Connected sanitaryware system and method

Abstract

SOLUTION: A sanitaryware system may include sensors to determine a status or condition of one or more sanitaryware fixtures in the sanitaryware system and to perform a particular function, such as performing a flush, closing a flush valve and / or angle stop, sending an alert, and initiating a service ticket. The sanitaryware system may automatically perform the function. The sanitaryware system may communicate the status or condition to an internet-connected device and / or user, where the device may perform the function or may instruct the sanitaryware to perform the function.EFFECT: The sensed information, sanitaryware system status or condition, and / or initiated response may be logged and monitored to improve the overall efficiency and operation of the sanitaryware system and the sanitaryware fixtures within the system.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 714,299, filed August 3, 2018, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The present invention relates generally to connected sanitaryware systems and methods, and more particularly to sanitaryware communication with internet-connected devices to control the performance and operation of the sanitaryware. [Background technology]

[0003] Water conservation is a concern for many economic and environmental reasons. Currently, many toilets use "dual-flush" technology to conserve water during flushing. "Dual-flush" technology offers users a "low-volume flush" option (typically about 2–4.5 liters) and a "high-volume flush" option (typically about 4–9 liters). The option selected depends on the toilet bowl contents after use; flushing liquid waste requires only the "low-volume" option, while the "high-volume" option can be used for solid waste disposal. However, "dual-flush" toilets are limited to two separate flush volume options: "low" and "high." Furthermore, while "dual-flush" toilets allow users to select a "high" flush volume when a "low" flush volume is sufficient, they do not allow users to select the flush volume at their own discretion. Furthermore, in the event of a toilet malfunction (e.g., a clog, a constant flush condition, and / or a malfunctioning toilet component), water may continually flow into or not exit the bowl. This results in wasted water, resources, money, and / or damage to the toilet bowl, toilet, or building. Therefore, a need exists for sanitary ware that can determine the contents of a toilet bowl and flush with the appropriate water level. A need also exists for sanitary ware that can communicate with other devices to operate with a device that controls the flow of water through the toilet bowl. Furthermore, a further need exists for connected sanitary ware systems and methods. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a sanitaryware control system for controlling a sanitaryware equipment system may include a plurality of sanitaryware items, one or more sensors coupled to each of the plurality of sanitaryware items, the one or more sensors configured to detect one or more parameters associated with operation of the sanitaryware equipment system, and a controller electrically coupled to each of the plurality of sanitaryware items and configured to determine a condition of the sanitaryware equipment system based on the detected one or more parameters, wherein each of the plurality of sanitaryware items is configured to operate based on the condition, external operating data, or a combination thereof.

[0005] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the external operating data is from a homogeneous system or a heterogeneous system.

[0006] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, said homogeneous system is one or more of other sanitaryware accessories.

[0007] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the heterogeneous system is a weather service, a timekeeping service, or an in-line flow meter.

[0008] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the plurality of sanitaryware fixtures include toilets, urinals, bidets, or combinations thereof.

[0009] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the controller is configured to initiate an action to operate one or more of the plurality of sanitaryware fixtures based on the condition and external operating data.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the condition corresponds to a load status and the action is either a high flush volume or a low flush volume.

[0011] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the condition is a clog event and the action is one of initiating a service ticket, closing a flush valve, or closing an angle stop valve.

[0012] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the condition is leak detection and the action is one of initiating a service ticket, closing a flush valve, or closing an angle stop valve.

[0013] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the condition is an angle stop valve status and the action is self-diagnosing a clog or initiating a service ticket.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the condition is battery status and the action is the initiation of a service ticket.

[0015] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the condition is water pressure and the action is initiating a service ticket, supporting a complaint investigation, facilitating troubleshooting, or adjusting a valve hold open period.

[0016] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the condition is fixture usage and the action is monitoring restroom usage or initiating a service ticket based on anomalous activity.

[0017] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the condition is a water level and the action is initiating a service ticket or adjusting a valve position.

[0018] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the condition is a clogged pipe and the action is initiating a service ticket or adjusting a valve position.

[0019] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the condition is an abnormally high or low level of usage of one or more sanitaryware supplies compared to historical data, and the action is the initiation of a service ticket.

[0020] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the controller is configured to transmit information of the detected one or more parameters and the determined condition to an external device for storage and recording.

[0021] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the plurality of sanitaryware fixtures is configured to operate based on the stored one or more parameters, conditions, and historical data of previous actions stored over a period of time.

[0022] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the controller is a plurality of controllers, each of the plurality of controllers being coupled to a respective one of the plurality of sanitaryware items.

[0023] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the controller is in electrical communication with a subset of the plurality of sanitaryware items.

[0024] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the one or more sensors include an ultrasonic sensor positioned outside a toilet bowl of one of the plurality of sanitaryware fixtures and an infrared sensor positioned on a flush valve assembly of the one of the plurality of sanitaryware fixtures, and the one or more parameters include an indication of toilet bowl contents sensed from the ultrasonic sensor and an indication of usage time of the one of the plurality of sanitaryware fixtures sensed from the infrared sensor.

[0025] Additional features and advantages of the present disclosure will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the principles disclosed herein. The features and advantages of the present disclosure may be realized and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. These and other features of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following description and the appended claims, or may be learned by practice of the principles described herein. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0026] The accompanying drawings, which are included to provide a further understanding of the invention and are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate preferred embodiments of the invention and, together with the detailed description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0027] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1 is an exemplary flow diagram of communication in a connected system.

[0028] [Figure 1B] FIG. 1 is an exemplary flow diagram of communication in a connected system.

[0029] [Figure 1C] FIG. 1 is an exemplary flow diagram of communication in a connected system.

[0030] [Figure 1D] FIG. 1 is an exemplary flow diagram of communication in a connected system.

[0031] [Figure 1E] FIG. 1 is an exemplary flow diagram of communication in a connected system.

[0032] [Figure 2] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary connected system.

[0033] [Figure 3A] 1 illustrates an exemplary arrangement of exemplary sanitaryware for use with a connected system. [Figure 3B] 1 illustrates an exemplary arrangement of exemplary sanitaryware for use with a connected system.

[0034] [Figure 4A] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary user dashboard. [Figure 4B-1] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary user dashboard. [Figure 4B-2] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary user dashboard. [Figure 4C-1] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary user dashboard. [Figure 4C-2] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary user dashboard. [Figure 4D] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary user dashboard.

[0035] [Figure 5A] FIG. 1 illustrates the user side of an exemplary user dashboard. [Figure 5B] FIG. 1 illustrates the user side of an exemplary user dashboard. [Figure 5C] FIG. 1 illustrates the user side of an exemplary user dashboard. [Figure 5D] FIG. 1 illustrates the user side of an exemplary user dashboard. [Figure 5E-1] FIG. 1 illustrates the user side of an exemplary user dashboard. [Figure 5E-2] FIG. 1 illustrates the user side of an exemplary user dashboard. [Figure 5E-3] FIG. 1 illustrates the user side of an exemplary user dashboard. [Figure 5E-4] FIG. 1 illustrates the user side of an exemplary user dashboard. [Figure 5F-1] FIG. 1 illustrates the user side of an exemplary user dashboard. [Figure 5F-2]FIG. 1 illustrates the user side of an exemplary user dashboard. [Figure 5G] FIG. 1 illustrates the user side of an exemplary user dashboard. [Figure 5H] FIG. 1 illustrates the user side of an exemplary user dashboard. [Figure 5I] FIG. 1 illustrates the user side of an exemplary user dashboard. [Figure 5J] FIG. 1 illustrates the user side of an exemplary user dashboard.

[0036] [Figure 6A-1] FIG. 1 illustrates the user side of an exemplary user dashboard. [Figure 6A-2] FIG. 1 illustrates the user side of an exemplary user dashboard. [Figure 6B-1] FIG. 1 illustrates the user side of an exemplary user dashboard. [Figure 6B-2] FIG. 1 illustrates the user side of an exemplary user dashboard.

[0037] [Figure 7A-1] FIG. 1 illustrates the user side of an exemplary user dashboard. [Figure 7A-2] FIG. 1 illustrates the user side of an exemplary user dashboard. [Figure 7A-3] FIG. 1 illustrates the user side of an exemplary user dashboard. [Figure 7B-1] FIG. 1 illustrates the user side of an exemplary user dashboard. [Figure 7B-2] FIG. 1 illustrates the user side of an exemplary user dashboard. [Figure 7B-3] FIG. 1 illustrates the user side of an exemplary user dashboard. [Figure 7C-1] FIG. 1 illustrates the user side of an exemplary user dashboard. [Figure 7C-2] FIG. 1 illustrates the user side of an exemplary user dashboard. [Figure 7D-1]FIG. 1 illustrates the user side of an exemplary user dashboard. [Figure 7D-2] FIG. 1 illustrates the user side of an exemplary user dashboard. [Figure 7D-3] FIG. 1 illustrates the user side of an exemplary user dashboard. [Figure 7E] FIG. 1 illustrates the user side of an exemplary user dashboard. [Figure 7F-1] FIG. 1 illustrates the user side of an exemplary user dashboard. [Figure 7F-2] FIG. 1 illustrates the user side of an exemplary user dashboard. [Figure 7F-3] FIG. 1 illustrates the user side of an exemplary user dashboard.

[0038] [Figure 8] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary gateway customer allocation.

[0039] [Figure 9] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary connection of a flush valve assembly to a computing device having a gateway.

[0040] [Figure 10] FIG. 10 illustrates an exemplary connection of a flush valve assembly to a computing device without a gateway.

[0041] [Figure 11] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary computing device. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0042] The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for monitoring and controlling a set or collection of devices in one or more restrooms in a building, warehouse, campus, or the like. For example, the systems and methods of the present disclosure may monitor and control toilet bowls, urinals, faucets, and / or paper dispensers (e.g., paper towel or toilet paper) in one or more restrooms in a building, warehouse, campus, or the like. Control and monitoring may be facilitated by electrically coupling (either wirelessly, wired, or a combination thereof) the various devices to each other and / or to a computing device. Thus, a user can remotely monitor the status of each device from a computing device. If a problem or other activity occurs with one of the monitored devices, the user can initiate a response or action via the computing device. For example, if a clogged toilet bowl is detected, the user may disable use of that bowl and / or other bowls in fluid communication with the clogged bowl. The devices may automatically initiate actions based on programmed instructions, data stored in a central cloud, and / or data stored on the computing device. In this way, a user may have remote control of a collection of toilets in a single location (e.g., a computing device), which may facilitate maintenance, control, and monitoring of the toilets and / or assist in water conservation and / or reduction of water usage through the collection of toilets.

[0043] The present invention relates to a connected sanitaryware system and method. The system may include connected, interconnected, or networked sanitaryware fixtures. The present invention also relates to a sanitaryware system that may include one or more sanitaryware fixtures, such as a toilet, a urinal, or a bidet. Each of the one or more sanitaryware fixtures may include one or more sensors for determining the status or condition of the sanitaryware system or individual sanitaryware fixtures within the system and performing a specific function or action. The sanitaryware system may automatically perform a function (e.g., perform a flush, close a flush valve and / or angle stop valve, send an alert, initiate a service ticket, etc.). The sanitaryware system may communicate the status or condition to an internet-connected device, which may then perform or instruct the sanitaryware to perform a function. For example, the device may instruct a flush, close a valve, or initiate a service ticket. The device may record and monitor the status or condition of the sanitary ware and may effect collection of the sanitary ware to improve the overall efficiency and operation of the sanitary ware.

[0044] Systems and methods according to the principles of the present invention include communication and the ability to communicate. The present disclosure may include sanitaryware capable of communicating with one or more devices. One or more devices may be Internet-connected devices. In one aspect, various devices are contemplated and connected to one another to transfer data, information, instructions, input, and output. Network connections may include bridges, routers, switches, and gateways. As described in more detail below, one or more devices may be capable of one-way, two-way, and / or multi-way communication with the sanitaryware. For example, the one or more devices may be other sanitaryware devices, mobile devices, computers, other plumbing fixtures, etc. The sanitaryware may be a urinal, bidet, and / or toilet. The sanitaryware may include one or more sensors. The one or more sensors may detect the condition of the sanitaryware. Various sensors for detecting the condition of sanitaryware are described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 15 / 643,086 by Grover et al., entitled "Systems to Automate Adjustment of Water Volume Release to a Toilet Bowl to Correspond to Bowl Contents, Toilets Including the System and Related Methods" (hereinafter "Grover et al."), which is incorporated by reference in its entirety. For example, the one or more sensors can be ultrasonic sensors for determining the load or condition of a sanitaryware toilet bowl. The one or more sensors can be ultrasonic sensors tethered to the exterior surface of the toilet bowl to determine the status or condition of the sanitaryware toilet bowl. The one or more sensors can be flow sensors or flow sensors that detect fluid flow through an angle stop valve, a flush valve, or the sanitaryware, etc. The one or more sensors can be pressure sensors for detecting water pressure at one or more locations within the sanitaryware, valves, and plumbing.The one or more sensors may be user detection sensors (e.g., proximity sensors) for detecting the presence and / or absence of a user. The one or more sensors may be capacitive sensors. The one or more sensors may be any combination of the described sensors or other known sensors. A variety of sensors are contemplated in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

[0045] The one or more sensors may transmit and / or receive signals from one or more devices. The one or more devices may be external devices (e.g., a centralized data server, a computer, a tablet, a mobile device, other plumbing fixtures, etc.) or internal sanitaryware devices (e.g., a flush valve, an angle stop valve, another valve, etc.). The one or more devices may be external to the particular sanitaryware on which the sensor is located or may be internal to the sanitaryware. The one or more sensors may communicate directly with one or more devices. That is, the one or more sensors may transmit signals corresponding to one or more sensed sanitaryware parameters to one or more devices. The one or more devices may evaluate the data to determine the status or condition of the sanitaryware. The one or more devices may transmit a signal indicating the status or condition of the sanitaryware to a user for evaluation or action. Actions may include, for example, repairing, replacing, or cleaning the sanitaryware.

[0046] The one or more sensors may communicate with a control system and / or a communication system (FIG. 1C). The system may include one or more controllers and / or one or more communication devices. The system may communicate directly with one or more devices, as described in more detail below. The one or more sensors may send signals to the system corresponding to one or more sensed parameters of the sanitaryware. The system may determine the status or condition of the sanitaryware based on the sensed data and algorithms present in the system. The system may instruct one or more of the one or more devices to perform a function, such as, for example, initiating a specific flush volume (e.g., if the one or more devices are flush valves), shutting off the flow of water to the sanitaryware (e.g., if the one or more devices are angle stop valves), or initiating a service ticket (e.g., if the one or more devices are a central computer system or a mobile device or a caretaker's mobile device). One or more of the one or more devices may record the status and function performed. Data collected by the one or more devices may be used to improve the efficiency of a building system or sanitaryware network.

[0047] For example, the control system may determine, based on the collected data, that using a particular flush volume in the afternoon results in a higher number of clogged sanitaryware items, and based on that determination, the control system increases the flush volume of one or more sanitaryware devices. In one example, the sanitaryware devices with increased flush volumes may be only those devices that previously experienced a clog. In an illustrative example, the control system may increase the flush volume for all of the sanitaryware devices or a subset of the sanitaryware devices. The subset may be sanitaryware devices in the same room, building, or vicinity as the device that previously experienced a clog. In one example, the efficiency of a building system may be improved based on the analysis of the collected data by modifying the water usage of one or more associated sanitaryware devices that are located remotely from the sanitaryware device for which the data was collected.

[0048] Data received from the devices may be analyzed (e.g., regression analysis, Monte Carlo simulation, averages, etc.), and based on the analysis, water usage for a particular device may be modified. Data from one or more devices may be aggregated and combined together for analysis, and as additional data is generated by a device, that data may be added to previously collected data and analyzed. In one example, if a data storage limit exists, the system may replace the oldest stored data with new, updated, or more recent data. Data may be collected in any number of ways. Data collection and analysis may be performed on a predetermined basis. In one example, analysis of data may be performed periodically (e.g., hourly, daily, weekly, etc.) and may be performed as data is received and combined with previous data.

[0049] The sanitaryware of the present disclosure may be tethered to one or more internet-connected devices (e.g., Internet of Things (IoT) devices). The devices may include computers, tablets, phones, mobile devices, sanitaryware components (e.g., valves, sensors, etc.), and appliances and / or fixtures in a building (e.g., sinks, showers, bathtubs, faucets, toilet paper dispensers, paper towel dispensers, soap dispensers, other sanitaryware, toilets, urinals, bidets, refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, drinking fountains, water features, etc.). The sanitaryware and / or IoT devices may have bidirectional communication such that the sanitaryware and / or IoT devices each send and receive signals, instructions, data, etc. The signals may be associated with the functionality of the sanitaryware and / or IoT devices. The bidirectional communication may be wired, wireless, PAN, Bluetooth (e.g., near-field communication), other low-power wireless, near-field communication, or a combination thereof. For example, the sanitaryware may communicate its status (e.g., clog, flush cycle, flush, amount, etc.) to an IoT device. The status of the sanitaryware may be determined according to its description. The IoT device may evaluate the status of the sanitaryware, compare it with a database of predetermined instructions, and send corresponding instructions back to the sanitaryware or a device connected to the sanitaryware. Alternatively or additionally, the IoT device may evaluate the status of the sanitaryware and communicate predetermined instructions to a third IoT device. For example, the IoT device may communicate the status of the sanitaryware to open or administer a shutoff valve or angle stopcock on the sanitaryware, thereby opening or closing the flow of water to the sanitaryware. The sanitaryware may communicate with an external Internet-connected device to detect various reasons.

[0050] As described herein, components of a connected system may communicate electrically with each other (e.g., connectivity). That is, components or devices of a connected system may communicate electrically with other components or devices, such as sensors, controllers, computing devices, Internet devices, central servers, sanitaryware devices (or other devices described herein). The electrical communication may enable transmission to and / or from each component. The electrical communication may be the transmission of data, information, instructions, status, etc., or a combination thereof. The electrical communication may be one-way, two-way, and / or multi-way communication. Such communication may occur via half-duplex or full-duplex. The electrical communication may be between components, power sources, flush valves, toilets, IoT devices, etc. The electrical communication may be wired and / or wireless. The electrical communication may be through a gateway. The electrical communication may be the transmission of electrical signals including data, information, instructions, etc., or a combination thereof.

[0051] Referring to FIG. 1A, an exemplary data flow in a connected system, such as a connected sanitaryware system 20, from one or more sanitaryware items 10 to one or more users 18 is shown. The one or more sanitaryware items 10 may include sensors, communication devices, and / or controllers. The sensors may be for sensing one or more parameters of the sanitaryware items, as previously described. The sensed data may be communicated via a gateway 12 to a cloud or server 14, to a user's device 16, and then to a user 18. The user 18 may be, for example, a user associated with the location of the installed sanitaryware system 20 and / or a business user, such as an analyst associated with either the operator or manufacturer / distributor of the sanitaryware items 10. Alternatively, the sensed data may be communicated directly to the server 14. The server 14 may enable the system to log, store, and manage resources, as described in more detail. Information such as building interior, sanitaryware interior, building exterior, operational data, weather data, daily prices of water or other resources, etc. may be stored within the server 14 for use by all levels of the sanitaryware system 20, as described in detail herein.

[0052] This disclosure describes a smart, connected sanitaryware system 20 that may control the operation of valves or other components of a toilet bowl (or other sanitaryware). The control of the valves may be based on information stored on or communicated via the server 14, such as, for example, plumbing system operation (e.g., clogged plumbing), static data (product profile) and dynamic data (sensors) input from the system, environmental operation / changes (e.g., winter, summer, drought, periodic flushing to prevent plumbing system freezing), and / or daily, weekly, monthly, or yearly usage patterns. Several exemplary embodiments are described herein.

[0053] Referring to FIG. 1B, an example of electrical communication between portions of connected system 20 or connected system 100 (FIG. 2) is shown. Device 50 (e.g., a sanitaryware device or other device) may communicate with gateway 60, which may communicate with cloud / server 70. Server 70 may communicate with computing device 80. The path may be bidirectional. That is, device 50 may send parameters to computing device 80 via server 70. Computing device 80 may determine the appropriate action (e.g., based on the parameters and any external information stored on computing device 80 and / or server 70) and send instructions to device 50 via server 70. Device 50 may communicate directly with computing device 80 without going through a server user. This local communication may be wired or wireless and may be bidirectional. That is, device 50 may send parameters directly to computing device 80, and computing device 80 may return instructions directly to device 50 without requiring communication with cloud / server 70. Such communication may be half-duplex or full-duplex.

[0054] Referring to FIG. 1C, an example of electrical communication between portions of connected system 20 or connected system 100 (FIG. 2) is shown. Sensor(s) and / or controller(s) may be located on a device (e.g., device 50 of FIG. 1B). For example, sensors may be located on a flush valve, on a toilet bowl, outside the toilet bowl, etc. Sensors may include ultrasonic sensors located on the exterior surface of a ceramic toilet bowl to detect the contents of the bowl and / or infrared sensors located on or near the flush valve to detect the presence of a user. Sensor(s) may be physically located on the device and / or located in close proximity to the device. Controllers may be located on the flush valve, on the toilet bowl, or elsewhere. Controllers may be located remotely from the device. The controller need not be located directly on the device but may be located remotely in electrical communication (either wired or wireless) with sensors located on or near the device. In this manner, one controller may monitor and / or control one or more sensors located on one or more devices.

[0055] Continuing with reference to FIG. 1C , the controller(s) may electronically communicate with the sensor(s) as described herein. The controller may send and / or receive signals to the sensor(s). The controller may electronically communicate with a computing device and / or a server via a gateway. The controller may send and / or receive signals to and from the computing device(s) and / or the server. Thus, the controller may communicate locally (e.g., without connection to a server) via the computing device and / or may communicate with the server. Thus, the controller may consider various information when directing an action (e.g., directing a flush valve to open and / or close, directing an angle stop valve to close, sending a message to a technician and / or cleaning staff, or other action as described herein). The information may be information related to an individual toilet, the toilet system, water usage, weather, sanitaryware contents, user status, etc., and may be any of the information described herein. Each controller may be associated with multiple devices ( FIG. 1D ) or a single device ( FIG. 1E ).

[0056] An exemplary connected system 100 is shown in FIG. 2. The connected system 100 may include one or more faucets 102 (e.g., a faucet 102 associated with a sink 104). The connected system 100 may include one or more sanitaryware 105, such as one or more toilets 106 and / or one or more urinals 108. While the sink 104, toilets 106, and urinals 108 are shown, any may be omitted, and / or other fixtures or plumbing fixtures may be included. Any number of the sinks 104, toilets 106, urinals 108, and / or other fixtures or plumbing fixtures may be provided in the connected system 100. Each of the sanitaryware 105 may include a flush valve assembly 110. The flush valve assembly 110 may be the same or different among the sanitaryware 105.

[0057] The connected system 100 may include a computing device 112, such as a personal desktop computer 114, a laptop 116, a mobile device 118, or a combination thereof. Any of the devices (e.g., the faucet 102, the sink 104, the sanitaryware 105, the flush valve assembly 110, etc.) may communicate with a gateway 120, which may communicate with a cloud or a server 122. The computing device 112 may communicate with the cloud or the server 122. In this manner, the computing device 112 and the devices may communicate with each other. Alternatively or additionally, the computing device 112 may communicate directly with the devices. Communication between the sanitaryware 105, the flush valve assembly 110, the faucet 102, and / or the sink 104 and the gateway 120, and / or communication between the gateway 120 and the server 122, may be Bluetooth (e.g., near field communication), RF (radio frequency), WiFi (e.g., wireless local area network), infrared, or other wireless or wired communication types. Communications between the computing device(s) 112 and the server 122 may similarly be wired or wireless. Connected system 100 may include systems such as a faucet performance system (FPS), a toilet performance system (TPS), and / or a urinal performance system (UPS), or combinations thereof. The FPS, TPS, and / or UPS may be standalone systems and / or may be part of an overall connected system 100. The FPS, TPS, and / or UPS may communicate with devices, connected systems, computing devices, servers, gateways, etc., or combinations thereof, in the manner described herein.

[0058] Connected system 100 may enable a user to monitor the status of various devices. The various devices may be located in a single room, multiple rooms, within a building, a commercial building, a facility such as a warehouse, a residence, etc. For example, connected system 100 may enable monitoring of the amount of water used, the number of flushes performed, the status of clogs, etc. Many example applications of connected system 100 are described herein (e.g., event cases are described herein).

[0059] In the exemplary embodiment of the connected system 100 shown in FIG. 2 , a user may monitor the status of devices on a computing device 112. For example, sensors on the sanitaryware 105 may communicate to the computing device 112 the number of flushes performed by each sanitaryware. In the example depicted in FIG. 2 , one toilet performed 33 flushes, one urinal performed 83 flushes, one urinal performed 94 flushes, one sink used 110 gallons of water, and one sink used 167 gallons of water. This information may be depicted in pictorial, diagrammatic, or textual form on the computing device 112. It may be accessible from one, more than one, or all of the listed computing devices 112. The computing device 112 may have an application or website for monitoring and controlling the connected system 100, as described in more detail herein.

[0060] In an exemplary embodiment of the connected system 100, one or more sensors may detect one or more parameters of the sanitaryware device 105 (or other components of the connected system 100). For example, an ultrasonic sensor located on the outer ceramic surface of the sanitaryware device 105 may detect the status of the toilet bowl (e.g., full, clogged, etc.) and communicate that information to the connected system 100 (e.g., to the computing device 112) in any manner described herein.

[0061] In an exemplary embodiment, the connected system 100 may monitor information from both a sensor on the bowl of the sanitaryware fixture 105 (e.g., an ultrasonic sensor on the outside of the bowl) and an infrared (IR) sensor on the flush valve assembly 110. For example, the connected system 100 may use the ultrasonic sensor to detect solid objects (e.g., solid waste, toilet paper, other solid objects in the bowl) in the bowl of the sanitaryware fixture 105 and the IR sensor to detect extended user use. The connected system 100 may use both of these parameters to determine the need for a high flush (e.g., a high-volume flush) and instruct the flush valve assembly 110 to perform the required flush. For example, the connected system 100 may use the ultrasonic sensor to detect the absence of solid objects in the bowl of the sanitaryware fixture 105 and the IR sensor to detect short user use. Connected system 100 may use both of these parameters to determine that a low flush (e.g., a low-volume flush) is needed and instruct flush valve assembly 110 to perform the needed flush. In this manner, connected system 100 may consider one or more parameters from one or more sensors provided in each of the respective sanitaryware fixtures to determine the appropriate action. Employing more than one type of sensor, a toilet bowl sensor and a user status sensor, may improve the accuracy of the action to be taken and / or verify that the appropriate action is being taken.

[0062] The flush valve assembly 110 may include a water inlet and an outlet, as known in the art. The flush valve assembly 110 may include an angle stop valve. The flush valve assembly 110 may include an infrared (IR) window, a status LED, and an electrical override button. The flush valve assembly 110 may include a controller. The controller may control the operation of the flush valve or components of the flush valve assembly 110. The controller may be battery-powered, AC-powered, or a combination thereof. The controller may include an antenna that enables communication with the connected system 100. The controller may be tethered to one or more sensors, which may be located on the flush valve, on a ceramic surface of the sanitaryware, in a room or building containing the sanitaryware, or a combination thereof. In this manner, the controller may collect, analyze, record, transmit, or a combination thereof, data sensed by the sensors.

[0063] The controller may control the flush valve based on one or more sensed items from the sensor. The controller may communicate with the server 122 and / or the computing device 112. The controller may communicate the sensed items from the sensor to the server 122 and / or the computing device 112. The server 122 and / or the computing device 112 may analyze, interpret, compare, or otherwise monitor the sensed items. The server 122 and / or the computing device 112 may send instructions to the controller. The controller may initiate an action in the sanitaryware (e.g., function of the flush valve) in response to the instructions to the controller. Other actions may be initiated instead of or in addition to instructing the flush valve assembly 110. Such an action may, for example, provide an alert to a person, such as a technician. The controller may be tethered to one or more sensors wirelessly and / or by electrical cable.

[0064] The flush valve assembly housing may include a notch or slot in which an IR window is located. The IR window may include a status LED and an electrical override button. The IR window may operate in a known manner to detect the presence and / or absence of a user to initiate flushing of the sanitaryware 105. The status LED may indicate the status of the flush valve assembly 110 and / or the sanitaryware 105 (e.g., operational, disabled, unavailable, flush, user detected, etc.). The electrical override button may be employed to override the toilet function (e.g., to stop flushing). The antenna window may facilitate communication between the controller, server 122, computing device 112, and / or other devices. The flush valve assembly 110 may include an antenna (e.g., a Bluetooth antenna) for communicating with other components of the connected system 100.

[0065] 3A and 3B, the sanitaryware 105 can be arranged in any number of ways. In one example, the sanitaryware 105 can be a wall-mounted toilet 106a with a concealed flush valve assembly 110a. The concealed flush valve assembly 110a can be positioned behind a wall such that a plate conceals the flush valve and may include a notch or slot in which an IR window is located. The IR window may include a status LED and an electronic override button. The IR window may operate in a known manner to detect the presence and / or absence of a user to initiate flushing of the sanitaryware 105. The status LED may indicate the status of the flush valve assembly 110 and / or the sanitaryware 105 (e.g., operational, disabled, unavailable, flush, user detected, etc.). The electronic override button may be employed to override the toilet's functions (e.g., to stop the flush). A plate may cover the wall surrounding the flush valve assembly 110a to allow access to the flush valve assembly 110a for repair, maintenance, etc. The concealed flush valve assembly 110a may include an antenna window. The antenna window may facilitate communication between the controller, the server 122, the computing device 112, and / or other devices. The flush valve assembly 110a may include an antenna (e.g., a Bluetooth antenna) for communicating with other components of the connected system 100. In one example, the sanitaryware 105 may be a wall-mounted toilet 106b with an exposed flush valve assembly 110b. In one example, the sanitaryware 105 may be a floor-mounted toilet 106c with an exposed flush valve assembly 110c. Although not depicted, the floor-mounted toilet 106c may have a concealed flush valve assembly. In one example, the sanitary ware 105 may be a urinal 108a with an exposed flush valve assembly 110d, and in one example, the sanitary ware 105 may be a urinal 108b with a concealed flush valve assembly 110e.One or more of the embodiments and / or one or more of the individual components of the embodiments may be combined in one sanitaryware 105 and / or connected system 100. One or more of any combination of sanitaryware 105 may be connected to form a connected system 100.

[0066] 4-7, various views of user interfaces are shown. The user interfaces may be employed on any one or more of the computing devices 112. The user interfaces may be web-based and / or local applications installed on the computing devices 112. The user interfaces may enable monitoring and / or control of the connected system 100. The user interfaces of FIGS. 4-7 are exemplary and modifications may be employed. Alternative user interfaces may be employed.

[0067] 4A and 4B show a wireframe of a web-based dashboard 200. That is, FIGS. 4A and 4B show the development side or structure level of the dashboard 200. The dashboard 200 may include a visual module 202 associated with the connected system 100. In the example dashboard 200 depicted in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the connected system 100 is located in a building with multiple gender-specific restrooms. Thus, the visual module 202 includes a “Men's East” module, a “Men's West” module, a “Women's East” module, and a “Women's West” module. Thus, a user may monitor and / or control connected devices within each of those locations. The dashboard 200 may also include alerts or alarms 204. Such alerts or alarms 204 may be user- or system-specific, automatically generated by the connected system 100, generated by the user, or a combination thereof. The alerts or alarms 204 may reflect the need for a technician at a toilet bowl, a battery that needs replacing, a toilet experiencing high or low traffic (e.g., based on some predetermined threshold), the number of pending clogs (e.g., estimated based on sanitaryware use or status), a communication message from the connected system 100, a lack of toilet paper and / or paper towels in the device, etc. These are merely examples of alerts or alarms 204 that may be presented, and the list is not exhaustive. The alerts or alarms 204 may be for any number of items related to the connected system 100. The dashboard 200 may show a notification module 206. The notification module 206 may organize alarms, communications, and / or status of the connected system 100 by location, such as by floor, by wing, by building, or a combination thereof. The dashboard 200 may include a navigation panel 210. The navigation panel 210 may allow a user to navigate among any number of web pages to monitor and / or control the connected system 100.For example, the upper window of FIG. 5 may depict the "home page" of dashboard 200. A user may navigate to the lower window, which may be the "operational status page" of dashboard 200. Additional pages may be included. The operational status page may display the status of individual sanitaryware fixtures and / or rooms, floors, wings, or buildings of sanitaryware or other components of connected system 100.

[0068] With reference to FIGS. 4A and 4B, the dashboard and system, and therefore monitoring and control, can be configured and customized for a particular building, building system, room, floor, restroom, wing, etc. Thus, the modules shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B can be customized to the particular connected system being monitored. With reference to FIG. 4C, the dashboard may allow filtering by device type (e.g., gateway, toilet, urinal, faucet, etc.), restroom type (e.g., male, female, unisex, etc.), location (e.g., floor, wing, restroom, wing, etc.), or combinations thereof. The dashboard may allow selecting a particular stall on a particular floor in a particular restroom to review and analyze data associated with the selected stall (or other selected device). Each device (e.g., each stall, toilet, flush valve, etc.) may have settings based on preselected or preconfigured profiles, which may take into account historical data for the particular device or building, etc. The settings may include detection interval time, flush delay, low flush duration, high flush duration, auto rinse on or off and frequency and duration of auto rinse, heavy flush on or off and frequency and duration of heavy flush, sensor detection distance, etc.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 4D , devices may be filtered and categorized based on one or more parameters (e.g., floor, toilet, clog status, battery status, communication status, etc.). Once filtered, a specific device (e.g., a specific toilet) can be selected from the list to view a more detailed report about the toilet. For example, a report may display system status, communication status, last communication date and time, battery status, water activity, flushes per day, clogs, high flushes, low flushes, second flush, water consumption, and average flushes. This information can be viewed for any time period. For example, this information may be viewed for the past 30 days, since the battery was last changed, since installation, every day, every afternoon, etc.

[0070] 5A-5J depict the user interface of dashboard 200. That is, FIGS. 5A-5J show the user side of dashboard 200. Dashboard 200 may be employed on a computing device 112, such as a desktop computer 114 or a laptop computer 116. Accordingly, as shown by way of example only in FIGS. 5A-5J, icons or modules associated with the aforementioned sections may be visualized by a user on dashboard 200. As shown in FIGS. 5A-5J, dashboard 200 may include status, alarms, alerts, communications, or combinations thereof, associated with various components of connected system 100. For example, traffic, clogs, battery status, communication status, flush counts, high flush counts, water consumption, clog status, and / or combinations of this or other information may be monitored and controlled using dashboard 200. 5D, 5G, 5H, 5I, and 5J, information may be aggregated or collected to provide an overall daily, monthly, or yearly status of a particular sanitaryware item, other components of the connected system 100, and / or the connected system 100 as a whole. As shown and described, the information may be displayed in tabular, modular, or pictorial formats. The information may be displayed as shown in the figures and as described below.

[0071] Referring to FIG. 5C, a system administrator may access various building or company systems. Each system may have buildings, floors, groups, wings, and / or rooms. Each of the groups (e.g., buildings, floors, groups, rooms, wings, etc.) may be added, edited, or modified based on the company's specifics. FIGS. 5E and 5F show exemplary general pictorial views of data that may be monitored, analyzed, and controlled in a connected system. Dashboards may include filters 250 that allow visualization of any desired subset of devices and parameters based on a specific user, building, company, etc. The views in FIGS. 5E and 5F may show any of the data described herein. This may include, for example, water consumption, water savings, total clogs, average solution time, secondary flush frequency, total flushes, total water savings, total water savings per women's, men's, or unisex restroom, monthly average water consumption, restroom traffic, highest and lowest days for traffic / restroom usage, total visits, total visits per women's, men's, or unisex restroom, average visits per day, etc. This data may be monitored, downloaded, visualized, analyzed, and / or controlled based on any number of parameters, i.e., for example, but not limited to, viewed per toilet bowl, per toilet, per building, etc.

[0072] 6A and 6B depict a dashboard 300 similar to dashboard 200. Dashboard 300 may be employed on a mobile device, such as a cell phone, tablet, or other handheld mobile device. Dashboard 300 may include the same or similar information as described with respect to FIGS. 4 and 5. Dashboards 200 and 300 may be employed as sanitaryware / gateway configuration tools (e.g., a gateway as a master or a gateway as a slave in a mesh network where cellular connectivity is unavailable). Dashboards 200 and 300 may enable remote control of the flush valve assembly. Dashboards 200 and 300 may enable remote control of the flush valve assembly 110 for IR proximity sensor parameters and / or flush valve parameters. Dashboards 200 and 300 may be employed as analytical tools used on standalone systems. Thus, dashboards 200 and 300 may enable analysis of usage of specific sanitaryware or components of connected system 100 and / or usage of the connected system 100 as a whole.

[0073] 7A-7F illustrate various exemplary screens available on dashboard 300 or a similar dashboard. A user may select from a standalone mode (e.g., not connected to server 122 and communicating directly with specific components of connected system 100) and a connected mode (e.g., communicating with server 122). A user may log into dashboard 300, where each user may have a unique user dashboard personalized by the user. FIG. 7A illustrates an exemplary dashboard 300 similar to that previously described, which allows monitoring and control of each specific component of connected system 100. A user may select a specific building, floor, toilet, or stall to view clog, flush, and / or battery status. A user may view and / or control the capacity status of specific components connected to the Internet. Dashboard 300 may allow a user to directly order replacement batteries, view water consumption, view average savings, view water flush distribution between various flush types (e.g., low vs. high flush, average daily usage, etc.), etc. Dashboard 300 may allow a user to send data to third parties, control settings for specific components, and / or monitor and control other aspects of connected system 100.

[0074] 7B shows an exemplary dashboard 300 with a detailed look at one particular sanitaryware device and its associated flush valve assembly. As depicted, dashboard 300 may allow a user to view and control sanitaryware device settings, such as, for example, user detection interval, delay between detection and flush, valve open time on low flush, valve open time on high flush, secondary flush delay, sanitaryware auto rinse on / off, auto heavy flush on / off, sensor measured distance, etc. These may be user settings and / or may be specific to the flush valve assembly, toilet bowl position, or other factors, or a combination thereof.

[0075] 7C shows an example dashboard 300 with configuration controls for connected system 100. Each component of connected system 100 (e.g., each toilet, urinal, sink, flush valve, faucet, soap dispenser, toilet paper dispenser, paper towel dispenser, etc.) can be individually entered into the system, which can allow for individual monitoring and / or control of each component.

[0076] 7D shows an example dashboard 300 with monitoring and control of individual buildings and floors of a connected system. FIG. 7F shows an example dashboard 300 that may be employed to configure a connected system 100. Each building and floor may be assigned specific fixtures or devices within them. While depicted as buildings and floors, other parameters may be assigned, such as rooms or wings, or combinations of buildings, floors, rooms, wings, etc. This may allow a user to monitor and control a subset of the components of the connected system 100 as selected.

[0077] FIG. 7E shows an example dashboard 300 with configuration parameters. A user can configure parameters based on the user's specific local settings or desired settings. Such settings may include, for example, metering systems, cost per gallon of water, over-usage thresholds, under-usage thresholds, backup status, backup accounts, backup frequencies, and backup communication settings, and any combination thereof. These settings may be used to calculate water savings or costs for connected systems, high-usage toilets, low-usage toilets, etc. This may enable a user to exclude certain portions of the connected system 100 from service (e.g., low-usage toilets may be excluded), determine service frequencies (e.g., high-usage toilets may be serviced more frequently than the normal schedule), or perform other functions related to events described herein.

[0078] Any of the information monitored, displayed, and analyzed on the dashboard may be filtered or categorized as desired by the user, for example, by restroom type, day, month, year, time of day (e.g., business hours, weekday, shift time), stall, usage status, clog status, traffic status, or any of the parameters described herein.

[0079] Any of the information, controls, settings, data, and modules depicted in Figures 5, 6, and 7 may be employed in dashboard 200, dashboard 300, other dashboards, or other user interfaces employed by a user on computing device 112.

[0080] As described herein, the dashboard may monitor historical data, system performance over time, toilet traffic in and out, faucet or sink usage, and sanitaryware usage.

[0081] FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary user gateway allocation for a connected system. A gateway 400 may be associated with a specific location by a user. The user may employ a computing device 402 (e.g., a mobile application) to assign a gateway location and set up the connected system. The user may initiate a login procedure on the mobile application, and the server 404 may authenticate the user and allow them to log in to the mobile application on the computing device 402. The user may scan and enter the address of the gateway 400. The computing device 402 may communicate with the server 404 and transmit the address of the gateway 400 to the server 404. The user may name and locate the gateway 400. The server 404 may thus associate the gateway 400 with a specific location within the user's connected system. That is, the user may have a gateway 400 for each room, floor, wing, building, or subset of devices intended to be monitored and controlled by the connected system. The server 404 may control the gateway assigned to that particular location based on information passed to and from the user via the computing device 402 .

[0082] FIG. 9 illustrates exemplary flush valve assembly control for a connected system using a gateway. A flush valve assembly 500 can be associated with a specific location by a user. The user can employ a computing device 502 (e.g., a mobile application) to assign the flush valve assembly 500 and set up the connected system. The user can initiate a login procedure on the mobile application, and the server 504 can authenticate the user and allow them to log in to the mobile application on the computing device 502. The user can scan or enter the address of the flush valve assembly 500. The computing device 502 can communicate with the server 504 and transmit the address of the flush valve assembly 500 to the server 504. The user can name and locate the flush valve assembly 500. Thus, the server 504 can associate the flush valve assembly 500 with a specific location within the user's connected system. That is, a user may have a flush valve assembly 500 for sanitaryware in each of multiple rooms, floors, wings, or buildings that are intended to be monitored and controlled by the connected system. In Figure 9, communication between the computing device 502 and the flush valve assembly 500 occurs via a gateway 506 and a server 504 as described herein (e.g., as described in Figures 1A and 1B).

[0083] FIG. 10 shows exemplary flush valve assembly control for a connected system without a gateway. The flush valve assembly 600 can be associated with a specific location by a user. The user can employ a computing device 602 (e.g., a mobile application) to assign the flush valve assembly 600 and set up the connected system. The user can initiate a login procedure on the mobile application, and the server 604 can authenticate the user and allow them to log in to the mobile application on the computing device 602. The user can scan and enter the address of the flush valve assembly 600. The computing device 602 can communicate with the server 604 and transmit the address of the flush valve assembly 600 to the server 604. The user can name and locate the flush valve assembly 600. Thus, the server 604 can associate the flush valve assembly 600 with a specific location within the user's connected system. That is, a user may have a flush valve assembly 600 for sanitaryware in each of multiple rooms, floors, wings, or buildings that are intended to be monitored and controlled by a connected system. In Figure 10, communication between the computing device 602 and the flush valve assembly 600 occurs through the computing device 602 without a gateway. The computing device 602 communicates individually with the server 604. The flush valve assembly 600 does not communicate with the server 604 as described herein (e.g., as described in Figures 1A and 1B).

[0084] The following events describe exemplary situations in which the above-described connected system 100 may be employed. Any of the features described above with respect to the connected system may be employed in the events, and vice versa. The connected systems and events described herein are not intended to be exclusive or comprehensive. While the following events are primarily described in the context of sanitaryware fixtures, the concepts and applications may be used with other components of a connected system, such as, but not limited to, faucets, sinks, toilet paper dispensers, soap dispensers, paper towel dispensers, and / or other fixtures within a building.

[0085] Event:Flushing volume

[0086] The sanitaryware may be programmed with an algorithm that determines the flush volume. This may enable the sanitaryware to select a precise or specific flush volume for a particular function and / or a particular status of the sanitaryware, as previously determined. The algorithm may take into account the sanitaryware toilet bowl water level threshold, the presence sensor duration threshold, the presence sensor duration, and / or the sensed water level reading. The algorithm may enable the sanitaryware to select a high flush volume or a low flush volume based on the toilet bowl status or condition. A high flush volume may be, for example, about 4 liters to about 9 liters (about 1.06 gallons to about 2.38 gallons). A low flush volume may be, for example, about 2 liters to about 4.5 liters (about 0.52 gallons to about 1.19 gallons). In this manner, the flush valve of the sanitaryware may operate with a high flush or a low flush based on the particular sensed condition of the sanitaryware. In some embodiments, the history of sanitaryware at a particular time or location, or other stored information, may be used to instruct the flush valve whether to initiate a low-flow or high-flow flush.

[0087] The ability of the sanitaryware to determine flush volume based on the status of the toilet bowl or other stored information can have water-saving benefits. The sanitaryware and / or the device can determine the status of the sanitaryware and, using an algorithm, initiate a high and / or low flush based on the particular condition of the sanitaryware. This can allow for water conservation as the appropriate amount of water is flushed per flush cycle.

[0088] The specific flush initiated and the indicated toilet bowl status may be communicated to a device (e.g., a server) for recording and / or monitoring sanitaryware operation. Information such as the recorded flush (e.g., high or low), toilet bowl status, and amount of water used may be used for various purposes. For example, the information may be used for budget planning, LEED verification, tenant marketing, return on investment, future investments, and / or management of consumables (e.g., flush fluid, detergent, deodorizer, toilet paper, etc.). The information may be used to monitor toilet bowl habits or activity and metrics of users' toilet bowl habits or activity. This may be useful in hospitals where metrics of the same may be monitored and recorded for patient toilet activity for healthcare purposes. The information may be used to compare toilet bowl usage rates (e.g., liquid to solid ratio). The information may be used for data and code agency influence. The information may be used to monitor sanitaryware water usage, thereby monitoring the water usage of all sanitaryware in a building. This may enable the possibility of billing based on water savings. The information may be used for customer marketing. The information may be used to control the same flush valve in the future and / or to control the flush valve of another sanitaryware.

[0089] In this way, monitoring and logging the amount of water flushing initiated with each flush of the sanitaryware can improve the overall efficiency of the sanitaryware. Tracking may allow for careful management of the building's water supply and maximize its use. For example, a building may consider higher usage of its water supply during certain times of day based on data recorded from the sanitaryware. During these times, the system may communicate with other devices (e.g., other plumbing fixtures or devices controlling other plumbing fixtures) to reduce the water supplied to those devices during these times. Thus, as described, monitoring the data may improve the efficiency of the sanitaryware by conserving water via the sanitaryware and / or throughout the building. Other uses of the data to achieve improved efficiency are also contemplated.

[0090] Event: Jam

[0091] The ability of a sanitaryware system to determine a clog event and take appropriate action (e.g., closing the angle stop valve and / or shutting off flow to the flush meter) may have disaster prevention benefits, allow for higher sanitaryware availability and / or less downtime, enable a cleaner toilet bowl, and improve client satisfaction. The sanitaryware fixtures of the sanitaryware system of the present invention may include one or more sensors, as described above. The one or more sensors may detect a sanitaryware parameter, such as the water level in the toilet bowl. The sanitaryware system may determine the condition of the sanitaryware and / or the system based on the sensed parameter. For example, if the sanitaryware system detects a high water level in the fixture, the system may determine that a clog exists in the fixture. Thus, the sanitaryware system may determine the status of the sanitaryware to determine whether a clog event has occurred and / or whether the sanitaryware is clogged. The connected system may set a target time period for average clog resolution. Thus, the connected system can determine the action to take (e.g., which technician to dispatch) to get a resolution within the mean time period.

[0092] The sanitaryware may initiate a task request to a user, cleaner, or technician to clear the clog or otherwise service the sanitaryware. Alternatively, or additionally, the sanitaryware system may close the angle stop valve or shut off the flow to the flush meter to prevent use of the sanitaryware until a technician can service it. This may enable water conservation by preventing water from flowing into the sanitaryware and preventing use of the sanitaryware while the sanitaryware is in an inoperable state. It may also prevent damage to the sanitaryware or toilet by preventing a user from using the clogged sanitaryware in an inoperable state, which could cause further clogs and damage.

[0093] The clog status of the sanitaryware is communicated to a server to record and / or monitor the operation of the sanitaryware and may be recorded for various purposes. For example, the information may be used to initiate a service ticket to a janitor and / or technician. The information may be used to monitor the overall health of a building by location and over time (e.g., over the course of the sanitaryware's lifespan). The information may be used to monitor trends (e.g., clog trends), poor plumbing, and / or vandalism. The information may be used to diagnose drainage leaks. The information may be used to monitor the performance of specific ceramic models of sanitaryware. The information may be used to monitor the health of a building's plumbing by age, type, location, time, and sanitary system. The information may be used for diagnosing valve failures and true clogs, fault analysis, and customer marketing tracking.

[0094] In this way, monitoring and logging of clog events can improve the overall efficiency of the system. Tracking can enable careful management of building fixture collections and the building's water supply. For example, monitoring the number or duration of clogs in a particular sanitary ware can enable preventative maintenance or early diagnosis of malfunctions. The system can also communicate with other sanitary ware to enable compensation for malfunctioning toilets. Furthermore, it can enable technicians and / or janitors to improve the efficiency of managing the building's plumbing equipment. Knowing the time, location, and severity of the clog can enable technicians and / or plumbers to arrive properly prepared to address the clog. The location of clogged or malfunctioning toilets can be mapped for technicians and / or cleaning staff. This can allow technicians and / or plumbers to address multiple problematic toilets at once. Furthermore, historical clog data for a particular sanitary ware can be used to control the sanitary ware and other sanitary ware. Thus, logging clog events as described may improve the efficiency of sanitaryware and collection of multiple sanitaryware items by enabling disaster prevention, higher availability and / or less downtime of sanitaryware, cleaner restrooms, and increased client satisfaction. Other uses of the data to achieve improved efficiency are contemplated.

[0095] Event:Leak Detected

[0096] The ability of the sanitaryware to detect and alert on a toilet leak can have water-saving benefits and indirectly energy-saving benefits. The sanitaryware can determine the status of the sanitaryware, whether a leak is occurring, where the leak is occurring, and whether the leak has been occurring for an extended period of time. For example, the sanitaryware can include one or more sensors that monitor the flow through the angle stopcock and / or flush valve. When a certain flow rate is detected, the system can determine that a leak is occurring.

[0097] In an exemplary embodiment, the sanitaryware may include one or more sensors, which may be ultrasonic sensors. If there is a water leak from the tank and / or flush valve into the toilet bowl, disturbances occur in the water in the toilet bowl. That is, water dripping from the tank and / or flush valve may cause ripples or waves in the water in a stationary toilet bowl. For example, in an unused toilet, the water in the bowl may be stationary. Water disturbances due to water leaking from toilet components may be detected by an ultrasonic sensor. Signal sampling (presence or absence of Time of Flight (ToF)) using the ultrasonic sensor may be used to determine whether water is leaking into the toilet bowl. In this manner, the ultrasonic sensor may be employed to detect the status of the toilet bowl (e.g., whether a clog exists). Determining toilet bowl status is described in further detail in Grover et al. The sanitaryware system may be programmed to interpret extended turbulence in the toilet bowl as an indication of a malfunctioning sanitaryware fixture, such as an improperly closing flush valve, a defective or damaged flush valve, or other defective or damaged components.

[0098] The sanitaryware system can communicate with technicians, plumbers, facility managers, and / or janitors to initiate service tickets for servicing the sanitaryware fixtures and / or systems. Early detection of leaks can conserve water, save energy, and allow for early correction of problems by initiating an alert or service ticket to technicians and / or cleaning personnel. In some embodiments, the sanitaryware can automatically send a signal to an angle stop valve to close the angle stop valve to prevent further fluid leakage within the sanitaryware. At the same time, the sanitaryware can communicate an alert to a technician to correct the problem.

[0099] Leak detection in sanitaryware can be communicated to a server to record and / or monitor the operation of the sanitaryware system. For example, the information can be used to initiate a service ticket to a janitor and / or technician. The information can be used to automatically close an angle stop valve. The information can be used to lower water costs (e.g., by closing a valve to prevent continued leaks), initiate proactive service (e.g., due to wear on a valve component), evaluate return on investment, for marketing purposes, initiate proactive part replacement (e.g., sending an alert or email to facility management to replace a valve or its components), and monitor data reliability (e.g., by region, water quality and type, frequency of use, pressure, and type). Historical data on leaks detected in sanitaryware can also be used to control sanitaryware or other sanitaryware.

[0100] In this way, monitoring and logging of leak events can improve the overall efficiency of the system. Tracking can enable careful management of sanitaryware and / or sanitaryware collection within a building. For example, monitoring the occurrence of leaks can enable preventative maintenance or early diagnosis of malfunctions. The system can also communicate with other devices or sanitaryware to enable compensation for malfunctioning sanitaryware. Furthermore, it can enable technicians and / or managers to improve the efficiency of managing the building's plumbing equipment. Knowing the time, location, and severity of a leak can enable technicians and / or plumbers to arrive properly prepared to address the leak. The location of leaking sanitaryware can be mapped for technicians and / or cleaning crews. This can also allow technicians and / or plumbers to address one or multiple problematic toilets at a time. In this way, as described, logging leaking toilets can improve sanitaryware efficiency and enable multiple sanitaryware collections by enabling alerts, water conservation, and indirect energy savings benefits.

[0101] Event: Angle stop valve control

[0102] The sanitaryware's ability to detect the status of the angle stop valve may enable disaster prevention, communication with the building owner, and water conservation. The sanitaryware may determine the status of the sanitaryware to determine whether a sanitaryware clog event has occurred, whether the sanitaryware is clogged, whether the flush valve is leaking, or whether there is another malfunction. The sanitaryware may initiate a task request to a user, a janitor, or a technician to address maintenance and / or repairs. Alternatively, or in addition, the sanitaryware may automatically close the angle stop valve or block flow to the flush meter to prevent use of the sanitaryware until a technician or janitor is available to service the sanitaryware. This may enable water conservation by preventing water from entering the sanitaryware and preventing use of the sanitaryware while the sanitaryware is unavailable. This may also prevent damage to the sanitaryware and toilet, as the user cannot operate the inoperable sanitaryware until the sanitaryware is serviceable. In some embodiments, the angle stop valve may be automatically controlled to control the flow of water through the sanitaryware. That is, the angle stop valve may be controlled to close, temporarily close, open, or partially open based on a particular status of the toilet bowl and / or based on instructions received at the sanitaryware.

[0103] The status of the angle stop valve and its control may be communicated to a server to record and / or monitor the operation of the angle stop valve and may be recorded for various purposes. For example, the information may be used to enable self-diagnosis, diagnosis, and main water shutoff of the sanitary ware. For example, the angle stop valve may be closed and the status of the sanitary ware may be compared both before and after the angle stop valve was closed. Comparing the toilet bowl status may enable the sanitary ware to self-diagnose whether there is a valve leak versus a clogged toilet bowl. The sanitary ware may then communicate the determination (e.g., a leaking valve or a clogged toilet bowl) to a technician or cleaning staff for remediation. This information may also be used to diagnose failures of valve components or other sanitary ware components. This may inform further product improvements. The sanitary ware may also notify a janitor and / or technician that the angle stop valve was closed and initiate a service ticket. The information can be used to monitor the performance of particular angle stop valves and / or flush valves and enable replacement or maintenance of the same.

[0104] In this manner, monitoring and recording the status of the angle valves can improve the overall efficiency of the system. Tracking can enable careful management of the sanitary wear and multiple sanitary wear fixtures within a building, and the building's water supply. Thus, as described, logging the status of the angle valves can enable disaster prevention, communication with building owners, water conservation, and can improve the efficiency of the sanitary wear and multiple sanitary wear fixtures. Other uses of the data to achieve improved efficiency are possible.

[0105] Event: Battery Status

[0106] The sanitaryware's ability to monitor battery status may enable ticket initiation, inventory management, service planning, proactive repair and / or replacement of parts, monitoring of battery life versus other trends, and marketing. The battery status may be communicated to a server for recording and / or monitoring the battery status. For example, the battery status may enable preemptive charging or replacement of the battery to avoid or prevent the toilet bowl's functionality from becoming inoperable due to an inoperable battery. In this manner, monitoring and recording the battery status may improve the overall efficiency of the system.

[0107] Event: Water Pressure Monitoring

[0108] The ability of the sanitaryware to monitor water pressure may enable it to self-adjust the amount of water based on the pressure mesh, allowing for water conservation. The sanitaryware may monitor or sense water pressure at one or more locations within the sanitaryware. The sanitaryware may monitor or sense changes in water pressure. In an exemplary embodiment, the sanitaryware may include one or more sensors (e.g., ultrasonic sensors) for monitoring the condition of the water in the toilet bowl, as previously described and described in Grover et al. The water in the toilet bowl may have a steady state in which the water is stable (e.g., little or no water turbulence). At normal or desired water pressure, the time it takes for the water in the toilet bowl to stabilize after refilling (e.g., between flushes) may be a first time period. When the water pressure is high, the time it takes for the water in the toilet bowl to stabilize may be longer than the first time period. When there is low water pressure, the time it takes for the water in the toilet bowl to stabilize may be shorter than the first time period. The ultrasonic sensor can determine the time it takes for the water to settle and therefore determine changes in water pressure.

[0109] The sanitaryware may initiate a function in response to the water pressure being within a predetermined level or range, or in response to the water pressure being outside of a predetermined level or range. For example, the sanitaryware may adjust the position of an angle stop valve to increase or decrease the pressure within the sanitaryware. The predetermined level or range may be preprogrammed into the sanitaryware and stored in a server for communication with the sanitaryware. The predetermined level or range may be updated based on historical data of the sanitaryware or other sanitaryware in the system. Thus, in the exemplary embodiment described above, the sanitaryware may maintain a desired water pressure within the system in response to monitored or sensed changes in water pressure.

[0110] Water pressure may be communicated to a server to record and / or monitor the operation of the sanitaryware and may be recorded for various purposes. For example, this information may be used to initiate a service ticket. The information may be used as data collection for return on investment or marketing communications (water conservation). The information may be used to facilitate troubleshooting (e.g., reducing costs, reducing problem diagnosis, resolving issues in a single visit, bringing the correct parts or tools for repairs, routing requests to the correct department or individual, etc.). The information may be used for customer education. The information may be used for trending (e.g., looking at the health of a building's plumbing by age, type, location, time, sanitary system, etc.). The information may be used for new product development, to support claims investigation and payment, and to support a building's water pressure management system. In this way, monitoring and recording water pressure may improve the overall efficiency of the system.

[0111] Event: Sanitary wear usage and meter reading

[0112] The ability to monitor sanitaryware usage and meter readings can enable fixture usage, meter readings, the ability to determine real-time restroom usage by location, and efficient building design. Sanitaryware usage and meter readings can be communicated to a server to record and / or monitor sanitaryware operation. For example, the information can be used to monitor how, when, and how often toilets, sanitaryware, or other restroom fixtures are used. The information can be used to determine trends in restroom usage. The information may be used to determine the frequency and level of cleaning and maintenance. Predictive analytics combined with sensor information and information from surrounding devices can be used to determine the frequency of sanitaryware equipment usage (e.g., whether usage is too low or too high). For example, the controller may determine that a condition is an abnormally high or low level of fixture or fitting usage, and the action is to initiate a service ticket. The condition might be an abnormally high or low level of usage of one or more sanitary items. The information might be used to identify abnormal inactivity and initiate a service ticket. In this way, monitoring and logging of sanitaryware usage and meter readings can improve the overall efficiency of the system.

[0113] Event:Media Sense

[0114] The ability to monitor media detection in sanitary ware can enable clean and hygienic restrooms. The sanitary ware can detect media remaining within and / or around the sanitary ware. The sanitary ware can be communicated to a server to record and / or monitor the operation of the sanitary ware. For example, the information can be used to initiate service tickets (e.g., to perform toilet cleaning and / or sanitary ware cleaning), to monitor toilet usage trends and clean based on those trends, and to diagnose the overall health of the building by location and over time (e.g., plumbing issues, vandalism, drainage issues, other toilet bowl diagnostics). This information can be used for new product development based on learning about low- and / or high-pressure buildings, media detection, sanitary ware type, toilet seat cover usage, etc. In this way, monitoring media detection can improve the overall efficiency of the system.

[0115] Event: Water Level Monitoring

[0116] The ability of sanitary ware to monitor water levels and determine whether they are high or low can contribute to a healthier environment and water conservation. Sanitary ware can sense the water level in the sanitary ware's toilet bowl. The sanitary ware can compare the water level to a predetermined range and take action based on the water level. For example, if the water level is too high, the sanitary ware can close the angle stopcock or flush valve and initiate a service ticket. If the water level is too low, the sanitary ware can fill the toilet bowl. The sanitary ware can communicate the water level status to a server to record and / or monitor the operation of the sanitary ware. The information can be used to facilitate troubleshooting and proactively send water level alerts, especially low water level alerts, by location and over time (e.g., trends, poor plumbing, vandalism, drainage, toilet diagnostics), for the overall health of the building. The information can be captured for marketing communications regarding return on investment and water conservation, and / or for marketing purposes. Thus, monitoring the water level may improve the overall efficiency of the system.

[0117] Event: Clogged pipe

[0118] The ability of sanitary ware to detect plumbing clogs can enable water-saving benefits and a healthier environment. The sanitary ware can determine its status to determine whether a clog event has occurred and / or whether the plumbing is clogged. The sanitary ware can distinguish between a toilet clog and a plumbing clog. For example, if there is a plumbing clog, water in the toilet may drain slowly, and / or in a series or bank of toilets, one or more toilets may experience high water levels. A sensor (e.g., an ultrasonic sensor) can be provided to monitor or sense the water level in each toilet. If the sensor detects slow drainage in the toilet or high water levels in one or more toilets, as described in Grover et al., the system can determine that there is a plumbing clog.

[0119] For example, in a series or bank of sanitaryware, each fixture may include one or more sensors. The one or more sensors may detect the water level in the fixture bowl. The sensors may detect an elevated water level in the fixture bowl. The system may determine from the sensor readings that an elevated water level in one or more fixtures in the series or bank of fixtures indicates a clogged plumbing. A clogged plumbing may indicate elevated water levels in some or all of the fixtures in a series of fixtures (e.g., a public restroom). The system may determine the elevated water level as a clogged plumbing and issue a ticket to a facilities manager, cleaning staff, and / or technician to service the plumbing and / or fixture.

[0120] In another example, one or more sanitaryware fixtures may include one or more sensors. The one or more sensors may measure the rate of water level in the toilet bowl. That is, the sensors may measure the rate of change of water level in the fixture bowl. The system may interpret a slow rate of change of water level (e.g., after a flush cycle) as a slow drain condition. A slow drain condition may indicate a malfunction or damage to the sanitaryware fixture. The system may initiate a ticket to a facilities manager, cleaning staff, and / or technician to service the plumbing and / or fixture.

[0121] The sanitaryware system may initiate a task request to a user, a cleaning crew, or a technician to clear the clog in the pipe and / or service the pipe to address the clog. Alternatively, or in addition, the sanitaryware may close each angle stop valve in the sanitaryware's pipe or block the flow upstream of the sanitaryware's pipe to prevent use of the sanitaryware until a technician, janitor, or plumber can service the pipe or pipes. This may enable water conservation because water is prevented from flowing into the sanitaryware and the sanitaryware is prevented from being used while the sanitaryware is in an inoperable state. It may also prevent damage to the sanitaryware and toilet because a user may disable the toilet bowl, which could damage the sanitaryware and / or the pipes.

[0122] The plumbing clog status may be communicated to a server to record and / or monitor the operation of the sanitaryware and may be logged for various purposes. For example, the information may be used to initiate a service ticket to a janitor and / or technician. The information may be used to monitor the overall health of a building by location and over time (e.g., over the life of the sanitaryware). The information may be used to monitor trends (e.g., clog trends), poor plumbing, and / or vandalism. The information may be used to diagnose clogged drains and clogged toilets. The information may be used to monitor the health of a building's plumbing by age, type, location, time, and / or sanitary system. The information may be used for failure analysis, diagnosing true clogs and valve opening failures. The information may be used to track customer marketing, mark return on investment, or water conservation communications. The information may be used to proactively send alerts to customers regarding low water levels. In this way, monitoring and logging of clog events may improve the overall efficiency of the system.

[0123] Event:Cleaning Cycle

[0124] The connected system may communicate with a user, such as a janitor or technician. The user may remotely operate the sanitaryware or other components of the connected system (e.g., via wireless communication, a dashboard, or a combination thereof). The user may send instructions to the sanitaryware via one or more dashboards on a tablet, mobile device, or computer. In this manner, the user may remotely control, maintain, or repair the sanitaryware. For example, the sanitaryware may include a cleaning cycle. A user (e.g., a cleaning crew or cleaner, a homeowner, or another user) may instruct the sanitaryware (e.g., via the dashboard) to enter cleaning mode. The user may send instructions according to a scheduled cleaning program, or alternatively, the computer may send instructions automatically without user intervention. The sanitaryware may monitor the status of the toilet bowl as described above and determine that the sanitaryware's status is unflushed. The sanitaryware may communicate its status to the user, who may send instructions to enter flush mode. Alternatively, the sanitaryware may autonomously instruct the cleaning system to operate a cleaning cycle based on the status of the sanitaryware (e.g., as detected from interaction with the server). In an exemplary embodiment, the sanitaryware may enable automated cleaning in a hospitality environment. For example, when a customer checks out of a hotel or lodging room, a signal may be sent to the sanitaryware. The signal may instruct the sanitaryware to enter a cleaning cycle.

[0125] In this manner, sanitaryware may be remotely and / or selectively flushed depending on the needs of the particular sanitaryware or in response to a user instruction. Activation of the cleaning mode may allow for easy and quick cleaning of the sanitaryware. The user may perform necessary services (e.g., cleaning) without interrupting the flush. In an exemplary embodiment, a predetermined period (e.g., 10 minutes) may elapse before the sanitaryware flush mode is entered and a flush is automatically performed. This may allow the disinfectant and other flushing materials present in the flush mode to have sufficient time to disinfect and / or flush the sanitaryware. The flush volume of the subsequent flush after the flush mode may be selectively selected. In some embodiments, the flush volume may be selected to be greater than the flush performed during normal use. The flush volume may be selected to be 1.6 gallons.

[0126] Thus, each piece of sanitary ware or other component within a connected system may be monitored. That is, each time the sanitary ware is cleaned and / or maintained in some way, the occurrence may be tracked. In some embodiments, the sanitary ware may send a signal to a server indicating that maintenance or cleaning has been performed. In some embodiments, when a technician sends a cleaning signal to the sanitary ware, the occurrence may be automatically recorded. This allows cleanings to be hacked, monitored, graphed, and / or monetized.

[0127] Event:Weather

[0128] The connected system may monitor the weather and provide instructions to the sanitaryware or other components based on the weather. The connected system may obtain information about impending weather from the cloud (e.g., from a weather service, weather channel, weather application, etc.). For example, if the weather is very cold, the connected system may instruct small, periodic flushes to prevent pipes in the connected system from freezing. For example, if the weather is very hot and / or the sanitaryware fixtures are continuously or intermittently exposed to the elements, the connected system may instruct periodic small flushes to prevent water evaporation in the toilet bowl and the resulting exposure of sewer gases. Performing small, periodic flushes can restore mechanical seals within the sanitaryware.

[0129] The connected system of the present disclosure may facilitate maintenance and control of one or more sanitaryware fixtures within the system. That is, for example, the system may include all sanitaryware fixtures in an office building or on a particular floor of an office building. The system may monitor individual sanitaryware fixtures. The system may use information from a single fixture or a group of fixtures to determine the condition of a line, an individual fixture, or a collection of fixtures. The system may notify a facilities manager or other personnel of the condition to perform remedial maintenance. Preventive maintenance, identification of problem fixtures or pipes, minimization of water usage, and other methods of optimizing building systems may be performed. In one example, a sanitaryware system may be employed in a hospitality setting, such as a hotel or inn. The system may monitor toilets within the system, perform maintenance and cleaning, take fixtures out of service, and otherwise control fixtures within the system.

[0130] Referring to FIG. 11 , an exemplary system for use in computing device 112 may include a general-purpose computing device 700 including a processing unit (CPU or processor) 720 and a system bus 710 that may couple various system components, including system memory, to the processor 720. The system memory 730 may be read-only memory (ROM) 440 and / or random access memory (RAM) 450. The computing device 700 may include a cache of high-speed memory directly connected to, adjacent to, and / or integrated as part of the processor 720. The computing device 700 may copy data from memory 730 and / or storage device 760 to the cache for quick access by the processor 720. In this manner, the cache may provide performance improvements that avoid delays in the processor 720 while waiting for data. These and other modules may control or be configured to control the processor 720 to perform various operations. Other system memories 730 may also be available. The memory 730 may include multiple different types of memory having different performance characteristics. The device 700 may operate in a group or cluster of networked computing devices to provide greater processing power. The processor 720 may include any general-purpose processor, hardware or software modules such as a first module 762, a second module 764, and a third module 766 stored in a memory device 760 configured to control the processor 720, and special-purpose processors in which software instructions are embedded in the actual processor design. The processor 720 may essentially be a fully self-contained computing system, including multiple cores or processors, buses, memory controllers, caches, etc. Multi-core processors may be symmetric or asymmetric.

[0131] The bus 710 may be any of several types of bus structures, including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, and a local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures. A basic input / output system (BIOS), stored such as in ROM 740, may provide the basic routines that help transfer information between elements within the computing device 700, such as during start-up. The computing device 700 further includes a storage device 760, such as a hard disk drive, magnetic disk drive, optical disk drive, or tape drive. The storage device 760 may include software modules 762, 464, and 466 for controlling the processor 720. Other hardware or software modules are contemplated. The storage device 760 is connected to the system bus 710 by a drive interface. The drives and associated computer-readable storage media provide non-volatile storage of computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, and other data for the computing device 700. In one aspect, hardware modules that perform particular functions include software components stored on tangible computer-readable storage media in association with the hardware components necessary to perform the functions, e.g., the processor 720, the bus 710, the display 770, etc. In another aspect, the system may employ a processor and a computer-readable storage medium to store instructions that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform a method or other specific operations. Basic components and suitable variations are contemplated depending on the type of device, such as whether device 700 is a small handheld computing device, a desktop computer, or a computer server.

[0132] Although the exemplary embodiment described herein employs a hard disk for storage 760, other types of computer-readable media capable of storing data accessible by a computer are contemplated, such as magnetic cassettes, flash memory cards, digital versatile disks, cartridges, random access memory (RAM) 450, and read-only memory (ROM) 440. Tangible computer-readable storage medium, computer-readable storage device, or computer-readable storage device explicitly excludes media such as ephemeral waves, energy, carrier waves, electromagnetic waves, and signals per se.

[0133] To enable user interaction with computing device 700, input device(s) 790 represent any number of input mechanisms, such as a microphone for speech, a touch-sensitive screen for gesture or graphical input, a keyboard, a mouse, motion input, speech, etc. Output device(s) or display 770 may also be one or more of numerous output mechanisms known to those skilled in the art. In some embodiments, a multimodal system allows a user to provide multiple types of input to communicate with computing device 700. Communications interlace 780 generally governs and manages user input and system output. There is no restriction to operating with any particular hardware arrangement, and therefore the basic features herein can be easily replaced with improved hardware or firmware arrangements as they are developed.

[0134] The present disclosure may collect, share, and act on information generated from the toilet performance sensor system and external action data from other homogeneous or heterogeneous systems. These homogeneous systems may include other toilets and / or urinals. Heterogeneous systems may include weather services, date and time management services, in-line flow meters, etc. The toilet performance system may be able to distinguish between liquid and solid events, and between overflow and partial flush events. In these situations, the system may manage valves by adjusting water flow or automatically shutting off the system in response to local events or external actions such as clogged plumbing or weather (hot or cold).

[0135] For example, during hot summer days, a prolonged lack of toilet use can cause the mechanical water seal to become compromised. In such an event, if a toilet in a toilet system detects a compromised mechanical water seal, that information can be shared with the entire system to make necessary adjustments to maintain the mechanical water seal. Similarly, during colder winter days, the system can automatically use a small amount of water to maintain the integrity of the plumbing.

[0136] Additionally, the system can detect leaks into the toilet bowl and changes in plumbing pressure. In these situations, the toilet performance system can not only notify the user of the leak but also adjust valve timing to regulate the water if the water plumbing pressure changes. All of the above events can be communicated to the user via wireless over wired digital communication. Furthermore, current sensing capabilities can allow for reporting of abnormal water levels in the toilet bowl. A similar aggregate data form system in the toilet can alert the user to impending sewer line blockages.

[0137] Use of language such as "at least one of X, Y, and Z," "at least one of X, Y, or Z," "at least one or more of X, Y, and Z," "at least one or more of X, Y, or Z," "at least one or more of X, Y, and / or Z," "at least one of X, Y, and / or Z" is intended to include both single items (X alone, or Y alone, or Z alone) and multiple items (i.e., {X and Y}, {X and Z}, {Y and Z}, or {X, Y, and Z}). "At least one" is not intended to convey a requirement that each possible item must be present.

[0138] It should be noted that while the foregoing description is directed to preferred embodiments of the invention, other variations and modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art and may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Furthermore, features described in connection with one embodiment of the invention may be used in combination with other embodiments, even if not explicitly described above.

Claims

1. A connected sanitary wear system, comprising: Multiple sanitary wear supplies, an infrared sensor located on the flush valve assembly of each of the plurality of sanitaryware fixtures; a control system including a controller in electrical communication with the infrared sensor; Equipped with the controller is configured to communicate with computing devices directly and / or via a gateway; the control system is configured to collect data from the infrared sensor; the control system includes a dashboard having a visual module configured to monitor, display, and analyze the data, the dashboard configured for use on the computing device; the dashboard is configured to allow a user to view and control settings of the plurality of sanitaryware fixtures; The user can initiate an action via the computing device, the action including shutting off the flow of water to the flush valve assembly or closing an angle stop valve. Connected sanitary wear system.

2. The plurality of sanitary wear fixtures includes a plurality of toilet bowls or a plurality of urinals. The connected sanitaryware system according to claim 1 .

3. The settings include one or more of a user detection interval, a delay between user detection and flush, a flush valve open time during a low or high flush, and a distance measured by the infrared sensor. The connected sanitaryware system according to claim 1 .

4. The controller is configured to communicate directly with the computing device. The connected sanitaryware system according to claim 1 .

5. The computing device includes a laptop computer or a mobile phone. The connected sanitaryware system according to claim 1 .

6. The data includes a battery status. The connected sanitaryware system according to claim 1 .

7. The data includes the number of washes over a period of time. The connected sanitaryware system according to claim 1 .

8. The controller is configured to communicate with a cloud / server through the gateway. The connected sanitaryware system according to claim 1 .

9. The computing device is configured to send instructions to the controller, and the controller is configured to initiate the actions in response. The connected sanitaryware system according to claim 1 .

10. The cloud / server is configured to send instructions to the controller via the gateway, and the controller is configured to initiate the action in response. The connected sanitaryware system according to claim 8.

11. The data includes the number of high and low washes over a period of time. The connected sanitaryware system according to claim 1 .

12. The data includes the number of second washes over a period of time. The connected sanitaryware system according to claim 1 .

13. The data includes the average number of washes over a period of time. The connected sanitaryware system according to claim 1 .

14. The control system is configured to analyze, aggregate, store, and record the data. The connected sanitaryware system according to claim 1 .

15. the control system is configured to provide a daily, monthly, or yearly status of an individual sanitaryware item or the plurality of sanitaryware items; The status may include one or more of traffic, clog, battery status, communication status, flush count, high flush count, water consumption, and clog status. The connected sanitaryware system according to claim 1 .

16. the control system is configured to allow the user to remotely monitor the status of the plurality of sanitaryware supplies using the computing device; The status may include one or more of traffic, clog, battery status, communication status, flush count, high flush count, water consumption, and clog status. The connected sanitaryware system according to claim 1 .

17. The data includes the average number of washes per day The connected sanitaryware system according to claim 1 .

18. The data includes the date and time of the last communication of the computing device with the controller. The connected sanitaryware system according to claim 1 .

Images