Projected Image Control Interface for Touchless Plumbing Fixtures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plumbing fixtures and smart mirrors often require manual operation, which can be unsanitary and lack intuitive control options, especially in touchless systems where users may struggle to understand how to interact with them.
Innovation Solution
A mirror assembly with a light source and lens that projects images, allowing users to control devices through gestures detected by sensors, generating control signals for plumbing fixtures or other devices based on user interactions with the projected images.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If touchless actuation systems are used, then sanitation is improved and cleanliness is maintained, but user understanding and interaction clarity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a projected image as an intermediary between the user and the touchless actuation system. The projected image visually indicates the sensing zone and provides interactive elements, serving as a mediator that bridges the gap between the invisible sensor field and user understanding, while maintaining the touchless sanitation benefit
Solution Approach 2:
The projected image utilizes color changes to communicate system state and sensing zone information to the user. Different colors indicate different operational states or sensing zones, providing intuitive visual feedback that enhances user understanding without requiring physical contact
2Ease of operation
If conventional manual controls are used, then ease of operation is maintained, but sanitation and cleanliness deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The projected image serves as an intermediary control interface that allows users to interact with the system visually without physical contact. Users can see the sensing zone and interact with projected elements, maintaining ease of operation through visual guidance while eliminating the sanitation issues of manual contact
3Ease of operation
If projected images are added to provide visual guidance, then user understanding is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mirror assembly is enhanced to serve multiple functions: it continues to provide reflection while also housing the projection system and sensors. This multi-functionality allows the added projection capability to integrate with existing infrastructure, reducing the relative complexity increase
Solution Approach 2:
The projection system is merged with the mirror assembly, combining the reflective surface and projection capabilities into a single integrated unit. This merging allows the visual guidance features to be added without requiring separate standalone devices, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Provides a clean and intuitive way to control plumbing fixtures and smart mirrors without physical contact, enhancing user experience and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The lens can be arranged to receive light from the light source and to direct such light through the portion of the wall so as to project an image beyond the exterior reflective surface
Data Source
AI summary
At least one embodiment relates to a system for controlling a plumbing component configured to dispense water. The system comprises a projector including at least one light source and at least one lens positioned to receive light from the at least one light source. The at least one lens is configured to direct the light toward a surface proximate the plumbing component and project at least one image on the surface. The system also comprises at least one sensor configured to detect user interaction with the at least one image and a controller configured to generate a control signal in response to the detected user interaction. The control signal controls dispensing of the water via the plumbing component.