EP1378612B1 - Toilet system and method for operating the same - Google Patents

Toilet system and method for operating the same Download PDF

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Publication number
EP1378612B1
EP1378612B1 EP02405566A EP02405566A EP1378612B1 EP 1378612 B1 EP1378612 B1 EP 1378612B1 EP 02405566 A EP02405566 A EP 02405566A EP 02405566 A EP02405566 A EP 02405566A EP 1378612 B1 EP1378612 B1 EP 1378612B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
flush
degree
soiling
toilet
bowl
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EP02405566A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP1378612A1 (en
Inventor
Urs Hefti
Simon Ulrich
Xaver Holdener
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Geberit Technik AG
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Geberit Technik AG
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Priority to EP02405566A priority Critical patent/EP1378612B1/en
Priority to AT02405566T priority patent/ATE320530T1/en
Priority to DE50206074T priority patent/DE50206074D1/en
Publication of EP1378612A1 publication Critical patent/EP1378612A1/en
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    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
    • E03D—WATER-CLOSETS OR URINALS WITH FLUSHING DEVICES; FLUSHING VALVES THEREFOR
    • E03D1/00—Water flushing devices with cisterns ; Setting up a range of flushing devices or water-closets; Combinations of several flushing devices
    • E03D1/02—High-level flushing systems
    • E03D1/14—Cisterns discharging variable quantities of water also cisterns with bell siphons in combination with flushing valves
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
    • E03D—WATER-CLOSETS OR URINALS WITH FLUSHING DEVICES; FLUSHING VALVES THEREFOR
    • E03D5/00—Special constructions of flushing devices, e.g. closed flushing system
    • E03D5/10—Special constructions of flushing devices, e.g. closed flushing system operated electrically, e.g. by a photo-cell; also combined with devices for opening or closing shutters in the bowl outlet and/or with devices for raising/or lowering seat and cover and/or for swiveling the bowl

Definitions

  • JP 2000008445 shows a toilet installation with a sensor arranged on the underside of the toilet lid. If a change in reflection, color and the like with respect to a condition before use is detected after use of the toilet equipment and after closure of the lid by the sensor, the sensor sends out an automatic rinse signal. This is to ensure that is always flushed.
  • the generic US 6,250,601 B discloses a toilet facility having a motion sensor and a second sensor.
  • the second Sensor is an ultrasonic sensor or an optical sensor. It determines the volume of a solid in the toilet bowl and a controller triggers a flush with a corresponding amount of flushing water. If necessary, comminution with ultrasound is provided before flushing.
  • the second sensor is turned on only after the motion sensor detects movement of a person.
  • the invention has for its object to provide a toilet system of the type mentioned, which ensures even higher hygiene with low water consumption.
  • the object is achieved in a generic toilet system according to claim 1.
  • With an optical monitoring even small, even minor and heavy soiling can be detected and distinguished. Accordingly, the flushing amount can be infinitely determined and adjusted.
  • the monitoring is then particularly efficient, if this is done with an image analysis in particular a qualitative and structural image analysis. Different types of contamination can then be detected and distinguished. It can also be assigned to certain pollution classes and corresponding flushing quantities.
  • the detected degree of contamination is compared with an optimum degree of purity and evaluated.
  • the evaluation and control device is capable of learning, then the flushing quantity can be automatically and dynamically adapted to the degree of contamination. This allows a high hygiene with an even smaller flush volume. If, according to a development of the invention, the evaluation and control device is designed such that it adapts itself automatically to the respective ceramic, an even further optimization of the hygiene or the amount of flushing water is possible.
  • the camera 13 is constantly in operation and thus constantly monitors the degree of soiling of the toilet bowl 10. It thus permanently determines image data in the region of the opening 20 and the inside 11.
  • the sensor for this is preferably arranged in the control device 15.
  • This image data is continuously transmitted to the control device 15 via the line 14.
  • the evaluation of the image data takes place for example via a qualitative and structural image analysis.
  • the data is assigned and sorted using a fuzzy decision algorithm. In this way, for example, a distinction can be made as to whether contamination by a solid body 7 in the siphon 5 or by contamination by parts 8 of the inside 11 is present. These types of pollution can also be distinguished in terms of their strength.
  • a signal is emitted to the actuator 19, which triggers a predetermined flushing amount.
  • This flushing quantity is thus adapted to the degree of soiling, for which purpose means 15b for metering the minimum amount of water are provided.
  • With heavy pollution is then flushed usually with the entire amount of flushing water present in the cistern. This is for example 9 or 6 l.
  • a smaller flush volume for example, with 1 liter. Basically, any flush volume below a full flush is possible. If the specified optimum degree of purity is not reached after rinsing, rinsing is continued with the adjusted flushing volume.
  • a camera 17 may be arranged on a connecting piece 23 above the siphon water 6, which is formed the same as the camera 13 and is connected via a signal line 24 to the control device 15. With the camera 17 are solids 7 and other contaminants of the siphon water 6 can be detected.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
  • Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
  • Sanitary Device For Flush Toilet (AREA)
  • Closed-Circuit Television Systems (AREA)
  • Image Analysis (AREA)
  • Bidet-Like Cleaning Device And Other Flush Toilet Accessories (AREA)

Abstract

A flushing device (15) recognizes the amount of flush and triggers a flush. Optical devices serve to continuously monitor the degree of soiling in a toilet pan (10). The degree of soiling is determined by image analysis and compared with an optimum degree of cleanness. A flush mechanism (2) is triggered appropriately if there is any difference in the optimum degree of cleanness. A digital charge coupled device camera captures the images. An Independent claim is also included for a method for operating a toilet facility with a toilet pan, a flushing device and a device for triggering a flush and recognizing the amount of flush.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft eine Toilettenanlage nach dem Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 1. Die Erfindung betrifft zudem ein Verfahren zum Betrieb einer Toilettenanlage.The invention relates to a toilet system according to the preamble of claim 1. The invention also relates to a method for operating a toilet facility.

Die JP 06220902 (Patent Abstracts of Japan) offenbart ein Klosett mit einer über diesem an einer Gebäudedecke angeordneten Kamera, mit welcher Bilder des Klosetts gemacht werden. Eine Einheit entscheidet aufgrund eines Bildes, ob im Klosett zu spülende Gegenstände vorhanden sind. Gegebenenfalls wird ein Spülventil betätigt, um die Innenseite der Klosettschüssel zu reinigen. Eine Spülung wird automatisch ausgelöst, wenn ein Benutzer das Spülen unterlassen hat. Damit soll sichergestellt werden, dass das Klosett nach einer Benutzung immer gespült wird.JP 06220902 (Patent Abstracts of Japan) discloses a toilet with a camera arranged above it on a building ceiling, with which images of the toilet are made. A unit decides on the basis of a picture, whether in the toilet to be washed objects are present. If necessary, a flush valve is operated to clean the inside of the toilet bowl. A rinse is triggered automatically when a user has failed to rinse. This is to ensure that the toilet is always flushed after use.

Die JP 2000008445 zeigt eine Toilettenanlage mit einem an der Unterseite des Toilettendeckels angeordneten Sensor. Wird nach einer Benutzung der Toilettenanlage und nach dem Schliessen des Deckels vom Sensor eine Änderung in der Reflexion, der Farbe und dergleichen bezüglich eines Zustandes vor der Benutzung festgestellt, so sendet der Sensor ein Signal für eine automatische Spülung aus. Damit soll sichergestellt werden, dass immer gespült wird.JP 2000008445 shows a toilet installation with a sensor arranged on the underside of the toilet lid. If a change in reflection, color and the like with respect to a condition before use is detected after use of the toilet equipment and after closure of the lid by the sensor, the sensor sends out an automatic rinse signal. This is to ensure that is always flushed.

Die gattungsbildende US 6,250,601 B offenbart eine Toilettenanlage, die einen Bewegungssensor und einen zweiten Sensor aufweist. Der zweite Sensor ist ein Ultraschallsensor oder ein optischer Sensor. Er ermittelt das Volumen eines Festkörpers in der Toilettenschüssel und eine Steuerung löst eine Spülung mit einer entsprechenden Spülwassermenge aus. Nötigenfalls ist vor der Spülung eine Zerkleinerung mit Ultraschall vorgesehen. Der zweite Sensor wird erst eingeschaltet, nachdem der Bewegungssensor eine Bewegung einer Person festgestellt hat.The generic US 6,250,601 B discloses a toilet facility having a motion sensor and a second sensor. The second Sensor is an ultrasonic sensor or an optical sensor. It determines the volume of a solid in the toilet bowl and a controller triggers a flush with a corresponding amount of flushing water. If necessary, comminution with ultrasound is provided before flushing. The second sensor is turned on only after the motion sensor detects movement of a person.

Eine weitere Toilettenanlage ist aus der DE 299 18 335 U1 bekannt geworden. Diese weist in einem Spülkasten ein elektrisch betätigbares Ablaufventil auf. Zudem ist im Siphon der Toilettenschüssel ein Feststoffsensor angeordnet, der Feststoffsensor dient dazu, die Anwesenheit von Feststoffen im Siphon der Toilettenschüssel festzustellen. Mit dem Feststoffsensor soll zudem die im Siphon der Toilette befindliche Menge an Feststoffen detektierbar sein. Dadurch soll es möglich sein, die Menge an Spülflüssigkeit dynamisch an einen jeweils auszulösenden Spülvorgang anzupassen. Mittels eines weiteres Sensors soll eine sogenannte Zweimengenspülung möglich sein. Für eine Toilettenanlage mit selbstständiger Auslösung ist ein Feststoffsensor zur Gewährleistung einer hohen Hygiene nicht ausreichend. Auch ein zusätzlicher Sensor, beispielsweise ein Gassensor kann nicht zu der gewünschten Sauberkeit führen.Another toilet system has become known from DE 299 18 335 U1. This has an electrically actuated drain valve in a cistern. In addition, in the siphon of the toilet bowl, a solid sensor is arranged, the solid-state sensor is used to determine the presence of solids in the siphon of the toilet bowl. In addition, the solids sensor should detect the amount of solids in the siphon of the toilet. This should make it possible to adjust the amount of rinsing liquid dynamically to a respective rinsing process to be triggered. By means of another sensor should be possible a so-called dual flush. For a toilet system with independent triggering a solid sensor is not sufficient to ensure a high level of hygiene. Also, an additional sensor, such as a gas sensor can not lead to the desired cleanliness.

Der Erfindung liegt die Aufgabe zugrunde, eine Toilettenanlage der genannten Art zu schaffen, die bei kleinem Wasserverbrauch eine noch höhere Hygiene gewährleistet. Die Aufgabe ist bei einer gattungsgemässen Toilettenanlage gemäss Anspruch 1 gelöst. Mit einer optischen Überwachung können auch kleine, ja sogar geringfügige sowie starke Verschmutzungen erfasst und unterschieden werden. Entsprechend kann die Spülmenge stufenlos bestimmt und eingestellt werden. Die Überwachung ist dann besonders effizient, wenn dies mit einer Bildanalyse insbesondere einer qualitativen und strukturellen Bildanalyse erfolgt. Es lassen sich dann unterschiedliche Arten von Verschmutzungen erfassen und unterscheiden. Es können auch bestimmte Verschmutzungsklassen und entsprechende Spülmengen zugeordnet werden. Nach der Erfindung wird der erfasste Verschmutzungsgrad mit einem optimalen Reinheitsgrad verglichen und ausgewertet.The invention has for its object to provide a toilet system of the type mentioned, which ensures even higher hygiene with low water consumption. The object is achieved in a generic toilet system according to claim 1. With an optical monitoring even small, even minor and heavy soiling can be detected and distinguished. Accordingly, the flushing amount can be infinitely determined and adjusted. The monitoring is then particularly efficient, if this is done with an image analysis in particular a qualitative and structural image analysis. Different types of contamination can then be detected and distinguished. It can also be assigned to certain pollution classes and corresponding flushing quantities. According to the invention, the detected degree of contamination is compared with an optimum degree of purity and evaluated.

Die Erfindung betrifft zudem ein Verfahren zum Betrieb einer Toilette gemäss Anspruch 1. Ein solches Verfahren ist dann besonders wirksam, wenn mittels einer Auswerte- und Steuervorrichtung die ermittelten Daten ausgewertet und die Spülvorrichtung entsprechend angesteuert wird.The invention also relates to a method for operating a toilet according to claim 1. Such a method is particularly effective when evaluated by means of an evaluation and control device, the determined data and the flushing device is driven accordingly.

Ist gemäss einer Weiterbildung der Erfindung die Auswerte- und Steuervorrichtung lernfähig, so kann die Spülmenge selbsttätig und dynamisch an den Verschmutzungsgrad angepasst werden. Damit ist bei einer noch kleineren Spülmenge eine hohe Hygiene möglich. Ist gemäss einer Weiterbildung der Erfindung die Auswerte- und Steuervorrichtung so ausgebildet, dass sie sich selbsttätig an die jeweilige Keramik adaptiert, so ist eine noch weitere Optimierung der Hygiene bzw. der Spülwassermenge möglich.If, according to a development of the invention, the evaluation and control device is capable of learning, then the flushing quantity can be automatically and dynamically adapted to the degree of contamination. This allows a high hygiene with an even smaller flush volume. If, according to a development of the invention, the evaluation and control device is designed such that it adapts itself automatically to the respective ceramic, an even further optimization of the hygiene or the amount of flushing water is possible.

Ein Ausführungsbeispiel der Erfindung wird nachfolgend anhand der Zeichnung näher erläutert. Es zeigen:

Figur 1
schematisch eine Ansicht einer erfindungsgemässen Toilettenanlage und
Figur 2
schematisch ein Schnitt durch eine Toilettenanlage gemäss Figur 1.
An embodiment of the invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the drawing. Show it:
FIG. 1
schematically a view of a toilet system according to the invention and
FIG. 2
schematically a section through a toilet system according to Figure 1.

Die Toilettenanlage 1 gemäss den Figuren 1 und 2 weist eine üblicherweise aus Keramik hergestellte Toilettenschüssel 10 auf, die einen Spülkanal 12 und einen Siphon 5 aufweist. Am Siphon 5 ist ein Ablaufrohr 9 angeschlossen, das zu einer hier nicht gezeigten Entsorgungsleitung führt. Die Toilettenschüssel 10 wird mit einem Spülkasten 2 gespült, der über einen Spülbogen 4 an den Spülkanal 12 angeschlossen ist. Die Spülung erfolgt durch Anheben eines Ventilrohrs 18 mit einer Betätigungsvorrichtung 19. Diese Betätigungsvorrichtung 19 ist so ausgebildet, dass sie eine stufenlose Einstellung der Spülmenge ermöglicht. Es kann somit mit der vollen Spülmenge, beispielsweise mit 9 l oder stufenlos mit jeder kleineren Spülmenge gespült werden. Solche Betätigungsvorrichtungen 19 sind bekannt. Spülkästen mit freiwählbarer Spülmenge sind beispielsweise aus der US 5,036,553 und der EP 1 156 166 A2 des Anmelders bekannt. Zusätzlich kann der Spülkasten 2 mit einer Taste 3 ausgerüstet sein, mit welcher eine Handauslösung einer Spülung möglich ist. Der Spülkasten 2 kann auch durch eine andere geeignete Spülvorrichtung ersetzt sein.The toilet installation 1 according to FIGS. 1 and 2 has a toilet bowl 10, usually made of ceramic, which has a flushing channel 12 and a siphon 5. At the siphon 5, a drain pipe 9 is connected, which leads to a disposal line, not shown here. The toilet bowl 10 is rinsed with a cistern 2, which is connected via a rinsing sheet 4 to the flushing channel 12. The flushing is done by lifting a valve tube 18 with an actuator 19. This actuator 19 is designed so that it allows a continuous adjustment of the flushing amount. It can thus be rinsed with the full flush volume, for example with 9 l or continuously with each smaller flush volume. Such actuators 19 are known. Cisterns with a freely selectable flushing quantity are known, for example, from US Pat. No. 5,036,553 and EP 1 156 166 A2. In addition, the cistern 2 may be equipped with a button 3, with which a manual release of a flushing is possible. The cistern 2 may also be replaced by another suitable flushing device.

Die Betätigungsvorrichtung 19 ist über eine Signalleitung 16 oder drahtlos mit einer Steuervorrichtung 15 verbunden, die wiederum über eine Signalleitung 14 mit einer Kamera 13 verbunden ist. Die Steuervorrichtung 15 ist vorzugsweise an der Keramik der Toilettenschüssel 10 oder am Sitz befestigt und kann auch ein Bestandteil von diesem sein. Die Kamera 13 kann auch eine andere geeignete optische Aufnahmevorrichtung mit IR-Sensor, Wärmebild oder Farbspektrum sein. Die Kamera 13 ist beispielsweise eine Digitalkamera, beispielsweise eine CCD-Kamera und bildet ein Mittel 15a zum Erfassen des Verschmutzungsgrades der Toilettenschüssel 10. Wie die Figur 2 zeigt, ist die Kamera 13 nach unten gegen die Eingangsöffnung 20 des Siphons 5 gerichtet. Gemäß der Erfindung wird mit der Kamera 13 ebenfalls wenigstens ein Bereich der Innenseite 11 der Toilettenschüssel 10 erfasst. Die Kamera 13 ist beispielsweise fest oder beweglich am hinteren Rand 22 der Toilettenschüssel 10 befestigt. Die elektrische Versorgung der Kamera 13 erfolgt über eine Batterie oder über eine hier nicht gezeigte elektrische Leitung.The actuating device 19 is connected via a signal line 16 or wirelessly to a control device 15, which in turn is connected via a signal line 14 to a camera 13. The control device 15 is preferably attached to the ceramic of the toilet bowl 10 or on the seat and may also be a part of this. The camera 13 can also be another suitable optical recording device with IR sensor, thermal image or color spectrum. The camera 13 is for example a digital camera, for example a CCD camera and forms a means 15a for detecting the degree of soiling of the toilet bowl 10. As shown in FIG. 2, the camera 13 is facing downwards against the camera Entrance opening 20 of the siphon 5 directed. According to the invention, the camera 13 also detects at least a portion of the inside 11 of the toilet bowl 10. The camera 13 is fixed, for example, fixed or movable on the rear edge 22 of the toilet bowl 10. The electrical supply to the camera 13 via a battery or via an electrical line, not shown here.

Die Kamera 13 ist ständig in Betrieb und überwacht somit dauernd den Verschmutzungsgrad der Toilettenschüssel 10. Sie ermittelt somit dauernd Bilddaten im Bereich der Öffnung 20 und der Innenseite 11. Der Sensor dazu ist vorzugsweise in der Steuervorrichtung 15 angeordnet. Diese Bilddaten werden der Steuervorrichtung 15 laufend über die Leitung 14 übermittelt. Die Auswertung der Bilddaten erfolgt beispielsweise über eine qualitative und strukturelle Bildanalyse. Bei dieser Bildanalyse werden die Daten beispielsweise mit einem fuzzy basierten Entscheidungsalgorithmus zugeordnet und sortiert. Hierdurch kann beispielsweise unterschieden werden, ob eine Verschmutzung durch einen Festkörper 7 im Siphon 5 oder durch eine Verschmutzung durch Teile 8 der Innenseite 11 vorliegt. Diese Verschmutzungsarten können auch bezüglich ihrer Stärke unterschieden werden. Beispielsweise kann ein unterschiedlicher Verschmutzungsgrad der Innenseite 11 oder ein unterschiedlicher Verschmutzungsgrad durch Festteile 7 unterschieden werden. Solche Bildanalysen erfolgen mit einer geeigneten Software, die an sich bekannt ist. Hierbei können insbesondere künstliche neuronale Netze zum Einsatz kommen. Bei diesen ist auch ein Lernprozess möglich. Die Kamera 13 und die Steuervorrichtung 15 zusammen mit den Programmen für die Bildanalyse ersetzen im Prinzip die Beobachtung eines Menschen, können jedoch ständig und schneller arbeiten.The camera 13 is constantly in operation and thus constantly monitors the degree of soiling of the toilet bowl 10. It thus permanently determines image data in the region of the opening 20 and the inside 11. The sensor for this is preferably arranged in the control device 15. This image data is continuously transmitted to the control device 15 via the line 14. The evaluation of the image data takes place for example via a qualitative and structural image analysis. In this image analysis, for example, the data is assigned and sorted using a fuzzy decision algorithm. In this way, for example, a distinction can be made as to whether contamination by a solid body 7 in the siphon 5 or by contamination by parts 8 of the inside 11 is present. These types of pollution can also be distinguished in terms of their strength. For example, a different degree of contamination of the inner side 11 or a different degree of contamination by solid parts 7 can be distinguished. Such image analyzes are carried out with suitable software, which is known per se. In particular, artificial neural networks can be used here. In these, a learning process is possible. The camera 13 and the control device 15, together with the programs for image analysis, in principle replace the observation of a human, but can work constantly and faster.

Aufgrund der Bildanalyse bzw. der Zuordnung des Verschmutzungsgrades zu bestimmten Verschmutzungsklassen, wird an die Betätigungsvorrichtung 19 ein Signal abgegeben, das eine vorbestimmte Spülmenge auslöst. Diese Spülmenge ist somit an den Verschmutzungsgrad angepasst, wozu Mittel 15b zur Dosierung der minimalen Wassermenge vorgesehen sind. Bei starker Verschmutzung wird dann in der Regel mit der gesamten im Spülkasten vorliegenden Spülwassermenge gespült. Diese beträgt beispielsweise 9 oder 6 l. Bei einer geringeren Verschmutzung wird hingegen mit einer kleineren Spülmenge, beispielsweise mit 1 l gespült. Grundsätzlich ist jede Spülmenge unterhalb einer Vollspülung möglich. Ist nach einer Spülung der vorgegebene optimale Reinheitsgrad nicht erreicht, so wird mit der angepassten Spülmenge nochmals gespült.Due to the image analysis or the assignment of the degree of contamination to certain pollution classes, a signal is emitted to the actuator 19, which triggers a predetermined flushing amount. This flushing quantity is thus adapted to the degree of soiling, for which purpose means 15b for metering the minimum amount of water are provided. With heavy pollution is then flushed usually with the entire amount of flushing water present in the cistern. This is for example 9 or 6 l. At a lower pollution, however, is flushed with a smaller flush volume, for example, with 1 liter. Basically, any flush volume below a full flush is possible. If the specified optimum degree of purity is not reached after rinsing, rinsing is continued with the adjusted flushing volume.

Die Auslösung einer Spülung erfolgt selbsttätig. Sobald ein Verschmutzungsgrad erfasst wird, der vom optimalen und vorgegebenen Reinheitsgrad abweicht, wird automatisch eine Spülung ausgelöst. Die Spülungen erfolgen somit berührungslos. Der Spülkasten 2 kann aber wie oben erwähnt auch mit einer Taste 3 oder einer anderen Betätigung ausgerüstet sein, mit der von Hand eine Spülauslösung möglich ist, wobei auch diese berührungslos sein kann.The triggering of a flushing takes place automatically. As soon as a degree of contamination is detected which deviates from the optimum and predetermined degree of purity, a flush is automatically triggered. The flushes are thus contactless. However, as mentioned above, the flushing cistern 2 can also be equipped with a button 3 or another actuation, by means of which a rinsing release by hand is possible, whereby it can also be non-contact.

Die Steuervorrichtung 15 ist vorzugsweise lernfähig und passt die Spülmenge selbsttätig und dynamisch an die vorliegenden Bedingungen an. Dadurch ist es möglich, den Spülwasserverbrauch zu optimieren.The control device 15 is preferably capable of learning and adapts the flushing quantity automatically and dynamically to the prevailing conditions. This makes it possible to optimize the rinse water consumption.

Anstelle der Kamera 13 oder zusätzlich kann an einem Anschlussstutzen 23 über dem Siphonwasser 6 eine Kamera 17 angeordnet sein, die gleich wie die Kamera 13 ausgebildet und über eine Signalleitung 24 mit der Steuervorrichtung 15 verbunden ist. Mit der Kamera 17 sind Feststoffe 7 sowie andere Verschmutzungen des Siphonwassers 6 erfassbar.Instead of the camera 13 or additionally, a camera 17 may be arranged on a connecting piece 23 above the siphon water 6, which is formed the same as the camera 13 and is connected via a signal line 24 to the control device 15. With the camera 17 are solids 7 and other contaminants of the siphon water 6 can be detected.

Nachfolgend wird das Verfahren zum Betrieb der Toilettenanlage 1 näher erläutert.The method for operating the toilet installation 1 will be explained in more detail below.

Nach einer Benutzung der Toilettenanlage 1 ist diese wie üblich verschmutzt. Die Kamera 13 und/oder die Kamera 17 erfasst und sendet Bilddaten an die Auswerte- und Steuervorrichtung 15. Diese Bilddaten werden mit einem geeigneten Programm dauernd einer Bildanalyse unterworfen und mit einem vorgegebenen optimalen Reinheitsgrad verglichen. Aufgrund des Vergleichs wird der Verschmutzungsgrad bestimmt. Dieser dient nun zur Ermittlung der geeigneten Spülmenge. Bei einem sehr starken Verschmutzungsgrad wird die vorgesehene Spülmenge die volle im Spülkasten vorhandene Spülmenge sein. In anderen Fällen wird mit einer Teilmenge gespült. Wird nach einer Spülung weiterhin ein vom optimalen Reinheitsgrad abweichender Verschmutzungsgrad ermittelt, so wird nochmals eine Spülung mit einer entsprechenden Spülmenge ausgelöst. Kann sich das System nicht selber reinigen, so kann es den Benutzer auf eine nötige Reinigung aufmerksam machen, z.B. akustisch, oder das Reinigungspersonal benachrichtigen. Ist in der Toilettenschüssel 10 der vorgegebene optimale Reinheitsgrad erreicht, so führt ein Vergleich der ermittelten Bilddaten mit den vorgegebenen Vergleichsdaten zu keiner relevanten Abweichung und auch zu keiner Spülauslösung. Die Überwachung bleibt auch nach einem abgeschlossenen Spülvorgang aufrecht und dauert an. Zur Energieeinsparung kann ein sogenannter "Sleepmodus" vorgesehen sein, der einen Betriebszustand mit reduziertem Stromverbrauch darstellt und der bei einer Benutzung der Toilettenanlage wieder in den Normalzustand geschaltet wird.After using the toilet 1 this is dirty as usual. The camera 13 and / or the camera 17 captures and transmits image data to the evaluation and control device 15. These image data are continuously subjected to image analysis with a suitable program and compared with a predetermined optimum degree of purity. Based on the comparison, the degree of contamination is determined. This now serves to determine the appropriate flushing volume. With a very high degree of contamination, the intended flushing volume will be the full flushing volume available in the cistern. In other cases, it is flushed with a subset. If, after a rinse, a degree of contamination deviating from the optimum degree of purity is still determined, a rinsing with a corresponding rinsing quantity is again triggered. If the system can not clean itself, it can alert the user to a necessary cleaning, e.g. acoustically, or notify the cleaning staff. If the predetermined optimum degree of purity is reached in the toilet bowl 10, a comparison of the determined image data with the predetermined comparative data results in no relevant deviation and also in no rinsing release. The monitoring remains upright even after a completed flushing process and continues. To save energy, a so-called "sleep mode" may be provided which represents an operating state with reduced power consumption and which is switched back to the normal state when using the toilet system.

Die Steuervorrichtung 15 kann so ausgebildet sein, dass sie lernfähig ist, wie dies beispielsweise durch die Verwendung von künstlichen neuronalen Netzen möglich ist. Die Lernfähigkeit betrifft insbesondere die Optimierung des Spülwasserverbrauchs im Hinblick auf die unterschiedlichen Verschmutzungsarten. Die Spülmengen können damit selbsttätig und dynamisch an die Verschmutzungsarten angepasst werden. Hierzu gehört auch eine Anpassung an die jeweilige Keramik der Toilettenschüssel 10.The control device 15 may be designed such that it is capable of learning, as is possible for example by the use of artificial neural networks. The learning ability in particular concerns the optimization of the flushing water consumption with regard to the different types of contamination. The rinsing quantities can thus be automatically and dynamically adapted to the types of contamination. This also includes an adaptation to the respective ceramic of the toilet bowl 10th

Claims (13)

  1. Toilet system with a WC bowl (10) and a flush system (2) as well as a system (13, 15, 17) for detecting the flush quantity and initiating flushing, which system (13, 15, 17) has optical means (13, 17) for detecting the flush quantity and optical means (13, 17) for monitoring the WC bowl so that the degree of soiling of the WC bowl can be detected, and the optical means (13, 17) detect at least the inlet orifice (20) of an S-trap (5) and at least a part region of the internal face (11) of the toilet bowl (10), characterised in that the optical means (13, 17) also permanently monitor the WC bowl after a flush and the system (13, 15, 17) for detecting the flush quantity and initiating flushing is designed in such a way that a control system (15) is provided for detecting the flush quantity which is able to compare the degree of soiling of the internal face of the WC bowl and caused by to solids in the S-trap detected by the optical means (13, 17) with a predefined optimum level of cleanliness and is able to release a flush quantity based on the detected degree of soiling and adapted to the degree of soiling.
  2. System as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that the optical means 13, 17 is an image recording device for recording the degree of soiling.
  3. System as claimed in one of claims 1 to 2, characterised in that a control system (15) is provided, which is adaptive and adapts the flush quantity automatically and dynamically.
  4. System as claimed in one of claims 1 to 3, characterised in that the optical means (17) detects the outlet-end of the S-trap (5).
  5. System as claimed in one of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that the optical means (13, 17) comprise at least one camera.
  6. System as claimed in claim 5, characterised in that the camera is a CCD camera.
  7. System as claimed in claim 5 or 6, characterised in that two cameras (13, 17) are provided, in which case one camera (13) is disposed at the inlet end and the other camera (17) at the outlet end with respect to the S-trap (5).
  8. System as claimed in one of claims 1 to 7, characterised in that the control system (15) records image data, evaluates it and meters an appropriate minimum water quantity.
  9. Method of operating a toilet system comprising a toilet bowl (10), a flush sys tem (2) and a system (13, 15, 17) for detecting the flush quantity and initiating flushing, and soiling of the toilet bowl in the region of the inlet orifice (20) of an S-trap (5) and at least in a part-region of the internal face (11) of the toilet bowl (10) is detected, characterised in that the degree of soiling of the internal face of the toilet bowl and caused by solids in the S-trap is also optically detected on a permanent basis after a flush and compared with a predefined optimum degree of cleanliness by means of a control system (15) and a flush quantity adapted to the degree of soiling is initiated on the basis of the detected degree of soiling.
  10. Method as claimed in claim 9, characterised in that image data of the toilet bowl (10) is evaluated by means of said system (13, 15, 17) and the flush system (2) is activated accordingly.
  11. Method as claimed in claim 9 or 10, characterised in that image data is detected and evaluated on the basis of a plan view of the inlet orifice (20) of the S-trap (20) and a region of the toilet internal face (11).
  12. Method as claimed in one of claims 9 to 11, characterised in that the control system is adaptive and adapts the flush quantity automatically and dynamically.
  13. Method as claimed in one of claims 9 to 12, characterised in that the control system automatically adapts to the respective ceramic of the toilet bowl (10).
EP02405566A 2002-07-05 2002-07-05 Toilet system and method for operating the same Expired - Lifetime EP1378612B1 (en)

Priority Applications (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP02405566A EP1378612B1 (en) 2002-07-05 2002-07-05 Toilet system and method for operating the same
AT02405566T ATE320530T1 (en) 2002-07-05 2002-07-05 TOILET SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR OPERATING SUCH A SYSTEM
DE50206074T DE50206074D1 (en) 2002-07-05 2002-07-05 Toilet installation and method for operating such a system

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
EP02405566A EP1378612B1 (en) 2002-07-05 2002-07-05 Toilet system and method for operating the same

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EP1378612A1 EP1378612A1 (en) 2004-01-07
EP1378612B1 true EP1378612B1 (en) 2006-03-15

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AT (1) ATE320530T1 (en)
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EP1378612A1 (en) 2004-01-07
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