Patent Description:
The present disclosure relates generally to shower systems. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to shower systems that allow for a user to selectively control multiple showerheads through gesturing movements.

<CIT> discloses a system includes: a mount defining an inlet configured to couple to a water supply; a body defining a fluid circuit and coupled to the mount; and a pressure regulator interposed between the inlet and the fluid circuit and configured to regulate water supplied at the inlet over a range of inlet pressures to a range of internal pressures less than and narrower than the range of inlet pressures. A set of nozzles arranged on the body and coupled to the fluid circuit are configured to, in response to the pressure regulator regulating a first inlet pressure down to a first internal pressure, discharge water droplets: exiting the body with kinetic energies in a range of kinetic energies; exiting the body in a first spray pattern defining a first width at a target distance below the body, and exhibiting a first volumetric ratio of water to air.

<CIT> discloses a shower system that comprises a support, a handheld sprayer, a flexible conduit, and a weight. The support is configured to be coupled in a shower environment. The handheld sprayer is disposed below the support. The flexible conduit is coupled to the handheld sprayer, and extends through the support. The weight is coupled to the flexible conduit opposite the handheld sprayer. The weight is configured to bias the handheld sprayer to a first position in the shower environment.

<CIT> discloses a shower attachment which first includes a vertical assembly having a top end, a corresponding bottom end and a stabilizing bar encased by an outer shell. The outer shell includes a slit to gain access to the stabilizing bar. Positioned at the top of the vertical assembly is a shower head that receives pressurized water from a water intake connected to the plumbing of the existing shower enclosure. Attached to the vertical assembly is a multi pivot arm having a first arm and corresponding second arm. This second arm includes a first track and corresponding second track in parallel relation to one another. Positioned at the distal end of the second arm is a dispenser having a quantity of cleanser.

The present invention provides a shower system as defined in claim <NUM>. Optional features are defined in the dependent claims.

This summary is illustrative only and should not be regarded as limiting.

Before turning to the figures, which illustrate certain exemplary embodiments in detail, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to the details or methodology set forth in the description or illustrated in the figures. It should also be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of description only and should not be regarded as limiting.

Generally speaking, most conventional shower systems that include multiple water delivery devices (e.g., overhead shower, wall-mounted spay heads, hand-spayers, etc.) require a user to adjust the settings of the water delivery devices through a shower handle or a central user interface that is separate and located remotely from the water delivery devices. These remote user interfaces can be difficult or inconvenient to access while showering. In addition, these central user interfaces can be unintuitive to operate for a typical user. Additionally, at times while showering, a user may have their vision impaired (e.g., while using shampoo) which may make operating the handle or remote user interface difficult.

Furthermore, shower systems offer consumers limited options, which results in uniformity across showerheads. Accordingly, a system that provides touchless control of a showerhead that is configurable, provides additional features not offered in conventional shower systems, and provides the user control of the showerheads in an easy to control manner would be desirable.

Referring generally to the figures, disclosed herein is a shower system that includes a plurality of water delivery devices, such as wall-mounted spray heads, overhead sprayers, hand sprayers, or the like. The system is configured to allow a user to control the water delivery device through gesturing movements or through touch controls that are disposed directly on each of the water delivery devices themselves, so as to provide for an improved user experience. In addition, each of the water delivery devices of the system is configured to be designated as a master control unit, where the remaining devices can be designated as slave units to be controlled by the master control unit. According to an exemplary embodiment, the disclosed water delivery device includes one or more spray nozzles, sensors for registering gestures, and a touch-based interface disposed directly on the device itself. If the user desires, the user may perform a gesturing movement (e.g., using their hands, arms, fingers, head, legs) towards sensors disposed on the device to control the operation of the device. The user may also control the operation of the device through a touch-based interface (e.g., capacitive sensors, etc.) and/or through voice control. The gestures, touch-based controls, and voice control may adjust the settings of the water delivery device itself that the interface is disposed on or adjust the settings of the other water delivery devices in the system. The settings may include adjusting water temperature, adjusting water flow rate, and activating or deactivating one or more of the devices in the system. In this manner, the disclosed system allows for improved control of the individual water delivery devices in a shower system.

According to another exemplary embodiment, gesturing to, touching, and/or providing an audio command to the showerhead may adjust various other settings of the water delivery devices including, but not limited to, audio speakers, lighting, and spray modes.

Referring to <FIG>, a shower system <NUM> is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. The shower system <NUM> may include a water delivery device, shown as a showerhead <NUM>, although the shower system <NUM> can include other types of water delivery devices, such as a handheld sprayer. The shower system <NUM> may also include another water delivery device, shown as overhead "rain" showerhead <NUM>. The overhead rain showerhead <NUM> may also incorporate audio speakers and a lighting system, according to an exemplary embodiment.

The shower system <NUM> also includes an individual water delivery device, shown as a wall-mounted showerhead <NUM>. Although shown with two wall-mounted showerheads <NUM>, the shower system <NUM> may include any number of wall-mounted showerheads <NUM>. Accordingly, the wall-mounted showerheads <NUM> may be disposed at various positions within the shower system <NUM>. As discussed in greater detail herein, the wall-mounted showerheads <NUM> may be controlled individually by gesturing movements by the user in proximity of the respective showerhead <NUM>. Through the gesturing movements, the user may control various water dispensing settings, such as water temperature, water flow rate, which of the wall-mounted showerhead <NUM> are active, and shower modes (e.g., different modes to affect the rhythm of the water dispensing). The user may also control other functions, including, but not limited to, activating or deactivating sound, controlling which audio is playing, and the lighting settings. As also discussed in greater detail herein, the wall-mounted showerheads <NUM> may also be controlled through a direct touch-based interaction with the wall-mounted showerheads <NUM>.

The shower system <NUM> may also include a separate interface <NUM> (e.g., controller). The interface <NUM> is communicable with the overhead rain showerhead <NUM> and the wall-mounted showerheads <NUM> and is configured to provide electronic signals to the overhead rain showerhead <NUM> and the wall-mounted showerheads <NUM>. The user may utilize the interface <NUM> to control the settings of the overhead rain showerhead <NUM> and the wall-mounted showerheads <NUM>. For example, the user may utilize the interface <NUM> to activate the overhead rain showerhead <NUM> and the wall-mounted showerheads <NUM> by rotating a knob <NUM> (e.g., dial, handle), touching a touch display <NUM> (e.g., touch-activated control), and/or pressing a button <NUM> (e.g., switch) on the interface <NUM>. The user may also utilize the touchless controls of the wall-mounted showerheads <NUM> to control the interface <NUM>. The interface <NUM> may also be used to program various settings into the interface <NUM>. For example, the user may program the interface <NUM> to create a program such that when the user first begins using the shower system <NUM>, the interface <NUM> only activates the wall-mounted showerheads <NUM>. After a specified period of time has passed, the interface <NUM> then activates the overhead rain showerhead <NUM>. The user may also program various programs into the interface <NUM> to control the audio and lighting settings of the overhead rain showerhead <NUM> and the wall-mounted showerheads <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the interface <NUM> may be, or work in conjunction, with an external interface, such as a mobile device. The external interface may be a mobile smartphone or a "smart home" (e.g., a home with automation enablement). The external interface may provide commands in the form of electronic signals to the interface <NUM>. The commands may be manually set by the user or automatically generated by the external interface. The interface <NUM> may receive commands directed to the water dispensing settings, including, but not limited to, activating or deactivating the shower system <NUM>, adjusting water temperature, or adjusting water flow rate by the external interface. The interface <NUM> may receive commands directed to the shower system <NUM>, including, but not limited to, audio files, shower themes, local news, and local weather reports.

Referring to <FIG>, a schematic view of a shower system <NUM> is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. The shower system <NUM> includes a cold water supply <NUM> (e.g., conduit, pipeline) and a hot water supply <NUM> (e.g., conduit, pipeline). The shower system <NUM> may also include a mixing valve <NUM>. The mixing valve <NUM> is disposed behind (e.g., not exposed to a user of the shower system <NUM>) a wall of the shower system <NUM>. The mixing valve <NUM> is fluidly coupled to the cold water supply <NUM> and the hot water supply <NUM> and is configured to receive, and accordingly mix, the cold water and hot water. The mixing valve <NUM> is configured to adjust the water temperature after the user utilizes the interface <NUM>, the showerhead <NUM>, or the wall-mounted showerhead <NUM>. The mixing valve <NUM> is further configured to adjust the water flow rate. In some configurations, the water temperature and the water flow rate are controlled by several mixing valves <NUM>.

The shower system <NUM> may also include a three-way diverter <NUM> (e.g., distributor). The three-way diverter <NUM> is fluidly communicable with the mixing valve <NUM> and is configured to receive the mixed water from the mixing valve <NUM>. The three-way diverter <NUM> is configured to provide the mixed water to the various water delivery devices of the shower system <NUM>. After the user selects which showerheads to activate (e.g., the showerhead <NUM>, the overhead rain showerhead <NUM>, and the wall-mounted showerhead <NUM>), the three-way diverter <NUM> may direct mixed water to the selected showerheads via supply conduits. The three-way diverter <NUM> includes a plurality of stop valves. If the user chooses to not utilize a showerhead, the three-way diverter <NUM>, does not provide mixed water to the showerhead by activating the stop valve associated to that showerhead. The three-way diverter <NUM> may then direct the mixed water to the other supply conduits. For example, if the user only utilizes the showerhead <NUM>, the three-way diverter <NUM> may deactivate the stop valve that was previously preventing water flow to the showerhead <NUM>. According to other exemplary embodiments, the shower system <NUM> includes a plurality of solenoid valves associated with each wall-mounted showerhead <NUM>. The solenoid valves may be in fluid communication with different spray nozzles of each showerhead <NUM>, so as to selectively provide different spray patterns or spray modes, depending on which solenoid valve is activated.

The wall-mounted showerheads <NUM> are electronically coupled to a power supply and configured to receive electricity from the power supply. In some embodiments, a single wall-mounted showerhead <NUM> receives electricity from the power supply. In these embodiments, the wall-mounted showerhead <NUM> is electronically communicable with the remaining wall-mounted showerheads <NUM> and is configured to provide electricity to the other wall-mounted shower-heads <NUM>.

Each of the wall-mounted showerheads <NUM> may also include a showerhead controller <NUM> (e.g., networking chip). The showerhead controller <NUM> facilitates communication between the wall-mounted showerheads <NUM>. The showerhead controller <NUM> may generate an electronic signal and then provide that electronic signal to the controllers <NUM> disposed in each of the remaining wall-mounted showerheads <NUM>. In this way, the user may provide a single command to a wall-mounted showerhead <NUM> which is then conveyed to the remaining wall-mounted showerheads <NUM>.

In some embodiments, only a single wall-mounted showerhead <NUM> includes the showerhead controller <NUM>. In these embodiments, the wall-mounted showerhead <NUM> is communicable with the remaining wall-mounted showerheads <NUM> and is configured to provide and receive commands to and from the remaining wall-mounted shower-heads <NUM>. In these embodiments, the wall-mounted showerheads <NUM> may be connected via a communication conduit, a Bluetooth connection, near-field communication (NFC), Wi-Fi connection, a local area network (LAN), or any other form of local communication protocol.

The user may designate one of the wall-mounted showerheads <NUM> as a master showerhead. The user may designate the master showerhead through the wall-mounted shower <NUM> or through the interface <NUM>. For example, the user may make a specific gesture to one of the wall-mounted showerheads <NUM> to assign that wall-mounted showerhead <NUM> as the master showerhead. The master showerhead allows the user to utilize control all of the wall-mounted showerheads <NUM> through only providing commands to the master showerhead.

For example, if the user increases the water temperature of dispensed water on the master showerhead, the remaining showerheads will also increase the water temperature of the dispensed water for the remaining showerheads. In this manner, the user has effortless control of all of the wall-mounted shower heads <NUM> through a single command. In another exemplary embodiment, when the user increases the temperature of dispensed water on the master showerhead, the master showerhead may be configured so that it does not alter the water temperature of the dispensed water for the remaining showerheads. Accordingly, the user may utilize a door and/or window of the shower system <NUM> to vent and/or control the temperature of environment of the shower system <NUM> to obtain a desirable temperature.

In another exemplary embodiment, the user may designate multiple master showerheads. Each master showerhead may be configured to then control specified showerheads by the user. For example, if the wall-mounted showerheads <NUM> are disposed on two different walls of the shower system <NUM>, the user may designate a master showerhead per wall. Each master showerhead may then be configured to control the showerheads disposed on their respective wall. In this manner, the user has effortless control of the wall-mounted showerheads <NUM> for each wall. In another example embodiment, the master showerhead may be configured to also control the showerhead <NUM> and/or the overhead rain showerhead <NUM>.

In another exemplary embodiment, the user may provide a command to one of the remaining showerheads to individually control that wall-mounted showerhead <NUM>. In this manner, the user is provided both the ease of controlling all of the wall-mounted showerheads <NUM> simultaneously, while also having the ability to control individual wall-mounted showerheads <NUM>.

After a user provides a command to the master showerhead, the showerhead controller <NUM> of the master controller generates an internal signal and an external signal based on the command. As discussed in greater detail herein, the internal signal is utilized to control operation of the master showerhead. The showerhead controller <NUM> also provides the external signal to the remaining showerheads. The showerhead controllers <NUM> of the remaining showerheads receive the external signal. The received external signal is then utilized to control operation of the remaining showerheads.

The overhead rain showerhead <NUM> may also include an overhead controller <NUM> (e.g., networking chip). Similar to the showerhead controller <NUM>, the overhead controller <NUM> facilitates the overhead rain showerhead <NUM> to communicate with the wall-mounted showerheads <NUM>. In this manner, if the user provides a command to the wall-mounted showerheads <NUM>, the overhead rain showerhead <NUM> may also be adjusted according to the user command.

Referring to <FIG>, a schematic view of the shower system <NUM> is shown, according to another exemplary embodiment. The showerhead controller <NUM> may be communicable with the interface <NUM> so that when the user utilizes the interface <NUM>, the interface <NUM> generates and provides an electronic signal to the showerhead controller <NUM>. In this manner, the user may control the wall-mounted showerheads <NUM> through the interface <NUM>.

The overhead controller <NUM> may also be communicable with the interface <NUM> so that when the user utilizes the interface <NUM>, the interface <NUM> generates and provides an electronic signal to the overhead controller <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the shower system <NUM> may utilize a digital valve <NUM>. The digital valve <NUM> is fluidly coupled to the cold water supply <NUM> and the hot water supply <NUM> and is configured to receive, and accordingly mix, the cold water and hot water. The digital valve <NUM> is configured to adjust the water temperature after the user utilizes the interface <NUM>, the showerhead <NUM>, or the wall-mounted showerhead <NUM>. The mixing valve <NUM> is further configured to adjust the water flow rate. According to other exemplary embodiments, the shower system <NUM> may include a manually-operable valve to control water flow rate, etc..

The digital valve <NUM> may be further configured to divert water to the various showerheads of the shower system <NUM>. After the user selects which showerheads to activate (e.g., the showerhead <NUM>, the overhead rain showerhead <NUM>, and the wall-mounted showerhead <NUM>), the digital valve <NUM> may direct mixed water to the selected showerheads via their respective supply conduits. The digital valve <NUM> includes a plurality of stop valves. If the user does not utilize a showerhead, the digital valve <NUM>, does not provide mixed water to the showerhead by activating the stop valve for that showerhead. The digital valve <NUM> may then direct the mixed water through the other supply conduits. For example, if the user only utilizes the showerhead <NUM>, the digital valve <NUM> may deactivate the stop valve that was previously preventing water flow to the showerhead <NUM>.

Referring now to <FIG>, a front view of a wall-mounted showerhead <NUM> is shown according to an exemplary embodiment. The wall-mounted showerhead <NUM> includes a showerhead casing <NUM> (e.g., body, enclosure). The showerhead casing <NUM> is fluidly coupled to either the mixing valve <NUM> or the digital valve <NUM> and is configured to receive mixed water from either of the mixing valve <NUM> or the digital valve <NUM>. The showerhead casing <NUM> is configured to be rotatable by the user so that the user may have further control in the manner in which water is dispensed. The showerhead casing <NUM> includes a plurality of seals to prevent water ingress within the showerhead casing <NUM>. In some embodiments, the showerhead casing <NUM> is disposed within a cavity of a wall of the shower system <NUM>. In various embodiments, the showerhead casing <NUM> is integrated into the wall of the shower system <NUM>.

The showerhead casing <NUM> includes a sprayer face <NUM> (e.g., a dispensing surface). The sprayer face <NUM> is the exposed portion of the wall-mounted showerhead <NUM>. The sprayer face <NUM> includes a variety of sprayer types. In this manner, the user may be provided various spraying options including, but not limited to, a larger area water dispensing (e.g., water is dispensed along the area of the sprayer face <NUM>), a targeted water dispensing mode (e.g., water is dispensed towards specific locations of the sprayer face <NUM>), or a misting water dispensing mode (e.g., mist water is dispensed from the sprayer face <NUM>).

The sprayer face <NUM> includes a larger sprayer <NUM> (e.g., spray nozzles, fluid output devices). Although there are two larger sprayers <NUM> shown, there may be any number of the larger sprayers <NUM> disposed anywhere along the sprayer face <NUM>. The larger sprayer <NUM> dispenses water across a larger dispensing area of a portion of the sprayer face as compared to the other sprayers disposed on the sprayer face <NUM>.

The sprayer face <NUM> includes a concentrated sprayer <NUM> (e.g., spray nozzles, fluid output devices). Although a single concentrated sprayer <NUM> shown, there may be multiple concentrated sprayers <NUM> disposed anywhere along the sprayer face <NUM>. In an exemplary embodiment, the concentrated sprayer <NUM> is configured to dispense a higher flow rate water stream as compared to the water streams dispensed by the other sprayers. In other embodiments, the concentrated sprayer <NUM> may include a misting nozzle which produces a mist.

The sprayer face <NUM> may also include a plurality of smaller sprayers <NUM> (e.g., spray nozzles, fluid output devices). The plurality of smaller sprayers <NUM> be disposed in any configuration along the sprayer face <NUM>. The plurality of smaller sprayers <NUM> dispense water across a larger area of the entire portion of the sprayer face <NUM> as compared to the other sprayers disposed on the sprayer face <NUM>.

The sprayer face <NUM> may utilize the various sprayers (e.g., the larger sprayer <NUM>, the concentrated sprayer <NUM>, and/or the plurality of smaller sprayers <NUM>) to dispense water in various spray function sequences. For example, in a "massage mode," the various sprayers may be programmed to spray in a sequence to provide a massaging effect to the user.

The sprayer face <NUM> may utilize the various sprayers to dispense water in a sequence corresponding to audio chosen by the user. In an example embodiment, the showerhead controller <NUM> of the wall-mounted showerhead <NUM> receives signals corresponding to the audio. The sprayer face <NUM> may then dispense water from the various sprayers in a manner that correlates with the audio. The various sprayers may be assigned to different tone types in the audio file. For example, if an audio file incorporates a tone in the low-pitched ranges (e.g., similar to tones produced by a bass instrument), the larger sprayer <NUM> may be configured to dispense water to corresponded to the frequency, pitch, and range of that low-pitched tone.

The showerhead casing <NUM> may also include a first motion-sensing sensor <NUM>. The sensor may be a capacitive sensor, an infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or any other sensor configured to register gesturing of a user. The first motion-sensing sensor <NUM> may be disposed anywhere along the wall-mounted showerhead <NUM>. In some embodiments, the first motion-sensing sensor <NUM> is disposed adjacent to the wall-mounted showerhead <NUM>. When the user gestures at, towards, or near the first motion-sensing sensor <NUM> (e.g., waving their hands, shaking their head, making a symbol with their hand), the first motion-sensing sensor <NUM> generates an internal signal. The internal signal may be configured to activate or deactivate the wall-mounted showerhead <NUM>. In an exemplary embodiment, gesturing to activate or deactivate the wall-mounted showerhead <NUM> may also result in generating an external signal. The external signal may be transmitted to the remaining wall-mounted showerheads <NUM> to also activate or deactivate the remaining wall-mounted showerheads <NUM>. In another exemplary embodiment, gesturing to activate or deactivate the wall-mounted showerhead <NUM> only results in activating or deactivating that specific wall-mounted showerhead <NUM>. In various embodiments, various gestures to the first motion-sensing sensor <NUM> may result in, but is not limited to, adjusting the water temperature or water flow rate, controlling the audio speaker, controlling the lighting display, and selecting a spray sequence.

The showerhead casing <NUM> may also include a second motion-sensing sensor <NUM> and a third motion-sensing sensor <NUM>. The sensors may be a capacitive sensor, an infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or any other sensor configured to register gesturing of a user. The second motion-sensing sensor <NUM> and the third motion-sensing sensor <NUM> may be disposed anywhere along the wall-mounted showerhead <NUM>. In another exemplary embodiment, the second motion-sensing sensor <NUM> and the third motion-sensing sensor <NUM> are disposed adjacent to the wall-mounted showerhead <NUM>. The second motion-sensing sensor <NUM> and the third motion-sensing sensor <NUM> co-operate so that when a user gestures at, towards, or near the second motion-sensing sensor <NUM> and the third motion-sensing sensor <NUM>, the second motion-sensing sensor <NUM> and the third motion-sensing sensor <NUM> may also register the direction in which the user gestures. For example, if the user waves their hand to first pass the second motion-sensing sensor <NUM> and to then pass the third motion-sensing sensor <NUM>, the wall-mounted showerhead <NUM> may then decrease the water temperature by a specified amount. Furthermore, the speed in which the user gestures past the second motion-sensing sensor <NUM> and then the third motion-sensing sensor <NUM> may result in how large the drop in water temperature may be. The shower system <NUM> calculates the speed in which the user gestures past the sensors by registering the time difference between the gesture past the second motion-sensing sensor <NUM> and the third motion-sensing sensor <NUM>. For example, if the user waves their hand past the sensors in a short time frame, the shower system <NUM> may decrease the water temperature by a larger specified amount as compared to as if the user waved their hand past the sensor in a longer time frame. The second motion-sensing sensor <NUM> and the third motion-sensing sensor <NUM> are further configured to be operated individually. For example, if a user waves their hand only past the second motion-sensing sensor <NUM>, the wall-mounted showerhead <NUM> may then activate the audio speakers. In another example, if the user places their hand in close proximity to the third motion-sensing sensor <NUM> for an extended period of time, the wall-mounted showerhead <NUM> may change the color of the lighting.

The showerhead casing <NUM> may also include a touch-sensitive surface <NUM> (e.g., touch-enabled area). The touch-sensitive surface <NUM> may include a capacitive sensor, an infrared sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, or any other sensor configured to register a touch by the user. Furthermore, the touch-sensitive surface <NUM> may include a physical interface such as buttons, switches, knobs, etc. The touch-sensitive surface <NUM> may be used in conjunction with the gesturing motion-sensing sensors to provide the user more control of the wall-mounted showerhead <NUM>. For example, the user may wave past the motion-sensing sensors to then select that they would like to change the water temperature. The user may then slide their hand on the touch-sensitive surface <NUM> to increase or decrease the temperature. The touch-sensitive surface <NUM> may be configured to have designated touch areas in which the user touches to adjust a setting of the wall-mounted showerhead <NUM>. For example, a user may touch a portion of the touch-sensitive surface <NUM> designated to audio volume. The user may then wave their hands past the motion-sensing sensors to increase or decrease the audio volume.

In an exemplary embodiment, the showerhead casing <NUM> includes a microphone. The microphone is configured to receive and recognize an audio command from the user. The microphone may then provide a signal to the showerhead controller <NUM>. In this manner, the wall-mounted showerhead <NUM> may also utilize voice control. For example, the user may speak to the wall-mounted showerhead <NUM> to activate a specific showering mode. The shower system <NUM> may then activate the showering mode specified by the user. The user may use the voice control in conjunction with gesturing to and/or touching the wall-mounted showerhead <NUM>.

The showerhead casing <NUM> may also include a lighting surface <NUM> (e.g., illumination area). In an exemplary embodiment, the lighting surface <NUM> is disposed on an outside perimeter of the showerhead casing <NUM>. In these embodiments, when activated, the lighting surface <NUM> provides the user an aesthetically pleasing view of an illuminated perimeter around the wall-mounted showerhead <NUM>. In another exemplary embodiment, the lighting surface <NUM> is disposed at a rear portion of the showerhead casing <NUM>. In these embodiments, the lighting surface <NUM>, when activated, illuminates an area of the wall adjacent to the wall-mounted showerhead <NUM>. In these embodiments the lighting surface <NUM> provides the user an aesthetically pleasing view of an illuminated background around the wall-mounted showerhead <NUM>. In some embodiments, the showerhead casing <NUM> incorporates the lighting surfaces <NUM> located along the perimeter and the rear portion of the showerhead casing <NUM>. The lighting surface <NUM> is configured to display colors across the entire color spectrum and may display several colors simultaneously. In this manner, the user can develop a theme by displaying a plurality of colors.

In an exemplary embodiment, the interface <NUM> may receive information related to the weather from the external interface. In these embodiments, the user may set the lighting surface <NUM> to display colors associated with the weather. For example, if it is currently raining, the lighting surface <NUM> may display blue tones to communicate to the user that it is currently raining.

Referring now to <FIG>, a wall-mounted showerhead <NUM> is shown according to another exemplary embodiment. The showerhead casing <NUM> may also include audio speakers <NUM> (e.g., loudspeaker). Although shown disposed in the center of the wall-mounted showerhead <NUM>, the audio speakers <NUM> may be disposed anywhere along the showerhead casing <NUM>, including at a rear portion. In some embodiments, the audio speakers <NUM> are disposed adjacent to the wall-mounted showerhead <NUM>. In an exemplary embodiment, the user may play audio of their choosing through the audio speakers <NUM>. In an exemplary embodiment, the showerhead controller <NUM> of the wall-mounted showerhead <NUM> receives signals corresponding to the audio. The audio speakers <NUM> may then output the audio. In an exemplary embodiment, the wall-mounted showerheads <NUM> work in conjunction to output the audio file through the audio speakers <NUM>. In this manner, the audio speakers <NUM> cooperate to provide the user an immersive experience.

In an exemplary embodiment, the interface <NUM> may receive information related to the weather from the external interface. In these embodiments, the user may set the audio speakers <NUM> to output an audio file associated with the weather. For example, if it is currently raining, the audio speakers <NUM> may output an audio file of rain to communicate to the user that it is currently raining.

In an exemplary embodiment, the wall-mounted showerhead <NUM> incorporates programming modes that controls the various sprayers, the lighting surface <NUM>, and the audio speakers <NUM>. For example, a user may select a programming mode directed to helping the user prepare to sleep for the night. The various sprayers may then be programmed to decrease water flow rate over the duration of the shower. Furthermore, the lighting surface <NUM> may filter blue light and to decrease intensity over the duration of the shower. The audio speakers may output an audio file configured to relax the user.

Referring to <FIG>, a schematic view of a system controller <NUM> for the shower system <NUM> is shown. The system controller <NUM> is in electronic communication (e.g., via a wired connection, via a wireless connection, etc.) between the showerhead <NUM>, the overhead rain showerhead <NUM>, the wall-mounted showerheads <NUM>, and/or the interface <NUM>. The user may utilize the system controller <NUM> to control the settings of the showerhead <NUM>, the overhead rain showerhead <NUM>, the wall-mounted showerheads <NUM>, and/or the interface <NUM>. In an example embodiment, the system controller <NUM> is disposed and/or integrated in the interface <NUM>. In another example embodiment, the system controller <NUM> is disposed and/or integrated into the showerhead controller <NUM>.

The system controller <NUM> includes a processing circuit <NUM>. The processing circuit <NUM> includes a processor <NUM> and a memory <NUM>. The processor <NUM> may include a microprocessor, an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), etc., or combinations thereof. The memory <NUM> may include, but is not limited to, electronic, optical, magnetic, or any other storage or transmission device capable of providing a processor, ASIC, FPGA, etc. with program instructions. This memory <NUM> may include a memory chip, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), flash memory, or any other suitable memory from which the controller <NUM> can read instructions. The instructions may include code from any suitable programming language. The memory <NUM> may include various modules that include instructions which are configured to be implemented by the processor <NUM>.

The memory <NUM> includes various modules which are capable of being implemented by the processor <NUM> to cause various processes to take place. In various embodiments, the memory <NUM> includes a wall-mounted showerhead activation module <NUM>.

The wall-mounted showerhead activation module <NUM> may be in electronic communication with the first motion-sensing sensor <NUM>. The wall-mounted showerhead activation module <NUM> is configured to control operation of the wall-mounted showerhead <NUM>. The wall-mounted showerhead activation module <NUM> may be activated in response to a trigger from the first motion-sensing sensor <NUM> (e.g., change in light proximate the first motion-sensing sensor <NUM>, detection of motion past the first motion-sensing sensor <NUM>, etc.). For example, the wall-mounted showerhead activation module <NUM> may be configured to activate the wall-mounted showerhead <NUM> after the user waves their hand past the first motion-sensing sensor <NUM>. In another example embodiment, the wall-mounted showerhead activation module <NUM> may be configured to activate the lighting surface <NUM> on the wall-mounted showerhead <NUM>. The wall-mounted showerhead activation module <NUM> may generate an internal signal to control of the wall-mounted showerhead <NUM> it is disposed within or may generate an external signal to control other wall-mounted showerheads <NUM>.

The memory <NUM> may also include a wall-mounted showerhead setting module <NUM>. The wall-mounted showerhead setting module <NUM> may be in electronic communication with the second motion-sensing sensor <NUM> and the third motion-sensing sensor <NUM>. The wall-mounted showerhead activation module <NUM> may be activated in response to a trigger from the second motion-sensing sensor <NUM> and the third motion-sensing sensor <NUM> (e.g., change in light proximate the second motion-sensing sensor <NUM> and the third motion-sensing sensor <NUM>, detection of motion past the second motion-sensing sensor <NUM> and the third motion-sensing sensor <NUM>, etc.). The wall-mounted showerhead setting module <NUM> is further configured to detect the speed in which the user waves their hand past the second motion-sensing sensor <NUM> and the third motion-sensing sensor <NUM> by registering the time each sensor was activated. The wall-mounted showerhead setting module <NUM> may utilize this speed when adjusting the settings of the wall-mounted showerhead <NUM>. For example, if the user waves their hand past the sensors in a short time frame, the wall-mounted showerhead setting module <NUM> may decrease the water temperature by a larger specified amount as compared to as if the user waved their hand past the sensor in a longer time frame. The wall-mounted showerhead setting module <NUM> may generate an internal signal to control of the wall-mounted showerhead <NUM> it is disposed within or may generate an external signal to control other wall-mounted showerheads <NUM>. As utilized herein, the term "adjacent" means the specific components are in close relation to each other. Accordingly, this term should be interpreted to encompass that a component may be disposed anywhere within the shower system.

As utilized herein with respect to numerical ranges, the terms "approximately," "about," "substantially," and similar terms generally mean +/- <NUM>% of the disclosed values, unless specified otherwise. As utilized herein with respect to structural features (e.g., to describe shape, size, orientation, direction, relative position, etc.), the terms "approximately," "about," "substantially," and similar terms are meant to cover minor variations in structure that may result from, for example, the manufacturing or assembly process and are intended to have a broad meaning in harmony with the common and accepted usage by those of ordinary skill in the art to which the subject matter of this disclosure pertains. Accordingly, these terms should be interpreted as indicating that insubstantial or inconsequential modifications or alterations of the subject matter described and claimed are considered to be within the scope of the disclosure as recited in the appended claims.

The term "coupled" and variations thereof, as used herein, means the joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent or fixed) or moveable (e.g., removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two members coupled directly to each other, with the two members coupled to each other using a separate intervening member and any additional intermediate members coupled with one another, or with the two members coupled to each other using an intervening member that is integrally formed as a single unitary body with one of the two members. If "coupled" or variations thereof are modified by an additional term (e.g., directly coupled), the generic definition of "coupled" provided above is modified by the plain language meaning of the additional term (e.g., "directly coupled" means the joining of two members without any separate intervening member), resulting in a narrower definition than the generic definition of "coupled" provided above. Such coupling may be mechanical, electrical, or fluidic.

The hardware and data processing components used to implement the various processes, operations, illustrative logics, logical blocks, modules and circuits described in connection with the embodiments disclosed herein may be implemented or performed with a general purpose single- or multi-chip processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), or other programmable logic device, discrete gate or transistor logic, discrete hardware components, or any combination thereof designed to perform the functions described herein. A general purpose processor may be a microprocessor, or, any conventional processor, controller, microcontroller, or state machine. A processor also may be implemented as a combination of computing devices, such as a combination of a DSP and a microprocessor, a plurality of microprocessors, one or more microprocessors in conjunction with a DSP core, or any other such configuration. In some embodiments, particular processes and methods may be performed by circuitry that is specific to a given function. The memory (e.g., memory, memory unit, storage device) may include one or more devices (e.g., RAM, ROM, Flash memory, hard disk storage) for storing data and/or computer code for completing or facilitating the various processes, layers and modules described in the present disclosure. The memory may be or include volatile memory or non-volatile memory, and may include database components, object code components, script components, or any other type of information structure for supporting the various activities and information structures described in the present disclosure. According to an exemplary embodiment, the memory is communicably connected to the processor via a processing circuit and includes computer code for executing (e.g., by the processing circuit or the processor) the one or more processes described herein.

The present disclosure contemplates methods, systems and program products on any machine-readable media for accomplishing various operations. The embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented using existing computer processors, or by a special purpose computer processor for an appropriate system, incorporated for this or another purpose, or by a hardwired system. Embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure include program products comprising machine-readable media for carrying or having machine-executable instructions or data structures stored thereon. Such machine-readable media can be any available media that can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer or other machine with a processor. By way of example, such machine-readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium which can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of machine-executable instructions or data structures and which can be accessed by a general purpose or special purpose computer or other machine with a processor. Combinations of the above are also included within the scope of machine-readable media. Machine-executable instructions include, for example, instructions and data which cause a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or special purpose processing machines to perform a certain function or group of functions.

Although the figures and description may illustrate a specific order of method steps, the order of such steps may differ from what is depicted and described, unless specified differently above. Also, two or more steps may be performed concurrently or with partial concurrence, unless specified differently above.

Claim 1:
A shower system (<NUM>), comprising:
one or more valves (<NUM>; <NUM>); and
a plurality of showerheads (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) electrically coupled to one another and configured to receive electrical signals from one another, the plurality of showerheads (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) fluidly coupled to the one or more valves (<NUM>; <NUM>) and configured to receive water therefrom, each of the plurality of showerheads (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) comprising a sprayer (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) configured to dispense water provided by the one or more valves (<NUM>; <NUM>), and wherein at least one of the plurality of showerheads (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) comprises:
one or more sensors (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) configured to register motion gestures made by a user; and
an integrated user interface (<NUM>) configured to control operation of the sprayer (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>);
wherein the one or more sensors (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) generates an internal signal to the plurality of showerheads (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) corresponding to the motion gesture, and wherein one of the plurality of showerheads (<NUM>; <NUM>; <NUM>) is a master showerhead.