The present disclosure relates, in general, to toilet systems, and more
specifically, relates to a smart toilet apparatus for assisting physically impaired user.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Traditional toilet system can include bowl mounted tank type toilet
assemblies that can include a pivotally mounted flushing handle mounted to a front upright sidewall of a water storage tank. Flushing is effected by limited pivotal movement of the flushing handle by manual hand pressure. However, for a physically challenged person who may have low manual dexterity, weakened hand or arm function, or other limiting impairments, the traditional toilet system to effect toilet flushing and cleaning is extremely difficult.
[0003] Existing and known toilet facilities for the disabled are generally
unsatisfactory, especially those having spinal cord injuries which seriously limits or prevents leg use so that they are unable to raise from the seat to carry out those functions. Therefore, there is a need in the art to provide a means that is convenient to the physically impaired user to use the toilet based on force sensitivity and voice command.
OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
[0004] An object of the present disclosure relates, in general, to toilet systems,
and more specifically, relates to a smart toilet apparatus for assisting physically
impaired user.
[0005] Another obj ect of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus that
provides comfort and convenience for physically impaired users.
[0006] Another obj ect of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus that
can be operated easily.
[0007] Another obj ect of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus that
can be available at an affordable cost.
[0008] Another obj ect of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus that
can be user-friendly.

[0009] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus
that can assist the users who have undergone surgeries.
SUMMARY
[0010] The present disclosure relates, in general, to toilet systems, and more
specifically, relates to a smart toilet apparatus for assisting physically impaired user.
[0011] In an aspect, the present disclosure provides an apparatus for assisting
physically impaired user, the apparatus comprising: a tank unit of the apparatus coupled to a seat portion, a first sensor configured in the seat portion of the apparatus, the first sensor detects a first set of signals at a time interval, when a user comes in contact with the seat portion, the first set of signals pertaining to physical pressure attributes of the user, a second sensor configured in the tank unit of the apparatus, the second sensor detects a second set of signals pertaining to odor attributes, a sprayer configured in the tank unit, the sprayer, upon activation, configured to spray a predetermined amount of fragrance to deodorize a sanitary area, a valve configured in the tank unit, the valve operable to allow passage of the liquid from the tank unit; and a microcontroller operatively coupled to the first sensor and the second sensor, the microcontroller configured to receive, from the first sensor, the first set of signals pertaining to physical pressure attributes of the user, receive, from the second sensor, second set of signals pertaining to odor attributes, wherein, on receipt of the first set of signals, the microcontroller configured to operate the valve to allow passage of the liquid from the tank unit, and wherein, on receipt of the second set of signals, the microcontroller configured to operate the sprayer to spray a predetermined amount of fragrance to deodorize the sanitary area.
[0012] According to an embodiment, the first sensor is a force sensitivity
resistor.
[0013] According to an embodiment the second sensor is a MQ-5 odor sensor.
[0014] According to an embodiment, the valve is operated for a
predetermined period of time to allow dispensation of a predetermined quantity of

the liquid, the predetermined quantity determined as being required to flush the
waster matter.
[0015] According to an embodiment, the apparatus comprises a voice
recognition unit that detects third set of signals pertaining to voice commands of
the user to perform the required operation of the apparatus.
[0016] According to an embodiment, the apparatus comprises a power source
configured to supply power to the apparatus.
[0017] According to an embodiment, the sprayer configured to spray the
fragrance based on the intensity of the odor to deodorize the sanitary area.
[0018] According to an embodiment, the apparatus comprises a water jet that
is configured to flush the waster matter.
[0019] According to an embodiment, the waste matters are excretory
substances.
[0020] In an aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for assisting
physically impaired user, the method includes receiving, at a computing device,
from a first sensor, a first set of signals pertaining to physical pressure attributes of
a user, the first sensor configured in a seat portion of an apparatus, the first sensor
detects the first set of signals at a time interval, when the user comes in contact with
a seat portion; and receiving, at the computing device, from a second sensor, a
second set of signals pertaining to odor attributes, the second sensor configured in
a tank unit of the apparatus, the tank unit of the apparatus coupled to the seat
portion, wherein, on receipt of the first set of signals, the computing device
configured to operate a valve to allow passage of the liquid from the tank unit, the
valve configured in the tank unit, the valve operable to allow passage of the liquid
from the tank unit; and wherein, on receipt of the second set of signals, the
computing device configured to operate a sprayer to spray a predetermined amount
of fragrance to deodorize a sanitary area, the sprayer configured in the tank unit.
[0021] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive
subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description
of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which
like numerals represent like components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] The following drawings form part of the present specification and are
included to further illustrate aspects of the present disclosure. The disclosure may
be better understood by reference to the drawings in combination with the detailed
description of the specific embodiments presented herein.
[0023] FIG. 1A illustrate an exemplary representation of an apparatus for
assisting physically impaired user, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
[0024] FIG. IB illustrate an exemplary functional component of an apparatus,
in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0025] FIG. 2 illustrate an exemplary flow diagram of a method for assisting
physically impaired user, in accordance with an embodiment of the present
disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0026] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the
disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. If the specification states a component or feature "may", "can", "could", or "might" be included or have a characteristic, that particular component or feature is not required to be included or have the characteristic.
[0027] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that
follow, the meaning of "a," "an," and "the" includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of "in" includes "in" and "on" unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0028] The present disclosure relates, in general, to toilet systems, and more
specifically, relates to a smart toilet apparatus for assisting physically impaired user. The present disclosure provides convenience and comfort to the user to access the toilet based on force sensitivity and voice command. The present disclosure provides a voice recognition unit to perform all the tasks based on voice commands

received from the user. The proposed solution is highly intelligent, comfortable and user friendly. The present disclosure can be described in enabling detail in the following examples, which may represent more than one embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0029] FIG. 1A illustrate an exemplary representation of an apparatus for
assisting physically impaired user, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0030] Referring to FIG. 1A, smart toilet apparatus 100, (also referred to as
an apparatus 100, herein) can assist physically impaired user to perform an excretory function. The apparatus 100 can include a standard toilet bowl, tank unit 102, and a seat portion 104 of suitable length and width. The tank unit 102 coupled to the seat portion 104 of the apparatus 100. A lid portion on the apparatus 100 can ensure that the toilet bowl area is sealed during the flushing process to achieve maximum effect. The proposed apparatus 100 can include a first sensor 106, a second sensor 108, a fragrance sprayer 110, a solenoid valve 112, a water spray jet 114 (also referred to as water jet pump 114) and a microcontroller 116 (illustrated in FIG. IB).
[0031] In an embodiment, the first sensor 106 can be configured in seat
portion 104 of the apparatus 100. In an exemplary embodiment, the first sensor 106 is a force-sensitive resistor (FSR). The first sensor 106 can detect a first set of signals at a time interval when a user comes in contact with the seat portion 102, where the first set of signals pertaining to physical pressure attributes of the user. The valve 112 configured in the tank unit 102, the valve 112 operable to allow passage of the liquid from the tank unit 102.
[0032] In another embodiment, the second sensor 108 configured in the tank
unit 102 of apparatus 100, the second sensor 108 can detect a second set of signals pertaining to odor attributes. In an exemplary embodiment, the second sensor 108 is an MQ -5 smell detector. The sprayer 110 also interchangeably referred to as fragrance sprayer configured in tank unit 102. The sprayer 110, upon activation, configured to spray a predetermined amount of fragrance to deodorize sanitary area/toilet space.

[0033] For example, the force-sensitive resistor can detect the force as soon
as the user sits on the toilet seat, as soon as the user sits, the water jet and flush get
activated for a specified time period. Meanwhile, the MQ-5 sensor detects the foul
smell and activates the fragrance sprayer positioned inside the apparatus 100.
[0034] FIG. IB illustrate an exemplary functional component of an apparatus,
in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. Referring to FIG. IB, the microcontroller 116 can be operatively coupled to the first sensor 106 and the second sensor 108. The microcontroller 116 configured to receive, from the first sensor 106, the first set of signals pertaining to the physical pressure attributes of the user. The microcontroller 116 can receive, from the second sensor 108, second set of signals pertaining to the odor attributes. On receipt of the first set of signals, the microcontroller 116 configured to operate valve 112 to allow passage of the liquid from the tank unit 102.
[0035] The valve 112 is operated for a predetermined period of time to allow
dispensation of a predetermined quantity of the liquid, the predetermined quantity determined as being required to flush the waster matters from the toilet bowl, where the waster matters are excretory substances of the user. The microcontroller 116, on receipt of the second set of signals, configured to operate the sprayer 110 to spray a predetermined amount of fragrance to deodorize the sanitary area. Based on the first signals and the second set of signals the physically impaired user or any other users can access the apparatus 100 easily.
[0036] In another embodiment, apparatus 100 can include voice recognition
unit 124 that detects a third set of signals pertaining to voice commands of the user
to perform the required operation of the apparatus 100. In an exemplary
embodiment, the voice recognition unit 124 is microphone. In an embodiment, a
switch 122 can be configured in apparatus 100 for manual operation.
[0037] In another embodiment, apparatus 100 may further include a power
source 118 to provide power supply 120 to the apparatus 100. The power source 118 may include either individually or in a combination of, any of the following: main power, solar or photoelectric power, disposable or rechargeable batteries,

adaptor etc. Energy from power source 118 can be used to provide operating power to apparatus 100.
[0038] In an example implementation, the apparatus 100 can activated as
soon as the user sits on the seat portion 104. The FSR 106 detects the force as soon
as the person/user sits on the toilet seat after a brief gap of few seconds. When the
user defecates, after a few seconds of waiting time, the FSR 106 activates the
microcontroller 116, which turns on the flush using the solenoid valve 112 and
water jet pump 114 pumps water for washing purposes. The proposed apparatus
100 can include voice recognition unit 124 which helps to perform all these tasks
by using voice commands received from the user to make the experience much
more comfortable for the user. Further, apparatus 100 incorporated with MQ-5
detects the foul odor and depending upon the intensity of the odor, it can release the
spray from the fragrance sprayer 110 to make the aura suitable for the user.
[0039] The embodiments of the present disclosure described above provide
several advantages. The one or more of the embodiments provides the apparatus 100 that enables comfort and convenience for physically impaired users. The present disclosure can be operated easily, user friendly and can be available at an affordable cost. The present disclosure can assist the users who have undergone surgeries.
[0040] FIG. 2 illustrate an exemplary flow diagram of a method for assisting
physically impaired user, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0041] Referring to FIG. 2, the method 200 can be implemented using a
computing device, which can include one or more microcontrollers. The method
200 incudes, at block 202, the computing device can receive, from a first sensor, a
first set of signals pertaining to physical pressure attributes of a user, the first sensor
configured in a seat portion of an apparatus, the first sensor detects the first set of
signals at a time interval, when the user comes in contact with a seat portion.
[0042] At block 204, the computing device can receive from a second sensor,
a second set of signals pertaining to odor attributes, the second sensor configured

in a tank unit of the apparatus, the tank unit of the apparatus coupled to the seat portion.
[0043] At block 206, wherein, on receipt of the first set of signals, the
computing device configured to operate a valve to allow passage of the liquid from the tank unit, the valve configured in the tank unit, the valve operable to allow passage of the liquid from the tank unit; and
[0044] At block 208, wherein, on receipt of the second set of signals, the
computing device configured to operate a sprayer to spray a predetermined amount
of fragrance to deodorize a sanitary area, the sprayer configured in the tank unit.
[0045] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the apparatus 100 of
the disclosure may be provided using some or all of the mentioned features and components without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. While various embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described herein, it will be clear that the disclosure is not limited to these embodiments only. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions, and equivalents will be apparent to those skilled in the art, without departing from the scope of the disclosure, as described in the claims.
ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
[0046] The present disclosure provides an apparatus that provides comfort
and convenience for physically impaired users.
[0047] The present disclosure provides an apparatus that can be operated
easily.
[0048] The present disclosure provides an apparatus that can be available at
an affordable cost.
[0049] The present disclosure provides an apparatus that can assist the users
who have undergone surgeries.
[0050] The present disclosure provides an apparatus that can be user friendly.

We Claim:

1. An apparatus (100) for assisting physically impaired user, said apparatus
comprising:
a tank unit (102) of the apparatus coupled to a seat portion (104);
a first sensor (106) configured in the seat portion (104) of the apparatus, the first sensor (106) detects a first set of signals at a time interval, when a user comes in contact with the seat portion, the first set of signals pertaining to physical pressure attributes of the user;
a second sensor (108) configured in the tank unit of the apparatus (100), the second sensor detects a second set of signals pertaining to odor attributes;
a sprayer (110) configured in the tank unit, the sprayer, upon activation, configured to spray a predetermined amount of fragrance to deodorize sanitary area;
a valve (112) configured in the tank unit, the valve operable to allow passage of the liquid from the tank unit; and
a microcontroller (116) operatively coupled to the first sensor and the second sensor, the microcontroller configured to:
receive, from the first sensor (106) , the first set of signals
pertaining to physical pressure attributes of the user; and
receive, from the second sensor (108), the second set of
signals pertaining to odor attributes, wherein, on receipt of the first
set of signals, the microcontroller configured to operate the valve to
allow passage of the liquid from the tank unit, and wherein, on
receipt of the second set of signals, the microcontroller configured
to operate the sprayer to spray a predetermined amount of fragrance
to deodorize the sanitary area.
2. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first sensor (106) is a force
sensitivity resistor.

3. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the second sensor (108) is a MQ-5 odor sensor.
4. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the valve (112) is operated for a predetermined period of time to allow dispensation of a predetermined quantity of the liquid, the predetermined quantity determined as being required to flush the waster matter.
5. The apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein the waste matters are excretory substances.
6. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the apparatus (100) comprises a voice recognition unit (124) that detects third set of signals pertaining to voice commands of the user to perform the required operation of the apparatus.
7. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the apparatus (100) comprises a power source (120) configured to supply power to the apparatus.
8. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sprayer (110) configured to spray the fragrance based on the intensity of the odor to deodorize the sanitary area.
9. The apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the apparatus (100) comprises a water jet pump (114) that is configured to flush the waster matter.
10. A method (200) for assisting physically impaired user, said method comprising:
receiving (202), at a computing device, from a first sensor, a first set of signals pertaining to physical pressure attributes of a user, the first sensor configured in a seat portion of an apparatus, the first sensor detects the first set of signals at a time interval, when the user comes in contact with the seat portion; and
receiving (204), at the computing device, from a second sensor, a second set of signals pertaining to odor attributes, the second sensor configured in a tank unit of the apparatus, the tank unit of the apparatus coupled to the seat portion, wherein, on receipt of the first set of signals, the

computing device configured to operate (206) a valve to allow passage of the liquid from the tank unit, the valve configured in the tank unit; and
wherein, on receipt of the second set of signals, the computing device configured to operate (208) a sprayer to spray a predetermined amount of fragrance to deodorize sanitary area, the sprayer configured in the tank unit.