Sensor device that can be arranged in or on a toilet bowl

Abstract

The present disclosure relates to a method carried out by a sensor device arranged in and/or on a toilet bowl. The method includes the steps of detecting, by a sensor of the sensor device, at least one first environmental parameter in an environment of the sensor device with the first environmental parameter being characteristic of a cleanliness of the toilet bowl, and determining and/or effecting the determination of an item of control information by the sensor device at least partly depending on the detected first environmental parameter.

Claims

1. A method executed by a sensor device arranged in and/or on a toilet bowl, the method comprising the steps of: detecting, by a sensor of the sensor device, at least a first environmental parameter in an environment of the sensor device, the first environmental parameter being characteristic of a cleanliness of the toilet bowl; and determining and/or effecting a determination of a control information item by the sensor device at least partially as a function of the detected first environmental parameter, wherein the at least one sensor is a biosensor and the first environmental parameter detected by the biosensor is indicative of: a bacterial content on a surface of the toilet bowl, and/or a bacterial content of a liquid located in the toilet bowl.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the at least one sensor is an optical sensor and the first environmental parameter detected by the optical sensor is indicative of: a surface roughness of a surface of the toilet bowl, a wettability and/or a change in the wettability of a surface of the toilet bowl, an optical reflection on a surface of the toilet bowl, and/or a turbidity of a liquid located in the toilet bowl.

3. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: outputting and/or effecting the outputting of a user information item, wherein the user information item is at least partially a function of the control information item.

4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the user information item is output by a user interface of the sensor device and the user interface is an optical user interface.

5. The method according to claim 4, wherein the user interface is a display.

6. The method according to claim 1, the method further comprising: sending and/or providing the control information item by a wireless communication interface of the sensor device.

7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the sensor device is part of a dispensing device and the method further comprises: outputting and/or effecting the outputting of an active ingredient preparation by the dispensing device at least partially as a function of the control information item.

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the dispensing device comprises a control unit, a container for receiving the active ingredient preparation and at least one actuator, wherein the control information item is set up to trigger and/or control a movement of the actuator, and wherein the movement of the actuator effects the outputting of the active ingredient preparation.

9. The method according to claim 7, wherein the dispensing device has a bow-shaped holding element fixable to an edge of the toilet bowl and when the holding element is fixed to the edge of the toilet bowl, the dispensing device comprises a distal end located in the interior of the toilet bowl and the sensor device is arranged at the distal end.

10. A sensor device arranged to execute and/or control the method according to claim 1.

11. The sensor device according to claim 10, wherein the sensor device is part of a dispensing device and/or is not part of the toilet bowl.

12. A computer program comprising program instructions configured to cause a device for executing and/or controlling the method according to claim 1 when the computer program is executed by a processor.

13. A method comprising the steps of: obtaining a control information item on a device, wherein the control information item is at least partially a function of a first environmental parameter detected by a sensor of a sensor device in an environment of the sensor device, and wherein the first environmental parameter is characteristic of a cleanliness of a toilet bowl; and outputting and/or effecting the outputting of a user information item by the device, wherein the user information item is at least partially a function of the obtained control information item, wherein the at least one sensor is a biosensor and the first environmental parameter detected by the biosensor is indicative of: a bacterial content on a surface of the toilet bowl, and/or a bacterial content of a liquid located in the toilet bowl.

14. A device set up for executing and/or controlling the method according to claim 13.

15. A computer program comprising program instructions configured to cause a device for executing and/or controlling the method according to claim 13 when the computer program is executed by a processor.

16. A system, comprising: a toilet including a toilet bowl; a dispensing device fixed to the toilet bowl and having a distal end and a sensor device at the distal end with the sensor device having a processor configured to execute a computer program causing the processor to: detect at least a first environmental parameter in an environment of the sensor device with the first environmental parameter being characteristic of a cleanliness of the toilet bowl, and determining and/or effecting a determination of a control information item at least partially as a function of the detected first environmental parameter; and a user device in communication with the sensor device and having a processor configured to execute a computer program causing the processor to: obtain the control information item, and output and/or effect the outputting of a user information item at least partially a function of the obtained control information item, wherein the at least one sensor is a biosensor and the first environmental parameter detected by the biosensor is indicative of: a bacterial content on a surface of the toilet bowl, and/or a bacterial content of a liquid located in the toilet bowl.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) The present disclosure will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the following drawing figures, wherein like numerals denote like elements, and:

(2) FIG. 1a is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a sensor device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure;

(3) FIG. 1b is a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a dispensing device having a sensor device according to the first aspect of the present disclosure;

(4) FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a device according to the second aspect of the present disclosure;

(5) FIG. 3 is a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a system according to the third aspect of the present disclosure;

(6) FIG. 4 is a flowchart of an exemplary embodiment of a method according to the first aspect of the present disclosure;

(7) FIG. 5 is a flowchart of an exemplary embodiment of a method according to the second aspect of the present disclosure; and

(8) FIG. 6 shows different exemplary embodiments of a storage medium.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(9) The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the disclosure or the application and uses of the subject matter as described herein. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any theory presented in the preceding background or the following detailed description.

(10) FIG. 1a shows a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a sensor device 10 according to the first aspect of the present disclosure. Sensor device 10 comprises at least a processor 100, a main memory 101, a program memory 102, a sensor 103, an optional communication interface 104 and an optional user interface 105.

(11) A processor is to be understood as meaning, for example, a control unit, a microprocessor, a microcontroller such as a microcontroller, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASICs) or a field programmable gate array (FPGAs). It is understood that sensor device 10 can also comprise a plurality of processors 100.

(12) Processor 100 executes program instructions stored in program memory 102, and stores, for example, intermediate results or the like in main memory 101. The program memory 102 contains, for example, program instructions of a computer program according to the first aspect of the present disclosure, comprising program instructions that cause the processor 100 to execute or control the method according to the first aspect of the present disclosure (for example, the method according to the flowchart 400 shown in FIG. 4) when the processor 100 executes these program instructions stored in program memory 102. In addition, further information items such as determination rules for determining a control information item can be stored in program memory 102.

(13) Program memory 102 also contains, for example, the operating system of sensor device 10, which is loaded at least partially into main memory 101 when the sensor device 10 is started and executed by processor 100. In particular, when the sensor device 10 is started, at least part of the kernel of the operating system is loaded into the main memory 101 and executed by processor 100.

(14) An example of an operating system is a Windows, UNIX, Linux, Android, Apple iOS, and/or MAC OS operating system. In particular, the operating system enables the use of the data processing device. It manages, for example, resources such as a main memory and a program memory, provides, among other things, other computer programs basic functions through programming interfaces and controls the execution of computer programs.

(15) A program memory is, for example, a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory, a magnetic memory, an EEPROM memory (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory) and/or an optical memory. A main memory is for example, a volatile or non-volatile memory, in particular a random access memory (RAM) such as a static RAM memory (SRAM), a dynamic RAM memory (DRAM), a ferroelectric RAM memory (FeRAM) and/or a magnetic RAM memory (MRAM).

(16) Main memory 101 and program memory 102 can also be configured as a memory. Alternatively, main memory 101 and/or program memory 102 can each be formed by a plurality of memories. Furthermore, main memory 101 and/or program memory 102 can also be part of the processor 100.

(17) Furthermore, processor 100 can control at least one sensor 103. The sensor 103 is set up, for example, to detect an environmental parameter characteristic of a cleanliness of a toilet bowl. For example, as disclosed above, an environmental parameter characteristic of soiling and/or calcification of the surface of the toilet bowl (and thus of a cleanliness of a toilet bowl) is a value for the intensity of light reflected from the surface of the toilet bowl in the direction of a reflection sensor (for example, a light generated by the reflection sensor) and/or a change in the intensity of a light reflected from the surface of the toilet bowl in the direction of a reflection sensor (for example, a light generated by the reflection sensor). Further environment parameters characteristic of cleanliness of the toilet bowl disclosed above are, for example, a turbidity value detected by a turbidity sensor of a liquid located in the toilet bowl and/or a bacterial content detected by a biosensor on the surface of the toilet bowl and/or in a liquid in the toilet bowl. It is understood that the present disclosure is not limited to these sensors and/or environmental parameters.

(18) In the following, it is assumed by way of example that the sensor 103 is a reflection sensor which is set up to detect a value for the intensity of a light reflected from the surface of the toilet bowl in the direction of the reflection sensor (for example, a light generated by the reflection sensor) and/or a change in intensity of light reflected from the surface of the toilet bowl in the direction of a reflection sensor (for example, a light generated by the reflection sensor).

(19) Furthermore, processor 100 controls the optional wireless communication interface 104. The wireless communication interface 104 is set up, for example, for sending information items (for example, in the form of a broadcast signal). Alternatively or additionally, the wireless communication interface is set up, for example, as a passive wireless communication interface providing information items for reading by a corresponding active wireless communication interface. Furthermore, the wireless communication interface 104 is set up, for example, to receive information items. The wireless communication interface 104 is, for example, a Bluetooth interface, an (for example, passive) NFC interface and/or an (for example, passive) RFID interface.

(20) In addition, processor 100 can control optional user interface 105, for example, by a control information item in the form of a control signal. The optional user interface is set up, for example, to output user information items. Examples of such a user interface are a display such as a screen (for example, a touch-sensitive screen) and/or a signal lamp (for example, a light emitting diode and/or a light bulb and/or a glow lamp) and/or a signal lamp arrangement having a plurality of signal lamps. In the following, it is assumed by way of example that the user interface 105 is formed as a signal lamp arrangement having a plurality of signal lamps. For example, the signal lamp arrangement has at least a first signal lamp for indicating that the toilet bowl is clean, and a second signal lamp for indicating that the toilet bowl is not clean.

(21) The components 100 to 105 of the sensor device are communicatively connected to each another, for example, via one or more bus systems (for example, one or more serial and/or parallel bus connections).

(22) It is understood that the sensor device, in addition to the components 100 to 105, can comprise further components (for example, further sensors).

(23) FIG. 1b shows a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a dispensing device 1 having the sensor device 10 according to the first aspect of the present disclosure. The user interface 105 is shown in FIG. 1b as a signal lamp arrangement having two signal lamps. Furthermore, the sensor 103 is shown by example in FIG. 1b.

(24) In addition to the sensor device 10, the dispensing device 1 comprises a bow-shaped holding element 11 which is fixable to an edge of a toilet bowl, and one or more open receptacles 12 for receiving in each case a spherical toilet block having a diameter of from about 25 to about 40 mm. The receptacles 12 have one or more flushing liquid inlet and outlet openings 120 and 121 through which flushing liquid can flow past a toilet block accommodated in the respective receptacle 12.

(25) When the holding element 12 is fixed to an edge of a toilet bowl, the sensor device 10 and the receptacle 12 are located at an end of the dispensing device 1 arranged in the interior of the toilet bowl.

(26) FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of a device 20 according to the second aspect of the present disclosure.

(27) Device 20 comprises at least a processor 200, a main memory 201, a program memory 202, a communication interface 203 and a user interface 204.

(28) It is understood that device 20 can also comprise a plurality of processors 200.

(29) Processor 200 executes program instructions stored in program memory 202, and stores, for example, intermediate results or the like in main memory 201. The program memory 202 contains, for example, program instructions of a computer program according to the second aspect of the present disclosure, comprising program instructions that cause the processor 200 to execute or control the method according to the second aspect of the present disclosure (for example, the method according to the flowchart 500 shown in FIG. 5) when the processor 200 executes these program instructions stored in program memory 202.

(30) Program memory 202 also contains, for example, the operating system of device 20, which is loaded at least partially into main memory 201 when the device 20 is started and executed by processor 200.

(31) Main memory 201 and program memory 202 can also be configured as a memory. Alternatively, main memory 201 and/or program memory 202 can each be formed by a plurality of memories. Furthermore, main memory 201 and/or program memory 202 can also be part of the processor 200.

(32) Processor 200 controls the wireless communication interface 203, which is formed, for example, as a wireless communication interface corresponding to the wireless communication interface 104 of the sensor device 10. For example, the wireless communication interface 203 is configured as a Bluetooth interface, an (for example, active) NFC interface and/or an (for example, active) RFID interface. The communication interface 203 is in particular set up to receive an information item and/or to read an information item provided by a passive wireless communication interface.

(33) Furthermore, processor 200 can control at least one user interface 204. Such a user interface can comprise, for example, one or more keys, a keyboard (for example, an alphanumeric keyboard or a numeric keyboard such as a keypad), a mouse, a screen (for example, a touch-sensitive screen such as a touch display), a microphone, and/or a camera. The user interface 204 can be used for communication with a user, for example, for inputting and/or outputting user information items. For example, the user interface 204 is the standard user interface of device 20.

(34) The components 200 to 204 of the sensor device are communicatively connected to each another, for example, via one or more bus systems (for example, one or more serial and/or parallel bus connections).

(35) It is understood that the device 20 can include further components in addition to the components 200 to 204.

(36) FIG. 3 shows a schematic representation of an exemplary embodiment of a system 30 according to the third aspect of the present disclosure; The system 30 comprises the sensor device 10 and the device 20. In FIG. 3, the sensor device 10 is exemplified as part of the dispensing device 1 and the device 20 is exemplified as a smartphone.

(37) A wireless communication path 31 is shown in FIG. 3 between the sensor device 10 and the device 20. Via this communication path 31, the device 20 can receive information items sent by the device 10 (for example, information items sent in the form of a broadcast signal) and/or read information items provided by the device 10. The communication (for example, the sending/providing and/or receiving/reading of information items) via the communication path 31 can take place, for example, through the communication interfaces 104 and 203 of the sensor device 10 and the device 20.

(38) FIG. 4 shows a flowchart 400 of an exemplary embodiment of a method according to the first aspect of the present disclosure. In the following, it is assumed by way of example that the steps 401 to 404 of the flowchart 400 are executed by the sensor device 10 in the system 30 when the sensor device 10 (for example, as part of the dispensing device 1) is arranged in the interior of a toilet bowl.

(39) In a step 401, a first environmental parameter in the environment of the sensor device 10 is detected by the sensor 103. In this case, the first environmental parameter is characteristic of a cleanliness of the toilet bowl in which the sensor device 10 is arranged.

(40) As disclosed above, sensor 103 is a reflection sensor and the environmental parameter detected by sensor 103 is a value for the intensity of light reflected from the surface of the toilet bowl in the direction of the reflection sensor (for example, a light generated by the reflection sensor) or a change in the intensity of a light reflected from the surface of the toilet bowl in the direction of a reflection sensor (for example, a light generated by the reflection sensor).

(41) In a step 402, a control information item is determined at least partially as a function of the first environmental parameter detected in step 401.

(42) The control information item is set up, for example, to trigger and/or control an action that can be executed by the sensor device and/or by a device other than the sensor device (for example, outputting a user information item and/or outputting an active ingredient preparation). For example, the control information item is a control signal that triggers and/or controls the output of a user information item by the user interface 105 of the sensor device 10. Alternatively or additionally, for example, the control information item can trigger and/or control the outputting of a user information item by the user interface 204 of the device 20 when the control information item is obtained at the device 20.

(43) The determination can be performed, for example, according to specified determination rules (for example, selection and/or calculation rules). For example, as disclosed above, the determination rules can specify that when the first environmental parameter indicates that the toilet bowl is clean, a first control information item is determined that triggers first a user information item indicating to the user that the toilet bowl is clean. Otherwise, the determination rules specify, for example, that a second control information item is determined, which triggers the outputting of a second user information item that indicates to a user that the toilet bowl is not clean. Alternatively or additionally, the second user information item can indicate to the user that the toilet bowl should be cleaned and/or give the user a cleaning recommendation to clean the toilet bowl.

(44) For example, the determination rules can specify a threshold for the intensity of light reflected from the surface of the toilet bowl in the direction of a reflection sensor. When the first environmental parameter is indicative of an intensity of a light reflected from the surface of the toilet bowl in the direction of the reflection sensor, which does not fall below this threshold value, it is, for example, specified that the first control information item is to be determined. Otherwise, for example, it is specified that the second control information item should be determined. Alternatively or additionally, the determination rules can specify a threshold value for a change in the intensity of a light reflected from the surface of the toilet bowl in the direction of a reflection sensor (for example, a light generated by the reflection sensor). When the first environmental parameter is indicative of a change in an intensity of a light reflected from the surface of the toilet bowl in the direction of the reflection sensor, which does not exceed this threshold value, it is, for example, specified that the first user information item is to be determined. Otherwise, for example, it is specified that the second user information item should be determined.

(45) Subsequently, the optional steps 403 and 404 can be executed. It should be understood that one of steps 403 and 404, both steps 403 and 404 or none of steps 403 and 404 may be executed.

(46) In the optional step 403, a user information item is output by the user interface 105 of the sensor device 10. In this case, the user information item is at least partially a function of the control information item determined in step 402. For example, the user interface 105 is controlled by the control information item determined in step 402 such that when a user is to be notified that the toilet bowl is clean, a first signal lamp (for example, a green signal lamp) of the user interface 105 lights up and, when a user is to be notified, indicates that the toilet bowl is not clean, a second signal lamp (for example, a red signal lamp) of the user interface 105 lights up.

(47) In optional step 404, the control information item determined in step 402 is sent by the wireless communication interface 104 of the sensor device 10 (for example, in the form of a broadcast signal) and/or provided (for example, for reading by the wireless communication interface 203 of the device 20). This is used, for example, to effect a user information item to be output by a device (for example, device 20) other than the sensor device when the control information item is obtained at this device (for example, device 20).

(48) FIG. 5 shows a flowchart 500 of an exemplary embodiment of a method according to the second aspect of the present disclosure. In the following, it is assumed by way of example that the steps 501 to 502 of the flowchart 500 are executed by the device 20 in the system 30.

(49) In a step 501, control information item is obtained at the device 20. These are, for example, the control information item sent and/or provided by the wireless communication interface 104 of the sensor device 10 in step 404. For example, the control information item is received and/or read by the wireless communication interface 203 of the device 20 in step 501.

(50) In a step 502, a user information item is output by the user interface 204 of the device 20. In this case, the user information item is at least partially a function of the control information item determined in step 501.

(51) As disclosed above, for example, the control information item can trigger and/or control the outputting of a user information item by the user interface 204 of the device 20 when the control information item is obtained at the device 20. For example, in this case, the user information item can indicate to the user whether the toilet bowl is clean. The user information item can take place, for example, in the form of a corresponding text display on a user interface 204 of the device 20 formed as a screen.

(52) FIG. 6 shows different embodiments of storage media on which an embodiment of a computer program as contemplated herein can be stored. The storage medium can be, for example, a magnetic, electrical, optical and/or different storage medium. The storage medium can, for example, be part of a processor (for example, the processor 100 of the sensor device 10 and/or the processor 200 of the device 20), for example, a (non-volatile or volatile) program memory of the processor or a part thereof (such as program memory 102 of the sensor device 10 and/or program memory 202 of device 20). Embodiments of a storage medium are a flash memory 60, an SSD hard disk 61, a magnetic hard disk 62, a memory card 63, a memory stick 64 (for example, a USB stick), a CD-ROM or DVD 65, or a diskette 66.

(53) The embodiments of the present disclosure described in this specification and the respective listed optional features and properties in this regard are to be understood as being disclosed in all combinations with one another. In particular, the description of a feature encompassed by an embodiment—unless explicitly explained to the contrary—should not be understood in the present case as meaning that the feature is necessary or essential for the function of the embodiment. The sequence of the method steps described in this specification is not mandatory, alternative sequences of the method steps are conceivable. The method steps can be implemented in various ways, so an implementation in software (by program instructions), hardware, or a combination of both to implement the method steps is conceivable.

(54) Terms used in the claims, such as “comprising,” “having,” “including,” “containing,” and the like, do not exclude further elements or steps. The phrase “at least partially” includes both the “partial” and “full” cases. The expression “and/or” is to be understood as meaning that both the alternative and the combination are to be disclosed, that is, “A and/or B” means “(A) or (B) or (A and B)”. The use of the indefinite article does not exclude a plurality. A single device can perform the functions of several units or devices mentioned in the claims. Reference signs indicated in the patent claims should not be regarded as limitations on the features and steps employed.

(55) While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist. It should also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or exemplary embodiments are only examples, and are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the various embodiments in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing an exemplary embodiment as contemplated herein. It being understood that various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of elements described in an exemplary embodiment without departing from the scope of the various embodiments as set forth in the appended claims.