DE60305732T2 - PASSIVE SENSORS FOR AUTOMATIC WATER TUBES AND BATHROOM SINKS - Google Patents

Abstract

An automatic toilet room flusher (100) includes a valve having a valve body (512) and, a valve member, and a controller (500). The valve body includes an inlet 112, an outlet 113, and a valve seat inside the body. The valve member (e.g., a flexible diaphragm, a piston or a fram piston) is cooperatively arranged with the valve seat. The valve member is constructed and arranged to control water flow between the inlet and the outlet. The flusher may include a passive optical sensor or an active optical sensor. The active optical sensor includes a light emitter and a light detector. The passive optical sensor includes only a light detector sensitive to ambient (room) light for providing a signal to a controller. The controller executes one or several novel algorithms.

Description

The The present invention relates to a system with an optical Sensor. The present invention particularly relates to a system with an optical sensor for controlling a flow valve an electronic faucet or a flushing device for a bathroom and a method of controlling such a system.

background the invention

automatic taps and flushing devices for a Bathrooms have been in use for many years. An automatic Faucet typically has one optical or another Sensor that detects the presence of an object, and an automatic one Valve depending on Sensor signal water on and off, on. An automatic Faucet may have a mixing valve connected to a water source of hot and cold water is connected to an appropriate mixing ratio of supplied be called and cold water after water activation. The use automatic taps saves water and promotes the hand washing and therefore good hygiene. Automatic flushing devices for a bathroom also have a sensor and a purge valve connected to a water source connected, for flushing a toilet or urinal after operation, on. The use of automatic rinsing devices for a Bathroom generally improves the cleanliness in public Institutions.

In An automatic faucet supplies one optical or another Sensor a control signal, and a control after detection of an object in the target region, provides a signal to open the water flow. In an automatic rinsing device for a Bathroom an optical or another sensor provides a control signal to a controller after a user leaves the target region Has. Such systems work best when the object sensor appropriately different. For example, an automatic faucet should be on to appeal to a user's hand, but he should not focus on that Sink on which the faucet is mounted, or on a paper towel that was thrown into the sink. One of the possibilities making the system distinctive between the two is the target region to restrict that that the location of the washbasin is excluded. A coat or a however, another object may still receive an incorrect trigger signal deliver to the tap. this could as well with automatic rinsing systems due to a movement of a door the washroom or something similar, respectively.

One optical sensor has a light source (usually an infrared transmitter) and a light detector sensitive to the infrared wavelength of the light source is on. For taps For example, the transmitter and detector (i.e., a receiver) may be near the faucet spout attached near its spout, or near the outflow fixture be. For purging devices the transmitter and the detector on the housing of the rinsing device or on a Wall of the bathroom be attached: Alternatively, only optical Lenses (instead of the transmitter and the receiver) on these elements to be appropriate. The lenses are available with one or more optical Fibers coupled to light from the light source and to the light sensor transferred to. The optical fiber transmits light from and to the transmitter and the receiver, which is mounted below the faucet.

In the optical sensor is the transmission power and / or the receiver sensitivity limited to narrow the sensor area around reflections from the sink or the walls of the Bathroom or other installed objects. Especially The outgoing beam should aim for a valid target, normally Clothes or skin of human hands, be projected and a reflected beam is then detected by the receiver. This kind Sensors based on the reflectivity of a target surface and their transmission / reception capabilities. Often problems arise due to highly reflective doors, walls, mirrors and sinks, the shape of various sinks, water in the sink, the color and rough / shining surface of substances and moving, passing users, the do not use the device on. Mirrors, doors, walls and sink are none valid Goals though they can reflect more energy to the receiver than rough surfaces in the right angle of incidence. The reflection of valid goals such as the different substances varies with their color and their surface texture. Some Fabric types absorb and scatter too much energy of the incident beam, So only a small part of a reflection is sent back to the receiver becomes.

A size Number of optical or other sensors are from a battery provided. Dependent from the execution can the sender (or the receiver) a big Consume amount of energy and thus drain the battery over time (or big Need batteries). The cost of battery replacement does not just include the cost of the batteries, but, more importantly, the labor costs that are being paid for Staff can be relatively high.

There is still a need for an optical sensor for use with automatic Taps or automatic flushing devices for a bathroom that can be operated for a long time without the replacement of standard batteries. There is still a need for reliable sensors for use with automatic faucets and automatic bathroom flushing devices.

Summary the invention

The The present invention relates to new systems that provide an optical system Have sensor and new methods of controlling these systems according to independent claims 1 and 23. The new systems that include an optical sensor and the new methods of controlling these systems are used to control the operation of automatic taps and flushing devices. The new systems (including control electronics and valves) only need small amounts of electrical energy to capture users of Bathroom facilities and enable thereby a battery operation over many years. A passive optical sensor has a light detector, the sensitive for Ambient (room) light is more automatic, to control the operation taps or automatic rinsing equipment for a Bathroom, up.

According to one Aspect includes an optical sensor for controlling a valve of a electronic faucet or a flushing device for a bathroom an optical element attached to an optical input socket placed and so arranged, a detection field partially define. The optical sensor also has a light detector and a control circuit. The light detector is optically with coupled to the optical element and the input receptacle, wherein the light detector is constructed to detect ambient light. The Control circuit is designed to open a flow valve and close. The control circuit is also constructed of a signal from the light detector, that is related to the detected light, to receive.

Of the Control circuit is constructed so the detector periodically scan. The control circuit is thus constructed the detector, based on the amount of previously detected light to periodically scan. The control circuit is constructed so as to open and close the Flow valve, based on the background level of the ambient light and the present one Level of ambient light. The control circuit is so constructed, the flow valve, based on the first detection of an incoming user and then the capture of leaving the user, open and close. Alternatively, the control circuit is constructed such that flow valve based on the detection of the presence of a user to open and close.

The optical element comprises an optical fiber, a lens, a pinhole, a slot or an optical filter. The optical input recording is inside the aerator a cock or nearby of the aerator a cock attached.

According to one Another aspect is an optical sensor for an electronic faucet an optical input receptacle, an optical detector and a Control circuit on. The optical input receptacle is arranged for this purpose To receive light. The optical detector is optical with the input receptacle coupled and designed to detect the received light. The control circuit controls the opening and closing a tap valve or a flush valve for a Bathroom.

preferred embodiments This aspect has one or more of the following features The control circuit is constructed based on the detector on the detected amount of light to periodically scan. The control circuit is constructed such a sampling period based on the detected Amount of light after determining if an installation is being used. The detector is optically by means of an optical fiber with the input receptacle coupled. The input receptacle may be in an aerator of the electronic cock are located. The system recharges batteries to power the electronic cock.

Short description the drawings

1 Figure 11 is a schematic representation of an electronic faucet system having a control circuit, a valve, and a passive optical sensor for controlling water flow.

1A is a sectional view of a tap outflow and a wash basin of the automatic faucet system 1 using a fiber optic coupling to the passive optical sensor.

1B is a sectional view of a tap outflow and a wash basin of the automatic faucet system 1 that uses an electrical connection to the passive optical sensor.

1C is a sectional view of an aerator, in the automatic faucet system off 1 is used.

1D is a sectional view of another embodiment of the aerator in au automatic faucet system 1 is used.

1E is a perspective view of another embodiment of the aerator in the automatic faucet system 1 is used.

1F is a sectional view of the aerator, in 1D will be shown.

The 2 and 2A schematically show other embodiments of the automatic faucet system, which has another embodiment of a valve and a passive optical sensor for controlling the flow of water.

The 3 . 3A . 3B . 3C and 3D show schematically a faucet and a sink related to various optical detection patterns used by passive optical sensors used in automatic faucet systems 1 . 1B . 2 and 2A be used.

4 shows schematically a side view of a toilet having an automatic flushing device.

4A schematically shows a side view of a urinal having an automatic flushing device.

The 5 . 5A . 5B . 5C . 5D . 5E . 5F and 5G FIG. 10 shows schematic side and top views of various optical detection patterns used by passive optical sensors placed in the automatic toilet flushing device in FIG 4 be used.

The 5H . 5I . 5J . 5K and 5L FIG. 12 shows schematic side and top views of various optical detection patterns used by passive optical sensors incorporated in automatic urinal flushing devices in FIG 4A be used.

The 6 . 6A . 6B . 6C . 6D and 6E show schematically optical elements that are used to detect the different optical detection patterns used in the 3 to 3D and in the 5 to 5L are shown to shape.

7 Figure 11 is a sectional view of one embodiment of an automatic rinsing device used to rinse toilets or urinals.

8th is an exploded perspective view of a valve unit as in the automatic tap system of 1 . 1A or 1B is used.

8A is an enlarged sectional view of the valve unit in 8th will be shown.

8B is an enlarged sectional view of the valve unit in 8A However, the valve unit is partially dismantled for maintenance purposes, is shown.

8C is a perspective view of the valve unit 4 comprising a leak sensor for detecting water leaks in an automatic faucet system.

9 is an enlarged sectional view of a movable piston-like member as it is in the valve member which in 7 is shown or the valve member, which in the 8th . 8A and 8B is shown is used.

9A FIG. 12 is a detailed perspective view of the movable piston-like member shown in FIG 9 will be shown.

10 Figure 11 is a block diagram of a control system for controlling a valve incorporating the automatic tap systems of the 1 to 2A or the flushing facilities for a bathroom of the 4 and 4A operates.

10A Figure 11 is a block diagram of another control system for controlling a valve incorporating the automatic tap systems of the present invention 1 to 2A or the flushing facilities for a bathroom of the 4 and 4A operates.

10B Fig. 10 is a schematic diagram of a detection circuit used in the passive optical sensor used in the automatic faucet system or the automatic flushing system.

11 Figure 10 is a block diagram illustrating various factors affecting the operation and calibration of the passive optical system. The 12 . 12A . 12B . 12C . 12D . 12E . 12F . 12G . 12H and 12I Figure 4 shows a flow chart of an algorithm for processing optical data detected by the passive sensor operating the automatic flushing system.

The 13 . 13A and 13B Figure 4 shows a flow chart of an algorithm for processing optical data detected by the passive sensor operating the automatic flushing system.

Detailed description illustrative embodiments

1 shows an automatic tap system 10 controlled by a sensor providing signals to a control circuit constructed and arranged to control the operation of an automatic valve. The automatic valve in turn controls the flow of hot and cold water before or after mixing.

The automatic faucet system 10 has a cock body 12 and an aerator 30 on, a sensor mount 34 having. The automatic flushing system 10 also has a cock foot 14 and screws 16A and 16B for attaching the tap to a cover plate 18 on. A cold water pipe 20A and a hot water pipe 20B are with a mixing valve 22 connected, which provides a mixing ratio of hot and cold water (the ratio of which can be changed depending on the desired water temperature). The water pipe 24 connects the mixing valve 22 with a solenoid valve 38 , A flow valve 38 controls the flow of water between the water pipe 24 and a water pipe 25 , The water pipe 25 connects the valve 38 with a water pipe 26 that are partially inside the faucet body 12 as shown. The water pipe 26 delivers water to the aerator 30 , The automatic faucet system 10 also has a control module 50 for controlling a tap sensor and a solenoid valve 38 on top of batteries in the battery compartment 39 is energized.

Regarding the 1 and 1A has the automatic tap system 10 in a first preferred embodiment, an optical sensor located within the control module 50 located and optically through a fiber optic cable 52 with the sensor holder 34 that are in the aerator 30 is coupled. The sensor holder 34 takes the distal end (far end) of the fiber optic cable 52 on top of an optical lens that attaches to the sensor receptacle 34 can be coupled. The optical lens is arranged to have a selected field of view, preferably somewhat coaxial with, from the aerator 30 Outgoing, water jet is, when the cock is turned on.

Alternatively, the distal end of the fiber optic cable 52 polished and designed to receive or emit light directly (ie without the optical lens). Also in this case is the distal end of the fiber optic cable 52 arranged such that its field of view (eg the field of view A in 1A ) to the sink 11 , somewhat coaxial in the aerator 30 outgoing water jet, is aligned. Alternatively, the sensor receptacle 34 have other optical elements, such as an array of pinholes or an array of slots of a defined size, geometry and orientation. The size, geometry and orientation of the array of pin holes or the array of slots is arranged to form a defined detection pattern (shown in FIGS 3 to 3D for a cock and in the 5 to 5L for a flushing system).

Still in terms of the 1 and 1A is a fiber optic cable 52 preferably within the water pipe 26 , in contact with water, arranged. Alternatively, the fiber optic cable could 52 outside the water pipe 26 but inside the faucet body 12 be arranged. The 1C . 1D and 1E show alternative ways the sensor recording 34 inside the aerator 30 and alternative options for an optical fiber 52 connected to an optical lens 54 coupled to arrange. In other embodiments, the optical lens is 54 by an array of pinholes or an array of slots.

1B shows a second, preferred embodiment of the automatic faucet system. The automatic faucet system 10A has a cock body 12 and an aerator 30 on, the one optical sensor 37 which is connected to a sensor receptacle 35 is coupled. The optical sensor 37 is electrically by a cable 53 with an electronic control module 50 , which is mounted inside the faucet body, joined. In another embodiment, the electronic control module 50 outside the faucet body, near the control valve 38 ( 1 ), appropriate.

In another embodiment, the sensor receptacle decreases 35 an optical lens in front of the optical sensor 37 is attached to define a detection pattern (or optical field of view). The optical lens preferably provides a field of view that is reasonably coaxial with, from the aerator 30 outgoing jet of water, is located when the tap is turned on. In yet another embodiment, the sensor receptacle 35 other optical elements such as an array of pin holes or an array of slots having a defined size, geometry and orientation. The size, geometry and orientation of the array of pin holes or the array of slots is constructed to a defined detection pattern (shown in FIGS 3 to 3D for a cock and in the 5 to 5L for a flushing system).

The optical sensor is a passive optical sensor that has a light detector for visible or infrared light, which optically with the sensor recording 34 or sensor recording 35 ge is coupled. There is no light source (ie no light emitter) associated with the optical sensor. The visible or near-infrared (NIR) detector detects light at the sensor's receptacle 34 or the sensor receptacle 35 arrives and delivers the associated electrical signal to a controller located in the control unit 50 or in the control unit 55 located. The light detector (ie, the light receiver) may be a photodiode or a photoresistor (or other optical intensity element having an electrical output with the sensor element having the desired optical sensitivity). The optical sensor using a photodiode also has an amplification circuit. The light detector preferably detects light in the range between about 400-500 nanometers to about 950-1000 nanometers. The light detector is primarily sensitive to ambient light and not particularly sensitive to body heat (eg, infrared or far-infrared light).

The 2 and 2A show alternative embodiments of the automatic faucet system. In relation to 2 has the automatic tap system 10B a tap, the water from a double-flow tap valve 60 receives and water from the aerator 31 supplies. The automatic tap 12 has a mixing valve 58 on that by a handle 59 It also controls a manual override for the valve 60 can be coupled. The double-flow valve 60 is with the cold water pipe 20A and the hot water pipe 20B connected and controls the flow of water to the associated cold water line 21A and hot water pipe 21B ,

The double-flow valve 60 is constructed and arranged to simultaneously control the flow of water in both lines 21A and 21B after actuation by a single trigger 201 (please refer 8A ) to control. In particular, the flow valve 60 two flow valves arranged to control the flow of hot and cold water in the associated water pipe. The magnetic switch 201 ( 8A ) is coupled to a main mechanism for controlling two flow valves. The two flow valves are preferably diaphragm-operated valves (but can also piston valves or "ring valves" (FRAM valves), as in connection with the 9 and 9A be described, with large flow rates, his). The double-flow valve 60 Fig. 10 has a pressure relief mechanism designed to change the pressure in a diaphragm chamber of each diaphragm-operated valve, thereby opening or closing each diaphragm valve for controlling the flow of water. The double-flow valve 60 is described in detail in PCT Application PCT / US01 / 43277 filed on Nov. 20, 2001.

Still in terms of 2 there is one on the cock body 12 coupled sensor recording 35 around a distal end of an optical fiber (eg, a fiber optic cable 52 ) or to receive a light detector. The fiber optic cable provides light from the sensor receptacle 35 to a light detector. In a preferred embodiment, the faucet body 12 a control module with the light detector and a controller as in connection with the 10 and 10A is described on. The controller supplies a control signal to the magnetic switch 201 over the electrical cable 56 , The sensor holder 35 has a detection field of view (shown in the 3A and 3B ) that is outside of the aerator 30 outgoing water jet is located.

In relation to 2A has the automatic tap system 10C a cock body 12 which also takes water from the double-flow faucet valve 60 receives and water from the aerator 31 supplies. The automatic tap 10C also has a mixing valve 58 on that by the handle 59 is controlled. The double-flow valve 60 is with the cold water pipe 20A and the hot water pipe 20B connected and controls the flow of water to the associated cold water line 21A and hot water pipe 21B ,

A sensor holder 33 is on the cock body 12 coupled and constructed such a field of view as in the 3C and 3D is shown to have. The sensor holder 33 takes the distal end of an optical fiber 56A on. The proximal end (near end) of the optical fiber 56A provides light to an optical sensor that is in a control module 55A attached to the double-flow valve 60 is coupled. The control module 55A also has the control electronics and batteries. The optical sensor detects the presence of an object (for example, hands) or detects a change in the presence of the object (for example, movement) in the area of the washbasin. The control electronics controls the operation and reading from the light detector. The control electronics also have a power control which controls the operation of the magnetic switch associated with the valve 60 communicates. Based on the signal from the light detector, the control electronics, the power control, the solenoid valve 60 to open or close (ie to start or stop the flow of water).

The construction and operation of the shutter 201 ( 8A ) is detailed in PCT applications PCT / US02 / 38757; PCT / US02 / 38758 and PCT / US02 / 41576.

1C shows a vertical section of the aerator 30A located at the outlet end of the outlet of the tap 12 located. The aerator 30A has one cylinder 62 on the cock body 12 through a thread 63 can be attached. The cylinder 62 holds a ring 64 which in turn is the wire mesh network 65 holds. The cylinder 62 also holds an annular component 70 , a beam-forming component 72 and an upper sealing washer 74 , The beam-forming component 72 includes several elongated grooves 76 to form water channels. The beam-forming component 72 and the nets 65 have a channel 36 for the optical fiber 52 on. Water flows through the aerator 30A from top to bottom. In the aerator 30A a stream of water flows from the water pipe 26 ( 1A ) and is defined by the vertically extended grooves 76 of the water jet-forming component 72 distracted. The water then flows through the wire nets 65 from the ring 64 being held. The ring 64 also allows the air intake (suction) through the openings 67 (between the ring and the cylinder 62 be formed) in a chamber 66 , In chamber 66 , directly above the wire mesh 65 , water mixes with air, making a mixture of air and water the nets 65 flows through. The optical fiber 52 is located in the center of the previously described elements in a tubular member 36 that the lens 54 holds.

1D shows a second embodiment of an aerator with a centrally mounted receptacle for a passive sensor. In this embodiment, the aerator 30B at least two lenticular wire mesh components 86A and 86B on the one central opening for a channel 88 form. The aerator 30B also has an insert component 90 that has several holes 92 and a central hole 88 for receiving the tubular member 52 has, on. The aerator 30B is at the tap 12 through the thread 83 connected. Water flows out of the water pipe 26 to an upper chamber 91 and then through the holes 92 , Air enters the chamber 93 through the holes 84 one. The mixture of water and air then flows through the two nets 86A and 86B which are arranged in a lenticular arrangement. The housing 82 has a surrounding, inwardly oriented mounting part, which the two nets 86A and 86B holds. The optical fiber 52 protrudes from the inner water pipe 26 ( 1A ), from above through the aerator and through the wire mesh nets 86A and 86B , Once the individual, from the holes 92 shaped water jets in the lower chamber 93 Air enters through the openings 84 in the chamber 93 drawn. In the chamber 93 Water mixes with air and the mixture gets through the nets 86A and 86B forced.

The 1E and 1F show alternative ways to align the optical field with the water jet (ie alternative embodiments of an aerator and a sensor receptacle located therein). 1E is a perspective view of an aerator 30C and 1F is a sectional view of an aerator 30C like him in the automatic faucet system 1 is used. The aerator 30C is on the cock body 12 and to the water pipe 26 through the thread 83 coupled. The optical fiber 52 is located outside the aqueduct and is through an adapter 97 introduced. Alternatively, the adapter 97 having the light detector connected to a control module by an electrical cable instead of the fiber optic cable 52 , is coupled. (For simplicity, the wire mesh member and the air holes are not in the 1E and 1F shown).

3 schematically shows a sectional view of a first preferred detection pattern (A) for the passive optical sensor, in the automatic tap 12 is installed. The detection pattern A is in communication with the sensor receptacle 34 and is by a lens or one of the optical elements in the 6 to 6E Shown are shaped. The detection pattern A is selected to reflect reflected ambient light primarily from the sink 11 to recieve. The width of the pattern is controlled, but the range is much less controlled (ie 3 shows pattern A only schematically because the detection range is not really limited).

A user standing in front of a tap will affect the amount of ambient light (room light) that arrives at the sink and thereby affect the amount of light reaching the optical detector. On the other hand, a person moving only in space will not significantly affect the amount of detected light. A user who has his hands under the tap will even more affect the amount of ambient light (room light) detected by the optical detector. This allows the passive optical sensor to detect the user's hands and provide the associated control signal. In this case, the detected light does not significantly depend on the reflectivity of the target surface (as opposed to optical sensors that use both a light source and a receiver). After hand washing, when the user removes his hands from under the tap, he will again change the amount of ambient light detected by the optical detector. Then, the passive optical sensor provides the associated control signal to the controller (as in connection with FIGS 10 . 10A and 10B explained).

The 3A and 3B show a second preferred detection pattern (B) for the passive optical sensor in the automatic tap 10B is installed. The detection pattern B is related to the sensor receptacle 35 and again through a lens or an optical element, such as in the 6 to 6E Shown to be shaped. A user of his hands under the tap 10B has changed the amount of ambient light (room light) detected by the optical detector. As previously mentioned, the detected light does not significantly depend on the reflectivity of the user's hands (as opposed to optical sensors that use both a light source and a receiver). As a result, the passive optical sensor detects the hands of the user and supplies the associated control signal to the controller. The 13 . 13A and 13B show the detection algorithm used for the detection patterns A and B.

The 3C and 3D schematically show another detection pattern (C) for the passive optical sensor in the automatic tap 10C is installed. The detection pattern C is in communication with the sensor receptacle 33 and is shaped by a defined optical element. The defined optical element achieves a desired width and orientation of the detection pattern, while the range is more difficult to control. In this embodiment, a user is in front of the tap 10C is the amount of detected ambient light change a little more than a user passes by. In this embodiment, light reflections from the sink influence 11 the detected light only minimal.

4 schematically shows a side view of a toilet the an automatic flushing 100 includes and 4A schematically shows a side view of a urinal that an automatic flushing 100A includes. The rinsing device 100 takes pressurized water from a supply line 112 and operates a passive optical sensor on actions of a target in a target region 103 to react. After a user leaves the target region, a controller initiates the opening of a purge valve 102 the one water flow from the supply line 112 to a flushing line 113 and a toilet bowl 116 conditionally.

4A shows a flushing device for a bathroom 100A for automatic irrigation of a urinal 120 , The rinsing device 100A takes pressurized water from the supply line 112 on. The flush valve 102 is controlled by a passive optical sensor that is responsive to actions of a target in a target region 103 responding. After a user leaves the target region, a controller causes the opening of a purge valve 102 that is a flow of water from the supply line 112 to a flushing line 113 conditionally.

The flushing systems for a bathroom 100 and 100A may have a modular design in which their cover can be partially opened to replace the batteries or the electronic module. The flush systems for a bathroom having such a modular design are described in US Patent Application 60 / 448,995, filed 2/20/2003, which is incorporated by reference for all purposes.

The 5 and 5A schematically show side and top views of an optical detection pattern as shown by the passive optical sensor in the automatic toilet flushing in 4 is installed, is used. This detection pattern is in connection with the sensor receptacle 108 and is by a lens or one of the optical elements in the 6 to 6E Shown are shaped. The angle of the pattern is just below the horizontal (H) and is symmetrical with respect to the toilet 116 , The range is reasonably limited to not being influenced by a wall (W); This can also be done by limiting the detection sensitivity.

The 5B and 5C schematically show side and top views of a second optical detection pattern as in the passive optical sensor used in the automatic toilet flushing device of 4 is installed, is used. This detection pattern is formed by a lens or other optical element. The angles of the pattern are both below and above the horizontal (H). In addition, the pattern is as in 5C shown asymmetrically with respect to the toilet 116 aligned.

The 5D and 5E schematically show side and top views of a third optical detection pattern as of the passive optical sensor in the automatic toilet flushing of 4 , is installed, is used. This detection pattern is again shaped by a lens or other optical element. The angle of the pattern is above the horizontal (H). In addition, the pattern is as in 5E shown asymmetrically with respect to the toilet 116 aligned.

The 5F and 5G 12 schematically show side and top views of a fourth optical detection pattern as shown by the passive optical sensor in the automatic toilet flushing device of FIG 4 is installed, is used. The angle of this detection pattern is below the horizontal (H) and is asymmetric, as in 5G shown over the toilet 116 aligned. This detection pattern is particularly useful for "toilet side flushing devices" as described in US Application 09 / 916,468, filed 27.07.2001, or in US Application 09 / 972,496, filed on 6.10.2001, both of which are incorporated by reference.

The 5H and 5I Figure 12 shows diagrammatic side and top views of an optical detection pattern as seen from the passive optical sensor used in the automatic urinal flushing device of Figure 4 4A is installed, is used. This detection pattern is formed by a lens or other optical element. The angles of the pattern are both below and above the horizontal (H) to aim for changes in the ambient light coming from a person in front of the urinal 120 stands, caused. This pattern is (as in 5I shown), asymmetrical with respect to the urinal 120 directed to exclude or at least reduce, for example, light changes caused by one person standing on the adjacent urinal.

The 5J . 5K and 5L Figure 12 shows diagrammatic side and top views of another optical detection pattern as seen from the passive optical sensor in the automatic urinal flushing device 4A is installed, is used. This detection pattern is formed by a lens or other optical element as previously mentioned. The angle of the pattern is below the horizontal (H) to eliminate the influence of light caused by a ceiling lamp. This pattern can (as in the 5K or 5L shown) asymmetrically left or right with respect to the urinal 120 be aligned. These detection patterns are particularly useful for "urinal side flushing devices" as described in US Application 09 / 916,468, filed 27.07.2001, or in US Application 09 / 972,496, filed 6/10/2001.

in the In general, the field of view of a passive optical sensor through the use of optical elements such as beam-shaping tubes, lenses, light pipes, Reflectors, arrangements of pinholes and arrangements of slots with selected Geometry, to be shaped. These optical elements can be provide a downward field of vision that invalidates the goals like mirrors, doors and walls excludes. Various relationships of the vertical field of view to the horizontal field of view provide different options the target detection. The horizontal field of view can be, for example 1.2 times wider than the vertical field of view or vice versa. A properly chosen Field of view may be unwanted signals from a nearby tap or exclude urinal. The detection algorithm includes a calibration routine that includes a selected Field of view, including Field size and orientation, considered.

The 6 to 6E show various optical elements for generating the desired detection pattern of the passive sensor. The 6 and 6B show various arrangements of pinholes. The thickness of the plate, the size and the orientation of the pinholes (shown in section in the 6A and 6C ) define the properties of the field of view. The 6D and 6E show an array of slots for generating a detection pattern that in the 5B and 5H is shown. This plate may also have a closure for covering the upper or lower detection field.

7 shows in detail an automatic flushing valve designed for use with the automatic flushing device for a bathroom 100 or the automatic flushing device for a bathroom 100A suitable is. Other flush valves are described in the aforementioned PCT applications. Still other suitable flush valves are described in US Pat. Nos. 6,382,586 and 5,244,179, both of which are incorporated by reference. In either case, the purge valve is controlled by a passive optical sensor described herein.

In relation to 7 is the automatic flush valve 140 a high performance, electronically or manually controlled, tankless flush valve. The automatic flush valve 140 uses a passive optical sensor 130 (shown in 7 ). The passive optical sensor 130 has a lens 134 to define the detection field and to transmit the ambient light to a light receiver 132 on. The plastic container 135 has an optical window 136 on, which may also have an optical element, as in connection with the 6 to 6E is described. The controller is located on a control board 138 , The plastic housing 135 also includes the batteries to power the entire flushing system.

Still in terms of 7 has the purge valve 140 an input connection 112 on, which is preferably made of a suitable plastic resin. The connection 112 is threadedly attached to an inlet fitting that communicates with the water supply system of the building. In addition, the connection 112 designed to rotate about its own axis if there is no water to facilitate compliance with the inlet supply line. The connection 112 is to an inlet line 142 through a lock 144 and a radial seal 146 connected to it's connection 112 allow yourself along the inlet pipe 142 to move in and out. This movement aligns the inlet to the supply line. With the secure closure 144 However, there is a water pressure due to the transition of the compound 112 to the inlet 142 is applied. This bil det a unit through the seal 146 is tightly sealed. The water supply goes through the connection 112 to the inlet 142 and through the intake valve assembly 150 and inlet net filters 152 which is located in a passage through the component 178 is molded and in conjunction with a main valve seat 156 stands. The operation of the entire main valve can be better in addition to the 9 and 9A be understood.

As well as in connection with the 8th . 9 and 9A described controls the electromagnetic release 201 the operation of the main valve, which is a "ring valve" 270 is. When opened, the water flows through a passage 152 and through the passage 158 in the passages 159A and 159B in the main outlet 114 , When closed, the ring element seals 278 ( 9 and 9A ) the main valve seat 156 while closing the flow through the passage 158 , The automatic rinsing device 140 has an adjustable inlet valve 150 on, by the rotation of a valve element 174 with the valve elements 162 and 164 is screwed together. The valve elements 162 and 164 be from the body 170 through one or more O-rings 163 sealed. In addition, the valve elements 162 and 164 through the bolted element 160 kept down when the item 174 completely screwed into it. This force is on the element 154 and 178 transfer. The resulting force pushes the element 180 downward.

When the valve element 160 is completely unscrewed, moves the valve assembly 150 and 151 due to the force of a spring 184 that focus on a guiding element 186 located in this adjustable inlet valve, all the way up. The spring force, together with the inlet liquid pressure from the pipe 142 , forces the element 151 against the valve seat, in contact with the O-ring 182 stands, resulting in a closure of the O-ring 182 leads. The O-ring 182 (or another closure element) blocks the flow of water to the inner pipe 152 which, in turn, maintains all internal valve elements, including the elements behind the shut-off valve 150 allows, without the water supply at the inlet 112 off. This is a main advantage of this embodiment.

According to another function of the adjustable valve 140 the bolted bracket is partially tightened resulting in the valve body parts 162 and 164 only partially depress the valve seat. There is a partial opening, which is a flow reduction of the input water flow through the valve 150 allows. This new feature is designed to meet application-specific requirements. To allow the installer to reduce the flow, the inner surface of the valve body includes application specific markings such as 1.6 WC 1.0 GPF urinal, etc., to calibrate the input water flow.

The automatic flush valve 140 is with the previously described sensor-based electronics system, which is housed in the housing 135 is equipped. Alternatively, the sensor-based electronic flushing system can be replaced with a fully mechanical release switch or lifter. Alternatively, the purge valve may be controlled by a timed hydraulic mechanical release responsive to a hydraulic deceleration assembly as described in PCT Application PCT / US01 / 43273, which is incorporated by reference. The hydraulic system can be adapted to a delay period corresponding to the required purge volume for a given setting such as for a 1.6 GPF WC, etc. The hydraulic deceleration mechanism may be the outlet opening of the main sector instead of the electromagnetic release 201 open for a duration equal to the installer's setting value.

Again in relation to 7 Depending on the passive optical sensor signal, the microcontroller executes a control algorithm and provides ON and OFF signals to the valve actuator 201 which in turn opens or closes the water supply. The micro-controller may also perform half a flush or a delayed flush, depending on the mode of operation (eg, a toilet, urinal or frequently used urinal, such as in a stadium). The micro-controller may also perform a timed purging (one flush per day or one flush per week in facilities such as ski resorts in the summer) to prevent the water sink from drying out.

The 8th . 8A and 8B show an automatic valve 38 thus constructed and arranged the water flow in the automatic tap 10 to control. Strictly speaking, the automatic valve decreases 38 Water at a valve inlet 202 and supplies water from a valve outlet opening 204 in the open state. The automatic valve 38 has a body 206 on, which is made of durable plastic or metal. Preferably, the valve body 206 made of a plastic material, but has a metallic input clutch 210 and a metallic output clutch 230 on. Input and output couplings 210 and 230 are made of metal (like brass, copper or steel) so they provide grippy surfaces for a pair of pliers that will be used with the water pipes 24 , respectively. 25 connect to. The valve body 206 has a valve inlet opening 240 and a valve outlet opening 244 and a cavity 207 to accommodate the individual valve elements in 8th are shown on.

The metallic input clutch 210 is rotatable at the entrance opening 240 through a metallic C-shaped clamp 212 fastened in a slot 214 in the input clutch 210 slides and also through a slot 242 in the body of the inlet opening 240 ( 8th ) is attached. The metallic output clutch 230 is rotatable at the exit opening 244 through a metallic C-shaped clamp 232 in a slot 234 in the output clutch 230 slides and also through a slot 246 in the body of the exit opening 244 , attached. When servicing the tap 12 This rotatable arrangement prevents the constriction of the water line connection of each of the two valve couplings, except the pliers will clutches to the intended surfaces 210 and 230 stated. (That is, maintenance personnel can not access the water inlet and outlet lines by pulling the valve body 206 narrow). This protects the relatively soft plastic body 206 of the automatic valve 38 , The body 206 can also be made of metal, whereby the above-described rotatable coupling is not needed. A seal o-ring 216 seals the inlet coupling 210 to the inlet opening 240 off and a seal o-ring 238 seals the outlet coupling 230 to the outlet opening 244 from.

Regarding the 8th . 8A and 8B has the metallic input coupling 210 an inlet flow regulator 220 acting on with a flow control mechanism 310 ( 8th ) is arranged. The inlet flow regulator 220 has a regulator piston 222 , as well as a closing spring 224 on top of a regulator pin 226 is arranged and against a pen holder 218 suppressed. The inlet flow regulator 220 also has a rule bar 228 up, with the control piston 222 is connected and this moves. The flow control mechanism 310 has a rotating cap 312 the over screws 314 with a control cap 316 coupled in conjunction with a flow control cam 320 stands. The flow control cam 320 slides linearly into the body 206 until the control cap turns 316 , The flow control cam 320 has an inlet flow opening 321 , a locking mechanism 323 and a bevelled surface 324 on. The bevelled surface 324 is effective with a distal end 229 of the control rod 228 arranged. The linear movement of the flow control cam 320 in the valve body 206 offset the beveled surface 324 and thereby displaces the control rod 228 , The control piston 222 also has an inner surface 223 on acting with an inlet seat 211 the input clutch 210 is arranged. The linear movement of the control rod 228 puts the control piston 222 between a closed position and an open position. In the closed position, the sealing surface seals 223 the inner seat 211 with the force of the closing spring 224 , In the open position, the control rod moves 228 the control piston 222 against the closing spring 224 and thereby provides a selectively large opening between the inlet seat 211 and the sealing surface 223 , This opens and closes by turning the control cap 316 , the rule rod 228 the inlet regulator 220 , The inlet regulator 220 controls or completely closes the water flow from the water pipe 24 , The manual adjustment described above may be replaced by an automatically motorized control mechanism controlled by a microcontroller.

Still in terms of the 8th . 8A and 8B has the automatic valve 38 also a removable inlet filter 330 removable over an inlet filter holder 332 attached, which is part of the lower valve housing. Inlet filter holder 332 also has an O-ring and a set of exhaust holes 267 , as in 8th is shown on. The "ring valve" 270 (fram-piston) is in detail in the 9 and 9A shown. Again in relation to the 8A water flows from the inlet opening 202 the intake coupling 210 through the inlet flow regulator 220 and then through the inlet flow port 321 and through the inlet filter 330 in the inlet filter holder 332 , The water then comes to the inlet chamber 268 in a cylindrical inlet element 276 and provides pressure against a flexible component 278 ( 9 ).

The automatic valve 38 also has a maintenance loop 340 (or a service rod), which is constructed so the entire valve assembly, including the attached trigger 200 , after removal of the plug 316 , from the body 206 to draw. The removal of the entire valve assembly also removes the attached trigger 200 (or trigger 201 ) and the guide button described in PCT Application PCT / US02 / 38757 and PCT Application PCT / US02 / 38757, both of which are incorporated by reference. For easy installation and maintenance, there are rotatable electrical contacts on a printed circuit board (PCB) at the distal end of the trigger 200 are attached. In particular, the trigger indicates 200 at its distal end have two circular contact regions that provide a contact surface for the associated pins, all of which may be gold plated for high quality contacts. Alternatively, a stationary PCB may have two circular contact regions and the trigger may be connected to movable contact pins. Such a distal trigger contact assembly achieves easily rotatable contacts by simply sliding the trigger 200 that in the valve body 206 is arranged.

8C shows the automatic valve 38 a leak detector for detecting a water leak or water flow through the valve unit 38 having. The leak detector has an electronic measuring circuit 350 and at least two electrodes 348 and 349 each with the input clutch 210 and the output clutch 230 are connected to. (The leak detector can also have four electrodes for a four-point resistance measurement). The valve body 206 is made of plastic or other non-conductive material. When closed, there is no water flow between the input clutch 210 and the output clutch 230 gives, measures the electronic circuit 350 a very high resistance between the two electrodes. In the open state, the resistance value falls between the input clutch 210 and the output clutch 230 dramatically because the flowing water provides a conductive pathway.

There are various embodiments of the electronics 350 , which may include a DC (DC) measurement and an AC (AC) measurement that includes noise elimination by a lock-in amplifier (according to the prior art). Alternatively, the electronics 350 have a bridge or other measuring circuit for precise resistance measurement. The electronic circuit 350 supplies the resistance value to a microcontroller, thereby indicating when the valve is 38 when open. In addition, the leak detector indicates when there is an unwanted water leak between the input clutch 210 and the output clutch 230 gives. The entire valve 38 is mounted on an insulated housing to avoid any unwanted grounding that would affect the conductivity measurements. In addition, the leak detector may indicate some other valve failure when water enters the housing of the valve 38 licks. This allows the leak detector to detect unwanted water leaks that would otherwise be difficult to observe. The leak detector is designed to detect the open condition of the automatic faucet system for proper operation of the trigger 200 to make sure.

The automatic valve 38 can a standard diaphragm valve, a standard piston valve or a novel "ring valve" 270 which is detailed in connection with the 9 and 9A is explained. In relation to 9 has the valve 270 a distal body 276 on top of a circular lip seal 275 which, together with the flexible component 278 so arranged is a seal between the entrance opening chamber 268 and the exit port chamber 269 to build. The distal body 276 also has one or more flow channels 267 on (also shown in 8th ), which connect (in the opened state) between the entrance chamber 268 and the exit chamber 269 form. The flexible component 278 also has the sealing components 279A and 279B arranged in such a way, a sliding seal with respect to the valve body 272 between the main chamber 292 and the exit chamber 271 to build. There are several possible embodiments of the seals 279A and 279B ( 9 ). These seals can be a one-sided seal or a two-sided seal like 279A and 279B , in the 9 are shown. In addition, there are several additional embodiments of the sliding, seal, including O-rings, etc.

The present invention illustrates the valve unit 270 in different sizes. For example, the "full size" embodiment has the journal diameter A = 0.070 "(1.78 mm), the spring diameter B = 0.310" (7.87 mm), the diameter of the bendable component C = 0.730 "(FIG. 54 mm), the overall frame and seal diameter D = 0.412 "(10.46 mm), the journal length E = 0.450" (11.43 mm), the body height F = 0.2701 "(6.86 mm) Pitch chamber height G = 0.220 "(5.59 mm), ring element height H = 0.160" (4.06 mm), and ring deflection I = 0.100 "(2.54 mm). The overall height of the valve is approximately 1.35 "(34.3 mm) and the diameter is approximately 1.174" (29.82 mm).

The "half-size" embodiment of the "annular piston" valve has the following Dimensions using the same reference letter: A = 0.070 "(1.78 mm), B = 0.30" (7.62 mm) mm), C = 0.560 "(14.22 mm), D = 0.650 "(16.51 mm), E = 0.34" (8.64 mm), F = 0.310 "(7.87 mm), G = 0.215" (5.46 mm), H = 0.125 "(3.18 mm), I = 0.60" (15.24 mm). The total length of the "half-size" embodiment is approximately 1,350 '' (34.29 mm) and the Diameter is approximately 0.455 "(11.56 mm). Various embodiments The "ring piston" valve unit can have different larger or have smaller sizes.

Regarding the 9 and 9A receives the ring piston valve 270 Liquid at the entrance opening 268 , the pressure on the membrane-like component 278 exercises and a seal along with a lip component 275 forms in a closed state. The groove 288 in the pen 268 provides a pressure connection to a main chamber 292 , which in conjunction with a trigger cavity 300 through the connection passages 294A and 294B , stands. A trigger (described in the PCT application PCT / US02 / 38757) provides a seal on the surface 298 and seals the passages 294A and 294B and thereby the main chamber 300 from. When the plunger of the shutter 200 from the surface 298 moved away, liquid flows through the pas say 294A and 294B to the control passage 296 and to the outlet opening 269 , This causes a pressure reduction in the main chamber 292 , As a result, the membrane-like component moves 278 and the piston-like component 288 linear in the cavity 292 and thereby provides a relatively large flow opening at the lip seal 275 , A large volume of fluid may be from the inlet opening 268 to the exit opening 269 flow.

When the plunger of the shutter 200 the tax passages 294A and 294B seals, builds pressure due to the liquid flow from the inlet opening 268 through the "drain" groove 288 in the lead pin 286 in the main chamber 292 on. The increased pressure in the main chamber 292 , shifts linearly, along with the force of the spring 290 in a sliding motion, over the wire pin 286 from the component 270 to the sealing lip 275 , If there is enough pressure in the main chamber 292 seals the membrane-like, flexible component 278 the entrance opening chamber 268 at the lip seal 275 from. The soft part 278 has an inner opening constructed in this way with the lead pin 286 the groove 288 to clean during the sliding movement. That is, the groove of the lead pin 286 is cleaned periodically.

The embodiment in 9 shows the valve with a central inlet chamber 268 (and pin 286 ) asymmetrical with respect to the ventilation passages 294A . 294B (and the location of the plunger of the trigger 200 ). The valve unit can, however, the input chamber 268 (and pin 286 ) asymmetrical in relation to the passages 294A . 294B and outlet ventilation passage 296 have arranged. That is, in such a construction, this valve has the input chamber 268 and the lead pin 286 unbalanced with respect to the location of the trigger's plunger 200 arranged. The symmetrical and asymmetrical embodiments are equivalent.

The automatic valve 38 has many advantages in terms of its long-term operation and easy maintenance. The automatic valve 38 has the adjustable inlet 220 on, which allows maintenance of the valve without switching off the water supply in another place. The construction of the valve 38 including the internal dimensions of the cavity 207 and the trigger 200 allow easy replacement of the inner part. A maintenance person can use the screw 314 and the turning cap 312 remove and then the adjustment cap 316 remove it around the valve 38 to open. The valve 38 has a maintenance loop 340 (or a service rod) so constructed, the entire valve assembly, including the attached trigger 200 , from the body 206 to draw. The maintenance person can then remove any defective part, including the trigger 200 or replace the entire assembly and the repaired assembly back into the valve body 206 put. Due to the valve construction, such a repair would only take a few minutes and it would not be necessary to have the valve 38 to disconnect from the water line or close the water supply. Advantageously, the "ring valve" design provides a large stroke and thus, relative to its size, a very large water flow rate.

One another embodiment the "ring piston" valve unit is in the PCT applications PCT / US02 / 34757 filed on 4/12/2002 and PCT / US03 / 20117, filed on 24.06.2003, both of which are incorporated by reference, as if they are complete here played. Again, it should be mentioned that the entire operation of this valve unit from a single magnetic release which is a latched magnetic release or an isolated magnetic release can, as in the PCT application PCT / US01 / 51054, filed on 25.10.2001, which is incorporated by reference as she would be complete here played.

10 schematically shows the control electronics 400 coming from a battery 420 is supplied. The control electronics 400 has a battery regulation unit 422 on, a detection unit for no or weak batteries 425 , a passive sensor and signal processing unit 402 and the microcontroller 405 on. The battery regulation unit 422 provides the entire control system with power. It supplies 6.0 V of power to the "no battery" detector, supplies 6.0 V of power to the low battery detector, and also provides 6.0 V of power control 408 , It supplies a regulated 3.0 V voltage to the microcontroller 405 ,

The "no battery" detector generates pulses to the microcontroller 405 in the form of "no battery" signals around the microcontroller 405 to notify. The low battery detector is connected to the battery / voltage control by the 6.0V voltage. When the voltage drops below 4.2V, the detector generates a pulse to the microcontroller (ie, a low battery signal). When the "low battery" signal is received, the microcontroller operates the turn signal 430 (eg an LED) with a frequency of 1 Hz or an audible alarm. After blinking 2000 times with a low battery, the microcontroller stops flashing but continues to operate the permanently lit LED.

As in connection with 10B described, the passive sensor and the signal processing module convert 402 the resistance of a Fotowi in a pulse sent to the microcontroller by the charge pulse signal. The pulse width changes represent the resistance changes which in turn are related to the luminance changes. The control circuit also includes a clock / reset unit that provides clock pulse generation and resets pulse generation. It generates a reset pulse with a frequency of 4 Hz, which, according to the clock pulse, has the same frequency. The reset signal becomes the microcontroller 405 sent by the reset signal to reset the microcontroller or to start the microcontroller from sleep mode.

A manual button switch can be formed by a reed switch and a magnet. When the button is pressed by a user, the circuit sends a signal to the clock / reset unit through the manual signal IRQ and then causes the clock / reset unit to generate a reset signal. At the same time, the level of the manual signal level is changed by the microcontroller 405 to confirm that it is a valid manual flushing signal.

Still in terms of 10 receives the control electronics 400 Signals from the optical sensor unit 402 and controls a trigger 412 , a controller or microcontroller 405 , an input element (eg the optical sensor), a magnetic control 408 (Power control), the voltage from a battery 420 receives that from a voltage regulator 422 is regulated. The microcontroller 405 is designed for efficient power operation. To save energy is the microcontroller 405 in the initial state in a low-frequency sleep mode and periodically addresses the optical sensor to see if it has been triggered. Upon triggering, the microcontroller provides a control signal to power consumption control 418 which is a switch that controls the voltage 422 (or a voltage amplifier 422 ), the optical sensor unit 402 and a signal conditioner 416 energized. (To simplify the block diagram, the connections are from power consumption control 418 to the optical sensor unit 402 and to the signal former 416 Not shown.)

The microcontroller 405 may receive an input signal from an external input device (eg, a push button) that is required for manual triggering or control input to the trigger 410 is constructed. In particular, the microcontroller provides 405 the control signals 406A and 406B for power control 408 holding the magnet of the trigger 410 controls. The power control 408 takes DC voltage from the battery and the voltage regulator 422 regulates the battery voltage by a fairly constant voltage to the power control 408 to deliver. A trigger sensor 412 registers or shows the fitting position of the trigger 410 and provides a control signal 415 to the signal former 416 , A low battery detection unit 425 detects the battery voltage and can send an interrupt signal to the microcontroller 405 deliver.

A trigger sensor 412 provides data to the microcontroller 405 (via signal shaper 416 ) about the movement or position of the trip anchor and this data will be used to control the power control 408 used. The trigger sensor 412 may be an electromagnetic sensor (eg, a pickup coil), a capacitive sensor, a Hall effect sensor, an optical sensor, a pressure transducer, or any other type of sensor.

Preferably, the microcontroller 405 a Toshiba-made 8-bit CMOS microcontroller TMP86P807M. The microcontroller has a program memory of 8 kilobytes and a data memory of 256 bytes. Programming is done by using a Toshiba adapter socket with a general purpose PROM programmer. The microcontroller operates at three frequencies (f _c = 16 MHz, f _c = 8 MHz and _fs = 332.768 kHz), the first two clock frequencies in a normal mode and the third frequency is used in a low voltage mode (ie, in an idle mode) , The microcontroller 405 is operated between various operations in sleep mode. To save battery power the microcontroller is feeling 405 the optical sensor 402 periodically for an input signal and then triggers the power consumption control 418 out. The power consumption control 418 supplies the signal conditioner 416 and other elements. Otherwise, the optical sensor 402 , the voltage regulator 422 (or voltage amplifier 422 ) and a signal conditioner 416 not powered to save battery voltage. During operation, the microcontroller provides 405 also flashing signals to a turn signal 430 , The control electronics 400 may receive a signal from the passive optical sensor or the previously described active optical sensor. The passive optical sensor has only one light detector which provides a detection signal to the microcontroller 405 supplies.

The detection unit for weak batteries 425 may be the low battery detector, model number TC54VN4202EMB, available from Microchip Technology. The voltage regulator 422 may be the voltage regulator, part number TC55RP3502EMB, also available from Microchip Technology (http://www.microchip.com). The microcontroller 405 may alternatively be a microcontroller, part number MCU COP8SAB728M9, available from National Semiconductor.

10A schematically shows another embodiment of the control electronics 400 , The control electronics 400 receives signals from the optical sensor unit 402 and controls the trigger 412 , As previously described, the control electronics also include the microcontroller 405 , the magnetic control 408 (ie voltage control), the voltage regulator 422 and a battery 420 , on. The magnetic release 411 has two coil sensors 411A and 411B on. The coil sensors 411A and 411B deliver a signal to the. respective preamplifiers 416A and 416B and the low-pass filters 417A and 417B , A differentiator 419 provides the differentiation signal in a feedback loop arrangement to the microcontroller 405 ,

To open a fluid line, the microcontroller sends 405 the OPEN signal 406B to the power control 408 which supplies a drive current to the drive coil of the trigger 410 in a direction that retracts the fitting. At the same time deliver the coils 411A and 411B an induced signal to the shaping feedback loop comprising the preamplifier and the low pass filter. If the output of a differentiator 419 Indicates less than a selected threshold calibrated for the retracted amature (ie, the fixture has not reached a selected position) will stop the microcontroller 405 the OPEN signal 406B ready to go. If no movement of the solenoid valve is detected, the microcontroller can 405 another (higher) level of the OPEN signal 406B spend around the drive current (up to a multiple of the normal drive current) through the power control 408 to raise. In this way, the system can move the fitting, which is stuck due to mineral deposits or other problems, move.

The microcontroller 405 can detect the fitting displacement (or even show the fitting movement) by placing them in the coils 411A and 411B induced signals supplied to the shaping feedback loop. When the output of the differentiator 419 As a result of the armature displacement changed, the microcontroller 405 a different (lower) level of the OPEN signal 406B spend or the OPEN signal 406B turn off, which in turn power control 408 conditional to spend another level of drive current. The result is usually that the drive current was reduced or the duration of the drive current was much shorter than the time required for the opening of the liquid line in the. worst case would have been necessary (which would have been necessary without the use of a fitting sensor). The control system saves a considerable amount of energy and thus extends the life of the battery 420 ,

Advantageously, the arrangement of the coil sensors 411A and 411B detect a hooking and non-hooking movement of the trigger fitting with great precision. (However, a single coil sensor or multiple coil sensors or capacitive sensors may also be used to detect armature movement). The microcontroller 405 may be a selected profile of the drive current of the power control 408 is spent controlling. Different profiles can be in the microcontroller 405 stored, or based on the liquid type, the liquid pressure (water pressure), the liquid temperature (water temperature), the time in the trigger 410 since the installation or the last maintenance, a battery level, the input of an external sensor (eg a motion sensor or a presence sensor), or other factors. Based on the water pressure and the known sizes of the orifices, the automatic purge valve can deliver a known amount of rinse water.

10B shows a schematic diagram of a detection circuit as it for the passive optical sensor 50 is used. The passive optical sensor has no light source (there is no light emission) and has only one light detector which detects incoming light. Compared to the active optical sensor, the passive sensor allows for reduced energy consumption since it eliminates any energy consumption associated with the IR source. The light detector may be a photodiode, a photoresistor, or other optical element that provides an electrical output signal in response to the intensity or wavelength of the received light. The light receiver is selected to be active in the range between 350 nm (nanometers) to 1500 nm, and preferably between 400 and 1000 nm, and more preferably between 500 and 950 nm. As a result, the light receiver is not sensitive to body heat from the user of the tap 10 . 10A . 10B or 10C is emitted or on body heat emitted by the user, before the rinses 100 or 100A located.

10B Figure 12 shows a schematic diagram of the detection circuit used by the passive sensor, which allows a significant reduction in power consumption. The detection circuit has a detection element D (for example, a photodiode or a photoresistor) and two comparators (U1A and U1B), which are connected to read the detection element after receiving a high-pulse. Preferably, the detection element is a photoresistor. The voltage V _cc is +5 V (or +3 V) received from the power source. The resistors R ₂ and R ₃ are voltage dividers between V _cc and the earth. The diode D ₁ is connected between the pulse input and output line to allow a readout of the capacitance on the capacitor C ₁ , which is charged during the light detection.

Preferably, the photoresistor is designed to provide light intensity in the range of 1 lux to 1000 lux by appropriate design of the optical lens 54 or the optical elements in the 6 to 6E are shown to receive. For example, the optical lens 54 a photochromic material or a variable aperture size. In general, the photoresistor can receive light intensity in the range of 0.1 lux to 500 lux for adequate detection. The resistance of the photodiode is very high for low light intensity and decreases (usually exponentially) with increasing light intensity.

Still in terms of 10B , the comparator U _1A receives from the reception of a "high" pulse at the input connection, the "high" pulse and supplies the "high" pulse at node A. At this point, the associated capacitor charge by the comparator U _1B to output 7 sent. The output pulse is a square wave whose duration depends on the photocurrent (which has charged the capacitor C1 during the light detection period). This will cause the microcontroller to receive 34 a signal that depends on the detected light.

In the absence of the high signal, the comparator U _1A does not supply a signal to the node A, and instead the capacitor C ₁ is charged from the photocurrent excited at the photoresistor D between V _cc and ground. The charging and transmitting (discharging) process is repeated in a controlled manner by applying a high pulse to the control input. The output receives a high output, ie the square wave has a duration which is proportional to the photocurrent, which is excited by the photoresistor. The detection signal is in a detection algorithm provided by the microcontroller 405 is performed.

in the In the sense of eliminating the need for an energy-consuming IR light source, such as in the active optical sensor, the system can be configured be a longer one To achieve battery life (usually many years of operation without Battery change). About that in addition, the passive sensor a more accurate way the presence of a user, the movement of a user and to determine the direction of movement of a user.

The preferred embodiment in terms of the type of optical detection elements used depends on following factors: The reaction time of a photoresistor is on the order of magnitude from 20 to 25 milliseconds, with a photodiode several microseconds is and thus the use of a photoresistor a significantly longer time which has an impact on overall energy consumption.

Furthermore the passive optical sensor can be used to light or Darkness in a system to determine and thus the detection frequency (as implemented in the cock = detection algorithm) to change. The is called, in a dark plant, the collection rate is reduced, below the assumption that in such a modality the tap or the dishwasher is not to be used. The reduction of the detection frequency reduces the Total energy consumption and thus extends the life the battery.

11 shows several factors that affect the operation and calibration of the passive optical system. The sensor environment is important because the detection depends on the ambient light conditions. If the ambient light in the system changes from normal to bright, the detection algorithm must recalculate the background and the detection scale. The detection algorithm changes as light conditions vary (585), as shown in the algorithms presented. There are some fixed conditions ( 588 ) for every facility, such as the walls, the places of the toilets and their surfaces. The algorithms presented periodically calibrate the detected signal to account for these conditions. The factors mentioned above are listed in the following algorithm.

Regarding the 12 to 12I For example, the microcontroller is programmed to have a rinse algorithm 600 for flushing a toilet 116 or a urinal 120 at different light levels, perform. The algorithm 600 Detects different users in front of the dishwashers when they reach the unit, when they use the toilet or urinal and when they move away from the unit. Based on these activities, the algorithm uses 600 different states. There are periods of time between each condition to flush the toilet automatically at appropriately spaced intervals. The algorithm 600 also controls the flushes at certain periods to ensure that the toilet was not used without detection. The passive optical detector for the algorithm 600 is preferably a photoresistor which is connected to a readout circuit as in 10B shown is coupled.

The algorithm 200 has three light modes: a bright mode (mode 1), a dark mode (mode 3), and a normal mode (mode 2). The light mode (mode 1) is set as the micro control mode when the resistance is less as 2 kΩ (Pb), corresponding to a large detected amount of light ( 12 ). The dark mode (mode 3) is set when the resistance is more than 2 MΩ (Pd), corresponding to a very small amount of light ( 12 ). The normal mode (mode 2) is defined for a resistance between 2 kΩ and 2 MΩ, according to the usual ambient light.

The resistance values are in the form of a pulse width (corresponding to the resistance of the photoresistor in FIG 10B ). The aforementioned resistance thresholds vary for different photoresistors and are mentioned here for illustration only.

The microcontroller drives constantly through the algorithm 600 where it starts (for example) every 1 second and determines in which mode it was last (according to the amount of light detected in the last cycle). From the current mode, the microcontroller will evaluate which mode it should go in, depending on the current pulse width (p) measurement associated with the resistance of the photoresistor.

The Microcontroller goes through six states in mode 2. The following are the states that for triggering the conditioner need An idle state in which there is no change in the background light takes place and in which the microcontroller calibrates the ambient light; a TargetIn state in which a target starts in the field of the sensor get; an In8Seconds state in which the target is on the sensor and the measured pulse width is stable for 8 seconds (if that Target after 8 seconds, no flushing takes place); an After8Seconds State in which the target has come into the sensor field and the Pulse width for is stable for more than 8 seconds, which means that the goal is ahead the sensor for this time has remained (if the goal goes after 8 seconds and after which, if the goal goes, a precautionary lavage takes place); a TargetOut State in which the target leaves the field of the sensor; one In2Seconds state where the background is stable after that Goal has gone. After this last state, the microcontroller flushes and go back in the idle state.

If get closer to the goal moved towards the sensor, the target can block the light, especially wearing dark, light-absorbing clothing. This will the sensor will detect less light in the target state, so the resistance increases (later referred to as TargetOutUp state) while the microcontroller during the TargetOut state more light detected, so the resistance drops (later referred to as TargetOutUp state). If the destination is bright, wearing reflective clothing, the microcontroller will detect more light in the target state, when the goal gets closer (causing what later is called TargetInDown state) and less during the TargetOut condition (later referred to as TargetOutDown state). Two seconds after that Target has left the toilet, the microcontroller requires a flush the toilet and the microcontroller returns to idle back.

In order to test whether a target is present, the microcontroller checks the stability of the pulse width or how variable the p-values were in a particular period and whether the pulse width is more variable than a constant, selected background level or a set pulse width variance threshold (unstable). The system uses two other constant preset values in the algorithm 600 when the stability of the p-values is checked to set the states in mode 2. One of these two preset values is Stable1, a constant pulse width variance threshold. A value below means that there is no activity in front of the unit, as the p-values do not change during the measurement period. The second preset value used to determine the stability of the p-values is Stable1, another constant pulsewidth variance threshold. In this case, an undershot value means that a user was motionless in front of the microcontroller in the measured period.

The Microcontroller also calculates a target (target) value, or average pulse width in the After8Sec state, and then check whether the target value is over (in the case of TargetInUp) or under (in the case of TargetInDown) one certain level over the background light intensity located: BACKGROUND * (1 + PERCENTAGEIN) for TargetInUp and BACKGROUND * (1 - PERCENTAGEIN) for TargetInDown. To check for TargetOutUp and TargetOutDown, use the microcontroller a second value set: BACKGROUND * (1 + PERCENTAGEOUT) and BACKGROUND * (1 - PERCENTAGEOUT).

In relation to 12 starts the microcontroller every second ( 601 ) and measures the pulse width p ( 602 ). The microcontroller then determines what mode it was before. If she was in mode 1 before ( 604 ), it will now be in mode 1 ( 614 ) walk. It will work in mode 2 ( 616 ), if in the previous cycle ( 606 ) was in mode 2 or in mode 3 ( 618 ) if in the previous cycle ( 608 ) was in mode 3. The microcontroller is set in mode 2 as a preset mode ( 610 ), if she can not determine in which mode she had gone in the previous cycle. Once the subroutine mode is completed, the microcontroller goes into sleep mode ( 612 ) until the next cycle 600 with step 601 starts.

Referring to 12A (MODE 1 - bright mode) if the microcontroller was previously in mode 1, based on the p-value less than or equal to 2 kΩ, and the p-value now remains greater than or equal to 2 kΩ ( 620 ) for a period of time longer than 8 seconds but shorter than 60 seconds ( 628 ), the microcontroller causes a flushing ( 640 ); all mode 1 timers (timers 1 and 2) are reset ( 630 ) and the microcontroller goes into sleep mode ( 612 ) until the next cycle 600 with the step 601 starts. However, if p changes while timer 1 is longer than 8 seconds and shorter than 60 seconds ( 628 ), there is no flushing ( 640 ). Put simply, all mode 1 timers are reset ( 630 ), the microcontroller goes into sleep mode ( 612 ) and mode 1 remains set as the micro control mode until the next cycle 600 starts: if the microcontroller was previously in mode 1, but the p-value is now greater than 2 kΩ but less than 2 MΩ ( 622 ) for more than 60 seconds ( 634 ), based on the timer 1 count ( 632 ), all mode 1 timers are reset ( 644 ), the microcontroller sets mode 2 ( 646 ) as system mode, so the microcontroller will be in mode 2 in the next cycle 600 starts and the microcontroller goes into sleep mode ( 612 ). However, if p changes while Timer 1 counts 60 seconds ( 134 - 148 ) mode 1 remains the microcontroller mode and the microcontroller goes into sleep mode ( 612 ) until the next cycle 600 starts.

If the microcontroller was previously in mode 1 and p is now greater than or equal to 2 MΩ ( 624 ) while Timer 2 is longer than 8 seconds ( 638 ) counts ( 636 ), all mode 1 timers are reset ( 650 ), the microcontroller sets mode 3 ( 652 ) as the new system mode and the microcontroller goes into sleep mode ( 612 ) until the next cycle 600 starts. However, if p changes while timer 2 counts for 8 seconds, the microcontroller goes into sleep mode (steps 638 to 612 ) and mode 1 remains as the microcontroller mode until the start of the next cycle 600 set.

Referring to 12B (MODE 3 - dark mode) if the microcontroller was previously in mode 3, based on a p-value that was greater than or equal to 2 MΩ, but the value is now less than or equal to 2 kΩ ( 810 ), for one of Timer 3 ( 812 ) than longer than 8 seconds ( 814 ), the microcontroller sets the timers 3 and 4 or all modes 3 timers ( 816 ), the microcontroller sets mode 1 as the state ( 818 ) until the beginning of the next cycle 600 and the microcontroller goes into sleep mode ( 612 ). However, if the p-value changes while timer 3 counts for 8 seconds, the micro-controller goes off-step 814 to 612 so that the microcontroller goes into sleep mode and mode 3 continues to set as the microcontroller mode until the next cycle 600 starts.

If the microcontroller was previously in mode 3, based on the p-value that was greater than or equal to 2 MΩ, and the p-value is still greater than or equal to 2 MΩ ( 820 ), the microcontroller sets the timers 3 and 4 ( 822 ), the microcontroller goes into sleep mode ( 612 ) and mode 3 remains as the micro control mode until the start of the next cycle 600 set.

If the microcontroller was previously in mode 3, but p is now between 2 kΩ and 2 MΩ ( 824 ) for a period of Timer 4 ( 826 ) than more than 2 seconds ( 828 ), timers 3 and 4 are reset ( 830 ), Mode 2 is called mode ( 832 ) until the next cycle 600 starts and the microcontroller goes into sleep mode ( 612 ). However, if p changes while timer 4 counts for more than 2 seconds, mode 3 remains the microcontroller mode and the microcontroller goes off step 828 to step 612 and goes into sleep mode until the next cycle 600 starts. If an abnormal p value occurs, the microcontroller goes into sleep mode ( 612 ) until a new cycle begins.

Referring to 12C (MODE 2 - normal mode) if the microcontroller mode was previously set to mode 2 and p is now less than or equal to 2 kΩ ( 656 ), for a period that of Timer 5 ( 662 ) than more than 8 seconds ( 664 ), all mode 2 timers are reset ( 674 ), Mode 1 (bright mode) is used as a micro control mode ( 676 ) and the microcontroller goes into sleep mode ( 612 ). However, if p changes while timer 5 counts for more than 8 seconds, the microcontroller will go into sleep mode (steps 664 to 612 ) and Mode 2, the microcontroller mode remains until the next cycle 600 starts.

However, if p is greater than or equal to 2 MΩ (658), for a period of Timer 6 ( 668 ) than longer than 8 seconds ( 670 ), the toilet is not idle (ie there are background changes 680 ), and p stays greater than or equal to 2 MΩ during timer 6 over 5 minutes ( 688 ) counts and the system is flushed ( 690 ). After rinsing, timers 5 and 6 are reset ( 692 ) Mode 3 is considered the microcontroller mode ( 694 ) and the microcontroller goes into sleep mode ( 612 ). Otherwise the system will go off step 688 to 612 and goes into sleep mode when p changes while timer 6 counts for more than 5 minutes.

If the microcontroller mode was previously set to mode 2, p is now greater than or equal to 2 MΩ ( 658 ) for a period of Timer 6 ( 668 ) than longer than 8 seconds ( 670 ) but the toilet was idle ( 680 ), timers 5 and 6 are reset ( 682 ) Mode 3 is used as a microcontroller mode ( 684 ) and the microcontroller goes to step 612 in the sleep mode.

If p is greater than or equal to 2 MΩ, but changes during timer 6 longer than 8 seconds ( 670 ) counts ( 668 ), the microcontroller goes into sleep mode ( 612 ) and mode 2 remains the micro control mode. If p is at a different value, the microcontroller goes to step 660 (as in 12D shown).

Alternatively, with reference to FIG 12D if the microcontroller mode was previously set as mode 2 and p is greater than 2 kΩ and less than 2 MΩ ( 661 ), timers 5 and 6 are reset ( 666 ), the pulse width stability is determined by the variance check of the last four pulse width values ( 667 ) and the target value by determining the average pulse width value (step 669 ) found.

At this point, when the state of the microcontroller is in the idle state ( 672 ), the microcontroller continues to step 675 , In step 675 if the stability is greater than the constant unstable (unstable) value, which means that a user is in front of the unit and the target value is greater than the Background * (1 + PercentageIn) value, which means that of the microcontroller has detected detected light, this leads to step 679 and a TargetInUp state (ie, as a user came in, towards unity, resistance has increased since light has been absorbed or blocked) and the microcontroller goes into sleep mode ( 612 ) with mode 2 TargetInUp as the micro control mode and state.

When in step 675 set conditions are not true, the microcontroller checks to see if the in 677 are true. In step 677 If the stability is found to be greater than the constant unstable value due to a user in front of the unit, but the target value, due to the increase in detected light, is less than the Background * (1 - PercentageIn) value, this results in a " TargetInDown "state in step 681 (ie since a user came in, the resistance decreased as light reflected from his clothing) and the microcontroller goes into sleep mode ( 612 ), with Mode 2 TargetInDown as the microcontroller mode and state. However, if the microcontroller is not idle ( 672 ), the microcontroller goes to step 673 (as in 12E shown).

Referring to 12E when the system is in the TargetInUp state ( 683 ), the system checks in step 689 whether the stability value is less than the constant Stable2 and whether the target value is greater than Background * (1 + PercentageIn) ( 689 ). If these two conditions are true at the same time, meaning that a user is motionless, blocking light, in front of the unit, then the microcontroller will now go into the In8SecUp state ( 697 ) and goes into sleep mode ( 612 ). If the two conditions in step 689 not satisfied, the system checks if the stability is less than Stable1 and at the same time (691) the target is smaller than Background * (1 + PercentagIn), which means that there is no user in front of the unit and a large amount of light from the unit is detected. If this is the case, the system state as Mode 2 Idle ( 699 ) and the microcontroller goes into sleep mode ( 612 ). If none of the condition sets in the steps 689 and 691 is satisfied, the system goes into sleep mode ( 612 ).

When the TargetInDown state ( 686 ) was set in the previous cycle, the system checks if the stability is less than Stable2 and the target in step 693 at the same time smaller than Background * (1 - PercentageIn). If this is the case, which means that with more detected light, a user is motionless in front of the unit, the state of the microcontroller continues to In8SecDown ( 701 ) and goes into sleep mode ( 612 ).

If the two requirements in step 693 are not satisfied, the microcontroller checks to see if the stability is less than Stable1 while the target is at the same time greater than the Background * (1 - PercentageIn) in step 698 , If both are satisfied, the state as Mode 2 Idle ( 703 ), due to the conditions that signal that there is no activity in front of the unit and that no large amount of light is detected by the unit, and it goes into sleep mode ( 612 ). If goal and stability none of the prerequisite sets from the steps 693 or 698 the microcontroller goes into sleep mode ( 612 ) and mode 2 remains as a micro-control state. If the condition is not idle, TargetInUp or TargetInDown, the microcontroller continues as in step 695 (shown in 12F ).

Referring to 12F if In8SecUp as the state ( 700 ) is checked, if the stability is smaller than Stable2 and the target is at the same time larger than Background * (1 + percentageIn) in step 702 , If these conditions are met, meaning that a motionless user is in front of the unit and still low light is detected, the timer for the In8Sec state begins counting ( 708 ). If the two conditions remain the same while the timer counts for more than 8 seconds, timer 7 is reset ( 712 ), the microcontroller goes further into the After8SecUp state ( 714 ) and finally goes into sleep mode ( 612 ). If the two conditions change while the timer is longer than 8 seconds ( 710 ), the microcontroller goes into sleep mode ( 612 ). If the requirements in step 702 are not met by the stability and target values, the In8Sec timer is reset ( 704 ), in step 706 the microcontroller state is set as TargetInUp and the microcontroller continues to step 673 ( 12E ).

Referring to 12E if the microcontroller state is called In8SecDown ( 716 ), the microcontroller checks if stability is less than Stable2 and the target is smaller than Background * (1 - PercentageIn) in step 718 to check whether the user is motionless in front of the unit and whether a large amount of light continues to be detected. If the two values meet the requirement at the same time, the In8Sec state timer begins counting ( 724 ). If he counts for more than 8 seconds while the two conditions are met ( 726 ), the timer 7 is reset ( 728 ), the condition continues in After8SecDown ( 730 ) and the microcontroller goes into sleep mode ( 612 ).

If the timer does not count for more than 8 seconds while the stability and the target remain in these ranges, the microcontroller will not continue with the state and go into sleep mode ( 612 ). If the requirements of the step 718 are not met by the stability and target values, the In8SecTimer is reset ( 720 ) and the microcontroller state is set to TargetInDown ( 722 ) in which the microcontroller is to step 673 continues ( 12E ). If the mode 2 state none of the in the 12C -F, the system continues through the step 732 (shown in 12G ).

Referring to 12G when the system in step 734 in the After8SecUp state ( 734 ), it checks if the stability is smaller than Stable1, ie if there is no activity in front of the unit. If so, Timer 7 begins counting ( 742 ) and if the stability remains smaller than Stable1 until timer 7 has counted longer than 15 minutes ( 744 ), rinses ( 746 ) the microcontroller, the idle state is set ( 748 ) and the microcontroller goes into sleep mode ( 612 ). If the stability does not remain below the Stable1 value until the timer 7 has counted longer than 15 minutes, the microcontroller will go into sleep mode ( 612 ) until the next cycle.

If the stability was not less than Stable1, the microcontroller checks if it is larger than unstable and if the target is larger than Background * (1 + percentagOut) ( 738 ). If both simultaneously meet these criteria, meaning that there is a user moving in front of the unit but more light is detected because it is moving away, the microcontroller will continue in mode 2 TargetOutUp as the micro-control state ( 740 ) and the microcontroller goes into sleep mode ( 612 ). If stability and goal are not the two criteria in step 738 meet the microcontroller goes into sleep mode ( 612 ).

When the microcontroller in After8SecDown ( 750 ), check if the stability is less than Stable1 in step 752 , If so, Timer 7 begins counting ( 754 ) and if longer than 15 minutes ( 756 ) counts, rinses ( 758 ) the microcontroller, the idle state is set ( 760 ) and the microcontroller goes into sleep mode ( 612 ). If stability does not remain less than Stable1 until timer 7 counts longer than 15 minutes, the microcontroller will go into sleep mode until the next cycle.

If the stability is not less than Stable1 in step 752 The microcontroller checks if the stability is greater than unstable while the target is at the same time smaller than the background * (1 - PercentageOut) in step 762 , If so, it means that a user is in front of the unit and that it detects less light because it is moving away so it is in the state to TargetOutDown in step 764 goes on and goes into sleep mode ( 612 ). Otherwise, if both conditions in step 762 are not met, the microcontroller goes into sleep mode ( 612 ). If the mode 2 state none of the in the 12C -G, the system continues through step 770 (as in 12H shown).

Referring to 12H when TargetOutUp as state ( 772 ), the microcontroller checks if the stability is less than Stable1 while the target is smaller than Background * (1 + percentageOut) in step 774 , If so, it sets the state to In2Sec ( 776 ) and the microcontroller goes into sleep mode ( 612 ). However, if stability and goal meet the criteria in step 774 do not meet at the same time, the microcontroller checks if the stability is greater than unstable and the target is at the same time greater than the background * (1 + percentageOut) in step 778 , If so, it sets the state to After8SecUp ( 780 ) and goes on to continue 732 (Please refer 12 ). If stability and goal the criteria none of the steps 774 or 778 the microcontroller goes into sleep mode ( 612 ).

When the microcontroller in the state Targe tOutDown ( 782 ), it checks if the stability is smaller than Stable1 and the target at the same time ( 783 ) is greater than Background * (1 - PercentageOut). If so, this would mean that there is no activity in front of the unit and less light reaches the unit so that it continues in the state to In2Sec ( 784 ) and goes into sleep mode ( 612 ). However, if stability and goal are not both criteria of step 783 the microcontroller checks if the stability is greater than unstable and the target is at the same time smaller than Background * (1 - PercentageOut) in step 785 , If so, the microcontroller sets the state to After8SecDown ( 788 ) and goes to step 732 to continue (See 12G ). If stability and goal none of the criteria sets of the steps 783 or 785 the microcontroller goes into sleep mode ( 612 ).

Referring to 12I if the microcontroller has the In2Sec state in the previous cycle ( 791 ), it checks if the stability is smaller than Stable1 ( 792 ), which is a critical condition: since the user left, there have been no fluctuations in the light detected across the resistor. The microcontroller also checks whether the target value is either greater than Background * (1 - PercentageIn) or less than Background * (1 + percentageIn) in step 792 , If so, there is no activity in front of the unit and the detected light is not in either of the two levels necessary to indicate that a user blocks or reflects light, indicating that no user is in front of the unit located. The system would then enter the In2Sec state timer in step 794 start and if it, with these aforementioned conditions longer than 2 seconds ( 796 ) counts, rinses ( 798 ) the microcontroller, all mode 2 timers will be in step 799 reset, the state will go to idle in step 800 reset and the microcontroller goes into sleep mode ( 612 ). If the stability and target values change while the In2Sec timer is longer than 2 seconds ( 796 ), the microcontroller goes into sleep mode ( 612 ) until the beginning of the next 600 Cycle.

If the stability and target values are the two sets of criteria in step 792 do not meet, the In2Sec timer is reset ( 802 The state will be in either TargetOutUp or TargetOutDown in step 804 changed back and the microcontroller goes to step 770 ( 12H ). If the microcontroller is also not in the In2Sec state, the microcontroller goes into sleep mode ( 612 ) and starts the algorithm again 600 ,

The 13 . 13A and 13B show a control algorithm for the taps 10 . 10A and 10B , The algorithm 900 has two modes. Mode 1 is needed when the passive sensor is outside the water jet (tap 10B ) and mode 2 is needed when the field of view of the passive sensor is within the water jet (taps 10 and 10A ). In mode 1 (algorithm 920 ) the sensor, which is outside the water jet, detects the blocking of light by the hands of a nearby user and checks how long the faint light stays the same, interpreting this as a user at the wash basin, but also closing the room in which the unit is placed, as a similar signal. This sensor then shuts off the water directly when the user has left the tap or as soon as he no longer detects unstable low level light.

In mode 2 (algorithm 1000 ), the photoresistor in the water flow also uses the variables mentioned above, but takes into account an additional factor: even flowing light can reflect water, so that the sensor may not be able to fully verify that the user has left the faucet. In this case, the algorithm also uses a timer to turn off the water while actively checking if the user is still there. Mode 1 or 2 can be selectable, for example by a jog switch.

Referring to 13 the algorithm starts 900 when the voltage is switched on ( 901 ) and the unit the module in step 902 initialized. The microcontroller then checks the battery condition ( 904 ), sets all timers and counters ( 906 ) and closes the valve (shown in Figs 1 . 2 . 4 and 4A ) in step 908 , All electronics are calibrated ( 910 ) and the microcontroller sets a Background Light Threshold Level (BLTH) in step 912 firmly. The microcontroller then determines which mode in step 914 In mode 1, the microcontroller executes the algorithm 920 off (until step 922 . 13A ) and in mode 2 the microcontroller performs mode 1000 off (until step 1002 . 13B ).

Referring to 13A when the microcontroller uses mode 1, the passive sensor samples every 1/8 second ( 924 ) for a goal. The sample and sleep time may be different for different light sensors (photodiode, photoresistor, and their readout circuits). For example, the sampling frequency may be every 1/4 second or every 3/4 second. Also, just like in the algorithm in 12 As shown, the microcontroller goes through the algorithm and then goes to sleep mode between the executed cycles. After sampling, the microcontroller measures the sensor level (SL) or the value associated with the resistance of the photoresistor in step 925 , It then compares the sensor level with the back Baseline Threshold Level (BLTH): When the SL is greater than or equal to 25% of the BLTH ( 926 In addition, the microcontroller determines whether it is greater than or equal to 85% of the BLTH (FIG. 927 ) is. These comparisons determine the level of ambient light: if the SL is greater than or equal to 85% of the, in step 912 calculated, BLTH, this would mean that it is now suddenly very dark in the room ( 947 ), so that the microcontroller goes into idle mode and every 5 seconds ( 948 ) until it detects the SL as less than 80% of the BLTH, which means that it now has more ambient light ( 949 ) gives. From the time of this detection, the microcontroller performs a new BLTH for the room ( 950 ) and go back to step 924 by continuing to scan for a target every 1/8 second with the new BLTH.

If the SL is smaller than 25% of the previously introduced BLTH, this would mean that the light in the room has suddenly increased dramatically (eg, direct sunlight). The tactile counter starts counting to see if this change is stable ( 928 ) is when the microcontroller through the steps 924 . 925 . 926 . 928 and 929 goes until she has five cycles ( 929 ) reached. Once she has reached the five cycles under the same conditions, she will step into a new BLTH 930 , for a now brightly lit room, insert and cycle anew in step 922 start using this new BLTH.

However, if the SL is between more than or equal to 25% but not more than 85% of the BLTH (in the steps 926 and 927 ), the light is not in an extreme range but normal ambient light and the microcontroller sets the touch counter to zero in step 932 , again measures the SL for the presence of a user ( 934 ) and check whether the SL between more than 20% of BLTH or less than 25% of BLTH (20% BLTH <SL <25% BLTH) in step 936 located. If this is not the case, this would mean that a user is in front of the unit sensor, since the light is weaker than regular ambient light, which causes the microcontroller to move on to step 944 to go by turning on the water for the user. As soon as the water is switched on, the microcontroller sets the touch counter to zero ( 946 ), samples every 1/8 second ( 948 ) to the destination and continues to high SL, in step 950 to check, ie, for low light, by checking if the SL is less than 20% of the BLTH. If the SL is less than 20% of BLTH ( 950 ), which means that the detected light has increased, the microcontroller continues to step 952 and turns on a tactile counter. The tactile counter requires the microcontroller to continue to sample every 1/8 second and verify that the SL is still less than 20% of the BLTH until more than five cycles through 948 . 950 . 952 and 954 have gone through ( 954 ), which would mean that there has now been an increase in light that has lasted longer than five of these cycles and that the user is no longer present. At this point, the microcontroller shuts off the water ( 956 ). Once the water is turned off, the whole cycle begins from the beginning.

In relation to 13B (Algorithm 1000 for cock 10 ), the microcontroller samples every 1/8 second ( 1004 ) after a target, although again the time that could be changed between each scan to other periods, eg every 1/4 second. The microcontroller once again goes through the algorithm and then goes into sleep mode between cycles, just like in the algorithm used in 12 is shown. After scanning, the microcontroller measures the sensor level ( 1006 ) and compares the SL with the BLTH. Again, if the SL is greater than or equal to 25% of the BLTH, the microcontroller checks whether it is greater than or equal to 85% of the BLTH. If this is the case, it means that the room has suddenly darkened ( 1040 ). The microcontroller then goes into idle mode in step 1042 and samples every five seconds until it detects the SL as being less than 80% of the BLTH, meaning that it now has more light ( 1044 ) detected. As soon as it does, the microcontroller will create a new BLTH for the newly lit room ( 1046 ) and go back to step 1004 and restarts the cycle with the new BLTH for the room.

If the SL is between greater than or equal to 25% and less than 85% of the BLTH, the microcontroller proceeds through step 1015 and sets the Tastzähler to zero. She measures the SL in step 1016 and checks if he has more than 20% of BLTH, but less than 25% of BLTH, in step 1017 is (20% BLTH <SL <25% BLTH). If this is not the case, which means that something in front of the sensor blocks the light, the microcontroller will turn on the water ( 1024 ). This also turns off a Water Off Timer, or WOFF ( 1026 ) at. Then the microcontroller continues every 1/8 second ( 1028 ) to search for a destination. The new SL is compared to the BLTH and if the SL value is not between less than 25% BLTH but more than 20% BLTH (20% BLTH <SL <25% BLTH), the microcontroller goes back to step 1028 and continues to feel for the destination while the water is running. If the SL in this area ( 1030 ), the WOFF timer starts counting now ( 1032 ) and goes back to the cycle in step 1028 , The timer function is simply to allow some time to pass between the time the user is no longer detected and the shutdown of the water, for example because the user is moving his hands could or takes soap and is not in the sensor field for that time. The added time (2 seconds) may be set differently depending on the usage of the unit. Once the 2 seconds are up, the microcontroller will put the water in step 1036 and go back to 1002 from where she repeats the entire cycle.

However, if the SL value in step 1017 If more than 20% of the BLTH but less than 25% of the BLTH (20% BLTH <SL <25% BLTH), the tactile counter begins counting how many times the microcontroller steps through 1016 . 1017 . 1018 and 1020 goes until more than five cycles are reached. Then she goes to step 1022 in which a new BLTH is introduced for the light in the room and the microcontroller goes back to step 1002 in which a new cycle by algorithm 1000 , using the new BLTH value.

To this description of various embodiments and realizations of the invention set forth, it should be apparent to those skilled in the art be that the aforementioned only illustrative, not limited and presented only by examples is. There are other embodiments or elements for the aforementioned embodiments suitable in the previously listed publications are described. The functions of any element can be up various types may be embodied in alternative embodiments. Also can the functions of multiple elements in alternative embodiments be executed by fewer elements or a single element. Other embodiments should also fall within the scope of the appended claims. 22,562th

Claims (35)

A system having an optical sensor for controlling a flow valve of an electronic faucet or a flushing device for a bathroom, comprising: a at an optical input port ( 33 . 34 . 35 ) arranged and arranged such that it has a detection field (A, B, C, 103 ) with a selected size and orientation that eliminates invalid targets; a light detector ( 37 . 132 . 402 ) optically coupled to the optical element and the input port and constructed and constructed to detect ambient light arriving at the detector from the detection field; and a control circuit ( 400 ) for controlling the opening and closing of the flow valve ( 38 . 60 . 270 ), wherein the control circuit is constructed and constructed to receive a signal from the light detector corresponding to the detected ambient light and to determine each opening and closing of the flow valve based on the background level of the ambient light and the existing levels of ambient light wherein the control circuit is further constructed and constructed to control the opening and closing by performing a detection algorithm that utilizes the detection of increases and decreases of said ambient light due to the presence of a user within the detection field, and wherein Control circuit performs a calibration routine that takes into account the size and orientation of the detection field defined by the optical element. The system of claim 1, wherein the optical element further constructed and constructed such that the detection field angled below the horizontal (H). The system of claim 1, wherein the optical element is further constructed and constructed such that said detection field is angled below the horizontal (H) and symmetrical with respect to a toilet ( 116 ) or a urinal ( 120 ). The system of claim 1, wherein the optical element is further constructed and constructed such that the detection field is angled below the horizontal (H) and is asymmetrical with respect to a toilet ( 116 ) or a urinal ( 120 ). The system of claim 1, wherein the optical element further constructed and constructed such that the mentioned detection field below the horizontal (H) and above the horizontal (H) is angled. The system of claim 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, wherein the Light detector is constructed and constructed so that it light detected in the range of 400 to 1000 nanometers. A system according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6, wherein the mentioned Control circuit is constructed such that the detector periodically, based on the previously detected amount of light, keyed or interrogated becomes. The system of claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7, wherein the control circuit is constructed such that the flow valve open and closed, based first on the detection the arrival of a user and then at the detection of the Departure of the user. The system of claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7, wherein the control circuit is constructed such that the flow valve is opened and closed based on the detection of the application senheit of a user. A system according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7, wherein the optical element is an optical fiber ( 34 ) having. A system according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7, wherein the optical element is a lens ( 54 . 134 ) having. The system of claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7, wherein the optical element has a pinhole. The system of claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7, wherein the optical element has a slot. System according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7, wherein the optical element is an optical filter ( 52 ) having. The system of claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7, wherein the optical input port is within an aerator ( 30 ) of a rooster ( 10 ) is arranged. A system according to claim 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 7, wherein the optical input port is near an aerator ( 30 ) of a rooster ( 10 ) is arranged. The system of claim 5, wherein the control circuit the arrival of the user registered after the detector has a increased Quantity of light detected. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flow valve contained in an electronic faucet system. A system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the flow valve in a bathroom flushing system is included. A system according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the light detector having a photodiode. A system according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the light detector has a photoresistor. A system according to claim 17 or 18, wherein the optical Element and the optical input terminal are arranged such that the light detector receives light in the range of 1 lux to 1000 lux. A method of controlling a system for controlling a flow or flow valve of an electronic faucet or flushing device for a bathroom, using an optical sensor, comprising: providing an optical element disposed at an optical input port (Fig. 33 . 34 35), the optical element being constructed and arranged to define a detection field (A, B, C, 103) having a selected size and orientation that eliminates invalid targets; Providing a light detector ( 37 . 132 . 402 ) optically coupled to the optical element and the input port; Detecting ambient light arriving at the light detector from said detection field; Providing a signal corresponding to the detected ambient light from the light detector to a control circuit ( 400 ); and controlling the opening and closing of the flow valve ( 38 . 60 . 270 ) using the control circuit and said signal in accordance with the detected ambient light including determining each opening and closing of said flow valve based on a background level or level of ambient light and existing levels of ambient light; wherein the controller comprises executing a detection algorithm using detection of the increases and decreases in ambient light due to the presence of a user within the detection field, and performing a calibration routine that takes into account the size and orientation of the detection field defined by said optical element , Method for controlling a flow valve according to claim 23, wherein: providing the detection field below the horizontal (H) by the mentioned optical element is angled. Method for controlling a flow valve according to claim 23, wherein it is provided by the optical element that the detection field is angled below the horizontal (H) and is symmetrical with respect to a toilet ( 116 ) or a urinal ( 120 ). A method for controlling a flow valve according to claim 23, wherein it is provided by the optical element that the detection field is angled below the horizontal (H) and is asymmetrical with respect to a toilet ( 116 ) or a urinal ( 120 ). Method for controlling a flow valve according to claim 23, provided by the optical element, that the detection field below the horizontal (H) and on the Horizontal (H) is angled. A method of controlling a flow valve according to claim 23, 24, 25, 26 or 27, wherein the control circuit is constructed to perform said periodic keying of the detector based on the previously detected one Amount of light. Method for controlling a flow valve according to claim 23, 24, 25, 26 or 27, wherein the control circuit is designed such that a sampling period is set, based on the detected amount of light after determining whether a system is in use. Method for controlling a flow valve according to claim 23, 24, 25, 26 or 27, wherein the control circuit is designed to cycle sleep and measurement cycles run through. Method for controlling a flow valve according to one of the preceding method claims, wherein the flow valve enclosed or installed in an electronic tap or faucet is. Method for controlling a flow valve according to one of the preceding method claims, wherein the flow valve in a bathroom scavenger is included. Method for controlling a flow valve according to one of the preceding method claims, wherein the light detector having a photodiode. Method for controlling a flow valve according to one of the preceding method claims, wherein the light detector has a photoresistor. Method for controlling a flow valve according to one of the preceding method claims, wherein the optical element and the one mentioned optical input terminal are constructed such that the light detector Light in the range of 1 lux to 1000 lux receives.