The present disclosure relates to the field of water level detection. More particularly, it relates to an electronic system configured for automatic detection and display of water availability in public restroom.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present disclosure. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed disclosure, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art. [0003] Unavailability of water in public restrooms is a matter of great inconvenience, especially to the female users. Traditional toilets in restrooms do not provide prior intimation about water availability in the flush tanks and this often creates embarrassing situations for the restroom users. [0004] Hence it would be advantageous if prior information can be made available to prospective restroom users about the availability of water. Existing solutions include design of a system that generates an alarm if the flush tank is not refilled within a predetermined time interval from operating the flush actuator. Another system discloses use of multiple sensors for detection of abnormal water level in the flush tank and automatic valves configured to restore normalcy after detected malfunction. Magnetic float sensors for control of water level has also been discussed in prior art. In a separate disclosure, a system has been reported that can wirelessly transmit information on door closing and opening events to a remotely located user. However, none of the existing literature discloses a system that can detect and indicate water availability in flush tanks upon detection of door opening by the user.
[0005] Therefore, there is need in the art to design a system which can detect water level in the flush tanks of the public restrooms and display water availability status to prospective user prior to use. The proposed method is simple and low maintenance. Upon opening of door of a restroom cubicle, the proposed system is enabled to indicate water availability status in the corresponding flush

tank of said restroom cubicle and generate alarm signals pertaining to critical water levels in the flush tank, corresponding to activation and deactivation of associated water pump, configured to refill the flush tank.
OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
[0006] Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one
embodiment herein satisfies are as listed herein below.
[0007] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a system for
automatic detection and display of water availability in one or more flush tanks
installed in one or more restroom cubicles.
[0008] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a system for
automatic detection and display of water availability in restroom that facilitates
one or more first sensors to detect water level in one or more flush tanks installed
in one or more restroom cubicles.
[0009] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a system for
automatic detection and display of water availability in restroom that facilitates a
processing unit to determine water availability status of the one or more restroom
cubicles based on information received from the one or more first sensors.
[0010] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a system for
automatic detection and display of water availability in restroom that facilitates
one or more second sensors to detect opening of doors of the one or more
restroom cubicles by a prospective user.
[0011] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a system for
automatic detection and display of water availability in restroom that facilitates
the processing unit to transmit a first set of output signals to one or more display
units, upon detection of door opening event by one or more second sensors.
[0012] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a system for
automatic detection and display of water availability in restroom that facilitates
the one or more display units to display water availability status of one or more
flush tanks corresponding to the doors of the restroom cubicles being opened by
one or more users.

[0013] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a system for
automatic detection and display of water availability in restroom that facilitates
the processing unit in activating and deactivating one or more actuators coupled to
water pumps for refilling the one or more flush tanks.
[0014] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a system for
automatic detection and display of water availability in restroom that facilitates
the processing unit to generate a second set of output signals pertaining to critical
water levels in the one or more flush tanks.
[0015] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a system for
automatic detection and display of water availability in restroom that facilitates
generation of alarm signals pertaining to detection of critical water levels in one
or more flush tanks and door remaining open after use of restroom cubicle by a
user.
[0016] It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a system for
automatic detection and display of water availability in restroom that enables a
power supply unit to provide electric power to the processing unit, the one or
more first and second sensors, the one or more display units and the one or more
actuators.
SUMMARY
[0017] The present disclosure relates to the field of water level detection.
More particularly, it relates to an electronic system configured for automatic
detection and display of water availability in public restroom.
[0018] An aspect of the present disclosure pertains to a system that may
include one or more first sensors, configured to detect water level in one or more
flush tanks installed in one or more restroom cubicles.
[0019] In an aspect, the system may include a processing unit, configured to
receive a second set of data packets from a database, operatively coupled to one or
more processors of the processing unit, the second set of data packets pertaining
to a predetermined set of threshold values of water levels in the one or more flush
tanks.

[0020] In an aspect, the processing unit may be configured to determine water
availability status of the one or more restroom cubicles based on a comparison of
information received from the one or more first sensors and the second set of data
packets.
[0021] In an aspect, the system may comprise one or more second sensors,
enabled to detect opening of doors of the one or more restroom cubicles by a
prospective user.
[0022] In an aspect, the system may comprise one or more display units,
configured to display water availability status to the prospective user upon
detection of door opening event by the processing unit using one or more second
sensors.
[0023] In an aspect, the system may facilitate the processing unit to transmit a
first set of output signals to the one or more display units, the first set of output
signals pertaining to water availability status of the one or more flush tanks in the
one or more restroom cubicles.
[0024] In an aspect, the processing unit may be facilitated in activating and
deactivating one or more actuators coupled to water pumps for refilling the one or
more flush tanks, based on the comparison between the information from the one
or more first sensors and the second set of data packets.
[0025] In an aspect, the processing unit may be configured to generate a
second set of output signals pertaining to critical water levels in the one or more
flush tanks.
[0026] In an aspect the processing unit may be enabled to generate alarm
signals and transmit the alarm signals to an audio-alarm generating device, the
alarm signals pertaining to detection of critical water levels in the one or more
flush tanks and door remaining open after use of restroom cubicle by a user.
[0027] In an aspect, the processing unit may be coupled to a power supply
unit, configured to provide electric power to the processing unit, the one or more
first and second sensors, the one or more display units and the one or more
actuators.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWINGS
[0028] The accompanying drawings are included to provide a further
understanding of the present disclosure, and are incorporated in and constitute a
part of this specification. The drawings illustrate exemplary embodiments of the
present disclosure and, together with the description, serve to explain the
principles of the present disclosure.
[0029] The diagrams described herein are for illustration only, which thus are
not limitations of the present disclosure, and wherein:
[0030] FIG. 1 illustrates exemplary block diagram of the proposed system
(100) for automatic detection and display of water availability in restroom, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0031] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary block diagram (200) of the functional
components of the processing unit (108) associated with the proposed system
(100) for automatic detection and display of water availability in restroom, in
accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0032] FIG. 3 illustrates exemplary flow diagram illustrating the steps of the
proposed system (100) for automatic detection and display of water availability in
restroom, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0033] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present invention. It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without some of these specific details. [0034] 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. [0035] 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.
[0036] While embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and
described in the accompanying drawings, the embodiments are offered only in as
much detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure and are not intended to limit
the numerous equivalents, changes, variations, substitutions and modifications
falling within the spirit and scope of the present disclosure as defined by the
appended claims.
[0037] Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the invention
disclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each group member can
be referred to and claimed individually or in any combination with other members
of the group or other elements found herein. One or more members of a group
can be included in, or deleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or
patentability. When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is
herein deemed to contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written
description of all groups used in the appended claims.
[0038] Each of the appended claims defines a separate invention, which for
infringement purposes is recognized as including equivalents to the various
elements or limitations specified in the claims. Depending on the context, all
references below to the "invention" may in some cases refer to certain specific
embodiments only. In other cases it will be recognized that references to the
"invention" will refer to subject matter recited in one or more, but not necessarily
all, of the claims.
[0039] Various terms as used herein are shown below. To the extent a term
used in a claim is not defined below, it should be given the broadest definition
persons in the pertinent art have given that term as reflected in printed
publications and issued patents at the time of filing.
[0040] The present disclosure relates to the field of water level detection.
More particularly, it relates to an electronic system configured for automatic
detection and display of water availability in public restroom.

[0041] FIG. 1 illustrates exemplary block diagram of the proposed system (100) for automatic detection and display of water availability in restroom, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0042] In an illustrative embodiment, the proposed system for automatic detection and display of water availability in restroom (100) (interchangeably referred to as system (100), herein) may comprise of one or more first sensors (102), coupled to one or more flush tanks installed in one or more restroom cubicles. The one or more first sensors may be enabled to detect water level in the associated one or more flush tanks. In an embodiment, the one or more first sensors (102) may include sensors like but not limited to optical level switches, magnetic float sensors, pressure level sensors, ultrasonic sensors and capacitance level sensors. By way of example, one or more magnetic float sensors may be attached to the top and the bottom of the one or more flush tanks for detection of both low and high level of water.
[0043] In an embodiment, the one or more first sensors (102) may be enabled to detect a set of signals pertaining to any or a combination of pressure, reflected light, reflected sound, capacitance and resistance. The set of signals may be converted into a set of electrical signals and corresponding to that, the one or more first sensors (102) may be configured to a generate a first set of data packets corresponding to the detected water level in the one or more flush tanks. The firsts set of data packets may be in the form of a computer readable binary stream. [0044] In an embodiment, the system (100) may comprise one or more second sensors (104) coupled to doors of the one or more restroom cubicles. The one or more second sensors (104) may be configured to detect opening of the doors of the restroom cubicles by a prospective user. Non-limiting examples of the one or more second sensors (104) may be magnetic reed switches, inductive proximity sensors, passive infrared sensors, tomographic motion detectors, ultrasonic sensors, photoelectric sensors and the likes. In an embodiment, the one or more second sensors (104) may be enabled to generate a third set of data packets pertaining to the status of the doors of the one or more restroom cubicles, the status being indicative of open and closed conditions. In another embodiment,

the event of opening of doors of the one or more restroom cubicles may trigger the one or more second sensors (104) to generate the second set of data packets. The second set of data packets may be in the form of a computer readable format. [0045] In an embodiment, the system (100) may include one or more display units (106), that may be configured to display water availability status of the one or more restroom cubicles. The user may be informed by the visual information prior to using the one or more restroom cubicles. In an embodiment, the one or more display units may include light emitting diodes (LED), 7-segment LEDs, liquid crystal displays (LCD), scrolling displays, flashing displays, color changing displays and the likes. By way of example, availability of water may be indicated by a green LED and unavailability of water may be indicated by a red LED. In another exemplary embodiment, water unavailability may be indicated by a flashing LED.
[0046] In an embodiment, the system (100) may include a processing unit (108) that may be communicatively coupled to the one or more first sensors (102), the one or more second sensors (104) and the one or more display units (106). The processing unit (108) may be configured to determine water availability status of the one or more restroom cubicles from the first set of data packets received from the one or more first sensors (102). In an embodiment, the processing unit (108) may be configured to determine door opening event by the user from the one or more second sensors (104). The processing unit (108) may be enabled to transmit a first set of output signals pertaining to water availability status of the one or more restroom cubicles to the one or more display units (106), upon determination of door opening event and based on the first set of data packets. [0047] In an embodiment, the processing unit (110) may be communicatively coupled to the one or more first sensors (102), the one or more second sensors (104) and the one or more display units (106) by a communication pathway including but not limited to any or a combination of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Li-Fi, Zigbee and the likes. In another embodiment, the communication pathway may be a wireless network, a wired network or a combination thereof that may be

implemented as one of the different types of networks, such as Local Area Network (LAN), Wide Area Network (WAN) and the likes. [0048] In an embodiment, the processing unit (108) may be operatively coupled to one or more actuators, the one or more actuators being further coupled to one or more water pumps. The one or more actuators may be configured to be activated and deactivated by a second set of output signals generated by the processing unit (108) based on the first set of data packets received from the one or more first sensors (102). The one or more water pumps may be enabled to refill water into the one or more flush tanks of the one or more restroom cubicles upon water reaching critical levels. By way of non-limiting example, low critical water level may include water availability of 20% of the tank capacity and high critical water level may include water availability of 70% of tank capacity. [0049] In an embodiment, the critical water levels may be related to start and termination of actuation of the one or more actuators associated with the water pumps. In an embodiment, an actuator and water pump assembly may include any or a combination of induction motors, synchronous motor, single phase motor, three phase motor, split phase motor, shaded pole motor, positive displacement pump, centrifugal pump, axial flow pump and the likes. The second set of output signals may also be transmitted to the one or more display units (106). [0050] In an embodiment, the processing unit (108), the one or more first (102) and second (104) sensors, the one or more display units (106) and the one or more actuators may be operatively coupled to a power supply unit. The power supply unit may be configured to provide electric power to the system (100). In an embodiment, the power supply unit may include any or a combination of batteries, inverters and power lines and the electric power may be in the form of any or a combination of direct current, alternating current and solar current. [0051] FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary block diagram (200) of the functional components of the processing unit (108) associated with the proposed system (100) for automatic detection and display of water availability in restroom, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0052] In an illustrative embodiment, the processing unit (108) may include one or more processors (202). The one or more processors (202) may be implemented as one or more microprocessors, microcomputers, microcontrollers, digital signal processors, central processing units, logic circuitries, and/or any devices that manipulate data based on operational instructions. Among other capabilities, the one or more processors (202) may be configured to fetch and execute computer-readable instructions stored in a memory (204), operatively coupled to the one or more processors (202). The memory (204) may be configured to store one or more computer-readable instructions or routines, which may be fetched and executed to generate and share data packets over a communication network or channel. The memory (204) may include any non-transitory storage device including, for example, volatile) memory such as RAM, or non-volatile memory such as EPROM, flash memory, and the like. [0053] In an embodiment, the processing unit (108) may also include an interface (206) that can provide a communication pathway among the one or more first sensors (102), the one or more second sensors (104) and the one or more display units (106) and the one or more processors (202). The interface (206) may also provide a communication pathway between the one or more processors (202) and other functional components of the processing unit (108) including but not limited to, memory (204) and database (222).
[0054] In an embodiment, the one or more processors (202) may include a water level determination unit (212) that may be configured to receive the first set of data packets from the one or more first sensors (102). The first set of data packets may pertain to level of water in the one or more flush tanks installed in the one or more restroom cubicles. Based on a set of predetermined threshold values the current level of water may be used to determine critical water levels corresponding to activation and deactivation of the set of actuators coupled to water pumps. In another embodiment, the first set of data packets may be used to determine water availability status for intimating the user prior to use of the one or more restroom cubicles.

[0055] In an embodiment, the processing engine (208) may include a comparison unit (214) that may be configured to fetch a second set of data packets pertaining to a set of predetermined threshold values of water level from the database, operatively coupled to the one or more processors (202) of the processing unit (108). The first and the set of data packets may be compared to each other for determining the water availability status and the timing for actuating the set of actuators coupled to the water pumps and the one or more processors (202).
[0056] In an embodiment, the processing engine (208) may include an output generation unit (216) that may be configured to generate a first set of output signals corresponding to the comparison between the first and the second set of data packets. In an embodiment, the one or more processors (202) may be enabled to transmit the first set of output signals to the one or more display units (106), the first set of output signals being indicative of water availability status of the one or more flush tanks of the one or more restroom cubicles. In an embodiment, the output generation unit (216) may also be configured to generate a second set of output signals pertaining to critical water levels in the one or more flush tanks, the critical water levels being associated with activation and deactivation of the one or more actuators coupled to the water pumps, enabled to refill water in the one or more flush tanks.
[0057] In an embodiment, the one or more processors (202) may include an alarm generation unit (218) that may be configured to generate a set of warning or alarm signals pertaining to events like but not limited to critical water levels in the one or more flush tanks and doors of the one or more restroom cubicles remaining open after use by the user. By way of example, the set of alarm signals may be electrical signals that may be transmitted to the alarm generating device, communicatively coupled to the processing unit (108) through the interface (206). [0058] In an embodiment, the one or more processors (202) may include other units (220) that may be configured to implement functionalities that supplement actions performed by the one or more processors (202) of the processing unit (108). In an exemplary embodiment, such actions may include

noise removal from the set of signals detected by the one or more first (102) and second (104) sensors, amplification of the set of output signals and the likes. [0059] In an embodiment, the processing engine (208) associated with the one or more processors (202) may include an occupancy determination unit (210) that may be configured to determine opening of the doors of the one or more restroom cubicles based of a third set of data packets received from one or more second sensors (104). The third set of data packets may contain binary information in computer readable format. By way of example, a digital 0 may indicate a closed condition of the door of the restroom cubicle and a digital 1 may indicate an open condition of the door of the restroom cubicle. In an embodiment, the one or more processors (202) may be enabled to periodically monitor status of the doors of the one or more restroom cubicles. In another embodiment, the door opening event may be configured to trigger the reception of the third set of data packets. [0060] FIG. 3 illustrates exemplary flow diagram illustrating the steps of the proposed system (100) for automatic detection and display of water availability in restroom, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. [0061] In an embodiment, at block (302) the water level in the one or more flush tanks may be monitored by one or more first sensors (102). At block (304) the detected water level may be compared with a predetermined threshold value, the threshold value being stored in the database coupled to the one or more processors of the processing unit (108). By way of example, the predetermined threshold value may be selected at 25% of full capacity of the flush tank. [0062] In an embodiment, if the detected water level is higher than the predetermined threshold value, at block (306) a first output signal generated by the processing unit (108) may be transmitted to the one or more display units (106), the one or more display units (106) transmitting green optical signal indicating availability of water in the corresponding restroom cubicle. If the detected water level is lower than the predetermined threshold value, at block (308) a first output signal generated by the processing unit (108) may be transmitted to the one or more display units (106), the one or more display units

(106) transmitting red optical signal indicating unavailability of water in the corresponding restroom cubicle.
[0063] In an embodiment, at block (310), the first set of output signals may be visualized by the user upon detection of opening of the door of the corresponding restroom cubicle using one or more second sensors (104). The one or more first (102) and the second (104) sensors may be communicatively coupled to the processing unit (108), that may be configured to synchronize the functionalities of the one or more first (102) and second (104) sensors and transmit the first set of output signals to the one or more display units (106) for visualization by the prospective user.
[0064] As used herein, and unless the context dictates otherwise, the term "coupled to" is intended to include both direct coupling (in which two elements that are coupled to each other contact each other) and indirect coupling (in which at least one additional element is located between the two elements). Therefore, the terms "coupled to" and "coupled with" are used synonymously. Within the context of this document terms "coupled to" and "coupled with" are also used euphemistically to mean "communicatively coupled with" over a network, where two or more devices are able to exchange data with each other over the network, possibly via one or more intermediary device.
[0065] The terms, descriptions and figures used herein are set forth by way of illustration only. Many variations are possible within the spirit and scope of the subject matter, which is intended to be defined by the following claims and their equivalents in which all terms are meant in their broadest reasonable sense unless otherwise indicated.
[0066] While the foregoing describes various embodiments of the invention, other and further embodiments of the invention may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof. The scope of the invention is determined by the claims that follow. The invention is not limited to the described embodiments, versions or examples, which are included to enable a person having ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention when combined with information and knowledge available to the person having ordinary skill in the art.

ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
[0067] The present disclosure provides for a system for automatic detection
and display of water availability in one or more flush tanks installed in one or
more restroom cubicles.
[0068] The present disclosure provides for a system for automatic detection
and display of water availability in restroom that facilitates one or more first
sensors to detect water level in one or more flush tanks installed in one or more
restroom cubicles.
[0069] The present disclosure provides for a system for automatic detection
and display of water availability in restroom that facilitates a processing unit to
determine water availability status of the one or more restroom cubicles based on
information received from the one or more first sensors.
[0070] The present disclosure provides for a system for automatic detection
and display of water availability in restroom that facilitates one or more second
sensors to detect opening of doors of the one or more restroom cubicles by a
prospective user.
[0071] The present disclosure provides for a system for automatic detection
and display of water availability in restroom that facilitates the processing unit to
transmit a first set of output signals to one or more display units, upon detection of
door opening event by one or more second sensors.
[0072] The present disclosure provides for a system for automatic detection
and display of water availability in restroom that facilitates the one or more
display units to display water availability status of one or more flush tanks
corresponding to the doors of the restroom cubicles being opened by one or more
users.
[0073] The present disclosure provides for a system for automatic detection
and display of water availability in restroom that facilitates the processing unit in
activating and deactivating one or more actuators coupled to water pumps for
refilling the one or more flush tanks.
[0074] The present disclosure provides for a system for automatic detection
and display of water availability in restroom that facilitates the processing unit to

generate a second set of output signals pertaining to critical water levels in the one
or more flush tanks.
[0075] The present disclosure provides for a system for automatic detection
and display of water availability in restroom that facilitates generation of alarm
signals pertaining to detection of critical water levels in one or more flush tanks
and door remaining open after use of restroom cubicle by a user.
[0076] The present disclosure provides for a system for automatic detection
and display of water availability in restroom that enables a power supply unit to
provide electric power to the processing unit, the one or more first and second
sensors, the one or more display units and the one or more actuators.

We Claim:

1. A system (100) for automatic detection and display of water availability in restrooms, the system comprising:
one or more first sensors (104), coupled to one or more flush tanks installed in said public restroom, wherein the one or more first sensors are configured to detect level of water in the one or more flush tanks;
one or more second sensors (102), coupled to the doors of the one or more restroom cubicles, wherein the one or more second sensors are configured to detect opening and closing events of the doors;
one or more display units (106), installed in the one or more restroom cubicles, wherein the one or more display units are enabled to display water availability status of the restroom cubicle upon opening the door of the corresponding cubicle by a prospective user;
a processing unit (108), communicatively coupled to one or more first and second sensors and the one or more display units, wherein, the processing unit comprises one or more processors associated with a memory, the memory storing instructions executable by the one or more processors and configured to:
receive, a first set of data packets pertaining to
water level in the one or more flush tanks, from the one or
more first sensors;
compare, the first set of data packets with a second
set of data packets, wherein the second set of data packets
are received from a database, operatively coupled to the one
or more processors;
receive, a third set of data packets pertaining to
states of the one or more doors of the restroom, from the

one or more second sensors, wherein the state relates to either of opening and closing events;
generate, a first set of output signals corresponding to the comparison between the first and the second set of data packets, wherein the first set of output signals are generated based on the third set of data packets;
transmit, the first set of output signals to the one or more display units, wherein, the first set of output signals indicate water availability status of the flush tank in the corresponding restroom cubicle. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the processing unit (108) is operatively coupled to one or more actuators, further coupled to one or more water pumps, wherein, the one or more actuators are configured to be activated and deactivated based on the comparison between the first and the second set of data packets and wherein the one or more water pumps are enabled to refill water into the one or more flush tanks. The system (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the processing unit (108) is configured to generate a second set of output signals pertaining to critical water levels in the one or more flush tanks, wherein the critical water levels are associated with activation and deactivation of the one or more actuators and wherein the second set of output signals are transmitted to the one or more display units (106).
The system (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the processing unit (108) is operatively coupled to an alarm generating device, wherein the alarm generating device is configured to transmit audio signals pertaining to any or a combination of conditions pertaining to critical water levels in the one or more flush tanks and doors of the one or more restroom cubicles remaining open after use by the user.
The system (100) as claimed in claiml, wherein the processing unit (108), the one or more first (102) and second (104) sensors, the one or more display units (106) and the one or more actuators are operatively coupled

to a power supply unit, wherein the power supply unit is configured to provide electric power to the system (100), wherein the power supply unit includes any or a combination of batteries, inverters and power lines and wherein, the electric power is of the form of any or a combination of direct current, alternating current and solar current.