Patent ID: 12215490

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This Detailed Description merely describes exemplary embodiments of the invention and is not intended to limit the scope of the claims in any way. Indeed, the invention as claimed is broader than and unlimited by the preferred embodiments, and the terms used in the claims have their full ordinary meaning.

The present application discloses electronic faucets with a time-of-flight (TOF) sensor capable of detecting the presence or absence of an object whether or not water is flowing out of a discharge outlet in the in a TOF detection zone. Although the terms “presence” and “absence” of an object are used throughout, it is to be understood that these terms describe different states, that transitions between these states are typically used by exemplary systems, and that such transitions are inherent in the context of the terms “presence” and “absence” of an object. For example, the “appearance” of an object from the perspective of a sensor (a transition from absence to presence) will typically be used to turn ON the flow of fluid in some exemplary systems. As another example, the “disappearance” of an object from the perspective of the sensor (a transition from presence to absence) will typically be used to turn OFF the flow of fluid in those exemplary systems. Thus, in some exemplary embodiments, a sensor comprises a time-of-flight (TOF) sensor capable of detecting the appearance or disappearance of an object whether or not water is flowing out of a discharge outlet in a TOF detection zone. Surprisingly, it was discovered that an electronic plumbing fixture fitting can use a TOF sensor with the TOF sensor signal aimed directly at a stream of water from the discharge outlet and detect the disappearance of a hand or other triggering object while water is streaming from the discharge outlet to turn off the stream of water. This is surprising at least because the presence of the flowing water while attempting to detect the disappearance of the object changes the baseline state vis-à-vis the situation when there is no flowing water while attempting to detect the appearance of the object.

Referring now toFIG.1A, an exemplary electronic plumbing fixture fitting10is shown. Exemplary electronic plumbing fixture fitting10includes a fixture body12including a discharge outlet14, the discharge outlet being operable to deliver water16through an expected fluid flow volume18. In some exemplary embodiments, the expected fluid flow volume18comprises a cylinder. In some exemplary embodiments, the expected fluid flow volume18comprises a frustum of a cone. An electronically controlled valve20(FIG.3) in fluid communication with the fixture body12upstream of the discharge outlet14selectively controls flow of the water16. At least one processor22is programmed to control the electronically controlled valve20to selectively control a flow of water16from the electronically controlled valve20out the discharge outlet14of the fixture body12. The exemplary electronic plumbing fixture fitting10also includes at least one time-of-flight (TOF) sensor30in electrical communication with the processor22and positioned inside (or on) the fixture body12that transmits a sensing signal31toward the expected fluid flow volume18in a sensing signal volume32. At least one of the processor22and the TOF sensor30is configured to create a detection zone34inside the sensing signal volume32(e.g., a subset of the sensing signal volume32) that overlaps at least a portion of the expected fluid flow volume18. In some exemplary embodiments, at least one of the processor22and the TOF sensor30is configured to permit the TOF sensor30to detect the presence or absence of an object, such as a user's hand, in the detection zone34, whether or not water16is flowing out of the discharge outlet14through the expected fluid flow volume18.

Although the processor22is shown schematically positioned inside the fixture body12, in exemplary embodiments, the processor22can be positioned virtually anywhere as long as it can communicate with the sensor30and control the valves. “Processor” or “computer” as used herein includes, but is not limited to, any programmed or programmable electronic device or coordinated devices that can store, retrieve, and process data and may be a processing unit or in a distributed processing configuration. Examples of processors include microprocessors, microcontrollers, graphics processing units (GPUs), floating point units (FPUs), reduced instruction set computing (RISC) processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs), etc. Exemplary electronic plumbing fixture fitting10has logic for performing the various functions and processes described herein. “Logic,” synonymous with “circuit” as used herein includes, but is not limited to, hardware, firmware, software and/or combinations of each to perform one or more functions or actions. For example, based on a desired application or needs, logic may include a software controlled processor, discrete logic such as an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), programmed logic device, or other processor. Logic may also be fully embodied as software. “Software,” as used herein, includes but is not limited to one or more computer readable and/or executable instructions that cause a processor or other electronic device to perform functions, actions, processes, and/or behave in a desired manner. The instructions may be embodied in various forms such as routines, algorithms, modules or programs including separate applications or code from dynamically linked libraries (DLLs). Software may also be implemented in various forms such as a stand-alone program, a web-based program, a function call, a subroutine, a servlet, an application, an app, an applet (e.g., a Java applet), a plug-in, instructions stored in a memory, part of an operating system, or other type of executable instructions or interpreted instructions from which executable instructions are created. It will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art that the form of software is dependent on, for example, requirements of a desired application, the environment it runs on, and/or the desires of a designer/programmer or the like. In exemplary embodiments, some or all of the software is stored on memory, which includes one or more non-transitory computer readable media of one or more local or remote data storage devices (for remote memories, electronic plumbing fixture fitting10will include a communications circuit, not shown). As used herein, “data storage device” means a device for non-transitory storage of code or data, e.g., a device with a non-transitory computer readable medium. As used herein, “non-transitory computer readable medium” mean any suitable non-transitory computer readable medium for storing code or data, such as a magnetic medium, e.g., fixed disks in external hard drives, fixed disks in internal hard drives, and flexible disks; an optical medium, e.g., CD disk, DVD disk, and other media, e.g., RAM, ROM, PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash PROM, external flash memory drives, etc.

Referring back toFIG.1A, in some exemplary embodiments, the processor22and/or the TOF sensor30is configured to exclude from the detection zone34at least a proximal portion of the sensing signal volume32′ between the expected fluid flow volume18and the fixture body proximate the TOF sensor30, thereby permitting a user to reach under the fixture body12proximate the TOF sensor30without causing the processor22to open the electronically controlled valve20while it is closed. This configuration also permits the faucet body36proximate the sensing signal volume to be wiped clean without causing the processor22to open the electronically controlled valve20while it is closed. In some exemplary embodiments, the processor22and/or the TOF sensor30is configured to exclude from the detection zone34at least a portion of the sensing signal volume32′″ outside the expected fluid flow volume18, i.e., configured to exclude from the detection zone at least a distal portion of the sensing signal volume past the expected fluid flow volume, thereby permitting a user to walk up to the electronic plumbing fixture fitting without causing the processor to open the electronically controlled valve while it is closed. This configuration also permits user activity in front of the TOF sensor in the sensor field32away from the expected fluid flow volume18without causing the processor22to open the electronically controlled valve20while it is closed.

Referring now toFIG.1B, in some exemplary embodiments, the processor22and/or the TOF sensor30is configured to create a detection zone34having a transmission angle α of about 20° to about 25°. Similarly, in some exemplary embodiments, the processor22and/or the TOF sensor30is configured to create a detection zone34having a detection depth D of about 10 mm to about 80 mm. In some exemplary embodiments, the processor22and/or the TOF sensor30is configured to create a detection zone34that is a section of a spherical shell, e.g., an intersection of a cone and a spherical shell, with the apex of the cone located at the TOF sensor (the square section inFIG.2is for illustrative purposes only). In some exemplary embodiments the TOF sensor30is configured to create a sensing signal volume32that has a prismatic conical shape with the apex of the cone located at the TOF sensor. The prismatic sides of the cone are defined by a window or aperture and/or lens system set about the emitter and/or detector of the TOF sensor.

An exemplary embodiment of an electronic plumbing fixture fitting ofFIG.1is illustrated inFIG.2as an electronic faucet42. In this exemplary embodiment, the faucet42includes a hub44, a spout46, a wand50having a wand hose (not shown; shown in the '110 patent), and a handle52extending from an associated handle hub53. An upstream end of the hub44is connected to a mounting surface (such as a counter or sink). An upstream end of the spout46is connected to a downstream end of the hub44. The spout46is operable to rotate relative to the hub44. The wand hose (not shown; shown in the '110 patent) extends through the hub44and the spout46and is operable to move within the hub44and the spout46. An upstream end of the wand50is mounted in a downstream end of the spout46and is connected to a downstream end of the wand hose. A downstream end of the wand50includes a discharge outlet54through which water56is delivered from the faucet42. The wand50is operable to pull away from the spout46. The handle52is connected to a side of the hub44and is operable to move relative to the hub44. Although the faucet42has been described as having a rotatable spout46, a pull-out or pull-down wand50, and a handle52mounted on the hub44, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that, in certain embodiments, the spout46could be fixed relative to the hub44, the faucet42may not include a wand50, the handle52may be mounted on other locations on the faucet42or remote from the faucet42, and/or the handle52may be any mechanical or other device that can be used to operate a mechanical valve. The electronic faucet42also includes at least one time-of-flight (TOF) sensor30in electrical communication with a processor22and positioned inside (or on) the fixture body46that transmits a sensing signal31toward expected fluid flow volume58in a sensing signal volume32. Although the processor22is shown schematically positioned inside the fixture body12, in exemplary embodiments, the processor22can be positioned virtually anywhere as long as it can communicate with the sensor30and control the valves. In some exemplary embodiments, the processor22is located in the handle hub53. In other exemplary embodiments, the processor22is located proximate the valves below the counter or other surface supporting the faucet42(e.g., in electronics module66shown in U.S. Pat. No. 9,194,110). At least one of the processor22and the TOF sensor30is configured to create a detection zone34inside the sensing signal volume32(e.g., a subset of the sensing signal volume32) that overlaps at least a portion of the expected fluid flow volume58. In some exemplary embodiments, at least one of the processor22and the TOF sensor30is configured to permit the TOF sensor30to detect the presence or absence of an object, such as a user's hand, in the detection zone34, whether or not water56is flowing out of the discharge outlet54through the expected fluid flow volume58. In some exemplary embodiments, the expected fluid flow volume58comprises a cylinder. In some exemplary embodiments, the expected fluid flow volume58comprises a frustum of a cone.

Although the sensing signal volume32and the detection zone34are shown in the figures as being conical and frustoconical, respectively, other sensor signal configurations are possible, such as (a) a sensing signal volume that is oval in cross section or (b) a sensing signal volume that is a flat, rounded rectangle in cross section. In some exemplary embodiments, the processor22and/or the TOF sensor30and/or an aperture (e.g., a “collimator”) and/or lens system through which the sensing signal passes (and which limits the size thereof) is configured to create a detection zone34having a transmission angle height of about 20° to about 25° and a transmission angle width of about 3° to about 20°. Similarly, in some exemplary embodiments, the processor22and/or the TOF sensor30is configured to create a detection zone34having a detection depth D (FIG.1B) of about 10 mm to about 80 mm. In some exemplary embodiments, the processor22and/or the TOF sensor30and/or an aperture and/or lens system through which the sensing signal passes (and which limits the size thereof) is configured to create a vertically-oriented detection zone34having transmission angle width of about 3° to about 200 and a transmission angle height of about 350 to about 90°, e.g., about 40°, or about 60°, or about 90°, or about 35°-45° or about 40°-60° (all starting just below the lower, distal end of the fixture or wand, so they do not trigger the flow of fluid). In some exemplary embodiments, the processor22and/or the TOF sensor30and/or an aperture and/or lens system through which the sensing signal passes (and which limits the size thereof) is configured to create a detection zone34that is a section of a spherical shell. In some exemplary embodiments, the detection zone is not oriented vertically, but instead is oriented at an angle with respect to vertical.

FIG.3shows an exemplary electrical and fluid flow representation for the embodiments ofFIGS.1-2. Other configurations are possible that take advantage of the TOF configuration herein. In some exemplary embodiments, the fitting10,42includes a hot water line70, a cold water line72, a mixed water line74, a mechanical valve76, and an electronic valve20. The hot water line70includes a common portion78, a mechanical valve portion80, and an electronic valve portion82. The cold water line72includes a common portion84, a mechanical valve portion86, and an electronic valve portion88. The mixed water line74includes a mechanical valve portion90, an electronic valve portion92, and a common portion94. These components can be configured and arranged as discussed in the '110 patent. For example, in exemplary embodiments, an upstream end of the common portion78of the hot water line70connects to a hot water supply100, and an upstream end of the common portion84of the cold water line72connects to a cold water supply102. A downstream end of the common portion78of the hot water line70connects to a hot water tee104, and a downstream end of the common portion84of the cold water line72connects to a cold water tee106. An upstream end of the mechanical valve portion80of the hot water line70connects to the hot water tee104, and an upstream end of the mechanical valve portion86of the cold water line28connects to the cold water tee60. A downstream end of the mechanical valve portion80of the hot water line70connects to the mechanical valve76, and a downstream end of the mechanical valve portion4864of the cold water line72connects to the mechanical valve76. An upstream end of the electronic valve portion88of the hot water line70connects to the hot water tee104, and an upstream end of the electronic valve portion82of the cold water line72connects to the cold water tee106. A downstream end of the electronic valve portion88of the hot water line70connects to the electronic valve20, and a downstream end of the electronic valve portion82of the cold water line72connects to the electronic valve20.

A TOF sensor may be used advantageously in sensor operated faucet designs in which the sensor is positioned facing downwards into the sink. In this orientation, it is difficult to use prior art infrared sensors because the reflectance of the sink surface varies depending on whether the sink is wet or dry. Consequently, calibrating a prior art infrared sensor to avoid a high incidence of false positive and false negative detection events under both wet and dry conditions is extremely difficult. In contrast, activation of the TOF sensor is insensitive to reflectance and the range of activation distances for a TOF sensor can be set to exclude reflections from the surface of the sink. Referring now toFIG.4, another exemplary embodiment110is shown. In this exemplary embodiment110, a TOF sensor130is positioned in the underside of pipe46at the top, and TOF sensor signal132aimed down into a sink134partially filled with water136to detect the depth of the water in the sink134(or tub), i.e., detect the distance from the TOF sensor130to a surface138of the water136so that a corresponding processor can calculate the depth of the water136in the sink using calibration data obtained beforehand and shut off the flow of water (e.g., using valve20,FIG.3), if needed. In some exemplary embodiments, calibration is done by a user filling a sink or tub as full as the user would want it to be filled for a normal task and then using a user interface to indicate to the processor22to remember this desired normal depth by e.g., saving data from the TOF sensor30corresponding to that depth. In exemplary embodiments, the user interface comprises the user interacting with the TOF sensor30(or other sensors) using specific patterns or gestures that are detected by the TOF sensor30(or other sensors) that are translated by the processor22to enter a program mode and store a depth corresponding to normal usage of the sink or tub. In addition, or in the alternative, in some exemplary embodiments, calibration is done by a user filling a sink or tub as full as the user would ever want it to be filled as a maximum depth and then using a user interface to indicate to the processor22to remember this maximum depth by e.g., saving data from the TOF sensor30corresponding to that maximum depth.

In some exemplary embodiments, the TOF sensor30is a STMicroelectronics model VL6180X proximity and ambient light sensing (ALS) module. Although not tested, it is believed that another suitable TOF sensor is the STMicroelectronics model VL53LOX sensor. In some exemplary embodiments using the VL6180X sensor as TOF sensor30, the VL6180X TOF sensor30registers are programmed as follows, which permits the VL6180X TOF sensor to detect the presence or absence of an object, such as a user's hand, in the detection zone34, whether or not water16,56is flowing out of the discharge outlet14,54through the expected fluid flow volume18,58:WriteByte(0x0207, 0x01);WriteByte(0x0208, 0x01);WriteByte(0x0096, 0x00);WriteByte(0x0097, 0xfd);WriteByte(0x00e3, 0x00);WriteByte(0x00e4, 0x04);WriteByte(0x00e5, 0x02);WriteByte(0x00e6, 0x01);WriteByte(0x00e7, 0x03);WriteByte(0x00f5, 0x02);WriteByte(0x00d9, 0x05);WriteByte(0x00db, 0xce);WriteByte(0x00dc, 0x03);WriteByte(0x00dd, 0xf8);WriteByte(0x009f, 0x00);WriteByte(0x00a3, 0x3c);WriteByte(0x00b7, 0x00);WriteByte(0x00bb, 0x3c);WriteByte(0x00b2, 0x09);WriteByte(0x00ca, 0x09);WriteByte(0x0198, 0x01);WriteByte(0x01b0, 0x17);WriteByte(0x01ad, 0x00);WriteByte(0x00ff, 0x05);WriteByte(0x0100, 0x05);WriteByte(0x0199, 0x05);WriteByte(0x01a6, 0x1b);WriteByte(0x01ac, 0x3e);WriteByte(0x01a7, 0x1f);WriteByte(0x0030, 0x00);WriteByte(0x0011, 0x10);WriteByte(0x010a, 0x30);WriteByte(0x003f, 0x46);WriteByte(0x0031, 0xFF);WriteByte(0x0040, 0x63);WriteByte(0x016, 0x00);WriteByte(0x002e, 0x01);WriteByte(0x001b, 0x09);WriteByte(0x003e, 0x31);WriteByte(0x0014, 0x24);

One exemplary implementation of an exemplary system uses a VL6180X sensor as a TOF sensor30mounted in a MOEN brand MOTIONSENSE brand faucet, model number 7594E. In this exemplary implementation, the expected fluid flow volume18,58is approximately a cylinder having a diameter of about 12 mm (or a frustum of a cone having a diameter of about 12 mm at the top and about 12 mm at the bottom) and the detection zone34has a width of about 50 mm. The expected fluid flow volume18,58is approximately 190 mm from the VL6180X TOF sensor30at its closest point (expected fluid flow volume18,58is approximately parallel with the longitudinal axis of the hub44,FIG.2). With the VL6180X registers programmed as discussed above, the VL6180X TOF sensor can detect the presence or absence of an object, such as a user's hand, in the detection zone34, whether or not water16,56is flowing out of the discharge outlet14,54through the expected fluid flow volume18,58.

In the '110 patent, the presence sensor72of that patent can be implemented as a TOF sensor as discussed herein, e.g., a VL6180X TOF sensor30with registers programmed as set forth herein (with a processor pre-programmed as set forth in the '110 patent, except as clarified herein with respect to the TOF sensor30). In addition to the teachings herein, or in the alternative, the toggle sensor70of that patent can be implemented as a TOF sensor as discussed herein, e.g., a VL6180X TOF sensor30with registers programmed as set forth herein (with a processor pre-programmed as set forth in the '110 patent, except as clarified herein with respect to the TOF sensor30). Using a TOF sensor discussed above as a presence sensor72and/or using a TOF sensor as discussed above as a toggle sensor70would have the advantages discussed herein. Additionally, using a TOF sensor as a toggle sensor70and/or as a presence sensor72would have the following additional advantages: unlike the intensity-based detection methods, the time-of-flight detection of the presence is based on the light travel time measurement and this time measurement is very much independent of the reflectivity of the object, i.e., color, surface roughness, and texture, for instance.

In a different exemplary embodiment, it is further advantageous to position the TOF sensor of the current invention close to the outlet of the faucet such that the axis of the sensing signal volume is close to and parallel or nearly parallel to the central axis of the expected fluid flow volume. With the TOF sensor positioned thus the surface or surfaces defining the detection volume that do not intersect the expected fluid flow volume may be located very near to the surface of the fluid flow volume and almost symmetrically about the fluid flow volume. When the geometries of the sensing signal volume and the expected fluid flow volume are closely matched, opportunities for inadvertent activation are further minimized. Referring now toFIG.5, another exemplary embodiment210is shown. In this exemplary embodiment210, a TOF sensor230is positioned close to the outlet14,54of the faucet such that the axis of the sensing signal volume is close to and parallel or nearly parallel to the central axis of the expected fluid flow volume18,58.

Referring now toFIG.13, another embodiment with a TOF sensor30is shown. In this embodiment, the TOF sensor30is positioned in the fixture body12or spout46, proximate the discharge outlet14,54through which water16,56is delivered from the faucet10,42. In this exemplary embodiment, wiring (not shown) inside the fixture body12or spout46connects the TOF sensor30with the processor22. In this exemplary embodiment, the sensing signal31is transmitted to substantially overlap the flow of fluid16,56, in contrast with some of the other embodiments in which the sensor signal31, A, B crosses the flow of fluid16,56.

Referring back toFIGS.1A,1B, and2, and also toFIG.13, it is apparent that the detection zone34(sensing signal volume subset32″) is both shaped and limited. That is, it is apparent that the detection zone34is shaped like a frustum of a cone because of the nature of the TOF sensor and the detection zone34is limited in size and range by the gating of the TOF sensor30. This is perhaps shown best inFIGS.1A and13where there is an active sensing signal volume32″ forming the detection zone34created by an excluded proximal portion of the sensing signal volume32′ between the expected fluid flow volume18and the fixture body proximate the TOF sensor30and an excluded distal portion32′″ of the sensing signal volume past the expected fluid flow volume. Thus, the previously described embodiments form a shaped and limited sensor detection zone using a single TOF sensor.

In exemplary embodiments, the shape and limit of a shaped and limited sensor detection zone are selected to exclude undesirable trigger zones, such as preventing a rotating spout from activating the water when the spout has been rotated to a position outside the sink, for instance. As another example, in some faucets with a long handle, the water may be inadvertently turned on when the handle is in the field of view. In order to prevent this, in exemplary embodiments, the shape and size (i.e., solid angle) of the light emission cone is shaped such that the transmitted light will avoid the volume of the space where the handle can interfere with the automatic activation of the water. As yet another example of the benefit of defined sensing volume in space is in a case where the user wants to clean the faucet. When the user wipes the spout with a towel, the water is turned on if the towel passed over a single sensor even though the user's intent was to just wipe the faucet not to turn the water on. This type of accidental activation is eliminated by excluding such areas by Boolean AND operation the two intersecting fields of view.

Accordingly, in some exemplary embodiments, a shaped and limited sensor detection zone is created using a plurality of sensors in different locations with overlapping detection zones. Exemplary embodiments utilize optical sensor technology with Boolean arithmetic to restrict and define the sensing zone in the 3-dimensional space. As shown conceptually inFIG.6, in exemplary embodiments, a shaped and limited sensor zone (cross-hatched inFIG.6) is formed by intersecting sensor volumes, e.g., the intersection of a first sensor detection zone A from sensor A (not shown) and a second sensor detection zone B from sensor B (not shown). Together, sensors A and B form a shaped and limited sensor detection zone. An object detected by sensor A and also detected by sensor B is in the shaped and limited sensor detection zone. The overlapping sensor volume defined, therefore, can be said to be A AND B (crosshatched). In some exemplary embodiments, with this coded into the trigger algorithm of the sensor (and/or a corresponding processor), the water can be turn on if and only if the object is within the sensing volume defined by the two intersecting fields of view of the sensors.

FIG.7shows an exemplary embodiment in which a transceiver of electromagnetic radiation Tx/Rx (e.g., an infrared transceiver) is mounted on the fixture body12or spout46across from the water16,56and a receiver of electromagnetic radiation sensor Rx (e.g., an infrared detector) is mounted outside the fixture body12or spout46, proximate the discharge outlet14,54through which water16,56is delivered from the faucet10,42. In this exemplary embodiment, the sensor Rx detects electromagnetic radiation emitted by the transceiver Tx/Rx. In this exemplary configuration, a shaped and limited sensor zone A∩B (cross-hatched inFIG.7) is formed by intersecting sensor volumes, e.g., the intersection of a first sensor detection zone A from the transceiver Tx/Rx and a second sensor detection zone B from receiver Rx. Together, the transceiver Tx/Rx and the receiver Rx form a shaped and limited sensor detection zone. An object detected by transceiver Tx/Rx and also detected by receiver Rx is in the shaped and limited sensor detection zone A∩B. In some exemplary embodiments, with this coded into the trigger algorithm of the sensor (and/or a corresponding processor), the processor will turn on the water if and only if the triggering object is within the sensing volume A∩B defined by the two intersecting fields of view of the sensors. In some exemplary embodiments, the transceiver Tx/Rx is replaced with a transmitter that transmits electromagnetic radiation detected by the receiver Rx.

FIG.8shows another exemplary embodiment in which a transceiver of electromagnetic radiation Tx/Rx (e.g., an infrared transceiver) is mounted on the fixture body12or spout46across from the water16,56(as discussed above) and a receiver of electromagnetic radiation sensor Rx (e.g., an infrared detector) is mounted higher up on the fixture body12or spout46. In this exemplary embodiment, the sensor Rx detects electromagnetic radiation emitted by the transceiver Tx/Rx. In this exemplary configuration, a shaped and limited sensor zone A∩B (cross-hatched inFIG.8) is formed by intersecting sensor volumes, e.g., the intersection of a first sensor detection zone A from the transceiver Tx/Rx and a second sensor detection zone B from receiver Rx. Together, the transceiver Tx/Rx and the receiver Rx form a shaped and limited sensor detection zone. An object detected by transceiver Tx/Rx and also detected by receiver Rx is in the shaped and limited sensor detection zone A∩B. In some exemplary embodiments, with this coded into the trigger algorithm of the sensor (and/or a corresponding processor), the processor will turn on the water if and only if the triggering object is within the sensing volume A∩B defined by the two intersecting fields of view of the sensors. In some exemplary embodiments, the transceiver Tx/Rx is replaced with a transmitter that transmits electromagnetic radiation detected by the receiver Rx. In some exemplary embodiments, a third receiver or transceiver (e.g., C inFIG.8) is used to further limit the shape and/or size of the detection zone, e.g., limiting the detection zone to A∩BOC.

FIG.9shows another exemplary embodiment in which a transmitter of electromagnetic radiation Tx (e.g., an infrared LED) and two receivers of electromagnetic radiation sensor Rx1, Rx2(e.g., infrared detectors) are mounted higher on the fixture body12or spout46proximate the apex of thereof and aimed upwards (rather than being aimed at the expected flow of fluid16,56as in other embodiments). In this exemplary embodiment, the sensors Rx1, Rx2detect electromagnetic radiation emitted by the transmitter Tx. In this exemplary configuration, a shaped and limited sensor zone A∩B1∩B2(cross-hatched inFIG.9) is formed by intersecting sensor volumes, e.g., the intersection of a first sensor detection zone A from the transmitter Tx, a second sensor detection zone B from receiver Rx1, and a third sensor detection zone B2from receiver Rx2. Together, the transmitter Tx and the receivers Rx1, Rx2form a shaped and limited sensor detection zone. An object detected by transmitter Tx and also detected by receivers Rx1, Rx2is inside the shaped and limited sensor detection zone A∩B1∩B2. In some exemplary embodiments, with this coded into the trigger algorithm of the sensor (and/or a corresponding processor), the processor will turn on the water if and only if the triggering object is within the sensing volume A∩B1∩B2defined by the three intersecting fields of view of the sensors. In some exemplary embodiments, the transmitter Tx is replaced with a transceiver Tx/Rx that transmits electromagnetic radiation detected by the receivers Rx1, Rx2and also is capable of detecting an object without input from the receivers Rx1, Rx2.

FIG.10shows another exemplary embodiment that is very similar toFIG.7, except the receiver Rx is mounted in a wand50. This adds complexity to the system because wiring connecting the receiver Rx to the processor22(not shown)—or other communication means—must be capable of extending from the fixture body12or spout46to permit the wand to extend therefrom.

FIG.11shows another exemplary embodiment that is very similar toFIG.9, except the receivers Rx1, Rx2are mounted in a wand50. This adds complexity to the system because wiring connecting the receivers Rx1, Rx2to the processor22(not shown)—or other communication means—must be capable of extending from the fixture body12or spout46to permit the wand to extend therefrom. Like the embodiment ofFIG.9, an object detected by transmitter Tx (or transceiver Tx/Rx) and also detected by receivers Rx1, Rx2is inside the shaped and limited sensor detection zone A∩B1∩B2. In some exemplary embodiments, with this coded into the trigger algorithm of the sensor (and/or a corresponding processor), the processor will turn on the water if and only if the triggering object is within the sensing volume A∩B1∩B2defined by the three intersecting fields of view of the sensors.

FIG.12shows another exemplary embodiment that is very similar toFIG.11, sensors are positioned in the fixture body12or spout46, proximate the discharge outlet14,54through which water16,56is delivered from the faucet10,42.

In exemplary embodiments, the different overlapping sensors described herein are located and used to control fluid flow, such as described in the '110 patent and herein, and/or located and used to control a flow of fluid, e.g., by creating an overlapping detection zone that overlaps at least a portion of an expected fluid flow volume to control the flow of fluid.

As can be appreciated from this disclosure, one benefit of the approaches ofFIGS.7-12herein is an ability to maintain the use of inexpensive sensors and electronics but with a simple addition of another low-cost sensor a well-defined sensing volume is created in a desired space. In exemplary embodiments, this is optically accomplished through the design of the sensing field of view and the transmitting field of light source by the use of shaped apertures.

As described herein, when one or more components are described as being connected, joined, affixed, coupled, attached, or otherwise interconnected, such interconnection may be direct as between the components or may be indirect such as through the use of one or more intermediary components. Also, as described herein, reference to a “member,” “component,” or “portion” shall not be limited to a single structural member, component, or element but can include an assembly of components, members or elements.

While the present invention has been illustrated by the description of embodiments thereof, and while the embodiments have been described in considerable detail, it is not the intention of the applicants to restrict or in any way limit the scope of the invention to such details. Additional advantages and modifications will readily appear to those skilled in the art. For example, detection of presence in the situation where the sensor faces downward into the sink such as bathroom faucet and sink where the reflectance of the sink surface varies depending upon the wetness of the sink surface. In this instance, the range of activation is set anywhere between the position of sensor and the surface of the sink, while excluding any signals from the surface of the sink and farther. As another example, a downward facing TOF sensor of the current invention may be used to detect the level of water in the sink. This information may be used, for example, in an application of a “smart” faucet that fills the sink with water to a prescribed level regardless of the quantity or volume of objects in the sink. As yet another example, multiple TOF sensors of the current invention having intersecting or non-intersecting sensing signal volumes may be used advantageously to define a detection zone having a shape impossible to create with a single TOF sensor. Still further, component geometries, shapes, and dimensions can be modified without changing the overall role or function of the components. Therefore, the inventive concept, in its broader aspects, is not limited to the specific details, the representative apparatus, and illustrative examples shown and described. Accordingly, departures may be made from such details without departing from the spirit or scope of the applicant's general inventive concept.