CN120225760A - System comprising sensor-bearing tiles and method of using sensor-bearing tiles - Google Patents
System comprising sensor-bearing tiles and method of using sensor-bearing tiles Download PDFInfo
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- CN120225760A CN120225760A CN202380077225.4A CN202380077225A CN120225760A CN 120225760 A CN120225760 A CN 120225760A CN 202380077225 A CN202380077225 A CN 202380077225A CN 120225760 A CN120225760 A CN 120225760A
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- signal
- tile
- sensor
- control unit
- ceramic body
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Classifications
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E04—BUILDING
- E04F—FINISHING WORK ON BUILDINGS, e.g. STAIRS, FLOORS
- E04F15/00—Flooring
- E04F15/02—Flooring or floor layers composed of a number of similar elements
- E04F15/08—Flooring or floor layers composed of a number of similar elements only of stone or stone-like material, e.g. ceramics, concrete; of glass or with a top layer of stone or stone-like material, e.g. ceramics, concrete or glass
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B28—WORKING CEMENT, CLAY, OR STONE
- B28B—SHAPING CLAY OR OTHER CERAMIC COMPOSITIONS; SHAPING SLAG; SHAPING MIXTURES CONTAINING CEMENTITIOUS MATERIAL, e.g. PLASTER
- B28B3/00—Producing shaped articles from the material by using presses; Presses specially adapted therefor
- B28B3/02—Producing shaped articles from the material by using presses; Presses specially adapted therefor wherein a ram exerts pressure on the material in a moulding space; Ram heads of special form
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B28—WORKING CEMENT, CLAY, OR STONE
- B28B—SHAPING CLAY OR OTHER CERAMIC COMPOSITIONS; SHAPING SLAG; SHAPING MIXTURES CONTAINING CEMENTITIOUS MATERIAL, e.g. PLASTER
- B28B7/00—Moulds; Cores; Mandrels
- B28B7/16—Moulds for making shaped articles with cavities or holes open to the surface, e.g. with blind holes
- B28B7/164—Moulds for making shaped articles with cavities or holes open to the surface, e.g. with blind holes for plates, panels, or similar sheet- or disc-shaped articles
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Architecture (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Ceramic Engineering (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Floor Finish (AREA)
- Press-Shaping Or Shaping Using Conveyers (AREA)
Abstract
一种系统(101)包括带传感器的瓷砖(100)，其中带传感器的瓷砖(100)包括：陶瓷主体(1)，该陶瓷主体包括顶表面(11)和与顶表面(11)相对的下侧表面(12)；控制单元(21)，该控制单元定位在下侧表面(12)上并且被编程为生成通信信号(210)；通信单元(22)，该通信单元连接到控制单元(21)以接收通信信号(210)；以及感测单元(23)，该感测单元被配置为捕获至少一个传感器信号(230)，该至少一个传感器信号表示在瓷砖(100)的边界区域中检测到的物理参数的值，其中控制单元(21)连接到感测单元(23)以接收至少一个传感器信号(230)并且被配置为响应于传感器信号(230)生成通信信号(210)。
A system (101) includes a tile (100) with a sensor, wherein the tile (100) with a sensor includes: a ceramic body (1), the ceramic body including a top surface (11) and a lower surface (12) opposite to the top surface (11); a control unit (21), the control unit is positioned on the lower surface (12) and is programmed to generate a communication signal (210); a communication unit (22), the communication unit is connected to the control unit (21) to receive the communication signal (210); and a sensing unit (23), the sensing unit is configured to capture at least one sensor signal (230), the at least one sensor signal representing a value of a physical parameter detected in a boundary area of the tile (100), wherein the control unit (21) is connected to the sensing unit (23) to receive the at least one sensor signal (230) and is configured to generate the communication signal (210) in response to the sensor signal (230).
Description
Technical Field
The present invention relates to a sensor tile and a method of using a sensor tile.
Traditionally, ceramic tiles are used to cover floors, walls and other surfaces in, for example, bathrooms and kitchens. The purpose of these tiles is to polish and decorate the surfaces to which they are applied.
Background
Patent document IT102017000042869 describes a tile comprising an inductive charging system, however, the tile is not suitable for performing any function other than charging.
Patent document EP2425068B1 describes a flooring system comprising an accumulation device and the relative production and use methods. The patent document JPS5820411a describes a method for producing ceramic tiles. Patent document EP3910430A1 relates to a method for assigning the position of a lining element relative to a spatial reference system. However, none of these documents satisfactorily meet the market demand.
Disclosure of Invention
It is an object of the present disclosure to provide a tile and method that overcomes the above-mentioned drawbacks of the prior art. It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a tile production method that overcomes the drawbacks of the prior art.
In particular, it is an object of the present disclosure to provide tiles capable of processing signals and communicating with the outside. It is another object of the present disclosure to provide a tile that is capable of monitoring the surrounding environment.
It is a further object of the present disclosure to provide a system including a tile and a method of using a tile, wherein the tile is a sensor-bearing tile.
These objects are achieved entirely by the tile according to the present disclosure, as characterized in the appended claims, a method for communicating with a tile, a system and a method for using a sensor-bearing tile and a method for manufacturing a tile.
The tile comprises a body, preferably a ceramic body. The ceramic body includes a top surface and an underside surface opposite the top surface. For example, the top surface is a visible surface and the underside surface defines a laying surface configured to be secured to a support surface when installing tiles. In one example, the tile is a sensor-bearing tile.
The tile comprises a control unit. The control unit may be located outside the ceramic body, or preferably it may be located in the ceramic body, or more preferably on the underside surface of the ceramic body.
The control unit is programmed to generate a signal. In one example, the signal is a communication signal. The tile includes a communication unit. The communication unit may be connected to the control unit to receive the communication signal. The communication unit may be located outside the ceramic body, or preferably it may be located in the ceramic body, or more preferably on the underside surface of the ceramic body. The communication unit may be configured to transmit a signal. In one example, the communication unit is configured to transmit a communication signal to a remote terminal.
According to an aspect of the disclosure, the tile comprises a sensing unit. The sensing unit is configured to capture at least one sensor signal. The sensor signal preferably represents a value of a physical parameter detected, for example, in a boundary region of the tile. For this purpose, the sensing unit or the control unit may be programmed to derive the value of the physical parameter from the sensor signal. The control unit may be connected to the sensing unit to receive at least one sensor signal and in one example, derive a value of the corresponding physical parameter from the sensor signal.
The sensing unit may be located outside the ceramic body, or preferably it may be at least partially located in the ceramic body, or more preferably it may be located on an underside surface of the ceramic body.
In one embodiment, the sensing unit includes one or more sensors selected from a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, an inclination sensor, a pressure sensor, an oscillation sensor, and a deformation sensor. The temperature sensor is configured to capture a temperature signal. The temperature signal represents a temperature value in a boundary region of the tile (e.g., on a top surface or an underside surface of the tile). The humidity sensor is configured to capture a humidity signal that is representative of a humidity value in a boundary region of the tile (e.g., on a top surface or an underside surface of the tile). The inclination sensor is configured to capture an inclination signal representing an inclination value of the ceramic body (i.e., a top surface or an underside surface of the ceramic body) with respect to a plane perpendicular to a direction of gravity. The pressure sensor is configured to capture a pressure signal representative of a pressure value applied to the top surface of the ceramic body. The oscillation sensor is configured to capture an oscillation signal that is representative of a vibration value experienced by the ceramic body. The deformation sensor is configured to capture a deformation signal that is representative of a deformation value of the ceramic body.
The purpose of the sensing unit is to monitor the border area of the tile. In one example, the sensing unit includes, for example, an oscillation sensor, a pressure sensor, and a deformation sensor, so as to detect the state of a structure (such as a ventilation facade) on which the tile is mounted. In one example, the sensing unit includes, for example, a pressure sensor for detecting the passage of a person or object on a floor (such as a floating floor) to which the tile is mounted. In one example, the sensing unit includes an oscillation sensor for detecting a seismic phenomenon.
The sensor of the sensing unit may be configured to capture the sensor signal based on the threshold being exceeded and alternatively or additionally based on an event (e.g., a pressure or oscillation event applied on the ceramic body). In this way, the sensing unit is able to react to significant external stresses and temporary external stresses. The sensor of the sensing unit may be a low power sensor. In this way the sensing unit is always ready to capture the sensor signal. For this purpose, the tile may comprise a power supply system for powering the sensing unit. In one example, the control unit and the communication unit are powered by a battery system. The sensor of the sensing unit may be a MEMS sensor, i.e. a miniaturized sensor (e.g. micro-or nano-sized). MEMS sensors have the advantage of allowing accurate detection of physical parameters.
In an example embodiment, the control unit is configured to generate the communication signal based on the at least one sensor signal. Thus, the communication signal may represent the value of the physical parameter detected in the boundary region of the tile. For this purpose, the sensor signal may comprise at least one of a temperature signal, a humidity signal, an inclination signal, a pressure signal, an oscillation signal and a deformation signal. The communication signal may include at least one of a temperature value, a humidity value, a tilt value, a pressure value, an oscillation value, and a deformation value.
In an example embodiment, the communication unit comprises transmission means configured to transmit the communication signal, for example, to a remote terminal. For example, the communication signal is a wireless signal.
In one example, the tile includes a recess. The recess may define a cavity or recess in the ceramic body. The recess may be formed in the top surface of the ceramic body or preferably in the underside surface of the ceramic body. The recess has a peripheral edge. The peripheral edge of the recess may be circular, rectangular or any other shape. In other words, the peripheral edge forms a circle, rectangle, or any other shape about an axis perpendicular to one surface (i.e., perpendicular to the top or underside surface of the ceramic body). Preferably, the peripheral edge of the recess comprises a rounded corner. The rounded corners have the function of minimizing angular tension, thereby making the ceramic body including the recess stronger. The control unit may be positioned at least partially in the recess. In other words, the recess may be configured to at least partially house the control unit. The communication system may be at least partially positioned in the recess. The recess may be configured to at least partially house the communication unit. The sensing unit may be at least partially positioned in the recess. For example, the sensing unit may include a first sensor positioned in the recess and a second sensor positioned on a top surface of the ceramic body or positioned outside the ceramic body.
In one example, the tile is configured to be installed in a floor. The control unit and/or the communication unit and/or the sensing unit may be located at a recess of a tile in the floor.
In one example, the tile includes an electronic card. For example, the control unit, the communication system and the sensing unit may be located on an electronic card. The card is preferably positioned in the recess. Note that the shape and size of the recess (in particular, the peripheral edge of the recess) may be such as to accommodate the electronic card (i.e., the control unit and the communication unit). In one example, the control unit, the communication unit, the sensing unit or the electronic card is removably inserted in the recess.
In one example, the tile includes a power system that is preferably positioned on an electronic card. In one example, the power supply system includes a plurality of batteries. The battery of the plurality of batteries may be a primary battery or a secondary (i.e., rechargeable) battery. Preferably, the plurality of cells are lithium cells of reduced thickness, such as lithium coin cells. The electronic card may include a cover, such as a magnetic cover, configured to cover the battery system. The magnetic cover has the advantage of being easy to open for replacement of the battery system, especially in case the battery is a primary battery. Preferably, the cover of the electronic card and the battery system is located in the recess flush with the underside surface of the ceramic body.
In one embodiment, the ceramic body is an axisymmetric body defining at least one axis of symmetry. Preferably, the peripheral edge of the recess is spaced apart from the symmetry axis in a plane parallel to the top surface. Thus, the recess is positioned in the ceramic body at a point away from the center of the ceramic body where the bending moment is lower.
In one embodiment, the ceramic body comprises a respective peripheral edge, and the distance between the peripheral edge of the recess and the peripheral edge of the ceramic body is greater than 4cm, and preferably 5cm. Thus, the recess is positioned in the ceramic body at a point sufficiently far from the center of the ceramic body to protect as much as possible the control unit, the communication system and the sensing unit (when present) from possible bending of the ceramic body.
In one example, the recess includes a bottom surface. The ceramic body may include a first portion having a first thickness, the first portion being included between the top surface and the underside surface. The ceramic body may include a second portion having a second thickness, the second portion being included between the top surface and the bottom surface of the recess. The first thickness and the second thickness are defined to be parallel to an axis perpendicular to one surface (e.g., perpendicular to a top surface or an underside surface of the ceramic body). In one example, the second thickness is between 3mm and 8mm, preferably 5mm. In one example, the first thickness is between 8mm and 20 mm.
In an example embodiment, the control unit or communication unit or sensing unit may be fixed to the recess mechanically (e.g. using leaf spring clamps) or more preferably using resin or other glue material. Preferably, the control unit, the communication system and the sensing unit are located on an electronic card, and the electronic card is fixed to the recess by a resin. In one example, the power supply system is located on an electronic card, and the electronic card is secured to the recess by a resin, wherein the resin is in contact with the control unit, the communication system and the sensing unit and the power supply system is covered by a cover. Preferably, the resin is poured into the recess, onto the electronic card (preferably in addition to the power supply system), flush with the underside surface of the ceramic body.
In one example, the ceramic body is made from a mixture that includes a toughening agent. In one example, the concentration of the toughening agent is between 0.1% and 4% of the mixture. Preferably, the concentration of the toughening agent is between 0.2% and 0.5%, more preferably between 0.3% and 0.45%, giving most advantageous results at a concentration of about 0.4%. The function of the toughening agent is to make the ceramic body more resistant to bending, making it more resilient, and at the same time easy to work during tile formation.
The present disclosure also provides a system comprising tiles, wherein the tiles are preferably made according to one or more aspects set forth in the present disclosure.
In one example, the system includes a remote terminal. The remote terminal may be connected to a control unit of the tile. For example, the remote terminal is configured to receive the communication signal and process the communication signal. The remote terminal may derive information about the boundary area of the tile based on the communication signal. In another example, the control unit processes the communication signal and derives information about the boundary region of the tile based on the communication signal.
In one embodiment, the system includes one or more actuators. The remote terminal may be configured to send the drive signal to the one or more actuators, e.g. based on a communication signal preferably received from the control unit. In another example, the control unit is configured to send a drive signal to the one or more actuators based on the sensor signal, preferably received from the sensing unit.
The invention also provides a method for exchanging signals with a tile. The tile preferably comprises a ceramic body comprising a top surface and an underside surface opposite the top surface, a control unit positioned on the underside surface, and a communication unit connected to the control unit. In one example, the method includes the step of generating a communication signal via a control unit. The method may comprise the step of transmitting a communication signal to the remote terminal via the communication unit.
In one example, the tile includes a sensing unit connected to the control unit, and the method includes the step of capturing the sensor signal via the sensing unit. The sensor signal may represent a value of a physical parameter detected, for example, in a boundary region of the tile. The method may comprise the step of receiving at the control unit at least one sensor signal. Preferably, the step of generating the communication signal is performed based on the received sensor signal.
In one example, the communication unit comprises transmission means and the method comprises the step of transmitting, via the control unit, a communication signal representative of the value of the physical parameter detected in the boundary region of the tile.
In one example, the method includes the step of transmitting a drive signal to one or more actuators via a remote terminal based on a communication signal received from a control unit.
In one example, the method includes the step of transmitting a drive signal to one or more actuators via a control unit based on a communication signal received from a sensing unit.
The present disclosure also provides a method for manufacturing a tile, wherein the tile preferably comprises a ceramic body comprising a top surface and an underside surface opposite the top surface. Preferably, the tile comprises a recess. The recess may define a cavity or recess in the ceramic body. For example, the recess may be formed in the underside surface or the top surface of the ceramic body. The method may comprise the step of supplying a ceramic mixture to the cavity of the first element. The method may include the step of compressing the ceramic mixture by moving the first element and the second element toward each other to form a ceramic body of the tile. In one example, during the compression step, a recess is preferably formed in the ceramic body by the first element or by the second element. The first element and the second element each include a contact surface. For example, the first element or the second element may comprise a protrusion extending towards an axis perpendicular to the contact surface in order to form a recess in the ceramic body. In particular, the first element comprises a contact surface which is in contact with the lower surface of the tile during the compression step, and the first element may comprise a protrusion extending towards an axis perpendicular to the contact surface so as to form a recess. A recess is formed in the underside or top surface of the ceramic body. In another example, the first element includes a contact surface that contacts an underside surface of the tile during the compressing step, and the method includes the step of removing a portion of the tile to form a recess in the underside surface of the ceramic body.
In one example, the method includes the step of providing a control unit. The method may comprise the step of providing a communication unit connected to the control unit. The method comprises the step of assembling the control unit to the ceramic body. The method includes the step of assembling the communication system to the ceramic body. Preferably, the control unit and/or the communication system is at least partially positioned in the recess.
The method may include the step of installing the tile in a floor. In one example, the method comprises the step of mounting the control unit and/or the communication unit and/or the sensing unit at a recess of a tile in the floor.
The present disclosure also provides a system comprising a sensor-bearing tile. The sensor-bearing tile comprises a body, preferably a ceramic body, comprising a top surface and an underside surface opposite the top surface. The sensor-bearing tile may include a control unit, for example, positioned on the underside surface and programmed to generate a communication signal. The sensor tile may include a communication unit connected to the control unit to receive the communication signal. The communication unit may be positioned on the underside surface. The sensor-bearing tile may comprise a sensing unit configured to capture at least one sensor signal representative of a value of a physical parameter detected in a boundary region of the tile. The sensing unit may be positioned on the underside surface. In one example, the control unit is connected to the sensing unit to receive at least one sensor signal and is configured to generate a communication signal in response to the sensor signal.
In one example, the sensing unit includes one or more of the following sensors:
-a temperature sensor configured to capture a temperature signal representative of a temperature value in a boundary region of the tile;
-a humidity sensor configured to capture a humidity signal representative of a humidity value in a boundary region of the tile;
-an inclination sensor configured to capture an inclination signal representing an inclination value of the ceramic body relative to a plane perpendicular to the direction of gravity;
-a pressure sensor configured to capture a pressure signal representative of a pressure value applied to the top surface of the ceramic body;
-an oscillation sensor configured to capture an oscillation signal representative of a vibration value experienced by the ceramic body;
-a deformation sensor configured to capture a deformation signal, the deformation signal representing a deformation value of the ceramic body.
In one example, the control unit is programmed to derive the value from the corresponding signal processed by the sensing unit.
In one example, the system includes one or more actuators from those listed below:
-an alarm system configured to emit an alarm signal;
-an audio system (e.g. a stereo system) configured to emit a music signal;
-a lighting system configured to be switched on or off;
-a camera system configured to be switched on or off.
The one or more actuators may be integrated in the sensor tile or may be located outside and connected to the sensor tile. For example, the camera system may be integrated in the outer surface of the body of the sensor-bearing tile.
In one example, the sensing unit comprises a pressure sensor and the control unit is programmed to derive the pressure value. The control unit may be programmed to compare the pressure value with a predetermined pressure value and to generate the drive signal based on an enabling condition that the pressure value meets. In several examples, the activation condition may be that the pressure value is greater than a predetermined pressure value, or it may be a preset length of pressure time for the pressure value, or it may be a preset number of pressure times for the pressure value.
In one example, the system includes an alarm system, and the control unit is configured to send a drive signal to the alarm system to instruct the alarm system to issue an alarm signal. The alarm signal may be acoustic, or visual, or luminescent, or vibratory.
In one example, the system includes a sound system, and the control unit is configured to send a drive signal to the sound system to instruct the sound system to emit a music signal. The sound system may be a stereo system connectable to the control unit of the tile.
In one example, the system comprises a lighting system, and the control unit is configured to send a drive signal to the lighting system to instruct the lighting system to switch on or off.
In one example, the system includes a camera system, and the control unit is configured to send a drive signal to the camera system to instruct the camera system to turn on or off.
In one embodiment, the tile includes a wireless charging system configured to transmit electrical energy to an external power source in a wireless mode to charge the external power source. To this end, the external power source may be configured to receive power in a wireless mode.
In one example embodiment, the system includes a remote terminal. Preferably, the remote terminal is connected to the control unit of the tile, for example to receive communication signals from the communication unit. The remote terminal (or control unit) may be programmed to derive information about the boundary area of the tile based on the communication signal. For example, the information derived by the remote terminal or by the control unit comprises at least one parameter. The parameter may be indicative of the condition of the tile or of the environment, or it may be indicative of the condition of the building (or surface) in which the tile is installed. For example, the sensing unit includes a temperature sensor and a humidity sensor to detect temperature and humidity signals, the processed information may include values of temperature and humidity, and the control unit (or remote terminal) may be programmed to display the information on a screen. The control unit or remote terminal may be configured to display information on the screen. The screen may be included in the remote terminal or it may be included in the tile.
In one example, the communication signal is representative of a pressure value exerted over time on the ceramic body of the tile. The remote terminal (or control unit) may be programmed to derive statistical information about the pressure value exerted on the ceramic body. For example, the remote terminal (or control unit) may be programmed to derive the number of people walking on the tile. The remote terminal (or control unit) may be programmed to derive the length of time a person stands on the tile for each person or for a preset time interval. The remote terminal (or control unit) may be programmed to process the number of people walking on the tile or the length of time they stand on the tile, thereby providing statistics to the user.
The invention also provides a method of using a tile, preferably a sensor tile.
The method may comprise the step of generating a communication signal via the control unit and transmitting the communication signal to, for example, the communication unit. The method may comprise the steps of capturing at least one sensor signal representing a value of a physical parameter detected in a boundary region of the tile via the sensing unit and transmitting the sensor signal, for example, to the control unit. The method may comprise the step of receiving at least one sensor signal via the control unit and generating a communication signal in response to the sensor signal.
In an embodiment, the sensing unit comprises a pressure sensor, and the method comprises the step of deriving the pressure value, e.g. via the control unit or a remote terminal. The method may comprise the step of comparing the pressure value with a predetermined pressure value via the control unit or via the remote terminal. The method may comprise the step of generating the drive signal via the control unit or via the remote terminal due to an enabling condition being met by the pressure value compared to the predetermined pressure value. For example, the method may comprise the step of generating the drive signal for a pressure value that is greater than a predetermined pressure value via the control unit or via the remote terminal.
In one example, the method includes the step of transmitting, via the control unit, a drive signal to at least one of the following systems:
-an alarm system to instruct the alarm system to issue an alarm signal;
-a sound system to instruct the sound system to emit a music signal;
-a lighting system to instruct the lighting system to switch on or off;
-a camera system to instruct the camera system to switch on or off.
In one embodiment, the tile includes a wireless charging system, and the method includes the step of transmitting electrical energy in a wireless mode to an external power source to charge the external power source.
In one example, the method includes the step of transmitting a communication signal to a remote terminal via a control unit. The communication signal may be representative of a pressure value exerted on the ceramic body of the tile over time. The method may comprise the step of deriving via the remote terminal the number of people walking on the tile and/or the length of time each person stands on the tile.
Drawings
These and other features will become more apparent from the following description of a preferred embodiment, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, in which:
figures 1 and 2 show a tile 100 according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure;
Fig. 3 shows a cross section of a tile 100 according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure;
figures 4 and 5 show an electronic card 2 according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure;
fig. 6a and 6b illustrate a system 101 according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure;
Fig. 7 shows a mould 7 according to one or more aspects of the present disclosure.
Detailed Description
The numeral 100 in the drawing indicates a tile. The tile 100 comprises a ceramic body 1. The ceramic body 1 comprises a top surface 11 and an underside surface 12, the top surface 11 defining a visible surface of the tile 100, the underside surface 12 defining a laying surface of the tile 100, the underside surface 12 being configured to be secured to a support surface when the tile is installed. The top surface 11 and the underside surface 12 are spaced apart from each other along an axis N perpendicular to the top surface 11 and the underside surface 12 of the ceramic body 1. The ceramic body 1 comprises a peripheral edge 13. Preferably, the peripheral edge 13 of the body 1 forms a rectangular or square shape around the normal axis N.
The tile 100 comprises a recess 5 formed in the underside surface 12 of the ceramic body 1. The recess 5 comprises a peripheral edge 51. The peripheral edge 51 of the recess 5 forms a rectangular shape about an axis parallel to the normal axis N.
The ceramic body 1 is an axisymmetric body defining at least one symmetry axis S. In particular, the peripheral edge 51 of the recess 5 is spaced apart from the symmetry axis S in a plane parallel to the top surface 11 (and parallel to the lower surface 12). In particular, the distance 14 between the peripheral edge 13 of the ceramic body 1 and the peripheral edge 51 of the recess is between 4mm and 6mm, preferably greater than 5mm. The peripheral edge 51 includes rounded corners 52.
The recess 5 comprises a bottom surface 53 and the ceramic body 1 comprises a first portion 15a having a first thickness 16a between the top surface 11 and the underside surface 12. The ceramic body 1 comprises a second portion 15b having a second thickness 16b between the top surface 11 and the bottom surface 53 of the recess 5. The second thickness 16b is between 3mm and 8mm and the first thickness 16a is between 8mm and 20 mm.
The ceramic body 1 is made from a mixture 6 comprising a toughening agent in a concentration of between 0.28% and 0.32%. The ceramic body 1 is made in a mould 7. In the sequence of operations for manufacturing the ceramic body 1, the mixture 6 is fed into the cavity 710 of the first element 71 of the mould 7. Next, the second element 72 and the first element 71 of the mould 7 are moved towards each other along the normal axis N, so as to compress the mixture 6b and form the ceramic body 1 of the tile 100. The first element 71 comprises a contact surface 711, which contact surface 711 is in contact with the underside surface 12 of the ceramic body 1 during compression of the mixture 6 to form the ceramic body 1. Furthermore, during compression, the first element 71 of the mould 7 comprises a protrusion 712 extending along an axis parallel to the normal axis N, perpendicular to the contact surface 711, so as to form a recess 5 in the underside surface 12 of the ceramic body 1.
The tile 100 includes an electronic card 2. The electronic card 2 is positioned in the recess 5. In particular, the perimeter 51 of the recess 5 is shaped to accommodate the electronic card 2. Preferably, the electronic card 2 comprises a peripheral edge, and the peripheral edge 51 of the recess 5 coincides with the peripheral edge of the electronic card 2. The tile 100 comprises a control unit 21, preferably a microcontroller, mounted on the electronic card 2. The tile 100 comprises a communication unit 22 mounted on the electronic card 2. The communication unit 22 comprises transmission means 221 (e.g. transceiver means). The tile 100 comprises a sensing unit 23 configured to capture at least one sensor signal 230 representative of a value of a physical parameter detected in a boundary region of the tile. The sensing unit 23 is located on the electronic card 2. The tile 100 includes a memory 24 located on the electronic card 2.
In particular, the control unit 21 is connected to the sensing unit 23, the communication unit 22 and the memory 24.
The tile 1 further comprises a power supply system 25 located in the electronic card 2. The power system 25 includes a plurality of batteries 251 located in a corresponding plurality of battery receptacles 252. Battery 251 is preferably a primary lithium button battery. A plurality of batteries 251 are located in battery compartments 253 in the electronic card 2. The battery compartment 253 may be covered by a removable magnetic cover 254 that may be coupled to a magnetic frame 255 on the electronic card 2. The electronic card 2 includes a battery management system 256 for managing the charge of the battery 251, and a voltage regulator 257 for regulating the input voltage of the battery 251 or the output voltage of the battery 251.
The sensing unit 23 includes one or more sensors. Thus, the tile 100 is a sensor-bearing tile. The sensor of the sensing unit 23 is a low power MEMS sensor. Further, the sensor is configured to capture a signal indicating when a predetermined threshold is exceeded or an event occurs, and thus, the sensor is continuously operating and connected to the power system 25 to receive a constant charge.
The control unit 21, the communication unit 22, the sensing unit 23, and the memory 24 are fixed to the recess 5 by a resin material. Specifically, the electronic card 2 is fixed to the recess by a resin material and is in contact with the control unit 21, the communication unit 22, the sensing unit 23, and the memory 24. In particular, when the power supply system 25 is capped by the removable cap 254, the resin is poured until it is flush with the underside surface 12 of the ceramic body 1.
The control unit 21 receives the sensor signal 230 from the sensing unit 23 and derives from this sensor signal a corresponding value representing a physical parameter of the boundary region of the tile 100. In one example, the tile 100 is located in a system 101 that includes a remote terminal 3 external to the tile 100. The control unit 21 is connected to the remote terminal 3. The control unit 21 processes the communication signal 210 comprising the sensor signal 230 and sends the communication signal 210 to the remote terminal 3 via the communication unit 22. The remote terminal 3 receives the communication signal 210 and processes the communication signal 210 to derive information 310 about the boundary area of the tile 100. Alternatively, the control unit 21 processes the communication signal 210 to derive information about the boundary area of the tile 100. In one example, the remote terminal 3 includes a screen 31 to display the derived information 310.
The sensing unit 23 comprises an oscillation sensor 237, which oscillation sensor 237 is configured to capture an oscillation signal representing a vibration value experienced by the ceramic body 1, in particular the remote terminal 3 is configured to process a communication signal comprising the oscillation signal by applying a fourier transform algorithm to the oscillation signal.
The sensing unit 23 includes a temperature sensor 231, a humidity sensor 232, and an accelerometer 233. The sensing unit 23 comprises a tilt sensor 235 for capturing a tilt signal representing a tilt value of the ceramic body 1 with respect to a plane perpendicular to the direction of gravity, and a deformation sensor configured for capturing a deformation signal representing a deformation value of the ceramic body 1.
The sensing unit 23 comprises a pressure sensor 234 configured to capture a pressure signal representing a pressure value applied to the top surface of the ceramic body 1. The sensor monitors the status of the structure or the use of the structure (e.g., ventilated facade or floating floor) on which the tile 100 is installed.
The system 101 comprises a plurality of actuators 4 and the remote terminal 3 processes the drive signal based on the communication signal or information derived from the communication signal. In particular, the control unit 21 compares the pressure value derived from the pressure signal with a predetermined pressure value, and when the measured pressure value exceeds a threshold value or exceeds a predetermined length of pressure time or depending on the number of pressure values measured within a specific time interval, the control unit 21 or the remote terminal 3 generates the drive signal 311. For example, the tile 100 may be located in a floor, and when a person having a weight exceeding a predetermined value walks on the floor, the remote terminal 3 processes the drive signal 311 and sends it to the alarm system 41 of the above-mentioned set of actuators 4, and the alarm system 41 sounds an alarm, for example an acoustic alarm, to inform the presence of the person. For example, the tile 1 may be located in a floor or wall of a home, and when the user touches the top surface of the tile, the remote terminal 3 processes the drive signal 311 and sends it to the sound system 42, which sound system 42 sends a music signal, or to the lighting system 43, which lighting system 43 is switched on or off, or to the camera system 44, which camera system 44 is switched on or off. The tile 100 may be located in a pedestrian passing area (e.g., a platform or store) and the remote terminal 3 derives the length of standing time or number of passes as a person walks thereon in order to process statistical information about the use of the passing area.
The following paragraphs, which are listed in alphanumeric order for reference, are non-limiting exemplary ways of describing the present invention.
A. A tile (100), comprising:
-a ceramic body (1) comprising a top surface (11) and a lower side surface (12) opposite to said top surface (11);
-a control unit (21) positioned on the underside surface (12) and programmed to generate a communication signal (210), and
A communication unit (22) connected to the control unit (21) for receiving the communication signal (210),
Wherein the communication unit (22) is configured to send the communication signal (210) to a remote terminal (3).
A.1. The tile (100) of paragraph a, comprising a sensing unit (23), the sensing unit (23) being configured to capture at least one sensor signal (230), the at least one sensor signal (230) being representative of a value of a physical parameter detected in the boundary region of the tile (100), and wherein the control unit (21) is connected to the sensing unit (23) to receive the at least one sensor signal (230).
A.1.1. The tile (100) of paragraph a.1, wherein the sensing unit (23) comprises one or more of the following sensors:
-a temperature sensor (231) configured to capture a temperature signal representative of a temperature value in the boundary region of the tile (100);
-a humidity sensor (232) configured to capture a humidity signal representative of a humidity value in the boundary region of the tile (100);
-an inclination sensor (235) configured to capture an inclination signal representing an inclination value of the ceramic body relative to a plane perpendicular to a direction of gravity;
-a pressure sensor (234) configured to capture a pressure signal representative of a pressure value applied to the top surface of the ceramic body (100);
-an oscillation sensor (233) configured to capture an oscillation signal representative of a vibration value experienced by the ceramic body (1);
-a deformation sensor (236) configured to capture a deformation signal, the deformation signal being representative of a deformation value of the ceramic body (1).
A.1.2. The tile (100) according to paragraph a.1 or a.1.1, wherein the control unit (21) is configured to generate the communication signal (210) based on the at least one sensor signal (230), and wherein the communication unit (22) comprises transmission means (221), the transmission means (221) being configured to transmit the communication signal (210), the communication signal (210) being representative of the value of the physical parameter detected in the boundary region of the tile (100).
A.2. The tile (100) according to any one of the preceding paragraphs, comprising a recess (5), the recess (5) being formed in the underside surface (12) of the ceramic body (1) and having a peripheral edge (51), wherein the control unit (21) and the communication unit (22) are positioned at least partially in the recess (5).
A.2.1. The tile (100) according to paragraph a.2, wherein the ceramic body (1) is an axisymmetric body defining at least one symmetry axis (S), and wherein the peripheral edge (51) of the recess (5) is spaced apart from the symmetry axis (S) in a plane parallel to the top surface (11).
A.2.2. the tile (100) according to paragraph a.2 or a.2.1, wherein the ceramic body (1) comprises a respective peripheral edge (13), and wherein the distance (14) between the peripheral edge (51) of the recess (5) and the peripheral edge (13) of the ceramic body (1) is greater than 4cm.
A.2.3. The tile (100) according to any one of paragraphs a.2 to a.2.2, wherein the peripheral edge (51) of the recess (5) comprises a rounded corner (52).
A.2.4. The tile (100) according to any one of paragraphs a.2 to a.2.3, wherein the recess (5) comprises a bottom surface (53), and wherein the ceramic body (1) comprises a first portion (15 a) having a first thickness (16 a) between the top surface (11) and the underside surface (12) and a second portion (15 b) having a second thickness (16 b) between the top surface (11) and the bottom surface (53) of the recess (5), the second thickness being between 3mm and 8 mm.
A.2.5. The tile (100) according to any one of paragraphs a.2 to a.2.4, wherein the control unit (21) and the communication unit (22) are fixed to the recess (5) by a resin material.
A.3. The tile (100) according to any one of the preceding paragraphs, wherein the ceramic body (1) is made of a mixture (6) comprising a toughening agent, the concentration of which is between 0.35% and 0.45%.
B. A system (101), comprising:
-a tile (100) according to any one of the paragraphs from a.to a.3;
-a remote terminal (3) connected to the control unit (21) of the tile (100) and configured for:
the communication signal (210) is received,
Processing the communication signal (210),
-Deriving information (310) about the boundary area of the tile (100) based on the communication signal (210).
B.1. The system (101) of paragraph b, comprising one or more actuators (4), and wherein the remote terminal (3) is configured to send a drive signal (311) to the one or more actuators (4) based on the communication signal (210) received from the control unit (21), or
Wherein the control unit (21) is configured to send a drive signal (311) to the one or more actuators (4) based on the sensor signal (230) received from the sensing unit (23).
C. a method for exchanging signals with a tile (100), wherein the tile (100) comprises:
a ceramic body (1) comprising a top surface (11) and a lower side surface (12) opposite to the top surface (11);
a control unit (21) positioned on the underside surface (12);
A communication unit connected to the control unit;
the method comprises the following steps:
-generating a communication signal (210) by the control unit (21);
-transmitting said communication signal (210) to a remote terminal (3) through said communication unit (22).
C.1. the method according to paragraph C, wherein the tile (100) comprises a sensing unit (23) connected to the control unit (21), the method comprising the steps of:
-capturing, via the sensing unit (23), a sensor signal (230) representative of a value of a physical parameter detected in a boundary region of the tile (100);
receiving the at least one sensor signal (230) at the control unit (21),
Wherein the step of generating the communication signal (210) is performed based on the received sensor signal (230).
D. A method for manufacturing a tile (100), wherein the tile (100) comprises:
A ceramic body (1) comprising a top surface (11) and a lower side surface (12) opposite to the top surface (11) and a recess (5) formed on the lower side surface (12),
The method comprises the following steps:
supplying the ceramic mixture (6) to the cavity (710) of the first element (71),
Compressing the ceramic mixture (6) by moving the first element (71) and the second element (72) towards each other to form the ceramic body (1) of the tile (100),
Wherein the first element (71) comprises a contact surface (711), the contact surface (711) being in contact with the underside surface (12) of the tile (100) in a compression step, and wherein the first element (71) comprises a protrusion (712), the protrusion (712) extending towards an axis (N) perpendicular to the contact surface (711) to form the recess (5) in the underside surface (12) of the ceramic body (1).
D.1. A method according to paragraph d, comprising the steps of:
-providing a control unit (21) and a communication unit (22) connected to the control unit (21);
-assembling the control unit (21) and the communication unit (22) to the ceramic body (1), wherein the control unit (21) and the communication unit (22) are at least partially positioned in the recess (5).
Claims (15)
Applications Claiming Priority (5)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| IT102022000022716A IT202200022716A1 (en) | 2022-11-04 | 2022-11-04 | TILE, METHOD OF EXCHANGING SIGNALS WITH A TILE AND METHOD OF PRODUCING A TILE |
| IT102022000022749 | 2022-11-04 | ||
| IT102022000022716 | 2022-11-04 | ||
| IT102022000022749A IT202200022749A1 (en) | 2022-11-04 | 2022-11-04 | SENSORIZED TILE AND METHOD OF USE OF A SENSORIZED TILE |
| PCT/IB2023/060945 WO2024095141A1 (en) | 2022-11-04 | 2023-10-31 | A system comprising a sensorized tile and a method for using a sensorized tile |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CN120225760A true CN120225760A (en) | 2025-06-27 |
Family
ID=88598920
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CN202380077225.4A Pending CN120225760A (en) | 2022-11-04 | 2023-10-31 | System comprising sensor-bearing tiles and method of using sensor-bearing tiles |
Country Status (4)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (2) | EP4612382A1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JP2025537723A (en) |
| CN (1) | CN120225760A (en) |
| WO (1) | WO2024095141A1 (en) |
Family Cites Families (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JPS5939285B2 (en) * | 1981-07-29 | 1984-09-21 | 株式会社イナックス | Method for manufacturing stepped tile base and pressing mold used in this method |
| CN102439245A (en) | 2009-04-27 | 2012-05-02 | 莫赫地板公司 | Flooring systems and methods of making and using same |
| IT201700042869A1 (en) | 2017-04-19 | 2018-10-19 | Gs Luxury Group S P A | Ceramic tile with induction charger |
| DE102020002784A1 (en) | 2020-05-11 | 2021-11-11 | Parador Gmbh | Method for assigning a position of a covering element in relation to a spatial reference point |
-
2023
- 2023-10-31 CN CN202380077225.4A patent/CN120225760A/en active Pending
- 2023-10-31 WO PCT/IB2023/060945 patent/WO2024095141A1/en not_active Ceased
- 2023-10-31 EP EP23817203.5A patent/EP4612382A1/en active Pending
- 2023-10-31 EP EP23206961.7A patent/EP4365387A1/en active Pending
- 2023-10-31 JP JP2025526234A patent/JP2025537723A/en active Pending
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| EP4365387A1 (en) | 2024-05-08 |
| WO2024095141A1 (en) | 2024-05-10 |
| EP4612382A1 (en) | 2025-09-10 |
| JP2025537723A (en) | 2025-11-20 |
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