Electronic device for encouraging water-saving in the shower

Abstract

The invention relates to an electronic device for encouraging water-saving in the shower, comprising: at least one indicator light (2) with coloured lights (20) and a screen (6) that are associated with a circuit board (3) with a programmable microprocessor connected to a power source (4); an algorithm programmed in the microprocessor to process data received from external sources and / or embedded sensors, at least one sound sensor (52) and presence sensor (51), automatically recognising the start and end of the shower and activating the playing of different sequences in which the lights (20) are illuminated and images are displayed on the screen (6), acting as a guide for the different stages of showering, comprising at least one wetting stage, lathering stage and rinsing stage; and a mechanism for identifying the installation location of the device.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] ELECTRONIC DEVICE TO ENCOURAGE WATER SAVING IN THE SHOWER

[0003] OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The invention, as expressed in the title of this specification, relates to an electronic device to encourage water saving in the shower, providing advantages and features that are described in detail below.

[0005] The object of the present invention lies in an electronic device that, applicable for use in the shower, constitutes a visual guide that, in addition to indicating the time that the water is on, guides through playful elements on how to shower in a more optimal way, for which it comprises, at least, a light indicator and preferably a screen, associated with a microprocessor with a programmable algorithm to be activated in a series of sequences intended to serve as a guide in the duration of the different routine phases of the shower, that is, rinsing, soaping, rinsing, etc., and to encourage in a "gamified" way the saving in water consumption.

[0006] FIELD OF APPLICATION OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The scope of the present invention falls within the sector of the industry dedicated to the manufacture of electronic timer devices and appliances, while also covering the field of systems designed to encourage savings in water consumption.

[0008] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0009] As is well known, one of the consequences of climate change is the increase in droughts and water scarcity, which leads to the need to reduce water consumption. In this sense, saving water during showers, if taken into account by most users, could lead to a significant reduction in overall consumption.

[0010] The problem is that, especially in hotels, gyms, and similar establishments where the user doesn't directly pay the water bill, the need for such water savings is often overlooked and ignored.

[0011] The objective of the present invention is, therefore, to provide a means so that, by means of a "gamified" timer, the user can have a guide with playful elements based on challenges, stimuli and / or prizes with which he is encouraged to reduce the time it takes to take his daily shower and each of the routine phases he carries out for it, that is, to rinse, to soap, to rinse, etc., and in this way save water in the whole process each time he showers in a way that is more fun and stimulating.

[0012] On the other hand, and as a reference to the current state of the art, it should be noted that, at least on the part of the applicant, there is no knowledge of the existence of any other timer device to encourage water saving in the shower, nor of any other invention of similar application, which has technical, structural and constitutive characteristics equal to or similar to those claimed here.

[0013] In this regard, it is worth mentioning that, although some timers for use in the shower are known on the market, in general they are only devices that include a timer that measures the time from when the user activates it until it stops during the shower, but they do not include additional elements that define the different phases of the shower or that represent a recreational incentive to accelerate the process and reduce the time invested in each phase, as is the case with the device that is the object of the present invention.

[0014] EXPLANATION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] The electronic device to encourage water saving in the shower that the invention proposes is configured as an optimal solution to the objectives previously indicated which, in turn, represents an improvement of the current state of the art, the characterizing details that make it possible and that distinguish it being conveniently included in the final claims that accompany this description.

[0016] Specifically, what the invention proposes, as previously mentioned, is a visual guide that indicates the time the water has been on, with the advantage of simultaneously providing instruction through playful elements on how to shower more efficiently at each stage of the shower. For example, it indicates the rinse time, the lathering time, the rinsing time, etc., and does so in a way that encourages users to improve on previous times, thus incentivizing them to reduce water consumption.

[0017] To this end, and more specifically, the device of the invention is an electronic device comprising at least one indicator light with a plurality of lights, preferably of different colours, which are associated with a programmable microprocessor to be activated in a series of sequences intended to serve as a guide in the duration of the different routine phases of the shower, that is, rinsing, soaping, rinsing, etc., and to encourage savings in water consumption in a gamified manner.

[0018] For example, if a person normally showers in 12 minutes, they are offered an 8-minute shower routine. If another person showers in 6 minutes, they are offered a 4-minute shower routine. This is therefore an indicator with "adaptive time" and based on challenges so that it also represents a fun activity.

[0019] The device is a timer with playful elements that indicate a shower routine with different phases. The goal is to guide users to shorten their shower time to save water.

[0020] The device has embedded sensors, such as at least one presence sensor, a voice or sound sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a gesture sensor, and / or one or more physical buttons. The data collected by these sensors is processed by a microprocessor and a preprogrammed algorithm, allowing it to automatically detect the start and end of the shower, activating the shower routine to guide the user in saving water, without requiring modifications to the bathroom's plumbing system. The device shows the user each phase of the routine with a diagram or sequence of lights of different colors, preferably arranged in a circle and preferably accompanied by a display of images or graphic icons on a screen to help users understand which phase they are in.

[0021] Each phase has a predetermined time, which will have been pre-recorded in the device at the factory or, optionally, can be programmed by the user according to their preferences or needs, for example, using the buttons provided for this purpose and / or connecting to an external device.

[0022] Furthermore, the device is designed to offer universal accessibility, so in addition to the indicator light, it includes means to display the timings that indicate the different phases of the routine through sounds, for users with visual impairments.

[0023] With this, the operation of the device will be basically as follows:

[0024] - By confirming the start of the shower, combining information from the different sensors, the device initiates the sequence of guided shower phases.

[0025] - When the start of the shower is detected, the device will also start counting the time elapsed until the end of the shower is detected, regardless of whether the guided sequence of shower phases through the lights described above has already finished.

[0026] Optionally, data on shower duration, shower frequency, and values ​​detected by embedded sensors and buttons will be stored to adapt the timing of the shower phases the next time the device is used and / or transmitted to a secure server external to the device, which can optionally be accessed through a dedicated app or web portal, for post-processing to fine-tune the guided sequence, offering a tailored and personalized routine for the user to follow during subsequent showers. Furthermore, the collected data can be used to create a gamification system with points, challenges, and rewards to motivate the user to follow the routine phases and save water.

[0027] Furthermore, it should be noted that the device of the invention is primarily designed for installation in hotels, but is also an ideal solution for residences, homes, cruise ships, gyms, sports facilities, spas, or any other facility that has showers.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the device comprises a mechanism for identifying its installation location, for example, by means of an NFC (Near Field Communication) reader embedded in its removable casing and an NFC tag with unique identification data, fixed to a wall mount.

[0029] Therefore, the device is ideally designed to allow for removable and interchangeable installation, so that if a device, for example, in a hotel room, runs out of battery or breaks down, another one can be quickly and easily installed in the same location. In such a case, since it is important to understand user behavior in relation to a specific location, the new device should know where it is.

[0030] To this end, the device includes a fixed wall mount and a removable casing that fits into the mount. The mount has a unique label that identifies its location, and the device (the replaceable part) has a reader for this label that identifies the mount.

[0031] The tag is preferably an NFC (Near Field Communication) tag, and the device has an NFC reader. However, alternatively, the tag can be a QR code, and the device will have a QR reader.

[0032] Additionally, the reader in the device's removable housing includes a wake-up feature so it doesn't read constantly.

[0033] Preferably, said activation means is defined by an element provided on the wall mount that contacts an element of the device's housing when placed on the mount. For example, a magnet on the mount and a Hall sensor on the device.

[0034] Finally, preferably, the removable frame and the wall support comprise locking means to prevent unwanted removal of the device, such means preferably being formed by a tab of the support that can be inserted into a slot in the housing such that it is suitable for being easily unlocked, for example, by inserting a card commonly used for hotel rooms.

[0035] DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] To complement the description being made and in order to help better understand the characteristics of the invention, a drawing is attached to this specification, as an integral part thereof, in which the following has been represented for illustrative and non-limiting purposes:

[0037] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of an example of the electronic device for encouraging water saving in the shower, object of the invention, showing the main parts it comprises; Figure 2 shows a schematic representation of an example of the graphic icon screen comprising the device of the invention for displaying the different sequences of the indicator light in each phase of the shower; Figure 3 shows a schematic front perspective view of another example of the electronic device object of the invention, in this case a removable and interchangeable example; Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the example of the device shown in Figure 3, in this case represented without the removable decorative frame; Figure 5 shows a perspective view of the wall mount comprising the example of the device shown in Figures 3 and 4; Figure 6.- Shows a perspective view of the rear of the removable casing of the device, as shown in Figures 3 to 5; and Figure 7. - Shows a perspective view of the rear of the casing incorporated into the wall mount, as shown in Figures 3 to 6.

[0038] PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0039] In view of the aforementioned figures, and in accordance with the adopted numbering, one can observe in them non-limiting embodiment examples of the electronic device to encourage water saving in the shower of the invention, which comprises what is described in detail below.

[0040] Thus, as can be seen in the representation of Figure 1, the device (1) of the invention, applicable for use in the shower, essentially comprises at least one indicator light (2) with a plurality of lights (20), preferably of different colours, associated with an electronic board (3) with a programmable microprocessor which, conveniently connected to a power supply (4), is capable, by means of a programmed algorithm, of, when automatically activated by means of, at least, through the data processed from a plurality of integrated sensors, which are detailed later, reproducing a series of different sequences of switching on of the lights (20) and of images on the screen (6) intended to serve as a guide in the duration of the different routine phases that the action of taking a shower usually entails, comprising at least one sequence for the rinsing phase, another for soaping and another for rinsing,and incentivize the user in a gamified way to carry out each of these phases in the same or less time than each sequence lasts in order to reduce water consumption.

[0041] Preferably, the device (1) comprises, representable on a screen (6) or on a low-consumption panel, a series of icons (60), shown in Figure 2, which graphically represent the scheme or sequence of switching on of colored lights (20) corresponding to each phase of the shower so that the user knows which phase they are in. Thus, preferably, the screen (6) is configured to show visual sequences that change progressively depending on the phases of the shower, providing visual indications to the user about the current stage of the shower process, including images or icons (60) representative of each phase.

[0042] Preferably, the device, in addition to the light indicator (2), also comprises means, such as a speaker (7) and a recording, to reproduce different sequences of sounds that serve as a guide in the duration of the different phases of the shower for users with visual impairment or to avoid having to open their eyes during the shower.

[0043] Preferably, the device (1) comprises an actuating element (5) thereof, with a physical switch or button (50), to initially activate the power supply (4) and the other electrical and / or electronic elements embedded in the device (1), being then automatically activated when it detects the presence of the user or shower noise.

[0044] For this purpose, the device (1) comprises embedded at least one presence sensor (51) and a voice or sound capture sensor (52); although, preferably, it also comprises one or more sensors, such as temperature (53), humidity (54), light (58), Hall sensor (57), NFC reader (56) and / or gesture or movement sensor (55) or accelerometer, to ensure the aforementioned automatic activation and detect the start and end of the shower by means of the algorithm programmed in the microprocessor, responsible for processing the data obtained by said sensors.

[0045] In any case, in one embodiment, as shown in Figures 3 to 7, the device is partially removable and interchangeable, for which it comprises a base or wall fixing support (14) into which it fits and is easily disassembled, without the aid of tools, a removable housing (12) with the functional elements of the device, said wall support (14) comprising a unique identification label, preferably an NFC label or microprocessor (18) for storing preprogrammed data that includes, at least, the location where the device (1) is installed, the room, the floor, the door or identification number of the owner of the device and, the removable housing (12), in addition to the main functional elements of the device (1), a reader of the identification label of the support (14), in this case an NFC card or microprocessor reader (56) embedded in said frame,capable of reading and processing the data contained in the NFC tag (18) incorporated in the wall bracket (14) through the algorithm programmed in the microprocessor incorporated in the electronic board (3).,

[0046] Furthermore, preferably, the wall mount (14) comprises means for activating the reader of the removable housing (12), preferably a magnetic element or magnet (17) that is detected by a Hall sensor (57) incorporated in the removable housing (12) of the device (1) when it is coupled to the support (14), indicating the moment to activate the NFC reader (56) incorporated in the device (1). Once the data of the NFC card (18) has been read in the wall support (14), the algorithm recorded in the processor of the electronic board (3) incorporated in the device (1) cuts off the power to the NFC reader (56) in order to save energy from the power supply (4).

[0047] Furthermore, preferably, the removable casing (12) and the wall support (14) comprise locking / unlocking means to prevent unwanted removal of the device, which preferably comprise a locking tab (15) provided on the support.

[0048] (14) to lock the casing (12) of the device into it, preventing its removal, and an unlocking slot (16) suitable for inserting a card or similar and pressing the tab

[0049] (15) to unlock the casing (12) of the device and allow its removal.

[0050] For example, the removable casing (12) fits and is easily disassembled in the wall support (14), without the aid of tools, through guides (21) provided in parallel in the support (14) between which a projection (22) of the rear face of the casing (12) is inserted.

[0051] In any case, on the other hand, preferably, the indicator light (2) comprises a plurality of LED lights (20) of three or more different colors, which are preferably arranged in a circle, such that, in each sequence of the guide of the different phases of the shower, they turn on progressively in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction and change color.

[0052] Preferably, the device (1) is programmed to reproduce at least six different lighting sequences corresponding to different phases of the shower, each of which, in addition to the indicator light (2), is shown on the screen (6) by means of a corresponding graphic icon (60), these being the following:

[0053] - Preliminary phase (A), to reach the desired water temperature.

[0054] - Rinse phase (B), to wet the body.

[0055] - Soaping phase (C), to apply soap to different parts of the body and wash.

[0056] - Rinse phase (D), to remove soap residue.

[0057] - Cooling or relaxation phase (E), to relax the body.

[0058] - And closing phase (F), to close the water flow.

[0059] By programming the algorithm, the duration of the different routine phases shown by the indicator light (2) and / or the display (6) are adapted to the shower time detected during previous showers with the aim of setting realistic challenges for subsequent showers and in this way achieving real water savings.

[0060] In any case, the set of functional elements of the device (1), with the exception of the wall support (14) and the elements it comprises, and which will be arranged externally, are conveniently incorporated protected within the casing (12) which is watertight and impermeable, to prevent them from being affected by the humidity of the shower. Preferably, said casing (12) includes the lights (20) of the indicator light (2), as shown in the example of Figures 3 to 7, when it is interchangeable. Although, optionally, the indicator light (2) can be an independent element of the casing (12), as shown in the example of Figure 1.

[0061] In any case, the wall support (14) on which the housing (12) is fixed may have fixing means (8) to the wall such as, for example, screws, adhesive tape and / or a suction cup.

[0062] Preferably, the device further comprises a membrane (19) located in the opening of the housing (12) to cover the sound sensor (52) so as to allow the capture of external sounds while blocking the entry of water into the interior of the device.

[0063] Optionally, the front part of the housing (12) of the device may comprise a removable decorative frame (13) around the screen (6), which can be personalized by painting and / or through an adhesive with photos, patterns or different colors.

[0064] Preferably, the device (1) includes a built-in button (9) and / or a connection port (10) to program the microprocessor of the electronic board (3), either directly or through an external device.

[0065] Optionally, usage data, such as shower duration, shower frequency, or other values ​​detected by the embedded sensors (51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58) and / or the physical switch (50), are stored either in the memory of the electronic board (3) itself and / or in a server or device external to the device (1) by being transmitted through the connection port (10) and / or a communication module (11).

[0066] Optionally, this data is accessible to the user, for example, through a dedicated app or web portal, for post-treatment purposes to fine-tune the guided sequence, offering a tailored, personalized routine for the user to follow during subsequent showers.

[0067] It is also possible through the connection port (10) and / or the communication module (11) to receive commands, new data and / or new programming of the electronic board.

[0068] Preferably, the power supply (4) comprises a housing for incorporating a removable battery (40), without ruling out the inclusion of a cable with a plug for connection to a power outlet.

[0069] Having sufficiently described the nature of the present invention, as well as the manner of putting it into practice, it is not considered necessary to make its explanation more extensive so that any expert in the field understands its scope and the advantages derived from it.

Claims

CLAIMS 1.- Electronic device to encourage water saving in the shower characterized by comprising, at least, one indicator light (2) with a plurality of lights (20) associated with an electronic board (3) with a programmable microprocessor connected to a power supply (4); by comprising an algorithm programmed in the microprocessor to process data received from external sources and / or from one or more embedded sensors capable of automatically recognizing the start and end of the shower, activating the reproduction of different sequences of switching on of the lights (20) intended to serve as a guide in the duration of different routine phases that the action of taking a shower usually entails, comprising, at least, one sequence for the rinsing phase, another for soaping and another for rinsing. 2.- Electronic device to encourage water saving in the shower, according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a wall support (14) in which a removable casing (12) with the functional elements of the device and a mechanism for identifying the installation location of the device fits and is easily disassembled. 3.- Electronic device to encourage water saving in the shower, according to claim 2, characterized in that the wall support (14) comprises a unique identification label and the removable casing (12), in addition to the main functional elements of the device (1), comprises a reader of the identification label of the support (14). 4.- Electronic device to encourage saving water in the shower, according to claim 3, characterized in that the wall support (14) comprises an NFC tag or microprocessor (18) for storing preprogrammed data that include, at least, the location where the device is installed (1), and the removable housing (12) comprises an embedded NFC card or microprocessor reader (56), capable of reading and processing the data contained in the NFC tag (18) incorporated in the wall support (14) through the algorithm programmed in the microprocessor incorporated in the electronic board (3). 5.- Electronic device to encourage saving water in the shower, according to any of claims 3 or 4, characterized in that the wall support (14) comprises means for activating the reader of the removable housing (12), such as a magnet (17) detected by a Hall sensor (57) incorporated in the removable housing (12) of the device (1) when it is coupled to the support (14). 6.- Electronic device to encourage water saving in the shower, according to any of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the removable casing (12) and the wall support (14) comprise locking / unlocking means to prevent unwanted removal of the device, 7.- Electronic device to encourage water saving in the shower, according to claim 6, characterized in that it comprises a locking tab (15) provided in the support (14) to lock the casing (12) of the device therein, preventing its removal, and an unlocking slot (16) suitable for inserting a card or similar and pressing the tab (15) to unlock the casing (12) of the device and allow its removal. 8.- Electronic device to encourage water saving in the shower, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a screen (6), preferably a low consumption panel, with icons (60) that graphically represent the scheme or sequence of switching on of colored lights (20) corresponding to each phase of the shower. 9.- Electronic device to encourage water saving in the shower, according to any of the previous claims, characterized in that the algorithm is programmed so that the duration of different routine phases shown by the indicator light (2) and / or the screen (6) adapt to the shower time detected during previous showers with the aim of setting realistic challenges for successive showers and in this way achieving real water savings. 10.- Electronic device to encourage water saving in the shower, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it also comprises means, such as as a speaker (7) and a recording, to reproduce different sequences of sounds that serve as a guide in the duration of the different phases of the shower. 11.- Electronic device to encourage water saving in the shower, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a physical switch or button (50), as an actuating element (5) to initially activate the power supply (4) and the other embedded electrical and / or electronic elements. 12.- Electronic device to encourage saving water in the shower, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a sound sensor (52) and a presence sensor (51), and optionally other sensors such as voice or sound capture (52), temperature (53), humidity (54), light, and / or gestures or movement (55), which allow, by means of an algorithm programmed in the microprocessor, in charge of processing the data obtained by said sensors, to recognize the beginning and end of the shower and activate a guide to save water during the shower routine. 13.- Electronic device to encourage water saving in the shower, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the indicator light (2) comprises a plurality of LED lights (20) of three or more different colors. 14.- Electronic device to encourage water saving in the shower, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lights (20) of the indicator light (2) are arranged in a circle, such that, in each sequence, they turn on progressively in a clockwise or counterclockwise direction and change color. 15.- Electronic device to encourage water saving in the shower, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the screen (6) is configured to show visual sequences that change progressively depending on the phases of the shower, providing visual indications to the user about the current stage of the shower process, including images or icons (60) representative of each phase. 16.- Electronic device to encourage water saving in the shower, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it is programmed to reproduce, at least six different lighting sequences and icons (60). 17.- Electronic device to encourage water saving in the shower, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the set of functional elements is incorporated protected within a watertight and impermeable casing (12). 18.- Electronic device to encourage water saving in the shower, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a membrane (19) located in the opening of the housing (2) for the sound sensor (52), which allows the capture of external sounds while blocking the entry of water into the device. 19.- Electronic device to encourage water saving in the shower, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a removable decorative frame (13) around the screen (6), which can be personalized by painting and / or through an adhesive with photos, patterns or different colors. 20.- Electronic device to encourage water saving in the shower, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a button (9) and / or a connection port (10) to program the duration of the sequences. 21.- Electronic device to encourage water saving in the shower, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the electronic board (3) has memory to store usage data. 22.- Electronic device to encourage water saving in the shower, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a connection port (10) and / or a communication module (11) to store usage data on a server or external device, as well as to receive commands, new data and / or new programming of the electronic board.

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