ROTATION DETECTION FOR RING-SHAPED USER INPUT MEMBER OF SMART-HOME DEVICE

摘要

According to one embodiment, a thermostat includes a main body, a rotatable input component that is rotatably coupled with the main body, and a rotation detection system that is configured to sense user rotation of the rotatable input component. The rotatable input component is configured to be rotated by a user to enable the user to provide input to the thermostat. The rotation detection system includes a magnetic component that is positioned on an inner surface of the rotatable input component and that is magnetized so as to have a plurality of alternating north and south magnetic regions. The rotation detection system also includes a sensor that is positioned adjacent the magnetic component. The sensor is configured to detect polarity changes as the rotatable input component and magnetic component are rotated relative to the sensor.

主权项

1. A thermostat configured for controlling an HVAC system to condition an environment within a building or structure, the thermostat comprising:
a rear member; a front member couplable with the rear member, the front member including a display for displaying information to a user; a rotatable ring operationally coupled with the front member and rotatable relative thereto, the rotatable ring being configured to be rotated by a user to enable the user to provide input to the thermostat; and a rotation detection system that is configured to sense user rotation of the rotatable ring, the rotation detection system comprising:
a strip of magnetic material that is coupled with the inner surface of the rotatable ring so as to wrap circumferentially around the inner periphery of the rotatable ring, the strip of magnetic material being magnetized so as to have a plurality of alternating north and south magnetic regions;a sensor that is positioned adjacent the strip of magnetic material, the sensor being configured to detect polarity changes in the strip of magnetic material as the strip of magnetic material is rotated relative to the sensor; anda processor that is communicatively coupled with the sensor and configured to determine rotation of the rotatable ring based on polarity change input received from the sensor.