System and method for filtering reflected infrared signals
First Claim
1. A system for processing reflected infrared signals which are used to control the flow of water from a water faucet or the like, said system comprising:
- an IR transmitting device for transmitting an IR signal toward a location proximate the place from which water may be dispensed from the faucet;
an IR receiving device for receiving a reflected IR signal from a detection range proximate the location from which water may be dispensed from the faucet, said IR receiving device providing an output signal, said output;
signal being proportional to the magnitude of the reflected IR signal; and
control logic configured to receive said output signal from said IR receiving device, wherein said control logic compares said output signal with an activation threshold to determine the presence of an object within said detection range, said control logic further configured to detect the occurrence of motion within said detection range, said control logic providing a water control signal which may be used to control the flow of water through the faucet based upon the results of the determination of the presence of an object within the detection range and the occurrence of motion within said detection range.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A system for preventing IR reflection ghosting in a fluid-dispensing device having a transmitter/receiver pair and control logic. The control logic interfaces with the transmitter and the receiver, activating the fluid-dispensing device when an object is present within the transmitter detection range by comparing a set predefined value with the IR value obtained. When the reflection is above the detection level, the control logic further evaluates two consecutive pulses to detect movement between said two consecutive pulses. An increase in IR value indicates movement, thereby causing the fluid-dispensing device to be activated.
45 Citations
11 Claims
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1. A system for processing reflected infrared signals which are used to control the flow of water from a water faucet or the like, said system comprising:
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an IR transmitting device for transmitting an IR signal toward a location proximate the place from which water may be dispensed from the faucet;
an IR receiving device for receiving a reflected IR signal from a detection range proximate the location from which water may be dispensed from the faucet, said IR receiving device providing an output signal, said output;
signal being proportional to the magnitude of the reflected IR signal; and
control logic configured to receive said output signal from said IR receiving device, wherein said control logic compares said output signal with an activation threshold to determine the presence of an object within said detection range, said control logic further configured to detect the occurrence of motion within said detection range, said control logic providing a water control signal which may be used to control the flow of water through the faucet based upon the results of the determination of the presence of an object within the detection range and the occurrence of motion within said detection range. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A method for processing reflected infrared signals which are used to control the flow of water from a water faucet or the like, said method comprising the steps of:
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transmitting an IR signal from an IR transmitting device toward a location proximate the place from which water may be dispensed from the faucet;
receiving a reflected IR signal with an IR receiving device from a detection range proximate the place from which water may be dispensed from the faucet, said IR receiving device providing an output signal which is proportional to the magnitude of the reflected IR signal;
comparing said output signal from said IR receiving device to an activation threshold to determine the presence of an object within said detection range;
detecting the occurrence of motion within said detection range; and
controlling the flow of water through the faucet based upon the results of said comparing and detecting steps. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11)
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8. (canceled)
Specification