U.S. patent application number 14/015896 was filed with the patent office on 2013-12-26 for thermostat with utility messaging.
This patent application is currently assigned to HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is Honeywell International Inc.. Invention is credited to Harsha N. Chandrashekar, Gary J. Hobart, Thomas G. Peterson, Lokesh T. Siddaramanna.
Application Number | 20130340993 14/015896 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40159183 |
Filed Date | 2013-12-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130340993 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Siddaramanna; Lokesh T. ; et
al. |
December 26, 2013 |
THERMOSTAT WITH UTILITY MESSAGING
Abstract
The present disclosure pertains generally to thermostats that
are adapted to assist utilities in communicating with its
customers. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a
thermostat having a display, a controller and a receiver that is
coupled to the controller. The receiver is adapted to receive
messages from a utility, and the controller is adapted to display
one or more related display messages on the display.
Inventors: |
Siddaramanna; Lokesh T.;
(Bangalore, IN) ; Chandrashekar; Harsha N.;
(Bangalore, IN) ; Hobart; Gary J.; (Glendale,
AZ) ; Peterson; Thomas G.; (Excelsior, MN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Honeywell International Inc. |
Morristown |
NJ |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL
INC.
Morristown
NJ
|
Family ID: |
40159183 |
Appl. No.: |
14/015896 |
Filed: |
August 30, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
13097388 |
Apr 29, 2011 |
8523084 |
|
|
14015896 |
|
|
|
|
11770615 |
Jun 28, 2007 |
7954726 |
|
|
13097388 |
|
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
165/200 ;
165/11.2; 236/94 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24F 2110/00 20180101;
F24F 11/89 20180101; G05D 23/1905 20130101; F24D 19/1084 20130101;
F24F 11/30 20180101; B60H 1/00985 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
165/200 ;
165/11.2; 236/94 |
International
Class: |
F24F 11/00 20060101
F24F011/00; F24D 19/10 20060101 F24D019/10; F24F 11/02 20060101
F24F011/02 |
Claims
1. A method for operating a thermostat that controls at least in
part an HVAC system of a building or other structure, the method
comprising: controlling the HVAC system to achieve a desired set
point; receiving information either directly or indirectly from a
utility, another service provider, or a meter, wherein the
information is related to energy consumption of the HVAC system;
and displaying on a display of the thermostat a display indicator
that is based on the received information, wherein the display
indicator simultaneously displays a cost of utility usage during a
first time period and a cost of utility usage during a second time
period, wherein the second time period is after the first time
period.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the first time period corresponds
to a first month and the second time period corresponds to a second
month that is after the first month.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein the first month immediately
precedes the second month.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the first time period corresponds
to a first day and the second time period corresponds to a second
day that is after the first day.
5. The method of claim 4, wherein the first day immediately
precedes the second day.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein the thermostat comprises a user
interface that includes the display, the method further comprising:
receiving an input from a user via the user interface to enter a
utility usage mode; and in response to entering the utility usage
mode, displaying the display indicator on the display.
7. The method of claim 6, wherein the display is a touch screen
display, and wherein the input is received from the user via the
touch screen display.
8. The method of claim 1, further comprises displaying on the
display of the thermostat a request to mitigate demand on the
utility.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein the request to mitigate demand on
the utility is in response to receiving a curtailment message
either directly or indirectly from a utility, another service
provider, or a meter.
10. A method for operating a thermostat that controls at least in
part an HVAC system of a building or other structure, wherein the
building or other structure receives energy from a utility, the
method comprising: controlling the HVAC system to achieve a desired
set point; receiving a message either directly or indirectly from a
utility, another service provider, or a meter, wherein the message
includes a suggestion as to how to take action to mitigate a
current demand on the utility; and displaying on a display of the
thermostat a display indicator that is related to the received
message.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein the display indicator suggests
that the user change a temperature set point of the thermostat to
save energy.
12. The method of claim 10, wherein the display indicator suggests
that the user refrain from running an energy intensive appliance
until later.
13. The method of claim 10, wherein the display indicator includes
a textual message displayed on the display.
14. The method of claim 10, wherein the utility includes an
electric utility.
15. The method of claim 10, wherein the utility includes a water
utility, and wherein the message includes a suggestion that the
user not water their lawn in order to mitigate the demand on the
water utility.
16. An HVAC controller for controlling at least in part an HVAC
system of a building or other structure, the HVAC controller
comprising: an output for providing one or more control signals to
control the HVAC system; an input for receiving information related
to energy consumption of the HVAC system; a display; and a
controller in communication with the input, the output and the
display, the controller configured to display an indicator on the
display that is based on the information received via the input of
the HVAC controller, wherein the display indicator simultaneously
displays a cost of utility usage during a first time period and a
cost of utility usage during a second time period, wherein the
second time period is after the first time period.
17. The HVAC controller of claim 16, wherein the first time period
corresponds to a first month and the second time period corresponds
to a second month that is after the first month.
18. The HVAC controller of claim 16, wherein the first time period
corresponds to a first day and the second time period corresponds
to a second day that is after the first day.
19. The HVAC controller of claim 16, further comprising: a user
interface that includes the display; the controller is in
communication with the user interface and is configured to receive
input from a user via the user interface to enter a utility usage
mode; and in response to receiving the input to enter the utility
usage mode, the controller is configured to enter the utility usage
mode and display the display indicator on the display.
20. The HVAC controller of claim 16, wherein the controller is
configured to display on the display a request to mitigate demand
on the utility.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/097,388, filed Apr. 29, 2011, which is a
continuation of Ser. No. 11/770,615, filed Jun. 28, 2007, now U.S.
Pat. No. 7,954,726, both of which are incorporated herein by
reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The disclosure pertains generally to controllers and more
particularly to HVAC controllers such as thermostats that include a
display panel.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Controllers are used on a wide variety of devices and
systems for controlling various functions in homes and/or buildings
and their related grounds. Some controllers have schedule
programming that modifies device parameters such as set points as a
function of date and/or time. Some such device or system
controllers that utilize schedule programming for controlling
various functions in homes and/or buildings and their related
grounds include, for example, HVAC controllers, water heater
controllers, water softener controllers, security system
controllers, lawn sprinkler controllers, and lighting system
controllers.
[0004] HVAC controllers, for example, are employed to monitor and,
if necessary, control various environmental conditions within a
home, office, or other enclosed space. Such devices are useful, for
example, in regulating any number of environmental conditions with
a particular space including for example, temperature, humidity,
venting, air quality, etc. The controller may include a
microprocessor that interacts with other components in the system.
For example, in many modern thermostats for use in the home, a
controller unit equipped with temperature and/or humidity sensing
capabilities may be provided to interact with a heater, blower,
flue vent, air compressor, humidifier and/or other components, to
control the temperature and humidity levels at various locations
within the home. A sensor located within the controller unit and/or
one or more remote sensors may be employed to sense when the
temperature or humidity reaches a certain threshold level, causing
the controller unit to send a signal to activate or deactivate one
or more component in the system.
[0005] The controller may be equipped with a user interface that
allows the user to monitor and adjust the environmental conditions
at one or more locations within the building. With more modern
designs, the interface typically includes a liquid crystal display
(LCD) panel inset within a housing that contains the microprocessor
as well as other components of the controller. In some designs, the
user interface may permit the user to program the controller to
activate on a certain schedule determined by the user. For example,
the interface may include a separate menu routine that permits the
user to change the temperature at one or more times during a
particular day. Once the settings for that day have been
programmed, the user can then repeat the process to change the
settings for the other remaining days. Such a schedule may help
reduce energy consumption of the HVAC system by changing the set
point to an energy saving set back temperature during certain
times.
[0006] Most structures are serviced by one or more utilities, such
as an electric utility, a gas utility, a water utility and others.
The expense of using these utility services continues to rise,
particularly during peak demand periods. In order to better serve
its customers, and in some cases to help reduce demand during peak
or other periods, it would be advantageous for a utility to be able
to directly and more efficiently communicate with its
customers.
SUMMARY
[0007] The present disclosure pertains generally to thermostats
that are adapted to assist utilities in communicating with its
customers. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a
thermostat having a display, a controller and a receiver that is
coupled to the controller. The receiver is adapted to receive
messages from a utility, and the controller is adapted to display
related display messages on the display.
[0008] The above summary is not intended to describe each disclosed
embodiment or every implementation of the present invention. The
Figures and Detailed Description that follow more particularly
exemplify these embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0009] The invention may be more completely understood in
consideration of the following detailed description of various
embodiments of the invention in connection with the accompanying
drawings, in which:
[0010] FIG. 1 shows an illustrative but non-limiting HVAC control
system.
[0011] FIG. 2 shows an illustrative but non-limiting example of a
thermostat of FIG. 1;
[0012] FIG. 3 shows an illustrative thermostat operating in
accordance with its programming;
[0013] FIG. 4 shows the illustrative thermostat of FIG. 3 after the
current energy demand and/or current energy cost has reached a
critical level;
[0014] FIG. 5 shows the illustrative thermostat of FIG. 3
displaying a first stored or received message;
[0015] FIGS. 6-7 shows the illustrative thermostat of FIG. 5
displaying a second stored or received message;
[0016] FIG. 8 shows the illustrative thermostat of FIG. 3
displaying a "Please Conserve" message received from a utility;
[0017] FIG. 9 shows the illustrative thermostat of FIG. 3
displaying a "Storm Warning" message received from a utility or
other source;
[0018] FIG. 10 show the illustrative thermostat of FIG. 3
displaying information related to electrical consumption including
historical electrical consumption information;
[0019] FIG. 11 show the illustrative thermostat of FIG. 3
displaying information related to electrical costs including
historical electrical cost information;
[0020] FIG. 12 show the illustrative thermostat of FIG. 3
displaying information related to water usage including historical
water usage information;
[0021] FIG. 13 show the illustrative thermostat of FIG. 3
displaying information related to water usage costs including
historical water usage cost information;
[0022] FIG. 14 show the illustrative thermostat of FIG. 3
displaying information related to gas usage including historical
gas usage information;
[0023] FIG. 15 show the illustrative thermostat of FIG. 3
displaying information related to gas usage costs including
historical gas usage cost information;
[0024] FIG. 16 is a flow diagram of an illustrative method in
accordance with the present invention; and
[0025] FIG. 17 is a flow diagram of another illustrative method in
accordance with the present invention.
[0026] While the invention is amenable to various modifications and
alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of
example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should
be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the
invention to the particular illustrative embodiments described. On
the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications,
equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope
of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0027] The following description should be read with reference to
the drawings, in which like elements in different drawings are
numbered in like fashion. The drawings, which are not necessarily
to scale, depict selected embodiments and are not intended to limit
the scope of the invention. Although examples of construction,
dimensions, and materials may be illustrated for the various
elements, those skilled in the art will recognize that many of the
examples provided have suitable alternatives that may be
utilized.
[0028] FIG. 1 shows an illustrative but non-limiting HVAC control
system 10. The illustrative HVAC control system 10 includes a
thermostat 12 that may be adapted to interact with and control HVAC
equipment 14. HVAC equipment 14 may include one or more of cooling
equipment 16, heating equipment 18 and/or ventilation equipment 20.
In some cases, cooling equipment 16 and heating equipment 18 may,
for example, be combined in a forced air system, or perhaps a heat
pump system, particularly in residential and/or light commercial
applications. In other cases, one or more of cooling equipment 16,
heating equipment 18 and/or ventilation equipment 20 may be
distinct systems controlled by thermostat 12. In some instances, it
is contemplated that thermostat 12 may represent two or more
distinct thermostats, each controlling different equipment within
HVAC equipment 14, and or different zones within a structure.
[0029] In the illustrative embodiment, thermostat 12 may be adapted
to interact and/or communicate with a utility 22. Utility 22 may
represent a utility company or another entity that produces or
otherwise provides an energy source such as electricity, natural
gas and the like, or provides another utility such as water and/or
sewer service. Utility 22 may represent a utility company or other
entity that provides a source of hot water that can be used for
heating and/or any other desired use. Utility 22 may provide hot
water from a geothermal source, or by heating water using biomass
or even microwave energy.
[0030] In some instances, thermostat 12 may receive signals from
utility 22 via a communication network 24. Communication network 24
may include wireless communication between utility 22 and
thermostat 12, using radio frequencies and the like. In some cases,
communication network 24 may represent a hard-wired communication
network between utility 22 and thermostat 12, such as copper
wiring, coaxial cable, CAT 5 cable, fiber optics, and the like. In
some instances, especially if utility 22 provides electrical power
to the building in which thermostat 12 is located, communication
network 24 may represent signals sent over the power lines
themselves. In some cases, part of communication network 24 may be
a wired and another part may be wireless. More generally,
communication network 24 may be any suitable communication path
between utility 22 or the like and thermostat 12.
[0031] In some instances, thermostat 12 may receive information
from utility 22 pertaining to utility usage, utility usage history,
current and/or historical rate information, and the like.
Alternatively, or in addition, thermostat 12 may receive
information from meter 26 pertaining to utility usage, utility
usage history, current and/or historical rate information, and the
like. In some cases, thermostat 12 may receive information from
utility 22 and/or meter 26 pertaining to a current electrical rate,
say in cents per kilowatt-hour. In some instances, thermostat 12
may receive information regarding a remaining balance on a prepaid
account, or perhaps monthly garbage and/or sewer charges.
[0032] Utility 22 and/or meter 26 may, for example provide
information to thermostat 12 regarding a measure of utility usage.
In some cases, the measure of utility usage may be related to
current utility costs over a designated period of time (e.g. over a
past year, a past month, a past week, a past day, a past hour,
etc.), i.e., a current electrical cost over a designated period of
time, a current gas cost over a designated period of time, a
current water cost of a designated period or time and the like. In
some instances, a measure of utility usage may include a quantity
of utility usage, and thus utility 22 may provide thermostat 12
with information pertaining to how much energy (e.g. in KWH, which
are kilowatt-hours), for example is currently being used over a
designated period of time (e.g. over a past year, a past month, a
past week, a past day, a past hour, schedule period, etc.).
[0033] In some instances, utility 22 and/or meter 26 may provide
messages relating to utility usage. For example, utility 22 may
provide, via communication network 24, one or more messages
intended for a homeowner, facilities manager or the like. In some
cases, if utility demand is high, utility 22 may provide one or
more messages that permit or instruct thermostat 12 to display
suggestions on how to save energy, water or other resource. For
example, if utility energy demand is high or expected to be high,
thermostat 12 may display one or more messages suggesting that the
homeowner or facilities manager conserve energy by changing a
temperature set point, or perhaps suggesting that they wait and run
energy intensive appliances later in the day, when utility demand
may be lower. Utility 22 may, in some instances, provide one or
more messages that permit or instruct thermostat 12 to display
information pertaining to current or expected weather, current or
expected energy demand, current or expected pricing tiers, etc.
[0034] In some cases, utility 22 and/or meter 26 may provide one or
more messages that cause thermostat 12 to display information
relating to utility billing. This may include utility billing
history, current utility billing rates and/or current utility
costs, and the like. Thermostat 12 may display information
pertaining to a measure of utility usage during a first time period
(e.g. a designated month such as the current month) and information
pertaining to a measure of utility usage during a second time
period (e.g. the designated month one year ago) that is different
from the first time period. While not required, the first time
period may occur temporally before the second time period. In some
cases, controller 34 may compute a measure of utility usage that is
consumed by the HVAC system of the building or other structure by
monitoring the on-time of one or more HVAC system components 16, 18
and/or 20.
[0035] The first time period and the second time period may each,
independently, be any desired length of time, and may be temporally
separated by any desired time interval. In some cases, the first
time period may immediately precede the second time period. The
first time period may, if desired, be one or more months before the
second time period. In some cases, the first time period may be
about a year or more prior to the second time period.
[0036] In some cases, the first time period and the second time
period may each correspond to a one week (168 hours) time period,
and the first time period may correspond to an immediately
preceding week relative to the second time period. In some
instances, the first time period and the second time period may
each correspond to a one month time period. The first time period
may be a one month time period that immediately precedes the second
time period. In some cases, the first time period (e.g. June 2006)
may be a one month time period that is about one year prior to the
second time period (e.g. June 2007).
[0037] In some cases, the indication of the measure of utility
usage that is displayed for the first time period may include an
indication of the cost of utility usage during the first time
period, and the indication of the measure of utility usage that is
displayed for the second time period includes an indication of the
cost of utility usage during the second period of time. In some
instances, the indication of the measure of utility usage that is
displayed for the first time period includes an indication of the
quantity of utility usage during the first period of time, and the
indication of the measure of utility usage that is displayed for
the second time period include an indication of the quantity of
utility usage during the second period of time.
[0038] In some embodiments, thermostat 12 may be adapted to
interact and/or communicate with a meter 26 over a communication
line 28. Meter 26 may, for example, be adapted to measure and/or
regulate a flow of energy or other resource (e.g. water) from
utility 22, and may also provide thermostat 12 with usage
information via a wireless, wired, optical, or any other suitable
communication path. In some instances, although direct
communication therebetween is not expressly shown in FIG. 1, meter
26 may provide utility 22 with usage information.
[0039] Communication line 28 may represent wireless communication
between meter 26 and thermostat 12. In some cases, communication
line 28 may represent a hard-wired line between meter 26 and
thermostat 12, such as copper wiring, coaxial cable, CAT 5 cable,
fiber optic cable, and the like. In some instances, although not
expressly illustrated in FIG. 1, it is contemplated that meter 26
may also communicate with utility 22, and may receive utility rate
information and the like from utility 22, but this is not required
in all embodiments.
[0040] The preceding discussion describes communication that may
occur between utility 22 and thermostat 12 and/or between meter 26
and thermostat 12. In order to accommodate this communication,
thermostat 12 may include a receiver and/or transceiver 30 that
permits thermostat 12 to communicate with utility 22 via
communication network 24 and/or to communicate with meter 26 via
communication line 28. As noted, one or both of communication
network 24 and/or communication line 28 may be wired or wireless.
In some cases, communication network 24 may, for example, include a
wireless paging system, and receiver and/or transceiver 30 may be a
load control receiver that uses, for example, a 900 MHz paging
technology such as the FLEX.RTM. paging technology available from
Motorola. One such load control receiver is available from Cannon
Technologies, located in Wayzata, Minn., although it is
contemplated that any suitable communication equipment may be used,
as desired.
[0041] Thermostat 12 may include a user interface 32 that may be
adapted to accept information from a user as well as to provide
information to the user. In some cases, user interface 32 may
include a liquid crystal display (LCD) as well as a keypad or
similar entry device. In some instances, user interface 32 may
include a touch screen LCD that provides both functions.
[0042] Thermostat 12 may include a controller 34 that is adapted to
oversee the aforementioned communications between thermostat 12 and
utility 22 and/or meter 26. Controller 34 may regulate information
that is solicited and/or displayed on user interface 32. Controller
34 may be adapted to implement a control algorithm that is adapted
to at least partially control one or more components of HVAC
equipment 14. Thermostat 12 may include a memory block 36 that can
be used to store operating parameters, utility usage history and
the like.
[0043] Thermostat 12 may include a sensor 38, which may be located
within thermostat 12 as well as one or more external sensors 40, as
desired. Each of sensors 38 and 40 may be any type of sensor, or
may represent multiple sensors, such as temperature sensors,
humidity sensors and the like. External sensors 40 may be hard
wired to thermostat 12, or may communicate wirelessly, as
desired.
[0044] FIG. 2 shows an illustrative but non-limiting example of a
thermostat 42 that may be considered as representing thermostat 12
(FIG. 1), but showing additional detail regarding user interface
32. Thermostat 42 includes a thermostat housing 44 and an LCD
display 46 that is visible from outside thermostat housing 44.
Thermostat housing 44 may be formed of any suitable material and
having any suitable dimensions. In some cases, thermostat housing
44 is stamped or molded from a polymeric material. In some cases,
LCD display 46 is a touch screen LCD, but this is not required in
all embodiments.
[0045] LCD display 46 may be considered as including a first region
48 and a second region 50. In the illustrative embodiment, first
region 48 includes an array of pixels 52 that are arranged into a
plurality of rows and a plurality of columns to form an array of
pixels that is suitable for displaying alphanumeric characters such
as text in a dot matrix format. In some cases, one or more of
pixels 52 may be square or round fixed segment pixels. For example,
first region 48 may include an array of pixels 52 that are arranged
into 7 rows and a total of 125 columns. To more clearly illustrate
the individual pixels, pixels 52 are schematically illustrated in
FIG. 2 as unlit.
[0046] First region 48 may be constructed using either fixed
segment type LCD display or a graphic type LCD display. When first
region 48 is constructed as a fixed segment LCD display, a number
of relatively small fixed segments dots are provided, and in some
cases, may be arranged into character blocks, with each character
block having, for example, 5.times.7 dots. In some cases, each
character block can be addressed separately and can form numbers,
letters and a limited number of symbols. In other cases, each fixed
segment dot can be addressed separately. When first region 48 is
constructed as a graphics type LCD display, a relatively larger
number of pixels are arranged in rows and columns, and each pixel
can typically be individually addressed.
[0047] In an illustrative but non-limiting example, first region 48
may include or be formed as fixed segment LCD display, and may
include a total of 25 5.times.7 characters, for a total of 875
individual pixels 52. Each pixel 52 may be square and may be 0.5
millimeters by 0.5 millimeters in size. There may be a small gap
between adjacent pixels 52. In some cases, there may be a 0.05
millimeter gap between adjacent pixels 52. These pixels 52 may be
formed as part of the fixed segment mask used in fabricating the
fixed segment LCD display.
[0048] In some cases, first region 48 may be used to display
messages and other similar text. Controller 34 may be coupled to
user interface 32 and may be adapted to display a message including
two or more text characters in first region 48 using the array of
fixed segment pixels 52. If desired, controller 34 may be adapted
to scroll messages across at least part of first region 48. This
may be useful in displaying messages that are too long to
simultaneously fit in their entirety within first region 48.
Scrolling may also be useful in attracting attention to messages
being displayed within first region 48. In some cases, a message
may be flashed, i.e., repeatedly turned on and off, within first
region 48 to draw attention to the particular message.
[0049] In some cases, display 46 may include a left arrow icon 54
and/or a right arrow icon 56, which may be used to scroll through a
long message, or perhaps to scroll through multiple messages. Left
arrow icon 54 and right arrow icon 56 may be constructed as fixed
segment icons, and may not be considered part of first region 48,
even though they are located within an upper portion of display 46.
In some embodiments, pressing right arrow icon 56 may cause
controller 34 (FIG. 1) to display another message, if another
message is available, or to cause a message to scroll. Pressing
left arrow icon 54 may cause controller 34 to display a previous
message or to cause a message to scroll.
[0050] Second region 50 of user display 46 may include a plurality
of fixed segment graphical icons. At least some of the fixed
segment graphical icons within second region 50 may be or may
include a word, a perimeter boundary and/or a word within a
perimeter boundary. In some instances, LCD display 46 is a touch
screen LCD, and one or more of the fixed segment graphical icons
may coincide with one or more touch sensitive buttons.
[0051] For example, second region 50 may include a message icon 58.
If thermostat 42 has received or otherwise generated a text message
to be displayed within first region 48, controller 34 (FIG. 1) may
flash message icon 58 and/or may illuminate the "VIEW" text within
message icon 58. The "VIEW" text may be formed as part of a fixed
segment graphical icon, if desired. Message icon 58 may coincide
with a touch sensitive button or portion of LCD display 46. In some
cases, message icon 58 may include a fixed segment perimeter
boundary 59.
[0052] Pressing message icon 58 may cause controller 34 to proceed
with displaying and/or scrolling one or more messages within first
region 48 of display 46 using the array of fixed segment pixels 52.
In some cases, once the message has been displayed, the "DELETE"
text within message icon 58 may be illuminated, although this is
not required. Pressing message icon 58 at this stage may cause
controller 34 to delete the message that has been displayed or is
currently being displayed. Second region 50 may include an "EXIT"
icon 60. Pressing EXIT icon 60 instead of message icon 58 may cause
controller 34 to return to a previous screen without deleting the
displayed message or messages. Example messages are shown and
discussed with respect to subsequent Figures.
[0053] Fixed segment LCD displays are often configured to display
Arabic numbers (0-9) using seven segments. In contrast, fourteen
segments are often needed to display other characters such as the
Roman alphabet, measurement units and other symbols. In some
instances, second region 50 of display 46 may include a set 62 of
fixed segments that are configured to display numbers. In
particular cases, set 62 may be configured to display utility usage
data including utility usage quantity data and/or utility usage
cost data. In some cases, set 62 may include a total of five fixed
segment numbers 64, with each fixed segment number 64 having a
total of seven distinct bar segments 66.
[0054] Similarly, second region 50 of display 46 may include a set
68 of fixed segments that are configured to display numbers. In
some cases, set 68 may be configured to display historical utility
usage data including historical utility usage quantity and/or
historical utility usage cost data. In some cases, set 68 may
include a total of five fixed segment numbers 70, with each fixed
segment number 70 having a total of seven distinct bar segments
72.
[0055] In some instances, second region 50 of display 46 may
include a TIER icon 74 that may include one or more of a CRITICAL
fixed segment 76, a HIGH fixed segment 78, a MEDIUM fixed segment
80 and/or a LOW fixed segment 82. In some cases, utility 22 (FIG.
1) may provide a signal to thermostat 42 informing thermostat 42
that current energy costs and/or current energy demand has reached
a particular tier or level. For example, if energy demand and/or
energy cost is low, the LOW fixed segment 82 may be illuminated.
The other fixed segments may be illuminated in accordance with the
energy demand and/or energy cost data provided by utility 22. In
some situations, TIER icon 74 may not be illuminated.
[0056] If the current energy demand and/or current energy costs
reach a critical level, controller 34 (FIG. 1) may illuminate
CRITICAL fixed segment 76. In some cases, when the current energy
demand and/or current energy costs reaches a certain level (e.g.
high or critical), a SAVING icon 84 may be illuminated or even
flash indicating that controller 34 has altered a temperature set
point in accordance with the energy demand information provided by
utility 22 (FIG. 1). In some cases, SAVING icon 84 may be
illuminated irrespective of the current tier level.
[0057] In some instances, utility 22 may, in response to energy
demand and/or energy cost data, may determine how temperature set
points are to be altered. A customer may, for example, sign a
contract permitting utility 22 to alter temperature set points
and/or to determine temperature differentials as necessary and/or
appropriate. If utility 22 determines that a particular tier level
has been reached, utility 22 may send a signal to thermostat 42
temporarily altering a temperature set point, either by providing a
temporary temperature set point or by providing a temperature
differential that can be applied to the temperature set point
specified by the current schedule under which thermostat 42 is
otherwise operating. The contract may permit utility 22 to send a
signal to thermostat 42 instructing thermostat 42 to shut down HVAC
equipment 14 (FIG. 1) for a length of time that may be
predetermined and/or may be calculated based, for example, on
current energy demand and/or current energy rates.
[0058] In some instances, for example, utility 22 may provide a
signal to thermostat 42 instructing thermostat 42 to change to a
temporary temperature set point. The temporary set point may vary,
depending on the current energy tier. For example, utility 22 may
suggest or require, based at least in part on the contract signed
by the owner, a heating temperature set point of 70.degree. F. for
a low energy cost, 65.degree. F. for a medium energy cost,
60.degree. F. for a high energy cost, and 50.degree. F. for a
critical energy cost. Utility 22 may suggest or require, based at
least in part on the contract, a cooling temperature set point of
72.degree. F. for a low energy cost, 77.degree. F. for a medium
energy cost, 82.degree. F. for a high energy cost, 86.degree. F.
for a critical energy cost. These temperatures are merely
illustrative and are not intended to limit or define in any way or
manner. In some cases, utility 22 may provide thermostat 42 with
the heating and cooling temperature set point values corresponding
to each tier level.
[0059] Controller 34 (FIG. 1) may issue a control signal to HVAC
equipment 14 for operating cooling equipment 16 and/or heating
equipment 18 when the temperature is different than the temperature
set point associated with the acceptable energy cost level. In the
above example, when the current energy price is high, the control
signal may issue control information for operating heating
equipment 18 when the temperature fell to 60.degree. F. or below.
For cooling equipment 16, the control signal would issue control
information for operating cooling equipment 16 when the temperature
rose to or above 82.degree. F. Additionally, the receiver and/or
transceiver 30 may receive information from the utility(s) for an
energy (and/or water) bill for usage of energy (and/or water)
during a time period. In some cases, the user may authorize payment
of the energy (and/or water) bill and have the authorization
transmitted to utility 22 via the thermostat 12.
[0060] In some instances, utility 22 may send a signal instructing
thermostat 42 to temporarily change its temperature set point by a
particular temperature differential that depends on tier level. For
example, utility 22 may provide a signal including a temperature
differential or offset of 0.degree. F. for a low energy cost, a
temperature differential or offset of 2.degree. F. for a medium
energy cost, a temperature differential or offset of 6.degree. F.
for a high energy cost and a temperature differential or offset of
10.degree. F. for a high energy costs.
[0061] If, for example, the current temperature set point for
heating is set at 68.degree. F. and the energy demand reaches the
critical level, thermostat 42 may temporarily operate with a
temperature set point of 58.degree. F. (68.degree. F.-10.degree.
F.). If, for example, the current temperature set point for cooling
is set at 76.degree. F. and the energy demand reaches the high
level, thermostat 42 may temporarily operate with a temperature set
point of 86.degree. F. (76.degree. F.+10.degree. F.).
[0062] Depending on the specifics of the contract between the owner
and utility 22, in some cases the owner may be able to override the
temporary temperature set points provided by the utility. In some
cases, the owner may not be permitted to make any changes, and in
fact thermostat 42 may be instructed to not accept set point
changes while utility 22 is providing a temporary temperature set
point and/or a temperature differential to thermostat 42.
[0063] In some cases, it is contemplated that a homeowner, a
facilities manager and/or an installer may program thermostat 42
with information pertaining to how temperature set points are to be
altered in response to various energy demand and/or energy cost
levels provided by utility 22. In some cases, setback information
that has been programmed into thermostat 42 may be based at least
in part upon which time period (WAKE, LEAVE, RETURN, SLEEP)
thermostat 42 is currently operating under.
[0064] FIG. 3 shows the illustrative thermostat 42 operating in
accordance with its programming. On second region 50 of display 46,
controller 34 (FIG. 1) is displaying a current inside temperature
value 86 and a current temperature set point 88. If message icon 58
is blinking or otherwise illuminated, pressing message icon 58 may
cause one or more messages to be displayed, as will be illustrated
subsequently.
[0065] As TIER icon 74 is indicating that the current energy demand
and/or current energy cost is at a medium level, the illustrative
thermostat 42 may continue to operate in accordance with its
schedule, as indicated by the "Following Schedule" fixed segment
icon 90. It can be seen that as the temperature set point 88 is
higher than the current temperature value 86, the heat is currently
operational.
[0066] In FIG. 4, TIER icon 74 is indicating that the current
energy demand and/or current energy cost has reached a critical
level 76. While current inside temperature value 86 remains
constant at 66.degree. F., it can be seen that the temperature set
point 88 has dropped from the 72.degree. F. value shown in FIG. 3
to a savings temperature value of 58.degree. F., and the heat has
thus shut off. In some cases, controller 34 monitors the
communication with utility 22. In some cases, if the communication
is broken or otherwise not functioning properly for some reason,
thermostat 42 may return to its normal schedule until such time as
communication is reestablished.
[0067] Returning to FIG. 3, assume for illustrative purposes that
message icon 58 is blinking or is otherwise illuminated. In the
illustrative embodiment, pressing message icon 58 will cause
controller 34 (FIG. 1) to display stored or received messages, as
shown in FIG. 5. First region 48 of display 46 can be seen as
displaying a message "Good Morning!". Because there is more than
one message to display (two, in this example), the message includes
"1/2" in front of the message, and right arrow icon 56 is
illuminated. Pressing right arrow icon 56 may cause controller 34
to display the second message, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7. It can be
seen that once the message has been viewed, message icon 58 changes
from illuminating the VIEW fixed segment icon to illuminating the
DELETE fixed segment icon.
[0068] In this particular example, the second message is "2
Honeywell UtilityPRO Helps You to Save Energy", which is too large
to display within the 25 character blocks forming first region 48.
Thus, controller 34 (FIG. 1) may scroll the message. This can be
seen by comparing FIGS. 6 and 7. In FIG. 6, first region 48
includes "2 Honeywell UtilityPRO He", which is the first 25
characters of the message while in FIG. 7, first region 48 includes
"0 Helps You to Save Energy", which represents the last 25
characters of the message. These are screen captures illustrating
how text fits within first region 48. While the message is broken
over two Figures, it will be understood that the message actually
scrolls smoothly across first region 48 of display 46. In some
cases, it is contemplated that text may be scrolled vertically,
rather than horizontally.
[0069] Because a second or subsequent message is being displayed,
it can be seen that left arrow icon 54 is illuminated, so that a
user may move back to the previous message. In some cases, if only
one message is available or otherwise appropriate for display,
neither left arrow icon 54 nor right arrow icon 56 may be
illuminated.
[0070] A wide variety of messages may be displayed. For example, as
shown in FIG. 8, first region 48 of display 46 may, in response to
a signal from utility 22 (FIG. 1), display a message reading
"Please Conserve!" This message may be displayed when, for example,
the utility demand is high or expected to be high. Similar messages
may suggest that the person refrain from running energy intensive
appliances such as washing machines until the energy demand drops.
Another illustrative message is seen in FIG. 9, in which first
region 48 of display 46 displays a message reading "Storm Warning",
perhaps in response to utility 22 forwarding a signal from the
local weather authorities, or perhaps the local weather authorities
are equipped to broadcast a warning signal directly to receiver
and/or transceiver 30 (FIG. 1). It is contemplated that at least
some of the messages may be targeted toward certain customers. For
example, a tornado warning message may only be sent to those
thermostats that are within the geographic region that is currently
under a tornado warning. In another example, an ozone or UV warning
message may only be sent to those thermostats that are within the
geographic region that is currently experiencing high ozone or UV.
Likewise, if the demand for energy is particularly high or expected
to be high for only some of a utility's customers or part of the
utility's grid, a message may be directed to only those thermostats
that correspond to those customers (e.g. a unique message to a
particular group of customers).
[0071] It is also contemplated that promotional messages may be
sent to certain thermostats. For example, messages that inform
users of certain promotional or other events or services, such as
sales at local stores, may be provided. Tips on saving energy
and/or the maintenance of equipment may also be provided. In some
cases, a water utility may have certain restrictions on water
usage, such as limiting the watering of lawns to ever other day. In
some cases, the water utility may send a message to the thermostat
to notify the user of the water restrictions. In some cases, the
water utility may send a message indicating that watering of lawns
is prohibited for the customer on a particularly day (e.g. today)
or during some other time period.
[0072] In some cases, thermostat 42 may be adapted to provide a
user with information regarding current and/or historical energy
consumption data and corresponding energy costs. For example, FIGS.
10-15 illustrative this feature. Returning briefly to FIG. 3, in
which thermostat 42 is operating in accordance with its schedule,
it can be seen that lower region 50 of display 46 includes a USAGE
icon 92. In the illustrative embodiment, pressing USAGE icon 92
brings the user to the screen shown in FIG. 10.
[0073] In FIG. 10, controller 34 (FIG. 1) is displaying information
pertaining to electrical consumption. In particular, controller 34
is instructing first region 48 of display 46 to display
"ELECTRICITY IN KWH", so that the user can put into context the
numerical data displayed within second region 50 of display 46
using set 62 of fixed segments and set 68 of fixed segments. Set 62
is displaying a value for the amount of electricity used thus far
this month while set 68 is being used to display a value for the
corresponding time period last year. Fixed segment icon 94 informs
the user of the current time period while fixed segment icon 96
informs the user of the corresponding historical time period. As
discussed above, other time periods may also be chosen or otherwise
selected or displayed, as desired.
[0074] Pressing right arrow icon 56 brings the user to FIG. 11, in
which controller 34 (FIG. 1) is displaying information regarding
electrical costs, while instead pressing EXIT button 60 would
return the user to FIG. 3. In FIG. 11, first region 48 of display
46 now reads "ELECTRICITY BILL". Fixed segment icon 98,
representing a dollar sign, provides additional context for the
information being displayed. In some cases, fixed segment icon 98
may be omitted, if desired.
[0075] Set 62 is being used by controller 34 to display the
electrical bill to date for the month while set 68 is being used by
controller 34 to provide the corresponding historical data.
Pressing left arrow icon 54 would return the user to the screen
shown in FIG. 10 while pressing right arrow icon 56 will bring the
user to the screen shown in FIG. 12. Pressing EXIT button 60 would
return the user to FIG. 3.
[0076] In FIG. 12, controller 34 (FIG. 1) is displaying information
pertaining to water consumption. In particular, controller 34 is
instructing first region 48 of display 46 to display "WATER USAGE
IN KGAL", so that the user can put into context the numerical data
displayed within second region 50 of display 46 using set 62 of
fixed segments and set 68 of fixed segments. Set 62 is displaying a
value for the amount of water used thus far this month while set 68
is being used to display a value for the corresponding time period
last year. Fixed segment icon 94 informs the user of the current
time period while fixed segment icon 96 informs the user of the
corresponding historical time period. As discussed above, other
time periods may also be chosen or otherwise selected or
displayed.
[0077] Pressing right arrow icon 56 brings the user to FIG. 13, in
which controller 34 (FIG. 1) is displaying information regarding
water costs, while instead pressing EXIT button 60 would return the
user to FIG. 3. In FIG. 13, first region 48 of display 46 now reads
"WATER BILL". Fixed segment icon 98, representing a dollar sign,
provides additional context for the information being displayed. In
some cases, fixed segment icon 98 may be omitted, if desired.
[0078] Set 62 is being used by controller 34 to display the water
bill to date for the month while set 68 is being used by controller
34 to provide the corresponding historical data. Pressing left
arrow icon 54 would return the user to the screen shown in FIG. 12
while pressing right arrow icon 56 will bring the user to the
screen shown in FIG. 14. Pressing EXIT button 60 would return the
user to FIG. 3.
[0079] In FIG. 14, controller 34 (FIG. 1) is displaying information
pertaining to gas consumption. In particular, controller 34 is
instructing first region 48 of display 46 to display "GAS USAGE IN
CCF", so that the user can put into context the numerical data
displayed within second region 50 of display 46 using set 62 of
fixed segments and set 68 of fixed segments. Set 62 is displaying a
value for the amount of gas used thus far this month while set 68
is being used to display a value for the corresponding time period
last year. Fixed segment icon 94 informs the user of the current
time period while fixed segment icon 96 informs the user of the
corresponding historical time period. As discussed above, other
time periods may also be chosen or otherwise selected or
displayed.
[0080] Pressing right arrow icon 56 brings the user to FIG. 15, in
which controller 34 (FIG. 1) is displaying information regarding
gas costs, while instead pressing EXIT button 60 would return the
user to FIG. 3. In FIG. 15, first region 48 of display 46 now reads
"GAS BILL". Fixed segment icon 98, representing a dollar sign,
provides additional context for the information being displayed. In
some cases, fixed segment icon 98 may be omitted, if desired.
[0081] Set 62 is being used by controller 34 to display the water
bill to date for the month while set 68 is being used by controller
34 to provide the corresponding historical data. Pressing left
arrow icon 54 would return the user to the screen shown in FIG. 14
while pressing right arrow icon 56 will return the user to the
screen shown in FIG. 10, unless thermostat 42 is equipped to
display additional consumption or cost data. Pressing EXIT button
60 would return the user to FIG. 3.
[0082] FIGS. 16 and 17 are flow diagrams illustrating methods that
may be carried out using thermostat 42 (FIG. 2). In FIG. 16,
control begins at block 100, where thermostat 42 receives a message
from utility 22 (FIG. 1). The message received from utility 22 may
be related to energy demand, current and/or past energy costs,
energy conservation, weather alerts, promotional and/or
advertisements and the like. At block 102, controller 34 (FIG. 1)
displays on display 46 an indication of a measure of utility usage
during a first time period. At block 104, controller 34 displays on
display 46 an indication of a measure of utility usage during a
second time period. In some cases, the first time period may
predate the second time period, but this is not required.
[0083] In FIG. 17, control begins at block 100, where thermostat 42
(FIG. 2) receives a message from utility 22 (FIG. 1). At block 106,
controller 34 (FIG. 1) displays on display 46 an indication of a
measure of utility usage during a period of time. Control passes to
block 108, where controller 34 displays on display 46 one or more
display messages that are related to the message received from
utility 22. These messages may pertain to energy demand, current
energy costs, energy conservation, weather alerts, advertisements
and the like.
[0084] In some cases, the indication of the measure of utility
usage during the period of time may be displayed on display 46 at
the same time or nearly the same time as the one or more messages
are displayed on display 46. In some cases, they are not displayed
simultaneously.
[0085] The present invention should not be considered limited to
the particular examples described above, but rather should be
understood to cover all aspects of the invention as fairly set out
in the attached claims. Various modifications, equivalent
processes, as well as numerous structures to which the present
invention can be applicable will be readily apparent to those of
skill in the art to which the present invention is directed upon
review of the instant specification.
* * * * *