Abstract:
A method for automatically configuring an electronic toilet device includes detecting usage of the electronic toilet device throughout a first time period. The first time period is divided into a plurality of discrete time units. The method further includes recording a usage state for each of the plurality of time units in the first time period based on the detecting and using the recorded usage states to configure an operating schedule for the electronic toilet device for a next time period. The method further includes operating the electronic toilet device throughout the next time period according to the operating schedule while detecting and recording a usage state for each of the plurality of time units in the next time period and periodically configuring an operating schedule for each subsequent time period using the recorded usage states associated with a preceding time period.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application claims the benefit of and priority to Chinese Patent Application No. 201210232580.8, filed Jul. 5, 2012, under 35 U.S.C. §119. The entirety of Chinese Patent Application No. 201210232580.8 is incorporated by reference herein. 
       TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0002]    The present invention relates generally to control systems for electronic plumbing fixtures, and more particularly to systems and methods for controlling a heated toilet seat for use in a seat toilet assembly. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Traditionally, seat toilets have been designed to meet only our basic living needs. However, modern consumers often desire a seat toilet set that provides better user experiences. For instance, it may be desirable that a seat toilet set enables temperature conditioning (e.g., heating) such that the user, when sitting on the seat toilet set, will not feel cold. 
         [0004]    To this end, various improvements have been made to the toilet seat. For instance, Chinese Patent Application CN102176852A discloses a warmed toilet seat device which is highly precise, comfortable, and economically efficient. Such a device is made possible by a simplified toilet seat structure and by performing output correction for the seat toilet heater. Additionally, Taiwan Patent TW201019877A1 discloses a heated seat toilet device which can advantageously reduce electric power consumed by the heating element without affecting user comfort. 
         [0005]    Some heated toilet seats include control systems for reducing an amount of electric power consumed by the seat heating element. However, traditional control systems typically require the user to designate a predetermined time period for energy saving (e.g., during which the heating element will be inactive). If a user desires to use the toilet seat during an energy saving period, the user may encounter a cold and uncomfortable toilet seat. Requiring a user to predict a time during which the toilet seat will not be used can be burdensome and challenging (e.g., due to different lifestyles and usage habits among various users). Additionally, such traditional systems cannot dynamically self-adapt to usage habit changes and cannot account for different usage habits within any given time period. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0006]    The present invention provides systems and methods for providing and controlling a seat toilet device (e.g., for a toilet assembly). The systems and methods described herein may be used to eliminate many of the problems associated with traditional seat toilet devices, as mentioned above. 
         [0007]    One implementation of the present invention is a seat toilet device used for a seat toilet set. The seat toilet device includes a sensor and a study-memory module. The sensor is configured to sense a use condition of the seat toilet set and send the sensed result to the study-memory module. The study-memory module is configured to record and control a use condition of the seat toilet set within a predetermined time period which is divided into a plurality of time units. The study-memory module records the use condition of the seat toilet set during each time unit in the predetermined time period respectively based on the sensed result. The study-memory module controls a power consumption state of the set toilet set in the next time period based on the recorded use condition in the predetermined time period. The study-memory module also records the use condition of the set toilet set in the next time period to facilitate subsequent periodic control of the power consumption state of the set toilet set. 
         [0008]    In some embodiments, the study-memory module initially controls the seat toilet set to maintain a heating state continuously during the first time period and starts recording the use condition of the seat toilet set during the first time period. 
         [0009]    In some embodiments, the record made by the study-memory module for each time unit in the predetermined time period is defined as a unit memory segment. The study-memory module may be configured to control the power consumption state of the seat toilet set in the next time period based on each unit memory segment. In some embodiments, a unit memory segment during which the seat toilet set is instructed by the study-memory module to be under an in-use state is defined as a “busy time section” and a unit memory segment during which the seat toilet set is instructed to be under a not-in-use state is defined as an “idle time section.” 
         [0010]    In some embodiments, when a particular time unit in the predetermined time period is recorded as a busy time section, the study-memory module may cause the seat toilet set to enter the heating state during a time unit corresponding to the particular time unit in the next time period. 
         [0011]    In some embodiments, the seat toilet device is configured to compare the number of idle time sections (e.g., time sections during which no use is detected) in the predetermined time period with a first threshold value. If the number of the idle time sections as recorded to present (e.g., continuously in the predetermined time period) is less than the first threshold value and the next unit memory segment is recorded as a busy time section, the idle time sections (as continuously recorded) may be defined as a “fragmentary idle time zone.” In some embodiments, the seat toilet device is configured to remain in the heating state during a time zone in the next time period corresponding to the fragmentary idle time zone. However, if the number of the idle time sections as recorded to present (e.g., continuously in the predetermined time period) is equal to or larger than the first threshold value and the next unit memory segment is recorded as a busy time section, the idle time sections (as continuously recorded) may be defined as a “sustained idle time zone.” In some embodiments, the seat toilet device is configured to enter a low power consumption state during a time zone in the next time period corresponding to the sustained idle time zone. 
         [0012]    In some embodiments, the seat toilet device is configured to monitor and compare a number of continuous idle time sections with a second threshold value, greater than the first threshold value. If the number of continuous idle time sections is greater than the second threshold value, the study-memory module may control the seat toilet set to enter an energy-saving hibernation state, the hibernation state starting with the immediately next time unit. 
         [0013]    In some embodiments, the time unit is one hour, the first threshold value is approximately 3 time sections, the second threshold value is approximately 168 time sections, and the predetermined time period is approximately 168 hours. 
         [0014]    In some embodiments, the “in-use state” is defined as a state during which at least one of the following two conditions is true: (1) a user is sitting on the seat toilet set, and (2) a user is operating elements on the seat toilet set. 
         [0015]    Advantageously, the seat toilet device of the present invention can automatically learn a usage pattern (e.g., usage habits, usage frequency, etc.) and adapt to the changes in the usage pattern throughout a time period having a relatively long duration (e.g., one week) which is subdivided into a plurality of shorter time sections. Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to determine more precisely whether the seat toilet set in a particular time section is under an “in-use state” or a “not-in-use state.” The seat toilet set may be configured to enter the energy-saving state only when it is determined that the seat toilet set is not being used. The seat toilet set may be configured to maintain the seat ring in a heated state (e.g., at a temperature selected by a user) while the seat toilet set is being used. This configuration may advantageously facilitate a maximum possible energy savings for the seat toilet set without adversely affecting the user experience. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]      FIG. 1  is a timing diagram illustrating a relationship between a memory record for a first time period and a control state for a second time period for an automatic toilet assembly, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0017]      FIG. 2  is a record and control timing diagram illustrating the toilet assembly entering a hibernation state, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0018]      FIG. 3  is another timing diagram illustrating the relationship between the memory record and the control state of  FIG. 1 , according to an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0019]      FIG. 4  is a flow diagram illustrating a process for controlling a heated toilet seat, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
           [0020]      FIG. 5  is an energy-saving state transfer diagram for the toilet assembly, illustrating the transition between various control states, according to an exemplary embodiment, according to an exemplary embodiment. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0021]    Referring generally to the FIGURES, systems and methods for controlling a heated toilet seat for use in a seat toilet assembly are shown, according to various exemplary embodiments. The toilet assembly may include a control device for controlling operation of the heated toilet seat. The control device of the present invention may include a study-memory module, which may be implemented in hardware form. The study-memory module may be configured to monitor and record a “use condition” of the toilet assembly (e.g., in use, not in use, etc.) during a first time period (e.g., a training period) based on a sensed state of the toilet assembly. The first time period may be divided into a plurality of time units t. The study-memory module may be configured to record a use condition of the seat toilet set for each time unit t within the first time period based on a sensed state of the toilet assembly during each of the plurality of time units t. 
         [0022]    The study-memory module may be configured to control a power consumption state (e.g., a heating state, a low power consumption state, a hibernation state, etc.) of the heated toilet seat during a second time period (e.g., the next time period, a time period immediately subsequent to the first time period, etc.) based on the recorded use conditions for each of the plurality of time units t in the first time period. The study-memory module may also record the use condition of the toilet assembly during the second time period to facilitate subsequent periodic control of the power consumption state. 
         [0023]    In some embodiments, use of the toilet assembly begins with an initialization step. In the initialization step, the control device may begin monitoring use conditions of the toilet assembly. During the first time period (e.g., immediately subsequent to initialization), the study-memory module may maintain the toilet seat in a continuous heating state. 
         [0024]    In some embodiments, the record made by the study-memory module for each time unit t in the first time period is defined as a “unit memory segment.” The study-memory module may be configured to control the power consumption state of the set toilet set in the second time period (e.g., subsequent to the first time period) based on each unit memory segment. 
         [0025]    In some embodiments, if the record of a unit memory segment corresponding to a particular time unit t 1  indicates that the toilet assembly is in an “in-use state” during time unit t 1 , the unit memory segment corresponding to time unit t 1  may be defined (e.g., categorized, labeled, marked, etc.) as a “busy time section.” On the other hand, if the record of a unit memory segment corresponding to another time unit t 2  indicates that the toilet assembly is under a “not-in-use state” during time unit t 2 , the unit memory segment corresponding to time unit t 2  may be defined as an “idle time section.” 
         [0026]    Referring now to  FIG. 1 , a timing diagram  10  illustrating a relationship between a memory record  12  for a first time period  11  and a control state  14  for a second time period  13  is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. Second time period  13  may be the next time period immediately subsequent to first time period  11 . Memory record  12  is shown to include a plurality of unit memory segments  24 - 32  (e.g., unit memory segments  24 ,  26 ,  28 ,  30 , and  32 ). Unit memory segments  24 - 32  may be recorded as a busy time section  16  (e.g., for time units t during which the toilet assembly is in an in-use state) or an idle time section  18  (e.g., for time units t during which the toilet assembly is in a not-in-use state). For example, unit memory segments  24 ,  28 , and  32  are shown as busy time sections  16  whereas unit memory segments  26  and  30  are shown is idle time sections  18 . Unit memory segments  24 - 32  are shown separated by dotted lines indicating the time boundaries of the time units corresponding to unit memory segments  24 - 32 . 
         [0027]    Control state  14  is shown to include a plurality of control states  34 - 42  (e.g., control states  34 ,  36 ,  38 ,  40 , and  42 ). Control states  34 - 42  may be set as a heating state  20  or a low power consumption state  22 . In some embodiments, first time period  11  and second time period  13  may have similar or identical time units. For example, the first time unit of first time period  11  (e.g., corresponding to unit memory segment  24 ) may have a same or similar duration as the first time unit of second time period  13  (e.g., corresponding to control state  34 ). 
         [0028]    For unit memory segments recorded as busy time sections in first time period  11  (e.g., unit memory segments  24 ,  28 , and  32 ), the corresponding time units in second time period  13  (e.g., time units corresponding to control states  34 ,  38 , and  42 ) may be set to a heating state  20 . In some embodiments, so long as the next unit memory segment in first time period  11  remains to be a busy time section, the corresponding time unit in second time period  13  will remain in heating state  20 . 
         [0029]    Still referring to  FIG. 1 , memory record  12  is shown to include idle time sections  26  and  30 . In some embodiments, if an idle time section follows one or more busy time sections, it is possible to either switch control state  14  into a low power consumption state  22  or maintain control state  14  in heating state  20 . Whether control state  14  is switched to low power consumption state  22  or maintained in heating state  20  may depend on the duration of the idle time section or sections  18 . In some embodiments, the duration may be the combined duration of one or more continuous idle time sections  18  between busy time sections  16 . 
         [0030]    In some embodiments, if the duration “T” of the one or more continuous idle time sections  18  between busy time sections  16  is less than a first threshold value “thresh 1 ,” such idle time sections may be defined (e.g., marked, labeled, categorized, etc.) as a “fragmentary idle time zone.” The first threshold value may be defined as the value of a first quantity “a” multiplied by the duration of a time element “t” (e.g., thresh 1 =a·t). For idle time sections  18  defined as a fragmentary idle time zone (e.g., the time section corresponding to unit memory segment  26 , time sections having a duration T&lt;a·t 1  etc.), control state  14  may remain in heating state  20 . 
         [0031]    In some embodiments, if the duration T of the one or more continuous idle time sections  18  between busy time sections  16  is greater than or equal to the first threshold value thresh 1  but less than a second threshold value thresh 2  (e.g., thresh 1 ≦T&lt;thresh 2 ), such idle time sections may be defined as a “sustained idle time zone.” The second threshold value may be defined as the value of a second quantity “b” multiplied by the duration of the time element t (e.g., thresh 2 =b·t). For idle time sections  18  defined as a sustained idle time zone (e.g., the time section corresponding to unit memory segment  30 , time sections having a duration a·t≦T&lt;b·t 1  etc.), control state  14  may be switched to low power consumption state  22 . 
         [0032]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 , a record and control timing diagram  50  illustrating the toilet assembly entering a hibernation state  56  is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. In some implementations, as memory record  12  is recorded during first time period  11 , it may be determined that the duration T of one or more continuous idle sections  18  is equal to the value of the second threshold value thresh 2  (e.g., T=b·t 1  corresponding to unit memory segment  52 ). Such idle time sections  18  may be defined as a “long idle time zone.” For idle time sections  18  defined as a long idle time zone, the toilet assembly may be regarded as being in the not-in-use state for a long time. Upon the occurrence of a long idle time zone, the currently-active control state for the toilet assembly may be switched from a non-hibernation state  54  to an energy-saving hibernation state  56 . In some embodiments, the control state may be switched into hibernation state  56  starting at the beginning of a time unit immediately subsequent to the long idle time zone (e.g., in first time period  11 ). 
         [0033]    Notably, both the fragmentary idle time zone and the sustained idle time zone may be limited to a timeline occurring within a single time period (e.g., first time period  11 ). However, the long idle time zone can fall within one time period or can span over multiple time periods. 
         [0034]    Referring now to  FIG. 3 , another timing diagram  60  illustrating the relationship between memory record  12  and control state  14  is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. Timing diagram  60  is shown to include a busy unit memory segment  64  between two idle unit memory segments  62  and  66 . If a busy time section  16  (e.g., a time section corresponding to unit memory segment  64 ) is observed in memory record  12  of first time period  11 , a corresponding time section in second time period  13  may be set to heating state  20  regardless of the duration of the busy time section. For example, control state  14  may be switched from low power consumption state  68 , to heating state  70 , and then back to low power consumption state  72 , regardless of the duration of the time unit corresponding to heating state  70  (e.g., bounded by dotted lines). Therefore, the concept of a “fragmentary busy time zone” may not exist in the present invention. 
         [0035]    Referring now to  FIG. 4 , a flow diagram illustrating a process  80  for controlling a heated toilet seat is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. In  FIG. 4 , a rectangular block represents an observation and/or recordation of one or more time sections in memory record  12  (e.g., busy time section  16 , idle time section  18 , a continuous combination of time sections, etc.) based on usage of the toilet assembly during first time period  11 . An oval or circle represents setting a control state  14  for implementation during second time period  13  (e.g., heating state  20 , low power consumption state  22 , hibernation state  56 , etc.). A diamond represents a control decision for translating memory record  12  into a particular control state  14 . 
         [0036]    Process  80  is shown to include observing/recording a busy time section  16  (step  82 ). Step  82  represents the observation and/or recordation of a unit memory segment defined as a busy time section  16 . Step  82  may be performed during first time period  11 , between first time period  11  and second time period  13 , or any other time prior to second time period  13 . 
         [0037]    Process  80  is shown to further include setting heating control state  20  (step  84 ). Step  84  may be performed in response to an observation and/or recordation of a busy time section  16  (e.g., in step  82 ). When a unit memory segment is observed and/or recorded as a busy time section  16 , a corresponding time section in second time period  13  may be set to heating state  20 . 
         [0038]    Process  80  is shown to further include observing/recording an idle time section  18  (step  86 ). Step  86  represents the observation and/or recordation of a unit memory segment defined as an idle time section  18 . Idle time section  18  may occur subsequent to busy time section  16  in first time period  11 . 
         [0039]    Process  80  is shown to further include determining whether the duration T of idle time section  18  is greater than or equal to than the product of first quantity a multiplied by the duration of time element t (e.g., a·t) (step  88 ). Step  88  may be performed in response to an observation and/or recordation of an idle time section  18  (e.g., in step  86 ). The duration T of idle time section  18  may be the duration of a single time section corresponding to a single unit memory segment, or the combined duration of two or more continuous idle time sections  18 . 
         [0040]    Process  80  is shown to further include setting heating control state  20  (step  90 ). Step  90  may be performed in response to a determination (e.g., in step  88 ) that the duration of the one or more continuous idle time sections  18  is not greater than or equal to the product of first quantity a multiplied by the duration of time element t (e.g., T&lt;a·t). Step  90  may indicate that the one or more continuous idle time sections  18  qualify as a fragmentary idle time zone. 
         [0041]    Process  80  is shown to further include determining whether the duration T of the one or more idle time sections  18  is less than the product of second quantity b multiplied by the duration of time element t (e.g., T&lt;b·t) (step  92 ). Step  92  may be performed in response to a determination (e.g., in step  88 ) that the duration of the one or more idle time sections  18  is greater than or equal to the product of first quantity a multiplied by the duration of time element t (e.g., a·t). A positive determination in step  92  (e.g., T&lt;b·t) may reveal that the one or more continuous idle time sections  18  are sufficiently long in duration to avoid qualifying as a fragmentary time zone, but not long enough to qualify as a long idle time zone. 
         [0042]    Process  80  is shown to further include setting a low power consumption state  22  (step  94 ). Step  94  may be performed in response to a determination (e.g., in step  92 ) that the duration T of the one or more idle time sections  18  is less than the product of second quantity b multiplied by the duration of time element t (e.g., T&lt;b·t). In some embodiments, step  92  is only performed in response to a positive determination in step  88  (e.g., a·t). Therefore, a positive determination in step  92  may provide sufficient information to determine that a·t≦T&lt;b·t. Step  94  may be performed when the duration of the one or more continuous idle time sections  18  is long enough to warrant entering low power consumption state in second time period  13 , but not long enough to warrant activation of hibernating state  56 . In other words, step  94  may be performed when a sustained idle time zone is observed. 
         [0043]    Process  80  is shown to further include setting a hibernating state  56  (step  96 ). Step  96  may be performed in response to a determination (e.g., in step  92 ) that the duration T of the one or more idle time sections  18  is greater than or equal to the product of second quantity b multiplied by the duration of time element t (e.g., T≧b·t). Step  96  may be performed when the duration T indicates the occurrence of a long idle time zone. In some embodiments, step  96  is performed immediately upon beginning the next time section (e.g., in first time period  11 ) without waiting until the corresponding time section in second time period  13 . Upon performance of step  96 , the toilet assembly is switched into energy-saving hibernating state  56 , thereby maximizing energy conservation during periods of sustained non-use. 
         [0044]    Notably, process  80  is shown to include two determinations for comparing duration T with a·t (e.g., in step  88 ) and subsequently with b·t (e.g., in step  92 ). However, it is appreciated for those skilled in the art that it is also possible to perform only the one determination for comparing T with a·t. If T≧a·t is true, the toilet assembly may enter low power consumption state  22  directly. If T≧a·t is false, the toilet assembly may be controlled to remain in heating state  20 . 
         [0045]    In some embodiments, time unit t is approximately one hour. The first threshold value thresh 1  (e.g., the minimum sustained idle time zone) may be approximately 3 hours and the second threshold value (e.g., the minimum long idle time zone) may be approximately 168 hours. In some embodiments, the total duration of first time period  11  (e.g., one time period for recording) may be approximately 168 hours. In the initial 168 hours, the toilet assembly can be initialized (e.g., trained, programmed, etc.). During the initialization period, actual usage of the toilet assembly can be recorded. In some embodiments, the toilet assembly is maintained in heating state  20  throughout the initialization period. 
         [0046]    Second time period  13  may span from the 169th hour to the 336th hour. During second time period  13 , actual usage of the toilet assembly may continue to be monitored and/or recorded and operation of the toilet assembly may be controlled based on the memory record of the previous 168 hours (e.g., memory record  12 ). For instance, if the 1st hour and the 2nd hour are recorded to be busy time sections, the toilet assembly may be controlled to enter heating state  20  from the 169th hour to the 170th hour (e.g., the 1st and 2nd hours of second time period  13 ). 
         [0047]    In some embodiments, if the 3rd hour and the 4th hour are continuous idle time sections  18  and the 5th hour is a busy time section  16 , the duration from the 3rd hour to the 4th hour (e.g., two hours) is less than 3 hours and consequently regarded as a fragmentary idle time zone. If the 3rd hour to the 4th hour are categorized as fragmentary idle time zones, the toilet assembly may remain in heating state  20  from the 171st hour to the 172nd hour (e.g., the 3rd-4th hours of second time period  13 ). 
         [0048]    In some embodiments, if the sections from the 10th hour to the 15th hour are continuously recorded as idle time sections, the time zone therefrom lasts for 5 hours and is regarded as a sustained idle time zone. Upon detection of a sustained idle time zone, the toilet assembly may be set to switch into low power consumption state  22  from the 178th hour to the 183rd hour (e.g., the 10th-15th hours of second time period  13 ). 
         [0049]    At any time when usage of the toilet assembly is being recorded, provided that any presented continuous 168 hours are recorded as idle time sections, such continuous 168 hours can be defined as a long idle time zone. Upon detection of a long idle time zone, the toilet assembly may be switched into hibernating state  56  accordingly. Hibernation state  56  may be activated starting with the hour immediately subsequent to the hour during which the long idle time zone is detected. 
         [0050]    As can be seen from the above process, the seat toilet control device of the present invention effectively prevents the toilet assembly from switching into the low power consumption state frequently (e.g., due to the detection of fragmentary idle time zones and maintenance of the toilet assembly in the heating state during fragmentary idle time zones). Advantageously, a user can use the seat toilet set normally without feeling uncomfortable due to contacting a low temperature seat ring. 
         [0051]    It should be noted that the mentioned “in use state” of the seat toilet set can include two conditions: (1) the user is sitting on the toilet seat, and (2) the user is operating elements of the toilet assembly (e.g., an onboard control keyboard of the toilet assembly). The “in-use state” and “not in use state” of the toilet assembly can be sensed by a sensor in the seat toilet device. The sensor may send the sensed use condition of the toilet assembly (e.g., in use, not in use, etc.) to the study-memory module. The study-memory module may be configured to define unit memory segments (e.g., during first time period  11 ) and set control states (e.g., for second time period  13 ) based on the received use conditions. 
         [0052]    Referring now to  FIG. 5 , an energy-saving state transfer diagram  100  for the toilet assembly is shown, according to an exemplary embodiment. Upon initially powering on, the toilet assembly may activate a study memory state (state  102 ). When initial activation is completed, the toilet assembly may enter a normal running state (state  104 ). In some embodiments, state  104  may be equivalent to heating state  20 . For example, when in normal running state  104 , heat may be applied to the toilet seat. Transferring from state  102  to state  104  may cause the toilet assembly to activate an energy saving function. 
         [0053]    When operating in normal running state  104 , a study-memory module may monitor usage of the toilet assembly (e.g., from a current or previous time period). If the study-memory module detects that the toilet assembly is not used for a first threshold time period (e.g., three hours) or if the study-memory module detects that a user has just finished using the toilet assembly, study-memory module may switch the toilet assembly into a low power consumption state (state  106 ). If it is detected that the toilet assembly is not used for a second threshold time period (e.g., 168 hours, one week, etc.), the toilet assembly may be switched into an energy conserving hibernation state (state  108 ). 
         [0054]    Low power consumption state  106  may be similar or the same as low power consumption state  22 . While operating in the low power consumption state  106 , the study memory module may continue to monitor usage of the toilet assembly. If it is detected that the toilet assembly is used when in low power consumption state  106 , the toilet assembly may be switched into normal running state  104 . If it is detected that the toilet assembly is not used for a second threshold time period (e.g., 168 hours, one week, etc.), the toilet assembly may be switched into an energy conserving hibernation state  108 . 
         [0055]    Hibernation state  108  may be similar or the same as hibernating state  56 . Upon exiting hibernation state  108 , the study-memory module can re-activate study-memory state  102  to detect a subsequent use condition of the toilet assembly. When the toilet assembly is implementing the energy saving function (e.g., in states  104 ,  106 , and  108 ), a user can press a seat ring key on the seat ring for a certain time (e.g., 2 seconds) to deactivate the energy saving function and enter a non-conservation state (state  110 ). 
         [0056]    As can be seen from the above description, the seat toilet device of the present invention can automatically study usage patterns and adapt to changes in usage habits over time. A relatively long training and usage period (e.g., one week) may be split into different time sections. Further, according to the present invention, it is possible to determine more precisely whether the toilet assembly in a certain time section is under an in-use state or a not-in-use state. The energy saving state may only be activated when it is determined that the toilet assembly is not being used. Heating may be applied to the seat ring during use to maintain the toilet seat at a desired temperature (e.g., as may be configured by the user). Advantageously, the systems and methods of the present disclosure may maximize energy conservation without adversely affecting the user experience.