U.S. patent application number 14/169014 was filed with the patent office on 2014-08-14 for hvac customer support system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Trane International Inc.. Invention is credited to Mark Eldo Groskreutz, Richard Lee Jameson.
Application Number | 20140228983 14/169014 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 51298011 |
Filed Date | 2014-08-14 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140228983 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Groskreutz; Mark Eldo ; et
al. |
August 14, 2014 |
HVAC Customer Support System
Abstract
An HVAC thermostat has a processor configured to control at
least one component of an HVAC system in response to temperature
and at least one of (1) receive voice over internet protocol (VOIP)
data and (2) transmit VOIP data.
Inventors: |
Groskreutz; Mark Eldo;
(Tyler, TX) ; Jameson; Richard Lee; (Tyler,
TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Trane International Inc. |
Piscataway |
NJ |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
51298011 |
Appl. No.: |
14/169014 |
Filed: |
January 30, 2014 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61762761 |
Feb 8, 2013 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
700/83 ;
700/278 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24F 2110/10 20180101;
F24F 11/30 20180101; H04M 11/005 20130101; F24F 11/58 20180101;
F24F 11/62 20180101; F24F 2130/40 20180101; G05D 23/1905 20130101;
G05D 23/1934 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
700/83 ;
700/278 |
International
Class: |
F24F 11/00 20060101
F24F011/00 |
Claims
1. A heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning (HVAC)
thermostat, comprising: a processor configured to: control at least
one component of an HVAC system in response to temperature; and at
least one of (1) receive voice over internet protocol (VOIP) data
and (2) transmit VOIP data.
2. The HVAC thermostat of claim 1, further comprising: a microphone
configured to selectively receive sound inputs for conversion into
the VOIP data.
3. The HVAC thermostat of claim 1, further comprising: a speaker
configured to selectively output sound converted from the VOIP
data.
4. The thermostat of claim 1, wherein the processor system is
configured to store product information further comprising HVAC
component information related to the at least one HVAC component
connected to the thermostat.
5. The thermostat of claim 4, wherein the processor is configured
to store product information which further comprises at least
information identifying the thermostat, information identifying the
HVAC component, diagnostic information related to the operation of
the thermostat, and diagnostic information related to the operation
of the HVAC component, and wherein the processor is configured to
transmit product information comprising the at least information
identifying the thermostat, information identifying the HVAC
component, diagnostic information relating to the operation of the
thermostat, and diagnostic information related to the operation of
the HVAC component to a remote service center.
6. The thermostat according to claim 5, wherein the processor is
further configured to receive additional diagnostic information
from the remote service center, and to display the additional
diagnostic information on a display.
7. The thermostat according to claim 6, wherein the processor is
further configured to: store diagnostic instructions relating to
the functions of the HVAC component and the thermostat; receive a
command from the remote service center invoking the diagnostic
instructions; and execute the invoked diagnostic instructions.
8. The thermostat according to claim 7, wherein the processor is
further configured to limit communications to a predetermined list
of allowed numbers, the numbers being one of Internet Protocol
addresses and customer service telephone numbers.
9. A method of operating a thermostat, comprising: controlling, in
response to a signal from at least one climate sensor attached to a
thermostat, a heating, ventilation, and air/or conditioning (HVAC)
component; transmitting voice information from the thermostat using
voice over internet protocol (VOIP); and receiving voice
information using VOIP, and outputting the received voice
information via a speaker.
10. The method of claim 9, further comprising: storing product
information, the product information comprising system
identification information and diagnostic information relating to
at least the configuration and operation of the thermostat and HVAC
component; receiving by the thermostat a customer service command
to initiate a customer service call to a remote service center;
transmitting the product information to the remote service center
via a network interface attached to the thermostat in response to
the customer service command.
11. The method of claim 9, further comprising: performing
diagnostic actions on one of the thermostat and the HVAC component
in response to receiving voice information, and reporting the
results of the diagnostic actions using VOIP.
12. The method of claim 10, further comprising: generating HVAC
diagnostic information by the HVAC component relating to the
operation of the HVAC component; transmitting the HVAC diagnostic
information to the thermostat; and comprising the HVAC diagnostic
information in said storing product information and said
transmitting the product information.
13. The method of claim 10, wherein the customer service command is
a voice command received by the thermostat through a
microphone.
14. The method of claim 10, further comprising: identifying, at the
remote service center, a malfunction of the HVAC component;
identifying, at the remote service center, a part required for
repair of the malfunction of the HVAC component; and transmitting,
by the remote service center, information identifying the part to
at least one of the thermostat, an HVAC parts dealer, and a HVAC
service center.
15. A device, comprising: a microphone; a speaker; an input; a
network interface; and a processor system configured to: store
product information regarding the device as a whole; receive a
customer service command from the input to initiate a customer
service call regarding the device; transmit the service information
via the network interface in response to the customer service
command; transmit, in response to the customer service command,
first voice information input by the microphone to a remote service
center via the network interface using voice over internet protocol
(VOIP); and receive second voice information from the remote
service center via the network interface using VOIP, and output the
second voice information via the speaker.
16. The device according to claim 15, further comprising a display,
wherein the processor system is further configured to receive
diagnostic information from the remote service center and to
display the diagnostic information on the display.
17. The device according to claim 16, wherein the processor system
is further configured to store predetermined customer service
information regarding at least one of a customer service telephone
number and a customer service Internet Protocol address, and to
retrieve the customer service information in response to a customer
service command.
18. The device according to claim 15, further comprising a display,
and wherein the processor system is further configured to: store
diagnostic instructions relating to diagnosis of the functions of
the device; receive a command from the remote service center
invoking the diagnostic instructions and to execute the invoked
diagnostic instructions; and display data retrieved as a result of
the execution of the diagnostic instructions on the display and at
the remote service center.
19. The device according to claim 15, wherein the processor system
is further configured to limit communications to a predetermined
list of allowed numbers, the numbers being one of Internet Protocol
addresses and customer service telephone numbers.
20. The device according to claim 15, wherein the input is limited
to a predetermined list of allowed choices for establishing a
communication via VOIP.
21. A method of operating a customer service center, comprising:
receiving diagnostic data generated by a heating, ventilation, and
air/or conditioning (HVAC) controller associated with a first HVAC
system component; and receiving voice over internet protocol (VOIP)
data from the HVAC controller.
22. The method according to claim 21, further comprising:
controlling, by the customer service center, a function of the HVAC
system component; and transmitting voice information using VOIP
from the customer service center to the HVAC controller.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application claims priority under 35 U.S.C.
119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/762,761 filed
on Feb. 8, 2013 by Groskreutz, et al., and entitled "HVAC Customer
Support System," the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by
reference in its entirety.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not applicable.
REFERENCE TO A MICROFICHE APPENDIX
[0003] Not applicable.
BACKGROUND
[0004] Heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning (HVAC) systems
with programmable system controllers may be used to control the
indoor temperature of buildings. HVAC systems may be controlled by
settings for heating, ventilation, cooling, humidity, and air
quality. In some cases, a user may enter the settings at a
thermostat or other user interface via a keypad, touchscreen, or
the like. HVAC systems may comprise a multitude of components. The
components may need maintenance and repair, and/or a user may need
instructions in operating the HVAC systems. In some cases, the
owner may request a repair technician to travel to the location of
the HVAC system to diagnose and/or repair the HVAC system.
SUMMARY
[0005] In some embodiments of the disclosure, a heating,
ventilation, and/or air conditioning (HVAC) thermostat is disclosed
as comprising a processor configured to control at least one
component of an HVAC system in response to temperature and at least
one of (1) receive voice over internet protocol (VOIP) data and (2)
transmit VOIP data.
[0006] In other embodiments of the disclosure, a method of
operating a thermostat is disclosed as comprising controlling, in
response to a signal from at least one climate sensor attached to a
thermostat, a heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning (HVAC)
component, transmitting voice information from the thermostat using
voice over internet protocol (VOIP), and receiving voice
information using VOIP, and outputting the received voice
information via a speaker.
[0007] In yet other embodiments of the disclosure, a device is
disclosed as comprising a microphone, a speaker, an input, a
network interface, and a processor system. The processor system may
be configured to store product information regarding the device as
a whole, receive a customer service command from the input to
initiate a customer service call regarding the device, transmit the
service information via the network interface in response to the
customer service command, transmit, in response to the customer
service command, first voice information input by the microphone to
a remote service center via the network interface using voice over
internet protocol (VOIP), and receive second voice information from
the remote service center via the network interface using VOIP, and
output the second voice information via the speaker.
[0008] In still other embodiments of the disclosure, a method of
operating a customer service center is disclosed as comprising
receiving diagnostic data generated by a heating, ventilation,
and/or air conditioning (HVAC) controller associated with a first
HVAC system component, and receiving voice over internet protocol
(VOIP) data from the HVAC controller.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an HVAC system according to
an embodiment of the disclosure;
[0010] FIG. 2 is a simplified schematic diagram of the air
circulation paths of the HVAC system of FIG. 1;
[0011] FIG. 3 is a simplified diagram of a system controller of an
HVAC system according to an embodiment of the disclosure;
[0012] FIG. 4 is a simplified representation of a method suitable
for implementing the embodiments of the disclosure;
[0013] FIG. 5 illustrates a menu-driven user interface that may be
used on a thermostat according to embodiments of the disclosure;
and
[0014] FIG. 6 illustrates a menu-driven user interface that may be
used to initiate a VOIP session using a thermostat according to
embodiments of the disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] Customer or technician support for devices may be
facilitated by a customer support call-in number. Some devices
owned by homeowners are large and technically advanced, such as
major appliances, thermostats, and/or a heating, ventilation,
and/or air conditioning (HVAC) systems. These devices may be
connected to each other for various reasons. Obtaining customer
support for the devices may require a customer or technician to
find the related product documentation to find the call-in number,
or otherwise search for the information. The customer may then need
to call customer support using a telephone to get the support they
need. In some cases, the customer may provide information about the
device over the telephone, and/or otherwise assist in identifying
the problem they are experiencing.
[0016] Some embodiments disclosed herein relate to the combination
of built-in voice communication with diagnostic data to improve the
customer support experience and reduce costs for providing the
support. For many technically advanced devices, such as HVAC
systems and major appliances, it may be desirable for reasons
unrelated to customer service to connect the device to an Internet
Protocol (IP) system, such as a wireless router connected to the
Internet. In some embodiments disclosed herein, a microphone and
speaker may be provided to enable voice input and output to a
thermostat or other devices. When a homeowner or technician
experiences a problem with the connected device, they may easily
reach customer support by, in some embodiments, pressing a button
located on the device. Pressing the button may activate a voice
over internet protocol (VOIP) software application and directly
call the customer support location. The call may be initiated, for
example, with a stored telephone number and/or IP address. The
person located locally to the device may talk to a person remote
from the device and the device may send diagnostic information
directly to the support center. Remote control of the device for
diagnostic purposes may be enabled and a maintenance visit may be
scheduled if needed.
[0017] In FIGS. 1 and 2, a technically advanced HVAC system is
described, suitable for use with other embodiments disclosed
herein.
[0018] Referring now to FIG. 1, a schematic diagram of an HVAC
system 100 according to an embodiment of this disclosure is shown.
HVAC system 100 comprises an indoor unit 102, an outdoor unit 104,
and a system controller 106. In some embodiments, the system
controller 106 may operate to control operation of the indoor unit
102 and/or the outdoor unit 104. As shown, the HVAC system 100 is a
so-called heat pump system that may be selectively operated to
implement one or more substantially closed thermodynamic
refrigeration cycles to provide a cooling functionality and/or a
heating functionality.
[0019] Indoor unit 102 comprises an indoor heat exchanger 108, an
indoor fan 110, and an indoor metering device 112. Indoor heat
exchanger 108 is a plate fin heat exchanger configured to allow
heat exchange between refrigerant carried within internal tubing of
the indoor heat exchanger 108 and fluids that contact the indoor
heat exchanger 108 but that are kept segregated from the
refrigerant. In other embodiments, indoor heat exchanger 108 may
comprise a spine fin heat exchanger, a microchannel heat exchanger,
or any other suitable type of heat exchanger.
[0020] The indoor fan 110 is a centrifugal blower comprising a
blower housing, a blower impeller at least partially disposed
within the blower housing, and a blower motor configured to
selectively rotate the blower impeller. In other embodiments, the
indoor fan 110 may comprise a mixed-flow fan and/or any other
suitable type of fan. The indoor fan 110 is configured as a
modulating and/or variable speed fan capable of being operated at
many speeds over one or more ranges of speeds. In other
embodiments, the indoor fan 110 may be configured as a multiple
speed fan capable of being operated at a plurality of operating
speeds by selectively electrically powering different ones of
multiple electromagnetic windings of a motor of the indoor fan 110.
In yet other embodiments, the indoor fan 110 may be a single speed
fan.
[0021] The indoor metering device 112 is an electronically
controlled motor driven electronic expansion valve (EEV). In
alternative embodiments, the indoor metering device 112 may
comprise a thermostatic expansion valve, a capillary tube assembly,
and/or any other suitable metering device. The indoor metering
device 112 may comprise and/or be associated with a refrigerant
check valve and/or refrigerant bypass for use when a direction of
refrigerant flow through the indoor metering device 112 is such
that the indoor metering device 112 is not intended to meter or
otherwise substantially restrict flow of the refrigerant through
the indoor metering device 112.
[0022] Outdoor unit 104 comprises an outdoor heat exchanger 114, a
compressor 116, an outdoor fan 118, an outdoor metering device 120,
a reversing valve 122. Outdoor heat exchanger 114 is a spine fin
heat exchanger configured to allow heat exchange between
refrigerant carried within internal passages of the outdoor heat
exchanger 114 and fluids that contact the outdoor heat exchanger
114 but that are kept segregated from the refrigerant. In other
embodiments, outdoor heat exchanger 114 may comprise a plate fin
heat exchanger, a microchannel heat exchanger, or any other
suitable type of heat exchanger.
[0023] The compressor 116 is a multiple speed scroll type
compressor configured to selectively pump refrigerant at a
plurality of mass flow rates. In alternative embodiments, the
compressor 116 may comprise a modulating compressor capable of
operation over one or more speed ranges, the compressor 116 may
comprise a reciprocating type compressor, the compressor 116 may be
a single speed compressor, and/or the compressor 116 may comprise
any other suitable refrigerant compressor and/or refrigerant
pump.
[0024] The outdoor fan 118 is an axial fan comprising a fan blade
assembly and fan motor configured to selectively rotate the fan
blade assembly. In other embodiments, the outdoor fan 118 may
comprise a mixed-flow fan, a centrifugal blower, and/or any other
suitable type of fan and/or blower. The outdoor fan 118 is
configured as a modulating and/or variable speed fan capable of
being operated at many speeds over one or more ranges of speeds. In
other embodiments, the outdoor fan 118 may be configured as a
multiple speed fan capable of being operated at a plurality of
operating speeds by selectively electrically powering different
ones of multiple electromagnetic windings of a motor of the outdoor
fan 118. In yet other embodiments, the outdoor fan 118 may be a
single speed fan.
[0025] The outdoor metering device 120 is a thermostatic expansion
valve. In alternative embodiments, the outdoor metering device 120
may comprise an electronically controlled motor driven EEV, a
capillary tube assembly, and/or any other suitable metering device.
The outdoor metering device 120 may comprise and/or be associated
with a refrigerant check valve and/or refrigerant bypass for use
when a direction of refrigerant flow through the outdoor metering
device 120 is such that the outdoor metering device 120 is not
intended to meter or otherwise substantially restrict flow of the
refrigerant through the outdoor metering device 120.
[0026] The reversing valve 122 is a so-called four-way reversing
valve. The reversing valve 122 may be selectively controlled to
alter a flow path of refrigerant in the HVAC system 100 as
described in greater detail below. The reversing valve 122 may
comprise an electrical solenoid or other device configured to
selectively move a component of the reversing valve 122 between
operational positions. The system controller 106 may comprise a
touchscreen interface for displaying information and for receiving
user inputs. The system controller 106 may display information
related to the operation of the HVAC system 100 and may receive
user inputs related to operation of the HVAC system 100. However,
the system controller 106 may further be operable to display
information and receive user inputs tangentially and/or unrelated
to operation of the HVAC system 100. In some embodiments, the
system controller 106 may comprise a temperature sensor and may
further be configured to control heating and/or cooling of zones
associated with the HVAC system 100. In some embodiments, the
system controller 106 may be configured as a thermostat for
controlling supply of conditioned air to zones associated with the
HVAC system 100.
[0027] In some embodiments, the system controller 106 may
selectively communicate with an indoor controller 124 of the indoor
unit 102, with an outdoor controller 126 of the outdoor unit 104,
and/or with other components of the HVAC system 100. In some
embodiments, the system controller 106 may be configured for
selective bidirectional communication over a communication bus 128.
In some embodiments, portions of the communication bus 128 may
comprise a three-wire connection suitable for communicating
messages between the system controller 106 and one or more of the
HVAC system 100 components configured for interfacing with the
communication bus 128.
[0028] Still further, the system controller 106 may be configured
to selectively communicate with HVAC system 100 components and/or
other devices 130 via a communication network 132. In some
embodiments, the communication network 132 may comprise a telephone
network and the other device 130 may comprise a telephone. In some
embodiments, the communication network 132 may comprise the
Internet and the other device 130 may comprise a computer, a
so-called smartphone, and/or other Internet enabled mobile
telecommunication device.
[0029] In some embodiments, the other device 130 may be a computer
located in a customer service center or other remote service
location. System controller 106 may be specifically configured to
contact a limited list of other devices 130 identified by IP
addresses or telephone numbers which correspond to a customer
service center where a customer may speak with a customer service
representative, HVAC technician, operator, distributor, or other
person with knowledge or authority related to the HVAC system 100.
System controller 106 may be configured to communicate with other
device 130 using various internet protocols, including VOIP(s).
[0030] The indoor controller 124 may be carried by the indoor unit
102 and may be configured to receive information inputs, transmit
information outputs, and otherwise communicate with the system
controller 106, the outdoor controller 126, and/or any other device
via the communication bus 128 and/or any other suitable medium of
communication. In some embodiments, the indoor controller 124 may
be configured to communicate with an indoor personality module 134,
receive information related to a speed of the indoor fan 110,
transmit a control output to an electric heat relay, transmit
information regarding an indoor fan 110 volumetric flow-rate,
communicate with and/or otherwise affect control over an air
cleaner 136, and communicate with an indoor EEV controller 138. In
some embodiments, the indoor controller 124 may be configured to
communicate with an indoor fan controller 142 and/or otherwise
affect control over operation of the indoor fan 110. In some
embodiments, the indoor personality module 134 may comprise
information related to the identification and/or operation of the
indoor unit 102 and/or a position of the outdoor metering device
120.
[0031] In some embodiments, the indoor EEV controller 138 may be
configured to receive information regarding temperatures and
pressures of the refrigerant in the indoor unit 102. More
specifically, the indoor EEV controller 138 may be configured to
receive information regarding temperatures and pressures of
refrigerant entering, exiting, and/or within the indoor heat
exchanger 108. Further, the indoor EEV controller 138 may be
configured to communicate with the indoor metering device 112
and/or otherwise affect control over the indoor metering device
112.
[0032] The outdoor controller 126 may be carried by the outdoor
unit 104 and may be configured to receive information inputs,
transmit information outputs, and otherwise communicate with the
system controller 106, the indoor controller 124, and/or any other
device via the communication bus 128 and/or any other suitable
medium of communication. In some embodiments, the outdoor
controller 126 may be configured to communicate with an outdoor
personality module 140 that may comprise information related to the
identification and/or operation of the outdoor unit 104.
[0033] In some embodiments, the outdoor controller 126 may be
configured to receive information related to an ambient temperature
associated with the outdoor unit 104, information related to a
temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger 114, and/or information
related to refrigerant temperatures and/or pressures of refrigerant
entering, exiting, and/or within the outdoor heat exchanger 114
and/or the compressor 116. In some embodiments, the outdoor
controller 126 may be configured to transmit information related to
monitoring, communicating with, and/or otherwise affecting control
over the outdoor fan 118, a compressor sump heater, a solenoid of
the reversing valve 122, a relay associated with adjusting and/or
monitoring a refrigerant charge of the HVAC system 100, a position
of the indoor metering device 112, and/or a position of the outdoor
metering device 120. The outdoor controller 126 may further be
configured to communicate with a compressor drive controller 144
that is configured to electrically power and/or control the
compressor 116.
[0034] The HVAC system 100 is shown configured for operating in a
so-called cooling mode in which heat is absorbed by refrigerant at
the indoor heat exchanger 108 and heat is rejected from the
refrigerant at the outdoor heat exchanger 114. In some embodiments,
the compressor 116 may be operated to compress refrigerant and pump
the relatively high temperature and high pressure compressed
refrigerant from the compressor 116 to the outdoor heat exchanger
114 through the reversing valve 122 and to the outdoor heat
exchanger 114. As the refrigerant is passed through the outdoor
heat exchanger 114, the outdoor fan 118 may be operated to move air
into contact with the outdoor heat exchanger 114, thereby
transferring heat from the refrigerant to the air surrounding the
outdoor heat exchanger 114. The refrigerant may primarily comprise
liquid phase refrigerant and the refrigerant may be pumped from the
outdoor heat exchanger 114 to the indoor metering device 112
through and/or around the outdoor metering device 120 which does
not substantially impede flow of the refrigerant in the cooling
mode. The indoor metering device 112 may meter passage of the
refrigerant through the indoor metering device 112 so that the
refrigerant downstream of the indoor metering device 112 is at a
lower pressure than the refrigerant upstream of the indoor metering
device 112. The pressure differential across the indoor metering
device 112 allows the refrigerant downstream of the indoor metering
device 112 to expand and/or at least partially convert to gaseous
phase. The gaseous phase refrigerant may enter the indoor heat
exchanger 108. As the refrigerant is passed through the indoor heat
exchanger 108, the indoor fan 110 may be operated to move air into
contact with the indoor heat exchanger 108, thereby transferring
heat to the refrigerant from the air surrounding the indoor heat
exchanger 108. The refrigerant may thereafter reenter the
compressor 116 after passing through the reversing valve 122.
[0035] To operate the HVAC system 100 in the so-called heating
mode, the reversing valve 122 may be controlled to alter the flow
path of the refrigerant, the indoor metering device 112 may be
disabled and/or bypassed, and the outdoor metering device 120 may
be enabled. In the heating mode, refrigerant may flow from the
compressor 116 to the indoor heat exchanger 108 through the
reversing valve 122, the refrigerant may be substantially
unaffected by the indoor metering device 112, the refrigerant may
experience a pressure differential across the outdoor metering
device 120, the refrigerant may pass through the outdoor heat
exchanger 114, and the refrigerant may reenter the compressor 116
after passing through the reversing valve 122. Most generally,
operation of the HVAC system 100 in the heating mode reverses the
roles of the indoor heat exchanger 108 and the outdoor heat
exchanger 114 as compared to their operation in the cooling
mode.
[0036] Still further, the system controller 106 may be configured
to selectively communicate with other systems via the communication
network 132. In some embodiments, the system controller 106 may
communicate with other devices 130, such as, telephones, smart
phones, and/or personal computers.
[0037] Communication bus 128 may take the form of a three wire
connection, as mentioned above. For example, the three wire
connection may be implemented using standards such as ClimateTalk
and BACnet. Communication bus 128 may alternatively comprise a
CT-485 interface, an RS-485 interface, and/or an Ethernet 10 BASE-T
or 100 BASE-TX interface, and/or any other suitable communication
interface.
[0038] Referring now to FIG. 2, a simplified schematic diagram of
the air circulation paths for a structure 200 conditioned by two
HVAC systems 100 is shown. In this embodiment, the structure 200 is
conceptualized as comprising a lower floor 202 and an upper floor
204. The lower floor 202 comprises zones 206, 208, and 210 while
the upper floor 204 comprises zones 212, 214, and 216. The HVAC
system 100 associated with the lower floor 202 is configured to
circulate and/or condition air of lower zones 206, 208, and 210
while the HVAC system 100 associated with the upper floor 204 is
configured to circulate and/or condition air of upper zones 212,
214, and 216.
[0039] In addition to the components of HVAC system 100 described
above, in this embodiment, each HVAC system 100 further comprises a
ventilator 146, a prefilter 148, a humidifier 150, and a bypass
duct 152. The ventilator 146 may be operated to selectively exhaust
circulating air to the environment and/or introduce environmental
air into the circulating air. The prefilter 148 may generally
comprise a filter media selected to catch and/or retain relatively
large particulate matter prior to air exiting the prefilter 148 and
entering the air cleaner 136. The humidifier 150 may be operated to
adjust a humidity of the circulating air. The bypass duct 152 may
be utilized to regulate air pressures within the ducts that form
the circulating air flow paths. In some embodiments, air flow
through the bypass duct 152 may be regulated by a bypass damper 154
while air flow delivered to the zones 206, 208, 210, 212, 214, and
216 may be regulated by zone dampers 156.
[0040] Still further, each HVAC system 100 may further comprise a
zone thermostat 158 and a zone sensor 160. In some embodiments, a
zone thermostat 158 may communicate with the system controller 106
and may allow a user to control a temperature, humidity, and/or
other environmental setting for the zone in which the zone
thermostat 158 is located. Further, the zone thermostat 158 may
communicate with the system controller 106 to provide temperature,
humidity, and/or other environmental feedback regarding the zone in
which the zone thermostat 158 is located. In some embodiments, a
zone sensor 160 may communicate with the system controller 106 to
provide temperature, humidity, and/or other environmental feedback
regarding the zone in which the zone sensor 160 is located.
[0041] While HVAC systems 100 are shown as a so-called split system
comprising an indoor unit 102 located separately from the outdoor
unit 104, alternative embodiments of an HVAC system 100 may
comprise a so-called package system in which one or more of the
components of the indoor unit 102 and one or more of the components
of the outdoor unit 104 are carried together in a common housing or
package. The HVAC system 100 is shown as a so-called ducted system
where the indoor unit 102 is located remote from the conditioned
zones, thereby requiring air ducts to route the circulating air.
However, in alternative embodiments, an HVAC system 100 may be
configured as a non-ducted system in which the indoor unit 102
and/or multiple indoor units 102 associated with an outdoor unit
104 is located substantially in the space and/or zone to be
conditioned by the respective indoor units 102, thereby not
requiring air ducts to route the air conditioned by the indoor
units 102.
[0042] Still referring to FIG. 2, the system controllers 106 may be
configured for bidirectional communication with each other and may
further be configured so that a user may, using any of the system
controllers 106, monitor and/or control any of the HVAC system 100
components regardless of which zones the components may be
associated. Further, each system controller 106, each zone
thermostat 158, and each zone sensor 160 may comprise a humidity
sensor. As such, it will be appreciated that structure 200 is
equipped with a plurality of humidity sensors in a plurality of
different locations. In some embodiments, a user may effectively
select which of the plurality of humidity sensors is used to
control operation of one or more of the HVAC systems 100.
[0043] FIG. 3 illustrates a processor (e.g., electronic controller
or computer) system 300 that comprises a processing component 310
suitable for implementing one or more embodiments disclosed herein.
For example, the processor system 300 may serve as any of
controllers 106, 124, 126, 134, 140, 158, or 160 in FIG. 1 or FIG.
2. Processor system 300 may further be installed on any HVAC
component that may be installed in an HVAC system. In addition to
the processor component 310 (which may be referred to as a central
processor unit or CPU), the processor system 300 might comprise
network connectivity devices 320, random access memory (RAM) 330,
read only memory (ROM) 340, secondary storage 350, and input/output
(I/O) devices 360. The processor system 300 may further comprise
transceivers 325 as part of network connectivity device 320. The
processor system 300 may further comprise HVAC Communication Bus
Interface 370, display 372, speaker 374, microphone 376, and
sensors 378. In some cases, some of these components may not be
present or may be combined in various combinations with one another
or with other components not shown. These components might be
located in a single physical entity or in more than one physical
entity. Any actions described herein as being taken by the
processor component 310 might be taken by the processor component
310 alone or by the processor component 310 in conjunction with one
or more components shown or not shown in the drawing.
[0044] The processor component 310 executes instructions, codes,
computer programs, or scripts that it might access from the network
connectivity devices 320, RAM 330, ROM 340, or secondary storage
350 (which might comprise various disk-based systems such as hard
disk, floppy disk, optical disk, or other drive). While only one
processor component 310 is shown, multiple processors may be
present. Thus, while instructions may be discussed as being
executed by a processor, the instructions may be executed
simultaneously, serially, or otherwise by one or multiple
processors. The processor component 310 may be implemented as one
or more CPU chips.
[0045] The network connectivity devices 320 may take the form of
modems, modem banks, Ethernet devices, universal serial bus (USB)
interface devices, serial interfaces, token ring devices, fiber
distributed data interface (FDDI) devices, wireless local area
network (WLAN) devices, radio transceiver devices such as code
division multiple access (CDMA) devices, global system for mobile
communications (GSM) radio transceiver devices, worldwide
interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) devices, and/or other
well-known devices for connecting to networks. These network
connectivity devices 320 may enable the processor component 310 to
communicate with the Internet or one or more telecommunications
networks or other networks from which the processor component 310
might receive information or to which the processor component 310
might output information.
[0046] The network connectivity devices 320 might also comprise one
or more transceiver 325 capable of transmitting and/or receiving
data wirelessly in the form of electromagnetic waves, such as radio
frequency signals or microwave frequency signals. Alternatively,
the data may propagate in or on the surface of electrical
conductors, in coaxial cables, in waveguides, in optical media such
as optical fiber, or in other media. The transceiver 325 might
comprise separate receiving and transmitting units or a single
transceiver. Information transmitted or received by the transceiver
325 may comprise data that has been processed by the processor
component 310 or instructions that are to be executed by processor
component 310. Such information may be received from and outputted
to a network in the form, for example, of a computer data baseband
signal or signal embodied in a carrier wave. The data may be
ordered according to different sequences as may be desirable for
either processing or generating the data or transmitting or
receiving the data. The baseband signal, the signal embedded in the
carrier wave, or other types of signals currently used or hereafter
developed may be referred to as the transmission medium and may be
generated according to several methods well known to one skilled in
the art.
[0047] The RAM 330 might be used to store volatile data and perhaps
to store instructions that are executed by the processor component
310. The ROM 340 is a non-volatile memory device that typically has
a smaller memory capacity than the memory capacity of the secondary
storage 350. ROM 340 might be used to store instructions and
perhaps data that are read during execution of the instructions.
Access to both RAM 330 and ROM 340 is typically faster than to
secondary storage 350. The secondary storage 350 is typically
comprised of one or more disk drives or tape drives and might be
used for non-volatile storage of data or as an over-flow data
storage device if RAM 330 is not large enough to hold all working
data. Secondary storage 350 may be used to store programs or
instructions that are loaded into RAM 330 when such programs are
selected for execution or information is needed.
[0048] The I/O devices 360 may comprise keyboards, keypads,
switches, dials, mice, track balls, voice recognizers, card
readers, paper tape readers, printers, transducers, sensors, and/or
any other suitable input or output devices. Also, the transceiver
325 might be considered to be a component of the I/O devices 360
instead of or in addition to being a component of the network
connectivity devices 320. Some or all of the I/O devices 360 may be
substantially similar to various components disclosed herein.
[0049] HVAC communication bus interface 370 may take the form of a
three wire connection, as mentioned above. For example, the three
wire connection may be implemented using standards such as
ClimateTalk and BACnet. HVAC communication bus interface 370 may
alternatively comprise a CT-485 interface, an RS-485 interface,
and/or an Ethernet 10 BASE-T or 100 BASE-TX interface, and/or any
other suitable communication interface.
[0050] Display 372 may comprise liquid crystal displays (LCDs),
touch screen displays, video monitors, plasma screens, digital ink,
or other known display technology. Speaker 374 may be a
conventional speaker, peizo electric element, or other sound
producing element. Microphone 376 may be any known sound sensing
device used to input sound data. Sensors 378 may be any type of
HVAC sensor typically used to operate HVAC systems, such as
temperature sensors, barometric pressure sensors, humidity sensors,
air quality sensors, etc.
[0051] Processing component 310 may receive, store, retrieve,
and/or transmit HVAC configuration information in any of the RAM
330, ROM 340, and secondary storage 350. HVAC configuration
information may comprise information about the manufacturer, model
number, serial number, and system specifications of any and/or all
components in the system. Processor component 310 may also store
and retrieve information about customer service locations,
addresses, and other contact information such as web addresses, IP
addresses, telephone support numbers, and other relevant contact
information. Processor component 310 may also store and retrieve
information about a particular installation, such as customer name
and location, installation date, installer identification,
distributor identification, routine maintenance already performed,
repairs already performed, and information about service
technicians. Processor component 310 may store and retrieve
diagnostic information about the system, comprising error codes,
failure codes, anticipated failure times, needed maintenance,
needed repairs, normal function status, malfunction status, and
functional history. For example, the processor may store and
retrieve fan run times, compressor run times, fan speed, compressor
status, air-flow switch status, sensor status, power failure, fuel
supply information, or any other information relevant to the
function and/or malfunction of the device.
[0052] I/O devices 360 may comprise a dedicated switch 380 on the
front of the device. Alternatively, the switch may be a soft
switch, for example a programmed region of a touch screen interface
in a particular context, as shown in FIG. 5. For example, the
dedicated switch 380 may be a simple momentary mechanical
push-button switch on a front panel of the housing of a processor
system 300 labeled "Press for customer service". The processor
component 310 may be configured to check for actuation dedicated
switch 380 through I/O device 360. When actuation of the dedicated
switch 380 is detected, the processor system 300 may be configured
to initiate a VOIP software application to pass voice inputs from
microphone 376 through network connectivity device 320 to a
customer service center, and to pass voice inputs received through
network connectivity device 320 from the customer service center to
speaker 374.
[0053] The processor component 310 may be configured to retrieve
customer service contact information from secondary storage 350
from a limited number of possible contacts. For example, the
processor component 310 may be configured to only contact a
particular manufacturer, which may then handle the request as
appropriate. The customer service call may be forwarded to local
service technicians, or handled in any other way as appropriate.
Limiting the possible contacts using the VOIP applications may help
to constrain costs associated with this service, depending on local
regulations and telecommunication laws. For example, the customer
may be able to use the processor system 300 to get customer service
from the manufacturer, but not to make personal calls to friends in
other countries. Limiting contacts may also limit security risks,
if the processor is configured to execute instructions received
from network connectivity device 320.
[0054] The processor component 310 may be configured to send HVAC
configuration information, diagnostic information, service history,
customer name, customer preferences, technician information,
installation information, local repair and service company
information, status information, error codes, malfunction
information, and any information that may be relevant to customer
service, and handling a customer service call about the product.
The processor component 310 may be configured to send some or all
of this information when the VOIP call is established. This may
make the customer service call proceed more rapidly. Automated data
analysis at the customer service center may automatically present a
solution for the problem based on received diagnostic information.
For example, if a fan motor is bad, the customer service center
automated data analysis may recognize this problem immediately,
based on the diagnostic information received and previous customer
service calls, and send a proposed solution to a display screen
seen by the customer service representative speaking with the
customer. The solution may be to inform the customer what is wrong,
inform the customer of available options, suggest a course of
action, recommend a local technician, and estimate a cost of the
repair. This may happen without the customer having to even
describe the problem.
[0055] The customer service representative may also ask the
customer to observe various conditions, or take various actions
related to the diagnosis of the problem. The processor component
310 may be configured to execute instructions sent by the customer
service representative. For example, the processor component 310
may be configured to run diagnostic tests or send particular data
back to the customer service representative. This may allow the
customer service representative to directly perform diagnostic
tests, rather than request that the customer perform these tests.
Further, the diagnostic tests may be initiated by automated
diagnostic software maintained by the customer service center. This
may allow diagnostic tests to be performed based on data received
from many similar systems. Thus, if a particular fan motor fails
frequently after a certain number of hours of operation, the
diagnostic software at the customer service center may be aware of
this trend, whereas software located on the local HVAC system may
not comprise access to data about other similar installations in
other customers' houses. In addition, the customer service center
may be able to diagnose ambiguous data better. For example, if a
particular set of data is ambiguous, and may indicate that either a
sensor or a motor is malfunctioning, the customer service center
may be able to make an educated guess at which is likely, based on
experiences from many customer service calls. A repair technician
may be sent to the location with both parts, or only the most
likely part, based on information received from the customer
service call. This may reduce the costs of the repair, while also
reducing delays due to diagnosis and availability of parts.
[0056] The synergy available when the VOIP application is built
into the processor system 300 is not available when the customer
uses their own general purpose phone to call a customer service
center, and report a problem. When the customer makes a traditional
call, the customer service representative is not automatically
connected to the device, and not automatically given the customer
information, comprising device status and diagnostic information.
The customer service representative is also not automatically
connected to the processor component 310 to run diagnostic tests.
The whole process may take much longer using the traditional
approach, and not arrive at the same optimal solution due to
inherent and typical limitations in the abilities of customers.
Some burdens that customers traditionally experience may be
lifted.
[0057] Adding speaker 374 and/or microphone 376 may allow a
processor component 310 to be configured to communicate using VOIP
instructions through network connectivity device 320.
[0058] FIG. 4 illustrates a method 400 of operating a thermostat,
which may begin at block 410 by controlling an HVAC component in
response to HVAC settings. The HVAC settings may relate to a
climate sensor attached to a thermostat or other HVAC
component.
[0059] The method 400 may continue at block 420 by receiving voice
information from a microphone on the thermostat. This information
may be digitized data representing the users voice, whether the
user is a home owner, installer, technician, repairman, maintenance
worker, or other individual. The reception of the voice data may
commence in response to receiving a customer service command to
initiate a customer service call to a remote service center. The
customer service command may be input by voice, dedicated button,
or a menu-driven user interface.
[0060] The method may continue at block 430 by transmitting the
voice information through a network communication interface to a
particular destination, for example an IP address or telephone
number directing the information to a customer service center using
VOIP. The IP address or telephone number may be stored in a
controller in the thermostat. In addition to the voice data, the
method may comprise sending information stored by the thermostat
such as product information. The product information may comprise
system identification information, diagnostic information relating
to the configuration and operation of the thermostat, information
about the installation operation, status, and history of any HVAC
components connected to the thermostat, and other information.
[0061] The method may continue at block 440 by receiving VOIP
information using the thermostat. This may be the digitized voice
information coming from the customer service center in response to
sending the user voice information. The method may comprise
instances where the customer service center may identify a
malfunction of the HVAC component, identify a part required for
repair of the malfunction of the HVAC component, and transmit
information identifying the part to at least one of the thermostat,
an HVAC parts dealer, and a HVAC service center. The voice data may
comprise instructions to the user to perform certain diagnostic
observations or actions, and report the results. In addition, the
voice data may be accompanied by diagnostic data and instructions
from the customer service center. The instructions may be machine
instructions directed at a controller in the thermostat.
[0062] The method 400 may continue at block 450 by outputting the
received VOIP information through a speaker on the thermostat.
[0063] FIG. 5 shows a menu-driven user interface 500 that may be
used on a thermostat. The thermostat menu may comprise several
levels, and multiple selections 510 on each level, as shown. One
particular selection, service 520, may lead to a dedicated customer
service VOIP connection. This may be illustrated in FIG. 6. FIG. 6
illustrates a touch screen display interface 600 which may be used
to establish a VOIP call to a manufacturer by selecting a
particular choice, such as 610. The VOIP call may also be
established with a local technician using selection 620. The
service menu may provide a selection for running diagnostics, such
as 630. The service menu may further provide a system information
selection 640 for reviewing system information, or inputting system
information. As an alternative, a call to a customer service center
may be initiated by a hardwired button on the front of the
thermostat, connected to a dedicated switch.
[0064] As used herein, the terms "customer service center" and
"remote service center" are used interchangeably. Either of these
terms can refer to a call center run by a manufacturer,
distributor, or dealer. On or more people may work in the call
center to answer customer questions and help with customer
concerns. The call center may accept voice data whether it arrives
over the internet, through a wired telephone interface, or over
cellular communication services.
[0065] At least one embodiment is disclosed and variations,
combinations, and/or modifications of the embodiment(s) and/or
features of the embodiment(s) made by a person having ordinary
skill in the art are within the scope of the disclosure.
Alternative embodiments that result from combining, integrating,
and/or omitting features of the embodiment(s) are also within the
scope of the disclosure. Where numerical ranges or limitations are
expressly stated, such express ranges or limitations should be
understood to comprise iterative ranges or limitations of like
magnitude falling within the expressly stated ranges or limitations
(e.g., from about 1 to about 10 comprises, 2, 3, 4, etc.; greater
than 0.10 comprises 0.11, 0.12, 0.13, etc.). For example, whenever
a numerical range with a lower limit, Rl, and an upper limit, Ru,
is disclosed, any number falling within the range is specifically
disclosed. In particular, the following numbers within the range
are specifically disclosed: R=Rl+k*(Ru-Rl), wherein k is a variable
ranging from 1 percent to 100 percent with a 1 percent increment,
i.e., k is 1 percent, 2 percent, 3 percent, 4 percent, 5 percent, .
. . 50 percent, 51 percent, 52 percent, . . . , 95 percent, 96
percent, 97 percent, 98 percent, 99 percent, or 100 percent.
Moreover, any numerical range defined by two R numbers as defined
in the above is also specifically disclosed. Use of the term
"optionally" with respect to any element of a claim means that the
element is required, or alternatively, the element is not required,
both alternatives being within the scope of the claim. Use of
broader terms such as comprises, comprises, and having should be
understood to provide support for narrower terms such as consisting
of, consisting essentially of, and comprised substantially of.
Accordingly, the scope of protection is not limited by the
description set out above but is defined by the claims that follow,
that scope comprising all equivalents of the subject matter of the
claims. Each and every claim is incorporated as further disclosure
into the specification and the claims are embodiment(s) of the
present invention.
* * * * *