MONITOR AND CONTROL SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR OCCUPANT SAFETY AND ENERGY EFFICIENCY OF STRUCTURES
First Claim
1. A system comprising:
- one or more infrared imaging modules comprising a focal plane array (FPA) configured to capture a thermal image of an area;
a processor configured to process the thermal image to detect presence of one or more persons in the area, and to generate control signals to control future power usage of one or more objects based at least in part on the detected presence or non-presence of one or more persons; and
a communication module configured to transmit the control signals to control the future power usage of the one or more objects.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Various systems and methods are disclosed for monitoring and controlling using small infrared imaging modules to enhance occupant safety and energy efficiency of buildings and structures. In one example, thermal images captured by infrared imaging modules may be analyzed to detect presence of persons, identify and classify power-consuming objects, and monitor environmental conditions. Based on the processed thermal images, various power-consuming objects (e.g., an HVAC system, lighting, a water heater, and other appliances) may be controlled to increase energy efficiency. In another example, thermal images captured by infrared imaging modules may be analyzed to detect various hazardous conditions, such as a combustible gas leak, a CO gas leak, a water leak, fire, smoke, and, an electrical hotspot. If such hazardous conditions are detected, an appropriate warning may be generated and/or various objects may be controlled to remedy the conditions.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A system comprising:
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one or more infrared imaging modules comprising a focal plane array (FPA) configured to capture a thermal image of an area; a processor configured to process the thermal image to detect presence of one or more persons in the area, and to generate control signals to control future power usage of one or more objects based at least in part on the detected presence or non-presence of one or more persons; and a communication module configured to transmit the control signals to control the future power usage of the one or more objects. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A method comprising:
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capturing, at a focal plane array of an infrared imaging module, a thermal image of an area; processing the thermal image to detect presence of one or more persons in the area; generating control signals to control future power usage of one or more objects based at least in part on the detected presence or non-presence of one or more persons; and communicating the control signals to the objects over a network. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification