CN100501017C - Passive sensors for automatic faucets and bathroom flushers - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a passive optical sensor, comprising an optical detector which is optically sensitive to the environment (room) and used for controlling the operations of devices such as automatic water taps (10, 10A, 10B and 10C) or automatic washroom taps (100 and 100A). The passive optical sensor which supplies a signal to a water flow controller comprises an electronic controller (400) and water flow valves (38 and 140). As only small electricity is needed to sense the operator who uses the washroom facility, the battery of the invention can work for many years. The controller executes novel operations (600 and 900) in order to control the operations of devices such as automatic water taps or automatic washroom taps through environmental lights.

Description

Passive sensors for automatic faucets and bathroom flushers

This application claims U.S. Application No. 60/513722, filed October 22, 2003, entitled "Automatic Faucet Having Novel Flow Control Detector," and PCT Application Serial No. PCT/US02, filed December 4, 2002 /38757, U.S. Application entitled "Electronic Faucets for Long-Term Operation," PCT Application Serial No. PCT/US02/38758, filed December 4, 2002, entitled "Automatic Lavatory Flushers" , and priority of U.S. Application Serial No. PCT/US02/41576, filed December 26, 2002, entitled "Automatic Lavatory Flush," all of which are incorporated herein by reference .

technical field

The present invention relates to novel photosensors. In particular, it relates to novel light sensors for controlling the operation of automatic faucets and bathroom flushers, and in particular novel flow control sensors for providing control signals used electronically in such faucets and flushers.

technical background

Automatic faucets and bathroom flushers have been used for many years. Automatic faucets typically include light or other detectors that detect the presence of an object, and automatic valves that open and close the flow of water based on signals from the sensors. The automatic faucet may include a mixing valve connected to the hot and cold water source for providing an appropriate mixing ratio of hot and cold water delivery after actuation of the water. Using an automatic faucet saves water and facilitates hand washing, and is therefore hygienic. Similarly, automatic bathroom flushers include a sensor and flush valves connected to a water source to flush the toilet or urinal upon actuation. The use of automatic bathroom flushers generally improves the cleanliness of public facilities.

In an automatic faucet, optical or other sensors provide a control signal and, upon detection of an object located in a target area, provide a signal to turn on the flow of water. In an automatic bathroom flusher, optical or other sensors provide control signals to a controller after the user leaves the target area. Such a system works well if the target sensor is properly identified. For example, an automatic faucet will respond to a user's hand, but will not respond to the basin in which it is installed or a paper towel thrown into the basin. Among the methods that allow the system to differentiate between the two, it is known to limit the target area, excluding in this way the location of the washbasin. However, a coat or other object worn by a person can still provide a false trigger for the faucet. Similarly, false activation of an automatic flusher can also be caused by movement of a bathroom door or the like.

A light sensor consists of a light source (usually an infrared emitter) and a photodetector sensitive to the IR wavelength of the light source. For a faucet, the emitter and the detector (ie a receiver) can be mounted on the spout of the faucet near the outlet, or near the base. For a flusher, the emitter and the detector can be mounted on the flusher body or a washroom wall. Also, only optical lenses (not transmitters and receivers) can be mounted on these components. A lens is coupled to one or several optical fibers for providing light from the light source to the light detector. Fiber optics carry light back and forth between the transmitter and a receiver mounted under the faucet.

In the light sensor, the transmitter power and/or the receiver sensitivity are limited in order to limit the range of the sensor to eliminate reflections from the washbasin, bathroom wall or other mounting objects. Specifically, the transmitted beam will be projected on a valid target, usually a person's clothing, or the skin of a hand, and a reflected beam will be detected by the receiver. Such sensors rely on the reflectivity of a target surface and its transmit/receive capabilities. Oftentimes problems are caused by highly reflective doors and walls, mirrored surfaces, highly reflective wash basins, different shapes of wash basins, water in the wash basin, color and rough/fine surface of structures, walking by instead of using the Movement of users of the facility. While mirrors, doors, walls, and wash basins can reflect more energy back to the receiver than rough surfaces at right angles of incidence, they are not valid targets. For example, reflections of effective targets of various structures will vary with their color and surface finish. Certain kinds of structures absorb and scatter too much of the energy of the incident beam so that very few reflections are sent back to the receiver.

A large number of optical or other types of sensors are powered by batteries. According to this design, the transmitter (or receiver) consumes a lot of power and thus drains the battery over time (ie requires a large battery). The cost of replacing the battery is not only the cost of the battery, but more importantly, the labor cost, which is quite high for experienced personnel.

There remains a need for a light sensor for use with automatic faucets or automatic bathroom flushers that is capable of long-term operation without replacing typical batteries. There remains a need for reliable sensors for use with automatic faucets or automatic bathroom flushers.

Contents of the invention

The present invention relates to novel photosensors and novel methods for sensing optical radiation. The novel light sensor and novel light sensing method are used, for example, to control the operation of automatic faucets and flushers. The novel sensor and flow controller (including control electronics and valves) requires only a small amount of electrical power to sense the occupant of the lavatory facility and thus enables years of battery operation. A passive light sensor consists of a light detector sensitive to ambient (room) light and is used to control the operation of an automatic faucet or automatic bathroom flusher.

According to one aspect of the invention, a light sensor for controlling a valve of an electronic faucet or bathroom flusher includes an optical component positioned at a light input port and configured to locally define a detection field. The light sensor also includes a light detector and a control circuit. The photodetector is optically coupled to the optical component and the input port, wherein the photodetector is configured to detect ambient light. The control circuit is used to control the opening and closing of a valve that controls water flow. The control circuit is also used to receive a signal from the photodetector corresponding to the light to be detected.

The control circuit is used to periodically sample the detector. The control circuit is used to periodically sample the detector based on previously detected light quantities. The control circuit is used to determine the opening and closing of the water flow control valve according to the background level of the ambient light and the current level of the ambient light. The control circuit is used to switch the valve controlling the flow of water upon first detecting the arrival of a user and then detecting the departure of the user. In addition, the control circuit is used to switch the valve for controlling the flow of water upon detecting the presence of a user.

The optical components include optical fibers, lenses, pinholes, slits or filters. The light input port is positioned within or next to an aerator of the faucet.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a light sensor for an electronic faucet includes a light input port, a light detector, and a control circuit. The light input port is used to receive light. The photodetector is optically coupled to the input port and is configured to detect the received light. The control circuit controls the opening and closing of a faucet valve or a bathroom flush valve.

Preferred embodiments of this aspect include one or more of the following features: the control circuit is adapted to periodically sample the detector in dependence on the amount of light detected. The control circuit is used to adjust a sampling period according to the detected amount of light after determining whether the facility is in use. The detector is optically coupled to the input port by using an optical fiber. The input port can be positioned in the aerator of the electronic faucet. The system includes batteries that power the electronic faucet.

Description of drawings

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram for controlling water flow of an automatic faucet system including a control circuit, valves, and passive light sensors.

1A is a cross-sectional view of the spout and vanity of the automatic faucet system of FIG. 1 coupled to the passive optical sensor using optical fibers.

1B is a cross-sectional view of the spout and vanity of the automatic faucet system of FIG. 1 coupled to the passive light sensor using electrical coupling.

FIG. 1C is a cross-sectional view of an aeration nozzle used in the automatic faucet system of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 1D is a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the aeration nozzle used in the automatic faucet system of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 1E is a perspective view of another embodiment of an aeration nozzle used in the automatic faucet system of FIG. 1 .

Fig. 1F is a cross-sectional view of the aeration nozzle shown in Fig. 1D.

Figures 2 and 2A schematically illustrate other embodiments of an automatic faucet system including another embodiment of a valve and a passive light sensor for controlling water flow.

Figures 3, 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D schematically represent faucets and sinks with respect to different light detection schemes employed by the passive light sensors employed in the automatic faucet systems of Figures 1, IB, 2, and 2A.

Figure 4 shows a schematic side view of a toilet including an automatic flusher.

Figure 4A shows a schematic side view of a urinal including an automatic flusher.

5, 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E, 5F, and 5G show schematic side and top views of different light detection schemes employed by passive light sensors employed in the automatic toilet flusher of FIG.

Figures 5H, 5I, 5J, 5K and 5L show schematic side and top views of different light detection schemes employed by the passive light sensor employed in the automatic urinal flusher of Figure 4A.

Figures 6, 6A, 6B, 6C, 6D and 6E show schematic views of the optical components used to form the different light detection schemes shown in Figures 3 to 3D and Figures 5 to 5L.

Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view of one embodiment of an automatic flusher for flushing a toilet or urinal.

Figure 8 is a perspective exploded view of a valve arrangement for use in the automatic faucet system of Figures 1, 1A or 1B.

FIG. 8A is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the valve arrangement shown in FIG. 8 .

Figure 8B is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the valve arrangement shown in Figure 8A partially disassembled for maintenance.

8C is a perspective view of the valve arrangement of FIG. 4 included in a leak detector for detecting water leaks in an automatic faucet system.

Figure 9 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a moving plunger-like member for use in the valve arrangement shown in Figure 7 or the valve arrangements shown in Figures 8, 8A and 8B.

FIG. 9A is a detailed perspective view of the moving plunger-like member shown in FIG. 9 .

10 is a block diagram of a control system for controlling a valve to operate the automatic faucet system of FIGS. 1-2A, or the bathroom flusher of FIGS. 4 and 4A.

10A is a block diagram of another control system for controlling a valve to operate the automatic faucet system of FIGS. 1-2A, or the bathroom flusher of FIGS. 4 and 4A.

10B is a schematic diagram of a detection circuit used by a passive optical sensor used in an automatic faucet system or an automatic flusher system.

Figure 11 is a block diagram illustrating various factors affecting the operation and calibration of the passive optical system.

12, 12A, 12B, 12C, 12D, 12E, 12F, 12G, 12H, and 12I show a flowchart of an algorithm for processing optical data detected by passive sensors operating the automatic flusher system.

13, 13A and 13B show a flowchart of an algorithm for processing optical data detected by passive sensors operating the automatic faucet system.

Detailed ways

Figure 1 shows an automatic faucet system 10 controlled by a sensor which provides signals to a control circuit which constitutes and is used to control the operation of an automatic valve. This automatic valve then controls the flow of hot and cold water before or after mixing.

The automatic faucet system 10 includes a faucet body 12 and an aerator 30 including a sensor port 34 . Automatic faucet system 10 also includes a faucet base 14 and screws 16A and 16B for attaching the faucet to a deck 18 . The cold water pipe 20A and the hot water pipe 20B are connected to a water mixing valve 22 that provides a mixing ratio of hot and cold water (the mixing ratio of hot and cold water can be changed according to a desired water temperature). Water conduit 24 connects water mixing valve 22 to solenoid-operated automatic valve 38 . An automatic valve 38 controls the flow of water between the water conduit 24 and the water conduit 25 . Water conduit 25 connects automatic valve 38 to water conduit 26 locally within faucet body 12 as shown. Water conduit 26 provides water to aeration nozzle 30 . The automatic faucet system 10 also includes a control module 50 powered by a battery housed in the battery compartment 39 for controlling the faucet sensor and the automatic valve 38 .

Referring to Figures 1 and 1A, in a first preferred embodiment, the automatic faucet system 10 includes a light sensor placed in the control module 50 and optically coupled by a fiber optic cable 52 to a sensor port placed in the aeration nozzle 30 34. Sensor port 34 receives the end of fiber optic cable 52 , which will couple to an optical lens placed at sensor port 34 . The optical lens is used to obtain a selected area of observation and is preferably coaxial in the flow of water released from the aeration nozzle 30 when the water tap is turned on.

Additionally, the ends of the fiber optic cable 52 are polished and oriented directly to transmit or receive light (ie, without optical lenses). Likewise, the placement of the end of the fiber optic cable 52 has a field of view directly towards the washbasin 11 (eg field of view A of FIG. Additionally, sensor port 34 includes other optical elements, such as an array of pinholes or slits having a selected size, geometry and orientation. The size, geometry and orientation of the array of pinholes or slits is designed to provide a detection option of choice (shown in Figure 3-3D for the faucet of a flusher of Figure 5-5L).

Still referring to FIGS. 1 and 1A, fiber optic cable 52 is preferably placed within water conduit 26 in contact with water. Alternatively, the fiber optic cable 52 may be placed outside of the water conduit 26 , but within the faucet body 12 . FIGS. 1C , ID and 1E show alternatives for providing the sensor port 34 within the aeration nozzle 30 and alternatives for the design of coupling the optical fiber 52 to the optical lens 54 . In other embodiments, the optical lens 54 is replaced by an array of pinholes or slits.

Figure 1B shows a second preferred embodiment of such an automatic faucet system. Automatic faucet system 10A includes a faucet body 12 and an aerator 30 including a light detector 37 coupled to a sensor port 35 . The light detector 37 is electrically connected by wires 53 to an electronic control module 50 placed inside the faucet body. In another embodiment, the electronic control module 50 is placed on the outside of the faucet body immediately adjacent to the control valve 38 (FIG. 1).

In another embodiment, the sensor port 35 houses an optical lens positioned in front of the light detector 37 to define the detection pattern (ie, field of view of light). The optical lens preferably provides a somewhat coaxial field of view in the stream of water being released from the aeration nozzle 30 when the water tap is turned on. In another embodiment, however, the sensor port 35 includes other optical elements, such as an array of pinholes or slits of a selected size, geometry and orientation. The size, geometry, and orientation of the array of pinholes or slits are designed to provide a selected detection pattern (shown in Figure 3-3D for a faucet and Figure 5-5L for a flusher).

The light sensor is a passive light sensor comprising a visible or infrared light detector optically coupled to sensor port 34 or sensor port 35 . There is no light source associated with the light sensor (ie no light emitter). The visible or near infrared region (NIR) light detector detects light reaching sensor port 34 or sensor port 35 and provides corresponding electrical signals to a controller placed in control unit 50 or control unit 55 . The light detector (ie, light receiver) can be a photodiode or photoresistor (or other light intensity component with an electrical output, so the sensing component will have the desired light sensitivity). The light sensor using light emitting diodes also includes an amplification circuit. The light detector preferably detects light in the range from about 400-500 nanometers to about 950-1000 nanometers. The photodetector is primarily sensitive to ambient light and not very sensitive to body heat (eg infrared or far infrared light).

Figures 2 and 2A illustrate an alternative embodiment of the automatic faucet system. Referring to FIG. 2 , the automatic faucet system 10B includes a faucet that receives water from a dual flow faucet valve 60 and supplies water from an aerator 31 . Automatic faucet 12 includes a mixing valve 58 controlled by handle 59 and may also be coupled to a manual override for valve 60 . The dual water flow valve 60 is connected to the cold water pipe 20A and the hot water pipe 20B, and controls the respective water flows to the cold water pipe 21A and the hot water pipe 21B.

When actuated by a single actuator 201 (see FIG. 8A ), the dual water flow valve 60 is constructed and used to control the water flow in both conduits 21A and 21B simultaneously. Specifically, the valve 60 is included for controlling the flow of hot and cold water in the respective water pipe lines. Solenoid actuator 201 (FIG. 8A) is coupled to a pilot mechanism for the controller's two water flow valves. The two water flow valves are preferably diaphragm operated valves (but could also be piston valves, or the high flow rate "fram" valves described in connection with Figures 9 and 9A). The dual water flow valve 60 includes a pressure release mechanism configured to vary the pressure in the diaphragm cavity of each diaphragm operated valve and thereby open or close each diaphragm valve used to control water flow. Dual flow valve 60 is described in detail in PCT application PCT/US01/43277, filed November 20, 2001, which is incorporated herein by reference.

Still referring to FIG. 2 , a sensor port 35 is coupled to the faucet body 12 for receiving the end of an optical fiber (eg, fiber optic cable 52 ), or for receiving an optical detector. The fiber optic cable provides light from the sensor port 35 to the light detector. In a preferred embodiment, the faucet body 12 includes a control module having light detectors and a controller as described in connection with FIGS. 10 and 10A. The controller provides control signals to the solenoid actuator 201 via electrical wiring 56 . The sensor port 35 has a detection field of view (shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B ) positioned outside the flow of water emanating from the aeration nozzle 31 .

Referring to FIG. 2A , an automatic faucet system 10C includes a faucet body 12 that also receives water from a dual flow faucet valve 60 and provides water from an aerator 31 . The automatic faucet 10C also includes a water mixing valve 58 controlled by a handle 59 . The dual water flow valve 60 is connected to the cold water pipe 20A and the hot water pipe 20B, and controls the respective water flows to the cold water pipe 21A and the hot water pipe 21B.

Sensor port 33 is coupled to faucet body 12 and is designed to have a field of view as shown in Figures 3C and 3D. Sensor port 33 receives the end of optical fiber 56A. The proximal end of optical fiber 56A provides light to a light sensor positioned in control module 55A coupled to dual water flow valve 60 . The control module 55A also includes an electronic controller and a battery. The light sensor detects the presence of an object (eg a human hand), or detects a change (ie movement) in an object present in the washbasin area. An electronic controller controls the readout and operation of the photodetector. The electronic controller also includes a power driver that controls the operation of the solenoids associated with valve 60 . Based on the signal from the light detector, the electronic controller instructs the power driver to open or close the solenoid valve 60 (ie start or stop water flow). The design and operation of the actuator 201 (FIG. 8A) is described in detail in PCT applications PCT/US02/38757, PCT/US02/38758, and PCT/US02/41576, all of which are incorporated herein by reference, the contents of which are incorporated by reference method is incorporated into this application.

FIG. 1C shows a vertical cross-sectional view of an aeration nozzle 30A placed at the water discharge end of the faucet 12 spout. The aerator 30A includes a sleeve 62 that is attachable to the faucet body 12 using threads 63 . Sleeve 62 supports a collar 64 which in turn supports wire grid 65 . Sleeve 62 also supports an annular member 70 , a jet forming member 72 , and an upper gasket 74 . The jet forming member 72 includes a number of elongate slots 76 for providing water passage. Jet forming member 72 and grid 65 include a channel 36 for optical fiber 52 . The water flow passes through the aeration nozzle 30A from top to bottom. In the aeration nozzle 30A, the water stream flows from the water conduit 26 ( FIG. 1A ) and is broken up by the vertically elongated slits 76 of the water jet forming member 72 . The water then flows through a wire mesh grid 65 supported by collar 64 . The collar 64 also enables air to be drawn (intaked) into a cavity 66 through a gap 67 (formed between itself and the sleeve 62 ). Just above the wire mesh grid 65 in the cavity 66 the air mixes with the water so that the air and water mixture passes through the mesh grid 65 . The optical fiber 52 is placed in the center of the unit within a tubular member 36 which holds the lens 54 .

Figure 1D shows a second embodiment with a centrally placed aeration nozzle for a passive sensor. In this embodiment, the aeration nozzle 30B comprises at least two biconvexly placed wire mesh members 86A and 86B with a central opening for the channel 88 . Aeration nozzle 30B also includes an insert member 90 including holes 92 and a central hole 88 for receiving tubular member 52 . Aerator 30B is attached to faucet 12 using threads 83 . Water flows from the water conduit 26 to the upper chamber 91 and then through the hole 92 . Air enters the cavity 93 through the hole 84 . The mixture of water and air then flows through two grids 86A and 86B fitted in a bi-convex design. Housing 82 has an inwardly directed surrounding support member supporting two grids 86A and 86B. Fiber optics 52 extend within water conduit 26 (FIG. 1A), from the top through aeration nozzle 30B, and through the wire mesh grids 86A and 86B. Air is drawn into the cavity 93 through the opening 84 as the respective water injections formed by the holes 92 enter the lower cavity 93 . Within chamber 93, water mixes with air, and the mixture is forced through mesh grids 86A and 86B.

Figures 1E and 1F show an alternative way of providing a light field aligned with the water flow (ie an alternative embodiment of an aeration nozzle and placement of a sensor port therein). FIG. 1E is a perspective view of the aerator 30C, and FIG. 1F is a cross-sectional view of the aerator 30C used in the automatic faucet system of FIG. 1 . Aerator 30C is coupled to faucet body 12 and water conduit 26 using threads 83 . The optical fiber 52 is placed outside the water pipe and introduced through an adapter 97 . Additionally, adapter 97 can include a photodetector coupled to a control module using an electrical cable instead of optical cable 52 . (For simplicity, the screen member and air openings are not shown in FIGS. 1E and 1F )

FIG. 3 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of the first optimal detection pattern (A) for the passive light sensor installed in the automatic water tap 12 . The detection pattern A is associated with the sensor port 34 and is shaped by a lens or a component selected from the optical elements shown in Figs. 6-6E. The detection pattern A is selected to receive reflected ambient light primarily from the wash basin 11 . The pattern width is controlled, but the range is seldom controlled (ie, pattern A shown in FIG. 3 is only schematic, since the detection distance is practically unlimited).

A user standing in front of the faucet will affect the amount of ambient light reaching the washbasin and therefore will affect the amount of light reaching the light detector. On the other hand, a person merely moving around the room will not significantly affect the amount of light detected. A user putting his hand under the faucet will change the amount of ambient (room) light detected by the light detector. Thus, the passive light sensor is able to detect the user's hand and provide a corresponding control signal. Here, the detected light does not significantly depend on the reflectivity of the target surface (unlike a light sensor that uses both a light emitter and a light receiver). After washing the hands, the user removes his hand from under the faucet, which will again change the amount of ambient light detected by the light detector. The passive light sensor then provides the corresponding control signal to the controller (to be explained in connection with Figures 10, 10A and 10B).

Figures 3A and 3B schematically illustrate a second optimal detection pattern (B) for the passive light sensor installed in the automatic faucet 10B. The detection pattern B is associated with the sensor port 35 and may also be shaped by a lens or a component selected from the optical elements shown in Figs. 6-6E. A user putting his hand under the faucet 10B will change the amount of ambient (room) light detected by the light detector. As noted above, the detected light does not significantly depend on the reflectivity of the user's hand (unlike a light sensor that uses both a light emitter and a light receiver). Thus, the passive light sensor is able to detect the user's hand and provide a corresponding control signal to the controller. 13, 13A, and 13B show the detection algorithm for the detection patterns A and B. FIG.

3C and 3D schematically illustrate another detection pattern (C) for the passive light sensor installed in the automatic water faucet 10C. The detection pattern C is associated with the sensor port 33 and is shaped by a selected optical element. The selected optics achieve a desired width and orientation of the detection pattern, while the range is more difficult to control. In this embodiment, a user standing in front of the faucet 10C will change the amount of ambient light detected somewhat more than a passing user.

In this embodiment, light reflections from the washbasin 11 will only minimally affect the detected light.

Figure 4 shows a schematic side view of a toilet including an automatic flusher 100, and Figure 4A shows a schematic side view of a urinal including an automatic flusher 100A. Flusher 100 receives pressurized water from water supply pipe 112 and employs a passive optical sensor to respond to the motion of a target within a target zone 103 . After a user leaves the target area, the controller will command to open the flush valve 102 so that water flows from the water supply pipe 112 to the flush pipe 113 and to the toilet bowl 116 .

FIG. 4A shows a bathroom flusher 100A for automatically flushing a urinal 120 . The flusher 100A receives pressurized water from the water supply pipe 112 . Flush valve 102 controlled by a passive optical sensor responds to the movement of a target within a target zone 103 . After a user leaves the target area, the controller will command to open the flush valve 102 so that water flows from the water supply pipe 112 to the flush water pipe 113 .

The bathroom flushers 100 and 100A may have a modular design in which their covers can be partially opened to replace batteries or electronic modules. A bathroom flusher with such a modular design is described in US Patent Application 60/448,995, filed February 20, 2003, which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

5 and 5A show schematic side and top views of a light detection pattern used by a passive light sensor installed in the automatic toilet flusher of FIG. 4 . This detection pattern is associated with the sensor port 108 and is shaped by a lens or a component selected from the optical elements shown in FIGS. 6-6E. The pattern is angled below horizontal (H) and is oriented symmetrically with respect to the toilet 116 . The range is limited somewhat, independent of walls (w); this can be achieved by limiting the detection sensitivity.

5B and 5C show schematic side and top views of a second light detection pattern used by the passive light sensor installed in the automatic toilet flusher of FIG. 4 . This detection pattern is shaped by a lens, or other optical component. The pattern is angled both below the horizontal (H) and above the horizontal (H). Also as shown in FIG. 5C , the pattern is oriented asymmetrically with respect to the toilet 116 .

5D and 5E show schematic side and top views of a third light detection pattern used by the passive light sensor installed in the automatic toilet flusher of FIG. 4 . This detection pattern is also shaped by a lens, or other optical component. The pattern is angled above the horizontal (H). Also as shown in FIG. 5E , the pattern is oriented asymmetrically with respect to the toilet 116 .

5F and 5G show schematic side and top views of a fourth light detection pattern used by the passive light sensor installed in the automatic toilet flusher of FIG. 4 . This detection pattern is angled below horizontal (H) and is oriented asymmetrically across the restroom 116 as shown in FIG. 5G . This detection pattern is especially useful for "toilet side flushers" described in US application 09/916,468, filed July 27, 2001, or in US application 09/972,496, filed October 6, 2001, both of which The application is hereby incorporated by reference.

Figures 5H and 5I show schematic side and top views of a light detection pattern used by a passive light sensor installed in the automatic urinal flusher of Figure 4A. This detection pattern is shaped by a lens, or other optical component. The pattern is angled both below horizontal (H) and above horizontal (H) in order to target ambient light changes caused by a person standing in front of the urinal 120 . For example, this pattern is oriented asymmetrically with respect to urinals 120 (as shown in FIG. 51 ) so as to eliminate or at least reduce light changes caused by a person standing at an adjacent urinal.

Figures 5J, 5K and 5L show schematic side and top views of another light detection pattern used by a passive light sensor installed in the automatic urinal flusher of Figure 4A. As mentioned above, this detection pattern is shaped by a lens, or other optical component. The pattern is angled below the horizontal (H) in order to eliminate the effect caused by the pendant lights. This pattern can be oriented asymmetrically to the left or right relative to the urinal 120 (as shown in Figure 5K or 5L). These kinds of detection patterns are especially useful for "urinal side flushers" as described in US application 09/916,468, filed July 27, 2001, or US application 09/972,496, filed October 6, 2001.

In general, the field of view of a passive optical sensor can be formed using optical components with selected geometries such as: bundled tubes, mirrors, light pipes, mirrors, pinhole arrays, slit arrays. These optics provide a down-looking field of view, eliminating invalid targets such as mirrors, doors, and walls. Various scales for object detection to horizontal field of view provide different options for object detection. For example, the horizontal field of view can be 1.2 times the width of the vertical field of view, and vice versa. A properly selected field of view can eliminate interfering signals from adjacent faucets or urinals. The detection algorithm includes a calibration procedure that takes into account the size and direction of the viewing selection area containing the field.

Figures 6 to 6E show different optical components for producing the desired detection pattern of the passive sensor. Figures 6 and 6B show different pinhole arrays. The thickness of the plate, the size and orientation of the pinholes (cross-sectional views are shown in Figures 6A and 6C) define the characteristics of the field of view. Figures 6D and 6E illustrate an array of slits used to generate a detection pattern as shown in Figures 5B and 5H. Such a plate may also include a shutter for shielding the top or bottom detection field.

FIG. 7 shows in detail an automatic flusher valve suitable for use with automatic bathroom flusher 100 or automatic bathroom flusher 100A. Other flush valves are described in the above referenced PCT applications. However other suitable flush valves are described in US Patents 6,382,586 and 5,244,179, both of which are incorporated herein by reference. In each case, the flush valve was controlled by the passive light sensor described here.

Referring to FIG. 7 , the automatic flush valve 140 is a high-performance, electric-controlled or human-controlled flush valve without a liquid tank. The automatic flush valve 140 uses a passive light sensor 130 (shown in Figure 7). Passive light sensor 130 includes a lens 134 for defining a detection field and providing ambient light to a light detector 132 . The plastic housing 135 includes a light window 136 and may also include the optical components described in connection with FIGS. 6-6E. The controller is provided on the circuit board 138 . The plastic shell 135 also encapsulates the batteries used to power the entire flushing system.

Referring also to FIG. 7, flush valve 140 includes an input connector 112, preferably made of a suitable plastic resin. Connector 112 is threaded to an input adapter that interacts with the building water system. Also, in the absence of water, the connector 12 is designed to rotate on its own axis in order to achieve alignment with the incoming water pipe. The connector 112 is connected to the water inlet tube 142 by a fastener 144 and a radial seal 146 such that the connector 112 can be moved in and out along the water inlet tube 142 . This movement enables alignment of the water inlet to the water supply pipe. However, with the fastener 144 secured, there is a water pressure exerted by the engagement of the connector 112 to the water inlet 142 . This will form a hermetically sealed unit via the sealer 146 . The supply water passes through the connector 112 to the water inlet 142 and through the water inlet grill filter 152 of the water inlet valve assembly 150, which is in the channel formed by the member 178 and is in contact with the main valve seat. 156 connected. The operation of the overall main valve can be better understood by referring to Figures 9 and 9A.

Electromagnetic actuator 201 controls the operation of the main valve, which is a "cascaded plunger valve" 270, as described in connection with Figures 8, 9 and 9A. In the open state, water flows through channels 152 and 158 into channels 159A and 159B and into main outlet 114 . In the closed state, the stacked unit 278 ( FIGS. 9 and 9A ) seals the valve main seat 156 , thereby shutting off the flow of water through the channel 158 . Automatic flusher 140 includes an adjustable water intake valve 150 controlled by rotation of a valve member 174 threadedly engaged with valve members 162 and 164 . Valve members 162 and 164 are sealed to body 170 by one or several O-rings 163 . Also, valve members 162 and 164 are restrained by threaded member 160 when member 174 is threaded all the way. This forcing force is transmitted to components 154 and 178 . The resulting force pushes down the unit 180 .

When the valve member 160 is fully loosened, the valve assemblies 150 and 151 move up due to the force of the spring 184 provided on the guide member 186 that is adjustable into the water valve. The spring force combined with the inlet fluid pressure from the pipe 142 forces the unit 151 to press the valve seat into contact with the O-ring 182 ring, realizing the sealing operation of the O-ring 182 . O-ring 182 (or other sealing member) blocks the internal passage of water into 152, which in turn allows all internal valve components including after closing valve 150 to be maintained without shutting off the water supply to water inlet 112. This is a major advantage of this embodiment.

According to another function of the adjustable valve 140, the threaded retainer is tightened part way, causing the valve body units 162 and 164 to only partially push the valve seats downward. A partial opening will provide a restriction of water flow, reducing the flow of water through the valve 150 input. This novel feature is designed to meet the specific needs of the application. In order to provide flow limitation for the installer, the inner surface of the valve body includes application instruction markings, such as 1.6W.C1.0GPF urinal, etc., for scaling the input water flow.

The automatic flush valve 140 is equipped with an electronic system provided in the housing 135 based on the aforementioned sensors. Also, the sensor-based electronic flushing system can be replaced by a fully mechanical activation button or lever. Alternatively, the flush valve may be controlled by a hydraulically timed mechanical actuator acting on a hydraulic delay, as described in PCT application PCT/US01/43273, which is incorporated Reference here. The hydraulic system can be adjusted to a delay period corresponding to the flushing volume requirements of the equipment given eg 1.6 GPFW.C. The hydraulic delay mechanism is capable of opening the pilot portion instead of the outlet aperture of the electromagnetic actuator 201 for a duration equal to the installer preset.

Referring again to FIG. 7, based on the passive light sensor signal, the microcontroller executes a control algorithm and provides on and off signals to the valve actuator 201, which in turn turns on or off the water delivery. The microcontroller can also perform a half-flush or delayed flush depending on the usage pattern (eg toilet, urinal, such as a urinal heavily used in a baseball diamond). The microcontroller can also perform a timed flush (such as a daily or weekly facility flush at a ski resort in summer) to avoid drying out of the water gates.

8 , 8A and 8B illustrate an automatic valve 38 constructed and designed to control the flow of water in automatic faucet 10 . Specifically, automatic valve 38 receives water at valve input port 202 and provides water from valve output port 204 in an open state. Automatic valve 38 includes a body 206 made of durable plastic or metal. Preferably, the valve body 206 is made of plastic material but includes a metal input coupler 210 and a metal output coupler 230 . The input and output couplers 210 and 230 are made of metal (such as brass, copper or steel) so that they can provide an engaging surface for a wrench to connect the couplers 210 and 230 to the water lines 24 and 25, respectively. . Valve body 206 includes a valve input port 240 and a valve output port 244, and a cavity 207 for receiving the various valve components shown in FIG.

Metal input coupler 210 is rotatably connected to input port 240 using a metal C-clamp ring 212 that slides into slot 214 within input coupler 210 and into slot 242 inside the body of input port 240 . Metal input coupler 230 is rotatably connected to output port 244 using a metal C-clamp ring 232 that slides into slot 234 inside output coupler 230 and slot 246 inside the body of output port 244 . In addition to connecting the wrench to designated surfaces of couplers 210 and 230, the rotatable design avoids tight connection of the water line to either of the two valve couplers when servicing the faucet 12. (ie, a maintenance person cannot secure the inlet and outlet pipes by snapping on the valve body 206 ) This design protects the relatively soft plastic body 206 of the automatic valve 38 . However, the body 206 could be made of metal, in which case the rotatable coupling described above would not be required. A sealing O-ring 216 seals the input coupler 210 to the input port 240 and a sealing O-ring 238 seals the output coupler 230 to the output port 244 .

Referring to FIGS. 8 , 8A and 8B, metal input coupler 210 includes an inlet flow regulator 220 ( FIG. 8 ) co-located with a flow control mechanism 310 . Inlet flow regulator 220 includes a regulator plunger 222 , a closing spring 224 positioned around regulator pin 226 and against a pin retainer 218 . The input water flow regulator 220 also includes a regulator rod 228 coupled to and displacing the regulator plunger 222 . Flow control mechanism 310 includes a screw cap 312 coupled by screw 314 to an adjustment cap 316 in communication with a flow control cam 320 . As the adjustment cap 316 is rotated, the flow control cam 320 slides linearly within the body 206 . The flow control cam 320 includes a water inlet flow opening 321 , a locking mechanism 323 and a chamfered surface 324 . The chamfered surface 324 is co-ordinated with the end 229 of the adjuster rod 228 . Linear movement of the flow control cam 320 within the valve body 206 will move the chamfered surface 324 and thus the regulator stem 228 . Regulator plunger 222 also includes an inner surface 223 coordinating with an inlet seat 211 of input coupler 210 . Linear movement of the regulator rod 228 moves the regulator plunger 222 between the closed position and the open position. In this closed position, the sealing surface 223 seals against the inner seat 211 with the force of the closing spring 224 . In the open position, the adjuster rod 228 displaces the adjuster pin 222 against the closing spring 224 thereby providing a selectively sized opening between the inlet seat 211 and the sealing surface 223 . Thus, by turning the adjustment cap 316 , the regulator lever 228 opens and closes the water inlet regulator 220 . Water inlet regulator 220 controls or completely shuts off water flow from water line 24 . The manual adjustment described above can be replaced by an automatic mechanical adjustment mechanism controlled by a microcontroller.

Still referring to Figures 8, 8A and 8B, the automatic valve 38 also includes a removable water inlet filter 330 that is movably placed above a water inlet filter holder 332, which is the lower valve housing a part of. The water inlet filter holder 332 also includes an O-ring and a set of water outlet holes 267 shown in FIG. 8 . The "stacked plunger" 270 is shown in detail in Figures 9 and 9A. Referring again to FIG. 8A , water from input port 202 of input coupler 210 flows through inlet flow regulator 220 and then through inlet flow opening 321 , and then through inlet filter 330 in inlet filter holder 332 . The water flow then reaches an input chamber 268 ( FIG. 9 ) within a cylinder input unit 276 which provides pressure against a flexible member 278 .

The automatic valve 38 also includes a service ring 340 (or a service lever) designed to pull the entire valve assembly including the attached actuator 200 out of the body 206 after the plug 316 is removed. Removal of the entire valve assembly also removes the attached actuator 200 (or actuator 201 ) and the pilot button described in PCT application PCT/US02/38757 and PCT application PCT/US02/38757, both of which incorporated by reference in this application. In order to achieve easy installation and maintenance, a rotary electrical contact is provided on the PCB at the end of the regulator 200 . In particular, the actuator 200 comprises on its end two annular contact areas providing a contact surface for the corresponding pin, all of which can be gold-plated for high quality contact. Alternatively, a stationary PCB can include the two annular contact areas, and the actuator can be connected to the movable contact pin. This tip, actuator contact in combination enables easy rotational contact simply by sliding the actuator 200 disposed in the valve body 206 .

FIG. 8C shows an automatic valve 38 including a leak detector for indicating water leakage or water flow through the valve arrangement 38 . The leak detector includes an electronic measurement circuit 350 and at least two electrodes 348 and 349 coupled to input coupler 210 and output coupler 230, respectively. (The leak detector may also include four electrodes for a four-point resistivity measurement). Valve body 206 is made of plastic or other non-conductive material. In the off state, when there is no water flow between the input coupler 210 and the output coupler 230, the electronic circuit 350 measures a very high resistance value between these two electrodes. In the on state, the resistance between input coupler 210 and output coupler 230 drops significantly because the water flow provides a conductive path.

There are various embodiments of electronics 350 capable of providing DC measurements, AC measurements including noise cancellation using synchronous amplifiers (as is known in the art). In addition, electronics 350 may include a bridge or other measurement circuit for accurate measurement of resistivity. Electronic circuit 350 provides this resistance value to a microcontroller and thereby indicates when valve 38 is in the open state. Furthermore, the leak detector indicates when an undesired water leak occurs between the input coupler 210 and the output coupler 230 . The entire valve 38 is placed in an insulating housing to prevent any unwanted ground paths from affecting the conductivity measurement. Also, in the event of water leaking from the valve 38 into the housing, the leak detector can indicate some other valve failure. Thus, the leak detector is able to sense unwanted water leaks that would otherwise be difficult to observe. The leak detector is configured to detect the open state of the automatic faucet system in order to confirm the correct operation of the actuator 200 .

Automatic valve 38 may comprise a conventional diaphragm valve, conventional piston valve, or the novel "stacked plunger" valve 270 described in detail in connection with FIGS. 9 and 9A. Referring to FIG. 9, the valve 270 includes a terminal body 276 including an annular lip seal 275 placed with a flexible member 278 to provide a seal between the inlet port cavity 268 and the output port cavity 269. . Tip body 276 also includes one or several flow channels 267 (also shown in FIG. 8 ) providing communication between input volume 268 and output volume 269 . (in the open state). The flexible member 278 also includes sealing members 279A and 279B for providing a sliding closure relative to the valve body 272 between the pilot volume 292 and the output volume 271 . There are various possible embodiments of seals 279A and 279B (FIG. 9). Such a seal may be a single-sided seal or a double-sided seal, as shown at 279A and 279B in Figure 9 . Also, there are various additional embodiments including sliding seals such as O-rings.

The present invention contemplates valve arrangement 270 having various sizes. For example, the "full" dimensional embodiment has a bolt diameter A = 0.070", spring diameter B = 0.310", flexible member diameter C = 0.730", overall stack and seal diameter D = 0.412", bolt length E = 0.450", body height F = 0.380", guide cavity height G = 0.220", stack size H = 0.160", and stack run I = 0.100". The overall height of the valve is about 1.35" and the diameter is about 1.174".

The "half-size" embodiment of the "stacked plunger" valve has the following dimensions provided with the same reference letters. In this "half size" valve, A=0.070", B=0.30", C=0.560", D=0.650", E=0.34", F=0.310", G=0.215", H=0.125" and I = 0.60". The 1/2 size embodiment has an overall length of approximately 1.350" and a diameter of approximately 0.455". Different embodiments of the "stacked plunger" valve assembly may have various larger or smaller dimensions .

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 9A , the stacked plunger valve 270 receives fluid at the input port 268 which, in a closed state, exerts pressure on a sealing diaphragm-like member 278 co-provided with a lip member 275 . Recessed passage 288 within pin 286 provides pressure communication with pilot chamber 292 , which communicates with actuator cavity 300 through communication passages 294A and 294B. An actuator (described in PCT application PCT/US02/38757) provides a seal with surface 298, thereby sealing channels 294A and 294B, and thus sealing pilot chamber 300. When the plunger of actuator 200 is moved away from surface 298 , fluid flows through channels 294A and 294B to control channel 296 and to output port 269 . This will cause the pressure in the pilot volume 292 to drop. Accordingly, diaphragm-like member 278 and plunger-like member 288 move linearly within cavity 292 , thereby providing a relatively large fluid opening with lip seal 275 . A large amount of fluid can flow from input port 268 to output port 269 .

As the plunger of actuator 200 seals control passages 294A and 294B, pressure builds in pilot volume 292 due to the flow of fluid from input port 268 through “seepage” groove 288 in pilot pin 286 . The increased pressure in the guide cavity 292 together with the force of the spring 290 linearly moves the laminate 270 in a sliding movement towards the sealing lip 275 over the guide pin 286 . When there is sufficient pressure in the pilot volume 292 , the diaphragm-like flexible member 278 will seal the inlet port volume 268 with a lip seal 275 . The soft part 278 includes an inner opening designed to utilize the guide pin 286 to clear the groove 288 during sliding movement. That is, the groove 288 of the guide pin 286 is periodically cleaned.

The embodiment of FIG. 9 shows a valve with a central input cavity 268 (and guide pin 286 ) positioned symmetrically with respect to exhaust passages 294A and 294B (and the position of the plunger of actuator 200 ). However, the valve arrangement may have the input cavity 268 (and guide pin 286 ) positioned asymmetrically with respect to the passages 294A, 294B and the output discharge passage 296 . That is, in such a design, the valve has the input cavity 268 and guide pin 286 positioned asymmetrically relative to the position of the plug of the actuator 200 . The symmetrical and asymmetrical embodiments are equivalent.

Automatic valve 38 has many advantages associated with long-term operation and ease of maintenance. The automatic valve 38 includes a water inlet regulator 220 which will allow servicing of the valve without shutting off the water supply elsewhere. The internal dimensions including the cavity 207 and the configuration of the valve 38 of the actuator 200 allow easy replacement of this internal part. Maintenance personnel can remove screw 314 and screw cap 312 and subsequently remove adjustment cap 316 to open valve 38 . The valve 38 also includes a service ring 340 (or a service lever) designed to pull the entire valve assembly including the attached actuator 200 out of the body 206 . Service personnel can thus replace any defective parts, including the actuator 200 , or replace the entire assembly, and insert the repaired assembly back into the valve body 206 . Due to the design of the valve, such a repair would only take a few minutes and would not require disconnecting the valve 38 from the water line or shutting off the water supply. Beneficially, this "stacked plunger" design 270 provides a large stroke and thus a high rate of water flow relative to its size.

Another embodiment of the "stacked plunger" valve arrangement is described in PCT application PCT/US02/34757, filed December 4, 2002 and PCT application PCT/US03/20117, filed June 24, 2003 , both PCT applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. Likewise, the entire operation of this valve arrangement is controlled by a single solenoid actuator, which may be a latch as described in PCT application PCT/US01/51054, filed October 25, 2001 solenoid actuator or an insulated actuator, the PCT application is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIG. 10 schematically shows an electronic controller 400 powered by a battery 420 . The electronic controller 400 includes a battery conditioning unit 422 , a dead or low battery detection unit 425 , a passive sensor and signal processing unit 402 , and a microcontroller 405 . The battery conditioning unit 422 supplies power to the entire control system. It provides 6.0V power to the "no battery" detector; 6.0V power to the low battery detector; and 6.0V power to the power driver 408. It provides a regulated 3.0V power to microcontroller 405 .

The "no battery" detector generates a pulse to the microcontroller 405, notifying the microcontroller 405 in the form of a "no battery" signal. A low battery detector is coupled to the battery/power regulator to 6.0V power. When the power drops below 4.2V, the detector generates a pulse (ie, low battery signal) to the microcontroller. Upon receiving the "low battery" signal, the microcontroller will blink an indicator 430 (such as an LED) at a frequency of 1 Hz, or may provide an audible alarm. After 2000 flushes in a low battery state, the microcontroller will stop flushing but still blink the LED.

As described in connection with FIG. 10B, the passive sensor and signal processing module 402 converts the resistance of a photoresistor into a pulse, which is sent to the microcontroller via the charging pulse signal. A change in the pulse width represents a change in resistance, which in turn corresponds to a change in the illumination. The control circuit also includes a clock/reset unit that provides clock pulse generation and resets the pulse generation. It generates a reset pulse at 4Hz and clock pulses at the same frequency. The reset signal is sent to the microcontroller 405, either by a "reset" signal to counter the microcontroller or to wake it up from inactive mode.

A manual key switch can be formed from a reed switch and a magnet. When the user pushes the button down, the circuit sends a signal to the clock/reset unit via the manual signal IRQ, which then forces the clock/reset unit to generate a reset signal. At the same time, the manual signal level is changed to respond to microcontroller 405 that it is a valid manual flush signal.

Still referring to FIG. 10, the electronic controller 400 receives signals from the light sensor unit 402 and controls an actuator 412, a controller or microcontroller 405, an input unit (eg, light sensor), solenoid driver 408 (power supply driver) receives power from a battery 420 regulated by a voltage regulator 422. Microcontroller 405 is designed for power efficient operation. To save power, the microcontroller 405 is initially in a low frequency quiescent mode, and periodically addresses the light sensor to see if it is triggered. After triggering, the microcontroller provides a control signal to the power controller 418, which powers the voltage regulator 422 (i.e., a booster 422), the light sensor unit 402, and the signal conditioner 416 of a switch. (To simplify the block diagram, connections from power consumption controller 418 to light sensor unit 402 and signal conditioner 416 are not shown.)

The microcontroller 405 can receive an input signal from an external input unit (eg a push button switch) designed for manual actuation or for a control input of the actuator 410 . Specifically, microcontroller 405 provides control signals 406A and 406B to power driver 408 , which drives the solenoid of actuator 410 . The power driver 408 receives DC power from the battery and the voltage regulator 422 regulates this battery power to provide a substantially constant voltage to the power driver 408 . An actuator sensor 412 registers or monitors the armature position of the actuator 410 and provides a control signal 415 to a signal conditioner 423 . A low battery detection unit 425 detects battery power and can provide an interrupt signal to microcontroller 405 .

Actuator sensor 412 provides data about the movement or position of the actuator's armature to microcontroller 405 (via signal conditioner 423 ) and uses this data for controller power driver 408 . Actuator sensor 412 may be an electromagnetic sensor (eg, an extraction coil), capacitive sensor, Hall effect sensor, optical sensor, pressure transducer, or any other type of sensor.

Microcontroller 405 is preferably an 8-bit CMOS microcontroller TMP86P807M manufactured by Toshiba. The microcontroller has a program memory of 8 kilobytes and a data memory of 256 bytes. Programming is accomplished with a general-purpose PROM programmer using a Toshiba adapter socket. The microcontroller operates at 3 frequencies ( _fc = 16MHz, _fc = 8MHz and _fs = 332.768kHz), where the first two clock frequencies are used in normal mode and the third frequency is used in low power mode (i.e. a static mode). The microcontroller 405 operates in this quiescent mode between various actuations. To save battery power, microcontroller 405 periodically samples light sensor 402 for an input signal and then triggers power consumption controller 418 . Power consumption controller 418 supplies power to signal conditioner 423 and other units. Additionally, the light sensor 402, voltage regulator 422 (ie, booster 422), and one signal conditioner 423 are not powered to conserve battery power. During operation, microcontroller 405 also provides indication data to an indicator 430 . Electronic controller 400 may receive signals from passive light sensors or the active light sensors described above. The passive light sensor includes only one light detector which provides a detection signal to the microcontroller 405 .

Low battery detection unit 425 may be a low battery detector model number TC54VN4202EMB, available from Microchip Technology. Voltage regulator 422 may be a voltage regulator part number TC55RP3502EMB, also available from Microchip Technologies (http://www.microchip.com). Microcontroller 405 may be selected as microcontroller part MCUCOP8SAB728M9, available from National Semiconductor.

Another embodiment of an electronic controller 400 is schematically shown in FIG. 10A . Electronic controller 400 receives signals from light sensor unit 402 and controls actuator 411 . As mentioned above, the electronic controller also includes microcontroller 405 , solenoid driver 408 (ie power driver), voltage regulator 422 and battery 420 . The solenoid actuator 411 includes two coil sensors 411A and 411B. Coil sensors 411A and 411B provide signals to respective preamplifiers 416A and 416B and low pass filters 417A and 417B. Differentiator 419 provides a differential signal to microcontroller 405 in a feedback loop arrangement.

To open a fluid channel, microcontroller 405 sends OPEN signal 406B to power driver 408, which provides a drive current to the excitation coil of actuator 410 in the direction to retract the armature. Simultaneously, coils 411A and 411B provide sense signals to the regulation feedback loop, which includes the preamplifier and the low pass filter. If the output of a differentiator circuit 419 indicates less than a selected threshold limit for the retracted armature (ie, the armature does not reach the selected position), the microcontroller 405 will maintain the OPEN signal 406B. If no plunger armature movement is detected, the microcontroller 405 can apply a different (higher) level of the OPEN signal 406B in order to increase the drive current provided by the power driver 408 (up to several times the normal drive current). In this way, the system is able to move an armature that has stalled due to mineral deposits or other problems.

Microcontroller 405 can detect armature displacement (or even monitor armature movement) using the sensed signals in coils 411A and 411B provided to the regulation feedback loop. As the output of the differentiator 419 changes in response to the displacement of the armature, the microcontroller 405 can apply a different (lower) level of the OPEN signal 406B, i.e. can turn off the OPEN signal 406B, which in turn will instruct the power driver 408 to apply different levels of drive current. The result is usually that the drive current has been reduced, or the duration of the drive current has been longer than the time required to open the fluid channel under worst case conditions (i.e. would have to be used without using an armature detector). ) is much shorter. Thus, the system saves considerable energy and thus extends battery 420 life.

Beneficially, the design of the coil sensors 411A and 411B is able to detect the latching and unlatching movement of the actuator armature with great accuracy. (However, a single coil sensor, or multiple coil sensors, or capacitive sensors could also be used to detect the armature movement.) Microcontroller 405 can command a selected profile of drive current applied by power driver 408 . Various configuration files can be stored in the microcontroller 405 and if the actuator 410 is activated due to installation or last maintenance, battery level, input from an external sensor (such as a motion sensor or presence sensor), or other factors Already in operation, the microcontroller 405 can be activated depending on the type of fluid, fluid pressure (water pressure), fluid temperature (water temperature). Based on the water pressure and the known orifice size, the automatic flush valve can provide a known amount of flush.

FIG. 10B provides a schematic diagram of a detection circuit for the passive light sensor 50 . Passive light sensors include no light source (no lamp emission occurs) and only a light detector that detects incoming light. Compared to active light sensors, the passive sensor achieves reduced power consumption since all power consumption associated with the IR emitter is eliminated. The light detector can be a photodiode, photo-resistor or other optical component that provides an electrical output that depends on the intensity or wavelength of the received light. The photoreceptor is chosen such that it is activated in the range of 350 to 1500 nm, and preferably 400 to 1000 nm, more preferably 500 to 950 nm. Thus, the light detector is not sensitive to body heat emitted by a user of the faucet 10, 10A, 10B or 10C, or by a user positioned in front of the flusher 100 or 100A.

Figure 10B shows a schematic diagram of a detection circuit used by a passive sensor, which achieves a significant reduction in energy consumption. The detection circuit consists of a detection element D (eg photodiode or photo-resistor), two connected comparators (U _1A and U _1B ) providing a readout from the detection element when a high pulse is received. The detection element is preferably a photo-resistor. The voltage V _CC received from the power supply is +5V (or +3V). Resistors _R2 and _R3 are a voltage divider between _VCC and ground. A diode _D1 is connected between the pulse input and output lines in order to enable the readout of the capacitance of the capacitor _C1 charged during this light detection.

Preferably, the photo-resistor is designed to receive light with an intensity in the range of 1 lux to 1000 lux by appropriate design of the optical lens 54 or optical components shown in FIGS. 6 to 6E. For example, optical lens 54 may comprise a photochromic material or a variable sized aperture. Typically, the photo-resistor can receive light in the range of 0.1 lux to 500 lux for proper detection. The resistance of the photodiode is very large for low light intensities and decreases (typically exponentially) with increasing light intensities.

Still referring to FIG. 10B , upon receiving a "high" pulse at the input node, comparator U _1A receives the "high" pulse and provides the "high" pulse to node A. At this point, the corresponding capacitor charge is read out to output 7 via comparator U1B. The output pulse is of a duration dependent on the photocurrent (ie charging capacitor _C1 during the photodetection period). Thus, the microcontroller 34 receives a signal dependent on the detected light.

If there is no high signal, comparator _U1A provides no signal to node A, so capacitor _C1 charges with the photocurrent excited by resistor D between _VCC and ground. The charging and readout (discharging) process is repeated in a controlled manner with a high pulse supplied by the control input. The output receives a high output, ie, a rectangular wave having a duration proportional to the photocurrent excited by the photoresistor. The detection signal is a detection algorithm implemented by the microcontroller 405 .

By eliminating the need for energy-consuming IR light sources used in active light sensors, the system can be configured to achieve a long battery life (typically many years of operation without battery changes). Furthermore, the passive sensor enables a more accurate means of determining the presence of the user, the movement of the user, and the direction of movement of the user.

When considering which type of optical sensor element is used in connection with this preferred embodiment, it depends on the following factors: the response time of the light-resistor is on the order of 20-50 milliseconds, so the response time of the light-emitting diode is in the order of several On the order of microseconds, a photo-resistor that takes significantly longer to form will affect overall energy usage.

Also, the passive light sensor can be used to determine light or dark in a facility, and in turn change the sensing frequency (when implemented in the faucet detection algorithm). That is, the sensing rate is reduced in a dark installation under the assumption that the faucet or flusher will not be used. The reduction in sensing frequency also reduces this overall energy consumption, and thus will extend battery life.

Figure 11 is a block diagram illustrating various factors affecting the operation and calibration of the passive optical system. The sensor environment is important since detection depends on the ambient light conditions. If the ambient light in the facility changes from normal to bright, the detection algorithm must scale the background and the detection scale. As the light conditions change, as indicated by the provided algorithm, the detection process changes (585). For each device there are some fixed conditions (588), such as walls, toilet location, and their surface condition. The provided algorithm periodically calibrates the detection signal to account for these conditions. The above mentioned factors are combined in the following algorithm.

12-12I, the microcontroller is programmed to execute a flushing algorithm 600 for flushing the toilet 116 or urinal 120 at different lighting levels. Algorithm 600 will detect different users in front of the flusher as the user approaches the flusher, uses the toilet or urinal, and leaves the flusher. Depending on these activities, algorithm 600 uses different states. In order to automatically flush the toilet at appropriate intervals, there is a time period between each state. Algorithm 600 also controls flushing at specific intervals so that it is clear that the restroom has not been used without detection. The passive photodetector used in algorithm 600 is preferably a photoresistor coupled to the readout circuit shown in FIG. 10B.

Algorithm 200 has three light modes: bright mode (mode 1), dark mode (mode 3), normal mode (mode 2). The bright mode (mode 1) is set as the microcontroller mode corresponding to a large amount of light detection when the resistance is less than 2 kΩ (Pb) (Fig. 12). When the resistance is greater than 2 MΩ (Pd), the dark mode (mode 3) is set to correspond to a mode with little light detection (Fig. 12). The normal mode (mode 2) is defined as the mode corresponding to the current customary light quantity when the resistance is between 2kΩ and 2MΩ. The resistance value is measured based on one pulse width (corresponding to the resistance value of the photoresistor in FIG. 10B ). The aforementioned resistance thresholds are different for different photoresistors, and the cases shown here will be used for illustration purposes only.

The microcontroller is constantly looping through the algorithm 600, where it will wake up, eg, every second, to determine which mode was the last one it was in (due to the amount of light it was in the previous cycle). From the current mode, the microcontroller will estimate from the measurement of the current pulse width (P) which mode it will transition to, which corresponds to the resistance value of the photoresistor.

The microcontroller will go through 6 states in mode 2. In order to start flushing, the following states are required: an Idle state, in which no background change of lighting occurs, and in which the microcontroller measures the ambient light; a TargetIn state, in which a target begins to enter the sensing range of the sensor; an In8Seconds state, in which During this state, the target walks in the direction of the sensor, the measured pulse width is stabilized for 8 seconds (if the target leaves after 8 seconds, no flushing); an After8Seconds state, in which the target has entered the sensor The sensing range, and the pulse width is stabilized for greater than 8 seconds, means that the target has remained in front of the sensor for greater than 8 seconds (and after that, if the target leaves, the warning flushes); a TargetOut state, where The target moves far out of the sensing range of the sensor; an In2Seconds state where the background is stable after the target leaves. After this last state, the microcontroller will flush and return to the Idle state.

When the target moves close to the sensor, the target can block light, especially when wearing dark, light-absorbing clothing. Thus, the detector will detect lens light during the TargetIn state, so the resistance will rise (causing a state then called TargetInUp ) while the microcontroller will detect more light during the TargetOut state, so that the resistance will fall ( hereinafter referred to as the TargetOutUp state). However, if the target is wearing light-colored, reflective clothing, then as the target gets closer, the microcontroller will be in the TargetIn state (causing the TargetInDown state described hereinafter), and rarely in the TargetOut state (subsequently Called the TargetOutDown state) to detect more rays. Two seconds after the subject leaves the bathroom, the microcontroller will cause the bathroom to flush and the microcontroller will return to the Idle state.

To test for the presence of a target, the microcontroller checks the stability of the pulse width, or the way in which the value of P is variable over a specific period, and whether the pulse width is variable rather than constant, the chosen background level, or a provided threshold ( unstable ) for this pulse width variable. In checking the stability of the value, the system uses two other constants to preselect the value in algorithm 600 to set the state to Mode 2 . One of these two preselected values is Stable1 , which is a constant threshold for the pulse width variable. Below this preselected value it means that there is no action in front of the unit, since the P value does not change during the period being measured. The second preselected value used to determine the stability of the P value is Stable2 , which is another constant threshold for this pulse width variable. In this case, being below the predetermined value means that a user has not moved in front of the microcontroller during the period being measured.

The microcontroller also calculates a target (Target) value, or pulse width in the After8Sec state, and then checks whether the target value is higher (in the case of TargetInUp) or lower (in the case of TargetInDown) in the background light A specific level above intensity: Background (background light intensity) × (1+PERCENTAGEIN (parameter representing the percentage when the target enters)) for TargetInUp, and Background × (1-PERCENTAGEIN) for TargetInDown. To check TargetOutUp and TargetOutDown, the microcontroller uses a second set of values: Background x (1 + PERCENTAGEOUT (representing the percentage parameter when the target is away)) and Background x (1 - PERCENTAGEOUT).

Referring to Fig. 12, every 1 second (601), the microcontroller wakes up and measures the pulse width P (602). The microcontroller will then determine the mode it was in before: if it was in mode 1 (604), it will now enter mode 1 (614). If it was already in mode 2 in the previous cycle (606), it will similarly enter mode 2 (616), or if it was already in mode 3 in the previous cycle (608), it will similarly enter mode 3 (618). If it cannot determine which mode was entered in the previous cycle, the microcontroller will enter Mode 2 as the default mode (610). Once the mode subroutine ends, the microcontroller will enter the quiescent mode (612) until the next cycle 600 begins at step 601.

Referring to Figure 12A (Mode 1 - Bright Mode), if the microcontroller was previously in Mode 1 based on a P value less than or equal to 2 kΩ, and the current P value is greater than 8 seconds but less than 60 as measured by Timer 1 Seconds (628) period remains greater than or equal to 2kΩ (620), the microcontroller will cause a flush (640), all Mode 1 timers (Timer 1 and Timer 2) will be reset (630 ), and the microcontroller will go to sleep (612) until the next cycle 600 begins with step 601. However, if P changes (628) while Timer 1 is counting greater than 8 seconds or less than 60 seconds, then there will be no flush (640). At this point all Mode 1 timers are simply reset (630), the microcontroller will go to sleep (612), and Mode 1 will continue to be set as the microcontroller mode until the next cycle 600 begins.

If the microcontroller was previously in Mode 1, but the value of P is currently greater than 2kΩ and less than 2MΩ (622) for greater than 60 seconds (634) counted from the Timer 1 (632), then all modes of Mode 1 will be reset. Timer (644), the microcontroller will set mode 2 (646) as the system mode, so that the microcontroller starts mode 2 in the next cycle 600, and the microcontroller will go to sleep (612). However, if P changes (134 to 148) while Timer 1 is counting 60 seconds, modulo 1 will remain in the microcontroller mode and the microcontroller will go to sleep (612) until the next cycle 600 start.

If the microcontroller was previously in Mode 1 and the value of P is currently greater than or equal to 2 MΩ (624) while Timer 2 counts (636) is greater than 8 seconds (638), all Mode 1 timers will be reset ( 650), the microcontroller will set Mode 3 (652) as the new system state, and the microcontroller will go to sleep (612) until the next cycle 600 begins. However, if the P value changes while Timer 2 is counting for 8 seconds, the microcontroller will go to sleep (steps 638 to 612) and Mode 1 will continue to be set as the microcontroller mode until The next cycle 600 begins.

Referring to FIG. 12B (Mode 3-Dark Mode), if the microcontroller was previously in Mode 3, according to the P value has been greater than or equal to 2MΩ but the current value of the P value is less than or equal to 2kΩ (810), the microcontroller will reset timers 3 and 4, or all mode 3 timers (816), the microcontroller will set mode 1 to Current state until the start of the next cycle 600, and the microcontroller will go to sleep (612). However, if the value of P changes while Timer 3 is counting for 8 seconds, the microcontroller will go from step 814 to 612 so that the microcontroller will go to sleep and Mode 3 will continue to be set to the microcontroller controller mode until the next cycle 600 starts.

If the microcontroller was previously in mode 3, the microcontroller will reset timers 3 and 4 (822) based on the value of P being greater than or equal to 2MΩ, and the value of P is still greater than or equal to 2MΩ (820), The microcontroller will go to sleep (612) and the microcontroller mode will continue to be set to mode 3 until the start of the next cycle 600.

If the microcontroller was previously in mode 3, but the value of P is currently between 2kΩ and 2MΩ (824) for a period longer than two seconds (828) measured by timer 4 (826), then the timer MCUs 3 and 4 will be reset (830), mode 2 will be set as this mode (832) until the next cycle 600 begins, and the microcontroller will go to sleep (612). However, if P changes while Timer 4 is counting longer than 2 seconds, modulo 3 will remain in the microcontroller mode, and the microcontroller will go to sleep by going from step 828 to step 612 until the next cycle 600 to start. If there is an abnormal value of P, the microcontroller will go to sleep (612) until a new cycle starts.

Referring to Figure 12C (Mode 2 - Normal Mode), if the microcontroller mode was previously set to Mode 2 and the current P is less than or equal to 2 kΩ for a period (664) greater than 8 seconds as measured by Timer 5 (656), then all mode 2 timers will be reset, mode 1 (bright mode) will be set to microcontroller mode (676), and the microcontroller will go to sleep (612). However, if the P value changes while Timer 5 is counting for longer than 8 seconds, the microcontroller will go to sleep (steps 664 to 612), and Mode 2 will continue to be the microcontroller mode until The next cycle 600 begins.

However, if the current P value is greater than or equal to 2 MΩ (658) for a period (668) longer than 8 seconds (670) measured by timer 6, then the bathroom is not in the Idle state (i.e. there is a background change, 680 ), and the P value remains greater than or equal to 2MΩ while timer 6 counts for more than 5 minutes (688), then the system will flush (690). After flushing, timers 5 and 6 will be reset (692), mode 3 will be set as microcontroller mode (694), and the microcontroller will go to sleep (612). Otherwise, if P changes while Timer 6 is counting for longer than 5 minutes, the system will go from step 688 to 612 and go to sleep.

If the microcontroller mode was previously set to Mode 2, the current P value is greater than or equal to 2 MΩ (658) for a period (670) greater than 8 seconds measured by Timer 6 (668), but the bathroom is in Idle state (680), then timers 5 and 6 will be reset (682), mode 3 will be set as microcontroller mode (684), and the microcontroller will go to sleep at step 612.

If the value of P is greater than or equal to 2 MΩ but still changes while Timer 6 is counting (668) greater than 8 seconds (670), the microcontroller will go to sleep (612) and Mode 2 will remain as the microcontroller Controller mode. If the P value is within a different value, the microcontroller will go to step 660 (shown in Figure 12D).

Referring to Figure 12D, alternatively, if the microcontroller mode was previously set to Mode 2, and the value of P is greater than 2kΩ and less than 2MΩ (661) it will reset timers 5 and 6 (666), by evaluating the last four pulses The pulse width stability is checked (667) by the amount of change in the width value, and the target value is found by determining the average value of the pulse width (step 669).

At this point, when the state of the microcontroller is found to be the Idle state (672), the microcontroller goes to step 675. In step 675, if the stability value is found to be greater than the constant instability value, it means that a user is present in front of the unit, and the target value is greater than the Background*(1+PercentageIn) value, which means The light detected by the microcontroller has decreased, which will result in step 680 and a TargetInUp state (i.e. resistance increases due to light being blocked or absorbed due to a user entering in the direction of the unit), and the microcontroller will Go to dormant state (612), with mode 2 TargetInUp as this microcontroller mode and state.

When the condition set in step 675 is not a true condition, the microcontroller will detect a true condition in step 677 . In step 677, if the stability is found to be greater than the constant instability value due to a user being in front of the unit, but the target value is less than the Background*(1-PercentageIn) value due to the increase in detected light, then Will result in a "TargetInDown" state in step 681 (i.e. user's arrival, lower resistance due to reflection of light illuminating his clothing) and the microcontroller will go to sleep (612) in mode 2 TargetInDown as the microcontroller mode and state. However, if the microcontroller state is not the Idle state (672), the microcontroller will go to step 673 (shown in Figure 12E).

Referring to FIG. 12E, if the system starts from the TargetInUp state (683), then in step 689 the system will check whether the stability is less than the constant Stable2, and whether the target value is greater than Background*(1+PercentageIn) (689). If these two conditions are satisfied simultaneously, then will mean that a user is motionless in front of this unit, has blocked light, and this microcontroller will enter In8SecUp state (697) this moment, and transfer to dormant state (612) . If these two states are not satisfied in step 689, then the system will detect whether the stability is less than Stable1 and whether the target is less than Background*(1+PercentageIn) (691) at the same time, meaning that there is no user in front of the unit, and the The unit detects a large amount of light. If this is the case, the system state will be set to Mode 2 Idle (699) and the microcontroller will go to sleep (612). If none of the conditions set in steps 689 and 691 is met, the system will go to sleep (612).

If the TargetInDown state (686) has been set in the previous cycle, then the system will check in step 693 whether the stability is less than Stable2 and whether the target is less than Background*(1-PercentageIn). If this is the case, it will mean that a user is not moving in front of the unit, and as more light is detected, the microcontroller will enter the state into In8SecDown (701), and then go to sleep ( 612).

If both requirements are not met in step 693, the microcontroller will check if the stability is less than Stable1, while checking in step 698 if the target is greater than Background*(1-PercentageIn). If both conditions are true, since these conditions indicate no activity in front of the unit, the state will be set to Mode 2 Idle (703), and a large amount of light is detected by the unit, and the microcontroller will switch to Go to sleep (612). If the stability and target do not meet the settings of either step 693 or 698, then the microcontroller will go to sleep (612), and Mode 2 will continue to be the microcontroller state. If the state is not Idle, TargetInUp or TargetInDown, the microcontroller continues with step 695 (shown in Figure 12F).

Referring to Figure 12F, if In8SecUp has been set as state (700), the unit will check if the Stability is less than Stable2, and in step 702 also checks if the Target is greater than Background*(1+PercentageIn). If these conditions are met, meaning that there is a stationary user in front of the unit, and there is still little light detected, the timer for this In8Sec state will start counting (708). If these two states continue to maintain unchanged, and the timer counts longer than 8 seconds, the timer 7 is reset (712), the microcontroller enters the After8SecUp state (714), and finally goes to the dormant state (612). If these two conditions change and the timer counts for more than 8 seconds (710), the microcontroller will go to sleep (612). If the requirement in step 702 is not met by the value of Stability and Target, the In8Sec timer is reset (704), in step 706, the microcontroller state is set to TargetInUp, and the microcontroller will Go to step 673 (FIG. 12E).

With reference to Fig. 12E, if this micro-controller state is set to In8SecDown (716), then micro-controller checks whether stability is less than Stable2, and checks whether target is less than Background * (1-PercentageIn) in step 718 simultaneously, so that check whether The user does not move in front of the unit, and continues to detect a large amount of light. If the two values meet the requirements at the same time, the In8Sec state timer will start counting (724). If the count is longer than 8 seconds and both states are satisfied (726), Timer 7 will be reset (728), the state will go to After8SecDown (730), and the microcontroller will go to sleep (612).

If the timer counts no longer than 8 seconds, while stability and target remain within those ranges, the microcontroller will advance the state by seconds and will go to sleep (612). If the stability and target values do not meet the requirements of step 718, the In8SecTimer will be reset (720), and the microcontroller state will be set to TargetInDown (722), where the microcontroller will proceed to step 673 (FIG. 12E ). If the Mode 2 state is not any of Figures 12C-F, the system continues with step 732 (shown in Figure 12G).

Referring to Figure 12G, in step 734, if the system is in After8SecUp state (734), it will be checked if Stability is less than Stable1, ie there is no activity in front of the unit. If yes, timer 7 will start counting (742), and if the stability remains less than Stable1 until the counting of timer 7 is longer than 15 minutes, then the microcontroller will flush (746), and the Idle state will is set (748), and the microcontroller will go to sleep (612). If Stability does not remain less than the Stablel value until Timer 7 counts longer than 15 minutes, then until the next cycle, the microcontroller will go to sleep (612).

If Stability is not less than Stable1, the microcontroller will check if it is greater than Unstable, and check if Target is greater than Background*(1+PercentageOut) (738). If both of these criteria are met, it means that there is a user moving in front of the unit, but more light is detected because the user is leaving, the microcontroller goes to Mode 2 TargetOutUp as the microcontroller state (740), and the microcontroller goes to sleep (612). If the stability and target do not meet these two criteria in step 738, the microcontroller goes to sleep (612).

If the microcontroller is in After8SecDown (750), it will check with step 752 whether the stability is less than Stable1. If yes, timer 7 will start counting (754), and if its count is longer than 15 minutes (756), the microcontroller will flush (758), the Idle state will be set (760), and the microcontroller The controller will go to sleep (612). If the stability is not until the timer 7 counts longer than 15 minutes and remains less than the Stable1 value, then until the next cycle, the microcontroller will go to sleep (612).

If the stability is not found to be less than Stable1 at step 752, then the microcontroller will check to see if the stability is greater than Unstable, while checking at step 762 whether the target is less than Background*(1-PercentageOut). If so, this means that there is a user in front of the unit, and because the user is leaving and detects very little light, the microcontroller makes the state into TargetOutDown with step 764, and will go to sleep (612 ). Otherwise, if neither condition is met at step 762, the microcontroller will go to sleep (612). If the Mode 2 state is not any of Figures 12C-G, the system continues with step 770 (shown in Figure 12H).

Referring to FIG. 12H , if TargetOutUp has been set as state (772), the microcontroller will check whether the stability is less than Stable1, and in step 774 simultaneously check whether the target is less than Background×(1+PercentageOut). If so, the state will be set as In2Sec (776) and the microcontroller will go to sleep (612). But if the stability and the target in step 774 do not satisfy the criterion simultaneously, the microcontroller will detect whether the stability is greater than Unstable, and simultaneously in step 778 detect whether the target is greater than Background*(1+PercentageOut ). If yes, then set the state to After8SecUp (780) and go to step 732 to continue the process (see Figure 12). If the criteria are not met 774 or in step 778 for stability and target, then the microcontroller will go to sleep (612).

If the microcontroller is in the TargetOutDown state (782), it will check if the Stability is less than Stable1, and simultaneously check if the Target is greater than Background*(1-PercentageOut) (783). If yes, that means there is no activity in front of the unit, and very little light is reaching the unit, causing the microcontroller to enter the state into In2Sec (784), and go to sleep (612). However, if the stability and the target in step 783 do not all satisfy both criteria, then the microcontroller will check whether the stability is greater than Unstable, and at the same time detect in step 785 whether the target is less than Background*(1-PercentageOut) . If yes, the microcontroller will set the state to After8SecDown (788), and go to step 732 to continue the process (see Figure 12G) If neither stability nor target in 783 or step 785 satisfies the criterion, then The microcontroller will go to sleep (612).

Referring to Fig. 12I, if the microcontroller set the In2Sec state (791) in the previous cycle, the microcontroller will check whether the Stability is less than Stable1 (792), which is a boundary condition: because the user has Left, there are no fluctuations in the light detected by the resistor. The microcontroller will also check in step 792 whether the target value is greater than Background*(1-PercentageIn), or smaller than Background*(1+PercentageIn). If this is the case, there is no activity in front of the unit, and neither level of light detected indicates that a user is blocking or reflecting that light, which would indicate that there is no user in front of the unit. The system will then start the In2Sec state timer in step 794, and if the timer counts longer than two seconds (796) while still in these states, set the state back to Idle in step 800, and the micro The controller will go to sleep (612). If the In2Sec timer counts greater than 2 seconds while the stability and target value changes (796), the microcontroller will go to sleep (612) until the start of the next cycle 600.

If the stability and the target value do not meet the two criteria set in step 792, then reset the timer (802) of In2Sec, change the state back to TargetOutUp or TargetOutDown with step 804, and the microcontroller goes to step 770 ( Figure 12H). If the microcontroller is also not in the In2Sec state, the microcontroller will go to sleep (612) and the algorithm 600 will start again.

Figures 13, 13A and 13B illustrate the control algorithm for faucets 10, 10A and 10B. Algorithm 900 includes two modes. Mode 1 is used when the passive sensor is placed out of the water flow (faucets 10B) and mode 2 is used when the passive sensor's field of view is within the water flow (faucets 10 and 10A). In mode 1 (algorithm 920), a sensor placed outside the water stream detects the obstruction of the light by a nearby user's hand, and detects how long the low light has remained steady, interpreting it as a glitch at the washbasin. The user, and to exclude the darkening of the room the unit sends a similar signal. Once the user has stepped away from the tap, ie once no erratic, low-level light is detected, the sensor will then simply shut off the water flow.

In mode 2 (algorithm 1000), the photoresistor inside the flow also uses the above variation, but takes into account an additional factor: flowing water can also reflect light so that the sensor may not be able to fully verify that the user has left the faucet. In this case, the algorithm also uses a timer to shut off the water flow, while then effectively checking to see if the user is still there. Mode 1 or 2 can be selected by eg a dip switch.

Referring to FIG. 13 , the algorithm 900 begins ( 901 ) after power is turned on and the unit initializes the module in step 902 . The microcontroller then checks the battery status (904), resets all timers and counters (906), and closes the valve in step 908 (shown in Figures 1, 2, 4 and 4A). All electronics are calibrated (910) and the microcontroller establishes a background light threshold level (BLTH) in step 912. The microcontroller then determines which mode to use in step 914: in mode 1, the microcontroller executes algorithm 920 (FIG. 13A to step 922), while in mode 2, the microcontroller executes algorithm 1000 (FIG. 13B to step 1002).

Referring to Figure 13A, if the microcontroller utilizes Mode 1, the passive sensor scans for a target every 1/8 second (924). This scan and sleep time can be different for different photosensors (photodiodes, photoresistors, etc., and their readout circuits). For example, the scanning frequency may be every 1/4 second or every 3/4 second. Also like the algorithm shown in Figure 12, the microcontroller will execute the algorithm and then go to sleep between execution cycles. After scanning, the microcontroller measures the sensor level (SL), a value corresponding to the resistance of the photoresistor, in step 925 . The sensor level is then compared with the background light threshold level (BLTH): if the SL is greater than or equal to 25% of the BLTH (926), the microcontroller will further determine whether it is greater than or equal to the BLTH 85% (927) of . These comparisons will determine the level of ambient light: if the SL is higher than or equal to 85% of the BLTH calculated in step 912, it will mean that the room is now suddenly very dark (947), so that the microcontroller will go into Idle mode, and scan once every 5 seconds (948) until the microcontroller detects that the SL is less than 80% of the BLTH, meaning there is more ambient light at this point (949). Once this is detected, the microcontroller will establish a new BLTH for the room (950), and loop back to step 924 where it continues to scan for a target every 1/8 second with the new BLTH.

If the SL is less than 25% of the previously established BLTH, it means that the light in the room has suddenly increased significantly (eg direct sunlight). As the microcontroller cycles through steps 924, 925, 926, 928 and 929, the scan counter starts counting to see if the change is stable (928) until five cycles are reached (929). Once five cycles have indeed been reached under the same conditions, a new BLTH is established at step 930 for the currently bright room, and a cycle is started at step 922 by reusing this new BLTH.

However, if the SL is between greater than or equal to 25% BLTH but not greater than 85% BLTH (steps 926 and 927), then the light is not in an extreme range, but normal ambient light, and the microcontroller will Set the scan counter to zero with step 932, measure SL again to check a user (934), and evaluate with step 936 whether the SL is between BLTH greater than 20% or BLTH less than 25% (20% BLTH< SL<25% BLTH). If not, this would mean that there is a user in front of the unit sensor, as the light is lowered below normal ambient light, causing the microcontroller to move to step 944 where the water flow will be turned on for the user. Once the water flow is on, the microcontroller will set the scan counter to zero (946), scan for the target every 1/8 second (948'), and continue to detect a high SL by detecting if the SL is below the BLTH 20% to detect low light at step 950'. When SL decreases to less than 20% of BLTH (950'), meaning that detected light increases, the microcontroller will move to step 952, turning on a scan counter. The scan counter will cause the microcontroller to continue scanning every 1/8 second and check if SL is still less than 20% of BLTH until 5 cycles through steps 948', 950', 952 and 954 are passed (954) , which would mean that there is currently an increase in light that has lasted more than 5 of these cycles, and that user no longer appears. At this point, the microcontroller will shut off the water flow (956). Once the water is shut off, the entire cycle will be repeated from the beginning.

Referring to Figure 13B (algorithm 1000 for faucet 10), the microcontroller scans the target (1004) every 1/8 second, again, this scan time can be changed to other periods, such as every 1/4 second. Again, the microcontroller will execute the algorithm and then go to sleep between cycles, just like the algorithm shown in Figure 12. After scanning, the microcontroller will measure the sensor level (1006) and compare the SL against the BLTH. Again, if the SL is greater than or equal to 25% of the BLTH, the microcontroller will further determine whether it is greater than or equal to 85% of the BLTH. If so, it would mean that the room must have been suddenly darkened (1040). The microcontroller will then enter Idle mode at step 1042 and scan every 5 seconds until it detects that the SL is less than 80% of the BLTH, meaning more light is detected (1044). Once so, the microcontroller will establish the BLTH for the newly brightened room (1046), and will loop back to step 1004, re-starting the loop for that room with the new BLTH.

If the SL is greater than or equal to 25% BLTH or less than 85% BLTH, the microcontroller will proceed to step 1015 and set the scan counter to zero. The microcontroller will measure the SL at step 1016 and assess at step 1017 whether the SL is greater than 20% BLTH but less than 25% BLTH (20% BLTH < SL < 25% BLTH). If not, meaning something is blocking the light to the sensor, the microcontroller will turn on the water flow (1024); this also turns on a water off timer, WOFF (1026). The microcontroller will then continue to scan for a target every 1/8 second (1028). The new SL is checked against the BLTH, and if the value of the SL is not between less than 25% BLTH and greater than 20% BLTH (20% BLTH<SL<25% BLTH), the microcontroller will return to step 1028, And continue scanning for the target while the water is flowing out. If the SL is within this range (1030), the WOFF timer starts counting immediately (1032), returning to the loop with step 1028. The function of the timer is simply to pass a period of time between when the user is no longer detected and when the water is disconnected, because for example the user can move his hand, or take soap, without being detected by the sensor. Sensitive range for a period of time. This given time (2 seconds) can be set depending on the unit used. Once the 2 seconds have elapsed, the microcontroller will turn off the water at step 1036 and will loop back to 1002 where the entire cycle will repeat.

However, if the SL at step 1017 is greater than 20% BLTH, but less than 25% BLTH (20% BLTH < SL < 25% BLTH), then the scan counter will start counting and the microcontroller cycles through steps 1016, 1017, 1018 and 1020 number of times until more than five cycles are reached. The loop will then go to step 1022, where a new BLTH is established for the light in the room, and the microcontroller will loop back to step 1002, where a new loop through algorithm 1000 will occur using the new BLTH value .

Having described examples and embodiments of the present invention, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that the foregoing is by way of illustration only and not limitation. Other embodiments or elements suitable for the embodiments described above are described in the publications listed above, all of which are incorporated herein by reference. The function of any one element can be realized by various methods in alternative embodiments. Also, the functions of several elements in alternative embodiments may be performed by fewer or a single element.

Claims (35)

1. A system including a light sensor for controlling a flow-controlling valve of an electronic faucet or bathroom flusher, comprising: An optical component positioned at an optical input port (33, 34, 35), said optical component configured to define a detection field (A, B, C, 103 ); a photodetector (37, 132) optically coupled to said optical component and said input port, said photodetector configured to detect ambient light reaching said detector from said detection field ;and a control circuit (400) for controlling the opening and closing of said water flow control valve (38, 60), said control circuit being configured to receive from said light detector a signal corresponding to the detected ambient light signal, and according to the background level of the ambient light and the current level of the ambient light to determine each of the opening and closing of the valve for controlling the flow of water, the control circuit is also configured to pass performing control of said opening and closing using a detection algorithm that detects increases and decreases in said ambient light due to the presence of a user within said detection field, and said control circuit performing A calibration procedure of the magnitude and direction of said detection field defined by said optical element. 2. A system comprising an optical sensor for controlling a flow-controlling valve of an electronic faucet or bathroom flusher of claim 1, wherein said optical component is further configured to provide angled to below horizontal ( H) Detection field. 3. A system comprising an optical sensor for controlling a flow-controlling valve of an electronic faucet or bathroom flusher of claim 1, wherein said optical component is further configured to provide angled to below horizontal (H ) and said detection field is symmetrical with respect to the toilet (116) or urinal (120). 4. A system comprising an optical sensor for controlling a flow-controlling valve of an electronic faucet or bathroom flusher of claim 1, wherein said optical component is further configured to provide angled to below horizontal (H ) and said detection field is asymmetrical with respect to the toilet (116) or urinal (120). 5. A system comprising an optical sensor for controlling a flow-controlling valve of an electronic faucet or bathroom flusher of claim 1, wherein said optical component is further configured to provide angled to below horizontal ( H) and above the detection field in the horizontal direction (H). 6. A system of claim 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 comprising a light sensor for controlling a water flow control valve of an electronic faucet or bathroom flusher, wherein said light detector is configured to detect Light in the range of 400 to 1000 nanometers. 7. A system comprising a light sensor for controlling a water flow control valve of an electronic faucet or bathroom flusher as claimed in claim 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, wherein said control circuit is configured to The detector is sampled periodically for the amount of light. 8. A system comprising an optical sensor for controlling a flow-controlling valve of an electronic faucet or bathroom flusher as claimed in claim 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, wherein said control circuit is configured to detect The arrival of a user then detects the departure of said user to open and close said valve controlling the flow of water. 9. The system of claim 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 comprising a light sensor for controlling a flow-controlling valve of an electronic faucet or bathroom flusher, wherein said control circuit is configured to sense a The presence of the user opens and closes said valve controlling the flow of water. 10. A system comprising an optical sensor for controlling a water flow control valve of an electronic faucet or bathroom flusher as claimed in claim 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, wherein said optical component comprises an optical fiber (52) . 11. The system of claim 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 comprising a light sensor for controlling a water flow control valve of an electronic faucet or bathroom flusher, wherein said optical component comprises a lens (54, 134). 12. A system comprising a light sensor for controlling a water flow control valve of an electronic faucet or bathroom flusher of claim 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, wherein said optical component comprises a pinhole. 13. A system comprising an optical sensor for controlling a water flow control valve of an electronic faucet or bathroom flusher of claim 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, wherein said optical component comprises a slit. 14. A system comprising an optical sensor for controlling a water flow control valve of an electronic faucet or bathroom flusher as claimed in claim 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5, wherein said optical component comprises an optical fiber (52 ). 15. A system of claim 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 comprising an optical sensor for controlling a water flow control valve of an electronic faucet or bathroom flusher, wherein said optical input port is placed in a faucet (12) within the aeration nozzle (30). 16. A system of claims 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 comprising an optical sensor for controlling a water flow control valve of an electronic faucet or bathroom flusher, wherein said optical input port is located in close proximity to a faucet The aeration nozzle (30) of (12) is placed. 17. A system of claims 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 including a light sensor for controlling a flow-controlling valve of an electronic faucet or bathroom flusher, wherein said control circuit is located between said detector The arrival of said user is registered after the increased light intensity is detected. 18. A system including an optical sensor for controlling a water flow control valve of an electronic faucet or bathroom flusher of claim 1, wherein said water flow control valve is included in an electronic faucet system. 19. A system including an optical sensor for controlling a flow control valve of an electronic faucet or bathroom flusher of claim 1, wherein said flow control valve is included in a bathroom flushing system. 20. A system including a light sensor for controlling a water flow control valve of an electronic faucet or bathroom flusher as claimed in claim 18 or 19, wherein said light detector comprises a photodiode. 21. A system including a light sensor for controlling a water flow control valve of an electronic faucet or bathroom flusher as claimed in claim 18 or 19, wherein said light detector comprises a photoresistor. 22. A system comprising a light sensor for controlling a water flow control valve of an electronic faucet or bathroom flusher as claimed in claim 18 or 19, wherein said optical component and said light input port are configured such that said Said light detector receives light in the range of 1 lux to 1000 lux. 23. A method for controlling a water flow control valve of an electronic faucet or bathroom flusher using a light sensor, comprising the steps of: An optical component positioned at an optical input port (33, 34, 35) is provided, said optical component configured to define a detection field (A, B, C, 103); providing a photodetector (37, 132, 402) optically coupled to said optical element and said input port, detecting ambient light reaching said light detector from said detection field; providing a signal corresponding to said detected ambient light from said light detector to a control circuit (400); and Utilize said control circuit and said signal corresponding to the detected ambient light to control the switch of said valve (38, 60, 270) for controlling water flow, including according to the background level of said ambient light and said The current level of ambient light is used to determine the switch of each of said control valves for water flow; A detection algorithm for increasing and decreasing, and performing a calibration procedure which takes into account the magnitude and direction of said detection field defined by said optical element. 24. A method of controlling a water flow control valve of an electronic faucet or bathroom flusher using an optical sensor according to claim 23, comprising the step of: providing by said optical component angled to below horizontal (H) The so-called testing field. 25. A method of controlling a water flow control valve of an electronic faucet or bathroom flusher using an optical sensor according to claim 23, comprising the steps of: providing an angle below horizontal (H) by said optical component and Said detection field is symmetrical with respect to the toilet (116) or urinal (120). 26. A method of controlling a water flow control valve of an electronic faucet or bathroom flusher using an optical sensor according to claim 23, comprising the steps of: providing an angle below horizontal (H) by said optical component and Said detection field is asymmetrical with respect to the toilet (116) or urinal (120). 27. The method of controlling a water flow control valve of an electronic faucet or bathroom flusher using an optical sensor according to claim 23, comprising the steps of: providing angled below horizontal (H) and Said detection field above the horizontal direction (H). 28. The method of controlling a water flow control valve of an electronic faucet or bathroom flusher using an optical sensor according to claim 23, 24, 25, 26 or 27, wherein said control circuit is configured to Periodic sampling of the detector is performed to determine the amount of light. 29. A method of controlling a water flow control valve of an electronic faucet or bathroom flusher using an optical sensor according to claim 23, 24, 25, 26 or 27, wherein said control circuit is used in determining whether the appliance After in use, one sampling period is adjusted according to the amount of light detected. 30. The method of controlling a water flow control valve of an electronic faucet or bathroom flusher using an optical sensor according to claim 23, 24, 25, 26 or 27, wherein said control circuit is configured to cycle sleep and measure cycle. 31. The method of controlling a water flow control valve of an electronic faucet or bathroom flusher using an optical sensor according to claim 23, wherein said water flow control valve is included in an electronic faucet system. 32. The method of controlling a water flow control valve of an electronic faucet or bathroom flusher using an optical sensor according to claim 23, wherein said water flow control valve is included in a bathroom flushing system. 33. The method of controlling a water flow control valve of an electronic faucet or bathroom flusher using a light sensor according to claim 23, 24, 25, 26 or 27, wherein said light detector comprises a photodiode. 34. The method of controlling a water flow control valve of an electronic faucet or bathroom flusher using a light sensor according to claim 23, 24, 25, 26 or 27, wherein said light detector comprises a photoresistor. 35. The method of controlling a water flow control valve of an electronic faucet or bathroom flusher using a light sensor according to claim 23, 24, 25, 26 or 27, wherein said optical component and said light input port are controlled by Constructed so that said light detector receives light in the range of 1 lux to 1000 lux.

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