Dual detection sensor system for washroom device
AssigneeDelta Faucet Canada
InventorRobert Bailey
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A detection system for a washroom device evaluates outputs from an active sensor and a passive sensor to determine whether to activate the device (e.g., operate a valve in a sink or a lavatory). The active sensor has a transmitter that directs a light beam to a selected zone and a receiver that detects whether the light beam is reflected back to the sensor. The passive sensor detects changes in a temperature signature around the washroom device. A controller evaluates the outputs from both the active sensor and the passive sensor to determine how to operate the washroom device.
Claims17
A sensing system for a washroom device, comprising:
- an active sensor that detects a reflected beam in a zone;
- a passive sensor that monitors a temperature of the zone;
- and
- a controller that generates a sensing decision based on combined states of an active object detection signal from the active sensor and a passive object detection signal from the passive sensor, wherein the sensing decision controls operation of the washroom device.
A touchless washroom device, comprising:
- a sensing system having
- an active sensor having a transmitter and a receiver, wherein the transmitter transmits a beam into a zone,
- a passive sensor that monitors a temperature signature of the zone, and
- a controller that generates a sensing decision based on combined states of an active object detection signal from the active sensor and a passive object detection signal from the passive sensor;
- and
- a device control system that controls operation of the washroom device based on the sensing decision.
A method for detecting a person in a zone of a washroom device, comprising:
- transmitting a beam into the zone;
- generating an active object detection signal if a reflected beam is detected;
- monitoring a temperature signature in the zone;
- generating a passive object detection signal if a change in the temperature signature is detected;
- generating a sensing decision based on combined states of the active object detection signal and the passive object detection signal;
- and
- controlling the washroom device based on the sensing decision.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.