Patent Description:
In the prior art, the automated filling of a bath tub to a desired depth and temperature is known (see, for example, <CIT>), American Bath and Shower). The bath tub is automatically filled with water of a pre-set temperature when a depth is manually entered.

<CIT> (A1) discloses a faucet controller for accepting desired temperature, flow rate, spray configuration selections, and volume delivery limits from a user and for thereafter controlling the delivery of water through the faucet in accordance with the selections accepted from the user. A set of selector "preset" buttons is used to store the current flow state (temperature, flow rate, and spray configuration), as well as volume delivery limits when desired, and that stored state may then restored by pressing the present selector button used to store that prior state. A force feedback joystick may be used to control the faucet.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a control system for a bath comprising one or more processors and one or more sensors. The control system is as described in Claim <NUM>.

According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a controllable bathing apparatus comprising a bath; one or more processors; and one or more sensors. The controllable bathing apparatus is as described in Claim <NUM>.

According to a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a computer application for controlling filling a bath, the computer application being as claimed in Claim <NUM>.

The computer may have a learning mode in which the computer application learns from how a user fills a bath to determine how the bath should be automatically filled in future, following the steps described in Claim <NUM>.

According to a fourth aspect of the invention, there is provided a computer-implemented method of determining conditions for automated bath filling. The method is as described in Claim <NUM>.

Advantageously, in line with all aspects of the invention, a pre-set option is therefore provided which can be selected by the user, or by a different user, in future to fill the bath according to the user choices demonstrated by the user's filling of the bath. The pre-set option is therefore tailored to the user's preferences, without requiring a user to know or guess a preferred depth or temperature and enter that manually.

The determined water flow parameter values used for the pre-set bath fill may be described as pre-set bath-fill water flow parameter values.

The pre-set option may fill the bath to the same volume, and/or depth, and temperature as the user did in the monitored bath-filling, i.e. it may replicate the original bath as filled by the user during the learning stage. In some embodiments, other conditions may be applied which cause the pre-set option to fill the bath differently; for example taking into account an overflow risk and so reducing the total depth/volume, and/or keeping final temperature below a specified threshold to reduce the risk of scalding.

In the apparatus, control system, computer application or method of any aspect of the invention, a bath may then be automatically filled in line with the pre-set bath fill option on demand, for example by selection of that pre-set bath fill option via a menu or other control interface.

A single flow rate value, a single temperature value and a single flow duration value may be determined as the water flow parameter values, irrespective of how many times any of these parameters were varied by a user during filling the bath.

The flow parameter values may be selected for efficiency of water heating.

The flow parameter values may be selected to account for safety settings such as starting from full cold flow for a set period to reduce scald risk.

The amount of water may be one of depth and volume of the bath.

If a determined amount of water in the bath is above a threshold value, a set value may be used in place of the determined amount in the pre-set bath-fill option.

Advantageously, this may prevent overflow and/or wastage of water.

The determination of water flow parameter values may take into account one or more of the following:.

The determination of water flow parameter values may comprise use of one or more look-up tables.

In the control system of the first aspect of the invention or the controllable bathing apparatus of the second aspect of the invention, the bath may have one or more taps and at least one of the one or more sensors may be located in, on or near the one or more taps. Further, all of the sensors may be located in or on the one or more taps and arranged to sense water flow parameter data of the water flowing through the one or more taps.

In the computer application of the third aspect of the invention or the method of the fourth aspect of the invention, the sensor data may be or include water flow parameter data.

The water flow parameter data may be or include water flow parameter data of the water flowing through:.

The skilled person would understand that features described with respect to one aspect of the invention may be applied, mutatis mutandis, to the other aspect of the invention.

There now follows by way of example only a detailed description of embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:.

The controllable bathing apparatus <NUM> shown in <FIG> comprises a bath <NUM>, a control unit <NUM> comprising one or more processors, one or more taps <NUM> arranged to allow the bath <NUM> to be filled, and one or more sensors <NUM>. In alternative embodiments, a single tap or more than two taps may be provided. In alternative or additional embodiments, the control unit <NUM> may be remote from the bath <NUM>.

The sensors <NUM> are located in the taps <NUM>. In alternative or additional embodiments, the sensors may be located on or near a valve through which the taps <NUM> are fed, and/or elsewhere. For example, water sensors and/or temperature sensors may be provided on or near the bath to detect bath depth, bath temperature and/or ambient temperature.

One or more of the sensors <NUM> are arranged to sense temperature of water flowing through the taps <NUM>.

Flow rate and/or flow duration of water through the taps <NUM> is also monitored by the sensors <NUM>; this may be done by monitoring tap position in some embodiments. In the embodiment being described, the sensors <NUM> include a clock or timer to measure flow duration at each flow rate and temperature, and/or total bath fill time.

In alternative or additional embodiments, the temperature of water flowing through the taps <NUM> is known or calculated from system parameters, meaning that no temperature sensor is necessary. In such embodiments, proportions of hot and cold water and/or run-time of the or each tap <NUM> is monitored and temperature of the resultant bath calculated from the available data.

Water temperature and flow rate, which may vary with time, and fill duration, which may be subdivided by other parameters, are all examples of water flow parameter data. The skilled person will appreciate that parameters such as volume and temperature of water in the resultant bath can be determined from these water flow parameter data; such values may also be classed as water flow parameter data and may be referred to as the determined bath volume/depth and the determined bath temperature. If the geometry of the bath <NUM> is known, bath depth can also be calculated.

In alternative or additional embodiments, one or more parameters such as depth or volume and temperature of water in the resultant bath are sensed directly instead of, or as well as, being calculated from indirect sensor measurements.

The data collected by the sensors <NUM>, i.e. the sensor data, comprises water flow parameter data. Some or all of the sensor data is transmitted to the control unit <NUM>.

The one or more processors within the control unit <NUM> determine water flow parameter values suitable for use to fill the bath based on the sensor data received from the sensors <NUM>.

The determined water flow parameter values are then stored as a pre-set bath-fill option arranged to be used to automatically fill the bath for future use. In this embodiment, the pre-set bath fill option replicates the resultant bath conditions of the bath filled by the user in the learning mode.

A user can select the pre-set bath-fill option and the bath <NUM> is automatically filled in line with the water flow parameter values. The control unit <NUM> is arranged to control one or more valves and/or water heating systems so as to fill a bath <NUM> in line with the water flow parameter values in response to a user's selection of the pre-set option.

In alternative embodiments, the control unit <NUM> may comprise multiple electronic valves, or the likes, in direct electronic communication with the one or more processors.

The controllable bathing apparatus 100b shown in <FIG> is equivalent to that shown in <FIG> except that the one or more processors are contained within a user device 104b. Like reference numerals are used for like components. The one or more processors may therefore be remote from the controllable bathing apparatus <NUM>/100b.

In the embodiment being described, the control unit 104a is arranged to send signals to the user device 104b, including signals relaying data from the sensors <NUM>, and to receive signals from the user device 104b, including signals relating to control of the taps <NUM>. In alternative or additional embodiments, the sensor data may be sent directly to the user device 104b.

Once stored, the pre-set bath-fill option can be selected via the user device 104b. Bath filling is therefore automated and can be triggered remotely. The control unit 104a is arranged to implement bath-fill instructions sent via the user device 104b, for example by controlling one or more motorised valves or the likes.

Multiple pre-set bath-fill options can be determined and stored. The pre-set bath-fill options are stored in a memory of one or more user devices 104b in the embodiment being described. In alternative or additional embodiments, the options may be stored in a memory of the control unit <NUM>, 104a.

The skilled person will appreciate that, although different parts of the method <NUM> may be carried out in different devices and/or at different locations, the same overall method is applied for the controllable bathing apparatus <NUM> shown in <FIG> as for that 100b shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> provides a flow chart showing the method <NUM> described herein.

At step <NUM>, sensor data corresponding to water flow parameters is received by the one or more processors as a user fills the bath <NUM>.

Water flow parameter values suitable for use to fill the bath <NUM> are determined <NUM> based on the sensor data. In the embodiment being described, the determination <NUM> is performed once the bath filling is complete. In alternative or additional embodiments, the determination <NUM> may take place during bath filling, for example by performing time-averaging of data as the sensor data come in.

In the embodiment being described, the determination <NUM> is done by calculations performed by the one or more processors. In alternative or additional embodiments, the determination <NUM> may be done by use of one or more look-up tables. The look-up tables may be stored in a memory associated with the one or more processors, and/or elsewhere. For example, a user's device 104b may provide the processors, but the look-up tables (and optionally bath parameters such as material and capacity, which may or may not be part of the look-up tables) may be stored in a memory of the control unit 104a. The look-up tables may comprise data such as flow rate and/or flow temperature for each tap position, bath depth for a given total flow, bath properties and the likes.

In determining <NUM> the water flow parameter values, additional considerations are taken into account, including safety features and environmental factors.

In particular, the bath <NUM> has an overflow drain <NUM> at a fixed level. Any water above this level will flow out of the bath <NUM> via the overflow drain, or over the rim of the bath <NUM> if the bath level changes too quickly for the overflow drain <NUM> to accommodate the excess water. The one or more processors compare the amount of water in the bath <NUM> determined from the sensor data with the capacity of the bath <NUM>. If the determined amount of water is greater than a predetermined threshold, the predetermined threshold is used in place of the determined amount. The predetermined threshold is smaller than the capacity of the bath <NUM>, and results in a bath filled to below the level of the overflow drain <NUM> so as to allow for some water displacement when a user enters the bath <NUM>. In alternative or additional embodiments, a set value for the amount of water different from the predetermined threshold is used when the predetermined threshold is exceeded.

Additionally, in some embodiments the control unit <NUM> is programmed to always start running a bath from a flow of cold water, for a set period, so as to reduce or eliminate the risk of scalds from hot water remaining in pipes leading to the taps <NUM>.

In additional or alternative embodiments, either or both of these considerations may be ignored, and/or additional or alternative considerations may be taken into account. For example, flow rate, duration and/or temperature may be modified to account for a particular water heating system, so as to improve system efficiency and/or to reduce water wastage. In some embodiments, efficiency is optimised with respect to conditions including starting from a cold flow for a set time period for scald avoidance. Additionally or alternatively, one or more environmental factors which may affect rate of heat loss, and/or total heat loss, from the bath <NUM> may be factored in, for example bath material (as heat conductivity may vary significantly between ceramic and metal baths, for example), ambient temperature (which may be sensed by an additional networked sensor <NUM>, or by a sensor <NUM> also arranged to detect flow temperature, before the water is turned on) and/or time of the year.

The determined water flow parameter values are then stored <NUM> as a pre-set bath-fill option arranged to be used to automatically fill the bath <NUM> in future. The pre-set bath-fill option may be stored in the control unit <NUM>, 104a or on the user device 104b, or both.

The skilled person would appreciate that a control system <NUM>, 104a, 104b, <NUM> arranged to implement the method described above may be provided separately from the bath <NUM>, for example for retrofitting into a bath, as a software upgrade for bathing apparatus already having the required capabilities, and/or as an optional add-on for new installations.

The method <NUM> can be implemented using a computer application. The computer application may be run on a user's device 104b, and/or on a display associated with the control unit <NUM>, 104a.

<FIG> shows a selection of screenshots <NUM> from a schematic example of such a computer application for use with a touch screen device 104b.

A first screenshot <NUM> shows a pre-set selection page with two stored pre-set bath-fill options <NUM> and a "Create" button <NUM> arranged to allow a user to define a new pre-set.

A second screenshot <NUM> shows a screen which is presented once the "Create" button <NUM> has been selected, in which a user is invited to name the new pre-set to be created by typing a name into the box <NUM> provided.

Once the name has been entered and confirmed, a prompt screen appears as shown by a third screenshot <NUM>. The screen <NUM> shows instructions to a user to run the bath until the user is satisfied with the result, and to press "Save" once finished. Three buttons, "Start" <NUM>, "Stop" <NUM> and "Save" <NUM>, are displayed.

Once a user presses "Start" <NUM>, the computer application enters a learning mode in which sensor data are processed to determine water flow parameter values which can be used to fill a bath <NUM> in accordance with the user choices made. The determined water flow parameter values may result in a bath of the same temperature and volume as that run by the user, or may differ for one or more of the reasons discussed above (for example, consideration of overflow risk).

Once the new pre-set bath-fill option is saved, a new option will appear on the screen shown in the first screenshot <NUM>, allowing a user to select the new pre-set bath-fill option.

A fourth screenshot <NUM> shows the screen which appears once a pre-set bath-fill option is selected for use by a user. The screen <NUM> has two buttons, "Start" <NUM> and "Stop" <NUM>.

When a user selects "Start" <NUM>, the control unit <NUM> initiates filling of the bath <NUM> in line with the water flow parameter values saved for the selected pre-set bath-fill option.

A new screen is displayed once "Start" <NUM> has been selected, as shown by the fifth screenshot <NUM>. The screen has two buttons, "Pause" <NUM> and "Stop" <NUM>.

If a user selects "Pause" <NUM>, filling of the bath <NUM> is interrupted and the "Pause" button <NUM> is replaced by a button labelled "Re-start". Filling resumes once "Re-start" is selected.

In alternative or additional embodiments, a timer (which may be provided by one or more of the sensors <NUM>, by the control unit <NUM>, 104a or a user's device 104b) may note the elapsed time whilst the filling is paused. The resumption of filling may take into account heat loss during the elapsed time and increase the temperature of the subsequent flow to make up for the heat loss.

If a user selects "Stop" <NUM>, filling of the bath <NUM> is stopped and the computer application returns to the pre-set bath-fill option selection screen <NUM>.

In alternative or additional embodiments in which a plug of the bath <NUM> is motorised and networked to the control unit <NUM>, 104a or to the user device 104b, if a user selects "Stop" <NUM>, filling of the bath <NUM> is stopped and the "Pause" <NUM> and "Stop" <NUM> buttons are replaced by "Drain bath" and "Return to Main Menu" buttons. Draining of the bath <NUM> can therefore be initiated via the application.

The skilled person will appreciate that these screenshots <NUM> are provided by way of example only and are in no way intended to limit the invention to the particular presentation and/or content shown. In particular, fewer, more or different user options may be presented, the interface may have a different layout and/or control means, and different graphics may be used.

The applicant's corresponding UK patent application entitled, "CONTROL OF BATHING APPARATUS", filed on the same date as this application and now published as<CIT>, provides further details of optional features and functions of the computer application described herein.

The applicant's corresponding UK patent application entitled, "BATHING CONTROL SECURITY", filed on the same date as this application and now published as <CIT>, provides further details of optional features and functions of the computer application described herein.

Claim 1:
A control system (<NUM>) for a bath (<NUM>) comprising one or more processors and one or more sensors (<NUM>), wherein:
the one or more sensors (<NUM>) are arranged to sense water flow parameter data as a user fills the bath (<NUM>) and to transmit the water flow parameter data to the one or more processors; and
the one or more processors are arranged to:
monitor (<NUM>) temperature and amount of water during bath filling using the water flow parameter data;
determine (<NUM>) water flow parameter values suitable for use to fill the bath (<NUM>) based on the water flow parameter data, the determining comprising using the water flow parameter data to calculate the temperature and amount of water in the bath after filling, and calculating water flow parameter values suitable for use to fill the bath to the calculated temperature and amount; and
store (<NUM>) the determined water flow parameter values as a pre-set bath-fill option arranged to be used to automatically fill the bath (<NUM>) for future use, wherein a single flow rate value and a single temperature value are determined as the pre-set bath fill option water flow parameter values, irrespective of how many times flow rate and flow temperature are varied by the user during filling the bath (<NUM>).