CCD camera element used as actuation detector for electric plumbing products
AssigneeMasco Corporation
InventorsJeffrey Iott, Alfred Nelson
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
An improved method and control for identifying the presence of a user in the vicinity of a plumbing product utilizes a CCD camera to capture images. The captured images are analyzed to determine whether there is an actual user in a field of vision. If an actual user is determined to be in the image, then flow of water such as directing water outwardly of a faucet, or flushing of a toilet, is actuated. Further, the invention can be utilized in a tub and/or shower, and certain safety features can be provided by the control.
Claims21
A plumbing product comprising:
- a plumbing system for receiving a flow of water, and delivering a flow of water to the plumbing product;
- a device for capturing images of the vicinity of the plumbing product;
- and
- a control for analyzing said captured images from said device, and identifying a user in the vicinity of the plumbing product, and actuate the flow of water if the captured image is indicative of a user within the vicinity.
A method of actuating a flow of water into a plumbing product comprising the steps of:
- (1) providing a device for capturing images in the vicinity of a plumbing product;
- (2) capturing images, and sending said captured images to a control to be analyzed;
- (3) actuating a flow of water from said plumbing product if said control determines that a user is in the vicinity of the plumbing product based upon said captured images.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.