Description:BACKGROUND
Field of Invention
[001] Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a timekeeping and alerting system and particularly to a toilet usage monitoring and alerting system and a method thereof.
Description of Related Art
[002] Many people spend long periods sitting on toilets, often without understanding its health effects. Extended bathroom usage can lead to health risks like hemorrhoids and constipation. This happens due to prolonged pressure on sensitive tissues in perineum and rectum. These health concerns often go unnoticed until they cause discomfort and lower quality of life. Hemorrhoids involve swollen veins in the anal region, leading to pain, itching, and bleeding. Constipation results in bloating, abdominal discomfort, and difficulty passing stools. Both conditions significantly affect daily functioning and overall well-being.
[003] Adding to the problem is the widespread lack of awareness regarding proper bathroom habits and the significance of time management during toilet use. Many people are unaware of the potential health risks linked with prolonged sitting on the toilet, mistakenly believing it to be harmless. Consequently, they may unknowingly expose themselves to these risks, ignorant of the damage they're causing to their bodies.
[004] Furthermore, the absence of proper time management exacerbates the problem, as individuals may lose track of the duration spent in the bathroom, unwittingly prolonging their sitting time and increasing their susceptibility to developing adverse health conditions. This lack of awareness and mindfulness regarding toilet habits creates a significant gap in individuals’ understanding of their own bodily needs and places them at risk of compromising their health.
[005] There is thus a need for an improved and advanced toilet usage monitoring and alerting system that can administer the aforementioned limitations in a more efficient manner.
SUMMARY
[006] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention provide toilet usage monitoring and alerting system. The system comprising: a load sensor, installed under a toilet seat, and adapted to check a presence of a user sitting on the toilet seat by measuring an analogue weight of the user received on the load sensor. The system further comprising: an analog-to-digital converter (ADC), connected to the load sensor, and adapted to convert the analogue weight of the user into a digital value. The system further comprising: a control unit communicatively connected with a clock, the load sensor, and, the analog-to-digital converter (ADC). The control unit is configured to: receive the digital value of the weight of the user from the analog-to-digital converter (ADC); activate the clock to start a countdown from zero; and compare the countdown with a first threshold time; actuate an alerting unit for a first set time, when the countdown crosses the first threshold time.
[007] Embodiments in accordance with the present invention further provide a method for toilet usage monitoring and alerting using a toilet usage monitoring and alerting system. The method comprising steps of: receiving a digital value of the weight of the user from an analog-to-digital converter (ADC); activating a clock to start a countdown from zero; comparing the countdown with a first threshold time; and actuating an alerting unit for a first set time, when the countdown crosses a first threshold time.
[008] Embodiments of the present invention may provide a number of advantages depending on their particular configuration. First, embodiments of the present application may provide a toilet usage monitoring and alerting system.
[009] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a toilet usage monitoring and alerting system that automates a monitoring process and eliminates a need for manual intervention typically associated with traditional reminder systems.
[0010] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a toilet usage monitoring and alerting system that provides real-time feedback on bathroom usage, ensuring timely alerts and proactive management.
[0011] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a toilet usage monitoring and alerting system that employs intelligent alert mechanisms based on actual usage data, offering personalized and adaptive notifications tailored to the user's behavior.
[0012] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a toilet usage monitoring and alerting system that enables accurate analysis and feedback.
[0013] Next, embodiments of the present application may provide a toilet usage monitoring and alerting system that is a cost-effective and user-friendly alternative to traditional reminder systems, with its automation, real-time feedback, intelligence, precision, and streamlined approach to bathroom monitoring.
[0014] These and other advantages will be apparent from the present application of the embodiments described herein.
[0015] The preceding is a simplified summary to provide an understanding of some embodiments of the present invention. This summary is neither an extensive nor exhaustive overview of the present invention and its various embodiments. The summary presents selected concepts of the embodiments of the present invention in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description presented below. As will be appreciated, other embodiments of the present invention are possible utilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] The above and still further features and advantages of embodiments of the present invention will become apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of embodiments thereof, especially when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and wherein:
[0017] FIG. 1 illustrates a toilet usage monitoring and alerting system, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of a control unit of the toilet usage monitoring and alerting system, according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
[0019] FIG. 3 depicts a flowchart of a method for toilet usage monitoring and alerting using the toilet usage monitoring and alerting system, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0020] The headings used herein are for organizational purposes only and are not meant to be used to limit the scope of the description or the claims. As used throughout this application, the word "may" is used in a permissive sense (i.e., meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e., meaning must). Similarly, the words “include”, “including”, and “includes” mean including but not limited to. To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures. Optional portions of the figures may be illustrated using dashed or dotted lines, unless the context of usage indicates otherwise.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] The following description includes the preferred best mode of one embodiment of the present invention. It will be clear from this description of the invention that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments but that the invention also includes a variety of modifications and embodiments thereto. Therefore, the present description should be seen as illustrative and not limiting. While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative constructions, it should be understood, that there is no intention to limit the invention to the specific form disclosed, but, on the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, alternative constructions, and equivalents falling within the scope of the invention as defined in the claims.
[0022] In any embodiment described herein, the open-ended terms "comprising", "comprises”, and the like (which are synonymous with "including", "having” and "characterized by") may be replaced by the respective partially closed phrases "consisting essentially of", “consists essentially of", and the like or the respective closed phrases "consisting of", "consists of”, the like.
[0023] As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” designate both the singular and the plural, unless expressly stated to designate the singular only.
[0024] FIG. 1 illustrates a toilet usage monitoring and alerting system 100 (hereinafter referred to as the system 100), according to an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the system 100 may be installed under a toilet seat 102. The system 100 may be installed near the toilet seat 102, in another embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the system 100 may monitor a restroom time of a user, and may further alert the user upon exceeding restroom time.
[0025] According to embodiments of the present invention, the system 100 may comprise a load sensor 104, an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 106, a control unit 108, a clock 110, and an alerting unit 112.
[0026] In an embodiment of the present invention, the load sensor 104 may be installed under the toilet seat 102. The load sensor 104 may be adapted to check a presence of a user sitting on the toilet seat 102 by measuring an analogue weight of the user received on the load sensor 104, in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0027] In an embodiment of the present invention, the analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 106 may be connected with the load sensor 104. The analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 106 may be adapted to convert the analogue weight of the user into a digital value, in an embodiment of the present invention. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 106 may be an HX711 sensor. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 106, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0028] In an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 108 may be connected with the clock 110, the load sensor 104, and, the analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 106. The control unit 108 may be connected to the analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 106 using a general-purpose input/output (GPIO) pin of the control unit 108, in an embodiment of the present invention. The control unit 108 may further be configured to execute computer-executable instructions to generate an output relating to the system 100. According to embodiments of the present invention, the control unit 108 may be, but not limited to, a Programmable Logic Control (PLC) unit, a microprocessor, a development board, and so forth. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 108 may be an Espressif 32 (ESP32). Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the control unit 108 including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies. In an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 108 may further be explained in conjunction with FIG. 2.
[0029] In an embodiment of the present invention, the clock 110 may be adapted to countdown a duration for which the user sits on the toilet seat 102. The clock 110 may countdown the duration by calculating a time for which the analogue weight of the user received on the load sensor 104, in an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the countdown of the clock 110 may be reset to zero when there may be no analogue weight received by the load sensor 104 for one minute.
[0030] In an embodiment of the present invention, the alerting unit 112 may be adapted to alert the user for prolonged usage of the toilet. According to embodiments of the present invention, the alerting unit 112 may be, but not limited to, a light-emitting diode (LED), a buzzer, and so forth. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to include or otherwise cover any type of the alerting unit 112, including known, related art, and/or later developed technologies.
[0031] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of the control unit 108 of the system 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention. The control unit 108 may comprise the computer-executable instructions in form of programming modules such as a data receiving module 200, a clock activation module 202, a data comparison module 204, and an alert module 206.
[0032] In an embodiment of the present invention, the data receiving module 200 may be configured to receive the digital value of the weight of the user from the analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 106. Upon receiving this digital value of the weight, the control unit 108 compares it with a predefined threshold range of weight. This comparison may be made to verify whether the user is seated on the toilet seat 102 or not. If the received digital value of the weight falls within the predetermined threshold range, the control unit 108 confirms the presence of the user on the toilet seat and triggers further actions or functionalities as required. The data receiving module 200 may further transmit an activation signal to the clock activation module 202, in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0033] In an embodiment of the present invention, the clock activation module 202 may be activated upon receipt of the activation signal from the data receiving module 200. The clock activation module 202 may be configured to activate the clock 110 to start the countdown from zero, in an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the clock activation module 202 may transmit the countdown to the data comparison module 204.
[0034] In an embodiment of the present invention, the data comparison module 204 may be activated upon receipt of the countdown from the clock activation module 202. The data comparison module 204 may be configured to compare the countdown with a first threshold time or a second threshold time, in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0035] Upon comparison, if the countdown crosses the first threshold time or the second threshold time, then the data comparison module 204 may transmit a first activation signal or a second activation signal to the alert module 206 respectively. Otherwise, the clock activation module 202 may reactivate the clock 110 to continue the countdown.
[0036] In an embodiment of the present invention, the alert module 206 may be activated upon receipt of either the first activation signal or the second activation signal. The alert module 206 may be configured to actuate the alerting unit 112 for altering the user for a first set time or a second set time, in an embodiment of the present invention. In an embodiment of the present invention, the alert module 206 may be configured to alert the user for the first set time when the alert module 206 may be activated using the first activation signal. The alert module 206 may be configured to alert the user for the second set time when the alert module 206 may be activated using the second activation signal, in an embodiment of the present invention.
[0037] In an exemplary embodiment, the first set time may be a single beep from the buzzer and a single flash of the LED, and the second set time may be a double beep from the buzzer and a double flash of the LED. Then, if the countdown of the clock 110 exceeds the first threshold time, then the buzzer may beep once, and the LED may flash once. However, if the countdown of the clock 110 exceeds the second threshold time, then the buzzer may beep twice, and the LED may flash twice.
[0038] FIG. 3 depicts a flowchart of a method 300 for toilet usage monitoring and alerting using the system 100, according to an embodiment of the present invention.
[0039] At step 302, the system 100 may receive the digital value of the weight of the user from the analog-to-digital converter (ADC) 106.
[0040] At step 304, the system 100 may activate the clock 110 to start the countdown from zero upon receiving the digital value of the weight of the user.
[0041] At step 306, the system 100 may compare the countdown with the second threshold time. Upon comparison, if the countdown crosses the second threshold time, then the method 300 may proceed to a step 308. Otherwise, the method 300 may proceed to a step 310.
[0042] At step 308, the system 100 may actuate the alerting unit 112 for the second set time.
[0043] At step 310, the system 100 may compare the countdown with the first threshold time. Upon comparison, if the countdown crosses the first threshold time, then the method 300 may proceed to a step 312. Otherwise, the method 300 may revert to the step 304.
[0044] At step 312, the system 100 may actuate the alerting unit 112 for the first set time.
[0045] While the invention has been described in connection with what is presently considered to be the most practical and various embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the scope of the appended claims.
[0046] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined in the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they have structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements within substantial differences from the literal languages of the claims. , Claims:CLAIMS
We Claim:
1. A toilet usage monitoring and alerting system (100), the system (100) comprising:
a load sensor (104), installed under a toilet seat (102), and adapted to check a presence of a user sitting on the toilet seat (102) by measuring an analogue weight of the user received on the load sensor (104);
an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) (106), connected with the load sensor (104), and adapted to convert the analogue weight of the user into a digital value;
a control unit (108) communicatively connected with a clock (110), the load sensor (104), and, the analog-to-digital converter (ADC) (106), characterized in that the control unit (108) is configured to:
receive the digital value of the weight of the user from the analog-to-digital converter (ADC) (106);
activate the clock (110) to start a countdown from zero;
compare the countdown with a first threshold time; and
actuate an alerting unit (112) for a first set time, when the countdown crosses the first threshold time.
2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (108) is configured to actuate the alerting unit (112) for a second set time when the countdown crosses a second threshold time.
3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (108) is connected to the analog-to-digital converter (ADC) (106) using a general-purpose input/output (GPIO) pin.
4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (108) is configured to compare the received digital value of the weight with a threshold range of weight to confirm that the user is sitting on the toilet seat (102).
5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the control unit (108) is an Espressif 32 (ESP32).
6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the alerting unit (112) is selected from a light-emitting diode (LED), a buzzer, or a combination thereof.
7. A method (300) for toilet usage monitoring and alerting using a toilet usage monitoring and alerting system (100), the method (300) characterized by steps of:
receiving a digital value of the weight of the user from an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) (106);
activating a clock (110) to start a countdown from zero;
comparing the countdown with a first threshold time; and
actuating an alerting unit (112) for a first set time, when the countdown crosses a first threshold time.
8. The method (300) as claimed in claim 7, comprising a step of actuating the alerting unit (112) for a second set time, when the countdown crosses a second threshold time.
9. The method (300) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the alerting unit (112) is selected from a light-emitting diode (LED), a buzzer, or a combination thereof.
10. The method (300) as claimed in claim 7, wherein the analog-to-digital converter (ADC) (106) is an HX711 sensor.
Date: May 16, 2024
Place: Noida

Dr. Keerti Gupta
Agent for the Applicant
(IN/PA-1529)