Integrating sensing systems into thermostat housing in manners facilitating compact and visually pleasing physical characteristics thereof
US8766194B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 26, 2013 |
| Grant date | Jul 1, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 26, 2033 |
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, an electronic display that is viewable by a user in front of the thermostat, a passive infrared sensor for measuring infrared energy and an infrared energy directing element formed integrally with a front surface of the thermostat body. The passive infrared sensor may be positioned behind the infrared energy directing element such that infrared energy is directed thereonto by the infrared energy directing element. The thermostat may also include a temperature sensor and a microprocessor programmed to detect occupancy based on measurements from the passive infrared sensor.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.