Washroom Traffic Detection Using Thermal Sensors and Dispenser Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Determining washroom traffic is challenging, especially in washrooms without entrance/exit doors, as traditional door counters are not suitable and require multiple costly sensors.
Innovation Solution
A washroom traffic system using a washroom controller that communicates with hygiene dispensers and a thermal sensor to detect thermal events at entrances and exits, allowing for the determination of occupant traffic without the need for separate door counters, and analyzing dispense events from hygiene dispensers to infer occupancy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If door counters are installed at each entrance/exit to determine washroom traffic, then measurement precision of washroom traffic is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple door counter functions into a single thermal detection system. One thermal sensor mounted inside the washroom replaces multiple door counters that would be needed at each entrance/exit point, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining traffic measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The thermal sensor serves multiple functions: it detects thermal events at the entrance, determines occupant presence, and provides washroom traffic data. This single device performs what would traditionally require multiple specialized door counters at different locations
2Reliability
If door counters are used to track washroom traffic, then reliability of traffic data is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates due to inability to handle open passageways
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical door counters with a thermal detection system. The thermal sensor detects thermal events (temperature changes) caused by occupants entering or leaving, providing reliable traffic data without requiring physical door structures. This works for both door-equipped and open passageway washrooms
3Measurement precision
If multiple door counters are installed to monitor all entrances/exits, then measurement precision of occupancy is improved, but loss of information decreases due to centralized detection
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal sensor acts as an intermediary that detects thermal events from occupants entering or leaving the washroom. The washroom controller processes these thermal events to determine occupancy, maintaining measurement precision while centralizing data collection and reducing information loss
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
This system effectively determines washroom traffic and occupancy without the need for multiple door counters, reducing costs and complexity, and can function in washrooms with open passageways, providing a holistic view of washroom use and potential dispenser malfunctions.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal sensor configured detect thermal events at the entrance
Data Source
AI summary
A system having a washroom controller configured to communicate with one or more hygiene dispensers in the washroom; a thermal sensor configured detect thermal events at the entrance and communicate data describing the thermal events to the washroom controller; and a data processing apparatus configured to access the data from the washroom controller and analyze the data to determine a number of thermal events over a given time period and a number of dispenses from the at least one of the one or more hygiene dispensers.