Patent application number | Description | Published |
20150109104 | SMART INVITATION HANDLING AT A SMART-HOME - This patent specification relates to apparatus, systems, methods, and related computer program products for providing home security/smart home objectives. More particularly, this patent specification relates to a plurality of devices, including intelligent, multi-sensing, network-connected devices, that communicate with each other and/or with a central server or a cloud-computing system to provide any of a variety of useful home security/smart home objectives. | 04-23-2015 |
20150109112 | OCCUPANT NOTIFICATION OF VISITOR INTERACTION WITH A DOORBELL AT A SMART-HOME - This patent specification relates to apparatus, systems, methods, and related computer program products for providing home security/smart home objectives. More particularly, this patent specification relates to a plurality of devices, including intelligent, multi-sensing, network-connected devices, that communicate with each other and/or with a central server or a cloud-computing system to provide any of a variety of useful home security/smart home objectives. | 04-23-2015 |
20150109128 | VISITOR FEEDBACK TO VISITOR INTERACTION WITH A DOORBELL AT A SMART-HOME - This patent specification relates to apparatus, systems, methods, and related computer program products for providing home security/smart home objectives. More particularly, this patent specification relates to a plurality of devices, including intelligent, multi-sensing, network-connected devices, that communicate with each other and/or with a central server or a cloud-computing system to provide any of a variety of useful home security/smart home objectives. | 04-23-2015 |
20150112885 | LIMITED ACCESS INVITATION HANDLING AT A SMART-HOME - This patent specification relates to apparatus, systems, methods, and related computer program products for providing home security/smart home objectives. More particularly, this patent specification relates to a plurality of devices, including intelligent, multi-sensing, network-connected devices, that communicate with each other and/or with a central server or a cloud-computing system to provide any of a variety of useful home security/smart home objectives. | 04-23-2015 |
20150116106 | HANDLING VISITOR INTERACTION AT A SMART-HOME IN A DO NOT DISTURB MODE - This patent specification relates to apparatus, systems, methods, and related computer program products for providing home security/smart home objectives. More particularly, this patent specification relates to a plurality of devices, including intelligent, multi-sensing, network-connected devices, that communicate with each other and/or with a central server or a cloud-computing system to provide any of a variety of useful home security/smart home objectives. | 04-30-2015 |
20150116107 | INITIALLY DETECTING A VISITOR AT A SMART-HOME - This patent specification relates to apparatus, systems, methods, and related computer program products for providing home security/smart home objectives. More particularly, this patent specification relates to a plurality of devices, including intelligent, multi-sensing, network-connected devices, that communicate with each other and/or with a central server or a cloud-computing system to provide any of a variety of useful home security/smart home objectives. | 04-30-2015 |
20150116108 | VISITOR OPTIONS AT AN ENTRYWAY TO A SMART-HOME - This patent specification relates to apparatus, systems, methods, and related computer program products for providing home security/smart home objectives. More particularly, this patent specification relates to a plurality of devices, including intelligent, multi-sensing, network-connected devices, that communicate with each other and/or with a central server or a cloud-computing system to provide any of a variety of useful home security/smart home objectives. | 04-30-2015 |
20150116109 | INTERACTING WITH A DETECTED VISITOR AT AN ENTRYWAY TO A SMART-HOME - This patent specification relates to apparatus, systems, methods, and related computer program products for providing home security/smart home objectives. More particularly, this patent specification relates to a plurality of devices, including intelligent, multi-sensing, network-connected devices, that communicate with each other and/or with a central server or a cloud-computing system to provide any of a variety of useful home security/smart home objectives. | 04-30-2015 |
20150120015 | AUTOMATED HANDLING OF A PACKAGE DELIVERY AT A SMART-HOME - This patent specification relates to apparatus, systems, methods, and related computer program products for providing home security/smart home objectives. More particularly, this patent specification relates to a plurality of devices, including intelligent, multi-sensing, network-connected devices, that communicate with each other and/or with a central server or a cloud-computing system to provide any of a variety of useful home security/smart home objectives. | 04-30-2015 |
20150120596 | ROUTING OPTIMIZATION FOR PACKAGE DELIVERY TO A SMART-HOME - This patent specification relates to apparatus, systems, methods, and related computer program products for providing home security/smart home objectives. More particularly, this patent specification relates to a plurality of devices, including intelligent, multi-sensing, network-connected devices, that communicate with each other and/or with a central server or a cloud-computing system to provide any of a variety of useful home security/smart home objectives. | 04-30-2015 |
20150120598 | TRACKING OF A PACKAGE DELIVERY TO A SMART-HOME - This patent specification relates to apparatus, systems, methods, and related computer program products for providing home security/smart home objectives. More particularly, this patent specification relates to a plurality of devices, including intelligent, multi-sensing, network-connected devices, that communicate with each other and/or with a central server or a cloud-computing system to provide any of a variety of useful home security/smart home objectives. | 04-30-2015 |
20150127712 | HANDLING SECURITY SERVICES VISITOR AT A SMART-HOME - This patent specification relates to apparatus, systems, methods, and related computer program products for providing home security/smart home objectives. More particularly, this patent specification relates to a plurality of devices, including intelligent, multi-sensing, network-connected devices, that communicate with each other and/or with a central server or a cloud-computing system to provide any of a variety of useful home security/smart home objectives. | 05-07-2015 |
20150145643 | SECURE HANDLING OF UNSUPERVISED PACKAGE DROP OFF AT A SMART-HOME - This patent specification relates to apparatus, systems, methods, and related computer program products for providing home security/smart home objectives. More particularly, this patent specification relates to a plurality of devices, including intelligent, multi-sensing, network-connected devices, that communicate with each other and/or with a central server or a cloud-computing system to provide any of a variety of useful home security/smart home objectives. | 05-28-2015 |
20150154850 | LEVERAGING NEIGHBORHOOD TO HANDLE POTENTIAL VISITOR AT A SMART-HOME - This patent specification relates to apparatus, systems, methods, and related computer program products for providing home security/smart home objectives. More particularly, this patent specification relates to a plurality of devices, including intelligent, multi-sensing, network-connected devices, that communicate with each other and/or with a central server or a cloud-computing system to provide any of a variety of useful home security/smart home objectives. | 06-04-2015 |
20150156030 | HANDLING SPECIFIC VISITOR BEHAVIOR AT AN ENTRYWAY TO A SMART-HOME - This patent specification relates to apparatus, systems, methods, and related computer program products for providing home security/smart home objectives. More particularly, this patent specification relates to a plurality of devices, including intelligent, multi-sensing, network-connected devices, that communicate with each other and/or with a central server or a cloud-computing system to provide any of a variety of useful home security/smart home objectives. | 06-04-2015 |
20150156031 | ENVIRONMENTAL SENSING WITH A DOORBELL AT A SMART-HOME - This patent specification relates to apparatus, systems, methods, and related computer program products for providing home security/smart home objectives. More particularly, this patent specification relates to a plurality of devices, including intelligent, multi-sensing, network-connected devices, that communicate with each other and/or with a central server or a cloud-computing system to provide any of a variety of useful home security/smart home objectives. | 06-04-2015 |
Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090276547 | System and method for simplified data transfer - Systems and methods of performing a simplified data transfer are provided. For example, a simplified data transfer system may include two or more devices configured to perform a simplified data transfer. The first device may be configured to save and transfer data associated with applications open on the first device. When the second device initiates communication, the first device may automatically send the open application data to the second device. | 11-05-2009 |
20100082136 | System and method for placeshifting media playback - Systems and methods of placeshifting media playback between two or more devices are provided. For example, a method for placeshifting media may include sending a first message from a media-receiving electronic device to a media-playing electronic device playing a media file and receiving a response identifying the media file and a point at which the media file was being played when the first message was received. The media-receiving electronic device may play a copy of the media file at the point where the media-playing electronic device left off. | 04-01-2010 |
20100082567 | System and method for placeshifting media playback - Systems and methods of placeshifting media playback between two or more devices are provided. For example, a method for placeshifting media may include downloading onto a first device an index of files accessed or modified on a second device via a data storage server, at least one of the files being a media file played on the second device. The first device may display a user selectable list of the files on the first device before issuing a request for the media file to the data storage server. The data storage server may send the media file to the first device from the data storage server, and the first device may play back the media file where the second device left off. | 04-01-2010 |
20120065783 | THERMODYNAMIC MODELING FOR ENCLOSURES - Systems and methods for modeling the behavior of an enclosure for use by a control system of an HVAC system are described. A model for the enclosure that describes the behavior of the enclosure for use by the control system is updated based on a weather forecast data. The weather forecast data can include predictions more than 24 hours in the future, and can include predictions such as temperature, humidity and/or dew point, solar output, precipitation. The model for the enclosure can also be updated based on additional information and data such as historical weather data such as temperature, humidity, wind, solar output and precipitation, occupancy data, such as predicted and/or detected occupancy data, calendar data, and data from the one or more weather condition sensors that sense current parameters such as temperature, humidity, wind, precipitation, and/or solar output. The model for the enclosure can be updated based also on an enclosure model stored in a database, and/or on enclosure information from a user. The model can be updated based on active testing of the enclosure which can be performed automatically or in response to user input. The testing can include heating and/or cooling the enclosure at times when the enclosure is not likely to be occupied. | 03-15-2012 |
20120066168 | OCCUPANCY PATTERN DETECTION, ESTIMATION AND PREDICTION - Systems and methods are described for predicting and/or detecting occupancy of an enclosure, such as a dwelling or other building, which can be used for a number of applications. An a priori stochastic model of occupancy patterns based on information of the enclosure and/or the expected occupants of the enclosure is used to pre-seed an occupancy prediction engine. Along with data from an occupancy sensor, the occupancy prediction engine predicts future occupancy of the enclosure. Various systems and methods for detecting occupancy of an enclosure, such as a dwelling, are also described. | 03-15-2012 |
20120125559 | TEMPERATURE CONTROLLER WITH TIME TO TARGET DISPLAY - A thermostat is described for controlling air temperature in a building. The time associated with causing the controlled air temperature to reach a target temperature is estimated and displayed to a user. Input from a user indicating the target temperature can be received and the estimating and displaying can be carried out in real time. The thermostat can be wall-mounted or the user input can be received and estimated time can be displayed using a remote device, for example that communicates wirelessly with other components of the HVAC system. | 05-24-2012 |
20120125592 | HVAC FILTER MONITORING - A method is described for identifying faults relating to an HVAC system, such a clogged filter. Sensor data is used to estimate HVAC system efficiency. Trends in system efficiency are then used to identify faults such as clogged filters. The sensor(s) can include one or more of the following types: optical sensor, temperature sensor, pressure sensor, acoustic transducer, humidity sensor, resistive sensor, capacitive sensor, and infrared sensor. The efficiency estimation can also be based on conditions external to the building, such as data from exterior sensors and/or data gathered from third parties such as government or private weather stations. The efficiency estimation can also be based on performance metrics such as the time used to reach a set point temperature. The fault identification includes filtering out non-fault related events. | 05-24-2012 |
20120126019 | THERMOSTAT BATTERY RECHARGING DURING HVAC FUNCTION ACTIVE AND INACTIVE STATES - A thermostat and related methods are described for controlling one or more functions, such as heating and cooling in an HVAC. According to some embodiments the thermostat includes a rechargeable battery; charging circuitry adapted and arranged to recharge the battery; and control circuitry adapted and arranged to control the one or more HVAC functions using power from the rechargeable battery. According to some embodiments, the thermostat also includes power harvesting circuitry adapted and arranged to harvest power from the HVAC system in cases where no common wire is available to the thermostat, and to supply power to the charging circuit for recharging the battery. | 05-24-2012 |
20120126020 | THERMOSTAT WIRING CONNECTOR - A thermostat and related methods is provided for controlling an HVAC system. The thermostat includes wiring terminals adapted and configured to make an electrical connection with an HVAC system wires such as common, heating and cooling control and return wires. The making of the connection with a common wire actuates switching open a loop of an electrical circuit used for power harvesting. According to some embodiments, the wiring terminal includes actuation of a moveable part of the terminal so as to accommodate the common wire that in turn actuates the switching open the power harvesting loop. More than one other loop can be switched. According to some embodiments, the wiring terminal can be used to automatically connect and/or disconnect Rc and Rh circuits when one or both Rc and Rh wires are present. According to some embodiments, the wiring terminal can be used for electronically sensing the presence of the HVAC system wire. | 05-24-2012 |
20120126021 | THERMOSTAT CIRCUITRY FOR CONNECTION TO HVAC SYSTEMS - A thermostat and related methods is provided for controlling an HVAC system having one or two separate transformers for supplying power to the HVAC system. The thermostat includes isolation circuitry housed within the thermostat to safely connect to the HVAC control wires and power wire(s) whether the HVAC system has one or two separate transformers without the use of removable jumpers or manual rewiring. The thermostat can include a processor that sends DC signals for turning on and turning off each of the HVAC functions, and an isolator adapted to electrically isolate the processor from the control wires and power wire(s). The isolator can include a transformer, such as a low cost Ethernet transformer. The circuitry can include one or more field effect transistors adapted and arranged so as to open or close an electrical connections between the control and power wires, thereby turning on or off the associated HVAC function. According to some embodiments, the Rc and Rh terminals are permanently connected using a fuse. | 05-24-2012 |
20120128025 | System and method for integrating sensors in thermostats - Provided according to one or more embodiments is a thermostat having a housing, the housing including a forward-facing surface, the thermostat comprising a passive infrared (PIR) motion sensor disposed inside the housing for sensing occupancy in the vicinity of the thermostat. The PIR motion sensor has a radiation receiving surface and is able to detect the lateral movement of an occupant in front of the forward-facing surface of the housing. The thermostat further comprises a grille member having one or more openings and included along the forward-facing surface of the housing, the grille member being placed over the radiation receiving surface of the PIR motion sensor. The grille member is configured and dimensioned to visually conceal and protect the PIR motion sensor disposed inside the housing, the visual concealment promoting a visually pleasing quality of the thermostat, while at the same time permitting the PIR motion sensor to effectively detect the lateral movement of the occupant. In one embodiment, the grille member openings are slit-like openings oriented along a substantially horizontal direction. | 05-24-2012 |
20120130546 | USER FRIENDLY INTERFACE FOR CONTROL UNIT - A user-friendly programmable thermostat is described that includes a circular body having a large central display surrounded by a ring that can be rotated an pressed inward by a user so as to receive user input in a simple elegant fashion. Different colors can be displayed to the user to indicate currently active HVAC functions, and different shades of colors can be displayed to a user to indicate an estimated amount of time and/or energy for reaching a target temperature. The thermostat is wall mountable and is made up of a head unit removeably mounted to a backplate. A locking mechanism can be provided so as to increase security against unauthorized removal of the head unit. The backplate can be adapted to be mounted on a wall so as to be level, for example by including a bubble level on the backplate. One or more vents are preferably located on the sides of the body, such as in a gap beneath the translatably mounted ring, and/or in a gap between the head unit and the backplate. The target temperature for the device can be altered in response to sensing rotation of the rotating ring, and the programmed schedule can be displayed to and altered by the user in response to sensing rotation of the ring and the translational movement of the ring. Historical information such as temperature and cost information can be displayed to a user in response to sensing rotating of the rotating ring. One or more device settings can be displayed to and edited by a user in response to sensing rotating of the rotating member and the translational movement. According to some embodiments, text characters can be entered by the user. | 05-24-2012 |
20120130548 | COMPUTATIONAL LOAD DISTRIBUTION IN A CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM HAVING PLURAL SENSING MICROSYSTEMS - Systems, methods, and related computer program products for controlling one or more HVAC systems using a distributed arrangement of wirelessly connected sensing microsystems are described. A plurality of wirelessly communicating sensing microsystems is provided, each sensing microsystem including a temperature sensor and a processor, at least one of the sensing microsystems being coupled to an HVAC unit for control thereof. The plurality of sensing microsystems is configured to jointly carry out at least one shared computational task associated with control of the HVAC unit. Each sensing microsystem includes a power management circuit configured to determine an amount of electrical power available for dedication to the at least one shared computational task. The at least one shared computational task is apportioned among respective ones of the plurality of sensing microsystems according to the amount of electrical power determined to be available for dedication thereto at each respective sensing microsystem. | 05-24-2012 |
20120130679 | THERMOSTAT FACILITATING USER-FRIENDLY INSTALLATION THEREOF - A thermostat for controlling an HVAC system and related systems, methods, and computer program products for facilitating user-friendly installation of the thermostat are described. For one embodiment, automated installation verification is performed by the thermostat by automatically sensing which wires have been inserted, selecting a candidate HVAC operating function (e.g., heating or cooling) that is consistent with a subset of HVAC signal types indicated by the inserted wires, applying control signals to the HVAC system to invoke that HVAC operating function, and processing a time sequence of acquired temperature readings to determine whether that HVAC operating function was successfully carried out. For one embodiment, the initial automated testing of the heating and cooling functions are only carried out at times for which such heating or cooling function would normally be invoked during normal operation of the thermostat. Automated determination of a heat pump call convention is also described. | 05-24-2012 |
20120131504 | THERMOSTAT GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE - A thermostat for controlling an HVAC system is described, the thermostat having a user interface that is visually pleasing, approachable, and easy to use while also providing intuitive navigation within a menuing system. In a first mode of operation, an electronic display of the thermostat displays a population of tick marks arranged in an arcuate arrangement including a plurality of background tick marks, a setpoint tick mark representing a setpoint temperature, and an ambient temperature tick mark representing an ambient temperature, the setpoint temperature being dynamically changeable according to a tracked rotational input motion of a ring-shaped user interface component of the thermostat. In a second mode, the a plurality of user-selectable menu options is displayed in an arcuate arrangement along a menu option range area, and respective ones of the user-selectable menu options are selectively highlighted according to the tracked rotational input motion of the ring-shaped user interface component. | 05-24-2012 |
20120186774 | CONTROL UNIT WITH AUTOMATIC SETBACK CAPABILITY - Methods for controlling temperature in a conditioned enclosure such as a dwelling are described that include an “auto-away” and/or “auto-arrival” feature for detecting unexpected absences which provide opportunities for significant energy savings through automatic adjustment of the setpoint temperature. According to some preferred embodiments, when no occupancy has been detected for a minimum time interval, an “auto-away” feature triggers a changes of the state of the enclosure, and the actual operating setpoint temperature is changed to a predetermined energy-saving away-state temperature, regardless of the setpoint temperature indicated by the normal thermostat schedule. The purpose of the “auto away” feature is to avoid unnecessary heating or cooling when there are no occupants present to actually experience or enjoy the comfort settings of the schedule, thereby saving energy. | 07-26-2012 |
20120191257 | User interfaces for remote management and control of network-connected thermostats - Aspects of the present invention provide user interface methods for interacting with and managing network-connected thermostats through a thermostat management system. The user interface method identifies a primary enclosure associated with a thermostat management account with the remaining enclosures deemed secondary enclosures. The user interface displays the primary enclosure using a primary enclosure selection appearing in a foreground area of the user interface as a house and adjacent to thermostat selections representing each of the network-connected thermostats installed in the primary enclosure. In a background area of the user interface, a primary weather visual incorporates images of various weather patterns reflecting both a weather pattern in the vicinity of the primary enclosure and an approximate time of day at the geographic location of the primary enclosure. Secondary enclosure selections are visually deemphasized on the user interface when compared with the primary enclosure selection displayed on the user interface. | 07-26-2012 |
20120203379 | USER FRIENDLY INTERFACE FOR CONTROL UNIT - A user-friendly programmable thermostat is described that includes a central electronic display surrounded by a ring that can be rotated and pressed inwardly to provide user input in a simple and elegant fashion. The current temperature and setpoint are graphically displayed as prominent tick marks. Different colors and intensities can be displayed to indicate currently active HVAC functions and an amount of heating or cooling required to reach a target temperature. The setpoint can be altered by user rotation of the ring. The schedule can be displayed and altered by virtue of rotations and inward pressings of the ring. Initial device set up and installation, the viewing of device operation, the editing of various settings, and the viewing of historical energy usage information are made simple and elegant by virtue of the described form factor, display modalities, and user input modalities of the device. | 08-09-2012 |
20120232969 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR UPDATING CLIMATE CONTROL ALGORITHMS - A combined business and technical method is described in which a paid subscription service is offered to provide “premium” HVAC algorithms for a network-connected, multi-sensing learning thermostat. The users who have chosen to pay for the premium subscription service are provided with at least one additional feature, capability, and/or option that is not provided to unpaid “basic” subscribers of a cloud-based thermostat servicing system that is provided for all thermostat owners. According to some embodiments, an on-line interview process is administered to gather additional information for improving the settings of the thermostat. According to some embodiments, an active test is performed to determine thermal characteristics of the structure. According some embodiments, the user guaranteed to at least recoup the cost of the premium service through energy cost savings. | 09-13-2012 |
20120239221 | Methods, Systems, and Related Architectures for Managing Network Connected Thermostats - A thermostat management system facilitates an automatic pairing of a thermostat with a thermostat communication account. The thermostat management system receives a public network address associated with a computer device on a private network accessing the thermostat management account. The system retrieves the thermostat metadata including a public network address associated with a registration of the thermostat with the thermostat management system. The public network address registered with the thermostat metadata is provided by a router on the private network and therefore should match the public network address used by computer devices on the private network. The thermostat management account is paired with the thermostat if the thermostat has the same public network address as the computer device accessing the thermostat management account. Pairing the thermostat management account to the thermostat allows the thermostat management account to communicate with the thermostat over the public network through the thermostat management system. | 09-20-2012 |
20120248210 | POWER MANAGEMENT IN ENERGY BUFFERED BUILDING CONTROL UNIT - A thermostat includes a plurality of HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) wire connectors for receiving a plurality of HVAC control wires corresponding to an HVAC system. The thermostat also includes a thermostat processing and control circuit configured to at least partially control the operation of the HVAC system and a powering circuit coupled to the HVAC wire connectors and configured to provide an electrical load power to the thermostat processing and control circuit. The powering circuit has a power extraction circuit configured to extract electrical power from one or more of the plurality of received HVAC control wires up to a first level of electrical power, a rechargeable battery, and a power control circuit coupled to the power extraction circuit, the rechargeable battery, and the thermostat processing and control circuit. The power control circuit is configured to provide the electrical load power using power from the power extraction circuit and the rechargeable battery. | 10-04-2012 |
20120248211 | THERMOSTAT WITH SELF-CONFIGURING CONNECTIONS TO FACILITATE DO-IT-YOURSELF INSTALLATION - A thermostat is configured for automated compatibility with HVAC systems that are either single-HVAC-transformer systems or dual-HVAC-transformer systems. The compatibility is automated in that a manual jumper installation is not required for adaptation to either single-HVAC-transformer systems or dual-HVAC-transformer systems. The thermostat has a plurality of HVAC wire connectors including a first call relay wire connector, a first power return wire connector, a second call relay wire connector, and a second power return wire connector. The thermostat is configured such that if the first and second external wires have been inserted into the first and second power return wire connectors, respectively, then the first and second power return wire connectors are electrically isolated from each other. Otherwise, the first and second power return wire connectors are electrically shorted together. | 10-04-2012 |
20120261109 | POWER MANAGEMENT IN ENERGY BUFFERED BUILDING CONTROL UNIT - A thermostat includes a plurality of HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) wire connectors for receiving a plurality of HVAC control wires corresponding to an HVAC system. The thermostat also includes a thermostat processing and control circuit configured to at least partially control the operation of the HVAC system and a powering circuit coupled to the HVAC wire connectors and configured to provide an electrical load power to the thermostat processing and control circuit. The powering circuit has a power extraction circuit configured to extract electrical power from one or more of the plurality of received HVAC control wires up to a first level of electrical power, a rechargeable battery, and a power control circuit. The power control circuit is configured to provide the electrical load power using power from the power extraction circuit and the rechargeable battery. | 10-18-2012 |
20120273580 | THERMOSTAT WITH SELF-CONFIGURING CONNECTIONS TO FACILITATE DO-IT-YOURSELF INSTALLATION - A thermostat is configured for automated compatibility with HVAC systems that are either single-HVAC-transformer systems or dual-HVAC-transformer systems. The compatibility is automated in that a manual jumper installation is not required for adaptation to either single-HVAC-transformer systems or dual-HVAC-transformer systems. The thermostat has a plurality of HVAC wire connectors including a first call relay wire connector, a first power return wire connector, a second call relay wire connector, and a second power return wire connector. The thermostat is configured such that if the first and second external wires have been inserted into the first and second power return wire connectors, respectively, then the first and second power return wire connectors are electrically isolated from each other. Otherwise, the first and second power return wire connectors are electrically shorted together. | 11-01-2012 |
20130024799 | DYNAMIC DEVICE-ASSOCIATED FEEDBACK INDICATIVE OF RESPONSIBLE DEVICE USAGE - Methods and devices for controlling a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system by a thermostat are provided. Input can be received from a user via a thermostat, the input being indicative of an adjustment of an HVAC-related setting. On a real-time basis, the HVAC-related setting that is being adjusted can be compared against a feedback criterion designed to indicate a circumstance under which feedback is to be presented to the user. The circumstance can be indicative of an achievement of a HVAC-related setting of a predetermined responsibility level with respect to an energy usage of the HVAC system. Upon a real-time determination that the feedback criterion is satisfied, visual feedback can be caused to be presented to the user in real-time. The real-time feedback can include a visual icon having a visual appeal corresponding to a desirability of the satisfaction of the feedback criterion. | 01-24-2013 |
20130090767 | METHODS AND GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACES FOR REPORTING PERFORMANCE INFORMATION FOR AN HVAC SYSTEM CONTROLLED BY A SELF-PROGRAMMING NETWORK-CONNECTED THERMOSTAT - Systems and methods are described for interactively and graphically displaying performance information to a user of an HVAC system controlled by a self-programming network-connected thermostat. The information is made on a remote display device such as a smartphone, tablet computer or other computer, and includes a graphical daily summary each of several days. In response to a user selection of a day, detailed performance information is graphically displayed that can include an indication of HVAC activity on a timeline, the number of hours of HVAC activity, as well as one or more symbols on a timeline indicating setpoint changes, and when a setpoint was changed due to non-occupancy. | 04-11-2013 |
20130099011 | ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROMOTING SCHEDULE LEARNING ALGORITHMS FOR INTELLIGENT THERMOSTAT - A user-friendly programmable thermostat is described that includes receiving an immediate-control input to change set point temperature, controlling temperature according to the set point temperature for a predetermined time interval, and then automatically resetting the set point temperature upon the ending of the predetermined time interval such that the user is urged to make further immediate-control inputs. A schedule for the programmable thermostat is automatically generated based on the immediate-control inputs. Methods are also described for receiving user input relating to the user's preference regarding automatically generating a schedule, and determining whether or not to automatically adopt an automatically generated schedule based on the received user input. | 04-25-2013 |
20130103204 | PROSPECTIVE DETERMINATION OF PROCESSOR WAKE-UP CONDITIONS IN ENERGY BUFFERED HVAC CONTROL UNIT - A thermostat includes at least a housing, a user interface, a memory, an environmental sensor, and a processing system. The processing system may be configured to operate in a wake state and a sleep state by determining wake-up conditions upon which the processor is to enter into the wake state from the sleep state that includes a threshold value associated with an environmental condition sensed by the environmental sensor, causing the wake-up conditions to be stored in the memory, operating in the sleep state during a time interval subsequent to causing the wake-up conditions to be stored in the memory, determining whether at least one of the wake-up conditions has been met, and operating in the wake state upon a determination that the at least one wake-up condition has been met. | 04-25-2013 |
20130173064 | USER-FRIENDLY, NETWORK CONNECTED LEARNING THERMOSTAT AND RELATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A user-friendly, network-connected learning thermostat is described. The thermostat is made up of (1) a wall-mountable backplate that includes a low-power consuming microcontroller used for activities such as polling sensors and switching on and off the HVAC functions, and (2) separable head unit that includes a higher-power consuming microprocessor, color LCD backlit display, user input devices, and wireless communications modules. The thermostat also includes a rechargeable battery and power-stealing circuitry adapted to harvest power from HVAC triggering circuits. By maintaining the microprocessor in a “sleep” state often compared to the lower-power microcontroller, high-power consuming activities, such as learning computations, wireless network communications and interfacing with a user, can be temporarily performed by the microprocessor even though the activities use energy at a greater rate than is available from the power stealing circuitry. | 07-04-2013 |
20130204440 | HVAC CONTROLLER WITH USER-FRIENDLY INSTALLATION FEATURES WITH WIRE INSERTION DETECTION - A thermostat includes a housing, a user interface, and a processing system configured to control an HVAC system using setpoint temperature values. The thermostat may also include a plurality of HVAC connectors configured to receive corresponding HVAC control wires, and a connection sensing module configured to determine the identities of HVAC connectors into which corresponding wires have been inserted. The processing system is further configured to select and display one or more user inquiries using the user interface based on which connectors have wires inserted, thereby enhancing and streamlining the user installation procedure. | 08-08-2013 |
20130204441 | GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE FOR SETPOINT CREATION AND MODIFICATION - A user-friendly programmable thermostat is described that includes a body having a central electronic display surrounded by a ring that can be rotated and pressed inwardly to provide user input in a simple and elegant fashion. The thermostat can be used to graphically display a two-dimensional setpoint plot area that includes a number of setpoint symbols each being positioned according to the time of day and temperature associated with the setpoint. The user can initiate the “birth” of a new setpoint, which includes presenting an animated sequence in which a new setpoint symbol is moved to a position on the plot area associated with the time of day and temperature for the new setpoint. | 08-08-2013 |
20130211783 | ATTRIBUTING CAUSATION FOR ENERGY USAGE AND SETPOINT CHANGES WITH A NETWORK-CONNECTED THERMOSTAT - Systems and methods are described for attributing a primary causative agent for HVAC system usage being above or below an average, the HVAC system being controlled by a self-programming network-connected thermostat. Systems and method are also described interactively and graphically displaying schedule information to a user of an HVAC system controlled by a network-connected thermostat. The displayed information can include indications of the manner in which one or more setpoints was created or last modified. Historical HVAC performance information can also be displayed that can include details of certain energy-effecting events such as setpoint changes, adaptive recovery, as well as automatic and manually set non-occupancy modes. | 08-15-2013 |
20130218351 | INSTALLATION OF THERMOSTAT POWERED BY RECHARGEABLE BATTERY - A thermostat is described that includes a rechargeable battery, a graphical user interface and a wireless network communication capabilities. During installation, in cases where the rechargeable battery is below a first threshold, the installation procedure is limited so as to avoid energy intensive installation steps which may not be supported by the low battery level. An example of an installation step that is avoided due to low battery level is set up of wireless communication. According to some embodiments, if the battery level is very low during initial installation, the installation process is halted while the battery is charged. An indication such as a flashing LED may be displayed so as to indicate to the user that the battery is being charged. | 08-22-2013 |
20130221117 | POWER MANAGEMENT IN SINGLE CIRCUIT HVAC SYSTEMS AND IN MULTIPLE CIRCUIT HVAC SYSTEMS - A thermostat includes a plurality of HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) wire connectors for receiving a plurality of HVAC control wires corresponding to an HVAC system. The thermostat also includes a thermostat processing and control circuit operative to at least partially control the operation of the HVAC system and a powering circuit coupled to the HVAC wire connectors and configured to provide an electrical load power to the thermostat processing and control circuit. The thermostat includes circuitry and methods for maximizing efficiency of energy harvested from the HVAC system connected to the thermostat, and depending on which system is connected to the thermostat, different power schemes can be implemented in order to obtain power from the HVAC system. | 08-29-2013 |
20130253710 | COMPUTATIONAL LOAD DISTRIBUTION IN A CLIMATE CONTROL SYSTEM HAVING PLURAL SENSING MICROSYSTEMS - Systems, methods, and related computer program products for controlling one or more HVAC systems using a distributed arrangement of wirelessly connected sensing microsystems are described. A plurality of wirelessly communicating sensing microsystems is provided, each sensing microsystem including a temperature sensor and a processor, at least one of the sensing microsystems being coupled to an HVAC unit for control thereof. The plurality of sensing microsystems is configured to jointly carry out at least one shared computational task associated with control of the HVAC unit. Each sensing microsystem includes a power management circuit configured to determine an amount of electrical power available for dedication to the at least one shared computational task. The at least one shared computational task is apportioned among respective ones of the plurality of sensing microsystems according to the amount of electrical power determined to be available for dedication thereto at each respective sensing microsystem. | 09-26-2013 |
20130311602 | System and Method for Simplified Data Transfer - Systems and methods of performing a simplified data transfer are provided. For example, a simplified data transfer system may include two or more devices configured to perform a simplified data transfer. The first device may be configured to save and transfer data associated with applications open on the first device. When the second device initiates communication, the first device may automatically send the open application data to the second device. | 11-21-2013 |
20130345883 | Systems and Methods for a Graphical User Interface of a Controller for an Energy-Consuming System Having Spatially Related Discrete Display Elements - Devices and methods are provided for generating and/or displaying a graphical user interface used to control an energy-consuming system, such as a heating, ventilation, or air conditioning (HVAC) system. Such an electronic device may include, for example, a processor that generates the graphical user interface and an electronic display that displays the graphical user interface. The graphical user interface may include a menu formed from discrete display elements that, owing to the way in which the discrete display elements are shifted into and out of view on the screen, appear to be spatially related to one another. | 12-26-2013 |
20140005837 | THERMOSTAT USER INTERFACE | 01-02-2014 |
20140005839 | PROSPECTIVE DETERMINATION OF PROCESSOR WAKE-UP CONDITIONS IN ENERGY BUFFERED HVAC CONTROL UNIT | 01-02-2014 |
20140058806 | METHODS FOR ENCOURAGING ENERGY-EFFICIENT BEHAVIORS BASED ON A NETWORK CONNECTED THERMOSTAT-CENTRIC ENERGY EFFICIENCY PLATFORM - A home energy efficiency platform is described having as its fundamental component a network-connected, multi-sensing learning thermostat that leverages a visually pleasing interactive display associated therewith to encourage energy-saving behavior by a competitive gamesmanship modality, either in terms of self-competition in which a users energy-saving performance is measured against themselves over time, or in terms of community competition in which a users energy-saving behavior is measured against a relevant community. | 02-27-2014 |
20140200719 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR UPDATING CLIMATE CONTROL ALGORITHMS - A combined business and technical method is described in which a paid subscription service is offered to provide “premium” HVAC algorithms for a network-connected, multi-sensing learning thermostat. The users who have chosen to pay for the premium subscription service are provided with at least one additional feature, capability, and/or option that is not provided to unpaid “basic” subscribers of a cloud-based thermostat servicing system that is provided for all thermostat owners. According to some embodiments, an on-line interview process is administered to gather additional information for improving the settings of the thermostat. According to some embodiments, an active test is performed to determine thermal characteristics of the structure. According some embodiments, the user guaranteed to at least recoup the cost of the premium service through energy cost savings. | 07-17-2014 |
20140222217 | THERMODYNAMIC MODELING FOR ENCLOSURES - Modeling the behavior of an enclosure for use by a control system of an HVAC system is described. A model for the enclosure that describes the enclosure's behavior for use by the control system is updated based on weather forecast data. The weather forecast data can include predictions more than 24 hours in the future, and can include predictions on temperature, humidity and/or dew point, solar output, precipitation. The model for the enclosure can also be updated based on additional information and data. The model for the enclosure can be updated based also on an enclosure model stored in a database, and/or enclosure information from a user. The model can be updated based on active testing of the enclosure which can be performed automatically or in response to user input. The testing can include heating and/or cooling the enclosure at times when the enclosure is not likely occupied. | 08-07-2014 |
20140222220 | THERMOSTAT USER INTERFACE - A thermostat for controlling an HVAC system is described, the thermostat having a user interface that is visually pleasing, approachable, and easy to use while also providing ready access to, and intuitive navigation within, a menuing system capable of receiving a variety of different types of user settings and/or control parameters. For some embodiments, the thermostat comprises a housing, a ring-shaped user-interface component configured to track a rotational input motion of a user, a processing system configured to identify a setpoint temperature value based on the tracked rotational input motion, and an electronic display coupled to the processing system. An interactive thermostat menuing system is accessible to the user by an inward pressing of the ring-shaped user interface component. User navigation within the interactive thermostat menuing system is achievable by virtue of respective rotational input motions and inward pressings of the ring-shaped user interface component. | 08-07-2014 |
20140231530 | ACTIVE POWER STEALING - A thermostat and related methods are described for controlling one or more functions, such as heating and cooling in an HVAC. According to some embodiments the thermostat includes a switching circuit for controlling an HVAC function, where closing the switching circuit activates the HVAC function. The thermostat may also include power harvesting circuitry adapted and arranged to harvest power from the HVAC system, where during times when the HVAC function is active the switching circuit opens for a time interval. The power harvesting circuitry may harvest power from the HVAC system during the time interval, and the time interval may be short enough that the HVAC function remains activated without interruption during the time interval. | 08-21-2014 |
20140277769 | SYSTEMS, APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR MANAGING DEMAND-RESPONSE PROGRAMS AND EVENTS - Apparatus, systems, methods, and related computer program products for managing demand-response programs and events. The systems disclosed include an energy management system in operation with an intelligent, network-connected thermostat located at a structure. The thermostat acquires various information about the residence, such as a thermal retention characteristic of the residence, a capacity of an HVAC associated with the residence to cool or heat the residence, a likelihood of the residence being occupied, a forecasted weather, a real-time weather, and a real-time occupancy. Such information is used to manage the energy consumption of the structure during a demand-response event. | 09-18-2014 |
20140277795 | UTILITY PORTALS FOR MANAGING DEMAND-RESPONSE EVENTS - Various utility portals that enable utility companies to manage demand-response events are disclosed. The disclosed utility portals include several different options for enabling utility companies to communicate information to and received information from an energy management system. The energy management system can host the portal and can carry out a demand response event via intelligent, network-connected devices based on information provided by the utility company. | 09-18-2014 |
20140316581 | Systems and Methods for Energy-Efficient Control of an Energy-Consuming System - Systems and methods are provided for efficiently controlling energy-consuming systems, such as heating, ventilation, or air conditioning (HVAC) systems. For example, an electronic device used to control an HVAC system may encourage a user to select energy-efficient temperature setpoints. Based on the selected temperature setpoints, the electronic device may generate or modify a schedule of temperature setpoints to control the HVAC system. | 10-23-2014 |
20140346239 | THERMOSTAT FACILITATING USER-FRIENDLY INSTALLATION THEREOF - A thermostat for controlling an HVAC system and related systems, methods, and computer program products for facilitating user-friendly installation of the thermostat are described. For one embodiment, automated installation verification is performed by the thermostat by automatically sensing which wires have been inserted, selecting a candidate HVAC operating function (e.g., heating or cooling) that is consistent with a subset of HVAC signal types indicated by the inserted wires, applying control signals to the HVAC system to invoke that HVAC operating function, and processing a time sequence of acquired temperature readings to determine whether that HVAC operating function was successfully carried out. For one embodiment, the initial automated testing of the heating and cooling functions are only carried out at times for which such heating or cooling function would normally be invoked during normal operation of the thermostat. Automated determination of a heat pump call convention is also described. | 11-27-2014 |
20140358295 | POWER MANAGEMENT IN ENERGY BUFFERED BUILDING CONTROL UNIT - A thermostat includes a plurality of HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) wire connectors for receiving a plurality of HVAC control wires corresponding to an HVAC system. The thermostat also includes a thermostat processing and control circuit configured to at least partially control the operation of the HVAC system and a powering circuit coupled to the HVAC wire connectors and configured to provide an electrical load power to the thermostat processing and control circuit. The powering circuit has a power extraction circuit configured to extract electrical power from one or more of the plurality of received HVAC control wires up to a first level of electrical power, a rechargeable battery, and a power control circuit. The power control circuit is configured to provide the electrical load power using power from the power extraction circuit and the rechargeable battery. | 12-04-2014 |
20150022339 | METHODS FOR USING STATE MACHINES - Systems and methods for using multi-criteria state machines to manage alarming states and pre-alarming states of a hazard detection system are described herein. The multi-criteria state machines can include one or more sensor state machines that can control the alarming states and one or more system state machines that can control the pre-alarming states. Each state machine can transition among any one of its states based on sensor data values, hush events, and transition conditions. The transition conditions can define how a state machine transitions from one state to another. The hazard detection system can use a dual processor arrangement to execute the multi-criteria state machines according to various embodiments. The dual processor arrangement can enable the hazard detection system to manage the alarming and pre-alarming states in a manner that promotes minimal power usage while simultaneously promoting reliability in hazard detection and alarming functionality. | 01-22-2015 |
20150022341 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR HANDLING TRIGGER EVENTS - Systems and methods for using multi-criteria state machines to manage alarming states and pre-alarming states of a hazard detection system are described herein. The multi-criteria state machines can include one or more sensor state machines that can control the alarming states and one or more system state machines that can control the pre-alarming states. Each state machine can transition among any one of its states based on sensor data values, hush events, and transition conditions. The transition conditions can define how a state machine transitions from one state to another. The hazard detection system can use a dual processor arrangement to execute the multi-criteria state machines according to various embodiments. The dual processor arrangement can enable the hazard detection system to manage the alarming and pre-alarming states in a manner that promotes minimal power usage while simultaneously promoting reliability in hazard detection and alarming functionality. | 01-22-2015 |
20150022345 | MULTIPLE PROCESOR HAZARD DETECTION SYSTEM - Systems and methods for using multi-criteria state machines to manage alarming states and pre-alarming states of a hazard detection system are described herein. The multi-criteria state machines can include one or more sensor state machines that can control the alarming states and one or more system state machines that can control the pre-alarming states. Each state machine can transition among any one of its states based on sensor data values, hush events, and transition conditions. The transition conditions can define how a state machine transitions from one state to another. The hazard detection system can use a dual processor arrangement to execute the multi-criteria state machines according to various embodiments. The dual processor arrangement can enable the hazard detection system to manage the alarming and pre-alarming states in a manner that promotes minimal power usage while simultaneously promoting reliability in hazard detection and alarming functionality. | 01-22-2015 |
20150022346 | COMPONENT INTERFACING IN HAZARD SAFETY SYSTEMS - Systems and methods for interfacing a hazard detection device with a control panel system via a dongle are provided. The dongle may be configured to alternate between drawing first and second amounts of power from the control panel system in response to the hazard detection device alternating between operating in a normal mode when no hazard is detected and an alarm mode when a hazard is detected. The hazard detection device may operate independently of any characteristics of the control panel system. For example, the hazard detection device may operate without drawing any power from the control panel system. Therefore, the dongle may allow for various types of hazard detection devices to interface with a common two-line power control system. | 01-22-2015 |
20150022367 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MULTI-CRITERIA ALARMING - Systems and methods for using multi-criteria state machines to manage alarming states and pre-alarming states of a hazard detection system are described herein. The multi-criteria state machines can include one or more sensor state machines that can control the alarming states and one or more system state machines that can control the pre-alarming states. Each state machine can transition among any one of its states based on sensor data values, hush events, and transition conditions. The transition conditions can define how a state machine transitions from one state to another. The hazard detection system can use a dual processor arrangement to execute the multi-criteria state machines according to various embodiments. The dual processor arrangement can enable the hazard detection system to manage the alarming and pre-alarming states in a manner that promotes minimal power usage while simultaneously promoting reliability in hazard detection and alarming functionality. | 01-22-2015 |
20150025691 | DYNAMIC DEVICE-ASSOCIATED FEEDBACK INDICATIVE OF RESPONSIBLE DEVICE USAGE - Methods and devices for controlling a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system by a thermostat are provided. Input can be received from a user via a thermostat, the input being indicative of an adjustment of an HVAC-related setting. On a real-time basis, the HVAC-related setting that is being adjusted can be compared against a feedback criterion designed to indicate a circumstance under which feedback is to be presented to the user. The circumstance can be indicative of an achievement of a HVAC-related setting of a predetermined responsibility level with respect to an energy usage of the HVAC system. Upon a real-time determination that the feedback criterion is satisfied, visual feedback can be caused to be presented to the user in real-time. The real-time feedback can include a visual icon having a visual appeal corresponding to a desirability of the satisfaction of the feedback criterion. | 01-22-2015 |
20150034729 | THERMOSTAT WITH SELF-CONFIGURING CONNECTIONS TO FACILITATE DO-IT-YOURSELF INSTALLATION - A thermostat compatible with single-HVAC- and dual-HVAC-transformer systems may include a first power return wire connector, a second power return wire connector, and a user-moveable mechanical element that physically blocks wire insertion into the first wire connector when in a first position and physically allows wire insertion into the first wire connector when in a second position. The thermostat may also include a switching circuit that may be in a first configuration when the mechanical element is in the first position, and in a second configuration when the mechanical element is in the second position. The first wire connector may be electrically coupled to the second wire connector in the first configuration, and first wire connector may be electrically isolated from the second wire connector in the second configuration to promote foolproofing against undesired isolation of the first and second wire connectors. | 02-05-2015 |
20150048907 | CONTACTLESS COMMUNICATION UNIT CONNECTOR ASSEMBLIES - Contactless extremely high frequency connector assemblies, passive cable connector assemblies, and active cable connector assemblies are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a contactless connector assembly can include several (EHF) contactless communication units operable to selectively transmit and receive EHF signals, and several signal directing structures coupled to the EHF CCUs. The signal directing structures can direct the EHF signals along a plurality of EHF signal pathways. | 02-19-2015 |
20150066220 | THERMOSTAT USER INTERFACE - A user-friendly programmable thermostat is described that includes a body having a central electronic display surrounded by a ring that can be rotated and pressed inwardly to provide user input in a simple and elegant fashion. The current temperature and setpoint temperature are graphically displayed as prominent tick marks over a range of background tick marks on the electronic display. Different colors can be displayed to indicate currently active HVAC functions, and different intensities of colors can be displayed to indicate an amount of heating or cooling required to reach a target temperature. The setpoint temperature for the device can be altered by user rotation of the rotatable ring, and the programmed schedule can be displayed to the user and altered by the user by virtue of rotations and inward pressings of the ring. Initial device set up and installation, the viewing of device operation, the editing of various settings, and the viewing of historical energy usage information are made simple and elegant by virtue of the described form factor, display modalities, and user input modalities of the device. | 03-05-2015 |
20150081109 | COMPUTATIONAL LOAD DISTRIBUTION IN AN ENVIRONMENT HAVING MULTIPLE SENSING MICROSYSTEMS - Systems, methods, and related computer program products for using a distributed arrangement of wirelessly connected sensing microsystems are described. A plurality of wirelessly communicating sensing microsystems is provided, each sensing microsystem including a temperature sensor and a processor. The plurality of sensing microsystems is configured to jointly carry out at least one shared computational task. Each sensing microsystem may include a power management circuit configured to determine an amount of electrical power available for dedication to the at least one shared computational task or a heating effect generated in performing the shared computational task. The at least one shared computational task is apportioned among respective ones of the plurality of sensing microsystems according to the amount of electrical power determined to be available for dedication thereto at each respective sensing microsystem or the determined heating effect. | 03-19-2015 |
20150097663 | SMART-HOME MULTI-FUNCTIONAL HAZARD DETECTOR PROVIDING LOCATION-SPECIFIC FEATURE CONFIGURATION - A particular smart hazard detector may itself function as a guide during a process of installation of the same at an installation location. Additionally, the installation location of the particular smart hazard detector may play a central role in how various settings of the smart hazard detector are defined and adjusted over time. | 04-09-2015 |
20150097681 | VISUAL AND AUDITORY USER NOTIFICATION METHODS FOR SMART-HOME HAZARD DETECTOR - Hazard detector for providing a pre-alarm of a developing hazardous condition includes a detection module that detects a hazard level of smoke or carbon monoxide, a storage module that stores a pre-alarm threshold and an emergency threshold, a light source that generates light in a first color, a second color, and a third color, a speaker that generates an audible sound, a horn that generates an audible alarm that a higher volume than the speaker, and a processing module. The processing module receives the detected hazard level and compares it with the pre-alarm threshold and the emergency threshold. The processing module determines that the hazard level is greater than the pre-alarm threshold and less than the emergency threshold and generates an audible pre-alarm speech via the speaker that warns of the developing hazardous condition. The processing module also activates the light source in the second color. | 04-09-2015 |
20150097684 | SMART-HOME HAZARD DETECTOR PROVIDING LOCATION-SPECIFIC PRE-ALARM CONFIGURATION - A particular smart hazard detector may itself function as a guide during a process of installation of the same at an installation location. Additionally, the installation location of the particular smart hazard detector may play a central role in how various settings of the smart hazard detector are defined and adjusted over time. | 04-09-2015 |
20150097687 | SMART-HOME HAZARD DETECTOR WITH ADAPTIVE HEADS UP PRE-ALARM CRITERIA - A particular smart hazard detector may itself function as a guide during a process of installation of the same at an installation location. Additionally, the installation location of the particular smart hazard detector may play a central role in how various settings of the smart hazard detector are defined and adjusted over time. | 04-09-2015 |
20150097958 | SMART-HOME SECURITY SYSTEM WITH KEYPAD DEVICE RESISTANT TO ANOMALOUS TREATMENT - Security keypad device for detecting tampering includes a keypad, a high power wireless module for communicating data via a local area network, a low power wireless module communicating data via a personal area network, and a cellular module for communicating data via a wide area network. The device further includes an active infrared position sensor comprising of a light source for emitting infrared light and an infrared sensor for detecting reflected infrared light. The active infrared position sensor is configured to sense the position of the device based on detecting the reflected infrared light. The device further includes an accelerometer configured to measure acceleration forces and a processor. The processor is configured to determine that the position of the device changed based on positional data from the active infrared position sensor or acceleration data from the accelerometer. | 04-09-2015 |
20150115046 | THERMOSTAT WITH SELF-CONFIGURING CONNECTIONS TO FACILITATE DO-IT-YOURSELF INSTALLATION - A thermostat is configured for automated compatibility with HVAC systems that are either single-HVAC-transformer systems or dual-HVAC-transformer systems. The compatibility is automated in that a manual jumper installation is not required for adaptation to either single-HVAC-transformer systems or dual-HVAC-transformer systems. The thermostat has a plurality of HVAC wire connectors including a first call relay wire connector, a first power return wire connector, a second call relay wire connector, and a second power return wire connector. The thermostat is configured such that if the first and second external wires have been inserted into the first and second power return wire connectors, respectively, then the first and second power return wire connectors are electrically isolated from each other. Otherwise, the first and second power return wire connectors are electrically connected. | 04-30-2015 |
20150142180 | CONTROL UNIT WITH AUTOMATIC SETBACK CAPABILITY - Methods for controlling temperature in a conditioned enclosure such as a dwelling are described that include an “auto-away” and/or “auto-arrival” feature for detecting unexpected absences which provide opportunities for significant energy savings through automatic adjustment of the setpoint temperature. According to some preferred embodiments, when no occupancy has been detected for a minimum time interval, an “auto-away” feature triggers a changes of the state of the enclosure, and the actual operating setpoint temperature is changed to a predetermined energy-saving away-state temperature, regardless of the setpoint temperature indicated by the normal thermostat schedule. The purpose of the “auto away” feature is to avoid unnecessary heating or cooling when there are no occupants present to actually experience or enjoy the comfort settings of the schedule, thereby saving energy. | 05-21-2015 |
20150153060 | PROSPECTIVE DETERMINATION OF PROCESSOR WAKE-UP CONDITIONS IN ENERGY BUFFERED HVAC CONTROL UNIT HAVING A PRECONDITIONING FEATURE - A thermostat may include a memory and a processing system. The processing system may operate by determining a set of wake-up conditions for the processor to enter into a second operating state from a first operating state, the set of wake-up conditions including at least one threshold value associated with at least one environmental and/or time-of-day condition; causing the set of wake-up conditions to be stored in a memory; operating in a first mode in which the processor is in the first operating state during a time interval subsequent to causing the set of wake-up conditions to be stored in the memory; determining, while the processor is in the first operating state, whether at least one of the set of wake-up conditions has been met; and then operating in a second mode in which the processor is in the second operating state. | 06-04-2015 |
20150154848 | Smart Hazard Detector Providing Follow Up Communications to Detection Events - Ambient amount of a hazardous condition may be monitored. A mode may be set to a state indicative of the hazardous condition being present in the ambient environment. It may then be determined that the amount of the hazard in the ambient environment has dropped below an alarm criterion. A time period may then be tracked during which the amount of the hazardous condition present in the ambient environment of the hazard detector has remained below the alarm criterion. It may be determined that the time period has reached at least a threshold duration, during such time period the amount of the hazardous condition present in the ambient environment of the hazard detector having remained below the alarm criterion. An indication of the hazardous condition easing may be output in response to the time period being at least the threshold duration. | 06-04-2015 |
20150194038 | COVER PLATE FOR A HAZARD DETECTOR HAVING IMPROVED AIR FLOW AND OTHER CHARACTERISTICS - According to one embodiment, a hazard detector may include a housing having a back plate and a front casing coupled therewith to define an interior space within which various components are contained. The components may include an alarm device and a hazard sensor that is configured to detect a potentially hazardous condition to trigger the alarm device. A cover plate may be coupled with the housing and may face an occupant of a room in which the hazard detector is positioned. The cover plate may include a relatively large population of relatively small openings that are positioned, configured, and dimensioned so that internal components are substantially hidden from view of the occupant while air is allowed to substantially freely flow through the cover plate. A collective area of the openings may be at least 30% of the total area of the cover plate. | 07-09-2015 |
20150233595 | THERMOSTAT USER INTERFACE - A thermostat for controlling an HVAC system is described, the thermostat having a user interface that is visually pleasing, approachable, and easy to use while also providing ready access to, and intuitive navigation within, a menuing system capable of receiving a variety of different types of user settings and/or control parameters. For some embodiments, the thermostat comprises a housing, a ring-shaped user-interface component configured to track a rotational input motion of a user, a processing system configured to identify a setpoint temperature value based on the tracked rotational input motion, and an electronic display coupled to the processing system. An interactive thermostat menuing system is accessible to the user by an inward pressing of the ring-shaped user interface component. User navigation within the interactive thermostat menuing system is achievable by virtue of respective rotational input motions and inward pressings of the ring-shaped user interface component. | 08-20-2015 |
20150260424 | HVAC FILTER MONITORING - A method is described for identifying faults relating to an HVAC system, such a clogged filter. Sensor data is used to estimate HVAC system efficiency. Trends in system efficiency are then used to identify faults such as clogged filters. The sensor(s) can include one or more of the following types: optical sensor, temperature sensor, pressure sensor, acoustic transducer, humidity sensor, resistive sensor, capacitive sensor, and infrared sensor. The efficiency estimation can also be based on conditions external to the building, such as data from exterior sensors and/or data gathered from third parties such as government or private weather stations. The efficiency estimation can also be based on performance metrics such as the time used to reach a set point temperature. The fault identification includes filtering out non-fault related events. | 09-17-2015 |
20150260581 | SELECTABLE LENS BUTTON FOR A SMART HOME DEVICE AND METHOD THEREFOR - According to one embodiment, a smart home device includes a front casing that is coupleable with a back plate to define a housing having an interior region within which one or more components of the smart home device are contained. The smart home device also includes an occupancy sensor that is disposed within the interior region of the smart home device and a button cap component that is positioned axially in front of the occupancy sensor. The button cap component is pressable by a user to actuate a switch that is disposed axially behind the button cap component. The smart home device further includes a lighting component that is positioned axially behind the button cap component. The lighting component is configured to disperse light circumferentially around the button cap component so as to provide a visual halo effect around the button cap component. | 09-17-2015 |
20150286226 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR UPDATING CLIMATE CONTROL ALGORITHMS - A combined business and technical method is described in which a paid subscription service is offered to provide “premium” HVAC algorithms for a network-connected, multi-sensing learning thermostat. The users who have chosen to pay for the premium subscription service are provided with at least one additional feature, capability, and/or option that is not provided to unpaid “basic” subscribers of a cloud-based thermostat servicing system that is provided for all thermostat owners. According to some embodiments, an on-line interview process is administered to gather additional information for improving the settings of the thermostat. According to some embodiments, an active test is performed to determine thermal characteristics of the structure. According some embodiments, the user guaranteed to at least recoup the cost of the premium service through energy cost savings. | 10-08-2015 |
20150293541 | HVAC CONTROLLER WITH USER-FRIENDLY INSTALLATION FEATURES WITH WIRE INSERTION DETECTION - Arrangements for configuring a thermostat for controlling a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system are presented. A thermostat may receive information indicative of the HVAC system comprising an air conditioner and information indicative of the HVAC system comprising a multi-stage heat pump. The thermostat may modify configuration information of the thermostat based on the information indicative of the air conditioner and the information indicative of the multi-stage heat pump. The thermostat may then control the HVAC system in accordance with the modified configuration information. | 10-15-2015 |
20150300672 | TEMPERATURE CONTROLLER WITH MODEL-BASED TIME TO TARGET CALCULATION AND DISPLAY - A thermostat is described for controlling air temperature in a building. The time associated with causing the controlled air temperature to reach a target temperature is estimated and displayed to a user. Input from a user indicating the target temperature can be received and the estimating and displaying can be carried out in real time. The thermostat can be wall-mounted or the user input can be received and estimated time can be displayed using a remote device, for example that communicates wirelessly with other components of the HVAC system. | 10-22-2015 |
20150308705 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR A GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE OF A CONTROLLER FOR AN ENERGY-CONSUMING SYSTEM HAVING SPATIALLY RELATED DISCRETE DISPLAY ELEMENTS - Devices and methods are provided for generating and/or displaying a graphical user interface used to control an energy-consuming system, such as a heating, ventilation, or air conditioning (HVAC) system. Such an electronic device may include, for example, a processor that generates the graphical user interface and an electronic display that displays the graphical user interface. The graphical user interface may include a menu formed from discrete display elements that, owing to the way in which the discrete display elements are shifted into and out of view on the screen, appear to be spatially related to one another. | 10-29-2015 |
20160047569 | USER-FRIENDLY, NETWORK CONNECTED LEARNING THERMOSTAT AND RELATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A thermostat for controlling an HVAC system in an enclosure may include a passive infrared sensor, an active infrared sensor, and an electronic display having a first mode and a second mode. The thermostat may also include one or more processors programmed to change a setpoint temperature of the thermostat to an energy-saving temperature upon detection of a non-occupancy condition for the enclosure. The processor(s) may detect the non-occupancy condition based at least in part on readings received from the passive infrared sensor. The processor(s) may also be programmed to change the electronic display from the first mode to the second mode upon detection of a person approaching the thermostat. The processor(s) may detect a person approaching the thermostat based at least in part on readings received from the active infrared sensor. | 02-18-2016 |
20160054022 | USER FRIENDLY INTERFACE FOR CONTROL UNIT - A user-friendly programmable thermostat is described that includes a circular body having a large central display surrounded by a ring that can be rotated an pressed inward by a user so as to receive user input in a simple elegant fashion. Different colors can be displayed to the user to indicate currently active HVAC functions, and different shades of colors can be displayed to a user to indicate an estimated amount of time and/or energy for reaching a target temperature. The thermostat is wall mountable and is made up of a head unit removeably mounted to a backplate. A locking mechanism can be provided so as to increase security against unauthorized removal of the head unit. The backplate can be adapted to be mounted on a wall so as to be level, for example by including a bubble level on the backplate. One or more vents are preferably located on the sides of the body, such as in a gap beneath the translatably mounted ring, and/or in a gap between the head unit and the backplate. The target temperature for the device can be altered in response to sensing rotation of the rotating ring, and the programmed schedule can be displayed to and altered by the user in response to sensing rotation of the ring and the translational movement of the ring. Historical information such as temperature and cost information can be displayed to a user in response to sensing rotating of the rotating ring. One or more device settings can be displayed to and edited by a user in response to sensing rotating of the rotating member and the translational movement. According to some embodiments, text characters can be entered by the user. | 02-25-2016 |
20160054026 | INSTALLATION OF THERMOSTAT POWERED BY RECHARGEABLE BATTERY - A thermostat is described that includes a rechargeable battery, a graphical user interface and a wireless network communication capabilities. During installation, in cases where the rechargeable battery is below a first threshold, the installation procedure is limited so as to avoid energy intensive installation steps which may not be supported by the low battery level. An example of an installation step that is avoided due to low battery level is set up of wireless communication. According to some embodiments, if the battery level is very low during initial installation, the installation process is halted while the battery is charged. An indication such as a flashing LED may be displayed so as to indicate to the user that the battery is being charged. | 02-25-2016 |
20160100233 | OCCUPANCY PATTERN DETECTION, ESTIMATION AND PREDICTION - A system for detecting occupancy of an enclosure may include a sensing system adapted to monitor utility information for the enclosure which tends to indicate a likelihood of occupancy of the enclosure. The utility information may include power line information, Smart Meter information, Wi-Fi information, etc. The system may also include a processing system programmed to estimate occupancy of the enclosure based at least in part on the monitored utility information by the sensing system. | 04-07-2016 |
20160104366 | Smart Hazard Detector Providing Follow Up Communications to Detection Events - Ambient amount of a hazardous condition may be monitored. A mode may be set to a state indicative of the hazardous condition being present in the ambient environment. It may then be determined that the amount of the hazard in the ambient environment has dropped below an alarm criterion. A time period may then be tracked during which the amount of the hazardous condition present in the ambient environment of the hazard detector has remained below the alarm criterion. It may be determined that the time period has reached at least a threshold duration, during such time period the amount of the hazardous condition present in the ambient environment of the hazard detector having remained below the alarm criterion. An indication of the hazardous condition easing may be output in response to the time period being at least the threshold duration. | 04-14-2016 |