Rotation detection for ring-shaped user input member of smart-home device
US10203126B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Aug 26, 2015 |
| Grant date | Feb 12, 2019 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 23, 2037 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF24F11/52
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
According to one embodiment, a thermostat includes a main body, a rotatable input component that is rotatably coupled with the main body, and a rotation detection system that is configured to sense user rotation of the rotatable input component. The rotatable input component is configured to be rotated by a user to enable the user to provide input to the thermostat. The rotation detection system includes a magnetic component that is positioned on an inner surface of the rotatable input component and that is magnetized so as to have a plurality of alternating north and south magnetic regions. The rotation detection system also includes a sensor that is positioned adjacent the magnetic component. The sensor is configured to detect polarity changes as the rotatable input component and magnetic component are rotated relative to the sensor.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.