Integrating sensing systems into thermostat housing in manners facilitating compact and visually pleasing physical characteristics thereof
US8558179B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 21, 2012 |
| Grant date | Oct 15, 2013 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 21, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY04S20/20
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
An occupancy sensing electronic thermostat is described that includes a thermostat body having a curved exterior front surface, a dot matrix display mounted within the body viewable by a user in front of the front surface, a passive infrared sensor for measuring infrared energy and a shaped Fresnel lens having a smooth outer surface that extends across only a portion of the exterior front surface of the thermostat body. The Fresnel lens is shaped and curved so as to conform to and form a part of the curved exterior front surface of the thermostat body. A second downwardly directed passive infrared sensor can also be provided to aid in the detection of an approaching user who intends to interact with the thermostat.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.