Dual detection sensor system for a washroom device
First Claim
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1. 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, the sensing decision being utilized to actuate the washroom device.
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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.
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Citations
17 Claims
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1. A sensing system for a washroom device, comprising:
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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, the sensing decision being utilized to actuate the washroom device. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A touchless washroom device, comprising:
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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;
the sensing decision being utilized to actuate the washroom device; anda device control system that controls operation of the washroom device based on the sensing decision. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A method for detecting a person in a zone of a washroom device, comprising:
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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, the sensing decision being utilized to actuate the washroom device; and controlling the washroom device based on the sensing decision. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17)
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Specification