Automated Toilet System

Abstract

An automated toilet system includes at least one toilet with a toilet bowl fluidly coupled via a flush valve to a source of water, a seat pivotally coupled to one of the toilet bowl, wall, or structural member; a seat mechanism; at least one seat position sensor configured to detect a position of the seat; a user detection sensor configured to detect at least one attribute of a user; and a sanitization system. A processor is communicatively coupled to at least one of the flush valve, the seat mechanism, the at least one seat position sensor, the user detection sensor, and the sanitization system. A computer memory includes instructions that cause the processor to perform functions including actuating: the flush valve; the seat mechanism, to one of raise the seat and lower the seat; and the sanitizing system to sanitize at least one of the toilet bowl and the seat.

Claims

1-34. (canceled)

35. An automated toilet system comprising: at least one toilet, including: a toilet bowl fluidly coupled via a flush valve to a source of water; a seat pivotally coupled to one of the toilet bowl, a wall, and a structural member; a seat mechanism coupled to the seat and configured to raise and to lower the seat; at least one seat position sensor configured to detect a position of the seat in a raised position and a lowered position; a user detection sensor configured to detect at least one attribute of a user of the automated toilet system; a sanitization system; a toilet control system that includes: a processor configured to implement a plurality of computer executable instructions, the processor being communicatively coupled to at least one of the flush valve, the seat mechanism, the at least one seat position sensor, the user detection sensor, and the sanitization system; a computer memory communicatively coupled with the processor and storing the plurality of computer executable instructions that, when implemented by the processor, cause the processor to perform functions including: at least one of actuating the flush valve; actuating the seat mechanism to one of raise the seat and lower the seat; and actuating the sanitizing system to sanitize at least one of the toilet bowl and the seat.

36. The automated toilet system of claim 21, wherein the processor is communicatively coupled by at least one of a) a wireless connection and b) a wired connection to at least one of the flush valve, the seat mechanism, the at least one seat position sensor, the user detection sensor, and the sanitization system.

37. The automated toilet system of claim 21, wherein the at least one toilet comprises a plurality of toilets.

38. The automated toilet system of claim 21, wherein at least one of the processor and the computer memory is remotely located from the toilet bowl.

39. The automated toilet system of claim 21, further comprising at least one database communicatively coupled to the processor, the database configured to store at least one datum representative of actuating the seat mechanism to one of raise the seat and lower the seat, actuating the sanitizing system to sanitize at least one of the toilet bowl, detecting the user, and the position of the seat.

40. The automated toilet system of claim 21, further comprising a voice detection system configured to receive a verbal instruction from the user, the voice detection system being communicatively coupled to the processor.

41. The automated toilet system of claim 21, further comprising an application installed on a user's mobile device, the application being communicatively coupled to the processor.

42. The automated toilet system of claim 21, further comprising at least one of a toilet height adjustment mechanism and a seat height adjustment mechanism configured to adjust a height of at least one of the toilet bowl and the seat, respectively, relative to a floor.

43. The automated toilet system of claim 21, further comprising a bidet with a nozzle fluidly coupled to the source of water.

44. The automated toilet system of claim 43, wherein the bidet further comprise at least one bidet position sensor configured to detect a position of the bidet relative to the user and a bidet adjustment mechanism, the at least one bidet position sensor and the bidet adjustment mechanism being communicatively coupled to the processor, wherein the computer executable instructions that, when implemented by the processor, cause the processor to perform functions including adjusting the position of the bidet relative to the user.

45. The automated toilet system of claim 21, further comprising at least one sensor communicatively coupled to the processor, the at least one sensor being configured to detect at least one of a voice; a user's motion; a light (analog/digital), a weight of a user; a discharge from a user; a flow of water into the toilet bowl; a temperature; a proximity of the user relative to the toilet bowl; an infrared (active and passive) source; a pressure; a sound; a touch made by the user; a location of the user relative to the toilet; a smell; a magnetic field; a visual scene; a position of at least one of the toilet and the seat relative to a floor; or a gender identification generated by a facial recognition camera.

46. The automated toilet system of claim 21, wherein the sanitization system comprises at least one of a) an ultraviolet light source configured to sanitize at least one of the toilet, the toilet bowl, the seat, and an area proximate the toilet with ultraviolet radiation and b) a dispenser configured to dispense a cleaning agent at least one of i) into the toilet bowl and ii) onto the seat.

47. The automated toilet system of claim 21, wherein the computer executable instructions that, when implemented by the processor, cause the processor to perform functions including, adjusting at least one of a volume and a flow velocity of water entering the toilet bowl when the processor actuates the flush valve.

48. The automated toilet system of claim 47, wherein the adjusting the at least one of a volume and a flow velocity of water is a function of whether a user deposited a solid in the toilet bowl.

49. The automated toilet system of claim 21, further comprising a door configured to allow the user to access a space where the toilet is located, and wherein a lock on the door is communicatively coupled to the processor, wherein the computer executable instructions that, when implemented by the processor, cause the processor to at least one of lock and unlock the lock on the door as a function of a position of the user relative to the door.

50. The automated toilet system of claim 21, further comprising a heater communicatively coupled to the processor, wherein the computer executable instructions that, when implemented by the processor, cause the processor to actuate the heater to raise a temperature of the seat relative to an ambient temperature.

51. The automated toilet system of claim 21, wherein the sanitization system is further configured to sanitize at least one of a stall, a bathroom, a toilet handle, a door, and a grab bar.

52. A method of operating an automated toilet comprising: at least one toilet, including: a toilet bowl fluidly coupled via a flush valve to a source of water; a seat pivotally coupled to one of the toilet bowl, a wall, and a structural member; a seat mechanism coupled to the seat and configured to raise and to lower the seat; a sanitization system; using a processor configured to implement computer executable instructions to perform the steps of: determining a presence of a user and an orientation of the user relative to the toilet bowl; positioning the seat in one of a raised position and a lowered position as a function of the orientation of the user; actuating the flush valve to adjust at least one of a volume and a flow velocity of water entering the toilet bowl as a function of whether a user deposited a solid in the toilet bowl; determining that the user is no longer present proximate the toilet bowl; and, actuating the sanitization system.

53. The method of claim 52, further comprising storing at least one datum representative of actuating the seat mechanism to one of raise the seat and lower the seat, actuating the sanitizing system to sanitize at least one of the toilet bowl, detecting the user, and the one of the raised position and the lowered position of the seat with at least one database communicatively coupled to the processor.

54. The method of claim 53, further comprising adjusting a height of at least one of the toilet bowl and the seat, respectively, relative to a floor.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0035] To further clarify the above and other advantages and features of the one or more present inventions, reference to specific embodiments thereof are illustrated in the appended drawings. The drawings depict only typical embodiments and are therefore not to be considered limiting. One or more embodiments will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the accompanying drawings in which:

[0036] FIG. 1 is a flow chart of a method of operating an automated toilet.

[0037] FIG. 2 is an example of an automated toilet system.

[0038] Common element numbers represent common features, even if the appearance of a feature varies slightly between the figures.

[0039] The drawings are not necessarily to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] The present invention will now be further described. In the following passages, different aspects of the invention are defined in more detail. Each aspect so defined may be combined with any other aspect or aspects unless clearly indicated to the contrary. In particular, any feature indicated as being preferred or advantageous may be combined with any other feature or features indicated as being preferred or advantageous.

[0041] As illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2, methods 100 of using an automated toilet system 200 provide several features and abilities to enhance a user's experience in an environmentally conscious manner. For example, the automated toilet system 200 may reduce the amount of water used through applied smart technology. The smart technology may include one or more of the following elements including, but not limited to: a fully automated, voice controlled, photo identification capable, program or application enabled touchless toilet seat 206. This toilet seat 206 offers a safe, sanitary and versatile experience for the user, including those with disabilities, while saving water.

[0042] The automated toilet system 200 may be capable of responding to voice commands, photo user action identification, user preferences saved within a program or application that communicates with the automated toilet system 200, and the like to perform one or more of the following actions: raise and/or lower the toilet seat 206; cool or warm the toilet seat 206; provide a variety of lighting options for visibility or mood, adjust the height and angle of the toilet seat 206 relative to the floor 220 or location upon which the automated toilet 202 is positioned, raises or lower a toilet seat cover (if present; not illustrated); clean and/or sanitize at least one of the toilet seat 206, the toilet bowl 204, and an area 208 around the automated toilet system 202; activate and/or adjust a bidet 210; signal to a building manager or a janitorial service the need to restock consumables, such as cleaning supplies, cleaning cartridges, toilet paper, or the need to clean and/or service the automated toilet 202 and/or the surrounding area; lock and unlock a door 230 to the bathroom or stall 201 where the automated toilet 202 is located; actuating an ultraviolet sanitizing light directed towards at least one of the automated toilet 202, the toilet seat 206, the toilet bowl 204, and the area 208 around the automated toilet 202, such, as the bathroom or the stall 201; and so forth.

[0043] The automated toilet 202 may be equipped with a variety of sensors positioned on or around the automated toilet 202, the toilet seat 206, the toilet bowl 204, and around the toilet system 202, such as on the walls or stall dividers 222, floor 220, and ceiling (not labeled) of the bathroom and/or stall 201 in which the toilet system 202 is located.

[0044] One or more of the sensors may be positioned on or proximate to the toilet seat 206 and/or the toilet bowl 204 and configured to detect how the user is oriented relative to the toilet system 202 (standing, sitting, facing towards/away/obliquely to the toilet system); whether the user is discharging a liquid or solid waste; and communicating a signal representative of that datum/data to a processor 300, which in turn is configured to execute a variety of commands, such as the duration/volume/flow rate of water discharged from a water source 250 via a flush valve 252 into the toilet bowl 204. Such a system, for example, may discharge less water in the event liquid waste is discharged into the toilet bowl 204 and discharge more water in the event a solid waste is discharged into the toilet bowl 204.

[0045] The sensors may include a microphone 260 configured to receive voice commands or other signals representative of a user's instructions and commands to the toilet flush valve 252/handle 207, lighting, lowering or raising the toilet seat 206, any lock 232 (electrical, electro-mechanical, including magnetic and electro-magnetic locks, solenoid locks, and the like) on the bathroom or stall door 230, cleaning or sanitizing functions and the like.

[0046] Other sensors 270 may be those configured to detect or generate a signal of data representative of one or of the following attributes, including detecting a user, determining a user's position relative to the automated toilet system (facing toward/away/obliquely or at an angle to the automated toilet system/offset but parallel to a long axis of the toilet bowl, sitting/standing, or other orientation/position), the user's height and/or weight, anonymized or pattern recognition to determine a user's gender or gender identity, a user's need for accessible facilities, the type of waste (liquid/solid) discharged, the time (date/time of day) and/or duration of use/engagement with the automated toilet system 202, detection of odors that (suggestive of the efficacy of or the need to dispense deodorants/fresheners/cleaning or sanitization systems and services) and the like.

[0047] In addition to sensors 270 configured to detect and/or perform the above noted conditions or functions, an example of the one or more sensors may include: microphones, motion detectors, light (analog/digital) sensors, weight or strain gauge sensors, flow rates sensors (liquid, such as those coupled between the flush valve 252, water source 250, and toilet bowl 204; and air flow sensors to detect and evaluate the rate of air flow in the bathroom/stall 201), temperature sensors, proximity sensors, infrared (active and passive, including passive infrared receivers/sensors) sensors, pressure sensors (one or both of static pressure and dynamic pressure), touch sensors, location or GPS sensors, position sensors, smell or odor detectors/sensors, visual, camera, or video sensors (television, charge coupled devices, color, black and white, pattern recognition, with or without anonymized data), magnetic sensors, accelerometers to detect the orientation of an item (e.g., the toilet seat 206) relative to a gravity vector/vertical, laser emitters and receivers, capacitive sensors, chemical sensors, and the like. If the toilet seat 206 is in the down position, it is most likely a solid application. So, an air freshener may discharge a scent will be released when the toilet seat 206 is lowered, possibly with at a time delayed from the toilet seat 206 being lowered or at the flush when the lowered toilet seat 206 is raised back to the up position.

[0048] The inclusion of these sensors and functionality, as incorporated and utilized by a processor 300 performing one or more functions as guided by a computer program/computer instructions, may improve the user's experience, reduce disease transmission, preserve water, assist user's that appreciate or use accessibility features, and capture user data and report any damage, clogging or needed replacement consumables (cleaning cartridges, parts, batteries, toilet paper, and the like) for the toilet seat or toilet system.

[0049] The processor 300, with the data provided by the sensor(s) 270, may also notify the toilet owner/building owner/tenant/janitorial service directly or through a program/application installed on a user's mobile device 350 (such as smart phone/cell phone, tablet, computer, or other smart device, such as a smart watch) if the toilet system 202, toilet seat 206, toilet bowl 204, or bathroom stall 201 requires cleaning and/or servicing.

[0050] The automated toilet system 202 and toilet seat 206 may include a unique identifier so that data can be captured by location, number of users, amount of water usage, water savings, repairs, issues, etc. The unique identifier may be stored in a computer memory 302, RFID (radio frequency identification), database 304, or the like on or proximate the toilet system 202 or remotely in a computer memory 302, database 304, or with the processor 300 communicatively coupled to the toilet system 202. The unique identifier may also be communicated to a computer program or application installed on a user's mobile device 350 to facilitate a user-initiated comment or service request associated with the particular toilet system 202.

[0051] Each automated toilet 202 and toilet seat 206 may be equipped with telecommunication equipment 306, such as a Wi-Fi or internet capability, whether wired or wireless (e.g., Bluetooth or other wireless internet) and communicatively coupled to a processor 300either directly or via the Internet/cloud computing (not illustrated)-that in turn is communicatively coupled to an input device 299 (remote computer, server, technician's mobile device, such as smart phone, tablet, or computer).

[0052] In general, an innumerable number of different architectures, including various combinations of software, hardware, circuit logic, sensors, networks, etc. may be used to implement the various components illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. Each processor 300 may be implemented, for example, as a microprocessor and each memory may represent the random-access memory (RAM) devices comprising a main storage, as well as any supplemental levels of memory, e.g., cache memories, non-volatile or backup memories (e.g., programmable or flash memories), read-only memories, etc. In addition, each memory 302 may be considered to include memory storage physically located elsewhere, e.g., any cache memory in a processor, as well as any storage capacity used as a virtual memory, e.g., as stored on a mass storage device or another computer controller. One or more processors 300 illustrated in FIG. 2, or entirely separate processors, may be used to implement additional functionality in the automated toilet system 202.

[0053] In addition, for additional storage, the computer memory 302 may include one or more mass storage devices, e.g., a removable disk drive, a hard disk drive, a direct access storage device (DASD), an optical drive (e.g., a CD drive, a DVD drive, etc.), a solid-state storage drive (SSD), network attached storage, a storage area network, and/or a tape drive, among others.

[0054] Moreover, the automated toilet system 200 may include one or more network interfaces, e.g., network interface 306, suitable for communicating with one or more networks to permit the communication of information with other computers and electronic devices, including, for example, a central service, such as a cloud service, from which the automated toilet system 200 receives information including trained machine learning models and other data for use in autonomous control thereof. The one or more networks, for example, may be a communication network that includes a wide area network (WAN) such as the Internet, one or more local area networks (LANs) such as Wi-Fi LANs, mesh networks, etc., and one or more bus subsystems. The one or more networks may optionally utilize one or more standard communication technologies, protocols, and/or inter-process communication techniques. In some implementations, data collected by the one or more sensors 270 can be uploaded to a remote data center, that may include a processor 300 via the network 306 for additional processing.

[0055] Each processor 300 illustrated in FIG. 1, as well as various additional controllers and subsystems disclosed herein, operates under the control of an operating system and executes or otherwise relies upon various computer software applications, components, programs, objects, modules, data structures, etc., as will be described in greater detail below. Moreover, various applications, components, programs, objects, modules, etc. may also execute on one or more processors 300 in another computer coupled to the automated toilet system 200 via network 306, e.g., in a distributed, cloud-based, or client-server computing environment, whereby the processing required to implement the functions of a computer program may be allocated to multiple computers and/or services over a network.

[0056] In general, the routines executed to implement the various implementations described herein, whether implemented as part of an operating system or a specific application, component, program, object, module, or sequence of instructions, or even a subset thereof, will be referred to herein as program code. Program code typically comprises one or more instructions that are resident at various times in various memory and storage devices, and that, when read and executed by one or more processors 300, perform the steps necessary to execute steps or elements embodying the various aspects of the present disclosure. Moreover, while implementations have and hereinafter will be described in the context of fully functioning computers and systems, it will be appreciated that the various implementations described herein are capable of being distributed as a program product in a variety of forms, and that implementations can be implemented regardless of the particular type of computer readable media used to actually carry out the distribution.

[0057] Examples of computer readable media include tangible, non-transitory media such as volatile and non-volatile memory devices, floppy and other removable disks, solid state drives, hard disk drives, magnetic tape, and optical disks (e.g., CD-ROMs, DVDs, etc.) among others.

[0058] In addition, various program codes described hereinafter may be identified based upon the application within which it is implemented in a specific implementation. However, it should be appreciated that any particular program nomenclature that follows is used merely for convenience, and thus the present disclosure should not be limited to use solely in any specific application identified and/or implied by such nomenclature. Furthermore, given the typically endless number of manners in which computer programs may be organized into routines, procedures, methods, modules, objects, and the like, as well as the various manners in which program functionality may be allocated among various software layers that are resident within a typical computer (e.g., operating systems, libraries, API's, applications, applets, etc.), it should be appreciated that the present disclosure is not limited to the specific organization and allocation of program functionality described herein.

[0059] The example environment illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 is not intended to limit implementations disclosed herein. Indeed, other alternative hardware and/or software environments may be used without departing from the scope of implementations disclosed herein.

[0060] The automated toilet system 200 and/or toilet seat 206 can be manually or remotely programmed to modify the performance and or functions enacted by the computer instructions/code and the processor 300, the data collected and stored by the one or more sensors 270 and the like. For example, a technician, janitor, or facilities manager may interact with the automated toilet system 200 via a mobile device and instruct the toilet system 202 to adjust (increase or decrease) the amount of water used with each flush or associated with the orientation of a user (standing/sitting), and any additional customization for water savings, sanitation, lighting in the bathroom, adjusting the height or orientation of the toilet system or toilet seat relative to the floor upon which the toilet system is positioned, increase or decrease the amount of sanitization released on the seat or scent released into the stall 201 and the like.

[0061] Optionally, the automated toilet system 200 may be equipped with reservoirs 208 to receive and discharge various consumables, such as cleaning fluids, deodorizers, perfumes/air fresheners, disinfectants, descaling agents, cleaning cartridges, and the like. A sensor 282 (a fluid level sensor, sound/light or other level detector, analog or digital counter, and the like) may be configured to detect a level or amount of the consumable, generate a signal representative of that level and transmit it to the processor 300. The processor 300, in turn, may under the instructions of a computer program or code may perform a function of storing that information regarding the consumable in a database 304 and/or transmitting that information to a facilities manager/janitorial service via an output device 305 (such as a mobile device, smart phone, computer, server with a screen, printer, or other output device) configured to present the information in a readable format. The automated toilet system 200 via the processor 300 may automatically interface with suppliers and automatically order the consumables either for a given toilet system 202 or a plurality of toilet systems at a given threshold minimum supply.

[0062] Optionally, the processor 300 also may signal to the facilities manager/janitorial service via an output device 305 (such as a mobile device, smart phone, computer, server with a screen, printer, or other output device) that the automated toilet system 200 may need servicing and/or cleaning based on the various parameters and attributes detected by the one or more sensors 270 and in accordance with the functions that the computer program/computer instructions guide the processor 300 to perform. Optionally, a user may also interact with the processor via an application on the user's mobile device 350 to provide that information or otherwise generate a service/cleaning ticket to be transmitted to the facilities manager/janitorial service.

[0063] Optionally, a consumable 254 used for cleaning and/or disinfecting the toilet, may be fluidly coupled to the source of water 250 so that the consumable may be dispensed into the toilet bowl 204 each time or periodically, as programmed or adjusted depending on selected parameters (e.g., number of uses, types of uses (liquid/waste), and the like) to help maintain the toilet system 202 in a cleaner and more sanitary condition.

[0064] Optionally, the toilet system 202 may include a bidet 210 fluidly coupled to the water source 250. The bidet 250 and/or bidet nozzle may include an adjustment mechanism 211 that may adjust the position and orientation (i.e., the angle of the bidet nozzle and the planar position of the bidet nozzle relative to the toilet seat 206). The bidet adjustment mechanism 211 may include any variety of linear actuators, solenoids, servos, screw drives, electro-magnetic actuators, hydraulic cylinders, and the like. The bidet 210 may also include one or more sensors (not illustrated) capable of detecting a position of the bidet 210 and/or bidet nozzle relative to the toilet seat 206, the position of the bidet 210 and/or bidet nozzle relative to the user, and generate and transmit a signal representative of that position to the processor 300. A computer instruction or code may cause the processor 300 to adjust the position of the bidet 210 and/or bidet nozzle relative to the user, cause the processor 300 to communicate with the application on the user's mobile device 350 to share the position of the bidet 210 and/or bidet nozzle with the user or retrieve the user's preferences from the application to adjust the position of the bidet 210 and/or bidet nozzle in accordance with the user's preferences, or to allow the user to manually adjust the position of the bidet 210 and/or bidet nozzle via the application or through touch and/or voice controls configured to receive the user's inputs and transmit them to the processor 300.

[0065] Optionally, the automated toilet system 200 may be equipped with a sanitization system 240 that includes an ultraviolet light configured to transmit a wavelength of ultraviolet light sufficient to kill or disable bacteria and viruses. The ultraviolet light may be positioned proximate to or upon the toilet system 202, the toilet seat 206, the toilet bowl 204, various locations on the wall 222/stall divider/ceiling/floor 220 in the bathroom 201.

[0066] The processor 300 may receive signal(s) from the variety of sensors 270 confirming that a user has used the automated toilet 202 and/or has departed the stall/bathroom 201. The processor 300 optionally may lock the door 230 to the stall/bathroom 201 to ensure that a user cannot enter the stall/bathroom 201 during which time the ultraviolet light is activated and later unlock the door 230 after the processor 300 turns off the ultraviolet light once the sanitization cycle is complete. The ultraviolet light may be directed towards one or more of the toilet system 202 (partially or entirely), the toilet seat 206, the toilet bowl 204, and an area around the toilet 208, which may include partially or the entire stall or bathroom 201 in which the toilet system 202 is positioned from the floor 220, to the walls 222, to the ceiling. The processor 300 may activate the ultraviolet light for a fixed period of time or a time adjusted to account for the type discharge (liquid or waste) that the user deposited in the toilet bowl 204.

[0067] Optionally, the automated toilet system 200 may be equipped and/or communicatively coupled to one or more lights 290 via the processor 300. These lights may be ambient or overhead lighting in the bathroom, white light, adjustable and/or colored lights, and the like. The processor 300, in accordance with the computer instructions, may turn on or adjust one or more of the aforementioned lights 290 for safety, aesthetics, and mood, or may adjust any one or more of the lights automatically or manually in accordance with a user's preferences via the application on the user's mobile device 350.

[0068] The automated toilet system 200 may be communicatively coupled to a lock 232 on the bathroom and/or bathroom stall door 230 via the processor 300. The lock 232 may include a mechanical lock, electro-mechanical lock, magnetic lock, electro-magnetic lock, solenoids and other various drives and linear actuations to actuate a latch and/or bolt and other similar structures to lock the door 230.

[0069] The processor 300 may lock and unlock the door in accordance with the computer program/computer instructions as a function of data received from one or more sensors 270 detecting the presence and/or position of the user, via interacting with the application on the user's mobile device 350, the operation of the sanitization cycle as discussed, and the like. For example, the processor 300 may lock the door when it detects that a user has entered the bathroom or stall 201 and is approaching the toilet system 202. After the user has used the toilet system 202, the processor 300 may detect that the user has stepped away from the toilet system 202 and/or approached the door 230, at which point the processor 300 would instruct the lock 232 to be deactivated/unlocked so that the user can depart. Once the user departs, the processor 300 may optionally temporarily lock the door 230 during the sanitization or ultraviolet light cycle. Once the sanitization cycle is complete, the processor 300 may then unlock the door 230 again. In this manner, the user need never physically interact with the lock/locking mechanism 232. The processor optionally may be coupled to the bathroom lighting system 290, music system so that the lights, music if any, turn on when the user enters and turns off when the user exits and the sanitization or ultraviolet light cycle commences.

[0070] The automated toilet system 200 may be communicatively coupled to a door opening mechanism 234 coupled to the door 230, wherein the door opening mechanism 234 is communicatively coupled to the processor 300. The processor 300 may perform instructions to at least one of actuate the door opening mechanism 234 to one of open and close the door, which may be a function of a position of the user relative to the door 230. The door opening mechanism 234 may include electric motors and actuators, including hydraulic cylinders, linear actuators, multi-link mechanisms, torsion drives/motors, and the like, capable of opening the door.

Application on a User's Mobile Device

[0071] As mentioned, a user may choose to install an application on her mobile device 350 that allows her to interact with the processor 300 controlling the automated toilet system 200. The mobile application may receive user generated input that may be shared, typically in an anonymized format, with the processor 300 so as to enhance and optimize the user's experience with the automated toilet system 200.

[0072] The user's application may receive and store user data, including one or more of the following, in any combination: [0073] user's gender or gender identification; [0074] user's preferences regarding toilet seat height and angle relatively to the floor 220 upon which the toilet system 202 is positioned, toilet seat 206 and/or bathroom temperature, bidet 210 position, and lighting preferences; [0075] user's height and/or weight; [0076] user's preferences for accessibility; [0077] blood pressure and pulse rate (whether obtained directly via the mobile device or transmitted to the mobile device via a smart watch or other smart device worn by the user) [0078] other data/preferences

[0079] The application may communicate wirelessly with the processor 300 via the network connection 306. The various sensors 270 of the toilet system may record data that is then transmitted to the application via the processor 300/wireless transmitters 306. For example, the automated toilet system 200 may record and share data with the application such as duration and type (liquid/solid) of use, when (date/time) of use, blood pressure, body temperature, pulse rate and the like.

[0080] The application may allow a user to interact with the processor 300 to manually (via the application) adjust various settings such as toilet seat height and angle relatively to the floor 220 upon which the toilet system 202 is positioned, toilet seat 206 and/or bathroom temperature, bidet 210 position, lighting preferences, instruct the toilet to flush via the application rather than via a handle 207 or other sensor/button on the toilet.

[0081] The application may permit a user to provide feedback to a facilities manager/janitorial service. Such feedback may be a comment, service (cleaning and/or repair) request, request to restock consumables, and the like. The comment/feedback would be wireless received by the processor 300 and transmitted to an output device 305 as described above with the unique identifier of the particular automated toilet system 200 and a time and date stamp. Alternatively, the application may transmit the information directly from the user's mobile device 350 to a server or other intermediary which then transmits the information to the output device 305 as described above.

Example of the Toilet System in Use

[0082] A user might enter a bathroom 201 or bathroom stall in which the above-described automated toilet system 200 is positioned. The automated toilet system 200, specifically the processor 3000, may detect the presence of the user by one or more of the above noted sensors and/or wirelessly communicating with the user's application installed on the user's mobile device 350.

[0083] One or more of the sensors 242 may detect the distance and/or orientation of the user relative to the toilet seat. The automated toilet system 200 may optionally automatically open, close and lock the door 230 to the bathroom 201. As the user approaches the toilet system 202, sensors 242 may detect whether or not the user is standing and facing the toilet or turning around so that the user may sit down. The processor 300 may then detect a position (raised/lowered) of the toilet seat 206 with a toilet seat position sensor 246 and, in turn, instruct the toilet seat 206 to maintain the toilet seat 206 in the raised position if the user is standing and facing the toilet or instruct the toilet seat 206 to lower with a toilet seat raising mechanism 244 (discussed above) if the user has turned around. The sensors 242 or processor 300 may also be configured to detect if the user is using a wheelchair or other mobility device and lower the toilet seat 206 in response. The lowering of the toilet seat 206 must occur sufficiently fast to ensure it is fully lowered before the user sits down. The toilet seat 206 may include a soft-lower function to ensure the toilet seat 206 is positioned gently to avoid a loud or jarring sound upon lowering. Optionally, the user may issue a voice command to lower the toilet seat 206 via the microphone 260 or the processor 300 may interact with the user's application to determine the user's preference for seat position. The toilet system 202 optionally may have a motion or other sensor system 248 configured to detect a user's hand gesture or other movement to indicate the user wishes for the toilet seat 206 to be lowered. Alternatively, if the toilet seat 206 is in the lowered position when a user enters the bathroom 201/stall and the processor 300/sensors detect the user is standing the processor 300 may instruct the toilet seat adjustment mechanism 244 to the raise and/or lower the toilet seat 206. Regardless of the particular method, the toilet seat 206 may be lowered (and raised) without the user having to physically touch the toilet seat 206.

[0084] Optionally, the processor 300 may instruct a heating and/or cooling element 247 to raise or lower a temperature of the toilet seat 206 relative to the ambient temperature in the bathroom 201 in accordance with the instructions in a computer code, a preset temperature, or the user's preferences in the application. The preferred or preset temperature may be reached before or concurrently with the toilet seat 206 reaching the fully lowered position. The heating and/or cooling element 247 may include any variety of thermocouples, resistive heating elements, fluid jackets with hot and/or cold fluids (such as water or other refrigerants), and the like.

[0085] The sensors/processor 300 may be configured to detect whether the user deposits liquid or solid waste into the toilet bowl 206 of the toilet system 202. For example, if the user is standing the automated toilet system 200 may determine that the user likely deposited liquid waste and, in turn, instruct the flush valve 252 to release a relatively smaller volume and/or lower flow rate of water from the water source 250. If the user is seated, the automated toilet system 200 may determine that the user likely deposited solid waste and, in turn, instruct the flush valve 252 to release a relatively higher volume and/or higher flow rate of water from the water source 250. In some versions, the various sensors may detect the specific type of waste deposited regardless of whether the user is standing or sitting and, in turn, adjust the volume and/or flow rate depending on whether it is liquid or solid waste.

[0086] Optionally, if the user sits on the toilet seat 206, the various sensors may collect various data as discussed above, including weight, blood pressure, pulse rate, body temperature and the like. The data may be shared with the user's application and/or anonymized and saved in a database for aggregate analysis.

[0087] Once the user has finished using the toilet system 202, the sensors/processor 300 may detect that the user has returned to a standing position and/or turned to move away from the toilet system 202 and exit the bathroom 201 or bathroom stall. The processor 300 may then instruct the toilet seat 206 to return to raised position if it was previously lowered for use. The processor 300 may also then instruct the door lock 232 to be opened, the door 230 to be automatically opened to avoid any touch contact so that the user may exit from the bathroom 201 or the bathroom stall.

[0088] Optionally, the user may use the application to flush the toilet if the toilet system 202 does not automatically flush and/or generate and transmit feedback as described above.

[0089] Once the sensors/processor 300 detect that the user has departed from the bathroom 201 or the bathroom stall, the processor 301, in accordance with the computer instructions, may activate a sanitization system and scent release cycle as described above. Optionally, the door lock 232 may be actuated to ensure another user may not enter the bathroom 201 or the bathroom stall during the sanitization cycle. The automated toilet system 201 may dispense disinfectants, deodorizers, aerosols, and cleaning and/or sanitizing agents. For example, an aerosol bactericide or virucide may be dispensed and deposited on one or more of the toilet system 202, toilet seat 206, toilet bowl 204, or the area 208 around the toilet system 202/the stall/bathroom 201. In addition or alternatively, a bactericidal and/or viricidal ultraviolet light may be activated for a period of time to bathe one or more of the toilet system 202, toilet seat 206, toilet bowl 204, floor in front of and around the toilet or the area 208 around the toilet system 202/the stall/bathroom 201 in ultraviolet light as described above. Once the sanitization cycle is complete, the door 230, if locked, may be opened and the bathroom 201 may be ready to receive another user.

[0090] The processor 300 may collect, collate, store, and transmit the data to a database 304, server, output device 305, and the like as described above. For example, the data may include the number of users, the types of uses (standing/sitting; liquid waste/solid waste; full or partial flushes) that may be a proxy for how frequently the bathroom might need to be cleaned; the status of any consumables and whether any consumables need to be restocked or reordered (including automatically reordering consumables).

[0091] Referring to FIG. 1, the method 100 of operating an automated toilet includes one or more steps performed in any combination and in any order. For example, a method 100 optionally includes at least one toilet with a toilet bowl fluidly coupled via a flush valve to a source of water; a seat pivotally coupled to one of the toilet bowl, a wall, and a structural member; a seat mechanism coupled to the seat and configured to raise and to lower the seat; and a sanitization system 102. A processor configured to implement computer executable instructions may be used to perform a variety of steps or instructions 104, including determining a presence of a user and an orientation of the user relative to a toilet bowl 106; positioning the seat in one of a raised position and a lowered position as a function of the orientation of the user 108; actuating the flush valve to adjust at least one of a volume and a flow velocity of water entering the toilet bowl a function of whether a user deposited a solid in the toilet bowl 110; determining that the user is no longer present proximate the toilet bowl 112; and, actuating the sanitization system 114.

[0092] The method may include any one or more of the steps as discussed above in the brief summary and in the detailed description.

[0093] The toilet systems as described above may provide a more sanitary and touchless experience for a user.

[0094] Furthermore, the following numbered embodiments outline various combinations of elements that may comprise various aspects of the disclosure. Regardless of a specific recitation or dependency noted for convenience, any numbered element may be combined with any other numbered element.