet intensity or jet diameter, and / or splitting a relatively slowly flowing jet into several smaller jets flowing at a higher speed. Alternatively or additionally, the composition of the fluid from multiple fluid sources can be adjusted. In the example of a faucet, this can include, for example, individual control of the inflow of cold water and warm water, and the temperature can also be adjusted separately from the flow rate. Alternatively or additionally, the temperature of the fluid 14 can be adjusted by adjusting the heating intensity of the faucet, which is configured, for example, to simply receive cold water and then heat the cold water with energy such as an electric current as the cold water passes through. When this example is transferred to other technical fields such as a filling plant or the like, this results in the fact that a larger number of fluid sources can also be controlled individually or in combination.

[0051] FIG. 3 shows a schematic top view of a system 30 according to any embodiment that can essentially include the components of the system 20 and based on which a particularly advantageous configuration of the present invention will be described in more detail.

[0052] Sensor means 22 is configured within the system 30 to detect at least structure-borne sound from the area of the collection area 34. Merely by way of example, the reception or collection area 34 includes an edge area 36 and, optionally, a washbasin area 38 recessed with respect to the edge area. Based on different configurations, material strengths, and / or distances to the sensor means 22, acoustic signals 24 that occur at different positions p1 to p7, possibly due to transient events, can be different, for example, in the spectral range. For example, a knocking sound can be used as a transient event. Such a knocking sound can be caused by a user knocking with a finger, a fist, an elbow, or the like at one of the positions P1 to P7, which is not limiting. Sweeping the surface can also generate characteristics in the sensor signal as a non-transient event. Alternatively or additionally, a transient sound can also be obtained, for example, by placing an object, such as a pot or a glass or the like, when it is placed in the washbasin area 38. In this way, the acoustic signal 24 can not only distinguish similar events based on the positions P1 to P7 but also provide a conclusion regarding what exactly caused the event due to the evaluation in the analysis means 28. The different positions can be, for example, within the washbasin area 38, adjacent to the washbasin area 38, or the faucet itself at position P7, that is, the embodiment enables detecting a knock or a knock on the faucet and performing a predetermined operation based thereon.

[0053] According to one embodiment, the analysis means 28 can analyze the sensor signal 26 such that the spectrum of the transient event is analyzed and compared with a plurality of predetermined spectra to obtain the analysis result 32. The devices within the system 30 can be configured to control the actuator means 18 based on the similarity to one of the plurality of predetermined spectra, and different controls of the actuator means are assigned to each of the plurality of spectra. Thus, for example, a knock at one of positions P1, P4, and P5 can be associated with individual or at least group-specific different commands, such as water start, water stop, hotter water, colder water, or a specific flow duration.

[0054] Alternatively or additionally, the analysis means 28 can be configured to analyze the sensor signal 26 for the number of subsequent repetitions of a transient event, such as a knocking sound, to obtain the analysis result 32. The devices within the system 30 can be configured to control the actuator means differently based on different numbers. Thus, for example, a first number of transient sounds can indicate the start of the flow, and a different number or the same number of new knocks can be used to stop the flow again.

[0055] The plurality of different spectra evaluated by the analysis means 28 for comparison purposes can be stored, for example, in a data storage directly or indirectly coupled to the analysis means. However, it is not absolutely necessary to store each spectrum. Alternatively or additionally, the characteristic parameters evaluated for control can also be stored completely or partially, or the information enables the derivation of decision parameters or reference parameters.

[0056] Here, different entries of the data storage can be associated with the respective positions of the sources of transient events, such as fingers, pots, glasses, or the same, and / or the states of the objects triggering the transient events. This enables, for example, control by the analysis means 28 or the means for receiving the evaluation result 32, whereby a distinction or identification is made as to whether a glass or a pot is placed in the washbasin area 38, and as a result, the system 30 automatically starts the water flow. For example, cold water can be used for the glass, and warm or hot water can be used for the pot.

[0057] Alternatively or additionally, the acoustic sensor means 22 of the device 10, the system 20, and / or the system 30 can be configured to receive airborne sound as the acoustic sensor signal 24. Even when the use of airborne sound is not essential, it is particularly advantageous with respect to the configuration of the analysis means 28 that the analysis means 28 continuously or repeatedly analyzes the sensor signal 26 over time with respect to sensor signal characteristics such as frequency components and spectra during the fluid flow, where the device of the system 30 is configured to control the actuator means to stop the fluid flow based on reaching a predetermined set value or threshold of the sensor signal characteristics. This means that not only can the system 20 and / or 30 be configured to control the flow range 12, but also an automatic start of the flow can be performed, for example, when a pot or a glass is placed in the collection area 34, and at the same time, analysis is performed to determine when the fluid should be turned off again, for example, by monitoring when the frequency component significantly increases or reaches a threshold.

[0058] This does not exclude the possibility that the analysis means 28 of the device described herein is configured to analyze the sensor signal with respect to voice commands, particularly when receiving airborne sound. Such a device can be provided with voice analysis detection, and the device is configured to control the actuator means 18 in accordance with the detected voice commands.

[0059] For example, compared to a system that requests the meaning of a voice command online using a voice assistant, receives a control command from the Internet, and is then routed to a tap by the voice assistant, the system described herein is different in that at least the acoustic sensor means 22 is part of the device and / or system, and is integrated, for example, into the device or flow range 12, and / or into the collection area 34.

[0060] The device described herein can be preconfigured, but can also be configured completely or partially by the user. For this purpose, the device described herein can include a learning operation mode and an execution mode. In the learning operation mode, the device can acquire at least one piece of information regarding a sensor signal from, for example, the acoustic sensor means 22, and one piece of information regarding the control of the actuator means. For example, a knocking sound or different information sources can be adjusted in a specific situation by manually adjusted control of the actuator means and can be stored in the data storage of the device. Thus, the information regarding the sensor signal 26 can be combined, for example, in the data storage, with the information regarding the control. During the learning operation mode, several pieces of information can be provided, which can be the same or corresponding information or different information, such as based on respective learning concepts.

[0061] The device can be configured to execute the control of the actuator means in the execution mode based on what has been learned in the learning operation mode. Such a learning mode can, for example, make it possible to pre-adjust the filling level of a pot and / or the desired temperature, and then retrieve it when a knocking sound, such as a knocking sound related to a location (from location P1 to P7) or a knocking sound related to an object (finger, glass, pot,...), occurs.

[0062] The analysis means 28 can comprise a neural network that can be trained in a learning mode, for example, to analyze acoustic signals. For this purpose, several equal signals for training can be provided to the neural network. Alternatively or additionally, information can also be provided to the neural network about what is not detected or what action is not triggered upon its occurrence. This can be used, for example, to distinguish between placing a glass next to a collection area 34, such as on a counter or the like, so that no fluid is discharged when placed next to a washbasin, and placing the glass in the washbasin area 38.

[0063] The neural network can, for example, in particular during the learning operation, learn the characteristics of a central signal, detect it, and assign it to a specific action. And the recognized event can trigger an action. In other ways, the active memory of sound can be performed, for example, in the temporarily limited recording of sound and the memory of sound to data storage. In this way, for example, a frequency analysis of the recorded sound can be performed and its characteristics can be stored in data storage.

[0064] According to one embodiment, the system described herein having the acoustic sensor means 22 is configured to receive structure-borne sound from the collection area 34. The device 10” can be configured to control at least one of the flow rate of the fluid 14, the flow velocity of the fluid 14, the flow duration of the fluid 14, the focusing of the fluid 14 in the outlet area of the flow range 12, the temperature of the fluid 14, and the composition of the fluid from a plurality of fluid sources, and / or the temperature of the fluid, by controlling the actuator means 18.

[0065] According to one embodiment, the system is configured such that the acoustic signal 24 is based on the sound when placed within the collection area and / or the knocking sound related to an object in or within the collection area 34. The device 10” can be configured in the same way as the device 10 or 10’ to control the actuator means 18 based on the positions P1 to P7 of different sources of the acoustic signal 24 and / or the pattern of the acoustic signal. As the pattern, not only the number of repetitions or the repetition rate, but also, in some cases, the variable time interval between transient events, etc. can be evaluated.

[0066] According to one embodiment, the system described herein is configured to start the flow of the fluid 14 automatically or in response to subsequent knocking sounds when the container is placed in the collection area 34. This can also describe a pattern in the context of the foregoing description, and two different evaluation results are expected in a specific temporal context to stop the flow. Thereby, for example, when only soiled dishes are placed, the fluid outlet can be prevented from starting automatically by placing a pot in the collection area 34. However, if an event such as a knocking sound by a finger and / or, in some cases, at a predetermined position is received or detected within a predetermined time interval, the flow can be started and / or a specific temperature can be adjusted or the like.

[0067] In that way, the system described herein can alternatively or additionally be configured to automatically stop the flow of the fluid 14 when the container is placed in the collection area 34 as soon as the sensor signal indicates filling or overfilling of the container, such as by performing a frequency analysis.

[0068] The system described herein analyzes sounds generated by fluid within or in the collection area by sensor means 22 and analysis means 28, and can be configured by actuator means 18 to adjust the focusing of fluid from a plurality of different focusings based on a correspondence with one of a plurality of different sounds. Alternatively or additionally, the system can be configured by actuator means 18 to adjust the flow rate of fluid from a plurality of different flow rates assigned to a corresponding sound based on a correspondence with one of a plurality of different sounds stored, for example, in data storage.

[0069] FIG. 4 shows a schematic side cross-sectional view of a flow range 12 that discharges fluid 14. The flow range 12 can be configured to adjust the focusing 42 in response to an event detected by the sensor signal 26, such that, for example, when detecting a specific position of a knocking sound, or when detecting a specific frequency spectrum corresponding to, for example, a whistling knife, the jet is more focused (e.g., 422) than when filling a pot or the like. The adjustment can be made between a plurality or a number of at least two or even more different focusings.

[0070] Alternatively or additionally, the actuator means 18 can be configured to control one or several fluid sources 441 from 44 where n ≧ 1, either individually or in combination, and the fluid source 44 can be combined with the fluid 14. n FIG. 5 shows a schematic side cross-sectional view of a container 50 that can be a source of the acoustic signal 24, at least for some operations of the system described herein, for example.

[0071] FIG. 5 shows a schematic side cross-sectional view of a container 50 that can be a source of the acoustic signal 24, at least for some operations of the system described herein, for example.

[0072] Filling the fluid at the first speed 141 can result in the emission of an acoustic signal 241 at the first frequency f1. Increasing the filling to level 142 can result in the emission of a different, particularly higher frequency f2 acoustic signal 242, which can be detected by the sensor means 22 and associated with an increase in the degree of filling by the analysis means 28.

[0073] Figure 6 is a schematic flow diagram of a method 600 according to an embodiment. The method 600 includes a step 610 of analyzing the sound in an area or structure of a fluid collection area to obtain an analysis result. Step 620 includes controlling the flow of the fluid through the flow range based on the analysis result.

[0074] Such a method can be configured such that the perceived and evaluated sound can cause the start or stop of the fluid flow. Thus, for example, the analysis of the sensor signal can be performed in response to the airborne sound and / or in response to a predetermined characteristic of the sensor signal related to the flowing fluid, such as white or colored noise included in the airborne sound or structure-borne sound. The method can be configured such that the sound includes a voice command, an area of the collection area, a transient event, etc., or mechanical contact with the structure, and controlling the flow, such as by actuator means, includes starting or stopping the flow.

[0075] The method 600 can also be configured such that the sound is generated by the fluid and controlling 620 includes adapting the flow rate, flow velocity, fluid temperature, stopping the flow, or adjusting the focusing of the fluid during the outflow from the flow range. For this purpose, the sound can be generated by the fluid, and controlling 620 can include adapting the flow rate, flow velocity, fluid temperature, stopping the flow, or adjusting the focusing of the fluid during the outflow from the flow range.

[0076] In other words, embodiments of the present invention relate to the use of one or several acoustic sensors for evaluating an acoustic signal and detecting the purpose of water use, this analysis unit being related to turning water on, turning water off, and / or being related to a dosing system or a jet optimization system. According to each configuration, the system described herein or the device described herein can be configured to detect various water usage amounts based on the sound of water, for example, the sound of entering a container (without generating any structure-borne sound inside a hand-washer), the rinsing of dishes or knives, which can be detected based on structure-borne sound inside a washbasin. Alternatively or additionally, the device described herein or the system described herein can be configured to distinguish different containers into which a fluid flows, and thus, for example, distinguish between a pot and a glass. Embodiments relate to detecting different objects based on the sound of placing an object in a washbasin and performing control of the flow range accordingly. Further, embodiments relate to user instructions by means of acoustic commands such as knocking on a washbasin, placing an object on a washbasin, placing a pot on a washbasin and then knocking on a tap, etc., combinations of both actions. According to one embodiment, there is provided an apparatus and / or a system in which specifically learned operating sounds or usage sounds are stored for the purpose of optimizing the water quantity, water temperature, and / or jets. Embodiments enable the detection of voice commands and the respective control of water extraction. Embodiments further relate to the use of voice commands in combination with one or several of the above-described detection parameters or identification parameters or characteristic parameters, such as when placing a pot or detecting the pot itself, and the command "start water" includes filling the pot. This can, for example, be different from filling a glass and can be combined with a different flow rate or a fluid at a different temperature when first placing the glass and then giving the same command "start water".

[0077] Embodiments enable any combination of several detection or identification parameters, such as when placing a pot, detecting the same pot itself, and knocking on a tap to start filling the pot.

[0078] Embodiments further relate to detecting “wasteful” water flows, for example, detecting an overflowing pot based on a change in sound when water flows over the edge of the pot. Alternatively or additionally, detection of so-called wasteful water flows can be performed by detecting a filled pot based on, for example, a change in sound during filling of the pot.

[0079] Embodiments enable improved or even optimal use of source water or filling fluid at user-controlled interruption points. A simplified and more efficient operation of the fluid interruption point is provided. Time savings are achieved not only with low operating effort when opening the tap, but also, for example, during automatic switch-off when the pot to be filled is filled. Further possibilities are also in the kitchen, bathroom, laboratory or the like.

[0080] A further field of application of the embodiments described herein is detecting the filling level in a filling plant, such as in the case of bottling. Also, the use of detecting the filling level is generally possible when filling containers, such as when filling buckets, garden watering cans, agricultural slurry tanks, rain barrels or the like. Embodiments can be used, for example, to detect the switching or dosing of solvents for different uses compared to filling transport containers. Alternatively or additionally, it is possible to use embodiments for detecting and / or switching and / or dosing viscous liquids such as concrete, liquid plastics or the like.

[0081] Accordingly, the embodiments are not limited to individual applications, but extend to all acoustic induction operations of fluid interruption points, especially water interruption points.

[0082] Although several aspects have been described in the context of an apparatus, these aspects also represent a description of a corresponding method, whereby it is clear that a block or device of the apparatus also corresponds to a respective method step or a feature of a method step. Similarly, aspects described in the context of a method step also represent a description of a corresponding block or detail or feature of a corresponding apparatus.

[0083] Depending on specific implementation requirements, embodiments of the present invention can be implemented in hardware or software. The implementation can be carried out using a digital storage medium storing electronically readable control signals, such as a floppy disk, DVD, Blu-Ray disk, CD, ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM or flash memory, hard drive or another magnetic or optical memory, which cooperate or can cooperate with a programmable computer system such that respective methods are executed. Thus, the digital storage medium may be computer-readable. Some embodiments according to the present invention include a data carrier having electronically readable control signals that can cooperate with a programmable computer system such that one of the methods described herein is executed.

[0084] In general, embodiments of the present invention can be implemented as a computer program product having program code, the program code being operative to execute one of the methods when the computer program product is executed on a computer. The program code can be stored, for example, on a machine-readable carrier.

[0085] Other embodiments include a computer program for executing one of the methods described herein, the computer program being stored on a machine-readable carrier.

[0086] In other words, accordingly, one embodiment of the method of the present invention is a computer program having program code for executing one of the methods described herein when the computer program is executed on a computer. Accordingly, a further embodiment of the method of the present invention is a data carrier (or digital storage medium, or computer-readable medium) recording and containing a computer program for executing one of the methods described herein. The data carrier, digital storage medium, or computer-readable medium is typically tangible or non-volatile.

[0087] Accordingly, a further embodiment of the method of the present invention is a data stream or signal sequence representing a computer program for executing one of the methods described herein. The data stream or signal sequence can be configured to be transferred, for example, via a data communication connection, such as via the Internet.

[0088] A further embodiment includes processing means, such as a computer or programmable logic device, configured or adapted to execute one of the methods described herein.

[0089] A further embodiment includes a computer on which a computer program for executing one of the methods described herein is installed.

[0090] In some embodiments, a programmable logic device (e.g., a field programmable gate array, FPGA) can be used to execute some or all of the functions of the methods described herein. In some embodiments, the field programmable gate array can cooperate with a microprocessor to execute one of the methods described herein. Generally, the method is preferably executed by any hardware device. This can be general-purpose hardware such as a computer processor (CPU) or method-specific hardware such as an ASIC.

[0091] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles of the present invention. It is understood that modifications and variations of the configurations and details described herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, the present invention is intended to be limited only by the appended claims and not by the specific details presented as descriptions and explanations of the embodiments herein.

Claims

1. 1. An apparatus comprising: a flow area (12) configured to pass a fluid (14) having fluid characteristics; actuator means (18) configured to change the flow characteristics of the flow area (12); an acoustic sensor means (22) configured to receive an acoustic signal (24) and to output a sensor signal (26) based on said acoustic signal (24); and analysis means (28) configured to analyze the sensor signal (26) to obtain an analysis result (32), The apparatus is configured to control the actuator means (18) based on the analysis results (32) to modify the flow characteristics.

2. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the acoustic sensor means (22) is configured to receive structure-borne sound in a collection area (34) and output the sensor signal (26) based on the structure-borne sound.

3. 3. The apparatus of claim 1 or 2, wherein the acoustic sensor means (22) is configured to receive airborne sound and to output the sensor signal (26) based on the airborne sound.

4. 4. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the fluid (14) is a liquid, in particular water.

5. The flow characteristics are the start or end of the flow; the flow rate of said fluid (14); the flow rate of the fluid (14); the duration of flow of said fluid (14); focusing (42) of the fluid (14) at the outlet area of the flow field (12); the composition of said fluid (14) from a plurality of fluid sources (44); the temperature of the fluid (14); and 5. The device according to claim 1, wherein the device is at least one of:

6. 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the analysis means is configured to analyze the sensor signal over time, continuously or repeatedly, for a sensor signal characteristic during the flow of the fluid, and the apparatus is configured to control the actuator means to stop the flow of the fluid based on the sensor signal characteristic reaching a predetermined set point or threshold.

7. The analysis means (28) is configured to analyze the spectrum of the sensor signal (26) over time, continuously or repeatedly, during the flow of the fluid (14), and an increasing filling level of a container filled with the fluid (14) correlates with an increasing frequency of the spectrum, and the apparatus is configured to control the actuator means (18) to stop the flow of the fluid (14) based on reaching a predetermined frequency and / or based on reaching a predetermined increase in the frequency starting from an original value, the apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the actuator means (18) is controlled to stop the flow of the fluid (14) based on information in the sensor signal (26) that the container filled with the fluid (14) is filled or overflowing.

9. The analysis means (28) is configured to analyze the sensor signal (26) for a plurality of subsequent repetitions of a transient event to obtain the analysis result (32), and the apparatus is configured to control the actuator means (18) differently based on different numbers, the apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The analysis means (28) is configured to analyze the sensor signal (26) for the spectrum of a transient event and compare it with a plurality of predetermined spectra to obtain the analysis result (32), and the apparatus is configured to control the actuator means (18) based on similarity to one of the plurality of predetermined spectra, and different controls of the actuator means (18) are assigned to each of the plurality of spectra, the apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The plurality of different spectra are The position of the source of the transition event (P １ ~P ７ ) and, associated with at least one of the state of the object triggering the transient event and, the apparatus according to claim 10.

12. The analysis means (28) is configured to analyze the sensor signal (26) for an audio command, and the apparatus is configured to control the actuator means (18) according to the detected audio command, the apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. Configured for a learning operation mode and an execution mode, obtaining at least one piece of information regarding a sensor signal (26) in the learning mode from the acoustic sensor means (22) and so on, obtaining one piece of information regarding the control of the actuator means (18), and configured to combine the information regarding the sensor signal (26) with the information regarding the control, and the device is configured to execute the control of the actuator means (18) based on what has been learned in the learning operation mode in the execution mode. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 12.

14. The device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, formed as a faucet, filling means, filling level monitoring means, rinsing means, or dosing means.

15. A system comprising the device according to any one of claims 1 to 14 and a collection area (34), in particular a washbasin.

16. The acoustic sensor means (22) is configured to receive structure-borne sound from the collection area (34), and the device controls the actuator means (18) based on different characteristics of the structure-borne sound, thereby controlling at least one of the flow rate of the fluid (14), the flow velocity of the fluid (14), the flow duration of the fluid (14), the focusing (42) of the fluid (14) in the outlet area of the flow range (12), the temperature of the fluid (14), and the composition of the fluid (14) from a plurality of fluid sources (44). The system according to claim 15.

17. Based on the sound when the acoustic signal (24) is placed within the collection area (34) and / or knocking sounds related to an object in or within the collection area (34), the apparatus controls the actuator means (18) differently based on different source positions (P １ ~P ７ ) and / or the pattern of the acoustic signal (24). The system according to claim 15 or 16, which is configured to do so.

18. The system according to any one of claims 15 to 17, configured to automatically start the flow of the fluid (14) or in response to a subsequent knocking sound when placing a container in the collection area (3).

19. The system according to any one of claims 15 to 18, configured to automatically stop the fluid (14) when placing a container in the collection area (34) as soon as the sensor signal (26) indicates filling or overfilling of the container.

20. The sensor means (22) and the analysis means (28) analyze the sound generated by the fluid (14) within the collection area (34) or at the collection area (34), and based on the correspondence with one of a plurality of different sounds, using the actuator means (18), configured to adjust the focusing (42) of the fluid (14) from a plurality of different focusings (42) assigned to the corresponding sound, and / or The system according to any one of claims 15 to 19, configured to adjust the flow rate of the fluid (14) from a plurality of different flow rates assigned to the corresponding sound based on the correspondence with one of a plurality of different sounds, using the actuator means (18). **Claim 21** Analyzing the sound within the area or structure of the fluid collection area (610) to obtain an analysis result; A method (600) including controlling the flow of the fluid through the flow range (620) based on the analysis result. **Claim 22** The method according to claim 21, wherein the sound includes a voice command, mechanical contact with the area or the structure of the collection area, and controlling includes starting or stopping the flow. **Claim 23** The method according to claim 21, wherein the sound is generated by the fluid, and controlling includes adapting the flow rate, the flow velocity, the fluid temperature, stopping the flow, or adjusting the focusing of the fluid during the outflow from the flow range. **Claim 24** A computer program including program code, wherein when the program is executed on a computer, the program code for executing the method according to any one of claims 21 to 23 is included.

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