JP2023137103A - Smart faucet system and smart washstand - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a smart faucet system that meets the needs of users for individual settings.SOLUTION: A smart faucet system 14 of the present disclosure comprises a smart faucet 16 and a water discharge control algorithm 24. The smart faucet 16 discharges water. The water discharge control algorithm 24, as water discharge control means, controls a water flow discharged from the smart faucet 16 based on information from a smart grooming device 10 that is a grooming device that can obtain user's biological information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present disclosure relates to a technology for controlling the flow rate and temperature of water discharged from a faucet, and relates to a smart faucet system that can control water discharge based on information obtained from a beauty treatment device. Further, it relates to a smart bathroom vanity with a smart faucet system.

In recent years, with the development of communication technology and IoT (Internet of Things) technology, smart home appliances that meet the needs of individual users are becoming popular. Similarly, in the area of housing equipment, various companies are considering smart housing equipment such as windows, toilets, baths, faucets, etc. that respond to the needs of each user. For example, conventionally, the temperature and flow rate of water that comes out of a faucet are uniformly set, but unless the temperature and flow rate are adjusted manually, a faucet that automatically sets the temperature and flow rate according to the individual user. This has been difficult to achieve until now.

However, it has been a long time since we moved from the days of one telephone and television per household to the era of one per person, and now we have to control the opening and closing of windows, the setting of the amount and sound of bath water, the type, temperature, and amount of water discharged from faucets. The need for individual user settings is also increasing.

The inventors therefore researched market trends and came up with a smart faucet system that meets market needs. In other words, many cosmetic procedures (washing the face, shaving, brushing teeth, etc.) are often performed along with the act of discharging water from a faucet in the sink, but until now, the amount of water discharged, the temperature of the water discharged, the type of water, etc., were determined by the user. It was necessary to manually set or adjust each time.

A smart faucet system according to the present disclosure includes a faucet that discharges water, and a control means that controls the flow of water discharged from the faucet based on information from a beauty care device that can obtain biological information of a user. It is characterized by

Another aspect of the disclosure is an algorithm. This algorithm designs a personalized water dispensing behavior for the user based on data received by the smart faucet system from the cosmetic device and with respect to how the cosmetic device is being used.

Yet another aspect of the present disclosure is a smart bathroom vanity that includes a smart faucet system that controls the flow of water discharged from the faucet based on information from a beauty care device that can obtain biometric information of the user. In a preferred embodiment, the smart vanity further comprises a lighting device that provides personalized grooming lighting behavior for the user.

Arbitrary combinations of the above components and expressions of the present disclosure converted between devices, methods, computer programs, recording media storing computer programs, etc. are also effective as aspects of the present disclosure.

FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a system according to the present disclosure. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a system usage method in an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a process flow diagram illustrating an example of control in one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a flow diagram illustrating an example of a system usage method in one embodiment. FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a system according to the present disclosure.

(Beauty equipment that meets personal care needs)
The faucet system according to the present disclosure is characterized in that the temperature and amount of water discharged are optimized for each user based on information obtained from an IoT-connected beauty care device. The beauty care device according to the present disclosure is a tool or device used for grooming or maintaining cleanliness, such as a shaver, a toothbrush, a hairbrush, and other small items around the sink. The grooming device according to the present disclosure can also be called a "smart grooming device."

In one preferred aspect, an IoT-connected beauty care device uses built-in or external sensors and artificial intelligence (AI) to collect detailed information about how the device is being used. Specifically, Bic's smart shaver, Oral-B's AI toothbrush, etc. can be used. Additionally, a device that uses detailed user data to achieve custom beauty at home, such as Loreal's Perso makeup mixing system, can also be used as a cosmetic device according to the present disclosure.

In a preferred embodiment, a facial cleansing solution device that provides a facial cleansing agent and facial cleansing method tailored to each user can also be used as the beauty care device according to the present disclosure.

(biological information)
The smart faucet system according to the present disclosure provides custom-made water discharge volume, water discharge temperature, and type of water discharged (soft water, hard water, skin care-containing water, This is a system that can optimize the combination of The biometric information obtained from the cosmetic device includes the condition of the user's skin (temperature, smoothness, presence of pimples, condition of beard, etc.), the condition of the user's oral cavity (hardness of the gums, depth of periodontal pockets, etc.) The condition of the user's scalp (blood flow, hair root density, hair root condition, scalp temperature, scalp dirt, scalp abnormality, etc.) can be cited. In addition, other biological information includes biological information that can be measured by bringing the device into contact with or in close proximity to the skin, such as body temperature, heart rate, pulse, and blood pressure.

In one preferred aspect, popular smart home ecosystems such as Amazon Alexa(TM) and Google Home(TM) may be utilized for smart faucets according to the present disclosure. These smart ecosystems enable control of a large number of compatible devices by one or more voice assistants. Device manufacturers will design smart home appliances that are compatible with these ecosystems for effective use by consumers. In the Amazon Alexa ecosystem, third-party device manufacturers pay Amazon to certify their devices as "Works with Alexa."

A smart faucet system according to the present disclosure can also be integrated with the ecosystems described above and can provide water of a specific quality, temperature, or quantity via voice commands.

<Brief summary of the present disclosure>
FIG. 1 is a conceptual diagram showing an example of a system according to the present disclosure. Smart grooming device 10 (also referred to as a networked grooming device) includes a usage monitoring sensor 12 . The smart faucet system 14 includes a smart faucet 16, a usage event monitoring system 18, a process analysis algorithm 20, a water discharge operation design algorithm 22, and a water discharge control algorithm 24. The smart grooming device 10 and the smart faucet system 14 are connected via a network such as a home LAN. Hereinafter, simply "connected" means connected to a network such as a home LAN so that communication with external devices is possible.

Each block shown in the block diagrams in this specification can be realized in terms of hardware by elements such as a computer processor, CPU, and memory, electronic circuits, and mechanical devices, and can be realized in terms of software by computer programs, etc. However, here we depict the functional blocks realized by their cooperation. Therefore, those skilled in the art will understand that these functional blocks can be realized in various ways by combining hardware and software. For example, the "algorithm" block in FIG. 1 can also be expressed as processing means or control means realized by the processor (CPU, etc.) of the smart faucet system 14 executing a computer program in which the algorithm is implemented. For example, the water spouting control algorithm 24 can also be expressed as water spouting control means.

A user's smart grooming experience is enhanced by smart faucet system 14 that uses data collected from smart grooming device 10 to control when and how water is released from smart faucet 16.

Data from smart grooming devices 10, such as razors and toothbrushes, is shared with smart faucet system 14. Using data, the smart faucet system 14 can define personalized water dispensing behavior that is optimized for the user's grooming techniques and preferences. For example, water dispensing behavior can be utilized to define and control water temperature, pressure, flow duration, and on/off behavior related to how the user is using the smart grooming device 10. .

The water is adjusted to suit the user's physiological preferences and to take into account the local hardness/mineral content of the water and its impact on the grooming process, such as in a smart faucet system 14 (e.g. a smart vanity). ) can be further adjusted.

Examples of uses for this smart faucet system 14 may include personalizing the grooming experience as well as providing grooming guidance to the user via operation of the smart faucet 16.

Additionally, water requirements can be predicted several seconds in advance during the grooming process based on the user's grooming stage to account for latency in temperature adjustment.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of a method of using the system in one embodiment. With reference to FIG. 2, the main steps of the technology of the present disclosure will be described.
1. As shown at 1 in FIG. 2, the user picks up the connected smart grooming device 10 and turns it on.
2. As shown at 2 in FIG. and related steps in the grooming process).
3. As shown at 3 in FIG. 2, the smart faucet system 14 identifies the optimal water dispensing operation for a given smart grooming device 10 and grooming process so that a particular user action or step in the grooming process is Once detected, water with specific characteristics is released from the smart faucet 16.
4. As shown at 3 in FIG. 2, the smart faucet system 14 continuously monitors the user's behavior and grooming steps and provides water spouting at appropriate moments in relation to the defined water spouting action.

Accordingly, the technology of the present disclosure provides the following features.
1. A connected vanity/faucet capable of automatic control of various characteristics of water emitted from the faucet, whereby the vanity/faucet receives information from a connected smart grooming device 10. A connected vanity/faucet that can utilize data to adjust the characteristics of water flow from the faucet to provide personalized water dispensing behavior. The vanity here corresponds to the smart faucet system 14 of FIG. 1, and the faucet here corresponds to the smart faucet 16 of FIG.

2. An algorithm that designs a personalized water dispensing behavior for a user with respect to how the smart grooming device 10 is being used, based on data transmitted from the smart grooming device 10 and received by the vanity. The bathroom vanity here corresponds to the smart faucet system 14 of FIG. 1, and the algorithm here corresponds to at least one of the water discharge operation design algorithm 22 and the water discharge control algorithm 24 of FIG.

a. The personalized water dispensing behavior can, for example, describe an optimal or preferred water profile during the period and various stages of the grooming activity, which profile can define characteristics including:
i. water temperature;
ii. water pressure;
iii. Water on/off timing;
iv. Duration/flow rate of water discharge;
v. Hardness/mineral content.

b. The personalized watering behavior may be predefined for a given activity or designed to adapt reactively to the grooming phase.

<Detailed Description of the Present Disclosure>
(1) Definition 1. Grooming treatment a. Grooming procedures are personal hygiene or care activities performed by a user (usually in the bathroom). For example:
i. shaving the face or other body areas;
ii. Oral care such as brushing and flossing;
iii. Beauty care such as face washing and makeup.

(2) System 2. Smart grooming device 10 is a device that can be utilized by a user to perform a personal grooming process that involves the use of a faucet or water.
a. Smart grooming device 10 may include, but is not limited to, the following:
i. Smart shaving device/razor;
ii. smart toothbrush;
iii. Smart oral care water floss device;
iv. Cosmetics and household mixed cosmetics (provider) connected to the Internet.

b. The smart grooming device 10 is comprised of subcomponents indicated by i and ii below.
i. "Usage Monitoring Sensor 12" which is one or more sensors used to monitor how a user interacts with the smart grooming device.
- The usage status monitoring sensor 12 may include at least one of the following items, but is not limited to these items.
·Accelerometer;
・Gyroscope;
・Touch sensor/proximity sensor;
・Temperature sensor;
・Acoustic sensor;
・Image sensor.

- The usage monitoring sensor 12 collects "usage data" which is data that subsequent systems can use to infer which stage, step, or action of the grooming process "process stage" the user is in. The usage data may include the biometric information described above, ie, may include one or more biometric information regarding the user who is the user of the smart grooming device 10. The usage monitoring sensor 12 may include various sensors for acquiring various biological information other than those listed above.

ii. Technology that enables wireless data transfer between smart grooming device 10 and external devices (e.g., smart faucet system 14). For example, it may include Bluetooth (registered trademark) and Wi-Fi (registered trademark).

3. By connecting the smart grooming device 10 to the "smart faucet 16," a smart faucet system 14 (also referred to as a smart faucet grooming platform), which is a platform for enhancing the operation of the faucet, is realized. The smart faucet system 14 may be comprised of subcomponents shown in a-f below.

a. A smart faucet 16 capable of emitting water with controllable properties. Controllable characteristics may include, but are not limited to, at least one of the following characteristics:
i. timing;
ii. temperature;
iii. volume;
iv. Flow rate;
v. Hardness/mineral content.

b. A Usage Event Monitoring System 18 is a system that detects and characterizes a user's initial interaction with the smart grooming device 10. Usage event monitoring system 18 may be used for the following purposes.
i. Identifying the moment when the smart grooming device 10 is used and identifying the device used (a "trigger event").
ii. Identifying a particular user who will use the smart grooming device 10, if necessary.

c. A "process analysis algorithm 20" which is an algorithm that analyzes usage data and determines the process stage of the grooming process that the user is currently completing (or about to complete).
i. Process stages may be specific to the grooming process being performed and describe larger features of the grooming process (e.g. shaving the chin) or smaller procedural activities (e.g. rinsing the blade after 5 strokes). It's okay.
ii. Certain process stages may require specific spout properties related to the grooming operation being performed and the user's spout settings.
iii. Process stages can be extracted from usage data. Alternatively, we can work with the manufacturer of the smart grooming device 10 to share process stages directly from that device's supporting app platform or other software service.

d. A “water spouting operation design algorithm 22” is an algorithm for designing a “water spouting operation” that is a water spouting control operation corresponding to the operation of the smart grooming device 10. As described above, the water spouting motion design algorithm 22 can be regarded as a water spouting motion design means realized by a computer processor executing a computer program in which the algorithm is implemented.
i. Water dispensing behavior may describe how the smart faucet 16 releases water of particular characteristics when a particular process step is reached or predicted for a particular grooming process.
- The required water discharge properties may differ for several reasons. For example:
- Recommended temperatures for specific skin types, conditions or effects (e.g. pore opening/closing);
Recommended flow rates and temperatures for cleaning hair from toothbrush blades or toothpaste;
・Optimal formulation characteristics for cosmetics, shaving foam, household toothpaste, etc.;
- Environmental recommendations regarding maximum water usage or temperature for various activities.
- Approximate temperature for opening and closing pores;

ii. Water dispensing operations are associated with a known series of process steps, and the dispensing characteristics of each process step can be defined, including:
・Water discharge timing;
・Water discharge amount;
・Water temperature of water discharge;
・Flow rate and pressure of water discharge;
・Water discharge pattern that allows the above characteristics to be applied variably.

iii. Thus, the water spouting operation consists of instructions for each process stage of the grooming process. Give an example.
・Process Stage 1: Wash Face:
Showing properties of water flow.
・Temperature: 37℃
・Flow rate: 4L/min
・Time: 10 seconds etc. ・Process Stage 2: Creating shaving foam:
Indicates water discharge properties.
・Temperature: 25℃
・Flow rate: 2L/min
・Time: 3 seconds etc.

iv. If desired, specific water dispensing actions can be applied to a particular user based on the identification of the user by the usage event monitoring system. Water dispensing behavior for different users will vary depending on use of smart grooming device 10, physiological preferences and characteristics, or other factors.

e. A "water discharge control algorithm 24" is an algorithm that controls the water discharge properties of the smart faucet 16 based on defined water discharge operations and process steps. As described above, the water spouting control algorithm 24 can be regarded as water spouting control means realized by a computer processor executing a computer program in which the algorithm is implemented.
i. Spout control algorithm 24 monitors the user's current or upcoming process stage and generates "spout commands" that are appropriate spout control instructions for the process stage based on known spout operations.

f. Technology that enables wireless data transfer between smart faucet system 14 and external devices (eg, smart grooming device 10). For example, it may include Bluetooth and Wi-Fi.

(3) Method A process for controlling the operation of a smart faucet 16 based on the use of a connected smart grooming device 10 is described. This process is designed to optimize the timing and other characteristics of water discharge from the smart faucet 16 based on data from the smart grooming device 10 that indicates the user's stage in the grooming process.

Two additional embodiments are also described, including:
1. Coordinating water pipe delays.
2. Collect user settings that define water dispensing behavior.

Main process:
FIG. 3 is a process flow diagram illustrating an example of control in one embodiment, and FIG. 4 is a flow diagram illustrating an example of a system usage method in one embodiment. The operation of the smart grooming device 10 and the smart faucet system 14 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4.

1. A user enters the bathroom or washroom, picks up the smart grooming device 10, and generates a trigger event (S10 in FIG. 4).

2. Usage event monitoring system 18 detects and characterizes triggering events.
a. The usage event monitoring system 18 can detect trigger events in the following manner.
i. For example, detecting when the smart grooming device 10 is turned on via status information communicated from the smart grooming device 10.
ii. Detecting when smart grooming device 10 is picked up from a dock location via appropriate position monitoring (eg, weight) or other sensors on the dock or sink surface.
iii. Detecting voice commands from the user via a connection to a smart speaker (eg, "Alexa, start shaving").
b. Optionally, usage event monitoring system 18 may also identify the particular user associated with the triggering event as follows.
i. Use of additional sensors (such as cameras) on washbasins and smart faucets 16.
ii. Access additional data from other smart bathroom connected devices.
iii. Receiving user information from smart grooming device 10.
c. Based on which smart grooming devices 10 are turned on or otherwise interacted with, usage event monitoring system 18 communicates this with subsequent systems (i.e., process analysis algorithm 20 and water dispensing behavior design algorithm 22). Information can be shared to inform their actions.

3. When the trigger event is detected, the usage event monitoring system 18 activates the usage monitoring sensor 12 of the smart grooming device 10 and starts collecting usage data from the usage monitoring sensor 12 (S11 in FIG. 4). . Usage data provided by usage monitoring sensor 12 is shared with process analysis algorithm 20 .
a. Usage monitoring sensor 12 continues to relay usage data to process analysis algorithm 20 while the user operates the smart grooming device until the grooming process is finished.

4. The process analysis algorithm 20 continuously analyzes the usage data to determine the user's current or predicted process stage (S12 in FIG. 4).
a. Multiple process stages may be required to complete a given grooming process. For example:
i. Wash and prepare your face and other parts of your body before shaving;
ii. Wet your hands and (re)apply or mix the shaving foam;
iii. Wet the shaver after a certain number of strokes;
iv. Wetting the shaver when it is detected that the user's face requires lubrication;
v. Wetting the shaver to increase or decrease the amount of lubricant while shaving certain areas of the face;
vi. Rinse hair from the shaver for a period of time or until the sensor indicates clean;
vii. Rinsing the sink after shaving;
viii. Washing your face after shaving;
ix. cleaning of specific teeth or areas of the mouth that must be brushed for a period of time;
x. Wet your toothbrush before brushing;
xi. Cleaning the toothbrush after a certain period of brushing or until the sensor indicates it is clean;
xii. Rinsing your toothbrush while brushing your teeth;
xiii. Filling a water cup for rinsing the mouth after brushing teeth;
xiv. Rinsing the basin after brushing;
xv. Filling the aquarium of the household mixing cosmetic device after dry mixing of the powder;
xvi. Cleansing the face before make-up from household mixed cosmetics;
xvii. Rinsing the applicator or mixing element of the household mixing cosmetic device after use.

b. The process stage can be inferred from the usage data collected from the usage monitoring sensor 12. An example is shown below.
i. Accelerometer data may be used to indicate the direction or number of shaving strokes, or the position of smart grooming device 10 relative to the face.
ii. Friction sensor data can be used to indicate when additional water lubrication is required during a shave, regardless of the number of strokes.
iii. Accelerometer data can be used to indicate the area of the mouth that the user is currently cleaning and to track how far the user has progressed through the tooth brushing process.

c. Alternatively, process stage information obtained by smart grooming device 10 (or associated app) may be shared directly with process analysis algorithm 20.
i. For example, a toothbrush app tracks the quadrants the user is brushing and monitors areas the user may have missed.

d. In some systems, there may be a latency in the delivery of water at the required temperature or pressure, for example as a result of the layout of the plumbing equipment within the building.
i. In this case, process analysis algorithm 20 can predict process stages before they occur.
ii. Use usage data and previously used waterways to infer what the next process stage is likely to be and pre-prepare the smart faucet with the required properties for that stage. can supply water.
iii. Appropriate smart sensors within the water distribution network can be utilized to obtain discharge information that can inform latency mitigation by process analysis algorithms 20 (flow meters, pressure sensors, etc.).

5. When a triggering event is detected, the dispensing motion design algorithm 22 is triggered by the usage event monitoring system 18. The water spouting motion design algorithm 22 designs or selects a water spouting motion based on the identified smart grooming device 10 (S13 in FIG. 4).
a. For a given smart grooming device 10, there may be one or more water dispensing motions that the dispensing motion design algorithm 22 can select or modify in relation to user preferences.
i. Each action defined in a water spout operation can be associated with a process stage so that a user can identify matching water spout action actions when a particular process stage is reached.
ii. Existing motions and new motions are saved in a database and can be reused later as a water dispensing motion design algorithm 22.

b. The water discharging operation can be defined based on the following criteria.
i. A predetermined grooming process designed by the manufacturer of the smart grooming device 10 or other sources (such as a hairdresser or an influencer) in which the water dispensing action is optimal for use by the smart grooming device 10 and/or the user. The grooming process may include a series of process stages defined by the manufacturer to be:
1. If desired, predetermined actions may be provided to the user as a guide, such that instructions from the smart grooming device 10 (or its associated app) direct the controlled release of water from the smart faucet 16. in combination with teaching the user the correct techniques and timing of operation for the smart grooming device 10.
ii. A predetermined sequence of water discharge controls for process steps, where specific water discharge actions can be applied depending on the detected process steps rather than in a specific order.
1. For example, if the process analysis algorithm 20 detects that the user has performed a set number of shaving strokes, it may define a water spout operation that runs the blade lubrication/rinsing water at a certain temperature for 3 seconds.
iii. A learned grooming process extracted by a smart faucet system 14 (e.g., a smart faucet grooming platform) from a previous interaction between a user's smart grooming device 10 and a smart faucet 16. grooming process.
1. Algorithms (behavior calibration algorithms) may be used to monitor the user's initial manual interaction with the smart grooming device 10 and smart faucet 16, and the user's initial manual interaction with the smart grooming device 10 and smart faucet 16 for process stages detected for later automation. Characterize water use.

c. Additional data related to the definition of the water discharge behavior can be used to further personalize the water behavior.
i. Users may have specific water temperature preferences or requirements for specific grooming processes, such as:
1. Water temperature suitable for dry skin;
2. Water temperature suitable for teeth that are sensitive to cold;
3. Favorable water hardness or mineral content for skin health or household cosmetics mixing.
ii. Additional relevant water property data can be collected, for example:
1. Collected through manual interaction by the user (i.e., entering settings through the user interface).
2. Collected through your relevant healthcare professional, such as a dermatologist or dental specialist.
3. Collected via usage monitoring sensors 12 onboard various smart grooming devices 10 or related platforms. For example:
a. Your smart shaver's temperature sensor may indicate the optimal water temperature for your skin.
b. The user's dental health information available in the smart toothbrush and related apps may be used to identify tooth sensitivity.
c. A pressure sensor detects changes in the user's brushing technique and indicates potential areas of gum staining or discomfort that may benefit from rinsing at a specific water temperature.
d. A smart water hardness sensor in a water tank located elsewhere in the building monitors the mineral content and shares the data with a mineral filter connected to the faucet.
e. Image sensors such as smart mirrors detect the state of moisture and oil on the skin's surface layer, indicating potentially dry skin areas that may benefit from face washing at a specific water temperature.
As shown here, the water discharge operation design algorithm 22 determines the manner of water to be discharged from the smart faucet 16 (temperature, hardness, type, etc.) based on the user's biological information indicated by the usage data from the usage monitoring sensor 12. ) may be set.

d. The water spraying action can also be modified based on the user's previous grooming activity.
i. Give an example.
1. If the system knows that the user shaved only yesterday, it can define a water spouting action designed to allow for shorter touch-up shaves.
2. If the system knows that the user is brushing their teeth during the day, the system should define a water spouting behavior designed to allow a quick brush instead of a full brush in the morning or at bedtime. I can do it.
ii. Previous trigger events and associated water dispense operations may be recorded by smart faucet system 14 for reference by dispense operation design algorithm 22 .
1. Alternatively, support app platforms for various smart grooming devices 10 can share previous grooming event data with the smart focus grooming platform.

6. The spout control algorithm 24 receives the spout operation and continuously monitors the process stage so that it can match the process stage to the associated spout operation command. As described above, the water spouting operation in one embodiment specifies the aspect of water (temperature, hardness, type, etc.) that matches the user's biological information. The water discharge control algorithm 24 switches the water flow, water temperature, type of water, etc. to be discharged from the smart faucet 16 according to the designation of the water discharge operation.

a. If a spout operation is defined as one or more actions taken at a given process step, the spout control algorithm 24 evaluates the listed actions when a new process step is received from the process analysis algorithm, and Water dispensing operations that match that process step can be identified.
b. Process steps associated with dispensing operations can be assigned numerical or other identifiers to facilitate easy search functionality. For example, process step 6 can coincide with water discharging operation step 6.

7. When a particular process stage is detected or predicted, the water discharge control algorithm 24 causes the smart faucet 16 to discharge water at the appropriate time and with the appropriate properties for the current process stage. The interpreted water discharging command is written (S14 and S15 in FIG. 4).
a. A water discharge command can define a set of water discharge properties that are handled by the smart faucet 16 for a specified process stage. The predetermined water dispensing command may define parameters of all water dispensing characteristics that can be controlled by the smart faucet 16, as described above.

b. As such, a specified water dispensing instruction can define the desired state for each dispensing property that is applicable at the current process stage. Give an example.
i. on/off;
ii. Specific temperature (e.g. 27°C);
iii. Specific flow rate (e.g. 7L/min);
iv. A specific start time (e.g. immediately, after 10 seconds, etc.);
v. A specific period of time (e.g. running for 5 seconds).

c. The water output control algorithm 24 can be integrated with the existing control architecture of the smart faucet 16.
d. Once the water spout command is executed, the water spout control algorithm 24 waits to receive the next process stage from the process analysis algorithm 20.
i. If the process step is the next step, the water discharge control algorithm 24 may define associated water discharge commands for known latencies of the water distribution system (i.e., delays in heating or gaining pressure of the water); Initiate the water dispensing command at the appropriate time to achieve the desired dispensing at the correct moment required by the process step.

8. The smart faucet 16 discharges water according to the water discharge command (S16 in FIG. 4). Users receive automatically controlled water release at appropriate and convenient points throughout the grooming process.
a. The process analysis algorithm 20 continually determines the process stage and updates the spout control algorithm 24 so that the spout characteristics are adjusted throughout the grooming process.
b. When the user finishes the grooming process, the smart grooming device 10 determines that the session has ended, for example, in the following cases.
i. smart grooming device 10 is turned off;
ii. smart grooming device 10 is replaced with a charging dock;
iii. A user gives a voice command to a smart assistant (for example, "Alexa, I'm done shaving").

(3) Additional embodiments Water pipe delay adjustment:
In some smart faucet systems 14, there may be a latency in the delivery of water at the required temperature or pressure, for example, as a result of the layout of the plumbing fixtures within the building. Appropriate smart sensors in the water distribution network can be utilized to obtain discharge information that informs latency mitigation by process analysis algorithms 20 (flow meters, pressure sensors, etc.).

Considering latency in water systems is particularly beneficial for manufacturers of smart grooming devices 10 that are partnering with services provided by smart faucet systems 14 (smart faucet grooming platform services). For example, negative deviations from recommended grooming procedures as a result of latency can be avoided to maximize the opportunity for a good user experience of the smart grooming device 10.

Such a system (smart faucet system 14) can be enabled via the following process steps.
1. Smart faucet system 14 can access a range of water profiles for a particular user's smart grooming device 10.
2. At the appropriate time (eg, during initial installation of the system), smart faucet system 14 deploys each water dispensing operation in sequence (without user presence) in a calibration process.
3. For each process stage of each water dispensing operation, the smart faucet system 14 uses appropriate onboard sensors to develop the process stage's dispensing instructions and then adjusting the temperature, pressure, and temperature defined by those instructions. Determine the waiting time for water discharge to achieve and other characteristics.
4. Based on the detected latency for each set of water discharge commands, future water paths and water discharge commands may be designed to take into account the particular latency conditions of the building in which the smart faucet system 14 is installed.

Collection of user settings for water discharge operation definition:
In some cases, it may be preferable for a user to "teach" the smart faucet system 14 the ideal water dispensing behavior for a given smart grooming device 10. To enable this functionality, a motion calibration algorithm may be used as follows.
1. Usage event monitoring system 18 can identify usage of a particular smart grooming device 10 as described above.
2. The operational calibration algorithm may monitor the user's water usage when operating the smart grooming device 10 and record water settings manually applied by the user.
3. The usage monitoring sensor 12 can record usage data as described above. Based on the usage data obtained during each manual water use, the operational calibration algorithm can identify the process steps associated with the water usage event.
4. After one or more manual calibration sessions, the smart faucet system 14 may begin automating the user's grooming process associated with a given smart grooming device 10, as described in Main Process. can. This process uses the user's manual actions to calibrate the device's water supply path.

Smart bathroom vanity:
As a further embodiment of a smart faucet system, the smart faucet system 14 may be included in a smart vanity 30, as shown in FIG. The smart faucet system 14 may receive data from the smart grooming device 10 to control water dispensing operations of the smart faucet 16. The smart vanity 30 may further include a lighting device 32. The lighting device 32 may be configured to use data collected from the smart grooming device 10 to change the lighting operation in conjunction with or independently of the water dispensing operation of the smart faucet 16, thereby improving the user's grooming experience. is improved. Examples of various lighting operations include not only changing the illuminance of the lighting device 32, but also changing the color of the lighting device 32 (including changing the color temperature) using a plurality of light sources such as RGB LEDs, etc. The method includes individually controlling the operation using a plurality of lighting devices 32 arranged at predetermined positions of the smart bathroom vanity 30 such that the lighting devices 32 have different illumination target positions. This makes it possible to change the location, intensity, and color of the light hitting the user's face based on personalized information and usage conditions for each user. and to optimize the user's grooming effect, e.g. by configuring the user to direct the position and timing of grooming on his or her body, to relax the user's mood (modes that reduce color temperature and/or illuminance) or configured to concentrate (increasing color temperature and/or illuminance mode), or a specific device suitable for measuring the user's skin in order to provide water discharge conditions tailored to the aforementioned user's skin condition. It is also possible to configure the device to irradiate a desired position with the wavelength of light. The algorithms controlling these lighting operations may be configured in addition to or integrally with one or more of the algorithms described above, by built-in or external software or hardware.

(6) Advantages of the Techniques of the Disclosure The techniques of the present disclosure automatically control how and when water is released from the smart faucet 16 using user interaction with a smart grooming device 10, such as a razor or a toothbrush. It is possible to realize a system that controls the Specifically, it has the following advantages.

1. Water properties are automatically and intuitively adjusted with the user's grooming efforts. Water is delivered at appropriate times and settings without requiring additional effort by the user to enhance the grooming process.
2. By controlling the properties of the water, manufacturers of smart grooming devices 10 can further control how users use the devices at home. This allows the level of grooming activity to be standardized to improve the user experience of the device or process.

3. The sink serves as a platform for many smart grooming devices 10 (i.e., a form of smart faucet system 14), allowing users to easily access advanced experiences for a wide range of grooming processes.
4. By combining the operation of the smart faucet 16 with the application of the accompanying smart grooming device 10, the smart faucet 16 can be configured to provide specific device-specific Educational services can be provided that can guide you through the optimal grooming process.

The present disclosure has been described above based on the embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand that the embodiments are merely illustrative, and that various modifications can be made to the combinations of each component or each treatment process, and that such modifications are also within the scope of the present disclosure.

Any combination of the embodiments and variations described above are also useful as embodiments of the present disclosure. A new embodiment resulting from a combination has the effects of each of the combined embodiments and modifications. In addition, those skilled in the art will also understand that the functions to be fulfilled by each component described in the claims are realized by each component shown in the embodiments and modified examples alone or by their cooperation. .

Claims (11)

A faucet that discharges water,
A control means for controlling the water flow discharged from the faucet based on information from a beauty care device that can obtain biological information of the user;
A smart faucet system with The control means controls the temperature of water discharged from the faucet.
The smart faucet system according to claim 1. The control means switches the type of water discharged from the faucet.
A smart faucet system according to claim 1 or 2. An algorithm that designs personalized water dispensing behavior for the user based on data received by the smart faucet system from the beauty appliance and with respect to how the beauty appliance is being used. the individualized water dispensing behavior describes an optimal or preferred water profile for the duration and various stages of the grooming activity;
The profile can define characteristics including at least one of water temperature, water pressure, water quality, water on/off timing, water discharge duration, or flow rate.
The algorithm according to claim 4. the individualized water dispensing motion is predefined for a given activity or designed to adapt reactively to the grooming phase;
The algorithm according to claim 4 or 5. A smart vanity comprising the smart faucet system of claim 1. 8. The smart bathroom vanity of claim 7, further comprising one or more lighting devices that control lighting operation based on information from a beauty care device that can obtain biometric information of the user. The smart bathroom vanity according to claim 8, wherein the lighting operation is configured to be linked to the dispensing operation of the faucet. Based on data received by the smart faucet system from the beauty appliance, an algorithm that designs personalized lighting behavior for the user with respect to how the beauty appliance is being used. Based on the data received by a smart faucet system from a beauty treatment device, the lighting operation is designed in conjunction with a personalized water dispensing operation for a user with respect to how the beauty treatment device is being used. The algorithm described in Section 10.

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