Infrared lens switch assemblies

An example device can include a circuit assembly, an infrared sensor coupled to the circuit assembly, a switch coupled to the circuit assembly, an infrared lens coupled to a resistive element to alter a state of the switch when the infrared lens alters a position of the resistive element, and a light pipe ring positioned around the infrared lens to allow visible light to pass between an exterior and interior portion of an enclosure.

BACKGROUND

A network may include a plurality of access points. The network can be an internet of things (IoT) network. An IoT network can include a plurality of physical devices that are enabled to connect and exchange data between other devices of the plurality of devices. The plurality of devices can include hardware, instructions, sensors, actuators, and/or networking devices to connect and exchange data with other devices of the plurality of devices.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

A number of systems and devices for an infrared lens switch assembly are described herein. In some examples, the infrared lens switch assembly can be utilized with devices that utilize a relatively small physical footprint. As used herein, a physical footprint can be physical dimensions of a physical device. For example, the physical footprint of a device can be the width, height, and length of the device. In some examples, the infrared lens switch assembly can be a multifunction switch or multifunction button that can be utilized to perform a plurality of functions for a device. In this way, the infrared lens switch assembly can take up relatively less space compared to other devices or systems for performing the plurality of functions, which can allow for a relatively small device to maintain a relatively small physical footprint.

In some examples, a device can utilize the infrared lens switch assembly with a computing device to receive inputs and provide signals. For example, the device can include a circuit assembly or computing device that is coupled to the infrared lens switch assembly to receive inputs and provide signals. In some examples, the infrared lens switch assembly can include an infrared sensor coupled to the circuit assembly. As used herein, an infrared sensor can include a passive infrared sensor (PIR sensor) that can measure infrared light radiating from objects in the field of view of the sensor. In some examples, the infrared sensor can be utilized to detect the motion of objects within the field of view of the sensor.

In some examples, the device can include a switch coupled to the circuit assembly. As used herein, a switch can include a device for making and breaking a connection in an electric circuit. For example, a switch can be closed to complete an electrical connection of the circuit assembly and the switch can be open to disconnect the electrical connection of the circuit assembly. In some examples, an infrared lens can be coupled to a resistive element to alter a state of the switch when the infrared lens alters a position of the resistive element.

For example, the infrared lens can act as a button for the infrared lens switch assembly. In this example, the infrared lens can be depressed to alter a state of the switch, which can open or close one or more circuits of the circuit assembly. In some examples, the device can include a light pipe ring positioned around the infrared lens to allow visible light to pass between an exterior and interior portion of an enclosure. In some examples, the light pipe ring can allow a light source to provide signals to an exterior portion of the device. In some examples, the light pipe ring can be utilized to allow light in the visible spectrum to pass to an interior portion of the device.

In some examples, the infrared lens switch assembly can provide a plurality of functions for the device. For example, the infrared lens can be utilized to focus infrared light on to an infrared sensor coupled to the circuit assembly. In another example, the infrared lens can act as a button to alter a state of a switch coupled to the circuit assembly. In some examples, the infrared lens switch assembly can provide the plurality of functions for the device with a relatively smaller physical footprint than other types of devices. In this way, the physical footprint of the overall device can be reduced compared to other types of devices.

FIG. 1is an example two-dimensional cross section view of a device100with a switch assembly consistent with the present disclosure. In some examples, the device100can be a device that can be utilized as part of an internet of things (IoT) network. For example, the device100can be a device that can receive and transmit data with other devices of an IoT network. In some examples, the device100can be utilized to detect ambient light, detect movement, provide signals, and/or provide notifications. In some examples, the device100can transmit data that is detected and/or data that is provided through signals or notifications.

In some examples, the device100can include a circuit assembly102. In some examples, the circuit assembly can include a printed circuit board (PCB) and/or a printed circuit assembly (PCA). As used herein, a PCB or PCA can be a device and/or component that mechanically supports and electrically connects electronic components using conductive material etched or printed between sheet layers of non-conductive materials.

In some examples, the circuit assembly102can include a plurality of electrical components or computing components. For example, the circuit assembly102can include an infrared sensor106that is electrically coupled and/or communicatively coupled to the circuit assembly106. As used herein, electrically coupled devices can be devices that can receive electrical power through a conductive material. As used herein, communicatively coupled can be devices that can receive and/or send communication signals to other devices or elements.

In some examples, the device100can include an enclosure104. In some examples, the enclosure104can enclose or surround the circuit assembly102. In some examples, the enclosure104can be utilized to protect the circuit assembly102and/or devices coupled to the circuit assembly102. In some examples, the enclosure104can comprise a material that is capable of protecting the circuit assembly102and/or devices coupled to the circuit assembly102. In some examples, the enclosure104can comprise a material that prevents visible light from passing through the enclosure104. For example, the enclosure104can comprise a material that is not a transparent material.

In some examples, the device100can include an infrared (IR) lens110. As used herein, the infrared lens110can be a lens utilized to collect, focus, or collimate light in the near-infrared, short-wave infrared, mid-wave infrared, or long-wave infrared spectrum. In some examples, the infrared lens110can be optical lenses that utilize substrates or anti-reflection coatings to focus light in the infrared spectrum on to the infrared sensor106coupled to the circuit assembly102. In some examples, the infrared lens110can focus the light in the infrared spectrum on to the infrared sensor106such that the infrared sensor106can be utilized to detect motion within a physical proximity of the infrared sensor106based on the received light in the infrared spectrum.

In some examples, the device100can include a resistive element116coupled to the infrared lens110. As used herein, a resistive element116can include a compressible element or spring loaded element that when compressed provides a force in an opposite direction. For example, the resistive element116can include a compressible foam material that when compressed by a force in the direction of arrow112can apply an opposite force in the direction of arrow114when the force in the direction of arrow112is released. In some examples, the resistive element116can be coupled to an edge portion of the infrared lens110. For example, the resistive element116can be coupled to an edge of the infrared lens110to allow infrared light to pass through the infrared lens110without being altered or blocked by the resistive element116.

In some examples, the device100can include a switch118that is coupled to the circuit assembly102. In some examples, the switch118can be an electrical switch that can be utilized to close or open electrical circuits of the circuit assembly102. In some examples, the switch118can be activated or deactivated when the resistive element116is compressed in the direction of arrow112or when the resistive element116applies the opposite force in the direction of arrow114. In some examples, the switch118can be a carbon-graphite pill that can be coupled to the circuit assembly102. As used herein, a carbon-graphite pill can be a device that can make contact with the circuit assembly when the resistive element116is compressed in the direction of arrow112.

In some examples, the switch118can be coupled to the resistive element116. For example, the switch118can be coupled to the resistive element116such that the switch118is positioned between the circuit assembly102and the resistive element116. In these examples, the resistive element116can be compressed by a force in the direction of arrow112to move the switch118to be in contact with the circuit assembly102. In these examples, the force applied by the resistive element in the direction of arrow114can move the switch118out of contact with the circuit assembly102.

In some examples, the switch118can initiate a function of the circuit assembly102. For example, when the switch118makes contact with the circuit assembly102, a particular function can be performed by the circuit assembly102. In some examples, the switch118can initiate a plurality of different functions of the circuit assembly102. For example, a first function can be performed by the circuit assembly102in response to the switch118making contact with the circuit assembly102a first time. In this example, a second function can be performed by the circuit assembly102in response to the switch118making contact with the circuit assembly102a second time. In this example, a third function can be performed by the circuit assembly102in response to the switch118making contact with the circuit assembly102a plurality of times (e.g., two times, etc.) within a threshold period of time. In some examples, the functions performed by the circuit assembly102in response to the switch118making contact with the circuit assembly102can include functions of an IoT network device. For example, the functions performed by the circuit assembly102can include, but are not limited to: start utilizing a particular sensor, stop utilizing a particular sensor, calibrate a particular sensor or the circuit assembly, and/or start/restart a sensor session.

In some examples, the device100can include a light pipe ring108. As used herein, a light pipe ring108can be a device that can transmit or distribute light in the visible spectrum. In some examples, the light pipe ring108can be utilized to transfer light in the visible spectrum from the outside of the enclosure104to the inside of the enclosure104and transfer light in the visible spectrum from the inside of the enclosure104to the outside of the enclosure104.

In some examples, the light pipe ring108can be positioned around the infrared lens110to allow visible light to pass between an exterior and interior portion of an enclosure. In some examples, the light pipe ring108can surround a perimeter of the infrared lens110. For example, a base of the infrared lens110can be circular. In this example, the light pipe ring108can be a circular light pipe ring that surrounds the base of the infrared lens110.

In some examples, the light pipe ring108can be coupled to the infrared lens110. In some examples, the light pipe ring108can be permanently or semi-permanently coupled to a base portion of the infrared lens110. In some examples, the infrared lens110can be a domed shaped infrared lens that has a circular base. In these examples, the light pipe ring108can be coupled to the perimeter of the circular base. In some examples, a portion of the light pipe ring108can be coupled between the infrared lens110and the resistive element116.

In some examples, the device100can be an IoT device that includes a multifunction button assembly. As described herein, the device can include an IR lens110that can be utilized as a button to activate and deactivate a switch118. In some examples, the multifunction button assembly that utilizes the IR lens110as a button can provide a relatively smaller footprint compared to utilizing separate buttons or switches than the IR lens110. In this way, the device100can have a relatively smaller footprint while still providing the functionality of devices with a relatively larger footprint.

FIG. 2is an example of a device200with a switch assembly consistent with the present disclosure. In some examples, the device200can be a device that can be utilized as part of an internet of things (IoT) network. For example, the device200can be a device that can receive and transmit data with other devices of an IoT network. In some examples, the device200can be utilized to detect ambient light, detect movement, provide signals, and/or provide notifications. In some examples, the device200can transmit data that is detected and/or data that is provided through signals or notifications.

In some examples, the device200can include a circuit assembly202. As described herein, the circuit assembly202can include a printed circuit board (PCB) and/or a printed circuit assembly (PCA). In some examples, the circuit assembly202can include a plurality of electrical components or computing components. For example, the circuit assembly202can include an infrared (IR) sensor206that is electrically coupled and/or communicatively coupled to the circuit assembly206. In some examples, the device200can include an enclosure204. In some examples, the enclosure204can enclose or surround the circuit assembly202.

In some examples, the device200can include an infrared (IR) lens210. In some examples, the infrared lens210can focus light in the infrared spectrum on to the infrared sensor206such that the infrared sensor206can be utilized to detect motion based on the received light in the infrared spectrum. In some examples, the device200can include a resistive element216coupled to the infrared lens210. As described herein, the resistive element216can be compressed in the direction of arrow212and the resistive element216can provide a force in the direction of arrow214.

In some examples, the device200can include a switch218that is coupled to or interacts with the circuit assembly202. In some examples, the switch218can be a carbon-graphite pill that is coupled to the resistive element216such that the switch218can interact with the circuit assembly202when the resistive element216is compressed in the direction of arrow212. For example, the switch218can be coupled to the resistive element216such that the switch218is positioned between the circuit assembly202and the resistive element216. As described herein, the switch218can initiate a function of the circuit assembly202. For example, when the switch218makes contact with the circuit assembly202a particular function can be performed by the circuit assembly202.

In some examples, the device200can include a light pipe ring208. As used herein, a light pipe ring208can be a device that can transmit or distribute light in the visible spectrum. In some examples, the light pipe ring208can be utilized to transfer light in the visible spectrum from the outside of the enclosure204to the inside of the enclosure204and transfer light in the visible spectrum from the inside of the enclosure204to the outside of the enclosure204.

In some examples, the device200can include an ambient light sensor220coupled to the circuit assembly202. As used herein, the ambient light sensor220can include a device for detecting the presence or absence of light in the visible spectrum. In some examples, the ambient light sensor220can be positioned to receive light in the visible spectrum through the light pipe ring208. That is, the ambient light sensor220can be positioned between the circuit assembly202and the light pipe ring208, such that light in the visible spectrum that passes through the light pipe ring208can be received by the ambient light sensor220. In some examples, the light pipe ring208can be utilized to focus light in the visible spectrum from the outside of the enclosure204on to the ambient light sensor220positioned inside the enclosure204.

In some examples, a portion of the enclosure204can be positioned between the light pipe ring208and the ambient light sensor220. In these examples, the enclosure204can include an aperture222. In some examples, the aperture222can be positioned between the light pipe ring208and the ambient light sensor220. In some examples, the aperture222can be utilized to allow light in the visible spectrum to pass from the light pipe ring208to the ambient light sensor220. In some examples, the aperture220can be utilized to couple a visible light lens. For example, a clear material or substantially transparent material can be positioned within the aperture222to allow light in the visible spectrum to pass through the aperture222. In some examples, the visible light lens positioned within the aperture can be utilized to focus light onto the ambient light sensor220. For example, the visible light lens can be an optical lens that focuses light from the light pipe ring208to the ambient light sensor220.

In some examples, the device200can include a light source224coupled to the circuit assembly202. As used herein, a light source224can include a device that is capable of producing light in the visible spectrum. For example, the light source224can be a light bulb or light emitting diode (LED) that can produce light in the visible spectrum. In some examples, the light source224can be a notification light source. For example, the light source224can be utilized to provide messages to a user positioned outside the enclosure204. In some examples, the light source224can be activated, deactivated, or actively transitioning between activated and deactivated to generate a message. For example, the light source224can be activated to generate a solid stream of light, deactivated to stop generating light, and/or actively transitioning to generate a blinking or pulsing message of light in the visible spectrum. In some examples, the light source224can be utilized to provide signals to notify a user of a status of the device200.

In some examples, the light source224can be coupled to the circuit assembly202such that the light source224is positioned between the circuit assembly202and the light pipe ring208. As described herein, the light pipe ring208can allow visible light to pass from the inside of the enclosure204to the outside of the enclosure204. In this way, light that is generated by the light source224can pass through the light pipe ring208to be visible from the outside of the enclosure204. In some examples, the light pipe ring208can be utilized to focus or disperse the light generated by the light source224to alter a size or shape of the light generated by the light source224.

In some examples, the device200can be an IoT device that includes a multifunction button assembly. As described herein, the device200can include an IR lens210that can be utilized as a button to activate and deactivate a switch218. In some examples, the multifunction button assembly that utilizes the IR lens210as a button can provide a relatively smaller footprint compared to utilizing separate buttons or switches than the IR lens210. In addition, the light pipe ring208can allow ambient light sensors220and light sources224to be positioned on the same circuit assembly202as the IR sensor206. In this way, the device200can have a relatively smaller footprint while still providing the functionality of devices with a relatively larger footprint.

FIG. 3is another example of a device300with a switch assembly consistent with the present disclosure. In some examples, the device300can be a device that can be utilized as part of an internet of things (IoT) network. In some examples, the device300can be utilized to detect ambient light with an ambient light sensor320, detect movement with an infrared sensor306, provide signals with a light source324, and/or provide notifications with the light source324. In some examples, the device300can wirelessly transmit data to another IoT network device that is detected and/or data that is provided through signals or notifications.

In some examples, the device300can include a circuit assembly302. As described herein, the circuit assembly302can include a printed circuit board (PCB) and/or a printed circuit assembly (PCA). In some examples, the circuit assembly302can include a plurality of electrical components or computing components. For example, the circuit assembly302can include an infrared sensor306that is electrically coupled and/or communicatively coupled to the circuit assembly306. In some examples, the device300can include an enclosure304. In some examples, the enclosure304can enclose or surround the circuit assembly302.

In some examples, the device300can include an infrared lens310. In some examples, the infrared lens310can focus light in the infrared spectrum on to the infrared sensor306such that the infrared sensor306can be utilized to detect motion based on the received light in the infrared spectrum. In some examples, the device300can include a resistive element316coupled to the infrared lens310. As described herein, the resistive element316can be compressed in the direction of arrow312and the resistive element316can provide a force in the direction of arrow314.

In some examples, the device300can include a hinge332that can be coupled to a side or portion of the infrared lens310. In some examples, the infrared lens310can be utilized as a button for depressing the resistive element316in the direction of arrow312. In these examples, the hinge332can rotate in an opposite direction of arrow334when the infrared lens310is depressed in the direction of arrow312. In these examples, the hinge332can rotate in the direction of arrow334when the infrared lens310is not depressed and the resistive element316is providing a force in the direction of arrow314.

In some examples, the hinge332can be a loaded hinge that includes a resistive force. For example, the hinge332can be a spring loaded hinge that can apply a force in the direction of arrow334. In some examples, a loaded hinge can be utilized to help the resistive element316move the infrared lens310in the direction of arrow314. In another example, the hinge332can be a loaded hinge that can replace the function of the resistive element316. That is, the hinge332can be utilized to allow the infrared lens310to move in the direction of arrow312when pressure is applied to the infrared lens310and provide a force in the direction of arrow334when pressure is not applied to the infrared lens310.

In some examples, the device300can utilize a contact point330. In some examples, the contact point330can be a position of the device300that can be depressed by a force to alter a state of the switch318. For example, the contact point330can be positioned on an opposite edge or portion of the infrared lens310than the hinge332. In this example, the contact point330can be depressed to activate or deactivate the switch318as described herein.

As described herein, the device300can include a switch318that is coupled to or interacts with the circuit assembly302. In some examples, the switch318can be a carbon-graphite pill that is coupled to the resistive element316such that the switch318can interact with the circuit assembly302when the resistive element316is compressed in the direction of arrow312or when the hinge332is rotated in a direction that is opposite to arrow334. For example, the switch318can be coupled to the resistive element316such that the switch318is positioned between the circuit assembly302and the resistive element316. As described herein, the switch318can initiate a function of the circuit assembly302. For example, when the switch318makes contact with the circuit assembly302a particular function can be performed by the circuit assembly302.

In some examples, the device300can include a light pipe ring308. As used herein, a light pipe ring308can be a device that can transmit or distribute light in the visible spectrum. In some examples, the light pipe ring308can be utilized to transfer light in the visible spectrum from the outside of the enclosure304to the inside of the enclosure304and transfer light in the visible spectrum from the inside of the enclosure304to the outside of the enclosure304.

In some examples, the device300can be an IoT device that includes a multifunction button assembly. As described herein, the device300can include an infrared lens310that can be utilized as a button to activate and deactivate a switch318. In some examples, the multifunction button assembly that utilizes the infrared lens310as a button can provide a relatively smaller footprint compared to utilizing separate buttons or switches than the infrared lens310. In addition, the light pipe ring308can allow ambient light sensors320and light sources324to be positioned on the same circuit assembly302as the infrared sensor306. In this way, the device300can have a relatively smaller footprint while still providing the functionality of devices with a relatively larger footprint.

FIG. 4is an example of multifunction button440for an internet of things device consistent with the present disclosure. In some examples, the device100as referenced inFIG. 1, device200as referenced inFIG. 2, and/or device300as referenced inFIG. 3can be utilized as a multifunction button440. For example, the multifunction button440can include an infrared lens410, a light pipe ring408that surrounds the infrared lens410, and/or an enclosure404to protect electronics within the enclosure404.

As described herein, the infrared lens410can focus light in the infrared spectrum on to an infrared sensor positioned within the enclosure404such that the infrared sensor can be utilized to detect motion based on the received light in the infrared spectrum. In some examples, the infrared lens410can be utilized as a button or contact point for activating and deactivating a switch. For example, a force can be applied to a surface of the infrared lens410to depress a resistive element and allow the switch to be activated or deactivated. In some examples, the infrared lens410can be a dome shape. As used herein, a dome shape can include a rounded vault shape with a circular or substantially circular base. In some examples, the rounded vault shape of the infrared lens410can extend above a surface of the enclosure404to allow the infrared lens410to be more easily accessible.

In some examples, the infrared lens410can be surrounded by a light pipe ring408. As described herein, a light pipe ring408can be a device that can transmit or distribute light in the visible spectrum. In some examples, the light pipe ring408can be utilized to transfer light in the visible spectrum from the outside of the enclosure404to the inside of the enclosure404and transfer light in the visible spectrum from the inside of the enclosure404to the outside of the enclosure404. In some examples, the light pipe ring408can allow light from the outside of the enclosure404transferred to a sensor such as an ambient light sensor. In some examples, the light pipe ring408can be utilized to allow light from a light source inside the enclosure404to be displayed to the outside of the enclosure404.

FIG. 5is an example of an internet of things (IoT) device550with a multifunction button. In some examples, the device100as referenced inFIG. 1, device200as referenced inFIG. 2, device300as referenced inFIG. 3, and/or the multifunction button440can be utilized with the IoT device550. For example, the IoT device550can include an infrared lens510, a light pipe ring508that surrounds the infrared lens510, and/or an enclosure504to protect electronics within the enclosure504.

As described herein, the infrared lens510can focus light in the infrared spectrum on to an infrared sensor positioned within the enclosure504such that the infrared sensor can be utilized to detect motion based on the received light in the infrared spectrum. In some examples, the infrared lens510can be utilized as a button or contact point for activating and deactivating a switch. For example, a force can be applied to a surface of the infrared lens510to depress a resistive element and allow the switch to be activated or deactivated. In some examples, the infrared lens510can be a dome shape. As used herein, a dome shape can include a rounded vault shape with a circular or substantially circular base. In some examples, the rounded vault shape of the infrared lens510can extend above a surface of the enclosure504to allow the infrared lens510to be more easily accessible.

In some examples, the infrared lens510can be surrounded by a light pipe ring508. As described herein, a light pipe ring508can be a device that can transmit or distribute light in the visible spectrum. In some examples, the light pipe ring508can be utilized to transfer light in the visible spectrum from the outside of the enclosure504to the inside of the enclosure504and transfer light in the visible spectrum from the inside of the enclosure504to the outside of the enclosure504. In some examples, the light pipe ring508can allow light from the outside of the enclosure504transferred to a sensor such as an ambient light sensor. In some examples, the light pipe ring508can be utilized to allow light from a light source inside the enclosure504to be displayed to the outside of the enclosure504.

In some examples, the IoT device550can include an aperture552. In some examples, the aperture552can be utilized to allow sound waves to more easily pass through the enclosure. In some examples, the aperture552can include a number of holes to allow a speaker coupled to a circuit assembly to transmit sound waves to a user outside the enclosure504. In some examples, the aperture552can be a number of holes to allow a microphone coupled to the circuit assembly to receive sound waves from a user outside the enclosure504.

As described herein, an IoT device550can be a device that can receive and transmit data with other devices of an IoT network. In some examples, the IoT device550can be utilized to detect ambient light, detect movement, provide signals, and/or provide notifications. In some examples, the IoT device550can transmit data that is detected and/or data that is provided through signals or notifications. In some examples, the multifunction button of the IoT device550can provide a relatively smaller footprint on the surface of the enclosure504of the IoT device550.

In this way, the remaining surface of the enclosure504can be utilized for other purposes (e.g., mounting the IoT device550, coupling devices to the enclosure504of the IoT device550, etc.). In some examples, the multifunction button assembly of the IoT device550can provide a relatively smaller footprint on the surface of the enclosure504of the IoT device550can be utilized to decrease a footprint of the IoT device550. That is, a smaller enclosure504can be utilized for the IoT device550compared to other IoT devices that utilize multiple devise that perform the functions of the multifunction button assembly.