EP0917605A1 - Procede et dispositif permettant d'influer sur au moins une propriete d'un objet - Google Patents

Procede et dispositif permettant d'influer sur au moins une propriete d'un objet

Info

Publication number
EP0917605A1
EP0917605A1 EP98906791A EP98906791A EP0917605A1 EP 0917605 A1 EP0917605 A1 EP 0917605A1 EP 98906791 A EP98906791 A EP 98906791A EP 98906791 A EP98906791 A EP 98906791A EP 0917605 A1 EP0917605 A1 EP 0917605A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
circuit arrangement
receiver
microprocessor
parameters
mode
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP98906791A
Other languages
German (de)
English (en)
Inventor
Hermann Beer
Patrick Senn
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Reglomat AG
Original Assignee
Reglomat AG
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Reglomat AG filed Critical Reglomat AG
Publication of EP0917605A1 publication Critical patent/EP0917605A1/fr
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
    • E03C—DOMESTIC PLUMBING INSTALLATIONS FOR FRESH WATER OR WASTE WATER; SINKS
    • E03C1/00—Domestic plumbing installations for fresh water or waste water; Sinks
    • E03C1/02—Plumbing installations for fresh water
    • E03C1/05—Arrangements of devices on wash-basins, baths, sinks, or the like for remote control of taps
    • E03C1/055—Electrical control devices, e.g. with push buttons, control panels or the like
    • E03C1/057—Electrical control devices, e.g. with push buttons, control panels or the like touchless, i.e. using sensors

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a method for influencing at least one property of an electronic circuit arrangement and a device for carrying out this method.
  • Such remote controls belong to the auxiliary tools mentioned.
  • Electronic circuit arrangements which contain a radar, infrared or capacitive sensor. This can be a motion detector, for example.
  • the properties, such as the parameters, the mode of operation, etc., of such arrangements can be changed, for example, with the aid of a potentiometer or the like in such a way that they are optimally adapted to the conditions in which the respective arrangement is to be operated.
  • the object of the present invention is to eliminate the mentioned disadvantages of the prior art or other disadvantages.
  • FIG. 1 shows a basic block circuit diagram of a first embodiment of the present device
  • FIG. 2 is a block circuit diagram of a second embodiment of the present device, which relates to the application of the present invention in connection with a faucet; 3 shows schematically a wash basin with the tap according to FIG. 2, FIG. 4 shows schematically a shower to which the present invention is applied and FIGS. 5 and 6 display units of the shower according to FIG. 4.
  • the device shown in FIG. 1 has a microprocessor 1 which has a plurality of inputs and outputs.
  • a receiver 2 is connected to one of the inputs of the microprocessor 1.
  • this is a device which can take pictures of objects and which can convert these pictures into corresponding electrical signals.
  • the receiver 2 can be a camera and the signals from it are fed to the microprocessor 1 for further processing.
  • a display device 4 is connected to one of the outputs of the microprocessor 1. This device 4 shows the person operating this system in which operating state or operating mode or in which phase of the present method the device is located.
  • the display device 4 can display results which are set in each case as the present method progresses.
  • This display device 4 can be an imaging device, such as a screen, or simply a light-emitting diode, which lights up to indicate the results in question during certain periods of time.
  • An electronic circuit arrangement 5 is connected to a further output of the microprocessor 1. Parameters etc. of this circuit arrangement 5 are to be changed using the present method. Changing parameters can be understood to mean entering, deleting, selecting or otherwise influencing parameters of the device.
  • At least one object 3 is present in front of the receiver 2, the image of which can be recorded by the camera 2.
  • this object 3 is indicated schematically by the contour of a finger.
  • the elongated shape of the finger represents one of the signs which causes one of the possible types of parameters in the circuit arrangement 5.
  • a finger curved in a certain type can cause another type of parameters in the circuit arrangement 5.
  • a program is stored in the microprocessor 1, which among other things also commands for processing the by the receiver. 2 received signals and sent to the microprocessor 1 contains. This program also contains commands which control the parameters of the circuit arrangement 5 on the basis of the signals received by the receiver 2. The program also contains commands which control the mode of operation of the display device 4 in such a way that it can orient the person operating this system about the respective operating state of this system.
  • the parameters of the circuit arrangement 5 are controlled on the basis of at least one image.
  • the image or the components of this image can be the shape of the contour of the object 3 or / and the image of the object 3 or / and a movement of the object 3 or / and a sign language, i.e. a sequence of pictures.
  • the picture can be a difference between light and dark. Such a difference can arise, for example, in such a way that the optical input of the receiver 2 is covered once or repeatedly. Certain sequences of the repeated coverage of the optical input of the receiver 2 can be the cause of certain parameters of the circuit arrangement 5.
  • the present device can function, for example, as a so-called mouse, which has long been used to control computers.
  • the present mouse differs from the conventional mouse primarily in that it has no moving parts that would have to be guided by hand because the present device responds to images or characters.
  • the images are transmitted to the device wirelessly, so that one could also speak of a so-called wireless or optical mouse.
  • image is also used below in those cases in which it is in fact a sequence of images or characters.
  • the device is first switched to a selection mode. This takes place on the basis of or on the basis of an image which is presented to the receiver 2 and which is interpreted by the device as a command to transition to the selection mode.
  • the specifications for the parameters or for the type of operation of the circuit arrangement 5 can be entered by placing another image in front of the receiver 2.
  • the specifications for the circuit arrangement 5 are selected from the specifications already stored in the circuit arrangement 5.
  • An image or a sequence of images (sign language) corresponds to the respective specification.
  • the images presented to the receiver 2 are converted into electrical signals, these signals are processed by the microprocessor 1 and supplied to the circuit arrangement 5 as specifications.
  • an image is presented to the receiver 2, which the device understands as the end of the selection of the parameters or of the mode of operation. After receiving this image, the device goes into its operating mode.
  • images can reach the device through the receiver 2, which are processed in the circuit arrangement 5 as determined by the specifications set in the previous selection mode.
  • the output of the circuit arrangement 5 is fed to an output section of the device.
  • the armature 8 indicated in FIG. 2 can serve as this output section.
  • the input specifications are stored in the circuit arrangement 5 as new specifications so that they can control the functioning of the device. If specifications are already present or stored in the circuit arrangement 5, the selection of the specifications takes place in such a way that those specifications from the stored specifications are activated by the microprocessor 1 which can cause the desired mode of operation of the circuit arrangements 5. In a further phase of the present method, the circuit arrangement 5, as was already mentioned above, is changed in its selection from its selection mode. transferred drive mode, in which it works according to the selected specifications.
  • the program in the microprocessor 1 can be designed such that it automatically switches the circuit arrangement 5 into the operating mode after the selection mode has been completed.
  • Fig. 2 shows a second embodiment of the present device.
  • the receiver 2 is designed such that it responds to the mere presence of the object 3 when it is within the range of action of the receiver 2.
  • a receiver 2 can be, for example, a diode sensitive to light or to infrared rays.
  • This receiver 2 is advantageously connected to the microprocessor 1 via an amplifier 6.
  • the respective receiver channel is designed such that it transmits the information of a specific type or a specific parameter to the microprocessor 1.
  • One of the receiver channels is designed, for example, to receive signals which are reflected or emitted by an object 3 arranged close to the receiver 4.
  • Another receiver channel is designed in such a way that it receives signals which are reflected or emitted by the object 3 when the latter is located at a greater distance from the receiver 4.
  • a transmitter 7 is connected to one of the outputs of the microprocessor 1. This transmitter 7 emits waves which propagate in one direction. This transmitter 7 can for example as contain an infrared diode and this transmitter 7 can also have several transmission channels.
  • the program in the microprocessor 1 contains instructions on the basis of which, among other things, the type and the sequence of the signals emitted by the transmitter 2 are determined.
  • the object 3 is located in the radiation direction mentioned or in a room lying in this direction. This object 3 can be a person, an animal or a body part thereof or else a technical object. In FIG. 2, for the sake of simplicity, one of the fingers 3 of one hand is shown as an example.
  • the circuit arrangement 5 in the present case represents electronic means which are assigned to a faucet 8 (FIGS. 2 and 3), a mixer tap (FIG. 4) or the like and which are designed for remote control of the start and end of the dispensing of water. This remote control is triggered by signals which the receiver 2 outputs to the microprocessor 1, which outputs corresponding signals to the control circuit 5.
  • the control circuit 5 has certain parameters. These parameters represent specifications in the control circuit 5 which are stored in this circuit 5 and which are essential for the mode of operation of this circuit 5. Previously, such specifications could only be entered, changed or selected using hardware.
  • Fig. 3 shows schematically a sink 9, which is provided with the tap 8.
  • the tap 8 extends arched up from the top of the sink 9.
  • the transmitter 7 of jets 10 and the receiver 2 thereof are arranged. These are connected to the microprocessor 1, which is connected in the manner shown in FIG. 2 to the other components of the present device.
  • a jet 11 is also indicated, which emerges from the upper end of the tap 8 and falls into the sink 9. Between the top of the tap 8 and the bottom of the basin 9, the water jet 11 crosses the path of the rays 10 emitted by the transmitter 7.
  • the present device is designed so that it is possible to remove the distance from the reflection of the rays 10 from the water jet 11 between the base of the faucet 8 and the water jet 11.
  • the control circuit 5 does not yet contain any specifications. As a result, it is not yet clear in the device what distance a user of the tap 8 must take from it, so that water can flow out of the tap 8.
  • the water 11 begins to flow out of the tap 8 immediately and the transmitter 7 immediately begins to emit rays 10.
  • the device sets the selection mode automatically and a window is automatically set for the input of specifications into the control circuit 5.
  • the device determines how far the water jet 11 is from the base of the tap 8. Taking into account a certain addition the device automatically activates the effective range 12 of the receiver 2.
  • the device automatically switches to the working mode.
  • the water 11 stops eating and the device waits for a person to reach the effective area 10 of the device. As soon as this occurs, the facility releases the flow of water 11.
  • the signals emitted by the control circuit 5 to the faucet 8 determine the start of water delivery on the basis of a determination made by the receiver 2 that hands 3 are in the detection range of the receiver 2. As soon as the hands are removed from this area, the receiver 2 emits signals which, via the microprocessor 1, orient the control means 5 so that the hands 3 have left the detection area. The control means 5 then send a corresponding control signal to the tap 8 and this signal ends the water delivery. This mode of operation is part of the operating mode of the facility.
  • a time span can also be predetermined in the control circuit 5, which has a certain length and which follows the occurrence of the signal according to which the hands have left the detection space of the receiver 2. During this period, the water is released even further, for example to wash the sink 9.
  • the length of this period of time which represents one of the parameters of the circuit arrangement 5, was able to be achieved with the control means belonging to the prior art hardware can only be selected using the tools already discussed.
  • the size of the detection area ie the characteristic 12 of the receiver 2 or the distance of the hands 3 from the receiver 2 within which the receiver 2 can act, has so far only been able to be selected in terms of hardware.
  • this is first converted into the selection mode according to the present method. This can be done in that the object 3 covers the receiver 2 in a certain way and / or for a certain period of time, which normally does not occur during the normal operation of the circuit arrangement 5.
  • the microprocessor 1 switches the circuit arrangement 5 into the selection mode.
  • one of the parameters of the circuit arrangement 5 can be selected, for example, by a predetermined sequence of covers of the receiver 2. As a result, a new value of a parameter has been entered or a parameter or its value that has already been stored in the circuit arrangement 5 has been activated.
  • the selection mode is followed by the transition of the circuit arrangement 5 into its working mode, which is caused by a selection mode switch-off signal.
  • This transition can be accomplished, for example, by providing in the program a period of time or a window during which parameters of the circuit arrangement 5 can be selected or supplied to it. nen. After this period of time, which may take 20 minutes, for example, the microprocessor 1 sends a select mode switch-off signal, which switches the circuit arrangement 5 into its operating mode.
  • a further sequence of covers of the receiver 2 can be provided for converting the circuit arrangement 5 into the operating mode, which cause the microprocessor 1 to transmit the selection mode switch-off signal. This signal causes the circuit arrangement 5 to transition to the working mode.
  • the transition of the circuit arrangement 5 into its selection mode can also be tied to the fulfillment of a condition.
  • This condition can be, for example, the interruption of the supply of the present device.
  • Such a current interruption can lead to the loss of the parameters stored in the circuit arrangement 5.
  • the circuit arrangement 5 can be automatically switched into the selection mode by the microprocessor 1 and in this mode the missing or new parameters can be entered by predetermined sequences of covers of the receiver 2.
  • Fig. 4 shows schematically a shower system.
  • a shower 13 is attached to the wall at a sufficient distance from the bottom of the system and is connected to the present device.
  • the device can determine where the water jet 11 is after starting up this system, whereupon the device automatically determines the effective area 12 of the same, practically as described in conjunction with menhang with Fig. 3 is described.
  • the device can also have a unit 15, which also communicates with the microprocessor 1.
  • This unit 15 is designed in such a way that it enables the shower time to be set by the shower user himself, without using tools or having to operate mechanical parts. Because moving mechanical parts in the shower systems have the major disadvantage that they calcify after a long period of operation.
  • the unit 15 is arranged at a height above the floor at which it can be easily reached by hand.
  • This unit has a plate 14 which is embedded in the wall as watertight as possible.
  • the receiver or sensor 2 is attached in a first opening in this support plate 14, the receiver or sensor 2 is attached.
  • lamps 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20 Arranged in further openings are lamps 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20, which are connected to a correspondingly coated section of the circuit arrangement 5.
  • the lamps 16 to 20 can be designed as light-emitting diodes and each of these lamps 16 to 20 indicates one of the predetermined shower times, of which one can be selected.
  • the device goes into its selection mode. In this mode, the first lamp 16 lights up for the first shower time of 30 seconds. After a short pause, the second begins Lamp 17 for the shower time of 60 sea to light up, etc. until all lamps 16 to 20 are on, as shown in Fig. 5. Then all the lamps 16 to 20 are extinguished and a new input cycle begins with the first lamp 16 lighting up, etc. If you cover the sensor 2 during the selection mode at a certain moment, you have selected the shower time at which the lamp was the last to light up. Then the device automatically goes into its working mode and the shower starts. 6 a shower time of 30 seconds has been selected.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
  • Selective Calling Equipment (AREA)

Abstract

Le dispositif selon l'invention comporte un microprocesseur (1) qui possède plusieurs entrées et plusieurs sorties. A une de ces entrées, est raccordé un récepteur (2) qui peut convertir des signaux optiques en signaux électriques. A une des sorties du microprocesseur (1), est raccordé un circuit électronique (5) dont les paramètres doivent être sélectionnés.
EP98906791A 1997-03-16 1998-03-16 Procede et dispositif permettant d'influer sur au moins une propriete d'un objet Withdrawn EP0917605A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CH64197 1997-03-16
CH641/97 1997-03-16
PCT/CH1998/000107 WO1998041701A1 (fr) 1997-03-16 1998-03-16 Procede et dispositif permettant d'influer sur au moins une propriete d'un objet

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0917605A1 true EP0917605A1 (fr) 1999-05-26

Family

ID=4191753

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP98906791A Withdrawn EP0917605A1 (fr) 1997-03-16 1998-03-16 Procede et dispositif permettant d'influer sur au moins une propriete d'un objet

Country Status (2)

Country Link
EP (1) EP0917605A1 (fr)
WO (1) WO1998041701A1 (fr)

Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2014071227A1 (fr) 2012-11-02 2014-05-08 Kohler Co. Systèmes de chasse d'eau sans contact
DE102015002779A1 (de) 2015-03-06 2016-09-08 Grohe Ag Hybrid-Armatur mit Wasserstrahlerkennung

Family Cites Families (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
JPH03503428A (ja) * 1988-03-22 1991-08-01 ライメタル　フォージングス　（ヴィアイシー）　ピーティワイ　エルティディ 電子蛇口部品
JP2823377B2 (ja) * 1991-03-29 1998-11-11 三洋電機株式会社 シャワ−装置
JP3244798B2 (ja) * 1992-09-08 2002-01-07 株式会社東芝 動画像処理装置
DE4340933C2 (de) * 1993-12-01 2001-07-26 Grohe Armaturen Friedrich Wasserarmaturensteuerung
IT1268853B1 (it) * 1994-11-08 1997-03-13 Ideal Standard Rubinetto sanitario per l'erogazione automatica di acqua
DE19508644B4 (de) * 1995-03-10 2004-05-19 Aquis Sanitär AG Wasserauslaufarmatur

Non-Patent Citations (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Title
See references of WO9841701A1 *

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
WO1998041701A1 (fr) 1998-09-24

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