The smart public toilet system adopts a brand-new IoT architecture. It integrates odor gas detection and alarm devices, smart public toilet guidance systems, video surveillance systems, public toilet navigation and IoT-enabled equipment into one unified platform. Environmental sensors collect real-time environmental data from public restrooms and upload it to the cloud platform. LCD screens display public toilet environmental monitoring data including odor, temperature, humidity, passenger flow and real-time stall occupancy. Alerts are triggered immediately when odor levels exceed thresholds.

The system is also connected to mobile terminals. Users can check available public restrooms and their status anywhere at any time, and quickly navigate to nearby toilets via the public toilet navigation function, avoiding the embarrassment of being unable to find restrooms and the inconvenience of long queues.

The system also supports intelligent deodorization, facial recognition paper dispensers, on-site satisfaction evaluation and other functions. It effectively monitors and regulates the environment and facilities of public toilets, making public restrooms more convenient, clean and attractive. It improves people’s daily comfort and helps cities build an efficient, intelligent, convenient and hygienic sanitation environment.

I. System Modules

① Odor Gas Detection & Alarm System ② Smart Public Toilet Guidance System ③ Smart Public Toilet Video Surveillance System ④ Smart Public Toilet Navigation System ⑤ IoT-enabled Smart Public Toilet Equipment

II. System Functions

(1) Odor Gas Detection & Alarm System

A ceiling-mounted 4-in-1 gas detector (ammonia, hydrogen sulfide, temperature and humidity) is installed separately in male and female restrooms to continuously monitor air conditions. When measured values exceed preset limits, the detector emits an audible alarm. Alarm information is synchronously displayed on the desktop platform of the management authority and on administrators’ mobile devices. The management team can notify sanitation maintenance contractors to carry out rectification according to alarm notifications. All alarm records are automatically stored in the database and serve as the basis for performance assessment of the management authority.

(2) Smart Public Toilet Guidance System

Smart guidance screens are deployed at public toilets near high-footfall locations such as shopping malls, squares and parks. The visual dashboard displays real-time stall occupancy, passenger flow analysis, indoor temperature, humidity, odor and other detailed data (custom development available in later phases). This reduces labor costs, diverts passenger flow and eases the operational burden of public toilets.

(3) Smart Public Toilet Video Surveillance System

Starlight-level surveillance cameras are deployed. The system is accessible via PC platform and mobile terminals for real-time video viewing of public restrooms. It provides 24/7 monitoring of all toilets within coverage, and supports early warning for administrator duty status and unexpected incidents on site.

(4) Smart Public Toilet Navigation System

The mobile navigation module automatically locates users’ current position and shows nearby public toilets by default. Users can tap the “Navigate” button to get recommended routes to the nearest restroom, delivering refined and user-friendly public services.

(5) On-site Satisfaction Evaluation Function

After using public toilets, visitors can submit satisfaction ratings for various indicators either via evaluation terminals installed at the entrance or mobile devices (custom development available in later phases). The background system receives feedback in real time, helping operators quickly identify existing problems of specific restrooms for subsequent improvement.

(6) Facial Recognition Paper Dispenser

Visitors can obtain toilet paper from facial recognition dispensers installed in restrooms when paper is needed. An alert will be sent to staff for paper replacement when the dispenser runs low.

(7) Intelligent Deodorizer

IoT enables linkage between monitoring sensors and waste gas purification equipment. The system continuously monitors bacteria and odor levels inside toilets. An alarm will be triggered when odor exceeds standards, and the intelligent deodorizer will activate automatically to eliminate bacteria and odors.

(8) Platform Management Function

The management platform aggregates data to the cloud via network for analysis and processing, then feeds data back to toilet display screens and mobile terminals. Operators may add, delete, modify and query public toilet records. Positive and negative user reviews for each restroom can be retrieved to support administrator performance appraisal. All detailed data of each public toilet is displayed dynamically in real time.

(9) GIS Map

The GIS map visualizes the distribution of public toilets across regions. Clicking on any toilet entry opens its detailed information page, allowing administrators to efficiently check the status of all restrooms under jurisdiction.

(10) Big Data Dashboard

The big data visualization page displays full information of all public toilets in the region (custom development available in later phases), including passenger flow, odor detection alarms and open/closed status. It facilitates efficient data lookup and provides data support for public toilet management and decision-making.