Systems and methods for controlling a plumbing fixture, smart mirror, and the like using projected images
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plumbing fixtures and smart mirrors often require manual operation or touchless actuation systems that are not intuitive, leading to user confusion and limited functionality.
Innovation Solution
A mirror assembly with a reflective surface that allows light to pass through, incorporating a light source, lens, and controller to project interactive images, enabling users to control devices via gestures detected by sensors, thus providing intuitive and germ-free operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If touchless actuation systems are used, then hygiene and cleanliness are improved, but user understanding and ease of operation 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 feedback about system status, making the invisible sensing field visible and understandable to users while maintaining the hygiene benefits of touchless operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The projected image utilizes color changes to communicate system state and sensing zone information to users. Different colors indicate different operational states or detection levels, providing intuitive visual feedback that improves user understanding without requiring physical contact with the fixture.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If touchless actuation systems are used, then cleanliness is improved, but functionality and control options deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The projected image serves multiple functions simultaneously: it indicates the sensing zone, provides feedback about detection status, communicates system state, and can guide user interaction. This multi-functionality compensates for the limited feature set of basic touchless systems while maintaining cleanliness benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The projected image acts as a versatile intermediary that can convey multiple types of information and control options. By encoding different information in the visual projection, the system gains enhanced adaptability and control capabilities without requiring additional physical interfaces that would compromise cleanliness.
3Ease of operation
If projected images are used for control, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical controls (handles, knobs, trip levers) with a projected image interface. This substitution improves ease of operation by providing visual guidance and feedback, while the complexity increase is offset by eliminating mechanical moving parts and maintaining a relatively simple underlying sensor system.
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
Enables intuitive control of plumbing fixtures and smart mirrors through projected images, enhancing user experience and cleanliness by allowing gesture-based operation without physical contact.
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 mirror assembly. The mirror assembly includes an interior portion and a wall. The wall includes an exterior reflective surface. At least a portion of the wall can allow light to pass from the interior portion through the wall. The mirror assembly includes a light source and a lens located within the interior portion. 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.