U.S. patent application number 14/313507 was filed with the patent office on 2015-12-24 for method and apparatus providing safety improvement for thermostat devices that provide remote control features.
The applicant listed for this patent is Howard Rosen. Invention is credited to Howard Rosen.
Application Number | 20150369508 14/313507 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 54869310 |
Filed Date | 2015-12-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150369508 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Rosen; Howard |
December 24, 2015 |
Method and Apparatus Providing Safety Improvement for Thermostat
Devices That Provide Remote Control Features
Abstract
An improvement in operation of a thermostat with regard to
overall safety, efficiency, comfort, cost of operation or other
such items is disclosed in which limits or restrictions are placed
on remote control features of the thermostat based upon detection
of occupancy, or locality of people or devices owned by people
identified as potential occupants or the locality of a device
utilized in attempting to send commands to the thermostat.
Inventors: |
Rosen; Howard; (Montreal,
CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Rosen; Howard |
Montreal |
|
CA |
|
|
Family ID: |
54869310 |
Appl. No.: |
14/313507 |
Filed: |
June 24, 2014 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
165/237 ; 236/1C;
236/51 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24D 19/1087 20130101;
F24D 19/1084 20130101; F24F 11/30 20180101; F24F 11/56 20180101;
F24F 2120/10 20180101; F24F 11/62 20180101; F24F 2120/12 20180101;
F24F 11/52 20180101 |
International
Class: |
F24F 11/00 20060101
F24F011/00; F24D 19/10 20060101 F24D019/10 |
Claims
1) A thermostat providing control for operation of a Heating,
Cooling, Ventilation or Air Conditioning system (HVAC system), the
HVAC system for serving to condition air in a conditioned space,
the thermostat including: A) a remote command reception apparatus
for receiving one or more remote control commands directly or
indirectly from a remote personal interface apparatus, the one or
more remote control commands specifying remotely proposed changes
in the control of the HVAC system; B) an occupancy detection
apparatus for detecting and providing a signal indicative of
occupancy in the conditioned space; C) a thermostat control
apparatus operatively coupled to the command reception apparatus
and to the occupancy detection apparatus, receiving both the one or
more remote control commands and the signal indicative of occupancy
in the conditioned space, and causing one or more remote instigated
changes in operation of the HVAC system with at least one of the
remote instigated changes in operation being dependent on both
receipt of: a) at least one of the remote control commands, and b)
the signal indicative of occupancy in the conditioned space.
2) The thermostat of claim 1 further including a selection of
remote response mechanism, the selection of remote response
mechanism providing for user selection from a plurality of preset
possible modifications of the remote instigated changes in
operation, and the remote instigated changes in operation then
being modified as a function of user selection.
3) The thermostat of claim 1 wherein the remote personal interface
apparatus is a personal cell phone or a personal tablet device.
4) The thermostat of claim 1 wherein the remote personal interface
apparatus is provided from a central server an application program
for running on the remote personal interface apparatus, and the
application program includes specific control programming providing
for user specification of desired thermostat programming changes
and formation of the remote commands for sending to the remote
command reception apparatus.
5) The thermostat of claim 1 wherein the remote command reception
apparatus is operatively coupled to an internet interface
(world-wide web interface) and the internet interface is used for
receiving the remote control commands from the remote personal
interface apparatus.
6) thermostat of claim 1 wherein the occupancy detection apparatus
comprises a motion detector.
7) A thermostat providing control of a Heating, Cooling,
Ventilation or Air Conditioning system (HVAC system), the HVAC
system for serving to condition air in a conditioned space, the
thermostat including: A) a remote command reception mechanism
incorporated within the thermostat for receiving one or more remote
control commands or control signals directly or indirectly from a
personal remote interface apparatus; B) a thermostat control
apparatus incorporated within the thermostat coupled to the remote
command reception mechanism for responding to the receiving of the
remote control commands so as to cause one or more normal remotely
instigated changes in operation of the HVAC system based upon the
received remote control commands or control signals; and, C) an
occupancy detection mechanism operatively coupled to the thermostat
control apparatus for detecting and providing a signal indicative
of occupancy in the conditioned space and then utilized by the
thermostat control apparatus to determine a condition of occupancy
in the conditioned space, the thermostat control apparatus then
modifying, as a function based upon the condition of occupancy in
the conditioned space, at least one of the normal remotely
instigated changes, during at least a portion of time during which
the condition of occupancy is determined.
8) The thermostat of claim 7 wherein the remote command reception
mechanism is operatively coupled to the internet (world-wide web)
and the internet is used in transmission of the remote control
commands from the personal remote interface apparatus to the remote
command reception mechanism.
9) The thermostat of claim 7 wherein the modifying at least one of
the normal remotely instigated changes in operation of the HVAC
system is carried out by inhibiting of any changes based upon the
received remote control commands.
10) thermostat of claim 7 wherein the modifying at least one of the
normal remotely instigated changes in operation of the HVAC system
is carried out by a delay in the application of one or more of the
changes based upon the received remote control commands.
11) A Heating, Cooling, Ventilation or Air Conditioning system
sensing and control apparatus (HVAC sensing and control apparatus)
for providing control of a Heating, Cooling, Ventilation or Air
Conditioning system (HVAC system), the HVAC sensing and control
apparatus including: a) environmental sensing apparatus connected
for sensing one or more environmental conditions in a conditioned
space, b) input apparatus enabling entering of set-points relating
to a user desired environmental condition in the conditioned space,
c) output control apparatus generating HVAC control output signals
or commands for controlling the operation of the HVAC system
serving the conditioned space; the HVAC sensing and control
apparatus further comprising: A) a remote command reception
mechanism for receiving remote control commands from a personal
remote interface apparatus, the thermostat control apparatus, in
response to the remote control commands, causing one or more
changes in operation of the HVAC system based upon the received
remote control commands; B) an occupancy detection apparatus being
connected for providing a signal indicative of occupancy in the
conditioned space; and, C) a remote override control apparatus
coupled to the occupancy detection apparatus and receiving the
signal indicative of occupancy in the conditioned space and
operative in response to the signal indicative of occupancy in the
conditioned space, modifying at least one of the changes in
operation of the HVAC system as a function of the received remote
control commands.
12) The HVAC sensing and control apparatus of claim 11 wherein the
modifying at least one of the changes in operation of the HVAC
system is an inhibiting of any changes based upon the received
remote control commands.
13) HVAC sensing and control apparatus of claim 11 wherein the
modifying at least one of the changes in operation of the HVAC
system is a delay in application of one or more of the changes
based upon the received remote control commands.
14) The HVAC sensing and control apparatus of claim 11 further
comprising wherein the modifying at least one of the changes in
operation of the HVAC system is further dependent upon patterns of
occupancy, the patterns of occupancy being a record relating to
status of the signal indicative of occupancy over a period of time
greater than one day.
15) A Heating, Cooling, Ventilation or Air Conditioning system
sensing and control apparatus (HVAC sensing and control apparatus)
for providing control of a Heating, Cooling, Ventilation or Air
Conditioning system (HVAC system), the HVAC sensing and control
apparatus including: a) an environmental sensing mechanism for
sensing one or more environmental conditions in a conditioned
space, b) an input mechanism allowing for setting of set-points
relating to a user desired environmental condition in the
conditioned space, c) HVAC control output signals or commands for
operation of the HVAC system serving the conditioned space; the
HVAC sensing and control apparatus further comprising: A) a remote
command reception mechanism being coupled for receiving remote
control commands or remote control signals from a personal remote
interface apparatus such as a personal cell phone, a personal
tablet device, or a personal computer device, the thermostat
control apparatus in response to the receiving of remote control
commands causing one or more normal remotely instigated changes in
operation of the HVAC system based upon the received remote control
commands or control signals; B) user input apparatus for entering a
remote control inhibit condition state into the HVAC sensing and
control apparatus; and, C) remote control inhibit apparatus coupled
to the user input apparatus and being operative, based upon the
remote control inhibit condition state, to inhibit at least one of
the normal remotely instigated changes in operation of the HVAC
system in accordance with the received remote control commands or
control signals.
16) A Heating, Cooling, Ventilation or Air Conditioning system
sensing and control apparatus (HVAC sensing and control apparatus)
for providing control of a Heating, Cooling, Ventilation or Air
Conditioning system (HVAC system), the HVAC sensing and control
apparatus including: a) an environmental sensing mechanism for
sensing one or more environmental conditions in a conditioned
space, b) an input mechanism allowing for setting of set-points
relating to a user desired environmental condition in the
conditioned space, c) HVAC control output signals or commands for
operation of the HVAC system serving the conditioned space; the
HVAC sensing and control apparatus further comprising: A) a remote
command reception mechanism for receiving remote control commands
or remote control signals from a personal remote interface
apparatus, the thermostat control apparatus responding to the
receiving of remote control commands so as to cause one or more
changes in operation of the HVAC system based upon the received
remote control commands or remote control signals; B) an occupancy
detection mechanism providing a signal indicative of occupancy in
the conditioned space; and, C) a remote override control apparatus
that inhibits, based upon the signal indicative of occupancy in the
conditioned space, at least one of the changes in operation of the
HVAC system based upon the received remote control commands or
remote control signals, until a pre-set period of time of a
condition of no occupancy is detected as having elapsed, the
condition of no occupancy being based upon an absence of the signal
indicative of occupancy in the conditioned space.
17) A method for controlling a thermostat, the thermostat providing
for control of a Heating, Cooling, Ventilation or Air Conditioning
system (HVAC system), the HVAC system for serving to condition air
in a conditioned space, the thermostat being coupled to a
communications interface and further including occupancy detection
apparatus for detecting a condition of occupancy, the method for
controlling the thermostat including the steps of: A) the
thermostat utilizing the communications interface and receiving one
or more remote control commands or control signals directly or
indirectly from a personal remote interface apparatus; B) in
response to the receiving of the one or more remote control
commands, the thermostat checking the condition of occupancy using
the occupancy detection apparatus; and, C) when the occupancy
detection apparatus indicates that the condition of occupancy does
exist, the thermostat responding by then changing in a first way
how the HVAC system operates, and when the occupancy detection
apparatus indicates that the condition of occupancy does not exist,
the thermostat responding by then changing in a second way how the
HVAC system operates, the first and second ways in which the HVAC
system operates being different from each other.
18) The method of claim 17 wherein the checking of the condition of
occupancy is preceded by a step of the thermostat checking if the
personal remote interface is connected to a local area network
which is the same local area network to which the thermostat is
connected, and the thermostat then skipping the step of checking
the condition of occupancy upon determining that the personal
remote interface is connected to the same local area network.
19) The method of claim 17 wherein the checking of the condition of
occupancy is preceded by a step of the thermostat checking if the
personal remote interface is located in close proximity to the
conditioned space served by the HVAC system, and then, if the
personal remote interface is physically in close proximity, the
thermostat then skipping the step of checking the condition of
occupancy.
20) The method of claim 17 wherein the occupancy detection
apparatus comprises a motion detector.
21) A method for remotely controlling a thermostat coupled to a
communications interface, the thermostat providing for control of a
Heating, Cooling, Ventilation or Air Conditioning system (HVAC
system), the HVAC system for serving to condition air in a
conditioned space, the thermostat further including an occupancy
detection mechanism for determining a condition of occupancy, the
method for controlling the thermostat including the steps of: A)
providing a thermostat control application program installable for
running on a personal remote interface apparatus, the thermostat
control application providing a user interface to the thermostat;
B) the thermostat establishing communication with the thermostat
control application installed on the personal remote interface
apparatus through the communications interface; C) if the condition
of occupancy has been determined by the occupancy detection
apparatus of the thermostat, the thermostat reporting the condition
of occupancy to the thermostat control application via the
communications interface.
22) The method of claim 21 further comprising a step of: the
thermostat making one or more remote instigated changes in control
of the HVAC system with the remote instigated changes based upon
both a) commands sent from the thermostat control application
program to the thermostat, and, b) the condition of occupancy.
23) The method of claim 22 wherein the remote instigated changes in
control of the HVAC system are delayed in time based upon the
condition of occupancy.
24) The method of claim 21 wherein the thermostat control
application program includes control programming such that one or
more features of the thermostat control application program are
disabled when the thermostat reports the condition of occupancy to
the thermostat control application program.
25) A method for controlling a thermostat, the thermostat providing
for control of a Heating, Cooling, Ventilation or Air Conditioning
system (HVAC system), the HVAC system for serving to condition air
to a conditioned space, the thermostat further including an
occupancy detection mechanism for determining a condition of
occupancy, the method for controlling the thermostat including the
steps of: A) the thermostat receiving one or more remote control
commands or control signals directly or indirectly from a personal
remote interface apparatus operated by a user of the personal
remote interface apparatus; B) in response to the receiving of the
one or more remote control commands, the thermostat checking the
condition of occupancy; and, C) when the condition of occupancy
exists, the thermostat being operative for reporting a remote
control access attempt while occupied to one or more of: a) an
occupant of the conditioned space, and, the user of the personal
remote interface apparatus.
26) The method of claim 25 wherein the reporting of the remote
control access attempt while occupied includes instigating an
audible and/or visual notification to one or more of: a) the
occupant of the conditioned space, and, b) the user of the personal
remote interface apparatus.
27) A method for controlling a thermostat, the thermostat providing
for control of a Heating, Cooling, Ventilation or Air Conditioning
system (HVAC system), the HVAC system for serving to condition air
in a conditioned space, the thermostat being coupled to a
communications interface, the method for controlling the thermostat
including the steps of: A) the thermostat utilizing the
communications interface to receive one or more remote control
commands or control signals directly or indirectly from a personal
remote interface apparatus; B) in response to the receiving of the
one or more remote control commands from the personal remote
interface apparatus, the thermostat entering and then running in an
altered mode of operation for controlling the HVAC system based
upon the remote control commands; and, C) in response to receiving
a command from a local user the thermostat leaving the altered mode
of operation based upon the remote control commands and responding
to the command from the local user by altering in some way current
operation for controlling the HVAC system.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] Not Applicable
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not Applicable
THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT
[0003] Not Applicable
INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT
DISC
[0004] Not Applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0005] This invention relates to the art of environmental control
systems, to thermostats which control heating, ventilation and
cooling systems, and in particular to thermostats which provide one
or more features which allow for remote control of a thermostat
and/or environmental control system.
[0006] Modern thermostat devices are evolving in a manner that
provides for more and more "remote" control of these thermostat
devices. For example, certain thermostats now provide for remote
control of certain settings of the thermostat over the internet
utilizing a cell phone application, or web browser interface.
Allowing for remote control of a thermostat, although it may be
convenient, introduces certain risks, and even possibly
dangers.
[0007] There are many scenarios that can be envisioned that can
serve as examples of these risks/dangers. For example, someone
turns off a heating system using a remote control application while
another disabled person is still at home, and the lack of heat
poses a health risk to the disabled person at home. A second
example, someone utilizes remote control to raise the set-point
temperature for a thermostat controlling a home air conditioning
system even though someone is at home and discomfort to the person
at home is the result. A third example, someone turns off an
air-conditioning system remotely, even though someone is at home,
and by the time the change is noticed energy costs are higher
because time has moved to a period of higher energy rates,
therefore additional costs are incurred to recover reasonable
comfort. Many other scenarios can be easily envisioned by someone
skilled in the art of thermostat system design and/or environmental
system control design.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] It would be therefore be an improvement in operation of a
thermostat with regard to overall safety, efficiency, comfort, cost
of operation or other such items if limits or restrictions could be
placed on one or more remote control features for controlling the
operation of the thermostat based upon determination or detection
of conditions such as: the present operational status of the
thermostat, occupancy of the room or conditioned space controlled
by the thermostat, and/or other conditions of the environment
within or surrounding the conditioned space served by heating or
air conditioning equipment controlled by the thermostat.
[0009] According to a first illustrated embodiment of the present
invention, a thermostat provides control of a Heating, Cooling,
Ventilation or Air Conditioning system (HVAC system), the HVAC
system for serving to condition air in a conditioned space, and
incorporates a remote command reception capability for receiving
one or more remote control commands or control signals directly or
indirectly from a personal remote interface apparatus such as a
personal cell phone, a personal tablet device, or a personal
computer device. Thermostat control apparatus included in the
thermostat is designed to receive one or more remote control
commands, and in response to those remote control commands to cause
changes in either the current or the programmed operation of the
HVAC system as those specified by such remote control commands or
control signals. An occupancy detection mechanism is also included
in the embodiment and provides to the thermostat control apparatus,
a signal indicative of occupancy. For example, it would be an
advantage in the operation of the thermostat if, when a condition
of current occupancy is determined, to be able to ignore or
disregard any commands sent to the thermostat to change settings.
This would have advantage of not allowing a remote person to change
any settings of the thermostat when the conditioned space is
occupied and the one or more of the occupants can be presumed to
already be in control of the thermostat in a way they desire.
[0010] In an enhancement to the thermostat, the occupants can be
signaled by an alarm when a remote change is requested and given a
chance to "okay" or "ignore" the remote commands, or to take other
more complex action such as delaying the effect of the remote
command for a specified period of time, or until occupancy is no
longer determined (i.e. being detected). Another alternative
approach would be always delay the application of remote commands
until occupancy is no longer determined.
[0011] In a first enhanced embodiment of the present invention, the
changing of specific settings such as the current set-point
temperature of the thermostat are limited, for example, such as
allowing a change of no more than some preset number of degrees of
temperature such as five degrees. This approach may have advantage
in providing for some degree of "safety" while still allowing for
some amount of remote control.
[0012] In a second enhanced embodiment of the present invention,
remote control commands are stored by the thermostat but are not
acted upon until there has been confirmation or acceptance of the
commands by a person physically at or near the thermostat.
[0013] According to a third embodiment of the present invention, an
operator of a remote control application (or web interface) is
informed by the thermostat when the conditioned space is occupied
and queried as to whether the operator wants to continue with that
command or further commands. A password feature for overriding
rejection of a command, due to occupancy, or modification of a
command, due to occupancy, is also optionally incorporated into the
thermostat.
[0014] According to a fourth illustrated embodiment of the present
invention, a thermostat with occupancy detection and remote control
features sends or displays a signal to an occupant when a remote
access to the thermostat is being attempted, or when a change in
settings of thermostat is attempted remotely. The signal to the
occupant is optionally provided in one or more forms such as: a) a
visual signal on the thermostat screen such as a flashing icon, or
flashing of the background of the thermostat screen; b) an audible
signal from the thermostat such as a beep, or continuous audible
signal; c) sending of an electronic message such as a text message
or email sent to a previously specified email address of a
potential occupant; and/or, d) a display on another device in the
home or condition space such as a network connected television of a
notification message that a remote control access to the thermostat
has been attempted.
[0015] In a further enhancement to these previously described
illustrated embodiments of the present invention, the occupancy
detection apparatus or method is enhanced with occupancy
identification. That is, occupancy of the conditioned space is
recognized/detected through a mechanism associated with the
thermostat that provides more precise identification of an occupant
which is then optionally utilized by the thermostat control
apparatus to customize the response to any remote control commands,
dependent on one or more of: the recognition, the detection, and,
the identification of one or more current occupants. Occupancy
determination can be made, for example, by an approach utilizing
motion detection. Occupancy detection and occupant identification
can also be enhanced or determined utilizing the recognition of
electronic signals from a personal electronic device, such as a
cell phone, that is typically carried with an occupant. An
alternative is to recognize electronic signals from an automobile
or other apparatus that is typically driven or utilized by a
previously identified potential occupant, and which is determined
to be in locality of the conditioned space or thermostat. A
response to a remote control access or command applied to a
thermostat can also be customized based upon a) identification of
the person or device from which a remote control command is sent,
and/or b) identification of one or more current occupants of the
conditioned space. For example, a "master" remote control user
could be identified who is allowed access to previously identified
remote control commands, or all remote control commands, in spite
of or despite any determination of a state of occupancy. In this
case, for example, other potential remote control users would be
denied access, or given limited access to the thermostat commands,
and/or to information gathered and recorded by the thermostat.
[0016] Identification of an occupant in a room or home or
conditioned space served by and Heating, Ventilation, and/or Air
Conditioning system (HVAC system) utilizes the recognition of
signals from personal devices that can be associated with a
specific person, or alternatively groups of people. For example, a
cell phone typically carried by "Bob" is identifiable by the cell
phones connection to a local w-fi router that is known to be local
to an area served by the thermostat. In similar manner, the
recognition of a blue-tooth signal from a cell device can be
utilized to identify a cell phone typically carried by a certain
person. In similar manner, an automobile that includes Wi-Fi access
can be recognized as being in vicinity of a local network (the same
local network to which the thermostat is connected) when a Wi-Fi
connection by the automobile is detected/discovered, and optionally
identifiable as being owned or operated by a previously detected
occupant or identified occupant.
[0017] In another further enhancement to these previously described
illustrated embodiments of the present invention, patterns of
occupancy are also recognizable in known manner, and the changing
of a response to remote control commands is then determined based
upon these patterns of occupancy. For example, a thermostat
recognizes or detects that a room (conditioned space) is typically
occupied every day from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. The thermostat would
then ignore remote control commands during those periods, or, would
delay the effect of any remote control commands until after a
recognized pattern of occupancy.
[0018] In a further enhancement to these previously described
illustrated embodiments of the present invention, a thermostat
delays response to remote control commands when a condition of
occupancy is determined, and then applies one or more of the remote
control commands after occupancy is no longer detected, or
alternatively after a defined period of time from when occupancy
was detected.
[0019] In a still further enhancement to these previously described
illustrated embodiments of the present invention, a current
occupant is queried by the thermostat as to how he or she wants the
thermostat to respond to a remote control command. For example, the
thermostat displays a selection choice of, for example, two or more
of: a) ignore remote control commands; b) apply the remote control
command; c) apply some or certain remote control commands; d) delay
response to remote commands until a specified time has elapsed; e)
delay response to one or more remote commands until after occupancy
is no longer detected (determined); and, f) delay response to
remote commands until a certain specified time has elapsed.
[0020] According to a further illustrated embodiment of the present
invention, a thermostat with occupancy detection and remote control
capability sends a message or signal to a remote device upon
detection of occupancy by an unrecognized person. For example, a
motion detector operatively coupled to the thermostat control
apparatus detects motion, and no identification of occupancy by a
known person has been made, causing a signal or electronic message
to be sent by the thermostat to a remote correspondent to notify
them of occupancy by an unknown person. The indication of a
determination of occupancy by an unknown person is sent to a remote
correspondent when he or she initiates or has already or previously
initiated contact with the thermostat. That is, the address of one
or more remote correspondents is logged and stored by the
thermostat when someone makes connection to the thermostat
remotely, and can be established and transmitted by an application
running on the remote correspondent's communication device when the
connection is made.
[0021] In another illustrated embodiment, an absence of occupancy
is utilized by the thermostat to initiate messages to one or more
previously logged and recorded remote correspondents when specified
environmental conditions are detected.
[0022] For example, an application is downloaded from a central
server or application store to a cell phone, the application being
one that provides for remote control of a thermostat. A remote
correspondent utilizes the application on his or her cell phone (or
any communication device) and sends commands or makes connection to
the thermostat. The application transmits to the thermostat, an
address (such as a cell phone number) and the thermostat stores
that address (cell phone number) in storage included in the
thermostat. That address, or a list of addresses, is utilized as a
list of "to" addresses for sending of messages relating to status
of thermostat and its detected conditions. For example, a condition
of current temperature more than "n" degrees above the current
set-point of the thermostat is a condition that may warrant a
warning message being sent to the list of addresses. Another
example would be detection of a current temperature that is too
low, such as approaching freezing, may warrant a warning message to
previously or currently connected remote correspondents. Modern
thermostats also may have access to conditions outside the
conditioned space such as current outdoor temperature, or outdoor
humidity. Detection of an outdoor temperature above 110 degrees
might be an example of a condition that warrants sending by the
thermostat of a warning message to previously identified and stored
list of remote correspondents. This notification/warning then could
be used to cause or prompt the remote correspondent to send
commands to the thermostat to raise or lower the current set-point
temperature, or to switch from heating to cooling or vice-versa.
Optionally, the remote correspondent would be sent these messages
only if a condition of no occupancy was currently detected or
determined based upon techniques well known in the state of the art
(assuming that if someone is home, for example, that he or she
would handle any problems without need to notify someone
remotely).
[0023] In these above described illustrated embodiments of the
present invention, the incorporation of both an occupancy sensing
apparatus and remote control features into a thermostat are
utilized in concert to provide novel advantages in operation and/or
environmental sensing and "safety" of the conditioned space related
to the thermostat and its associated HVAC system.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING
[0024] The invention is better understood by reading the detailed
description of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying
drawings in which:
[0025] FIG. 1 illustrates processing apparatus and logic of a
thermostat apparatus which includes the capability for being
controlled remotely and in which an occupancy detection apparatus
associated therewith is used to detect a condition of occupancy,
and use the condition of occupancy in determining or influencing
the overall effect of one or more remote commands received from a
remote control operator.
[0026] FIG. 2 illustrates a thermostat apparatus similar to that of
FIG. 1 that further comprises a selection of remote response
mechanism.
[0027] FIG. 3 is a flow chart illustrating an exemplary method for
controlling an HVAC system according to several aspects of the
present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0028] The following detailed description includes references to
the accompanying figures of the drawing, which form a part of the
detailed description. The figures show, by way of illustration,
specific embodiments in which the apparatus may be practiced. These
embodiments, which are also referred to herein as "examples" or
"options," are described in enough detail to enable those skilled
in the art to practice the illustrated embodiments. The disclosed
embodiments may be combined, other embodiments may be utilized or
structural or logical changes may be made without departing from
the scope of the invention. The following detailed description is,
therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense and the scope of the
invention is defined by the appended claims and their legal
equivalents.
[0029] The present invention as described and/or illustrated
according to the embodiments discussed above is directed to an
improved method and system for managing remote control command to a
thermostat device that overcomes the risks and limitations of
traditional approaches.
[0030] FIG. 1 provides illustration of a thermostat apparatus 100
that comprises a remote command reception apparatus 120 operatively
coupled to the overall control apparatus 130 of the thermostat 100.
The remote command reception apparatus 120 receives remote commands
112 from a remote personal control apparatus 110 and forwards those
commands 122 to the thermostat control apparatus 130. Examples of a
personal remote control apparatus include devices typically
utilized by an individual such as a personal cell phone, a personal
computer tablet device which may include an application running on
the personal device for interaction across the internet to control
an apparatus such as a thermostat apparatus. The thermostat control
apparatus 130 receives the remote commands 122 to affect control of
an HVAC system 150 used for controlling a conditioned space 160.
The thermostat control apparatus 130 also receives a signal
indicative of a condition of occupancy 142 from an occupancy
detection apparatus 140 with an occupancy detection sensor 144
positioned with a "view" into the conditioned space 160. The
thermostat control apparatus 130, based on the state of occupancy,
inhibits or modifies the commands sent by the thermostat control
apparatus 130 to the HVAC system 150. For example, if occupancy is
detected, it would be appropriate to assume that the occupant has
already set the thermostat 100 to control the HVAC system 150 in
the manner he or she desires, and therefore the thermostat control
apparatus 130 ignores any remote commands during any detected
period of occupancy. An alternative is to modify the effect of the
commands, for example to delay application of the remote commands
until after occupancy is no longer detected.
[0031] A further enhancement to the illustrated embodiment of the
present invention is to include a mechanism for sounding an alarm
or signal for alarm 170 to be heard within the conditioned space or
in other manner signaling the detection of a current occupant. The
alarm is intended to notify any occupants of the conditioned space
that a remote control command has been received by the thermostat.
The occupant is then optionally given capability of deciding
whether to accept the remote command or ignore the remote
command.
[0032] It is to be noted that with regards to the occupancy
detection apparatus and the occupancy/motion sensor that
incorporation of the occupancy detection apparatus is meant to be
interpreted generally. That is, the occupancy/motion sensor is
given a "view" into the conditioned space for detection of
motion/occupancy and the electronics/apparatus that "refine" that
signal, for example, can be either part of the "sensor" itself (in
that package) or can be incorporated into the "housing" of the
thermostat.
[0033] It is further noted that the various "apparatus" described
are to be interpreted generally in that the functions of the
various apparatus may be implemented in many ways as could be
determined and possible by one skilled in the art of electronics or
thermostat design. For example, the remote command reception
apparatus and the thermostat control apparatus may be integrated
with the functions of the two apparatus comprising a controller and
control memory and storage with control memory program code stored
in multiple locations in a control memory for performing the
functionality of receiving remote commands, and "controlling" the
thermostat, including the formation of any commands/signals to the
HVAC system.
[0034] FIG. 2 provides illustration of a thermostat apparatus 200
similar to the thermostat apparatus of FIG. 1 100 that further
comprises a mechanism 270 providing for user selection of a remote
response modification. The selection of remote response mechanism
provides for a user of the thermostat to select from a plurality of
alternative possible responses to remote commands when a remote
command is received during a period that the conditioned space is
occupied. The thermostat user allowed to make the selection of
alternative possible response to remote commands would typically be
a "local" user. "Local" meaning, for example, "standing" at the
thermostat or utilizing the thermostat user interface from within
the immediate area of the conditioned space. A "local" user could
also be user with a special password that allows a user to
designate his or her self to be "local", that is, allowed to
perform commands typically reserved for "local" users. A user can
be designated as "local", for example, when that person utilizes a
user input screen that is actually incorporated as part of the
thermostat itself, or connected directly to the thermostat. Another
"local" user is identifiable as one that utilizes a Wi-Fi or
alternatively a Bluetooth connection that is determined or detected
to be "local" or near to the conditioned space.
[0035] An alternative method for determination of locality utilizes
features typically found in a personal remote interface apparatus
such as a cell phone that provide for determination of location. An
example of this often found in "smart" cell phones is an apparatus
that utilizes Global Positioning System radio signals to determine
location on or near the earth. Another locating system utilizes
known Wi-Fi router locations to locate a device making connection
to any known Wi-Fi routers. The thermostat of the present invention
can optionally include means for determining or having input for
specifying location coordinates of the thermostat or coordinates of
other devices that can be determined to be within or close to the
conditioned space. A cell phone apparatus, for example, running an
application serving for connection to the thermostat has optional
access to coordinates provided by location providing apparatus of
the cell phone such as the Global Positioning System of the cell
phone. This location information from the cell phone is compared to
the location coordinates of the thermostat or conditioned space to
determine of the cell phone (personal remote interface apparatus)
is "local" or in the alternative "remote".
[0036] In FIG. 2, a thermostat user provides input 271 to a
selection of remote response mechanism 270 to choose from a
plurality of alternatives in response to a remote command. An
example of this choice would be a selection from alternatives such
as: 1) remote commands are ignored when the conditioned space is
occupied; 2) the effect of any remote commands received during
periods of occupancy is delayed until occupants leave the
conditioned space and no occupancy is detected; 3) when a remote
command is received during a period of occupancy a query is made on
the screen of the thermostat asking a "local" user if he or she
wants to "allow" application of the remote command or not; 4) an
alarm is generated when a remote command is received during a
period of occupancy with the alarm being an audible noise, a
flashing light, a flashing of the screen, a text message to a
previously identified master user of the thermostat or other such
"alarm" response; or 5) when a remote command is received during a
period of occupancy the remote user is notified that he must supply
a special password in order to apply the remote command or to
continue with further commands. These possible responses are
exemplary and other responses in similar manner could be designed
or defined by one skilled or at least knowledgeable in the art or
of thermostat design or skilled in electronic user interface
design.
[0037] FIG. 3 provides an illustration of an exemplary method for
controlling an HVAC system such as illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 in
a manner incorporating several aspects of the present invention. In
FIG. 3, a "local" user of the thermostat 330 makes a selection 310
from one or more possible proposed responses to remote commands
when occupancy is determined. The selection mechanism provided to
the user may be for example implemented using a touch screen
interface with a display of the alternatives on the touch screen.
The thermostat apparatus also receives a signal from a motion
detector located in the conditioned space and determines whether
the conditioned space is occupied or not 320. The thermostat 330
receives a remote command from a remote user of the thermostat 330
that has connected to the thermostat using an application on his or
her cell phone, for example. The thermostat then checks whether or
not the conditioned space is currently occupied 340. If not
occupied 341, the thermostat 330 responds to the remote command in
a normal manner 360 and then goes back to waiting for any further
input from the remote user or the local user or for any change in
occupancy status, or else, if occupied 342 thermostat modifies the
control of the HVAC system in manner different than the "normal"
response to the remote command. The modification 370 is optionally
dependent on a choice made by the local user 371, and the
"modified" remote command is applied 380 in place of the normal
response to the remote command. This flow chart is exemplary and
the order of the steps could be modified or steps skipped without
necessarily departing from the concepts of the present
invention.
[0038] It is to be understood that the above description is
intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Other embodiments
will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading and
understanding the above description. It should be noted that
embodiments discussed in different portions of the description or
referred to in different drawings can be combined to form
additional embodiments of the present application. The scope
should, therefore, be determined with reference to the appended
claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such
claims are entitled.
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