Systems and methods for monitoring a washroom facility

Abstract

A system for monitoring a washroom facility is provided. The system includes an end node located within the washroom facility configured to interact with the washroom facility. The system also includes a mobile device including a transmitter and a receiver. The system also includes an application accessible by the mobile device, the application configured to: establish a connection, via the mobile device, between the end node and a network such that the mobile device defines a gateway between the end node and the network, and convey data, via the mobile device, from the network to the end node or from the end node to the network.

Description

65123283US01SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MONITORING A WASHROOM FACILITYCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The present application is related and has right of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 720,366 filed on November 14, 2024, which is incorporated by reference in its entireties for all purposes.FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for monitoring a washroom facility, and more particularly, systems and methods for monitoring a washroom facility through the use of a mobile gateway.BACKGROUND

[0003] With respect to typical washroom facilities, such as those facilities in an airport, a restaurant, a health care facility, an office building, a manufacturing plant, and the like, remote monitoring of these facilities enables staff to manage the washroom facilities more effectively. Particularly, remote monitoring can give staff information about the status of the washroom facility as well as the sanitizing dispensers and fixtures contained within the washroom facility. By providing this information remotely, staff can more effectively manage their time with respect to managing the washroom and reduce the need for staff to enter the washroom to gather such information. Further, providing such information can reduce the need for staff to disrupt the regular use of the washroom and disturb patrons of the washroom.

[0004] However, to provide remote monitoring of the washroom facilities, a gateway is typically required to be installed within or proximate to the washroom facility. This installation can commonly result in time being dedicated to the installation of the gateway, which requires the temporary closure of the related washroom facilities. In addition, the installed gateway may also require significant investment from the manager of the washroom facility or the building associated with the washroom facility that could be used elsewhere.

[0005] Moreover, the gateway installed may only provide limited functionality.Specifically, an installed gateway may not be able to display information to a user relevant to the washroom facility or provide any assistance to staff of the washroom facility outside65123283US01of acting as a gateway for the washroom facility. An installed gateway may also not be able to display a schedule or plan to staff that assists staff in maintaining the washroom facility.

[0006] Thus, a need exists to address the aforementioned concerns. In particular, a need exists to provide a means of monitoring the washroom facility that reduces the time, expense, and inconvenience ordinarily associated with the installation of a gateway proximate to the washroom facility. Further, a need exists for providing a gateway that provide additional functionality and improved options beyond an installed gateway.SUMMARY

[0007] Systems and methods utilized within a washroom facility7are presented incorporating aspects of the disclosure. The term “washroom facility” is used generically herein to encompass any manner of public, semi -public, or private facility visited by patrons to use sink or toilet facilities, bathing facilities, changing facilities, and so forth. Such facilities are also known as restrooms, toilet closets, public bathrooms, men’s rooms, ladies’ rooms, and the like. A typical public or semi-private washroom has a number of toilet facilities or urinals and sinks.

[0008] Although the present systems and methods are particularly useful in an “away-from-home” public or semi-private environment, the systems and methods are not limited by the scope of use. As used herein, the term “aw ay-from-home” means a place or location where people congregate for various reasons or purposes that are outside the typical home. Examples of away-from-home locations include places of business, such as office buildings, office suites, retail stores, and warehouses, manufacturing facilities; schools; hospitals and other types of medical facilities; places of w orship; hotels and motels; conference centers; and the like. The systems and methods are particularly well-suited for structures where multiple washroom facilities are provided for use by the building tenants or an industrial or manufacturing site where multiple site facilities are provided for a controlled populace. It should be appreciated though that the present systems and methods may prove useful in a washroom facility in a residential or private environment, and such uses are within the scope and spirit of the disclosure.

[0009] In accordance with one aspect, a system for monitoring a washroom facility is provided. The system includes at least one end node located within the washroom facility configured to interact with the w ashroom facility. The system also includes at least one mobile device including a transmitter and a receiver. The system also includes an application accessible by the mobile device, the application configured to: establish a65123283US01connection, via the at least one mobile device, between the at least one end node and a network such that the at least one mobile device defines a gateway between the at least one end node and the network, and convey data, via the at least one mobile device, from the network to the at least one end node or from the at least one end node to the network.

[0010] In one embodiment of the system, the washroom facility does not include an installed gateway.

[0011] In another embodiment of the system, the at least one mobile device is outside of the washroom facility when the data is conveyed from the network to the at least one end node or from the at least one end node to the network.

[0012] In a further embodiment of the system, the at least one end node includes a sensor or controller communicatively coupled with at least one dispenser or fixture within the washroom facility, wherein the at least one dispenser or fixture includes a soap dispenser, a hand sanitizer dispenser, a paper product dispenser, a feminine hygiene product dispenser, an air freshener, a toilet, a urinal, or a sink.

[0013] In an additional embodiment of the system, the at least one end node includes an environmental sensor or an occupancy sensor.

[0014] In yet another embodiment of the system, the at least one mobile device includes a tablet, a smart phone, a laptop computer, or a wearable device.

[0015] In still another embodiment of the system, the at least one end node is configured to detect a maintenance need within the washroom facility.

[0016] In yet a further embodiment of the system, the application is further configured to: generate a notification related to the maintenance need within the washroom facility.

[0017] In another embodiment of the system, the notification includes instructions to resolve the maintenance need.

[0018] In a further embodiment of the system, the notification includes an indication that the washroom facility is out of service due to the maintenance need.

[0019] In an additional embodiment of the system, the notification includes instructions that at least one other washroom facility is available.

[0020] In yet another embodiment of the system, the application is further configured to: indicate an expected occupancy of the washroom facility via a model.

[0021] In still another embodiment of the system, the model includes historical data of the occupancy of the washroom facility7.

[0022] In yet a further embodiment of the sy stem, the model further includes events that increase or reduce the expected occupancy of the washroom facility.65123283US01

[0023] In another embodiment of the system, the washroom facility includes a plurality of washroom facilities, wherein the application is further configured to: display a status of a particular washroom facility of the plurality of washroom facilities when a user selects the particular washroom facility.

[0024] In accordance with another aspect, a method for monitoring a washroom facility is provided. The method includes establishing a connection, via at least one mobile device, between at least one end node and a network such that the at least one mobile device defines a gateway between the at least one end node and the network, wherein the at least one end node is located within the washroom facility and is configured to interact with the washroom facility. The method also includes conveying data, via the at least one mobile device, from the network to the at least one end node or from the at least one end node to the network.

[0025] In one embodiment, the method further includes positioning the at least one mobile device in communicative proximity of at least one end node, wherein the at least one end node is located within the washroom facility, wherein the data is conveyed after the at least one mobile device is in communicative proximity of the at least one end node; positioning the at least one mobile device outside of the communicative proximity of the at least one end node after the data is conveyed; and ceasing the connection, via the at least one mobile device, betw een the at least one end node and the network upon the at least one mobile device being positioned outside of the communicative proximity of the at least one end node.

[0026] In another embodiment, the method further includes initiating a service mode, within an application accessible by the at least one mobile device, upon the connection being established betw een the at least one end node and the network, wherein the at least one end node includes a plurality of end nodes, wherein the sen ice mode includes a list of the plurality of end nodes within the washroom facility, wherein the service mode includes a notification related to a maintenance need for any of the plurality of end nodes.

[0027] In a further embodiment of the method, the notification includes at least one of: a visual representation of the at least one end node and an identifier of a location within the at least one end node that requires maintenance; a map of the washroom in which the plurality of end nodes are located and an identifier on the map for the end node that requires maintenance; a generated toggle the at least one end node that requires maintenance, the toggle configured to enable and disable the respective end node when selected.

[0028] In accordance with another aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium for monitoring a washroom facility is provided. The non-transitory computer-65123283US01readable storage medium includes instructions stored thereon and executed by a hardware controller of at least one mobile device to: establish a connection, via the at least one mobile device, between at least one end node and a network such that the at least one mobile device defines a gateway between the at least one end node and the network, wherein the at least one end node is located within the washroom facility and is configured to interact with the washroom facility; and convey data, via the at least one mobile device, from the network to the at least one end node or from the at least one end node to the network.

[0029] Other features and aspects of the present disclosure are discussed in greater detail below.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] A full and enabling disclosure of the present disclosure is set forth more particularly in the remainder of the specification, including reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

[0031] FIG. 1 illustrates a block diagram of an example embodiment of a washroom facility according to the present disclosure;

[0032] FIG. 2 provides a side cutaway view' of an example embodiment of a dispenser according to the present disclosure;

[0033] FIGS. 3A-3B a side cutaway view of an example embodiment of a fixture according to the present disclosure;

[0034] FIG. 4 illustrates an example embodiment of a data flow diagram of a washroom facility according to the present disclosure;

[0035] FIG. 5 illustrates a flow diagram of a method for monitoring a w ashroom facility7according to the present disclosure;

[0036] FIG. 6 illustrates an example embodiment of a graphical user interface of a service mode for the w ashroom facility according to the present disclosure;

[0037] FIG. 7 illustrates a provides a flow diagram of a method of presenting information from a washroom facility according to the present disclosure;

[0038] FIG. 8 illustrates an example embodiment of a graphical user interface of digital signage for the washroom facility according to the present disclosure; and

[0039] FIG. 9 illustrates a front view of an example embodiment of a mobile device, and more particularly, a cart providing mobile device capability according to the present disclosure.65123283US01

[0040] Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the present disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0041] It is to be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the present discussion is a description of exemplary embodiments only and is not intended as limiting the broader aspects of the present disclosure.

[0042] Generally speaking, the present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for monitoring a washroom facility. In particular, a system for monitoring a washroom facility may include an end node located within the washroom facility configured to interact with the washroom facility. The system may also include a mobile device including a transmitter, a receiver, and an application accessible by the mobile device. Specifically, the application may be configured to establish a connection, via the mobile device, between the end node and a network such that the mobile device defines a gateway between the end node and the network. The application may also be configured to convey data, via the mobile device, from the network to the end node or from the end node to the network.

[0043] The present disclosure may also be directed to systems and methods of presenting information from the washroom facility using the above-mentioned framework. For example, a method for presenting information may include the aforementioned steps of establishing a connection and conveying data. In addition, the method may also include generating a status of the washroom facility, via the mobile device, based on the conveyed data and displaying the status of the washroom facility on the mobile device.

[0044] Accordingly, multiple benefits may be provided by the presently disclosed systems and methods. For example, the systems and methods of the present disclosure may reduce or remove the need for installing a gateway in proximity to a washroom facility when management of said washroom facility is desired. This may reduce the time and cost of normally installing and maintaining an installed gateway. Further, this may free up the physical space that would otherwise be dedicated to the installed gateway for other uses.

[0045] In addition, a mobile gatew ay may be able to provide additional functionality' not typically associated with an installed gateway. For example, the mobile gateway may be capable of providing information relevant to one or more washroom facilities in real-time.65123283US01Such information could be used to enhance the experience of both patrons and staff alike. For example, the information could be displayed to patrons outside of the washroom facility to inform them of the occupancy or status of the washroom facility to better improve the efficiency of the use of the washroom facility. Further, the information could be used by staff to determine the occupancy or status of the washroom facility of the washroom facility so that staff may be informed of opportune time windows to perform cleaning or maintenance of the washroom facility.

[0046] The present disclosure may be understood with greater detail with reference to the figures. In particular, FIGS. 1, 2, and 3A-3B provide example embodiments of washroom facilities, dispensers, and fixtures that may be used with the systems and methods described, while FIG. 4-8 provide methods and a framework through which the washroom facility of FIG. 1 may be monitored and information relevant to the washroom facility may be displayed.

[0047] Referring now to the figures, FIG. 1 provides a block diagram of an example environment of a w ashroom facility. The washroom facility 100 can include w ashroom components such as a first dispenser(s) 104, a second dispenser 111, sinks / faucets 134, toilets 130, and urinals 136. Each of the dispensers 104, 111, sinks / faucets 134, toilets 130, and urinals 136 may include a sensor 116, 121 and a controller 118, 125 that are capable of sensing the conditions of and implementing control over the dispensers 104, 111, sinks / faucets 134, toilets 130, and urinals 136. Example embodiments of dispensers and fixtures are described herein.

[0048] Referring now to FIG. 2, FIG. 2 provides a right-side cutaw ay representation of an example dispenser. A dispenser 104 or hygiene dispenser 104 dispenses consumable hygiene product 105 (e.g., bath tissue, hand towels, hand sanitizer, soap, lotion, deodorizer, air freshener, feminine hygiene products, etc.), which is a product intended to promote good hygiene or sanitation such as by cleaning or sanitizing a user and / or a surface. In some implementations, a dispenser 104, more generally, is a device that holds consumable hygiene product 105 and dispenses the product 105 in response to a stimulus, e.g., an environmental stimulus (e.g., light / darkness). at pre-determined (e.g., programmatically set) intervals or by manual user actuation such as pulling an exposed portion of the consumable product or via a pumping-type process (e.g., for some manual soap dispensers). Although FIG. 2 show-s a rolled product dispenser 104 (e.g., a paper tow el dispenser), other hygienic dispensers are also envisioned such as, for example, soap / sanitizer dispensers, bath tissue dispensers, air fresher dispensers (not pictured), hand or facial care dispensers (not pictured), seat cover65123283US01dispensers (not pictured), surface cleaning, sanitizing, or disinfecting dispensers (not pictured) including for toilets 130 or urinals 136, and / or the like. Such dispensers 104 are generally refillable such that once the product 105 stored in the dispenser 104 is depleted a service attendant can refill the dispenser 104 with additional product 105.

[0049] The dispenser 104 may include a body 107 or outer cover 107, e.g., a composite or metal housing. The outer cover 107 may enclose, fully or partially, a product holding area 102 or interior 102 of the dispenser 104. The product holding area 102 may hold, for example, the product-to-be-dispensed 105 by the dispenser 104 and, in some implementations, one or more electrical or mechanical components used to enable the dispensing process such as a motor, batteries, rollers, sensors to determine when a user requests a dispense, etc.

[0050] The dispenser 104 may also include a dispensing mechanism 110. The dispensing mechanism 110 may operate to dispense a portion of the consumable product 105 in the product holding area 102 (e.g., dispense a length of roll 105 for use to dry hands or a shot of soap 105 or sanitizer to clean hands). In some implementations, for example, for rolled paper towels 105 or wipers 105 or bath tissue 105, the dispensing mechanism 110 may be an electromechanical feed mechanism that includes or operates in conjunction with a motor 119 that, in response to a stimulus such as a user waving a hand proximate the dispenser 104, feeds a length of the roll 105 through an opening 123 in the body 107 to present to the user. For example, the dispensing mechanism 110 can include a series of rollers 122 through which a portion of the roll 105 is fed such that when the dispensing mechanism 110 actuates it pulls and unwinds the roll 105 (or causes the roll 105 to be pulled and unwound) to feed a portion of the roll 105 to the user. In some implementations, the motor 119 can be integral to the roll holder 106 and causes a spindle 109 of the roll holder 106 (e.g., on which the rolled product 105 is mounted) to turn thereby causing the roll 105 to unwind and be dispensed. In the case, for example, of a liquid soap, sanitizer, or lotion dispenser 104 the motor 119 may be a pump that draws the liquid product from a bottle, cassette, or other container holding the liquid product 105 and ejects the drawn product to the user for a dispense operation.

[0051] In some implementations, the dispenser 104 may be a user-driven dispensing unit, e.g., the dispensing process is not powered by a motor or other electromechanical generator. For example, for a rolled paper product dispenser 104 such as a paper tow el or bath tissue dispenser 104, a user may grab an exposed tail of the roll 105 and pull to cause more of the product 105 to be dispensed. For a liquid soap or sanitizer dispenser 104, a user65123283US01may depress or otherwise manually actuate a pump (e.g., dispensing mechanism 110) to draw the product 105 from its container and dispense the product 105.

[0052] In some implementations, the dispenser 104 may include a controller 118 such as a microprocessor or microcontroller. The controller 118 may execute instructions stored in memory or otherwise accessible to the controller 118. The controller 118 interfaces with and, in some implementations, controls the operation of other devices / components in the dispenser 104 such as the motor 119 and transceiver 117, which can be used to communicate with external devices. The dispenser 104 may also include a functional sensor 116 that monitors the amount of product 105 dispensed. The functional sensor 116 may also monitor the state of the dispenser 104 to determine if maintenance is needed. For example, the functional sensor 116 may be able to report whether the dispenser 104 is jammed and incapable of dispensing the product 105. In another example, the functional sensor 116 may be able to report whether the amount of product 105 container within the product level of the dispenser 104 is low when compared to the total product earn ing capacity of the dispenser 104. For example, the functional sensor 116 may report that the product level is lower than about 25%, such as lower than about 15%, such as lower than 5%, such as at about 0%, when compared to the total product carrying capacity of the dispenser 104.

[0053] As described above, washroom components can, among others, include toilets 130. For example, FIGS. 3A-3B provide cut-away views of an example toilet with a valve. Particularly, FIG. 3A is a side cutaway representation of a toilet 130 with a valve 132 closed, and FIG. 3B is a side cutaway representation of the toilet 130 of FIG. 3A with valve 132 opened. When valve 132 is in the open position (FIG. 3B) water can fill the tank for normal operation. When valve 132 is in the closed position (FIG. 3 A) water is prevented from filling the tank. Functional sensors 116 may be provided with the toilet 130 as well. With the toilet 130, the functional sensor 116 may be able to report whether maintenance is needed. For example, the functional sensor 116 may be able to report whether the toilet 130 is clogged or overflowing.

[0054] Functional sensors 116 may also be provided with the sinks / faucets 134 or the urinals 136 as shown in FIG. 1. Like the functional sensor 116 provided with the toilet 130, the functional sensor 116 with the sinks / faucets 134 or the urinals 136 may be able to report whether maintenance is needed. For example, functional sensor 116 may be able to report whether the sinks / faucets 134 are incapable of outputting water or overflowing or that the urinal 136 is clogged or overflowing. Thus, by way of example, it can be seen that the65123283US01functional sensors 116 provided with the washroom components may be capable of detecting a maintenance need within the washroom facility 100.

[0055] Referring back to FIG. 1, the washroom facility 100 may also include various other sensors for monitoring the condition of the washroom facility7100 such as an occupancy sensor 142 and an environmental sensor 144. The occupancy sensor 142 may monitor the ingress and egress of human traffic through the washroom facility 100, while an environmental sensor 144 may monitor environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, smell, the presence of smoke, the presence of harmful chemicals, noise, or any other similar conditions. In addition, as will be described in greater detail hereinbelow, the washroom components, the occupancy sensor 142, and the environmental sensor 144 may be connected to a network 170 by a mobile device 200. In addition, as will be described in greater detail hereinbelow, a dock 180 may be provided for the mobile device 200 to assist in displaying information relevant to the washroom facility 100.

[0056] Referring now to FIG. 4, FIG. 4 provides a data flow diagram of a washroom facility. As shown, the data flow diagram depicts an end node 160, a mobile device 200, and a network 170. The end node 160 may be located within the washroom facility7100 and be configured to interact with the washroom facility 100. For example, the end node 160 may include one or more end nodes which may be any of the washroom components (i.e., the dispensers 104, 111, sinks / faucets 134, toilets 130, and urinals 136) and corresponding sensors 116, 121 and controllers 118, 125.

[0057] The end node(s) 160 may also include the occupancy sensor 142, the environmental sensor 144, or the dock 180. The network 170 may refer to anetwork provided by a hardware server or a network located in the cloud on a server remote from the washroom facility 100. Further, the network 170 may refer to any conventional network such as an intranet, the Internet, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), or similar.

[0058] The mobile device 200 may include one or more mobile devices and be generally defined as an interactable display device including a non-transitoiy computer readable medium that facilitates a gateway connection between the end node(s) 160 and the network 170 without the need for wired connections to facilitate said gateway connection. Examples of the mobile device 200 may include a tablet, a smartphone, a laptop computer, or a wearable device. The mobile device 200 may also be a cart, robot, or an autonomous vehicle that is capable of, at minimum, acting as a gateway as will be described in greater detail hereinbelow. The mobile device 200 may be capable of accessing an application that is65123283US01configured to, at minimum, cause the mobile device 200 to act as a gateway between the end node(s) 160 and the network 170. To this end, the application may be located on the network 170 or be installed on the mobile device 200.

[0059] The application may be any type of software or script that, at minimum, causes the mobile device 200 to act as a gateway between the end node(s) 160 and the network 170. For example, the application may be a web-based app, a mobile app, a native app to the mobile device’s 200 operating system, a client-server app, or a hybrid thereof. Any code capable of facilitating, at minimum, the mobile device 200 acting as a gateway may be utilized.

[0060] As described hereinabove, the mobile device 200 may be utilized to establish a connection between the end node(s) 160 and the network 170 such that mobile device 200 defines a gateway between the end node(s) 160 and the network 170. Further, once a connection is established, the mobile device 200 may convey data from the netw ork 170 to the end node(s) 160 or from the end node(s) 160 to the network 170. In particular, as shown in FIG. 4, a data transfer 154 may originate from the netw ork 170 to the mobile device 200 and to the end node(s) 160 via a second data transfer 152. Alternatively, a data transfer 152 may originate from the end node(s) 160 to the mobile device 200 and to the netw ork 170 via a second data transfer 154.

[0061] The data transfers 152, 154 may happen concurrently or in real time such that an immediate transfer of data occurs between the end node(s) 160 and the network 170. In this scenario, the mobile device 200 would act as an immediate or real-time gateway between the end node(s) 160 and the network 170. Alternatively, the data transfers 152, 154 may happen at staggered periods of time. For example, the data transfer 154 may occur betw een the network 170 and the mobile device 200, then, a period of time may transpire (i.e., more than the time required for the transfer of data such as greater than five seconds) before the second data transfer 152 occurs between the mobile device 200 and the end node(s) 160. In this scenario, the mobile device 200 would act as a delayed gateway between the end node(s) 160 and the network 170.

[0062] The mobile device 200 may act as a passthrough for the data between the end node(s) 160 and the network, or the mobile device 200 may be capable of editing the data transferred to it before the data is sent to the end node(s) 160 or the netw ork 170. Further, the data transfers 152, 154 may be achieved through a variety' of connection ty pes. For example, the data transfer 152 between the end node(s) 160 and the mobile device 200 may be achieved through a personal area network (PAN), Bluetooth, Wi-Fi Direct, or similar,65123283US01while the data transfer 154 between the network 170 and the mobile device 200 may be achieved through a WAN such as the Internet, an intranet, a cellular network, a satellite network, or similar. Because the mobile device 200 functions as a gateway between the end node(s) 160 and the network 170, the washroom facility may not require an installed gateway.

[0063] The mobile device 200 may be present in the washroom facility 100 when the data is conveyed from the network 170 to the end node(s) 160 or from the end node(s) 160 to the network 170. However, the mobile device 200 need not be in the washroom facility 100 for the data transfers 152, 154 to occur. For example, the mobile device 200 may be outside the washroom facility 100 but inside the building in which the w ashroom facility 100 is located when the data transfers 152, 154 occur. Further, the mobile device 200 may be outside the building in which the washroom facility 100 is located when the data transfers 152, 154 occur.

[0064] Referring now to FIG. 5, a How diagram of a method for monitoring a washroom facility is presented according to the present disclosure. It should be understood that method 500 may be implemented using any of the components described in FIGS. 1-4. Though FIG.5 depicts steps performed in a particular order for purposes of illustration and discussion, those of ordinary skill in the art, using the disclosures provided herein, will understand that various steps of method 500 or any of the methods disclosed herein, may be adapted, modified, rearranged, performed simultaneously, or modified in various ways without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0065] As illustrated at step 502, the method 500 includes establishing a connection, via at least one mobile device (such as mobile device 200), betw een at least one end node (such as end node(s) 160) and a network (such as network 170) such that the at least one mobile device defines a gateway between the at least one end node and the network, wherein the at least one end node is located within the washroom facility and is configured to interact with the washroom facility.

[0066] As illustrated at step 504, the method 500 includes conveying data, via the at least one mobile device, from the network to the at least one end node or from the at least one end node to the network. The data may be conveyed upon the request of a user operating a mobile device. Alternatively, the data may be passively collected by the mobile device. For example, the conveyance of data between the end node(s) and network may be achieved upon the mobile device being positioned in communicative proximity of the end node(s), i.e., at a location where a signal or data can be transmitted between the mobile65123283US01device and the end node(s). In this scenario, the transmission would be passive and determined by the transmission range of the end node(s). Then, when the mobile device is positioned outside of the communicative proximity of the end node(s), the connection between the end node(s) and the network may be ceased due to the end node(s) being outside the communicative proximity of the mobile device. Thus, as described, the mobile device can facilitate a passive connection and transmission of data between the end node(s) and the network. As described, each of these steps provide a method for washroom components, sensors, or controllers to communicate with a network using a mobile device. This framework may also be utilized to provide additional functionality as will be described herein.

[0067] For example, referring now to FIG. 6, a graphical user interface of a service mode for the washroom facility is provided. As shown, the graphical user interface (GUI) 202 of the service mode may be displayed on the mobile device 200. The service mode may be selected by a user of the mobile device 200, such as through opening an app or a program, or the sendee mode may automatically be initiated by the mobile device 200 upon the satisfaction of certain conditions. For example, the mobile device 200 may initiate the service mode, i.e., launch a corresponding application, program, or script that displays GUI 202, upon the mobile device 200 establishing a connection between the end node(s) 160 and the network 170 or the mobile device 200 being positioned in communicative proximity of the end node(s) 160.

[0068] Once the corresponding app, program, etc. is launched, the GUI 202 is displayed and may include connectivity icons 204, 206 that indicate that the mobile device 200 is connected to and facilitating a gateway for the end node(s) 160 and the network 170, respectively. The GUI 202 may also include a list of end nodes 160 located within the washroom facility 100. The list 208 may include the status of the end node(s) 160 located within the washroom facility 100. For example, the list 208 may be in the form of a notification 210 or a plurality of notifications 210 relevant to the end node(s) 160. The number of notifications may be displayed by an icon 212 displayed on the GUI 202.

[0069] In an example, the notification(s) 210 may be related to a maintenance need for any of the end node(s) 160. For example, the maintenance need may indicate that a refill is required for a particular dispenser or a clog or a paper jam has occurred with a particular w ashroom component or fixture. Other maintenance needs could include that a sensor or controller is malfunctioning. If an environmental sensor is utilized, then the maintenance65123283US01need could include that the washroom facility has an elevated odor level or presently has hazardous conditions.

[0070] The notification(s) 210 may also provide instructions to resolve the maintenance need. For example, if a clog is detected in a toilet, the instructions may be to use a plunger on the toilet, dispense a drain cleaner, or use other similar plumber’s helpers (e.g., plunger, drain snake, drain cleaners, hydro jetter, etc.) on the toilet to remove the clog. If the maintenance need is ajam or a lack of consumable product within a dispenser, then the instructions may be directions to unlock and open the respective dispenser and take apart the dispenser to access and clear the jam or refill the consumable product.

[0071] The GUI 202 may also include a map 214 of the washroom facility7100 in which the end node(s) 160 are located. The map 214 may allow a washroom attendant to better navigate the washroom facility 100 and locate specific end node(s) 160 within the washroom facility 100. For example, if a notification 210 is present relating to a maintenance need within the w ashroom facility' 100, the map 214 may provide an identifier and directions 216 from a point of reference 218 to the location 220 of the end node(s) 160 that has / have the maintenance need. The point of reference 218 may be the point of entry of the washroom facility 100, or if location / positioning hardware (e.g., a global positioning system (GPS), cellular triangulation, Wi-Fi positioning systems (WPS), Bluetooth beacons, inertial measurement units (IMUs), magnetic field sensors, etc.) is present within the mobile device 200, the point of reference 218 could be the location at which the mobile device 200 is located.

[0072] The service mode also may include a toggle 222 for each of the end nodes 160 located within the washroom facility 100. The toggle 222 may be selected on the mobile device 200 to cause the corresponding end node(s) 160 to be enabled or disabled depending on the need at the time. For example, if a maintenance need is listed for an end node 160 that could be exacerbated by a patron of the w ashroom facility attempting to further utilize the end node 160, the toggle 222 could be selected and the corresponding end node 160 deactivated to prevent further utilization of the end node 160.

[0073] If multiple washroom facilities 100 are located within the building the end nodes 160 are located, then the service mode may also include multiple pages that correspond to individual w ashroom facilities 100. In particular, the individual washroom facilities 100 may be delineated between each other using the signal sent from the end node(s) 160. For example, the end node(s) 160 could be initially flagged as being located within a particular washroom facility 100 and then later used to determine if the mobile device 200 is in65123283US01communicative proximity of any of the end node(s) 160 located within that particular washroom facility 100.

[0074] If multiple washroom facilities 100 are detected, then the GUI 202 may include a plurality of pages where each washroom facility 100 is represented by a particular page of the GUI 202. If multiple pages are provided, then the number 224 of the page may be indicated and correspond to a number for the washroom facility 100. However, although numbers are listed as identifiers for washroom facilities, any other notation may be utilized such as letters, symbols, etc.

[0075] If desired, each of the pages could be selected at any point in time such that the status of the washroom facilities 100 could be determined at any point in time. However, if desired, not all pages of the corresponding washroom facilities 100 could be selectable at all times. For example, the GUI 202 could populate only the pages that correspond to washroom facilities 100 that have end node(s) 160 that are in communicative proximity of the mobile device 200. For example, a page of a respective washroom facility 100 could be displayed when at least one end node 160 within the washroom facility 100 is in communicative proximity of the mobile device 200. Then, when the mobile device 200 is outside the communicative proximity of the at least one end node 160, the washroom facility 100 may be removed from the list of selectable or displayed pages of washroom facilities 100.

[0076] Referring now to FIG. 7. a flow diagram of a method of presenting information from a washroom facility according to the present disclosure. It should be understood that, tike method 500, method 700 may be implemented using any of the components described in FIGS. 1-4. Further, though FIG. 7 depicts steps performed in a particular order for purposes of illustration and discussion, those of ordinary skill in the art, using the disclosures provided herein, will understand that various steps of method 700 or any of the methods disclosed herein, may be adapted, modified, rearranged, performed simultaneously, or modified in various ways without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0077] As illustrated at step 702, the method 500 includes establishing a connection, via at least one mobile device (such as mobile device 200), between at least one end node (such as end node(s) 160) and a network (such as network 170) such that the at least one mobile device defines a gateway between the at least one end node and the network, wherein the at least one end node is located within the washroom facility' and is configured to interact with the washroom facility.65123283US01

[0078] As illustrated at step 504, the method 700 includes conveying data, via the at least one mobile device, from the network to the at least one end node or from the at least one end node to the network. The data may be conveyed upon request of a user operating a mobile device or passively as described hereinabove.

[0079] As illustrated at step 706, the method 700 includes generating a status of the w ashroom facility, via the at least one mobile device, based on the conveyed data. For example, the status may be the GUI 202, the list 208, or any of the notifications 210 provided in the service mode. Alternatively, the status also could be a GUI or other information related to the status of the washroom facility such as its occupancy or availability.

[0080] For example, referring now to FIG. 8, a graphical user interface of digital signage for the washroom facility is provided. As shown. GUI 302 like GUI 202 may be displayed on the mobile device 200. The digital signage may be selected by a user of the mobile device 200, such as through opening an app or a program, or the digital signage may automatically be initiated by the mobile device 200 upon the satisfaction of certain conditions. For example, the mobile device 200 may initiate the digital signage, i.e.. launch a corresponding application, program, or script that displays GUI 302, upon the mobile device 200 being connected to the dock 180.

[0081] Once the corresponding app, program, etc. is launched, the GUI 302 is displayed and may include connectivity icons 304, 306 that indicate that the mobile device 200 is connected to and facilitating a gateway for the end node(s) 160 and the network 170 respectively. The GUI 302 may also include a status 308 of the washroom facility 100 that can be displayed. For example, the status 308 may be in the form of a notification that includes whether the w ashroom facility 100 is available for use by potential patrons. If the washroom facility 100 is not available, the status 308 may also include the reason the washroom facility 100 is not available. For example, the status 308 may indicate the washroom facility 100 is occupied or undergoing maintenance.

[0082] Staff personnel may provide an indication that the w ashroom facility is undergoing maintenance, but the indication that the washroom facility 100 is occupied may be provided automatically. In particular, if an occupancy sensor 142 is located within the washroom facility 100, the occupancy sensor 142 may detect (through entries and exits) how many people are within the w ashroom facility' 100. This number of people may then be compared to a known maximum number of stalls, toilets, urinals, etc. located within the washroom facility 100 to determine if the washroom facility is completely occupied.65123283US01

[0083] The amount of occupancy 310 may also be displayed. For example, the amount of occupancy 310 could be displayed as a percentage of the occupancy of the washroom facility (e.g.. 100% occupied). The amount of occupancy 310 may be useful to patrons to determine if the washroom facility 100 is available, but also may be useful to washroom facility’ staff. For example, the staff may only service the washroom facility 100 when the amount of occupancy 310 indicates that the washroom facility’ 100 is empty. In doing this, staff may be less likely to disturb patrons of the washroom facility 100.

[0084] If the washroom facility 100 is unavailable, the status 308 of the washroom facility 100 may also include an icon 312, a progress bar 314, a percentage 316, or a timer 318 that can be utilized to track when the washroom facility may next be available. For example, the icon 312 may indicate the type of activity causing the washroom facility to be unavailable. In particular, the icon 312 may be a moving broom or other similar object to indicate that the washroom facility 100 is undergoing maintenance. Alternatively, the icon 312 may be a moving person to indicate that the washroom facility 100 is at its maximum occupancy. Then, when the washroom facility 100 is next available, the icon 312 may disappear to indicate the availability.

[0085] The progress bar 314, the percentage 316, and the timer 318 may also provide additional information relevant to the next availability of the w ashroom facility 100. For example, the progress bar 314 and the percentage 316 may be provided to indicate the percentage before the washroom facility 100 is next available. For example, if the washroom facility is unavailable due to maintenance, an approximation of the time for a particular task may be calculated and compared with the time transpired since the maintenance began (i.e., dividing the time transpired by the total time for the task). This comparison could then be presented on the progress bar 314 or as the percentage 316.

[0086] The timer 318 may provide a different estimation of when the washroom facility is available. In particular, the timer 318 may instead list the difference between the approximation of time for a task and the time that transpired (i.e., subtracting the time transpired by the total time for the task).

[0087] Similar calculations for the progress bar 314, the percentage 316, and the timer 318 if the washroom facility is not available due to being at max occupancy. For example, a time may be estimated for a patron to enter and leave the w ashroom facility 100 and that estimated time may be compared with the time that has transpired since the patron entered the w ashroom facility 100. This comparison may then be used to calculate the time before65123283US01the patron leaves the washroom facility 100 such that the washroom faci 1 i ty 100 is no longer at max occupancy (i.e., partially unoccupied).

[0088] Still referring to FIG. 8, the GUI 302 may also include a map 320 that can assist patrons and staff in locating washroom facilities that are not occupied. For example, the map 320 may include directions 322 from a point of reference 324 to a location 326 of a washroom facility with a different occupancy (e.g., lower occupancy). For example, the point of reference may be the washroom facility 100 where the mobile device 200 is docked and the location 326 may be the next closest washroom facility with a different occupancy. These directions could both be used by staff and patrons to utilize washroom facilities more efficiently 100 within a building.

[0089] For example, for patrons, the directions 322 may direct the patron to another available washroom facility as an alternative option instead of waiting for the washroom facility that they are at currently to become partially unoccupied. Alternatively, for staff, the directions 322 may include the percentage 316 so that staff may be informed of which washroom facilities are better to service due to low or nonexistent occupancy.

[0090] As described, present occupancy may be utilized in the directions 322, however, predicted future occupancy may also be utilized. For example, an algorithm may be utilized by the mobile device 200 that utilizes data indicative of personnel traffic to predict a future occupancy of the washroom facilities. In particular, the data may include the present occupancy as described above. The data may also include a maintenance schedule determined by the staff of the washroom facilities. The data may also include events that could be determined for the building. For example, staff of the building could input events which may bring in a greater amount of foot traffic within the building. This information could then be utilized by the algorithm as data to determine that there may be a greater amount of expected occupancy within one or more of the washroom facilities.

[0091] Once the future occupancy of a respective washroom facility is determined, the map 320 may include directions 322 to a washroom facility' that has an expected lower predicted future occupancy. The map 320 could also simultaneously provide directions to a washroom facility that has both a lower present occupancy and a future expected occupancy. Accordingly, it can be seen that the digital signage may provide a variety of information outside the washroom facility 100 which can be utilized by staff and patrons alike to more efficiently utilize washroom facilities within a building.

[0092] Referring back to FIG. 7, the method 400 includes displaying the status of the washroom facility on the at least one mobile device. For example, displaying the status of65123283US01the washroom facility 100 may simply include displaying the GUI 302. Displaying the status may also include arranging the mobile device 200 outside the washroom facility 100 with the dock 180. To that end, the dock 180 may include a lock 182 for securing the mobile device to the dock 180 such that the mobile device 200 cannot be removed without unlocking the dock 180. Further, the dock 180 may be an entirely enclosed container that allows for the viewing of the screen of the mobile device such that the GUIs 202, 302 can be displayed. In addition, the dock 180 can be used as a cue to toggle between the GUIs 202.302. For example, it may be desirable to display the GUI 302 outside the washroom facility 100 such that patrons can be apprised of the occupancy and availability7of the washroom facility 100. Then, if a service attendant wishes to perform cleaning or maintenance within the washroom facility, they may remove the mobile device 200 from the dock 180 and initiate the service mode corresponding to GUI 202. In particular, GUI 202 may be initiated automatically upon the mobile device 200 being removed from the dock 180.

[0093] Referring now to FIG. 9, an example embodiment of a mobile device, and more particularly, a cart providing mobile device capability. The cart 900 may be a frame 902 with wheels 904 to which the mobile device 200 can be attached. Alternatively, the cart 900 could be a robot or an autonomous vehicle with a variety of functions. For example, the cart 900 may include an installed gateway 906 that provides some or all of the functionality described with reference to the mobile device 200.

[0094] The cart 900 may also include a storage compartment 908 for storing various supplies relevant to washroom facilities such as consumable products, cleaning tools, or tools for maintenance of the washroom components. The cart 900 may also include a robotic arm 910. The robotic arm 910 may include various joint(s) and / or a gripper / claw for moving the various supplies. For example, if it is communicated through the gateway that a particular dispenser needs a refill of consumable product, the cart 900 may assess whether the corresponding consumable product is contained within the storage compartment 908 (through detected weight via a pressure device, visual detection via a camera or sensor, or the like), and if no such product is found, the cart 900 may retrieve the corresponding consumable product from a known location.

[0095] The cart 900 may also be capable of providing cleaning assistance within the washroom facility. For example, the cart 900 may include a suction system 912 or a mop system 914. For example, the suction system 912 may include a vacuum and / or brushes capable of capturing any debris located within the washroom facility 100. In addition, the mop system 914 may include a cleaning pad or a mop along with a cleaning fluid dispenser65123283US01for removing any stains or other debris that could otherwise not be collected by the suction system 912.

[0096] Thus, it can be understood that the present disclosure provides systems and methods of connectivity otherwise not previously envisioned. These systems and methods of connectivity may then be a framework for a variety of other benefits such as GUIs which provide additional functionality or autonomous vehicles which can act as staff companions for washroom facility staff.

[0097] These and other modifications and variations to the present disclosure may be practiced by those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, which is more particularly set forth in the appended claims. In addition, it should be understood that aspects of the various embodiments may be interchanged both in whole or in part. Furthermore, those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the foregoing description is by way of example only, and is not intended to limit the disclosure so further described in such appended claims.

Claims

65123283US01WHAT IS CLAIMED:

1. A system for monitoring a washroom facility, the system comprising: at least one end node located within the washroom facility configured to interact with the washroom facility;at least one mobile device comprising a transmitter and a receiver; andan application accessible by the mobile device, the application configured to:establish a connection, via the at least one mobile device, between the at least one end node and a network such that the at least one mobile device defines a gateway between the at least one end node and the network, andconvey data, via the at least one mobile device, from the network to the at least one end node or from the at least one end node to the network.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein the washroom facility does not include an installed gateway.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one mobile device is outside of the washroom facility when the data is conveyed from the network to the at least one end node or from the at least one end node to the network.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one end node comprises a sensor or controller communicatively coupled with at least one dispenser or fixture within the washroom facility, wherein the at least one dispenser or fixture comprises a soap dispenser, a hand sanitizer dispenser, a paper product dispenser, a feminine hygiene product dispenser, an air freshener, a toilet, a urinal, or a sink.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one end node comprises an environmental sensor or an occupancy sensor.

6. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one mobile device comprises a tablet, a smart phone, a laptop computer, or a wearable device.

7. The system of claim 1, wherein the at least one end node is configured to detect a maintenance need within the washroom facility.65123283US018. The system of claim 7, wherein the application is further configured to: generate a notification related to the maintenance need within the washroom facility.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the notification comprises instructions to resolve the maintenance need.

10. The system of claim 8, wherein the notification comprises an indication that the washroom facility is out of service due to the maintenance need.

11. The system of claim 10, wherein the notification comprises instructions that at least one other washroom facility is available.

12. The system of claim 1, wherein the application is further configured to: indicate an expected occupancy of the washroom facility via a model.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the model comprises historical data of the occupancy of the washroom facility.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the model further comprises events that increase or reduce the expected occupancy of the washroom facility.

15. The system of claim 1, wherein the washroom facility' comprises a plurality of washroom facilities, wherein the application is further configured to:display a status of a particular washroom facility of the plurality of washroom facilities when a user selects the particular washroom facility.

16. A method for monitoring a w ashroom facility, the method comprising: establishing a connection, via at least one mobile device, between at least one end node and a network such that the at least one mobile device defines a gateway between the at least one end node and the netw ork, wherein the at least one end node is located w ithin the w ashroom facility and is configured to interact with the w ashroom facility; and conveying data, via the at least one mobile device, from the network to the at least one end node or from the at least one end node to the network.65123283US0117. The method of claim 16 further comprising:positioning the at least one mobile device in communicative proximity of at least one end node, wherein the at least one end node is located within the washroom facility, wherein the data is conveyed after the at least one mobile device is in communicative proximity of the at least one end node;positioning the at least one mobile device outside of the communicative proximity of the at least one end node after the data is conveyed; andceasing the connection, via the at least one mobile device, between the at least one end node and the network upon the at least one mobile device being positioned outside of the communicative proximity of the at least one end node.

18. The method of claim 16 further comprising:initiating a sendee mode, within an application accessible by the at least one mobile device, upon the connection being established between the at least one end node and the network, wherein the at least one end node comprises a plurality of end nodes, wherein the service mode comprises a list of the plurality of end nodes within the washroom facility, wherein the service mode comprises a notification related to a maintenance need for any of the plurality of end nodes.

19. The method of claim 18, wherein the notification comprises at least one of: a visual representation of the at least one end node and an identifier of a location within the at least one end node that requires maintenance;a map of the washroom in which the plurality of end nodes are located and an identifier on the map for the end node that requires maintenance;a generated toggle the at least one end node that requires maintenance, the toggle configured to enable and disable the respective end node when selected.

20. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium for monitoring a washroom facility comprising instructions stored thereon and executed by a hardware controller of at least one mobile device to:establish a connection, via the at least one mobile device, between at least one end node and a network such that the at least one mobile device defines a gateway between the at least one end node and the network, wherein the at least one end node is located within the washroom facility and is configured to interact with the washroom facility; and65123283US01convey data, via the at least one mobile device, from the network to the at least one end node or from the at least one end node to the network.

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