Low energy environmental sensor that receives inputs via movement thereof, and a method of operating a rocking environmental sensor

Abstract

A low energy environmental sensor is provided herein that is configured to receive user inputs from movement of the sensor itself. A method of operating a rocking environmental sensor is also provided. In one embodiment, the rocking environmental sensor includes: (1) a base having a fulcrum point and (2) a face including a first movement initiator area and a second movement initiator area configured to cause the face to toggle with respect to the fulcrum point and complete a signaling path indicating a user input.

What is claimed: 
     
         1 . A rocking environmental sensor, comprising:
 a base having a fulcrum point; and   a face including a first movement initiator area and a second movement initiator area configured to cause said face to toggle with respect to said fulcrum point and complete a signaling path indicating a user input.   
     
     
         2 . The rocking sensor as recited in  claim 1  wherein said base includes sides that define a volume and said face fits within said volume. 
     
     
         3 . The rocking sensor as recited in  claim 1  wherein said base includes first and second directional contacts, wherein either one of said first or second directional contact is used as part of said signaling path. 
     
     
         4 . The rocking sensor as recited in  claim 1  wherein said face includes an increase contact and a decrease contact that are positioned to complete said signaling path depending on a direction of said toggle. 
     
     
         5 . The rocking sensor as recited in  claim 1  wherein said face further includes a first design and a second design that indicates directions of said toggle. 
     
     
         6 . The rocking sensor as recited in  claim 1  wherein said face further includes an electronic ink display. 
     
     
         7 . The rocking sensor as recited in  claim 1  wherein said face further includes a fulcrum connector that cooperates with said fulcrum point to create a fulcrum. 
     
     
         8 . The rocking sensor as recited in  claim 1  wherein said face does not include a button or touchscreen configured to receive a user input. 
     
     
         9 . The rocking sensor as recited in  claim 1  further comprising a processor configured to direct operation of said rocking sensor based on said user input received via said toggle. 
     
     
         10 . The rocking sensor as recited in  claim 9  wherein said processor is configured to generate a control signal to increase or decrease a setting of a HVAC system. 
     
     
         11 . The rocking sensor as recited in  claim 9  wherein said processor is configured to interpret a series of inputs received via said signaling path to perform a predetermined function. 
     
     
         12 . An environmental sensor for use with a heating, ventilating and air conditioning system, comprising:
 a processor configured to direct operation of said sensor based on a user input; and   a rocking input system, including:
 a first component having a fulcrum point; and 
 a second component including a first movement initiator area and a second movement initiator area configured to cause said second component to toggle with respect to said fulcrum point and complete a signaling path indicating said user input. 
   
     
     
         13 . The environmental sensor as recited in  claim 12  wherein said first component is further configured to receive a mounting bracket configured to affix said sensor to a fixed structure. 
     
     
         14 . The environmental sensor as recited in  claim 12  wherein said second component includes a low energy display. 
     
     
         15 . The environmental sensor as recited in  claim 12  wherein said processor is configured to increase or decrease an environmental setting for a zone of said HVAC system based on said user input. 
     
     
         16 . The environmental sensor as recited in  claim 12  wherein said processor is configured to perform a designated function in response to receiving a series of user inputs via said rocking input system. 
     
     
         17 . A method of operating an environmental sensor employable in a heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system, comprising:
 receiving a user input via movement of said environmental sensor;   generating a control signal in response to said user input; and   performing a function in response to said control signal.   
     
     
         18 . The method as recited in  claim 17  wherein said method is a method of testing said sensor during manufacturing thereof. 
     
     
         19 . The method as recited in  claim 17  wherein said generating is performed by a processor of said sensor. 
     
     
         20 . The method as recited in  claim 17  wherein said function is directing operation of HVAC equipment.