US 9,068,326 B2 · Automatic sensing system and method for use with a plumbing fixture

Abstract

An automatic sensing system and a detecting method for use with plumbing equipment in the kitchen and washroom are shown and described. The automatic sensing system includes an ambient light sensor for detecting the ambient light intensity around the equipment. The system further includes a detecting sensor for detecting whether user enters the detected area. The system also includes a controller which controls the equipment based on detected signals from the detecting sensor. The controller is configured to start or change the state of the detecting sensor according to a detected value change of the ambient light intensity. The automatic sensing system advantageously saves power consumed by the detecting sensor when the ambient light sensor does not indicate use by the equipment.

Claims19

Dependent claims

A system for use with a plumbing fixture, comprising:

an ambient light sensor configured to detect ambient light intensity around the plumbing fixture;
a detecting sensor for detecting a user near the plumbing fixture;
a controller in communication with the ambient light sensor and the detecting sensor, the controller configured to control the fixture based on signals from the detecting sensor;
wherein the controller adjusts the frequency of samples conducted by the detecting sensor in response to changes in the ambient light intensity detected by the ambient light sensor;
wherein the controller is configured to hold the sampling frequency at a high level for a period of time (a) after consecutive detections of a user based on the detecting sensor, and (b) before processing the ambient light intensity indicates that a user might be present.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Automatic sensing system and method for use with a plumbing fixture

Life of this patent

Automatic sensing system and method for use with a plumbing fixture

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims19