Fluid flow control apparatus and process

Although in the Figure in the form of the embodiment of the invention and the detailed description of the details, the invention can have various amendments and alternative forms. However, it should be understand, the present invention should not be limited to the described specific embodiments. On the contrary, the invention covers the fall into the spirit and scope of the invention all the modifications, equivalent forms and replacement.

The invention relates to a fluid flow control device, the fluid flow control device of the radar sensor using radar to detect the emergence of a number of individuals, position, direction of movement and/or movement, in response to and in a predetermined manner the radar detection result. For example, fluid flow control device may be coupled to the water inlet pipe of the water closet or urinal, the device uses radar detecting user to enter and leave the around the toilet bowl or urinal radar sensor field, after the user leaves and through the flushing toilet bowl or urinal in order to remove the dirt, to respond to the movement of the user.

Furthermore, the present invention relates to a small power pulse radar system. Although this system can be used for fluid flow control equipment, of the radar system, however, is not limited to this kind of equipment. For example, radar system can be used in the intrusion alarm, emergency lighting, toys and other radar sensor is applied, in particular to work with relatively small power occasions in a small range.

Fluid flow control apparatus

In one embodiment, fluid flow control device comprises producing a radar sensor unit of the sensor field, the unit has a transmitter and a receiver. Transmitter transmitting an electromagnetic signal, the receiver receives the signal and sensor the one or more objects generated from the action of the interaction between the reflection of the electromagnetic signal. Fluid flow control apparatus also includes coupling to the sensor unit in order to measure the characteristic of the sensor of a number of individual detection circuit. Appropriate characteristic of the occurrence of an individual comprises a sensor field, the movement of the individual floor of the sensor, sensor on the direction of motion of an individual, or the combination of these features. Valve, such as one of the actuator is coupled to the detection circuit and is used for processing in the pipeline, in order to control the fluid flow through the pipeline. Actuator response to detecting circuit in order to open and close a predetermined order.

The radar control fluid flow control apparatus allows various equipment, such as a toilet, urinal, sink, shower, bidet, or other facilities or a non-contact control. General the conventional movement of the user in response to the pointing device. Such non-contact control is particularly suitable for public toilets, harmful bacteria exists here, bacteria, or can be spread to the follow-up of the apparatus the problem of the user. Furthermore, based on the maintenance of sanitary conditions and convenient use of the various causes of, fluid flow control of the present invention device can also be used for other occasions, such as personal household bathroom or kitchen.

The present invention also relates to such a fluid flow control apparatus is used for facilities, appliances and equipment, in particular for a bathroom and toilet facilities, these facilities include a toilet, urinal, tub, shower, bathtub, turbulent flow bath , hand dryer, soap or lotion dispenser, pool and the water tap, and facilities for kitchen, for example pool and the water tap.

One embodiment of such as such as a water closet or urinal waste processing apparatus, the apparatus has a water inlet pipe, and the water inlet pipe in fluid communication with the dirt repository of, and in fluid communication with the water outlet pipe of the repository, the dirt is removed through a water outlet pipe. The apparatus also includes a repository for dirt radar in the vicinity of the sensor unit. The radar sensor unit has a transmitter and a receiver, the transmitter and the receiver generates a sensor field around the dirt repository waste treatment in order to measure the characteristic of a user of the device. Appropriate characteristic of the occurrence of an individual comprises a sensor field, the movement of the individual floor of the sensor, sensor on the direction of motion of an individual, or the combination of these features. An actuator coupled to the radar sensor unit and located on the back or inside of the water inlet pipe, in order to control the flow of water through the water inlet pipe. In response to the sensor unit detects the actuator in a predetermined sequence the characteristic of being opened and closed. For example, after the user leaves the sensor field, actuator is opened and allows a water flow to reach the waste repository has entered water pipe, in order to remove dirt from the dirt repository.

Figure 1 diagrammatically shows the fluid flow control apparatus 20. Apparatus 20 includes a valve, such as the actuator 22, the actuator comprises a control circuit 24 control. Radar detector 26 sends the input data to the control circuit 24, then the control circuit 24 determines the appropriate response. Radar detector 26 generally includes a transmitter 28, the receiver 30 and the detection circuit 32.

Usually, as shown in Figure 2, the actuator 22 coupled to the facilities 36 of the water inlet pipe 34, facilities 36 may be, for example, a water tap 38 and pool 40. Actuator 22 for opening and closing, in order to control the fluid flow to and/or through the facilities. For example, fluid flow control device 20 can be and the water tap 38 and pool 40 is connected, in order to control the tap 38 reaches the pool 40 of the water flow. In this case, the actuator 22 is generally coupled to the water pipe 34 inside or water pipe 34 and tap 38 between. In one embodiment, when detecting the user, the actuator 22 is opened, water to flow through the tap 38. When the user left the, actuator 22 is closed, water stops flowing through the tap 38. Also can use the actuator 22 of the other configuration and the actuator 22 of the other position relative to the fixed device.

An appropriate embodiment of the control circuit includes a solenoid, the solenoid has a coupling to the actuator 22 in order to response from the detector 26 for opening or closing the actuator of the signal 22 of the armature. For example, the current through the solenoid can be provided in order to move the armature and open the actuator. Can use a reverse current, or in the situation of the electric current is not used the use of a mechanism (for example a spring), to make the actuator is returned to its closed position.

The control circuit 24 may also include the complex components such as the microprocessor, the microprocessor according to the radar detector 26 of the signal supply a programmed response. Programming response can be based on the type of the received signal (i.e., individual the presence or movement of an individual) or the sequence of the received signal (i.e., corresponding to the individual to enter and leave the radar sensing field of the two successive signal). In order to prevent the error response, the microprocessor of the controller-based various software algorithm can be adopted, these algorithms use the signal detection and statistical techniques, for example the average, to solve the reflection and/or a spurious signal caused by background clutter with the problem of the noise.

Radar sensor

Radar detector 26 is a used for detecting individual and/or individual movement of the sensor apparatus of the venue. Usually, through from the transmitter 28 transmitting a radar signal and the receiver 30 receives the transmitted radar signal reflection to complete radar detection, reflecting the radar signal and a plurality of object interaction to produce. Part of the reflected signal depends on the strength of the reflectivity and size of the object, and the distance to the object.

Can use various radar transmitter. A radar transmitter often in a single signal frequency continuous radiation electromagnetic signal. A kind of the information obtained from the signal measuring the frequency of the reflected signal. If the reflected signal of the object is on the move, the frequency of the reflected signal can be multiple the spectrum forces the frequency deviation and providing a motion and direction information. For example, the target from the radar detector to reduce the frequency of the reflected signal, the target moves toward the detector increase in the frequency of the reflected signal. It should be understand, there are also other continuous wave radar system and method can be used for the radar sensor of a number of individual, position, and direction of the movement information.

The other of this invention is a kind of radar system pulsed radar , wherein the electromagnetic pulse of energy emitted by the emitter, the reflected pulse is received by the receiver. Figure 3 diagrammatically shows a pulse radar configuration. The radar system includes a generating pulses of the pulse (PRF) of the received frequency pulse generator 50, in response to the pulse for transmitting the radar signal transmitter 52, a for delaying the radar signal selectable transmitter delay circuit 53, one used for receiving reflected radar signal receiver 54, one is used in a delay after an optional receiver gating open receiver delay circuit 56, for a and from the reflected radar signal to obtain the desired, position, movement, and/or direction information of the signal processing circuit 58.

In a kind of type in the pulse radar, in particular RF frequency emitting electromagnetic energy short pulse string, the length of the short pulse string corresponding to the signal in the radar frequency of the plurality of oscillation. United States Patent section 5,521,600 of the detailed description of the a RF frequency radar short pulse string embodiment of the radar system; in the Patent cited as a reference. In this particular radar system, before a signal processing in the receiver 54 to the transmitting and receiving signal to mixing.

Figure 4 provides the specific time sequence chart of the radar system, the transmitting of the illustrated RF short pulse string 60, receiving a gating signal 62 and mixing of both the transmitter and receiver signal 64. Detection threshold of the circuit 66 can be set in a sufficiently high, only the mixing of both the transmitter and receiver signal can be the value of the trigger detection. The radar system has maximum detection range. Only can be detected from the signal of the transmitter and receiver is generated as the object is near enough, therefore, at least a portion of the transmission of a short pulse train is transmitted to the object and in a short pulse string within the time length of reflected back to the receiver. The covered sensor field of the radar system the maximum range of the radar system of the inner region. Sensor there can be obtained any object detection.

Another kind of pulse radar system is ultra wide band (UWB) radar, the radar comprises transmitting a nanosecond or sub-nanosecond pulse length of the pulse. Examples of UWB can be in the U.S. Patent section 5,361,070 and 5,519,400 found in, in the these patents cited as a reference. These UWB radar system also by fig. 3 diagrammatically indicated. However, the UWB radar system, Figure 5 the transmitted pulse is shown 68 and receiver gate 70 with the above-mentioned sequence of RF-short bursts of radar system has very different. By the transmitter 52 to general is composed of a pulse generator 50 determines a pulse receiving frequency (PRF) of the transmit pulse. In some embodiments, pulse receiving frequency may be the noise modulation, therefore, in order to the random variation of the transmission interval of the transmitted pulse of length equal to the average distance of the reciprocal of the pulse receiving frequency. The delay circuit by the receiver 56 and transmitter delay circuit 53 the difference between the delay provided by a delay time period of (D) later, gate open the receiver 54. In UWB radar system, transmission pulse having a short pulse width (PW), usually for example, 10 nanoseconds or less. With the front of the transmitter pulse of the gate open time period of the receiver short pulse series RF different radar system, a general UWB radar system after the transmitter pulse time cycle gating open the receiver.

In UWB radar system, the receiver gating and transmitter pulse and the length of the delay period defines a detection section 72, as shown in Figure 6. The detection section of the UWB radar system definition of the effective sensor field. The radar transmitter/receiver and the distance between the detection interval is determined by a delay period, the longer the delay period, the more distant the positioning section. The width of the section 73 based on emission depend on the pulse width (PW) and receiving the gate width (GW). A relatively long pulse width and the strobe width corresponding to the width of the 75 the section 74. The use of UWB radar system, the target can be determined in the section 76 is characterized in, for example, the appearance of the object, position, direction of movement and movement.

In some embodiments, with different delay time of the two or more strobe pulse. Gating pulse may be alternately with each timing pulse, or in the timing pulse block (for example, may be 40 a timing pulse the use of a gating pulse, then 40 a timing pulse using a strobe pulse). In the other embodiment, according to the environment, such as the detection of the user, the controller can be in two or more switching between a strobe pulse. For example, 1st strobe pulse can be used to produce a projected from the facilities of a particular distance detection section. When the detection to a user, 2nd strobe pulse can be used for producing 1st space close to or away from a detection interval. Once the user leaves the 2nd detection interval, facilities can be started, for example, to flush a toilet bowl. Furthermore, the controller re-use of 1st gating pulse in order to prepare for another user. In a further embodiment, each transmit pulse to provide more than one gating pulse, so as to generate a plurality of detection interval.

Certain UWB transmitter of the characteristics of a potential is available after the end of the pulse, the transmitter antenna often continue to oscillation (that is, to continue to transmit). The transmission generates an initial detecting section 72 a plurality of sections inside, so as to provide the detection interval 72 between a transmitter/receiver and radar detection of the object.

In the RF-short pulse series or UWB radar system, the delay circuit 53, 56 provide a fixed or variable delay period. Variable delay circuit can continuously change or has a discrete value. For example, can use the continuous change of the potentiometer in order to provide a continuous change of the delay period. As an alternative, the multi-pole switch can be used with different values switching between the resistor, so as to provide a plurality of discrete delay period. In some embodiments, the delay circuit 53, 56 can be simply a pulse generator 50 and transmitter 52 or receiver 54 a conductor between, for example, conducting wire or a conductive line, delay period corresponding to a pulse by the time between the two components. In other embodiments, the delay circuit 53, 56 is a pulse delay generator (PDG) or pulse delay line (PDL).

Because of the versatility of the radar system, the radar system can measure the radar sensor field (i.e., radar detection range) the various features of the individual. For example, the occurrence of an individual can be detected from the strength of the return signal. With the return signal can be in an individual by the detector is obtained and stored when compared to the background signal.

The other detector includes a strained regions are separated by a space of a transmitter and a receiver. The receiver is only enough to receive the signal transmitted directly from the transmitter is gated open period of time. If the signal is reflected or barrier, the signal or not reaching the receiver or the receiver arrives at the receiver after the selected-way closed. For example, this type of detector can be used as when a person or a person in a part of the between the transmitter and the receiver for detecting the "trigger connection (trip   wire)". When the gating period of the received signal to reduce the occurrence of an individual.

Can be by, for example, scanning a set of increasingly long or late receiver gating pulse to determine the position of the sensor the individual. The detection of the reflected signal in the optionally after subtracting background signal, the individual that the distance from the radar system.

Can be determined by various methods the movement of the individual, these methods include states the multi-spectra force the front of the radar system. In United States Patent section 5,361,070 and 5,519,400 of a kind described in the alternative method of motion detection, wherein the received signal is band-pass filtered to only leave the sensor field by the movement of these signals. Usually, the band-pass filter center situated approximately at 0.1-100Hz.

United States Patent section 5,519,400 of determining also described is a method to the direction of movement of an individual. The method includes modulation of the delay for the current transmit the pulse cycle of the 1/4, in order to obtain the sensor can be used to determine the direction of movement of an object (i.e., toward and away from the detector) orthogonal information.

Detecting the direction of movement of the another method is the successive signal or the signal obtained in the successive period. For many radar system, the intensity of the reflected signal with the increase of individual mobile to close. With the removal of an individual, signal generally reduced. Therefore, the successive comparison of the signals can be used to determine the general direction of movement of, or is close to or away from the radar detector. The confirmation of the user within a period of time (for example, 3-10 seconds) before the direction of the control circuit can not start the actuator in order to ensure that the user is toward or away from the facility.

Sensor the individual one or a plurality of characteristics, for example, position, motion or movement direction, can be formed by one or a plurality of sensors detecting simultaneously or sequentially. The information can be provided to determine the movement of an appropriate control circuit. The microprocessor can be used for the basis of these plurality of information control actuator.

It should be understand, other methods may also be used to determine the individual radar sensor of the venue, position, direction of movement and movement.

Small power radar sensor

For a fluid flow device, or used for any other equipment a radar sensor can use alternating current or direct current power supply to operate. Although in many cases, can use the radar sensor from the power supply socket of the variable AC power supply to work, however, for convenience, can also use the battery power supply. For example, for bathroom apparatus of the radar sensor may be connected to the socket or is not beautiful is not convenient. In this case, battery power supply may be required to the radar sensor. However, in the sensor also hope that the service life of the battery can be up to several months or years. Therefore, need to develop small-power radar sensor.

Pulse sensor often exertion than the continuous work of the power of the sensor are small. Furthermore, in general, the transmitted pulse unit time is small, the work of the sensor the smaller the required power. However, the lowering of the pulse transmission rate, often reducing the degree of sensitivity of the sensor. Furthermore, it has also been discovered to reduce pulse transmission rate of the sampler also increase in the impedance of the receiver. This will limit the bandwidth of the sensor, because even very small parasitic capacitance of the receiver will also be at a very low frequency response of the frequency roll-off. Furthermore, the high output impedance to strict requirements follow-up amplifier stage, and the circuit is vulnerable to the effects of noise coupling.

A new small power radar sensor by providing non-uniform in time the radar pulse is separated from the work. In operation, as shown in Figure 10, a transmitter initially produced the pulse 104 short pulse string 102. In between each short pulse string, that a transmitter is not transmitting RF energy resting period 106. For example, each can be 0.1 to 5 milliseconds generates a RF pulse of 1 to 100 USEC short pulse series. For example can be from, for example, to 1 to 100GHz RF frequency of the short pulse series with the 0.5 to 20MHz provide the transmission rate of the RF pulse. In this way, during a short pulse string may have a relatively higher pulse rate, but overall relatively small power, because only in short bursts during the period of between 5% or less of the short pulse string in time. Despite the sensitivity of the radar sensor with approximately the same number of separate evenly in time is the same as the pulse radar sensor, during a short pulse string of small impedance of the sampler can be many. However, in some embodiments, short pulse string can be a short period of time between bursts 10%, 25%, 50% or more.

Figure 11 shows an exemplary small-power radar sensor 200. The radar sensor 200 includes a trigger short pulse string the beginning of the trigger and, optionally, the end of the short burst of short pulse series flip-flop 202. Short burst transmission rate is defined as the rate of providing short bursts. The width of the short pulse string is the length of time of the short pulse string. The time between the short pulse string for the static period. For many application, short burst transfer rate may be from, for example, the 200Hz to the 10kHz from, for example, can often change and 500Hz to 2kHz change. Short burst width can, for example, from 1 to 200 USEC changes and can often be from, for example, 5 to 100 USEC change. However, can use a higher or lower short burst transmission rate and a longer or shorter short burst width. Specific short burst transmission rate and the width of the short pulse string can be based on various factors, such as the use of occasions and the required power usage. Figure 10 shows an exemplary short pulse string 102.

Short pulse train initiates a pulse oscillator 204, pulse oscillator 204 for each pulse providing the trigger signal. Pulse oscillator can, for example, work in the 0.5 to 20MHz, and often work in, for example, 2 to 10MHz, in order to for each of the short pulse string provide, for example, a 5 to 2000 pulse. According to various factors, such as the use of occasions and use the power, can use a higher or lower transmission rate of the oscillator and each burst of larger or smaller pulse number.

The trigger signal can be an optional transmitter delay line 206 and is supplied to the pulse generator 208, pulse generator 208 with the requirement to produce the pulse length of the pulse. Optional transmitter delay line 206 can be a desired delay supplied to the transmission pulse, in order to produce the required pulse between the transmitter and the receiver of the delay difference. In some embodiments, transmitter delay line 206 is used to provide RF oscillator frequency, for example, 1/4 of the wavelength of the delay, in order to allow the orthogonal detection, as described below.

The pulse generator pulses from the pulse oscillator provided with each pulse of the pulse length of the pulse. As mentioned above, the pulse length determines (determined at least in part) the width of the detection interval. The pulse width may range from, for example, 1 to 20 nanoseconds, but can use the longer or shorter pulse width. Figure 10 provides an example of the pulse from the pulse oscillator.

This pulse is then supplied to an RF oscillator 210, RF oscillator 210 work in a particular RF frequency, RF to the frequency generated by the RF pulse of energy, in a short pulse string starter 202 starting short pulse burst cycle during the said period, the RF energy pulse has a pulse generator 208 in the pulse oscillator 204 determined to provide the pulse width of the pulse transmission rate. RF frequency can be from, for example, 1 to 100GHz, from, for example, and is often 2 to 25GHz, however, can use a higher or lower frequency RF.

The RF energy pulses to the antenna RF radiation to the space 212, as indicated above. Pulse of relatively short duration typically result in the radiation of the ultra-wide band (UWB) signal. Furthermore, RF antenna 212 can transmit, so as to provide each pulse of the plurality of detection interval.

In addition to the transmitter pulse, pulse oscillator 204 also provides gating pulse of the receiver. The same pulse oscillator 204 used for radar sensor 200 of the transmitter and the receiver part to facilitate the timing between the various parts. The pulses from the pulse oscillator 204 pulse of the delay line is transmitted to a receiver 214, as mentioned above, the receiver delay line 214 will pulse delay a desired period is determined in order to determine measure section, or at least part of the distance from the radar sensor. Receiver delay line 214 can only provide a delay or can be selected to provide different radar range of a plurality of delay.

In the following the delay, the pulse provided to the pulse width of a pulse of the receiver the receiver of the pulse generator 216. The pulse width of the width of the transmitter pulse and determined or at least a portion of the width of the detection interval is determined, as mentioned above. Receiver through the receiver only during a pulse, for example, a diode 218 is gated open, in order to receive the radar signal. Receiver pulse pulse width generally from zero to 1/2RF cycle period (for example, in 5.8GHz emission frequency is zero to 86 picoseconds) change, and often from 1/4 to 1/2RF circulation cycle. However, also can be used for longer pulse width. Receiver pulse 108 only in the short pulse train 102 generated during, as shown in Figure 10. With or without receiver pulse may be the transmitter pulse 104 overlap.

Receiver signal by the receiver antenna 220 receiving, however, these signal only during a pulse of the receiver is sampled. Can, for example, in the sampling and holding member 222 is sampled. Generally, sampling and holding member 222 including short bursts in order to isolate the circuit is opened between the remaining portion of the gate circuit.

Receiver signal is then supplied to one or more amplifier stage 224. A plurality of amplifying stage can be used to provide at the same time from a plurality of transmitter output and the receiver delay setting.

Then the signal is supplied to the one optional A/D converter 226, A/D converter 226 then the corresponding digital signals are transmitted to the processor 228, processor 228 can be, for example, an evaluation signal, and a microprocessor providing response. Processor 228 according to the conversion receiver signal operating the actuator 230. For example, the processor can instruct the actuator 230 open or close the valve 232. As an alternative, can use analog processor (not shown) receiver signal analysis, simulation processor then operating the actuator.

It should be understand that, the small power radar sensor can be used for operating various equipment, not only is an actuator or a valve. Furthermore, such as one or more of the amplification stage, such as A/D converter and processor components of the radar sensor can be included in, or is in a sensor external.

Figure 12 shows that the small power radar sensor 300 of the another example. With the above-mentioned radar sensor 200 as, radar sensor 300 comprises a short pulse string starter 302, pulse oscillator 304, emitter vdl 306, pulse generator 308, RF oscillator transmitter antenna 310 and 312. The emitter vdl 306 a is optionally provided on selected I/O 307. The I/O selection 307 can be the emission pulse delay to change such as the RF oscillator 310 RF frequency of 1/4 cycle. This can be used for quadrature detection, the sensor in order to be able to confirm the direction of motion of the object. For example, in 1st during short bursts, emission pulse delay can be a 1st time, the short burst during a 2nd, 2nd time can be the emission delay, wherein the time and 1st 2nd time of the cycle time of the RF frequency of 1/4 combined. Radar sensor can continue to alternately; for quadrature detection of the corresponding signal to determine the direction of movement. In some embodiments, before more than can be provided in alternative a short pulse string, or may be in a short burst of alternately occurring during.

With the above-mentioned radar sensor 200 similar, radar sensor 300 including the receiver portion of the pulse oscillator 304 the receiver connected with the delay line 314, pulse generator 316 and receiver antenna 320. In receiver vdl 314 is provided with an optional range select 315, in order to selectively change the delay line by the receiver 314 to provide the delay.

In this embodiment the display with the receiver antenna 320 and a pulse generator 316 is connected with the sample-and-hold of the example of the part, but can adopt other sampling and holding member. Sampling and holding member includes the 1st buffer 340 (for example, gain is approximately 1 operational amplifier), gate circuit 342a (for example, transmission gate), the holding capacitor is connected with ground 344a, and 2nd buffer 346a.

This embodiment also shows the 2nd channel to the use of the double-channel device, wherein the 2nd channel has a gate circuit 342b, the holding capacitor is connected and 344b and 2nd buffer 346b. In this embodiment, the two channels with a 1st buffer, but also can use the respective 1st buffer. It should be understood, other embodiments may only has one channel, or may have three or more channel. Each channel has a and gate circuit 342a, 342b is connected with channel selection of 348a, 348b, in order to open and close the channel. In general all channels is switched off between short pulse series, and in each of the short pulse string generally only open a channel. This isolation the rear of the amplifier, only after receiving the a specific channel is opened only at the time of the signal.

Then the signal from each passage through one or a plurality of stage 324a, 324b. Then can be made of for example the analog circuit (not shown) or A/D converter 326 and processor 328 to processing the amplified signal. A signal may then be useful, for example, to operate actuator 330 to open or close the valve 332. It should be understood, the radar sensor in addition to operating the actuator and the valve also can be used for other purposes.

In this radar sensor 300 in, processor 328 can be a can also be used as a short-pulse string starter 302, I/O selection 307, range select 315, channel 1 select 348a and/or channel 2 option 348b the microprocessor of the work. Or, one or more of the other microprocessor or other components of these functions can be provided in one or a plurality of functions.

Figure 13 shows the range near and far range of the in-phase and quadrature detection to four-channel radar to the time sequence chart of the detector. Short pulse string channel 400 short burst transmission rate in accordance with the regular interval to produce the short-pulse string. I/O the select channel 402 the in-phase (in I/O no signal in the select channel) and quadrature detection (in I/O the select channel signal) alternately between. In the select channel I/O can lead to signal such as the transmission delay of the delay of the transmitted pulse increase of the wavelength of the RF frequency of 1/4.

Scope channel 404 in the near range allows the in-phase and quadrature detection (no signal in the channel range) to far range with after the in-phase and quadrature detection (range of the signal in the channel). In the select channel I/O signal and for example can lead to receiver vdl provide a more long delays.

One channel to carry out each of the channel selection, in order to provide an appropriate signal through the appropriate channel. For example, as shown in Figure 13, passage 406 corresponding to the range near the in-phase detection, channel b 408 corresponding to the range near orthogonal detection (when the from the channel a signal combination), channel three 410 corresponding to the far range of the in-phase detection, channel four 412 corresponding to orthogonal detection of the far range (when the from the channel c signal combination). In this particular embodiment, in order to burst transmission rate 1/4 to obtain channel information.

Channel number, their distribution to a specific signal, detection sequence, before the changing passage the number of short bursts, timing and other similar aspects of the graph can be changed. Through adopting this kind of timing mechanism, can obtain various different signal, and using these signals to determine the sensor on the characteristics of an object, for example, movement and/or movement direction.

The small power radar sensor is used for fluid flow control apparatus is an example of the pool and the water tap. Single-channel or multi-channel (of which only one channel is being used) the apparatus can be used for measuring the appearance of the user within the radar region or movement. When detecting the user, can provide quantitative the flow of water from the water tap. Or, the water flow has been provided to the user are no longer detected the presence or motion. The sensor can also be similar to the urinal, toilet or used together with various other devices, including bathroom, toilet and kitchen facilities.

Another example is the toilet. Using a double-channel radar sensor is used to determine the direction of movement and movement of the user. When the radar sensor detects the user-close to the toilet after the user leaves the toilet bowl is detected, the radar sensor indicates that the toilet flushing. Radar sensor can also include more complex instructions, for example, in determining the existence before an effective flushing conditions, detects the user to request specific time of a segment of a toilet bowl, and close to the toilet bowl and leave a toilet bowl is necessary to have a period of time between. This structure also can be used in a water faucet, toilet and various other devices, including bathroom, toilet and kitchen facilities.

Another example of the use of the triple-channel. The radar sensor configured to detect the movement of the far range, and near range of movement in the movement direction of the range. In the flush toilet example, if the following sequence (or a subset of the sequence) appears, the radar sensor know to flushing: 1) the movement of the far range, 2) the movement of the in the near range, 3) towards the movement of the flush toilet, 4) the movement of the from the toilet bowl, and 5) in the far range of movement. Likewise, radar sensor these events can include information regarding the number of times of the time or between the direction of the more complex. This structure also can be used in a water faucet, toilet and various other devices, including bathroom, toilet and kitchen facilities.

Application examples

As shown in Figure 14, an exemplary radar sensor 500 includes set up some or all of the radar circuit element of the circuit board 502, the transmitter antenna 504 (such as monopole antenna or a directional antenna), receiver antenna 506 (such as monopole antenna or a directional antenna), sensor housing and 508. Radar sensor can also include optional components, such as instruction actuator to manual flushing or operation of a pool of the manual operation button, small-power battery display (e.g., a LED), voltage regulator, indicates that the sensor has detected the user's display, programming and, adjustment and test connection.

One exemplary fluid flow control device 600 includes housing 602, radar sensor 604, battery container 606 and/or output plug (not shown), an actuator 608 and (such as solenoid) valve device 610. Valve device 610, there is a fluid inlet 612 and a fluid outlet 614. Valve device 610 by an actuator 608 in response to the radar sensor 604 to switch.

The radar detector fluid flow control device in a very wide range of application are very useful. Of special interest is the kind of apparatus used in the bathroom and toilet facilities, such as a urinal, toilet, bidet and a tap. The radar control of fluid flow can be conveniently the operation of these facilities, without requiring the user to do-it-yourself. In response to these facilities instead of the general behavior of the user, including approached these facilities, these facilities and leave a part of the human body, for example, near his hand on top of the device to operate.

Figure 7A-7D display a radar-based flow control apparatus of the fluid 78 embodiment. The actuator of the device is coupled to the water inlet pipe, the inlet pipe the urinal is connected to an external water source. Fluid flow control device actuator for automatic operation of the flushing mechanism of the toilet. Radar detector 26 can, for example, detecting whether a user has in the urinal, or can detect the user towards the then leave the movement of the urinal. Radar detector 26 may then be through a control circuit (not shown) indicating an actuator (not shown) at the appropriate time to open and close.

In a specific embodiment, the radar detector 26 through the one of the current radar signal with a pre-recorded background signal detecting presence of user to the comparison. If the current radar signal and the background signal differ by a threshold amount, the user is detected. Alternatively, the radar detector 26 might indicate that the user of the signal above the threshold level to maintain a predetermined amount of time, such as 3-10 seconds, in order to ensure that a actual user, thus tinguish the radar detector through in the vicinity of the person or insect. Radar detector 26 may be optionally recorded background signal at regular intervals (unless a user), in order to update the background signal, the change of the environment, in order to keep the correct background signal of the current.

After the user is detected, the radar detector 26 can be by the radar emission continue to interrogating the sensor field 80, until the radar signal in the background signal is reduced to the lower than the threshold value of the above is that the user leaves. Once the user leaves, the actuator is turned on, so that the water closet through 78, urinal away 78 in the water tank. Or, radar detector 26 indicates that the user does not exist before the need for a predetermined amount of time, such as 3-10 seconds.

In another embodiment, the radar detector 26 is designed to measure the field of the sensor 80 indicating that the user is close to the urinal 78 movement. Radar detector 26 continues to monitor the sensor field 80, that until the user leaves the sensor field 80 movement, at this time, actuator is opened, urinal washed away 78 of contaminants in the.

In some embodiments, radar detector 26 may be sensitive enough to from the user or users in vivo to detect the movement of the user during the use of the whole of the movement of the urinal. The user of the facilities such as urinal after to, general very few activities, but the user will generally have some small movement, from a center of gravity, for example, to only a change to the other foot on the foot only. Furthermore, radar detector 26 may be sufficiently sensitive to be detection such as breathing or heartbeat and other natural action. In United States Patent No. 5,573,012 described in detail for detecting this kind of movement of the sensitive radar system, as a reference here. In this kind of radar system, can be the actuator and the associated control circuit design for the actuator until the stop movement of the sensor field, so as to indicate that the user has to leave it open.

Another embodiment of the direction detecting motion detection will be combined together to determine proper operation of the toilet. The user enters the sensor field 80 later, detector 26 and leave towards the urinal to the motion patterns of the urinal. The user leaves the sensor field 80 later, open actuator, urinal washed away 78 of contaminants in the.

Other embodiment can adopt two or more receiver gating delay to provide two or more detection interval or range (shell). For example, 1st strobe delay can be selected to provide near-range or near-section, in order to measure of the proximity of the user to the facilities. Upon detecting that the user, use the one or more for a long range of the long-range 2nd strobe delay to determine when the user is to leave. When the user leaves, on the toilet bowl 78 flushing, radar detector 26 for return to the 1st strobe delay to detection of another user. Other gating combination also can be used for operating the fluid flow control device.

Optionally, the detection of the presence of user after a predetermined time of, for example 3-10 seconds, can be connected with the embodiment of any one of or a presence detection using motion together. This ensures that a valid user. After a user leaves approximately 3-10 seconds for a selectable the presence or motion detection can help to avoid the region the user is still at the time of opening the actuator.

Although the actuator of the fluid flow control device located generally near the water of the facility, but the other parts of the control device relative to the facilities can be placed in a different position. Figure 7A-7D display the radar detector 26 placed in the urinal 78 behind, and optionally placed in suspension will pool 78 at the back of the wall (Figure 7B and 7D), or placed in the urinal 78 inside (Figure 7A and 7C). For the current infrared detection system, the radar system has many more than the setting. Radar emission, in particular with low-frequency component of the ultra-wide band radar can penetrate many materials, so this kind of radar system after the wall, can be placed on the facilities of the porcelain or porcelain or glass.

A favourable radar detector is close to the design proposal of water connected to the facility. This placement for the improvement of the existing facilities particularly useful, because the radar detector may be made to the installation needs to be used for controlling the flow of the electric control actuator (e.g., valve) is placed. Actuator and radar detector can be placed on the exposed pipeline, or can be placed in the wall of the pipeline. Radar detector a placement mode after the radar detector is conducive to avoid intentional or accidental damage.

Radar detector of another proposal for placing within the facility itself. In this case, the user cannot see the detector, detector can still pass through facilities material detection to the user. Figure 7A display the radar detector 26 placed in the urinal 78 internal situation. This structure and Figure 7B the implementation of the more favourable the example compares shown, because the sensor field 80 a larger part of the area occupied by the user may be. Furthermore, chart 7A radar detector 26 does not need to be in the direction of the detection region is relatively small (for example, in the urinal 78 behind). This in puts the urinal 78 of the wall may be on the other side of the activities of the other trigger detector in the case of the is very important. In order to pipeline is convenient, often the toilet is designed to provide a men's restrooms and powder apartment the lavatory/toilet device is fixed in a wall on the two sides. If the radar sensor field through the wall extension, the other side of the wall will cause the activities of the control by the radar of the facilities are not appropriate flushing or non-flushing.

Radar detector may also be placed in the now containing infrared or other non-contact in the hole of the control apparatus. This can facilitate the updating of the current device.

In some other embodiment, the direction of the limit of the radar, thus is not shown in Figure 7A and 7B shown in the form of spherical sensor field, but the sensor field is formed as shown in Figure 7C and 7D conical as shown. The limits may be the radar signal through the use of directional emitting radar energy transmitting antenna, such as a horn antenna to complete. The transmitter antenna can also be a separate receiver antenna is directional. Therefore can produce oriented to the desired directional radar region of the user's position. In this structure, very close to each other with a series of urinal or other radar operation of the device is particularly useful the toilet. In public toilets this situation is very common, but if the toilet, water pool and/or shower is controlled by the radar, can also be in a domestic bathroom.

Directional radar signal in the detection by the water currents in the parasitic signal caused by it is also very useful. Generally, water to the radar signal has a high reflectivity. During the flushing actuator by sending water is emitted by the radar can be detected. The radar is oriented water away from the water flow can reduce the amplitude of the reflected signal.

Avoid the parasitic signal caused by water flow and the other is a method of flushing facilities at start-up after a predetermined time period from the radar detector to ignore or off the radar detector. This time is generally approximately equal to the length of the opened time of the actuator, so that the in the detector is ignored or closed period of a new user the opportunity to the minimum. However, may also use a shorter or longer time.

In general the size of the antenna on the wavelength of the radar energy. In a specific RF frequency in the system of the transmitting radar radiation, the size of the antenna signal of transmitter is the wavelength of the RF radiation mode and the determined. In the UWB system, a very wide range of wavelength to be transmitted, so that they are often in the middle of the emission wavelengths of the wavelength as the basis for designing the antenna. However, may be also used in the emission wavelengths of the other wavelength. One of ordinary skill in the art should understand, the antenna design of UWB system of the radar signal is also dependent on the desired bandwidth.

Hope that the radar detector is relatively small, and the size of the antenna only a few inches high. This generally meant that the frequency of 1-100GHz intermediate frequency UWB within the scope of the detector operation.

A radar detection system can be optimized in order to avoid parasitic signal is the maximum range of the sensor field. For a urinal, outside of the toilet 15 to 50 cm (about 6 to 18 inches) sufficient generally the range of detecting the valid user.

Figure 8A-8E display having a radar detector 26 of the flush toilet fluid flow control equipment 82 use. Radar detector 26 can be through controls actuator design and positioning of the appropriate to the selection of the used in the commercial and residential flush toilet. Figure 8A and 8E display radar detector 26 in the water closet 82 in different position, Figure 8C display radar detector 26 in the fixed in the water closet 82 on the inlet pipe of the installation. The latter structure is particularly useful for the update of the existing toilet bowl, can include the radar detector is arranged in the exposed water pipe or the wall of the water pipe. Radar detector 82 can also be arranged in the wall 81 of the back, can be the flush toilet in a toilet bowl or higher than or lower than the level.

Figure 8A and 8B is equipped with radar detector 26 of the water closet 82 of the two view, wherein the radar detector 26 in the water closet 82 provide an approximate spherical radar region 80. The use of on a toilet bowl, the radar sensor field 80 extends generally in flush toilet from about 30 to 100 cm (about 12 to 36 inches), preferably 50 to 80 cm (approximately 18 to 30 inches), in order to detect all the user. Having this range radar sensor field 80 may be extended to the water closet 82 back wall 81 outside, or extend around the toilet bowl to 82 compartment 85 wall 84 outside. Furthermore, compartment 85 of the door 88 may be extended to the field of the sensor 80 within. Door 88 movement of the, wall 84 to the bending and/or in the adjacent partition or wall 81 of the other face may produce reflected radar signal, radar control lead to incorrect operation of the facilities. Therefore, that the radar sensor before any action is taken (i.e., in the flush toilet before or in the determination of the user, then the sensing of the user in order to start the flushing before leaving) also sensing whether users are in the water closet 82 is. This can, for example, through the use of a short, and only allow the very near the flush toilet in the local (for example, 35 cm (about 12 feet) or more near) detecting individual receiver to realize the gate delay.

In another embodiment, water closet 82 can be provided with a allows the radar signal directional focus radar detector 26, as shown in Figure 8C and 8D illustrated. Such a structure allows the focus in a likely to be found on the narrow area of the user.

In some other embodiment in (not shown), is provided with a flush toilet the user an object, such as a part of the body of the user or a non-living object in the radar detector sensor on radar detector of the actuator is started. In these embodiment, the radar detector generally has a very short of the sensor field and/or very high signal threshold value, in order to avoid unintended behavior.

Water closet 82 can also be provided with an optional manual flushing controller (not shown). If the radar detector does not work, or if the user would like to flushing toilet bowl in the flush toilet in order to wash away the residual dirt, can use this manual control.

Figure 8E display in the water closet 82 of a 3rd embodiment, wherein radar detector 26 is located in water closet 82 of the front. In this position, the radar detector 26 is reduced to the size of the sensor field 80 can be sensing sit or stand in the water closet 82 in front of the user. Therefore, the possibility of picking up the parasitic signal is also reduced.

In order to avoid in a flushing process has caused the water to flow through the flush toilet of the parasitic signal, radar detector 26 in the flushing period optionally is closed or ignored. However, radar sensor 26 is closed or ignore time is preferably reduced to a minimum, in order to avoid water can not be detected immediately after the arrival of the user.

Figure 9A-9F display on the water tap 38 and pool 40 fluid flow control equipment 20 radar detector 26 of the structure. Generally, fluid flow control equipment by detecting when the radar sensor field 80 presence or motion of a user within, and open the actuator (e.g., valve) in order to allow the water through the tap 38 flows into the pool 40 to carry out the operation. The actuator generally remains open, until no longer detection of the radar sensor field 80 presence or motion of a user within. In another embodiment, using the timing mechanism to indicate the radar detector in a given time (for example, 10 to 45 seconds) after the movement of the search in the region or, in order to determine whether the user is still in the facilities; if not sensing to the user, the actuator is closed.

Figure 9A display at the pool 40 or the front part of the front of the radar detector 26. This position is more favorable, because it is possible to use a relatively small radar sensor field 80 to detect the user's body, in particular the user's hands into the pond 40 and put on the water tap 38 the movement of the bottom.

Figure 9B display the discharge in the pool 40 optionally placed in the pool and behind the the wall behind the radar detector 26. This structure is very useful for the update of the existing pool. If the radar detector 26 on the wall behind, the detector stashed, such look more beautiful, and can reduce the possibility of the damage of a deliberately or unintentionally.

Figure 9C display a is used for the radar energy concentrated in a given direction of the directional antenna of the radar detector 26. Radar detector 26 can, for example, is placed in the forming pond 40 within the material (for example, vitreous China or glass), or can be placed in a cabinet (not shown), or around, the pool 40 in the other housing. Radar detector 26 can be placed in the pool 40 of any place around, which comprises a water pool 40 front (as shown in Figure 9C shown), pool 40 or below the pool 40 back. Radar detector 26 can be placed in the pool 40 back wall, the water pool can be 40 level or higher or lower than the pool 40.

Figure 9C the structure of the shown structure is more advantageous than others, because the radar signal will not be to the outflow water tap 38 on the flow of water. Since the water the reflection of the radar energy is very good, therefore, in some cases as the water flow caused by reflection, the radar detector 26 can not determine whether the user has left the sensor field 80. Therefore, by placing the sensor field 80 is oriented away from the water flow, but still in the direction of the user may occur, the water flow can be the parasitic signal is reduced to the minimum. Other so that the radar signal is not the structure of the water flows is possible. Furthermore, even if the sensor field 80 not including the water flow, but also can add a timing mechanism, after a predetermined time in order to start the actuator to stop the water flow.

Figure 9D is to measure the pool 40 of another method of the user. Radar detector is not detecting the body part, for example with his hand on top of the pool 40 of the user, but from the pool 40 transmitted to the outside, in order to measure station in the pool 40 front of the user. This structure is favorable, because the sensor field point to an opposite direction to the flow.

Figure 9E display another sensor structure, wherein sensor transmitter 28 and receiver 30 are separate. In this case, the receiver 30 is strobed, in order to receive only those from the transmitter 28 is not the signal of the reflected signal (for example, those having the shortest time-of-flight (time-of-flight) signal). When the user to put the hand in the pool 40 when in, at least a portion of the radar energy is reflected and/or absorbed, the receiver detects a change in the signal. This starting the actuator. Once the user has his hand away, the resume its initial strength of the radar signal, notify the actuator closed. This structure overcomes the water flow from the flow of the reflected radar energy-related difficulties, because only after the most short distance of the receiver of the radar energy can be affected. The reflected radar energy from the water in the receiver has been gated is closed before reaching the receiver.

Another structure is 9D and 9E the combination of the system, as shown in Figure 9F illustrated. Transmitter 28 and receiver 30 detecting when the user is the hand placed in the pool 40 inner, and a radar detector 26 determine when the user is leaving the pool. May require the addition of a control circuit 90 to operate and explanation of this multi-detector from the signal of the structure.

The invention is not limited to the above particular embodiment, but rather should be understood to cover all aspects of the present invention. To have read the of this specification, one of ordinary skill in the art, the present invention can be applied various modifications of, and equivalent process many structure will be obvious.