User-friendly, network-connected, smart-home controller and related systems and methods
US9740385B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Oct 26, 2015 |
| Grant date | Aug 22, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Oct 26, 2035 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY04S20/20
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A thermostat for controlling an HVAC system in an enclosure may include a passive infrared sensor, an active infrared sensor, and an electronic display having a first mode and a second mode. The thermostat may also include one or more processors programmed to change a setpoint temperature of the thermostat to an energy-saving temperature upon detection of a non-occupancy condition for the enclosure. The processor(s) may detect the non-occupancy condition based at least in part on readings received from the passive infrared sensor. The processor(s) may also be programmed to change the electronic display from the first mode to the second mode upon detection of a person approaching the thermostat. The processor(s) may detect a person approaching the thermostat based at least in part on readings received from the active infrared sensor.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.