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WO1999004284A1 - Accessoire de salle de bain mettant en application un detecteur radar afin de detecter le niveau d'un liquide - Google Patents

Accessoire de salle de bain mettant en application un detecteur radar afin de detecter le niveau d'un liquide Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1999004284A1
WO1999004284A1 PCT/US1998/014749 US9814749W WO9904284A1 WO 1999004284 A1 WO1999004284 A1 WO 1999004284A1 US 9814749 W US9814749 W US 9814749W WO 9904284 A1 WO9904284 A1 WO 9904284A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
fluid
radar
basin
interface
bathroom fixture
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US1998/014749
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Andrew J. Paese
Steven M. Tervo
Carter J. Thomas
William R. Burnett
David C. Shafer
Fred Judson Heinzmann
Original Assignee
Kohler Company
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Kohler Company filed Critical Kohler Company
Priority to AU85722/98A priority Critical patent/AU8572298A/en
Publication of WO1999004284A1 publication Critical patent/WO1999004284A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S7/00—Details of systems according to groups G01S13/00, G01S15/00, G01S17/00
    • G01S7/02—Details of systems according to groups G01S13/00, G01S15/00, G01S17/00 of systems according to group G01S13/00
    • G01S7/03—Details of HF subsystems specially adapted therefor, e.g. common to transmitter and receiver
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
    • E03C—DOMESTIC PLUMBING INSTALLATIONS FOR FRESH WATER OR WASTE WATER; SINKS
    • E03C1/00—Domestic plumbing installations for fresh water or waste water; Sinks
    • E03C1/02—Plumbing installations for fresh water
    • E03C1/05—Arrangements of devices on wash-basins, baths, sinks, or the like for remote control of taps
    • E03C1/055—Electrical control devices, e.g. with push buttons, control panels or the like
    • E03C1/057—Electrical control devices, e.g. with push buttons, control panels or the like touchless, i.e. using sensors
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E03—WATER SUPPLY; SEWERAGE
    • E03D—WATER-CLOSETS OR URINALS WITH FLUSHING DEVICES; FLUSHING VALVES THEREFOR
    • E03D5/00—Special constructions of flushing devices, e.g. closed flushing system
    • E03D5/10—Special constructions of flushing devices, e.g. closed flushing system operated electrically, e.g. by a photo-cell; also combined with devices for opening or closing shutters in the bowl outlet and/or with devices for raising/or lowering seat and cover and/or for swiveling the bowl
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S13/00—Systems using the reflection or reradiation of radio waves, e.g. radar systems; Analogous systems using reflection or reradiation of waves whose nature or wavelength is irrelevant or unspecified
    • G01S13/02—Systems using reflection of radio waves, e.g. primary radar systems; Analogous systems
    • G01S13/0209—Systems with very large relative bandwidth, i.e. larger than 10 %, e.g. baseband, pulse, carrier-free, ultrawideband
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S13/00—Systems using the reflection or reradiation of radio waves, e.g. radar systems; Analogous systems using reflection or reradiation of waves whose nature or wavelength is irrelevant or unspecified
    • G01S13/02—Systems using reflection of radio waves, e.g. primary radar systems; Analogous systems
    • G01S13/06—Systems determining position data of a target
    • G01S13/08—Systems for measuring distance only
    • G01S13/10—Systems for measuring distance only using transmission of interrupted, pulse modulated waves
    • G01S13/18—Systems for measuring distance only using transmission of interrupted, pulse modulated waves wherein range gates are used
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S13/00—Systems using the reflection or reradiation of radio waves, e.g. radar systems; Analogous systems using reflection or reradiation of waves whose nature or wavelength is irrelevant or unspecified
    • G01S13/02—Systems using reflection of radio waves, e.g. primary radar systems; Analogous systems
    • G01S13/06—Systems determining position data of a target
    • G01S13/08—Systems for measuring distance only
    • G01S13/10—Systems for measuring distance only using transmission of interrupted, pulse modulated waves
    • G01S13/22—Systems for measuring distance only using transmission of interrupted, pulse modulated waves using irregular pulse repetition frequency
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S13/00—Systems using the reflection or reradiation of radio waves, e.g. radar systems; Analogous systems using reflection or reradiation of waves whose nature or wavelength is irrelevant or unspecified
    • G01S13/88—Radar or analogous systems specially adapted for specific applications
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S13/00—Systems using the reflection or reradiation of radio waves, e.g. radar systems; Analogous systems using reflection or reradiation of waves whose nature or wavelength is irrelevant or unspecified
    • G01S13/02—Systems using reflection of radio waves, e.g. primary radar systems; Analogous systems
    • G01S13/04—Systems determining presence of a target
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G01—MEASURING; TESTING
    • G01S—RADIO DIRECTION-FINDING; RADIO NAVIGATION; DETERMINING DISTANCE OR VELOCITY BY USE OF RADIO WAVES; LOCATING OR PRESENCE-DETECTING BY USE OF THE REFLECTION OR RERADIATION OF RADIO WAVES; ANALOGOUS ARRANGEMENTS USING OTHER WAVES
    • G01S13/00—Systems using the reflection or reradiation of radio waves, e.g. radar systems; Analogous systems using reflection or reradiation of waves whose nature or wavelength is irrelevant or unspecified
    • G01S13/02—Systems using reflection of radio waves, e.g. primary radar systems; Analogous systems
    • G01S13/50—Systems of measurement based on relative movement of target
    • G01S13/52—Discriminating between fixed and moving objects or between objects moving at different speeds
    • G01S13/56—Discriminating between fixed and moving objects or between objects moving at different speeds for presence detection

Definitions

  • the present invention is generally directed to the use of radar to detect fluid interfaces in containers or basins.
  • the present invention is in particular directed to fluid interface radar sensors for sensing a fluid interface and controlling fluid flow of a bathroom or restroom fixture based on the sensed interface and bathroom or restroom fixtures using such radar sensors.
  • sensors which are capable of determining the level of a fluid in a container or basin. Such sensors may be useful for determining the level of water or other fluids in many types of appliances and fixtures including fixtures found in kitchens, such as sinks, and bathroom or restroom fixtures (hereinafter “bathroom fixtures”), such as bathing tubs, sinks, urinals and toilets.
  • bath fixtures such as bathing tubs, sinks, urinals and toilets.
  • Many fluid level sensors do not provide accurate or reliable measurements.
  • many mechanical sensors, such as floats are unreliable and can easily fail.
  • floats and other mechanical sensors are not aesthetically pleasing or practical for use with many bathroom fixtures because a portion of the sensor is typically floating in the water reservoir. Sonic and ultrasonic devices are limited because the speed of sound varies with temperature and humidity.
  • Capacitive level sensors rely on the difference in dielectric constants of fluids and gases to sense a fluid/gas interface. However, these sensors must be in relatively close contact to the liquid for the sensor to operate correctly.
  • the present invention generally provides devices for controlling the flow of fluid in fixtures, such as kitchen fixtures and bathroom or restroom fixtures (hereinafter "bathroom fixtures") by sensing a fluid interface using a radar sensor and fixtures using such methods and devices.
  • a bathroom fixture in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, includes a basin for holding fluid, a radar sensor for sensing an interface between the fluid and another material, and a controller for controlling fluid flow of the bathroom fixture based on the sensed interface.
  • the sensed interface may, for example, be an air-fluid interface associated with a fluid level of the fixture.
  • the radar sensor includes a radar transmitter for generating radar signals, a radar receiver for receiving radar signals, and a transmission line, coupled between the radar transmitter and the radar receiver, for transmitting the radar signals from the transmitter and transmitting reflected radar signals produced by the interface to the receiver.
  • the radar sensor further includes a detection system, coupled to the receiver, for detecting the interface based on the radar signals transmitted by the transmission line and the reflected radar signals.
  • Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary radar sensor according to one embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 2 is an exemplary timing diagram of pulses received from a transmission line of the sensor of Figure 1 in response to a transmitter pulse
  • Figure 3 is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary radar detector in accordance with one embodiment of the invention
  • FIG. 4 is a schematic block diagram of another exemplary radar detector in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 5 is an exemplary timing diagram for the radar detector of
  • FIG. 6 is an exemplary timing diagram for the radar system of Figure 4 which utilizes ultra- wideband (UWB) transmission pulses;
  • UWB ultra- wideband
  • Figures 7A and 7B are timing diagrams for two exemplary methods of producing a range of gating pulses in accordance with further embodiments of the invention.
  • Figure 8 is an exemplary bathing tub with a fluid level sensor in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 9 is an exemplary sink with a fluid level sensor in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 10 is an exemplary urinal with a fluid level sensor in accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 11 is an exemplary toilet with a radar sensor in accordance with still another embodiment of the invention
  • Figure 12 is an exemplary block diagram of a burst-modified pulsed radar sensor
  • Figure 13 is a block diagram of one exemplary embodiment of a low power radar sensor, according to the invention.
  • Figure 14 is an exemplary urinal with a fluid level sensor according to another embodiment of the invention.
  • Figure 15 illustrates exemplary timing diagrams for normal and abnormal fluid levels during a flushing cycle
  • Figure 16 is a flow diagram of exemplary steps used by a controller to determine whether fluid levels during a flushing cycle are normal. While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the invention to the particular exemplary embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention.
  • the present invention generally provides devices for controlling the flow of fluid in fixtures by sensing a fluid interface using a radar sensor and fixtures using such methods and devices.
  • the radar sensor may in particular be a fluid level radar sensor which senses a level of fluid in a container or basin based on the fluid interface.
  • a fluid level radar sensor may be used to detect the level of water in a bathing tub (e.g., a bathtub, whirlpool, Jacuzzi or spa), swimming pool, sink, toilet, bidet, or urinal.
  • the fluid level sensor may, for example, indicate when any one of the above-mentioned water-containing reservoirs has reached or exceeded a desired fluid level.
  • the present invention is also directed to fixtures, in particular bathroom fixtures such as sinks, toilets, urinals, bidets, and showers, having a radar sensor for sensing a fluid interface or fluid level.
  • a radar sensor for sensing a fluid interface or fluid level.
  • Such sensors can be used to regulate the operation of the fixture or indicate when the fixture needs repair or maintenance. While the present invention is not so limited, details of the present invention will be illustrated through the discussion which follows.
  • One particular, example embodiment of the invention is a bathroom fixture which has a basin with at least one sidewall for holding fluid.
  • the bathroom fixture also has a fluid level sensor disposed proximate to the basin and configured and arranged for measuring a level of fluid within the basin.
  • the sensor includes a radar transmitter, a radar receiver, and a transmission line coupled to the transmitter and receiver.
  • a portion of the transmission line lacks shielding and is positioned near the basin and approximately parallel to at least one of the sidewalls of the basin, and is used to determine the level of fluid in the basin as approximately measured along the one sidewall.
  • Figure 1 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a fluid level radar sensor 20 which includes a radar transmitter 22 and a radar receiver 24 with a transmission line 26 connected to both the transmitter 22 and receiver 24.
  • Suitable transmission lines for use in this invention include a twisted pair twin lead transmission line, a co-axial cable, a micro-strip transmission line, a coplanar strip or wave guide transmission line, or a single wire Gaobau line.
  • the transmission line is typically insulated from the fluid to prevent electrical conduction through the fluid.
  • the dielectric constant of the fluid is such that a fluid/gas interface can be detected by an unshielded transmission line insulated from the fluid by as much as several inches or centimeters of intervening material.
  • Transmission line 26 may be partially clad in a shielding 28 to prevent emission of radar energy.
  • a sensing portion 30 of transmission line 26 is not clad so that portion 30 can be used for detection of the level of fluid 32 in a container 34.
  • radar detection is accomplished by transmitting a radar signal from a transmitter 22 and receiving reflections of the transmitted radar signal at receiver 24.
  • sensing portion 30 of transmission line 26 is typically placed proximate to or at least partially within fluid 32. Due to the difference in dielectric constant of fluids and gases, electrical signals sent from transmitter 22 is at least partially reflected at the fluid/gas interface 36.
  • Figure 2 illustrates two methods for determining the fluid level.
  • the level of fluid in a container may be determined by, for example, the time 29 between transmission 31 of a radar signal and reception 33 of the reflected signal at the receiver.
  • Another way to determine the fluid level is to place sensing portion 30 with its end at a known position within the container, such as the bottom of the container, and then measure the time 35 between the signal 33 reflected at the fluid/gas interface and the signal 37 reflected from the end of sensing portion 30.
  • optional detection circuitry 38 is used to determine when a valid level-indicating signal is obtained, as well as the actual level of the fluid in the container.
  • Detection circuitry 38 may be a part of fluid level sensor 20 or may be provided separately. Signals from receiver 24 or detection circuitry 38 are directed to a controller, such as control circuitry 40, which provides an appropriate, and typically predetermined, response to actuator 42 based on the sensed fluid level.
  • Control circuitry 40 may, for example, operate an actuator or control device 42, such as a valve, to direct fluid flow in response to output from level sensor 20.
  • control circuitry 40 may close a valve and halt water flow into a bathtub or whirlpool when a level sensor in the bathtub or whirlpool detects water at a desired depth.
  • Control circuitry 40 may also be part of the radar sensor 20 or provided separately.
  • an actuator such as a valve
  • a water inlet conduit of a fixture such as a bathing tub
  • the actuator is configured to open and shut to control fluid flow into and/or through the fixture.
  • Such an actuator is typically connected within the water conduit or between the water conduit and the fixture.
  • An example of suitable control circuitry 40 for use with an actuator includes a solenoid with an armature attached to the actuator to open or shut the actuator in response to signals from the radar receiver 24 or detection circuitry 38.
  • a current may be applied through the solenoid to move the armature and open the actuator.
  • An opposing current or a spring, for example, in the absence of current, may then be used to return the actuator to its closed position.
  • Control circuitry 40 may also include complex components such as a microprocessor which provides a programmed response based on the signals from the radar receiver 24 or detection circuitry 38.
  • the programmed response may depend on the level determined by the sensor or on input from one or more sensor of the same or different types.
  • a micro-processor based controller may employ various software algorithms that use signal detection and statistical techniques, for example, signal averaging, to resolve signal-to-noise problems caused by spurious reflections and background clutter in order to reduce the incidence of false triggering.
  • One type of radar system useful in practicing the invention is pulsed radar in which pulses of radar energy are emitted by a transmitter and reflected pulses are received by a receiver.
  • One exemplary pulsed radar configuration is schematically diagrammed in Figure 3.
  • This radar system includes a pulse generator 50 which generates pulses at a pulse repetition frequency (PRF), a transmitter 52 which transmits a radar signal in response to the pulses, a receiver 54 for receiving reflected radar signals, a transmission line 56 down which the radar signal is sent and through which the reflected signals are returned to receiver 54, and a clock 58 for determining the time at which the reflected signals are received.
  • Either pulse generator 50 or clock 58 may be used to initiate the other to correlate the timing of the circuitry.
  • pulse generator 50 provides a timing pulse which resets clock 58 and initiates a transmitter pulse from transmitter 52.
  • the transmitter pulse is sent down transmission line 56.
  • Transmission line 56 may contain an element, such as an attached resistor, near transmitter 52 which reflects a portion of the transmitter pulse to receiver 54, to indicate the time at which the transmitter pulse is emitted.
  • the transmitter pulse proceeds down transmission line 56 until it reaches a fluid/gas interface, at which time a portion of the pulse is reflected back to the receiver 54. The rest of the pulse continues down line 56 with additional reflections occurring at other interfaces (fluid/gas or fluid/solid) or the end of transmission line 56.
  • the time between emission of a transmitter pulse and a reflection of the pulse or between any two reflections of the pulse is determined by the number of clock cycles. These clock cycles can be counted to determine the time.
  • the clock frequency determines the relative uncertainty in the time between signals and therefore in the fluid level. A faster clock provides a fluid level with less uncertainty (i.e., narrower upper and lower limits on the uncertainty of the measurement).
  • FIG. 4 Another exemplary embodiment of a radar system for use with a fluid interface radar sensor is illustrated in Figure 4.
  • This radar system is similar to that shown in Figure 3 except that it includes a transmitter delay circuit 53 for delaying the transmitter pulse, a receiver delay circuit 57 for delaying the opening of a gated receiver, a receiver gating pulse generator 55 for gating open the receiver after the receiver delay, an optional delay control 59 for setting a variable delay or for sweeping through a range of delays, and signal processing circuitry 61.
  • a gated receiver system such as that shown in Figure 4, only receives and detects signals that occur at a particular distance along the transmission line, the distance being determined by the length of the delay, and the width of the receiver gating pulse.
  • the level of a fluid which generates a reflected signal obtained when the receiver is gated open can then be determined from the delay time and gating pulse width.
  • a burst of electromagnetic energy is emitted at a particular RF frequency, the length of the burst corresponding to multiple oscillations of the electromagnetic signal at the radar frequency.
  • RF frequency radar bursts which can be adapted for use in a fluid level sensor is described in detail in U.S. Patent No. 5,521,600, incorporated herein by reference.
  • the transmit and receive signals are mixed in receiver 54 before signal processing.
  • An exemplary timing diagram for this particular radar system is provided in Figure 5 which illustrates the transmitted RF burst 60, the receiver gating pulse 62, and the mixed transmitter and receiver signal 64.
  • the detection threshold 66 of the circuit may be set at a sufficiently high value that only a mixed transmitter and receiver signal triggers detection.
  • This radar system has a maximum detection range. Detectable signals arise only from radar reflections arising at points on the transmission line that are close enough to the transmitter and receiver so that at least a portion of a transmitted burst travels to the object and is reflected back to the receiver within the length of time of the burst.
  • UWB radar ultra- wideband
  • Examples of UWB radar systems which can be adapted for use with a fluid interface radar sensor are found in U.S. Patent Nos. 5,361,070 and 5,519,400, incorporated herein by reference. These example UWB radar systems are also schematically represented by Figure 4. However, for UWB radar systems the timing of the transmit pulse 68 and receiver gating pulse 70, illustrated in Figure 6, is significantly different from the above-described RF -burst radar systems. Transmit pulses are emitted by transmitter 52 at a pulse repetition frequency (PRF) determined typically by pulse generator 50.
  • PRF pulse repetition frequency
  • Receiver 54 is gated open after a delay period ( ⁇ ) which is the difference between the delays provided by the receiver delay circuit 56 and the transmitter delay circuit 53.
  • ⁇ delay period
  • the transmit pulses have a short pulse width (PW), typically 10 nanoseconds or less, and the receiver is usually gated open after the transmitter pulse period, in contrast to the previously described RF burst radar systems in which the receiver is gated open during the transmitter pulse period.
  • PW pulse width
  • the delay period and the length of the receiver gating and transmitter pulses define a detection shell.
  • the distance between the radar transmitter/receiver and the detection shell is determined by the delay period, the shell being located at a further distance when the delay period is longer.
  • the width of the shell depends on the transmit pulse width (PW) and the receiver gate width (GW). Longer pulse width or gate width corresponds to a shell of greater width.
  • delay circuits 53, 56 provide a fixed or variable delay period.
  • a variable delay circuit may be continuously variable or have discrete values.
  • a continuously variable potentiometer may be used to provide a continuously variable delay period.
  • delay circuits 53,56 may simply be a conductor, such as a wire or conducting line, between pulse generator 50 and either transmitter 52 or receiver 54, the delay period corresponding to the amount of time that a pulse takes to travel between the two components.
  • delay circuits 53,56 are pulse delay generators (PDG) or pulse delay lines (PDL).
  • Optional delay control 59 may be used to set a variable transmitter delay 53 or receiver delay 57.
  • delay control 59 sweeps receiver and/or transmitter delay 53, 57 through a series of gating pulses. A reflected signal obtained during a particular gating pulse may be used to determine the fluid level based on the timing and length of the pulse and the delay preceding the pulse.
  • One method for sweeping through a series of gating pulses is to incrementally increase the gating pulse delay time by an interval, ⁇ t, as shown in Figure 7A, starting from a short delay time and moving towards longer delay times. Signals from a single gate pulse or multiple gate pulses at each delay time may be obtained and evaluated.
  • the interval, ⁇ t may be shorter than the gating pulse width so that consecutive gating pulses overlap, thereby providing higher resolution than if ⁇ t were equal to the gating pulse width.
  • ⁇ t is not larger than the gating pulse width so that reflected signals are not missed.
  • ⁇ t may be any length. Typically, the size of ⁇ / dictates the resolution of the detector.
  • the incremental increases in the delay time or the length of the pulse may be controlled by a clock. An incremental unit is added with each clock pulse. Another way of implementing incremental increases is by tying the delay time or gate pulse length to a ramping voltage, current, or other electromagnetic signal. Each time a gating pulse is initiated in response to pulse generator 50 (see Figure 4), the ramping electromagnetic signal has increased or decreased by a given amount with respect to the ramped signal sampled for the previous pulse. This causes a consequent increase or decrease in the delay time or pulse width which is tied to the ramped electromagnetic signal.
  • the ramping electromagnetic signal may be reset after a given period, typically when the entire series of gate pulses has been swept, and/or when one or more reflected signals have been detected.
  • FIG 8 illustrates the use of a fluid level radar sensor 20 with a bathing tub 76, such as a bathtub or whirlpool.
  • Fluid level sensor 20 includes a radar detector 78 with a transmitter, receiver, and optional detection and control circuitry as described hereinabove.
  • a transmission line 80 is attached to radar detector 78.
  • a sensing portion 82a of transmission line 80 is imbedded in the vitreous china, porcelain, or plastic material which forms bathing tub 76.
  • a sensing portion 82b is placed on an interior or exterior surface of bathing tub 76. Sensing portion 82b is preferably insulated to prevent electrical contact with the fluid.
  • Sensing portion 82a can be positioned anywhere on or in bathing tub 76. One advantageous placement is near the end of bathing tub 76 opposite faucet 84 where there may be less disturbance of the water level due to turbulence caused by water flowing from faucet 84. Sensing portion 82a may instead be provided near faucet 84 to reduce signals arising from a user sitting in or near bathing tub 76.
  • sensing portion 82a are unshielded. Radar detector 78 transmits pulses along transmission line 80. Reflections from sensing portion 82a are received by detector 78 which then provides signals for controlling an actuator, such as valve 86, to control the fluid flow into the bathing tub 76 through water inlet conduit 89.
  • level sensor 20 closes valve 86 when a desired level of fluid is reached in bathing tub 76. The desired level may be adjusted by the user by, for example, manually setting or programming fluid level sensor 20.
  • fluid level sensor 20 controls a valve 88 connected to a water outlet conduit 90 for draining bathing tub 76.
  • Fluid level sensor 20 may, for example, open valve 88 in response to fluid rising over a set or programmed level as determined by sensor 20.
  • the set or programmed fluid level may be provided by a user or may correspond to a level which indicates possible overflow of fluid from the bathing tub.
  • the fluid level sensor may, for example, open valve 88 to drain water in response to the detection of a fluid level decrease which indicates that a user has stepped out of the bathing tub.
  • Water outlet conduit 90 may correspond to a drain which can also be manually operated by a user. In other exemplary embodiments, water outlet conduit 90 is a separate outlet conduit bypassing the standard drain.
  • Fluid level sensor 20 may also incorporate a thermocouple or other heat sensor to determine the temperature of the fluid in bathing tub 76.
  • Valve 86 may be configured to alter the flow of hot and/or cold water in response to the sensed temperature.
  • valve 86 may include a hot water valve and a cold water valve each independently controllable by a controller associated with the radar sensor.
  • a predetermined temperature may be provided either manually or through programming a microprocessor of fluid level sensor 20.
  • Fluid level sensor 20 may be used in other bathing tubs such as Jacuzzis, or spas.
  • fluid level sensor may be programmed to stop a fluid pumping device in a whirlpool or other fixture when fluid in the fixture is low to prevent damage to the pumping device.
  • Fluid level sensor 20 may be used, for example, to detect a fluid level which threatens to overflow sink 92.
  • Sensor 20 may control a valve 94 on water inlet conduit 96 to halt water flow if the fluid level in sink 92 reaches a predetermined level.
  • Sensor 20 may also be connected to an alarm system with visual or audible indicators near or remote to the sink 92 or other fixture.
  • Sensor 20 may also or alternatively be connected to an alarm system that is capable of sending a signal to a control panel or monitoring computer to indicate that the drain of sink 92 or other fixture may be partially or completely blocked.
  • a fluid level sensor operates a valve in a water outlet conduit connected to the drain of the sink.
  • the sensor opens the valve when the fluid level reaches a predetermined level to avoid overfilling the sink.
  • This valve may also be manually operated by a user to drain the sink or may bypass a manually operated valve.
  • the sensor may also include an alarm to indicate that the sink is overfull. The same or a different alarm may be activated if the sensor continues to detect an overfull sink for a predetermined period of time indicating the possibility that the outlet conduit attached to the sink is blocked.
  • Fluid level sensors which operate in a manner similar to those described in connection with sink 92 may be provided on or in urinals 98 ( Figure 10) and toilets 100 of either the commercial ( Figure 11) or residential (not shown) variety. Sensors 20 can be used to detect overfull fixtures and control water flow either into or out of the fixture. In addition, the sensors can be equipped with an alarm having visual or audible indicators near or remote to the fixture to indicate overflow conditions and/or a possible blocked drain. An additional use for a fluid level sensor 20 in toilet 100 is to manage the amount of water used during flushing of the toilet. In this exemplary embodiment, the fluid level before and after a user deposits waste into toilet 100 is compared.
  • the amount of water allowed through valve 94 to flush away the user's waste is regulated based on the additional volume of the waste. For larger volumes of waste, more water is used to flush the waste out of the toilet. Often, larger volumes of waste are indicative of solid waste material which typically needs more water for flushing and removal of the waste.
  • the fluid level sensor detects the presence of solid waste by reflections due to the solid/fluid interface. When solid waste is indicated, additional water is released by valve 94 for flushing the waste out of toilet 100.
  • a control system is used to detect nonstandard operation, and to provide a warning to the user or attendant.
  • An example of such a system is illustrated in Figure 14, in which a urinal 900 includes a fluid level sensor 904 for sensing the level of the water 906 in the urinal 900.
  • the sensor 904 is connected to a controller 912 that analyzes data received from the sensor 904.
  • the fluid level sensor 904 may be used to detect that the level of water in the urinal 900 is unusually high. Additionally, the water level may not behave, e.g. fall and rise during a flushing cycle, in the manner associated with normal flushing conditions. The fluid level sensor 904 may detect such a departure from normal operation and the controller 912 consequently directs a warning signal to the user or to an attendant of the restroom.
  • An example of a departure from normal operation is illustrated in Figure 15. Each curve shows a measurement of fluid height in the urinal plotted against time during a flushing cycle. In the upper curve, 1600, normal flushing shows a slow rise in fluid height followed by a fall in fluid height.
  • the controller may signal to a user using, for example, a sign beside the urinal, indicating to intended users that the urinal currently suffering a blockage should not be used.
  • the controller may also signal to a maintenance attendant via, for example, a warning light on a control panel or a warning on a computer screen, indicating that a blockage in the particular urinal has been detected.
  • Figure 16 illustrates steps that the controller may use to determine whether the flushing cycle is normal.
  • the controller monitors the fluid level during the flushing cycle, in step 1700.
  • the controller compares, at step 1702, the measured fluid level, for example, sampled at different times tl, t2 tl3 throughout the flushing cycle as illustrated in FIG. 16.
  • the controller determines, at step 1704, whether the currently measured fluid levels deviate from the expected,
  • the controller then sends a warning to the user and/or maintenance personnel, in step 1706.
  • a fluid level sensor may also be used to monitor the behavior of the water level in a toilet.
  • a toilet fluid level sensor may be used to detect abnormal fluid level conditions, for example excessively high fluid levels if the toilet is blocked, or abnormal flushing levels if there is a partial blockage. The presence of such abnormal conditions may be indicated to a user or attendant, so as to prevent further use, and possible overflow, and indicate a need for maintenance.
  • the fluid level sensor may be able to determine the amount of waste deposited in the toilet by a user, from the increased water level in the toilet after use.
  • the controller may be configured to adjust the volume of water flushed through the toilet according to the volume of waste detected. This has the advantage that a reduced flush volume may be used where the waste volume is small, thus saving water. This also has the advantage that a single large flush may be used to remove large amounts of waste, where a user would previously have used two standard flushes.
  • transmission line 80 and/or sensing portion 82 may be mounted on the interior or exterior of the fixture.
  • the effectiveness of exterior mounting depends on the distance between the exterior mounting surface and the fluid, and the shielding properties of intervening materials between sensing portion 82 and the fluid.
  • a radar sensor for use with a fluid level or interface sensor, or with any other device can operate using either ac or dc power. Although in many cases the radar sensor may operate using available ac power from an outlet, it may be convenient to use battery power instead. For example, radar sensors operating in bathroom fixtures may not be conveniently or aesthetically connectable to an outlet. In such cases, a battery-powered radar sensor may be desirable. However, it is also desirable that the lifetime of the batteries in the sensor be measured on the order of months or years. Thus, the development of low power radar sensors is desirable. Often pulsed sensors can use less power than those that operate continuously. Moreover, generally, the fewer pulses emitted per unit time, the less power needed for operation of the sensor.
  • a new low power radar sensor operates by providing radar pulses that are non-uniformly spaced in time.
  • a burst 102 of pulses 104 is initiated in the transmitter, as shown in Figure 12. Between each burst is a period 106 of rest time in which the transmitter is not transmitting RF energy.
  • a 1 to 100 microsecond burst of RF pulses may be made every 0.1 to 5 milliseconds.
  • the RF pulses may be provided at, for example, a 0.5 to 20 MHz rate within the burst with an RF frequency ranging from, for example, 1 to 100 GHz.
  • the sensitivity of this radar sensor may be approximately the same as a radar sensor with the same number of pulses uniformly spaced in time, the impedance of the sampler during the burst period can be much less. In some embodiments, however, the burst period may be 10%, 25%, 50%, or more of the time between bursts.
  • the radar sensor 200 includes a burst initiator 202 that triggers the beginning of the burst and may, optionally, trigger the end of the burst.
  • a burst rate is defined as the rate at which bursts are provided.
  • the burst width is the length of time of the burst. The time between bursts is the rest period.
  • the burst rate can range from, for example, 200 Hz to 10 kHz and often from, for example, 500 Hz to 2 kHz.
  • the burst width can range from, for example, 1 to 200 microseconds and often from, for example, 5 to 100 microseconds.
  • burst 102 is illustrated in Figure 12.
  • the burst starts a pulse oscillator 204 that provides the triggering signals for each pulse.
  • the pulse oscillator may operate at, for example, 0.5 to 20 MHz, and often from, for example, 2 to 10 MHz to provide, for example, 5 to 2000 pulses per burst.
  • Higher or lower oscillator rates and larger or smaller numbers of pulses per burst may be used, depending on factors, such as, for example, the application and the desired power usage.
  • triggering signals are provided along an optional transmitter delay line 206 to a pulse generator 208 that produces a pulse with a desired pulse length.
  • the optional transmitter delay line 206 may provide a desired delay to the transmission pulses to produce a desired difference in delays between the transmitter and receiver pulses.
  • the pulse generator provides a pulse with a desired pulse length at each pulse from the pulse oscillator.
  • the pulse width may range, for example, from 1 to 20 nanoseconds, but longer or shorter pulse widths may be used.
  • An example of the pulses 104 from the pulse oscillator is provided in Figure 12.
  • the pulse is then provided to an RF oscillator 210 that operates at a particular RF frequency to generate a pulse of RF energy at the RF frequency and having a pulse width as provided by the pulse generator 208 at a pulse rate determined by the pulse oscillator 204 during a burst period as initiated by the burst initiator 202.
  • the RF frequency may range from, for example, 1 to 100 GHz, and often from, for example, 2 to 25 GHz, however, higher or lower RF frequencies may be used.
  • the pulses of RF energy are provided to a transmission line 212. The short duration of the pulses typically results in the irradiation of an ultra- ideband (UWB) signal.
  • UWB ultra- ideband
  • the pulse oscillator 204 in addition to producing pulses for the transmitter, also provides pulses to gate the receiver.
  • the use of the same pulse oscillator 204 for the transmitter and receiver portions of the radar sensor 200 facilitates timing between the portions. Pulses from the pulse oscillator 204 are sent to the receiver delay line 214 that delays the pulses by a desired time period to determine a fluid interface or level, as described above.
  • the receiver delay line 214 may be capable of providing only one delay or a plurality of delays that can be chosen, as appropriate, to provide different radar ranges.
  • the pulses are provided to a receiver pulse generator 216 that generates a receiver pulse with a desired pulse width.
  • the width of this pulse, as well as the width of the transmitter pulse are used to determine a fluid interface or level, as described above. Only during the receiver pulse is the receiver gated open, via, for example, a diode 218, to receive radar signals.
  • the pulse width of the receiver pulse typically ranges from zero to one-half of the RF cycle time (e.g., zero to 86 picoseconds at a 5.8 GHz transmit frequency), and often, from one-quarter to one-half of the RF cycle time (e.g., 43 to 86 picoseconds at a 5.8 GHz transmit frequency). However, longer pulse widths may also be used.
  • Receiver pulses 108 are only produced during the burst 102, as illustrated in Figure 12.
  • the receiver pulses 108 may or may not overlap with the transmitter pulses 104.
  • Receiver signals are received via the transmission line 212, but these signals are only sampled during the receiver pulses.
  • the sampling occurs at, for example, a sample and hold component 222.
  • the sample and hold component 222 includes a gate that can be opened between bursts to isolate the remainder of the circuit.
  • An exemplary sample and hold component may include a first buffer (e.g., an operational amplifier with gain of about one), a gate (e.g., a transmission gate) coupled to the first buffer, a hold capacitor connected to ground and coupled to the transmission gate, and a second buffer coupled to the transmission gate and the hold capacitor.
  • the receiver signal is then provided to one or more amplifier stages 224. In some embodiments, multiple channels may be provided by using individual sample and hold components and amplifiers.
  • the signal is then provided to an optional A/D converter 226 which then sends a corresponding digital signal to a processor 228, for example, a microprocessor that evaluates the signal and provides a response.
  • the processor 228 may operate an actuator 230 according to the converted receiver signal. For example, the processor may direct the actuator 230 to open or close a valve 232. Alternatively, the receiver signal may be analyzed using an analog processor (not shown) that may then operate the actuator.
  • this low power radar sensor may be used to operate devices other than an actuator or a valve.
  • components such as one or more of the amplifier stages, the A/D converter, and the processor may be included with the radar sensor or they may be external to the sensor.
  • the present invention is applicable to a number of different fixtures including bathroom and kitchen fixtures. Accordingly, the present invention should not be considered limited to the particular examples described above, but rather should be understood to cover all aspects of the invention as fairly set out in the attached claims.
  • Various modifications, equivalent processes, as well as numerous structures to which the present invention may be applicable will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art to which the present invention is directed upon review of the present specification. The claims are intended to cover such modifications and devices.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Radar, Positioning & Navigation (AREA)
  • Remote Sensing (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Computer Networks & Wireless Communication (AREA)
  • General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Hydrology & Water Resources (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
  • Aviation & Aerospace Engineering (AREA)
  • Electromagnetism (AREA)
  • Radar Systems Or Details Thereof (AREA)

Abstract

Dispositifs servant à réguler l'écoulement d'un liquide dans des accessoires, tels que des accessoires de cuisine, de salle de bains ou de toilettes (désignés ci-après 'accessoires de salle de bain') par détection du niveau du liquide au moyen d'un détecteur radar et accessoires mettant en application ces procédés et ces dispositifs. L'accessoire de salle de bain, selon un mode de réalisation de l'invention, comprend une cuvette servant à contenir le liquide, un détecteur radar servant à détecter un contact entre le liquide et un autre matériau et une unité de commande intégrée ou accouplée au détecteur radar afin de réguler l'écoulement du liquide dans l'accessoire de salle de bain en fonction du contact détecté. Ce contact détecté peut être, par exemple, une interface air-liquide associée à un niveau de liquide de l'accessoire.
PCT/US1998/014749 1997-07-18 1998-07-17 Accessoire de salle de bain mettant en application un detecteur radar afin de detecter le niveau d'un liquide WO1999004284A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU85722/98A AU8572298A (en) 1997-07-18 1998-07-17 Bathroom fixture using fluid interface radar sensor

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US5324597P 1997-07-18 1997-07-18
US5296097P 1997-07-18 1997-07-18
US60/052,960 1997-07-18
US60/053,245 1997-07-18

Publications (1)

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WO1999004284A1 true WO1999004284A1 (fr) 1999-01-28

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Cited By (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1750140A2 (fr) * 2005-07-28 2007-02-07 TDK Corporation Radar à impulsions
US7538718B2 (en) 2007-01-30 2009-05-26 Tdk Corporation Radar system
EP2051099A3 (fr) * 2007-10-19 2014-02-26 Volvo Car Corporation Procédé et système pour la détection de présence
WO2015108559A1 (fr) * 2014-01-20 2015-07-23 Falcon Waterfree Technologies, Llc Indicateur visuel
WO2016100886A1 (fr) * 2014-12-19 2016-06-23 Jabil Circuit, Inc. Appareil, système et procédé permettant un raccordement à des réceptacles de déchets corporels ainsi que leur surveillance et leur commande
GB2615427A (en) * 2023-04-06 2023-08-09 Gloucester Hospitals Nhs Found Trust Scanning system and method
GB2628926A (en) * 2023-04-06 2024-10-09 Gloucester Hospitals Nhs Found Trust Scanning system and method

Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE2853981A1 (de) * 1978-12-14 1980-06-19 Grohe Armaturen Friedrich Zulaufeinrichtung fuer badewannen
US5457990A (en) * 1991-12-03 1995-10-17 Cambridge Consultants Limited Method and apparatus for determining a fluid level in the vicinity of a transmission line
EP0701028A1 (fr) * 1994-09-12 1996-03-13 Kwc Ag Armature sanitaire

Patent Citations (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE2853981A1 (de) * 1978-12-14 1980-06-19 Grohe Armaturen Friedrich Zulaufeinrichtung fuer badewannen
US5457990A (en) * 1991-12-03 1995-10-17 Cambridge Consultants Limited Method and apparatus for determining a fluid level in the vicinity of a transmission line
EP0701028A1 (fr) * 1994-09-12 1996-03-13 Kwc Ag Armature sanitaire

Cited By (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP1750140A2 (fr) * 2005-07-28 2007-02-07 TDK Corporation Radar à impulsions
EP1750140A3 (fr) * 2005-07-28 2008-07-30 TDK Corporation Radar à impulsions
US7498975B2 (en) 2005-07-28 2009-03-03 Tdk Corporation Pulse radar system
US7538718B2 (en) 2007-01-30 2009-05-26 Tdk Corporation Radar system
EP2051099A3 (fr) * 2007-10-19 2014-02-26 Volvo Car Corporation Procédé et système pour la détection de présence
WO2015108559A1 (fr) * 2014-01-20 2015-07-23 Falcon Waterfree Technologies, Llc Indicateur visuel
US10197430B2 (en) 2014-01-20 2019-02-05 Falcon Waterfree Technologies, Llc Visual indicator
WO2016100886A1 (fr) * 2014-12-19 2016-06-23 Jabil Circuit, Inc. Appareil, système et procédé permettant un raccordement à des réceptacles de déchets corporels ainsi que leur surveillance et leur commande
GB2615427A (en) * 2023-04-06 2023-08-09 Gloucester Hospitals Nhs Found Trust Scanning system and method
GB2615427B (en) * 2023-04-06 2024-07-03 Gloucester Hospitals Nhs Found Trust Scanning system and method
GB2628926A (en) * 2023-04-06 2024-10-09 Gloucester Hospitals Nhs Found Trust Scanning system and method

Also Published As

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