Optical: systems and elements – Single channel simultaneously to or from plural channels – By surface composed of lenticular elements
Reexamination Certificate
1998-08-25
2001-11-27
Mack, Ricky (Department: 2873)
Optical: systems and elements
Single channel simultaneously to or from plural channels
By surface composed of lenticular elements
C250S353000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06324008
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to multiple optical designs for a multifunction sensor, and more particularly pertains to multiple optical designs for a multifunction sensor as might be utilized in an occupied space networked environment such as an automated commercial or industrial building in which sensors are installed to sense and control various parameters therein. The sensors can include an occupancy sensor, such as a passive infrared (PIR) sensor or an active infrared sensor or an ultrasonic sensor, a temperature sensor, an ambient light sensor, a relative humidity sensor, a CO
2
sensor, a time of day sensor, and other parameter sensors.
It would be desirable to provide a plurality of such parameter sensors in one sensor module which can interface with one or more processor control systems to control operation of security systems, energy management control systems, etc. in the occupied space networked environment. Such processor control systems are available commercially which incorporate networking such as an Echelon LONWORKS system, CEBus, BacNet, etc.
2. Discussion of the Prior Art
Traditionally, separate sensors have been used for occupancy sensing, ambient light sensing, temperature sensing, etc. in separate lighting control systems, Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) control systems, Demand Side Management (DSM) electrical load control systems, and security systems, although modules combining occupancy sensing and ambient light sensing have been used in nonnetworked systems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, it is a primary object of the present invention to provide multiple optical designs for a multifunction sensor as might be utilized in an occupied space networked environment such as an automated commercial or industrial building in which sensors are installed to sense and control various parameters therein.
In accordance with the teachings herein, the present invention provides a universal multifunction sensor and a method of providing a universal multifunction sensor having multiple optical designs and providing a plurality of parameter sensors in one sensor module which can interface with and control operation of one or more processor control systems in an occupied space networked environment. The universal multifunction sensor comprises a passive infrared occupancy sensor and an ambient light sensor. A common network communications and control processor coupled to a common communication transceiver are shared in common by the occupancy sensor and the ambient light sensor, such that the multifunction sensor can interface with and control operation of one or more processor control systems in an occupied space networked environment. A segmented lens array comprises a plurality of lens segments forming a lens array for directing infrared radiation onto the passive infrared occupancy sensor, and is selected from one of the group of segmented lens arrays comprising: a wide view wallmount lens array providing both a wide field of view and both a long and short range detection optical pattern; a hallway wall mount lens array providing a narrow field of view and a long range detection optical pattern; a cubicle wall mount lens array providing a wide field of view and a very short range detection optical pattern; whereby the universal multifunction sensor can be provided with a segmented lens array designed to optimize the field of view and motion detection for a particular mounting application.
In greater detail, the group of segmented lens arrays further includes a ceiling mount lens array providing a 360° wide field of view and both a long and short range detection optical pattern. The plurality of parameter sensors can further include a temperature sensor. Moreover, the universal multifunction sensor can be mounted in one fixture selected from one of the group of fixtures comprising a wallmount fixture mounted flush upon a wall or in a corner, a ceiling mount fixture mounted flush upon a ceiling, or a wall switch fixture mounted recessed in a wall switch receptacle box mounted recessed in a wall.
The multifunction sensor can be connected in a multifunction network sensor system which further comprises energy management and security controller systems, and a common data communication network which connects to the multifunction sensor and the controller systems to form a local operating network in a building. Moreover, a plurality of the multifunction sensors are placed at different locations throughout the building.
The present invention also provides a cubicle wall mount segmented lens array providing a wide field of view and a very short range detection optical pattern suitable for operation in a close-in environment as in a cubicle, and yet having the same focal distance as a wideview or hallway sensor, to create a universal lens design for a universal multifunction sensor. The cubicle wall mount segmented lens comprises a curved Fresnel lens array comprising a plurality of Fresnel lens segments positioned along the length of the lens array, and atypically positioned out-of-focus with respect to an infrared detector element, each of the segments provides a field of view slightly below the horizon. A plurality of lensless infrared window segments are positioned near the bottom of the lens array, providing a short range detection optical pattern and field of view inclined substantially downwardly with respect to the field of view of the Fresnel lens array and the horizon.
In greater detail, each Fresnel Lens segment has a focal length of substantially 1.2 inches which is defocused by 0.3 inches with respect to the infrared detector element to provide a broader detection pattern which is beneficial for close-up detection. Moreover, the widths of the Fresnel lens segments vary from the centrally positioned lens segments which have the narrowest width to the peripheral end-most segments which have the widest width. The widths of the intermediate segments between the central segments and the end-most peripheral segments vary progressively from the narrow width of the central segments to the larger width of the peripheral segments. Moreover, the widths of the infrared window segments vary from the centrally positioned infrared window segments which have the narrowest width to the peripheral, end-most infrared window segments which have the widest width. The widths of the intermediate infrared window segments between the central infrared window segments and the end-most peripheral infrared window segments vary progressively from the narrow width of the central infrared window segments to the larger width of the peripheral infrared window segments. Each of the infrared window segments is dimensioned approximately 0.05 inches by 0.10 inches, and varies slightly as explained.
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Baldwin John R.
Batko Thomas J.
Ellison David F.
'Hubbell Incorporated
Mack Ricky
Presson Jerry M.
Roch William C.
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