U.S. patent application number 13/835321 was filed with the patent office on 2017-06-15 for hvac controller configurations that compensate for heating caused by direct sunlight.
This patent application is currently assigned to NEST LABS, INC.. The applicant listed for this patent is NEST LABS, INC.. Invention is credited to JOHN B. FILSON, YOKY MATSUOKA, YASH MODI.
Application Number | 20170168511 13/835321 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48903615 |
Filed Date | 2017-06-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170168511 |
Kind Code |
A9 |
MODI; YASH ; et al. |
June 15, 2017 |
HVAC CONTROLLER CONFIGURATIONS THAT COMPENSATE FOR HEATING CAUSED
BY DIRECT SUNLIGHT
Abstract
A thermostat may include a housing, a user interface,
temperature sensors providing temperature sensor measurements, and
a processing system configured to control an HVAC system based on a
comparison of a determined ambient temperature and a setpoint
temperature. The thermostat may (i) determine time intervals in
which direct sunlight is incident on the thermostat; (ii) during
time intervals in which direct sunlight is not incident on the
thermostat, process the temperature sensor measurements according
to a first ambient temperature determination algorithm to compute
the determined ambient temperature; and (iii) during time intervals
in which it is determined that direct sunlight is incident on the
thermostat, process the temperature sensor measurements according
to a second ambient temperature determination algorithm to compute
the determined ambient temperature that compensates for a heating
of the thermostat caused by the direct sunlight.
Inventors: |
MODI; YASH; (FOSTER CITY,
CA) ; MATSUOKA; YOKY; (PALO ALTO, CA) ;
FILSON; JOHN B.; (MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
NEST LABS, INC. |
Palo Alto |
CA |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
NEST LABS, INC.
PALO ALTO
CA
|
Prior
Publication: |
|
Document Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20130204442 A1 |
August 8, 2013 |
|
|
Family ID: |
48903615 |
Appl. No.: |
13/835321 |
Filed: |
March 15, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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13034666 |
Feb 24, 2011 |
9494332 |
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13835321 |
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61415771 |
Nov 19, 2010 |
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61429093 |
Dec 31, 2010 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G05D 23/1902 20130101;
F24F 11/52 20180101; F24F 11/62 20180101; F24F 11/63 20180101; G05D
23/19 20130101; G06F 17/142 20130101; F24F 2130/20 20180101; G05D
23/1928 20130101; F24F 11/30 20180101; G05B 15/02 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G05D 23/19 20060101
G05D023/19 |
Claims
1. A thermostat, comprising: a housing; a user interface; one or
more temperature sensors, each of the one or more temperature
sensors being configured to provide temperature sensor
measurements; and a processing system disposed within the housing,
the processing system being configured to be in operative
communication with the one or more temperature sensors to receive
the temperature sensor measurements, in operative communication
with one or more input devices including said user interface for
determining a setpoint temperature, and in still further operative
communication with a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning
(HVAC) system to control the HVAC system based on a comparison of a
determined ambient temperature and the setpoint temperature,
wherein said processing system is configured to: (i) determine time
intervals in which direct sunlight is incident on said housing;
(ii) during time intervals in which direct sunlight is not incident
on said housing, process the temperature sensor measurements
according to a first ambient temperature determination algorithm to
compute the determined ambient temperature; and (iii) during time
intervals in which it is determined that direct sunlight is
incident on said housing, process the temperature sensor
measurements according to a second ambient temperature
determination algorithm to compute the determined ambient
temperature, said second ambient temperature determination
algorithm being characterized in that compensation is made for a
heating of the thermostat caused by the direct sunlight that is
incident on said housing.
2. The thermostat of claim 1, further comprising an ambient light
sensor (ALS) that is in operative communication with the processing
system, wherein the processing system is configured to receive
ambient light measurements from the ALS in order to determine the
time intervals in which direct sunlight is incident on said
housing.
3. The thermostat of claim 2, wherein the processing system is
further configured to construct an ALS profile of an enclosure in
which the thermostat is installed using the ambient light
measurements provided by the ALS, wherein the ALS profile is
predictive of the time intervals in which direct sunlight is
incident on said housing.
4. The thermostat of claim 1, wherein the one or more temperature
sensors comprises a first temperature sensor, a second temperature
sensor, and a third temperature sensor.
5. The thermostat of claim 4, wherein the third temperature sensor
is disposed on a rear portion of the thermostat such that the third
temperature sensor is less susceptible to the heating of the
thermostat caused by the direct sunlight incident on said housing
than the first temperature sensor or the second temperature
sensor.
6. The thermostat of claim 5, wherein said second ambient
temperature determination algorithm calculates said determined
ambient temperature using temperature measurements provided by the
third temperature sensor.
7. The thermostat of claim 4, wherein said first ambient
temperature determination algorithm calculates said determined
ambient temperature using temperature measurements provided by the
first temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor.
8. The thermostat of claim 1, wherein the processing system
comprises: a low-power processor; and a high-power processor,
wherein the high-power processor is configured to calculate
temperature and ambient light thresholds to be stored by the
low-power processor, the low-power processor being configured to
wake the high-power processor from a sleep state when one or more
of the thresholds are violated by the temperature sensor
measurements received from the at least one temperature sensor or
an ambient light sensor.
9. The thermostat of claim 1, wherein during the time intervals in
which it is determined that direct sunlight is incident on said
housing, the processing system is further configured to: (i) detect
an increase in the determined ambient temperature above a threshold
amount; and (ii) switch from the first ambient temperature
determination algorithm to the second ambient temperature
determination algorithm after detecting said increase in the
determined ambient temperature above the threshold amount.
10. A method of compensating for direct sunlight heating in a
thermostat, the method comprising: determining, using a processing
system of the thermostat, time intervals in which direct sunlight
is incident the thermostat, wherein the thermostat includes: a
housing; a user interface; one or more temperature sensors, each of
the one or more temperature sensors being configured to provide
temperature sensor measurements; and the processing system disposed
within the housing, the processing system being configured to be in
operative communication with the one or more temperature sensors to
receive the temperature sensor measurements, in operative
communication with one or more input devices including said user
interface for determining a setpoint temperature, and in still
further operative communication with a heating, ventilation, and
air conditioning (HVAC) system to control the HVAC system based on
a comparison of a determined ambient temperature and the setpoint
temperature; during time intervals in which direct sunlight is not
incident on the thermostat, processing the temperature sensor
measurements according to a first ambient temperature determination
algorithm to compute the determined ambient temperature; and during
time intervals in which it is determined that direct sunlight is
incident on the thermostat, processing the temperature sensor
measurements according to a second ambient temperature
determination algorithm to compute the determined ambient
temperature, said second ambient temperature determination
algorithm being characterized in that compensation is made for a
heating of the thermostat caused by the direct sunlight that is
incident on the thermostat.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein the thermostat further
comprises an ambient light sensor (ALS) that is in operative
communication with the processing system, wherein the processing
system is configured to receive ambient light measurements from the
ALS in order to determine the time intervals in which direct
sunlight is incident on said housing.
12. The method of claim 11, further comprising constructing an ALS
profile of an enclosure in which the thermostat is installed using
the ambient light measurements provided by the ALS, wherein the ALS
profile is predictive of the time intervals in which direct
sunlight is incident on said housing.
13. The method of claim 10, wherein the one or more temperature
sensors comprises a first temperature sensor, a second temperature
sensor, and a third temperature sensor.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein the third temperature sensor is
disposed on a rear portion of the thermostat such that the third
temperature sensor is less susceptible to the heating of the
thermostat caused by the direct sunlight incident on the thermostat
than the first temperature sensor or the second temperature
sensor.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein said second ambient temperature
determination algorithm calculates said determined ambient
temperature using temperature measurements provided by the third
temperature sensor.
16. The method of claim 13, wherein said first ambient temperature
determination algorithm calculates said determined ambient
temperature using temperature measurements provided by the first
temperature sensor and the second temperature sensor.
17. The method of claim 10, wherein the processing system
comprises: a low-power processor; and a high-power processor,
wherein the high-power processor is configured to calculate
temperature and ambient light thresholds to be stored by the
low-power processor, the low-power processor being configured to
wake the high-power processor from a sleep state when one or more
of the thresholds are violated by the temperature sensor
measurements received from the at least one temperature sensor or
an ambient light sensor.
18. The method of claim 10, wherein during the time intervals in
which it is determined that direct sunlight is incident on said
housing, the processing system is further configured to: (i) detect
an increase in the determined ambient temperature above a threshold
amount; and (ii) switch from the first ambient temperature
determination algorithm to the second ambient temperature
determination algorithm after detecting said increase in the
determined ambient temperature above the threshold amount.
19. A method of compensating for sunlight heating a thermostat, the
method comprising: processing temperature measurements from one or
more temperature sensors; computing a determined ambient
temperature using the temperature measurements; detecting that the
determined ambient temperature is being affected by the sunlight
heating the thermostat; and compensating for the sunlight heating
the thermostat when calculating the determined ambient temperature
while the determined ambient temperature is being affected by the
sunlight heating the thermostat.
20. The method of claim 19 further comprising: processing light
measurements from a light sensor; and using the light measurements
and the temperature measurements to detect that the determined
ambient temperature is being affected by the sunlight heating the
thermostat.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This patent application is a continuation-in-part of
International Application No. PCT/US12/20088 (Ref. No. NES0085-PCT)
filed Jan. 3, 2012, which is a continuation-in-part of
PCT/US11/61437 filed Nov. 18, 2011 (Ref. No. NES0101-PCT).
PCT/US11/61437 (Ref. No. NES0101-PCT) claims the benefit of: U.S.
Prov. Ser. No. 61/415,771 filed on Nov. 19, 2010 (Ref. No.
NES0037-PROV); U.S. Prov. Ser. No. 61/429,093 filed on Dec. 31,
2010 (Ref. No: NES0037A-PROV); and U.S. Prov. Ser. No. 61/627,996
filed on Oct. 21, 2011 (Ref. No: NES0101-PROV). Each of the
above-listed applications is incorporated by reference herein.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This patent specification relates to systems and methods for
the monitoring and control of energy-consuming systems or other
resource-consuming systems. More particularly, this patent
specification relates to control units that govern the operation of
energy-consuming systems, household devices, or other
resource-consuming systems, including methods for activating
electronic displays for thermostats that govern the operation of
heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] Substantial effort and attention continue toward the
development of newer and more sustainable energy supplies. The
conservation of energy by increased energy efficiency remains
crucial to the world's energy future. According to an October 2010
report from the U.S. Department of Energy, heating and cooling
account for 56% of the energy use in a typical U.S. home, making it
the largest energy expense for most homes. Along with improvements
in the physical plant associated with home heating and cooling
(e.g., improved insulation, higher efficiency furnaces),
substantial increases in energy efficiency can be achieved by
better control and regulation of home heating and cooling
equipment.
[0004] As discussed in the technical publication No. 50-8433,
entitled "Power Stealing Thermostats" from Honeywell (1997), early
thermostats used a bimetallic strip to sense temperature and
respond to temperature changes in the room. The movement of the
bimetallic strip was used to directly open and close an electrical
circuit. Power was delivered to an electromechanical actuator,
usually relay or contactor in the HVAC equipment whenever the
contact was closed to provide heating and/or cooling to the
controlled space. Since these thermostats did not require
electrical power to operate, the wiring connections were very
simple. Only one wire connected to the transformer and another wire
connected to the load. Typically, a 24 VAC power supply
transformer, the thermostat, and 24 VAC HVAC equipment relay were
all connected in a loop with each device having only two required
external connections.
[0005] When electronics began to be used in thermostats, the fact
that the thermostat was not directly wired to both sides of the
transformer for its power source created a problem. This meant that
the thermostat had to be hardwired directly from the system
transformer. Direct hardwiring a common "C" wire from the
transformer to the electronic thermostat may be very difficult and
costly.
[0006] Because many households do not have a direct wire from the
system transformer (such as a "C" wire), some thermostats have been
designed to derive power from the transformer through the equipment
load. The methods for powering an electronic thermostat from the
transformer with a single direct wire connection to the transformer
are called "power stealing" or "power sharing" methods. The
thermostat "steals," "shares," or "harvests" its power during the
"OFF" periods of the heating or cooling system by allowing a small
amount of current to flow through it into the load coil below the
load coil's response threshold (even at maximum transformer output
voltage). During the "ON" periods of the heating or cooling system
the thermostat draws power by allowing a small voltage drop across
itself. Ideally, the voltage drop will not cause the load coil to
dropout below its response threshold (even at minimum transformer
output voltage). Examples of thermostats with power stealing
capability include the Honeywell T8600, Honeywell T8400C, and the
Emerson Model 1F97-0671. However, these systems do not have power
storage means and therefore must always rely on power stealing.
[0007] Additionally, microprocessor controlled "intelligent"
thermostats may have more advanced environmental control
capabilities that can save energy while also keeping occupants
comfortable. To do this, these thermostats require more information
from the occupants as well as the environments where the
thermostats are located. These thermostats may also be capable of
connection to computer networks, including both local area networks
(or other "private" networks) and wide area networks such as the
Internet (or other "public" networks), in order to obtain current
and forecasted outside weather data, cooperate in so-called
demand-response programs (e.g., automatic conformance with power
alerts that may be issued by utility companies during periods of
extreme weather), enable users to have remote access and/or control
thereof through their network-connected device (e.g., smartphone,
tablet computer, PC-based web browser), and other advanced
functionalities that may require network connectivity.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] In one embodiment, a thermostat may be presented. The
thermostat may include a housing, a user interface, one or more
temperature sensors, each of the one or more temperature sensors
being configured to provide temperature sensor measurements, and a
processing system disposed within the housing. The processing
system may be configured to be in operative communication with the
one or more temperature sensors to receive the temperature sensor
measurements, in operative communication with one or more input
devices including said user interface for determining a setpoint
temperature, and in still further operative communication with a
heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system to control
the HVAC system based on a comparison of a determined ambient
temperature and the setpoint temperature. The processing system may
be configured to (i) determine time intervals in which direct
sunlight is incident on the housing; (ii) during time intervals in
which direct sunlight is not incident on the housing, process the
temperature sensor measurements according to a first ambient
temperature determination algorithm to compute the determined
ambient temperature; and (iii) during time intervals in which it is
determined that direct sunlight is incident on the housing, process
the temperature sensor measurements according to a second ambient
temperature determination algorithm to compute the determined
ambient temperature. The second ambient temperature determination
algorithm may be characterized in that compensation is made for a
heating of the thermostat caused by the direct sunlight that is
incident on the housing.
[0009] In another embodiment, a method of compensating for direct
sunlight heating in a thermostat may be presented. The method may
include determining, using a processing system of the thermostat,
time intervals in which direct sunlight is incident the thermostat.
In some embodiments, the thermostat may include a housing, a user
interface, and one or more temperature sensors, each of the one or
more temperature sensors being configured to provide temperature
sensor measurements. The processing system may be disposed within
the housing, the processing system being configured to be in
operative communication with the one or more temperature sensors to
receive the temperature sensor measurements, in operative
communication with one or more input devices including said user
interface for determining a setpoint temperature, and in still
further operative communication with a heating, ventilation, and
air conditioning (HVAC) system to control the HVAC system based on
a comparison of a determined ambient temperature and the setpoint
temperature. The method may also include, during time intervals in
which direct sunlight is not incident on the thermostat, processing
the temperature sensor measurements according to a first ambient
temperature determination algorithm to compute the determined
ambient temperature. The method may additionally include, during
time intervals in which it is determined that direct sunlight is
incident on the thermostat, processing the temperature sensor
measurements according to a second ambient temperature
determination algorithm to compute the determined ambient
temperature, the second ambient temperature determination algorithm
being characterized in that compensation is made for a heating of
the thermostat caused by the direct sunlight that is incident on
the thermostat.
[0010] In yet another embodiment, a method of compensating for
sunlight heating a thermostat may be presented. The method may
include processing temperature measurements from one or more
temperature sensors. The method may also include computing a
determined ambient temperature using the temperature measurements.
The method may additionally include detecting that the determined
ambient temperature is being affected by the sunlight heating the
thermostat. The method may further include compensating for the
sunlight heating the thermostat when calculating the determined
ambient temperature while the determined ambient temperature is
being affected by the sunlight heating the thermostat.
[0011] A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the
present invention may be realized by reference to the remaining
portions of the specification and the drawings. Also note that
other embodiments may be described in the following disclosure and
claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a thermostat,
according to one embodiment.
[0013] FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a
thermostat having a head unit and the backplate, according to one
embodiment.
[0014] FIG. 3A illustrates an exploded perspective view of a head
unit with respect to its primary components, according to one
embodiment.
[0015] FIG. 3B illustrates an exploded perspective view of a
backplate with respect to its primary components, according to one
embodiment.
[0016] FIG. 4A illustrates a simplified functional block diagram
for a head unit, according to one embodiment.
[0017] FIG. 4B illustrates a simplified functional block diagram
for a backplate, according to one embodiment.
[0018] FIG. 5 illustrates a simplified circuit diagram of a system
for managing the power consumed by a thermostat, according to one
embodiment.
[0019] FIG. 6 illustrates various views of a thermostat having one
or more temperature sensors, according to some embodiments.
[0020] FIG. 7 illustrates a graph of the responses of three
temperature sensors when the thermostat is exposed to direct
sunlight, according to some embodiments.
[0021] FIG. 8 illustrates a graph of the responses of three
temperature sensors when the thermostat is exposed to direct
sunlight, according to some embodiments.
[0022] FIG. 9 illustrates a graph of ambient light measurements
recorded over multiple days, according to some embodiments.
[0023] FIG. 10 illustrates a graph of thresholds that may be used
with predicted direct sunlight intervals, according to some
embodiments.
[0024] FIG. 11 illustrates a graph of simulated temperature
measurements as the thermostat switches between the first and
second ambient temperature determining algorithms, according to
some embodiments.
[0025] FIG. 12 illustrates a flowchart of an algorithm that may be
used to switch between ambient temperature determination
algorithms, according to some embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0026] The subject matter of this patent specification relates to
the subject matter of the following commonly assigned applications,
each of which is incorporated by reference herein: U.S. Ser. No.
13/199,108 filed Aug. 17, 2011 (Ref. No. NES0054-US); International
Application Ser. No. PCT/US12/00007 filed Jan. 3, 2012 (Ref. No.
NES0190-PCT); and U.S. Ser. No. 13/624,881 filed Sep. 21, 2012
(Ref. No. NES0233-US). The above-referenced patent applications are
collectively referenced herein as "the commonly-assigned
incorporated applications."
[0027] In the following detailed description, for purposes of
explanation, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a
thorough understanding of the various embodiments of the present
invention. Those of ordinary skill in the art will realize that
these various embodiments of the present invention are illustrative
only and are not intended to be limiting in any way. Other
embodiments of the present invention will readily suggest
themselves to such skilled persons having the benefit of this
disclosure.
[0028] In addition, for clarity purposes, not all of the routine
features of the embodiments described herein are shown or
described. One of ordinary skill in the art would readily
appreciate that in the development of any such actual embodiment,
numerous embodiment-specific decisions may be required to achieve
specific design objectives. These design objectives will vary from
one embodiment to another and from one developer to another.
Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort
might be complex and time-consuming but would nevertheless be a
routine engineering undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the
art having the benefit of this disclosure.
[0029] It is to be appreciated that while one or more embodiments
are described further herein in the context of typical HVAC system
used in a residential home, such as single-family residential home,
the scope of the present teachings is not so limited. More
generally, thermostats according to one or more of the preferred
embodiments are applicable for a wide variety of enclosures having
one or more HVAC systems including, without limitation, duplexes,
townhomes, multi-unit apartment buildings, hotels, retail stores,
office buildings, and industrial buildings. Further, it is to be
appreciated that while the terms user, customer, installer,
homeowner, occupant, guest, tenant, landlord, repair person, and/or
the like may be used to refer to the person or persons who are
interacting with the thermostat or other device or user interface
in the context of one or more scenarios described herein, these
references are by no means to be considered as limiting the scope
of the present teachings with respect to the person or persons who
are performing such actions.
Exemplary Thermostat Embodiments
[0030] Provided according to one or more embodiments are systems,
methods, and computer program products for controlling one or more
HVAC systems based on one or more versatile sensing and control
units (VSCU units), each VSCU unit being configured and adapted to
provide sophisticated, customized, energy-saving HVAC control
functionality while at the same time being visually appealing,
non-intimidating, and easy to use. The term "thermostat" is used
herein below to represent a particular type of VSCU unit (Versatile
Sensing and Control) that is particularly applicable for HVAC
control in an enclosure. Although "thermostat" and "VSCU unit" may
be seen as generally interchangeable for the contexts of HVAC
control of an enclosure, it is within the scope of the present
teachings for each of the embodiments herein to be applied to VSCU
units having control functionality over measurable characteristics
other than temperature (e.g., pressure, flow rate, height,
position, velocity, acceleration, capacity, power, loudness,
brightness) for any of a variety of different control systems
involving the governance of one or more measurable characteristics
of one or more physical systems, and/or the governance of other
energy or resource consuming systems such as water usage systems,
air usage systems, systems involving the usage of other natural
resources, and systems involving the usage of various other forms
of energy.
[0031] FIGS. 1-5 and the descriptions in relation thereto provide
exemplary embodiments of thermostat hardware and/or software that
can be used to implement the specific embodiments of the appended
claims. This thermostat hardware and/or software is not meant to be
limiting, and is presented to provide an enabling disclosure. FIG.
1 illustrates a perspective view of a thermostat 100, according to
one embodiment. In this specific embodiment, the thermostat 100 can
be controlled by at least two types of user input, the first being
a rotation of the outer ring 112, and the second being an inward
push on an outer cap 108 until an audible and/or tactile "click"
occurs. As used herein, these two types of user inputs, may be
referred to as "manipulating" the thermostat. In other embodiments,
manipulating the thermostat may also include pressing keys on a
keypad, voice recognition commands, and/or any other type of input
that can be used to change or adjust settings on the thermostat
100.
[0032] For this embodiment, the outer cap 108 can comprise an
assembly that includes the outer ring 112, a cover 114, an
electronic display 116, and a metallic portion 124. Each of these
elements, or the combination of these elements, may be referred to
as a "housing" for the thermostat 100. Simultaneously, each of
these elements, or the combination of these elements, may also form
a user interface. The user interface may specifically include the
electronic display 116. In FIG. 1, the user interface 116 may be
said to operate in an active display mode. The active display mode
may include providing a backlight for the electronic display 116.
In other embodiments, the active display mode may increase the
intensity and/or light output of the electronic display 116 such
that a user can easily see displayed settings of the thermostat
100, such as a current temperature, a setpoint temperature, an HVAC
function, and/or the like. The active display mode may be
contrasted with an inactive display mode (not shown). The inactive
display mode can disable a backlight, reduce the amount of
information displayed, lessen the intensity of the display, and/or
altogether turn off the electronic display 116, depending on the
embodiment.
[0033] Depending on the settings of the thermostat 100, the active
display mode and the inactive display mode of the electronic
display 116 may also or instead be characterized by the relative
power usage of each mode. In one embodiment, the active display
mode may generally require substantially more electrical power than
the inactive display mode. In some embodiments, different operating
modes of the electronic display 116 may instead be characterized
completely by their power usage. In these embodiments, the
different operating modes of the electronic display 116 may be
referred to as a first mode and a second mode, where the user
interface requires more power when operating in the first mode than
when operating in the second mode.
[0034] According to some embodiments the electronic display 116 may
comprise a dot-matrix layout (individually addressable) such that
arbitrary shapes can be generated, rather than being a segmented
layout. According to some embodiments, a combination of dot-matrix
layout and segmented layout is employed. According to some
embodiments, electronic display 116 may be a backlit color liquid
crystal display (LCD). An example of information displayed on the
electronic display 116 is illustrated in FIG. 1, and includes
central numerals 120 that are representative of a current setpoint
temperature. According to some embodiments, metallic portion 124
can have a number of slot-like openings so as to facilitate the use
of a sensors 130, such as a passive infrared motion sensor (PIR),
mounted beneath the slot-like openings.
[0035] According to some embodiments, the thermostat 100 can
include additional components, such as a processing system 160,
display driver 164, and a wireless communications system 166. The
processing system 160 can adapted or configured to cause the
display driver 164 to cause the electronic display 116 to display
information to the user. The processing system 160 can also be
configured to receive user input via the rotatable ring 112. These
additional components, including the processing system 160, can be
enclosed within the housing, as displayed in FIG. 1. These
additional components are described in further detail herein
below.
[0036] The processing system 160, according to some embodiments, is
capable of carrying out the governance of the thermostat's
operation. For example, processing system 160 can be further
programmed and/or configured to maintain and update a thermodynamic
model for the enclosure in which the HVAC system is installed.
According to some embodiments, the wireless communications system
166 can be used to communicate with devices such as personal
computers, remote servers, handheld devices, smart phones, and/or
other thermostats or HVAC system components. These communications
can be peer-to-peer communications, communications through one or
more servers located on a private network, or and/or communications
through a cloud-based service.
[0037] Motion sensing as well as other techniques can be use used
in the detection and/or prediction of occupancy. According to some
embodiments, occupancy information can be a used in generating an
effective and efficient scheduled program. For example, an active
proximity sensor 170A can be provided to detect an approaching user
by infrared light reflection, and an ambient light sensor 170B can
be provided to sense visible light. The proximity sensor 170A can
be used in conjunction with a plurality of other sensors to detect
proximity in the range of about one meter so that the thermostat
100 can initiate "waking up" when the user is approaching the
thermostat and prior to the user touching the thermostat. Such use
of proximity sensing is useful for enhancing the user experience by
being "ready" for interaction as soon as, or very soon after the
user is ready to interact with the thermostat. Further, the
wake-up-on-proximity functionality also allows for energy savings
within the thermostat by "sleeping" when no user interaction is
taking place or about to take place. The various types of sensors
that may be used, as well as the operation of the "wake up"
function are described in much greater detail throughout the
remainder of this disclosure.
[0038] In some embodiments, the thermostat can be physically and/or
functionally divided into at least two different units. Throughout
this disclosure, these two units can be referred to as a head unit
and a backplate. FIG. 2 illustrates an exploded perspective view
200 of a thermostat 208 having a head unit 210 and a backplate 212,
according to one embodiment. Physically, this arrangement may be
advantageous during an installation process. In this embodiment,
the backplate 212 can first be attached to a wall, and the HVAC
wires can be attached to a plurality of HVAC connectors on the
backplate 212. Next, the head unit 210 can be connected to the
backplate 212 in order to complete the installation of the
thermostat 208.
[0039] FIG. 3A illustrates an exploded perspective view 300a of a
head unit 330 with respect to its primary components, according to
one embodiment. Here, the head unit 330 may include an electronic
display 360. According to this embodiment, the electronic display
360 may comprise an LCD module. Furthermore, the head unit 330 may
include a mounting assembly 350 used to secure the primary
components in a completely assembled head unit 330. The head unit
330 may further include a circuit board 340 that can be used to
integrate various electronic components described further below. In
this particular embodiment, the circuit board 340 of the head unit
330 can include a manipulation sensor 342 to detect user
manipulations of the thermostat. In embodiments using a rotatable
ring, the manipulation sensor 342 may comprise an optical finger
navigation module as illustrated in FIG. 3A. A rechargeable battery
344 may also be included in the assembly of the head unit 330. In
one preferred embodiment, rechargeable battery 344 can be a
Lithium-Ion battery, which may have a nominal voltage of 3.7 volts
and a nominal capacity of 560 mAh.
[0040] FIG. 3B illustrates an exploded perspective view 300b of a
backplate 332 with respect to its primary components, according to
one embodiment. The backplate 332 may include a frame 310 that can
be used to mount, protect, or house a backplate circuit board 320.
The backplate circuit board 320 may be used to mount electronic
components, including one or more processing functions, and/or one
or more HVAC wire connectors 322. The one or more HVAC wire
connectors 322 may include integrated wire insertion sensing
circuitry configured to determine whether or not a wire is
mechanically and/or electrically connected to each of the one or
more HVAC wire connectors 322. In this particular embodiment, two
relatively large capacitors 324 are a part of power stealing
circuitry that can be mounted to the backplate circuit board 320.
The power stealing circuitry is discussed further herein below.
[0041] In addition to physical divisions within the thermostat that
simplify installation process, the thermostat may also be divided
functionally between the head unit and the backplate. FIG. 4A
illustrates a simplified functional block diagram 400a for a head
unit, according to one embodiment. The functions embodied by block
diagram 400a are largely self-explanatory, and may be implemented
using one or more processing functions. As used herein, the term
"processing function" may refer to any combination of hardware
and/or software. For example, a processing function may include a
microprocessor, a microcontroller, distributed processors, a lookup
table, digital logic, logical/arithmetic functions implemented in
analog circuitry, and/or the like. A processing function may also
be referred to as a processing system, a processing circuit, or
simply a circuit.
[0042] In this embodiment, a processing function on the head unit
may be implemented by an ARM processor. The head unit processing
function may interface with the electronic display 402, an audio
system 404, and a manipulation sensor 406 as a part of a user
interface 408. The head unit processing function may also
facilitate wireless communications 410 by interfacing with various
wireless modules, such as a Wi-Fi module 412 and/or a ZigBee module
414. Furthermore, the head unit processing function may be
configured to control the core thermostat operations 416, such as
operating the HVAC system. The head unit processing function may
further be configured to determine or sense occupancy 418 of a
physical location, and to determine building characteristics 420
that can be used to determine time-to-temperature characteristics.
Using the occupancy sensing 418, the processing function on the
head unit may also be configured to learn and manage operational
schedules 422, such as diurnal heat and cooling schedules. A power
management module 462 may be used to interface with a corresponding
power management module on the back plate, the rechargeable
battery, and a power control circuit 464 on the back plate.
[0043] Additionally, the head unit processing function may include
and/or be communicatively coupled to one or more memories. The one
or more memories may include one or more sets of instructions that
cause the processing function to operate as described above. The
one or more memories may also include a sensor history and global
state objects 424. The one or more memories may be integrated with
the processing function, such as a flash memory or RAM memory
available on many commercial microprocessors. The head unit
processing function may also be configured to interface with a
cloud management system 426, and may also operate to conserve
energy wherever appropriate 428. An interface 432 to a backplate
processing function 430 may also be included, and may be
implemented using a hardware connector.
[0044] FIG. 4B illustrates a simplified functional block diagram
for a backplate, according to one embodiment. Using an interface
436 that is matched to the interface 432 shown in FIG. 4A, the
backplate processing function can communicate with the head unit
processing function 438. The backplate processing function can
include wire insertion sensing 440 that is coupled to external
circuitry 442 configured to provide signals based on different wire
connection states. The backplate processing function may be
configured to manage the HVAC switch actuation 444 by driving power
FET circuitry 446 to control the HVAC system.
[0045] The backplate processing function may also include a sensor
polling interface 448 to interface with a plurality of sensors. In
this particular embodiment, the plurality of sensors may include a
temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a PIR sensor, a proximity
sensor, an ambient light sensor, and or other sensors not
specifically listed. This list is not meant to be exhaustive. Other
types of sensors may be used depending on the particular embodiment
and application, such as sound sensors, flame sensors, smoke
detectors, and/or the like. The sensor polling interface 448 may be
communicatively coupled to a sensor reading memory 450. The sensor
reading memory 450 can store sensor readings and may be located
internally or externally to a microcontroller or
microprocessor.
[0046] Finally, the backplate processing function can include a
power management unit 460 that is used to control various digital
and/or analog components integrated with the backplate and used to
manage the power system of the thermostat. Although one having
skill in the art will recognize many different implementations of a
power management system, the power management system of this
particular embodiment can include a bootstrap regulator 462, a
power stealing circuit 464, a buck converter 466, and/or a battery
controller 468.
[0047] FIG. 5 illustrates a simplified circuit diagram 500 of a
system for managing the power consumed by a thermostat, according
to one embodiment. The powering circuitry 510 comprises a full-wave
bridge rectifier 520, a storage and waveform-smoothing bridge
output capacitor 522 (which can be, for example, on the order of 30
microfarads), a buck regulator circuit 524, a power-and-battery
(PAB) regulation circuit 528, and a rechargeable lithium-ion
battery 530. In conjunction with other control circuitry including
backplate power management circuitry 527, head unit power
management circuitry 529, and the microcontroller 508, the powering
circuitry 510 can be configured and adapted to have the
characteristics and functionality described herein below.
[0048] By virtue of the configuration illustrated in FIG. 5, when
there is a "C" wire presented upon installation, the powering
circuitry 510 operates as a relatively high-powered,
rechargeable-battery-assisted AC-to-DC converting power supply.
When there is not a "C" wire presented, the powering circuitry 510
operates as a power-stealing, rechargeable-battery-assisted
AC-to-DC converting power supply. The powering circuitry 510
generally serves to provide the voltage Vcc MAIN that is used by
the various electrical components of the thermostat, which in one
embodiment can be about 4.0 volts. For the case in which the "C"
wire is present, there is no need to worry about accidentally
tripping (as there is in inactive power stealing) or untripping
(for active power stealing) an HVAC call relay, and therefore
relatively large amounts of power can be assumed to be available.
Generally, the power supplied by the "C" wire will be greater than
the instantaneous power required at any time by the remaining
circuits in the thermostat.
[0049] However, a "C" wire will typically only be present in about
20% of homes. Therefore, the powering circuitry 510 may also be
configured to "steal" power from one of the other HVAC wires in the
absence of a "C" wire. As used herein, "inactive power stealing"
refers to the power stealing that is performed during periods in
which there is no active call in place based on the lead from which
power is being stolen. Thus, for cases where it is the "Y" lead
from which power is stolen, "inactive power stealing" refers to the
power stealing that is performed when there is no active cooling
call in place. As used herein, "active power stealing" refers to
the power stealing that is performed during periods in which there
is an active call in place based on the lead from which power is
being stolen. Thus, for cases where it is the "Y" lead from which
power is stolen, "active power stealing" refers to the power
stealing that is performed when there is an active cooling call in
place. During inactive or active power stealing, power can be
stolen from a selected one of the available call relay wires. While
a complete description of the power stealing circuitry 510 can be
found in the commonly assigned applications that have been
previously incorporated herein by reference, the following brief
explanation is sufficient for purposes of this disclosure.
[0050] Some components in the thermostat, such as the head unit
processing function, the user interface, and/or the electronic
display may consume more instantaneous power than can be provided
by power stealing alone. When these more power-hungry components
are actively operating, the power supplied by power stealing can be
supplemented with the rechargeable battery 530. In other words,
when the thermostat is engaged in operations, such as when the
electronic display is in an active display mode, power may be
supplied by both power stealing and the rechargeable battery 530.
In order to preserve the power stored in the rechargeable battery
530, and to give the rechargeable battery 530 an opportunity to
recharge, some embodiments optimize the amount of time that the
head unit processing function and the electronic display are
operating in an active mode. In other words, it may be advantageous
in some embodiments to keep the head unit processing function in a
sleep mode or low power mode and to keep the electronic display in
an inactive display mode as long as possible without affecting the
user experience.
[0051] When the head unit processing function and the electronic
display are in an inactive or sleep mode, the power consumed by the
thermostat is generally less than the power provided by power
stealing. Therefore, the power that is not consumed by the
thermostat can be used to recharge the rechargeable battery 530. In
this embodiment, the backplate processing function 508 (MSP430) can
be configured to monitor the environmental sensors in a low-power
mode, and then wake the head unit processing function 532 (AM3703)
when needed to control the HVAC system, etc. Similarly, the
backplate processing function 508 can be used to monitor sensors
used to detect the closeness of a user, and wake the head unit
processing system 532 and/or the electronic display when it is
determined that a user intends to interface with the
thermostat.
[0052] It will be understood by one having skill in the art that
the various thermostat embodiments depicted and described in
relation to FIGS. 1-5 are merely exemplary and not meant to be
limiting. Many other hardware and/or software configurations may be
used to implement a thermostat and the various functions described
herein below. These embodiments should be seen as an exemplary
platform in which the following embodiments can be implemented to
provide an enabling disclosure. Of course, the following methods,
systems, and/or software program products could also be implemented
using different types of thermostats, different hardware, and/or
different software.
Sunlight Correction Configurations
[0053] One issue that can arise in relation to the thermostatic
control of an HVAC system for many homes and businesses
(hereinafter "enclosures") relates to scenarios in which, due to
the particular placement of the thermostat in the enclosure
relative to windows, skylights, or other structural features that
allow sunlight to shine into the enclosure, the thermostat may be
exposed to direct sunlight during some part of the day. When so
exposed, it can often happen that the thermostat body heats up,
along with the ambient temperature in the vicinity of the
thermostat, and causes the thermostat to perceive a sensed ambient
temperature for the air in the enclosure that is significantly
higher than the actual ambient air temperature in the enclosure.
Because the thermostat "thinks" that that the enclosure is hotter
than it really is, the thermostat controls the HVAC system to make
or allow the enclosure to become colder than it would otherwise
become. This can cause occupant discomfort in the wintertime due to
insufficient heating, and furthermore can cause both occupant
discomfort and wasted energy in the summertime due to excessive
cooling.
[0054] The embodiments herein may be directed towards compensating
for direct sunlight incident upon the thermostat. Direct sunlight
exposure can occur for periods of several hours per day, and can
cause a determined ambient temperature calculated by a processing
system of the thermostat to be artificially increased by up to 20
degrees. In some embodiments, the temperature measurements received
from two temperature sensors in the thermostat may be used to
calculate a determined ambient temperature during normal operation.
During time intervals where direct sunlight is incident upon the
thermostat, one or both of these temperature sensors may be heated
by the sunlight, thereby distorting the calculation of the
determined ambient temperature.
[0055] One way to solve this problem is to detect hours during the
day when direct sunlight is incident on the thermostat, and then
use a different method of computing the determined ambient
temperature during those times. The different method of computing
the determined ambient temperature may use different equations,
different calculations, and/or different or additional temperature
sensors. For example, a third temperature sensor may be added to
the thermostat on the bottom of the backplate. The third
temperature sensor may be less susceptible to heating by direct
sunlight and may generally track the ambient enclosure temperature
according to an arithmetic offset.
[0056] Some embodiments of the thermostat may also include an
ambient light sensor (ALS) that can be used to detect periods of
direct sunlight. When direct sunlight is detected on the
thermostat, the thermostat can switch between temperature sensors
and/or equations that are used to calculate the determined ambient
temperature. When sunlight is not incident on the thermostat, the
ambient temperature can be calculated as a function of two
temperature sensors, with the first temperature sensor being
disposed closer to the housing of the thermostat than the second
temperature sensor, and the second temperature sensor being
disposed closer to the internal electronics of the thermostat than
the first temperature sensor. In contrast, when sunlight is
incident on the thermostat, the ambient temperature can be
calculated as a function of the third temperature sensor and an
offset calculated using historical data.
[0057] In order to reduce false positives and false negatives, an
ambient light profile may be constructed using periodic ALS
readings throughout a 24-hour cycle. The ambient light profile may
be used to identify time intervals during the day when direct
sunlight events are most probable. The ambient light profile may
also be used to calibrate an internal schedule for sunrise and
sunset times. At night, the sunlight compensation algorithm can be
turned off in order to save power and avoid any false positives.
The ambient light profile may also be used to determine thresholds
that may be used in real time to detect direct sunlight incident on
the thermostat.
[0058] When operating during the day, the thermostat can detect
when the ambient light measurements exceed the thresholds
determined by the ambient light profile. The thresholds may be
lowered during time intervals when the ambient light profile
predicts direct sunlight events, and raised otherwise in order to
reduce false positives and negatives. After detecting direct
sunlight using the ALS, the thermostat can then detect when a
temperature increase exceeds a threshold. The combination of ALS
and temperature sensor readings can verify that the thermostat is
being heated by direct sunlight and not merely incident to a
high-power artificial light source that would not heat the
thermostat. In order to smooth the transition between temperature
calculation algorithms, a low pass filter operation may be used on
the calculated temperature, such as a sliding window averaging the
last few measurements.
[0059] The concepts described in this disclosure may be broadly
applied to any circumstance where intermittent environmental
anomalies give reason to distrust techniques used to monitor
environmental sensors during normal operation. Specifically, the
idea of generating a profile that can predict when environmental
anomalies are most likely to occur and adjusting threshold values
during these time intervals can reduce false positives and
negatives. Generally, environmental anomalies might not be measured
correctly by systems using only a single threshold.
[0060] Other applications might include a smoke detector that
raises its thresholds when dinner is being cooked, when someone is
in the shower, when someone is smoking cigarettes, or during other
predictable times when non-fire events might occur. Home security
systems could lower sensor thresholds during times when occupants
are known to be permissibly in the house. Temperature sensors in a
refrigerator could be calibrated to compensate for meal times when
people are likely to open the refrigerator door often. On a broader
scale, data could be reported to a central server from a number of
sensor units installed in many different homes. This data could be
used to generate sensor profiles for similar regions of the country
and automatically adjust sensor thresholds from a central location
as the country-wide profile is updated in real time.
[0061] FIG. 6 illustrates various views of a thermostat having one
or more temperature sensors, according to some embodiments. Note
that the embodiment of FIG. 6 is merely exemplary. Other
embodiments may include more or fewer temperature sensors, and the
temperature sensors may be disposed in different locations and/or
orientations within the housing of the thermostat. This particular
embodiment includes three distinct temperature sensors. A first
temperature sensor 610 may be disposed near a housing 608 of the
thermostat 602. In one embodiment, the first temperature sensor 610
may be affixed to an internal portion of the housing 608. In some
embodiments, the first temperature sensor 610 may be disposed
within the housing 608 such that it is near a front portion of the
thermostat 602, near a user interface of the thermostat 602, and/or
relatively farther away from internal heat sources of the
thermostat 602, such as a processing system, microprocessors,
high-power sensors, and/or the like.
[0062] The positioning of the first temperature sensor 610 may be
relative to a second temperature sensor 612. In some embodiments,
the second temperature sensor 612 may be disposed on a circuit
board internal to the thermostat 602. In the exemplary thermostat
described above, a circuit board 606 in the head unit may be a
suitable location to mount the second temperature sensor 612. The
second temperature sensor 612 may also be referred to as a head
unit temperature sensor. The first temperature sensor 610 may be
disposed closer to the housing 608 of the thermostat 602 and the
second temperature sensor 612. The second temperature sensor 612
may be disposed closer to the internal electronics of the
thermostat 602 than the first temperature sensor 610.
[0063] The first temperature sensor 610 and the second temperature
sensor 612 may also be characterized by how they are affected by
external temperature changes. The first temperature sensor 610 may
respond more quickly to ambient temperature changes in the
enclosure than the second temperature sensor 612. The first
temperature sensor 610 may also respond more quickly to heating
caused by direct sunlight incident on the housing 608 of the
thermostat 602 than the second temperature sensor 612. In some
cases, the first temperature sensor 610 may be described as being
more linked to the external housing and the environment of the
enclosure, while the second temperature sensor 612 may be described
as being less linked to the external housing, but more linked to
the internal heat-generating components of the thermostat.
[0064] Generally, the thermostat 602 does not simply accept raw
temperature measurements provided by the one or more temperature
sensors as an accurate representation of the ambient temperature in
the enclosure. In some cases, the one or more temperature sensors
may be disposed within the housing 608 of the thermostat 602, and
may therefore be somewhat thermally insulated from the ambient
temperature in the enclosure. The one or more temperature sensors
may also be affected by heat generated by internal electronic
components of the thermostat 602. Microprocessors,
microcontrollers, power sources, power regulating circuitry, power
stealing circuitry, wireless communications circuitry, and user
interface circuitry may all generate varying amounts of heat during
operation of the thermostat 602. Because each of the one or more
thermostats may be disposed at varying distances from the
heat-generating components, the raw temperature sensor measurements
may generally be higher than the actual ambient temperature of the
enclosure.
[0065] Therefore, instead of using temperature sensor measurements
provided by the one or more temperature sensors, the thermostat 602
may instead calculate a determined ambient temperature. As used
herein, the term "determined ambient temperature" may refer to a
temperature that determined by a processing system of the
thermostat 602 as a function of the temperature sensor measurements
provided by the one or more temperature sensors. For example, the
determined ambient temperature may be calculated by comparing the
measurements from the first temperature sensor to the measurements
from the second temperature sensor, or by adding an offset to
measurements from one of the one or more temperature sensors.
[0066] During time intervals in which direct sunlight is not
incident on the housing 608 of the thermostat 602, a first ambient
temperature determination algorithm may be used to compute the
determined ambient temperature. This first algorithm may leverage
the fact that the first temperature sensor 610 and the second
temperature sensor 612 may be affected differently by the
heat-generating components of the thermostat 602. In one
embodiment, the first algorithm may calculate the determined
ambient temperature using the following equation.
T.sub.det=T.sub.1-k(T.sub.2-T.sub.1) (1)
[0067] In equation (1), T.sub.det represents the determined ambient
temperature, T.sub.1 represents the temperature sensor measurements
provided by the first temperature sensor 610, T.sub.2 represents
the temperature sensor measurements provided by the second
temperature sensor 612, and k represents a constant that may depend
on the characteristics of the thermostat 602 and/or the enclosure.
In one embodiment, the value of k may be approximately 1.0.
[0068] The equations and methods described above may be used to
calculate the determined ambient temperature using at least two
temperature sensors. Other embodiments may alter equation (1) to
include additional temperature sensors. Generally, equation (1) may
provide an accurate estimation of the ambient temperature of the
enclosure during normal operation. However, situations have been
discovered where this first ambient temperature determination
algorithm is not adequate. One such situation involves times when
the thermostat is exposed to direct sunlight.
[0069] When the thermostat is exposed to direct sunlight, the first
temperature sensor 610 may be exposed to direct sunlight, or
alternatively, the housing 608 of the thermostat 602 to which the
first temperature sensor 610 may be affixed may be exposed to
direct sunlight. The heat generated by the sunlight absorbed by the
housing 608 may be readily transferred to the first temperature
sensor 610 by heating the housing 608 or by heating the internal
environment of the thermostat 602. In this case, the first
temperature sensor 610 may be heated above the ambient temperature
by both the internal electronics of the thermostat as well as the
external heating by direct sunlight. If the first ambient
temperature determination algorithm is still used in a direct
sunlight situation, the determined ambient temperature will
generally be higher than the actual ambient temperature of the
enclosure.
[0070] When exposed to direct sunlight, the first temperature
sensor 610 tends to heat before the sunlight exposure begins to
affect the second temperature sensor 612. Additionally, the first
temperature sensor 610 will tend to heat at a faster rate than the
second temperature sensor 612. In other words, the slope of the
temperature measurements provided over time by the first
temperature sensor 610 will be steeper than the temperature
measurements provided over time by the second temperature sensor
612 when the thermostat is exposed to direct sunlight. According to
equation (1) the determined ambient temperature is a function of
the difference between the first temperature sensor 610 and the
second temperature sensor 612. As this difference is artificially
increased by direct sunlight exposure, the determined ambient
temperature may climb at an even faster rate than that of the first
temperature sensor 610.
[0071] To overcome the problem of direct sunlight, some embodiments
described herein may incorporate a third temperature sensor 614
into the design of the thermostat 602. The third temperature sensor
614 may be added to a portion of the thermostat 602 that is
somewhat thermally isolated from the influence of the direct
sunlight compared to the other sensors. In this particular
embodiment, the third temperature sensor 614 may be added to the
backplate 604 of the thermostat 602. The third temperature sensor
614 may be disposed towards the bottom of the backplate 604, as it
has been determined that internally generated heat rises away from
the bottom of the thermostat 602. In some embodiments, insulating
materials may also be incorporated into or around the backplate
sensor 614 in order to make the backplate sensor 614 respond the
slowest to direct sunlight effects out of the three temperature
sensors.
[0072] In some embodiments, the third temperature sensor 614 may be
less sensitive than the second temperature sensor 612 and/or the
first temperature sensor 610. In one embodiment, the third
temperature sensor 614 may be combined with a humidity sensor in
the same integrated circuit. The reduced sensitivity of the third
temperature sensor 614 may be advantageous in that it prevents the
third temperature sensor 614 from responding immediately to direct
sunlight heating. The third temperature sensor 614 may also be used
as a backup sensor in the case of a malfunctioning first
temperature sensor 610 and/or second temperature sensor 612. The
third temperature sensor 614 may also be used in cases where the
head unit 606 is separated from the backplate 604. In some
embodiments, the third temperature sensor 614 may also be used to
monitor heat generated by the internal electronics of the backplate
604.
[0073] Many different types of commercially available sensors may
be used to implement the various temperature sensors used by the
thermostat. Merely by way of example, the first temperature sensor
and/or the second temperature sensor may be implemented using the
TMP112 high-precision, low-power, digital temperature sensor
available from Texas Instruments.RTM.. The third temperature sensor
may be implemented using the SHT20 digital humidity sensor chip
available from Sensirion.RTM..
[0074] FIG. 7 illustrates a graph 700 of the responses of three
temperature sensors when the thermostat is exposed to direct
sunlight, according to some embodiments. The temperature
measurements provided on graph 700 may correspond to the three
temperature sensors described above. Specifically, curve 714 may
represent temperature measurements provided over time by the third
temperature sensor 614, curve 712 may represent temperature
measurements provided over time by the second temperature sensor
612, and curve 710 may represent temperature measurements provided
over time by the first temperature sensor 610. Curve 716 may
represent the determined ambient temperature as calculated by the
first temperature determination algorithm. For example, curve 716
may be generated using equation (1) as a function of T.sub.1 and
T.sub.2.
[0075] Prior to time t.sub.1, the determined ambient temperature
curve 716 may be less than any of the temperature sensor
measurements provided by any of the one or more temperature
sensors. Generally, the more isolated the particular temperature
sensor is from the ambient temperature of the enclosure, the warmer
the steady-state measured temperature of the particular temperature
sensor will be. Therefore, the third temperature sensor curve 714
will generally be higher than the second temperature sensor curve
712, which will also be higher than the first temperature sensor
curve 710 during steady-state conditions.
[0076] At time t.sub.1, it may be assumed that the temperature
sensors of the thermostat begin to respond to direct sunlight that
becomes incident upon the housing of the thermostat. Generally, the
temperature sensors may begin to respond at times and at rates that
are related to their thermal isolation from the heating effects of
the direct sunlight. For example, the first temperature sensor
curve 710 may begin to rise first and at the fastest rate. Next,
the second temperature sensor curve 712 may begin to rise at a time
later than that of the first temperature sensor curve 710 and at a
slower rate than that of the first temperature sensor curve 710.
Similarly, the third temperature sensor curve 714 may begin to rise
a later time than that of the second temperature sensor curve 712
and at a slower rate than that of the second temperature sensor
curve 712.
[0077] The effects upon the determined ambient temperature curve
716 that is computed by the first ambient temperature determination
algorithm may be even more pronounced. As the difference between
the first temperature sensor curve 710 and the second temperature
sensor curve 712 increases, the slope of the determined ambient
temperature curve 716 may increase at an even more dramatic rate.
As illustrated by FIG. 7, because of the varying effects upon the
temperature sensors of the thermostat, the first ambient
temperature determination algorithm may calculate a determined
ambient temperature that is far above the actual ambient
temperature of the enclosure.
[0078] In some cases, actual data has shown that direct sunlight
effects can corrupt the temperature calculations by as much as 10
to 20 degrees. This miscalculation has the potential to
dramatically affect the HVAC system operation in financially
important ways. For example, during the summer, temperature
miscalculation may cause a dramatic increase in the usage of a
home's air conditioner. Air conditioning in hot or humid climates
represents one of the most costly monthly bills for homeowners. In
the winter, the consequences may be even more severe. Heating by
direct sunlight may cause the temperature in the house to drop
dramatically. When the thermostat is no longer influenced by direct
sunlight, the thermostat may need to activate a home's primary
heating system, as well as secondary and two-stage heating systems,
such as radiators, radiant flooring, heat pumps, and/or the like.
Time-to-temperature algorithms operating within an advanced
thermostat may determine that the difference between the actual
temperature and the setpoint temperature is great enough that both
primary and secondary heating sources may need to be activated.
This may cause dangerous or costly conditions for a home owner.
[0079] At a time near time t.sub.1, the thermostat may determine
that direct sunlight is heating the thermostat. In response, the
thermostat may switch between ambient temperature determination
algorithms. In some embodiments, a second ambient temperature
determination algorithm may be used during time intervals when the
thermostat determines that direct sunlight is heating the
thermostat and causing the determined ambient temperature
calculated by the first ambient temperature determination algorithm
to become unreliable.
[0080] As may also be observed in FIG. 7, the third temperature
sensor curve 714 is not rapidly affected by the exposure to direct
sunlight. As described above, the third temperature sensor 614 may
be disposed within the thermostat such that it is more thermally
isolated from the effects of direct sunlight heating than the other
temperature sensors. In one embodiment, the stability exhibited by
the third temperature sensor 614 may be used by the second ambient
temperature determination algorithm to calculate the determined
ambient temperature.
[0081] FIG. 8 illustrates a graph 800 of the responses of three
temperature sensors when the thermostat is exposed to direct
sunlight, according to some embodiments. Curve 814 may represent
temperature measurements provided over time by the third
temperature sensor 614, curve 812 may represent temperature
measurements provided over time by the second temperature sensor
612, and curve 810 may represent temperature measurements provided
over time by the first temperature sensor 610. Curve 816 may
represent the determined ambient temperature as calculated by the
second temperature determination algorithm.
[0082] In some embodiments, a relationship between the third
temperature sensor curve 814 and the determined ambient temperature
curve 816 may be observed during time intervals where direct
sunlight is not heating the thermostat. During these intervals, the
determined ambient temperature may be calculated using the first
ambient temperature determination algorithm that need not depend on
the third temperature sensor. For example, an offset temperature
820 may be measured during these intervals and stored by the
thermostat. Using historical data, the offset temperature 820 may
be calculated using the following equation.
T.sub.offset=T.sub.3-T.sub.det (2)
[0083] During normal operations, it has been observed that the
actual temperature may track the temperature measured by the third
temperature sensor. In one embodiment, the offset temperature 820
may be calculated using historical values for the determined
ambient temperature and measurements provided by the third
temperature sensor over a time interval of approximately 30 minutes
prior to detecting direct sunlight incident on the thermostat.
Other embodiments may use other time interval lengths, such as
approximately 10 minutes, 25 minutes, 35 minutes, and 1 hour. At a
time near time t.sub.1, the thermostat may determine that direct
sunlight is heating the thermostat and switch to the second ambient
temperature determination algorithm. In one embodiment where the
offset temperature 820 has been determined, the second ambient
temperature determination algorithm may calculate the determined
ambient temperature using the following equation.
T.sub.det=T.sub.3-T.sub.offset (3)
[0084] Therefore, the second ambient temperature determination
algorithm may be configured to leverage the slower response of the
third temperature sensor to direct sunlight heating effects. The
first ambient temperature determination algorithm may be ideal
during non-sunlight operation because it can respond quickly to
temperature changes (e.g. someone leaves a door open in the
winter); however, this ability to rapidly respond may be a
detriment during direct sunlight operation. Instead, in the
embodiment described above, an arithmetic offset temperature may be
subtracted from the temperature sensor measurements provided by the
third temperature sensor. In other embodiments, scaling factors may
be used, percentages may be calculated, and other combinations of
sensors may also be used. In one embodiment, a difference between
the second temperature sensor and the third temperature sensor may
be used by the second ambient temperature determination algorithm.
In another embodiment, measurements from all three sensors may be
used to calculate the determined ambient temperature. Additional
equations and combinations of temperature sensors may be derived
using the principles of this disclosure to meet the needs of many
different enclosures and thermostat types. The equations described
above are merely exemplary, and not meant to be limiting.
[0085] While some embodiments may simply switch between the first
and second ambient temperature determination algorithms when direct
sunlight is incident on the thermostat housing, other embodiments
may use additional sensors and algorithms to further refine the
time when this switching should take place in order to minimize
false negatives and false positives that may be caused by only
temporary direct sunlight exposure and other artificial light
sources.
[0086] In order to further detect and compensate for direct
sunlight heating effects, some embodiments may also include an
ambient light sensor (ALS). In some cases, the ALS may have a
dynamic sensitivity range such that the output will not saturate
when receiving energy associated with direct sunlight. The ALS may
be in operative communication with a processing system of the
thermostat. The processing system may be configured to receive
ambient light measurements from the ALS in order to determine time
intervals in which direct sunlight is incident on housing of the
thermostat.
[0087] Ambient light measurements from the ALS may be recorded over
time in order to generate an ALS profile of the enclosure in which
the thermostat is installed. The ALS profile may be used to predict
time intervals in which direct sunlight is most likely to be
incident on the thermostat housing. By determining time intervals
that are most likely to include direct sunlight events, the
processing system of the thermostat may adjust temperature and/or
ambient light thresholds in order to more accurately determine a
proper switching point between the first algorithm and the second
algorithm for calculating the determined ambient temperature.
[0088] Many different types of commercially available sensors may
be used to implement the ALS. Merely by way of example, the ALS may
be implemented using the Si114x family of proximity and ambient
light sensor ICs available from Silicon Labs.RTM., such as the
Si1142 chip. The ALS may also be implemented using the TSL2571
light-to-digital converter chip available from Texas Advanced
Optoelectronic Solutions.RTM..
[0089] FIG. 9 illustrates a graph 900 of ambient light measurements
recorded over multiple days, according to some embodiments. As
illustrated by graph 900, the ambient light profile measured by the
ALS may be periodic, such that it repeats over 24-hour intervals.
This repeating ambient light profile may be used to refine the
algorithms used by the thermostat processing system. The ambient
light profile may also be used to calibrate an internal clock used
to distinguish between daylight hours and nighttime hours.
[0090] Two general characteristics may be observed in the ambient
light profile of graph 900. First, daylight hours may be
distinguished from nighttime hours based on the gradual increase
and decrease of the ambient light level detected by the ALS. For
example, during sunrise the ALS may generally produce a gradual
ramp increase response, such as section 910 of graph 900.
Similarly, during sunset the ALS may generally produce a gradual
ramp decrease response, such as section 912 of graph 900. By
detecting these gradual ramp responses, an internal clock may be
calibrated by the thermostat. Daytime hours may be determined by
looking for a plateau response, such as section 914 of graph 900,
whereas nighttime hours may be determined by looking for a flat
response, such as section 918 of graph 900.
[0091] The second general characteristic that may be observed in
the ambient light profile of graph 900 may include dramatic spikes
that represent direct sunlight incident on the thermostat housing.
Spike 916 may be observable at a regular time interval during each
day. Spike 916 may correspond to times when the position of the sun
is such that direct sunlight may be aligned with the thermostat
through a window, door, skylight, and/or the like. Direct sunlight
spikes, such as spike 916, may be identified and used to adjust
thresholds for detecting direct sunlight incident on the thermostat
housing.
[0092] Many different methods may be used to record and generate
the ALS profile for the enclosure. In one particular embodiment, a
profile generation and analysis routine may be run by the
processing system at regular intervals. For example, the profile
generation and analysis routine may be run during nighttime hours
when user interaction with the thermostat is less likely.
[0093] Merely by way of example, one exemplary profile generation
and analysis routine may be used that minimizes measurements and
conserves memory usage. In one embodiment, memory locations
referred to herein as "buckets" may be allocated for time intervals
throughout an ALS period. For example, 288 buckets representing 5
minutes intervals throughout a 24 hour period may be allocated in a
memory of the thermostat. During each 5 minute interval, the ALS
may provide an ambient light measurement that may be recorded in
the corresponding bucket. Each bucket may aggregate ambient light
measurements in each bucket over a number of ALS periods, such as
one week. In this example, each bucket would aggregate seven ALS
measurements in each bucket with each bucket's measurement taken at
approximately the same time of day throughout the week. The length
of the time intervals and the depth of each bucket may be adjusted
according to the needs of each particular embodiment. Buckets may
represent sliding windows wherein older measurements are replaced
with newer measurements.
[0094] By aggregating measurements over multiple ALS periods, the
aggregated buckets may represent a smoothed or average version of
what the ALS profile for the enclosure should look like each day.
In one embodiment, the depth of each bucket may be approximately 7
readings, representing approximately one week's worth of ALS
measurements. The depth of each bucket may be chosen based on the
environmental conditions of the enclosure in which the thermostat
is installed. For example, the ALS profile may change due to
seasonal weather patterns. Direct sunlight events may be more
likely, last longer, and/or generate more heat during summer months
than during winter months. Cloud cover lasting more than a few days
may also tend to alter the ALS profile of the house. The angle of
sunlight may also affect the amount of heat and light incident upon
the thermostat, and this angle may change with the tilt of the
earth throughout the year. Generally, the depth of each bucket made
be chosen such that there are enough measurements to generate a
smooth average profile without being affected by seasonal weather
changes. In some embodiments, the depth of each bucket may be three
days, five days, seven days, ten days, two weeks, three weeks, or
even one month, depending on the particular environment in which
the thermostat is installed.
[0095] After generating the raw ALS profile, an analysis routine
may be performed in order to detect direct sunlight spikes and
distinguish them from momentary spikes in what may be a noisy
measurement environment.
[0096] First, the analysis routine may determine which of the
buckets corresponds to daylight hours. In some embodiments, the
thermostat may have access to a Wi-Fi connection such that the
current daylight hours may be retrieved over a wireless network. In
other embodiments, the thermostat may be equipped with an internal
clock, and daylight hours may be determined according to the
internal clock readings. For example, a thermostat without a Wi-Fi
connection could determine that the hours between 5:30 AM and 7:30
PM are daylight hours. In some embodiments, the thermostat may also
determine the weather and retrieve a corresponding sunrise and
sunset time for each day. For example, the thermostat may be
configured to access an online weather service, such as
www.WeatherUnderground.com to retrieve the sunrise and sunset times
for each day.
[0097] In some embodiments, a default value may be programmed into
the thermostat for the daylight hours, such as between 5:30 AM and
7:30 PM as the ALS profile of the enclosure is developed over time.
The ALS profile may be used to adjust the sunrise and sunset times
used by the thermostat by detecting the plateau responses such as
section 914 of graph 900. Generally, the ambient sunlight that
filters into an enclosure during daylight hours will generate a
much larger response than artificial light within the enclosure
during nighttime hours. According to some experimental data, the
ALS response during ambient daylight hours may be 10 to 100 times
that of the ALS response due to artificial indoor light.
[0098] Ambient sunlight of daylight hours may be distinguished from
artificial light sources. The ramp section 910 in graph 900 may be
determined to be the gradual onset of daylight hours rather than
artificial light provided during nighttime hours within the
enclosure. Artificial light that is turned on within the enclosure
will have a very steep response, i.e. the change will be abrupt in
the ALS profile rather than a gradual ramp increase that
corresponds to sunrise. The daylight measured by the thermostat ALS
may be used to calibrate the default sunrise and sunset times
dynamically. In other words, an assumed interval of daylight hours
may be calibrated throughout the life of the thermostat as the ALS
builds and analyzes the ALS profile of the enclosure over time.
[0099] By determining daylight hours, the algorithm for detecting
direct sunlight events and switching between temperature
calculation algorithms may enter a low-power mode. In some
embodiments, the algorithm may be disabled during non-daylight
hours. By turning off the algorithms used to detect direct sunlight
and switch between ambient temperature determination algorithms,
the thermostat may save power by reducing sensor polling intervals,
reducing processor wake-up times, reducing the number of threshold
temperatures that need to be checked periodically, and/or reducing
the length of time that a processor may need to be awake. By
turning of the sunlight correction algorithms, the thermostat may
also reduce false positives because it is known that there is no
sunlight.
[0100] By way of example, the exemplary thermostat comprising a
head unit and a backplate described above may be considered. In
this embodiment, the low-power backplate processor will typically
not perform the direct sunlight detection and algorithm switching
routines. Instead, the backplate processor wakes up the head unit
processor when the ALS surpasses a predetermined threshold. A state
machine may then be advanced in the head unit processor in order to
determine new temperature and/or light thresholds, and possibly to
switch between ambient temperature determination algorithms.
[0101] In some embodiments, the backplate processor can wake the
head unit up when it senses a divergence, i.e. when the determined
ambient temperature begins to diverge from its previous values. The
head unit processor may then walk through a state machine and
determine whether or not to instruct the backplate processor to
switch between ambient temperature determination algorithms. The
backplate processor may provide the head unit processor with the
determined ambient temperature using the algorithms selected by the
head unit processor. This may be particularly advantageous in
thermostats where the backplate processor governs the operation of
the one or more temperature sensors.
[0102] After generating the ALS profile, the thermostat may use the
profile to detect direct sunlight spike intervals and to determine
threshold values to be used for real-time spike detection.
Generally, thresholds and predictive spike intervals may be
determined using heuristic method based on observed statistics.
Many different methods may be used to determine thresholds and to
detect spikes from the profile data. Some embodiments may analyze
the spike slopes to detect fast and slow time changes. Other
embodiments may use time convolution with a narrow kernel. Other
embodiments may use spectral analysis and/or frequency domain
analysis. Some embodiments may use statistical methods to perform
inter-day correlation between periodic light measurements. For
example, the thermostat processing system may cross-correlate
spikes identified in one day with spikes identified in previous
days to statistically determine the spike intervals to be used.
These different method may involve trade-offs between accuracy,
computing power, and/or complexity.
[0103] In one particular embodiment, threshold values may be
identified statistically using the profile data. For example, the
90th percentile value and the 97th percentile value may be
identified and used to generate a threshold. In some embodiments,
upper and lower bounds may be placed on the values corresponding to
the percentiles used to generate thresholds. For example, an ALS
reading of 800 Lux may correspond to a minimum value for detecting
direct sunlight in some enclosures. A lower bound somewhat below
800 Lux may be used when generating a threshold. Similarly, an
upper bound on the determined thresholds may also be used, such
8,000 Lux, 10,000 Lux, etc.
[0104] Adjacent buckets that include measurements above a
particular threshold may be identified as direct sunlight spikes.
Some embodiments may account for noisy measurements by only
identifying spikes that are more and/or less than a particular time
value. These embodiments may allow for gaps between buckets that
are above the threshold. For example, some embodiments may allow a
maximum separation between buckets of three readings. Thus, to
buckets above the threshold that are separated by two buckets below
the threshold may be considered a single spike. Threshold may also
be placed on the duration of an ALS spike. For example, to qualify
as a spike, a time interval may need to last longer than 5 minutes
and less than 2 hours, according to one embodiment. Threshold
values, spike widths, and noise compensation may be determined
experimentally for each thermostat embodiment.
[0105] In thermostat embodiments that include a head unit processor
and a backplate processor, the ALS profile analysis algorithm that
identifies thresholds and/or predictive direct sunlight spikes may
be carried out by the head unit processor. Often times, these
algorithms may be too processing and/or power intensive for the
backplate processor. As described above, these algorithms may
operate at times when user interaction or HVAC interaction is
unlikely, such as during nighttime hours.
[0106] In contrast to the ALS profile algorithm described above, a
real-time algorithm may also be carried out by the thermostat
during daylight hours. After determining specific time intervals
during daylight hours when an ALS spike is probable, thresholds can
be set during specific time intervals that are different than the
threshold set during other time intervals. For example, the direct
sunlight event threshold may be set lower during times when the
probability of seeing a direct sunlight event is high. Similarly,
the direct sunlight event threshold may be set higher during times
when the probability of seeing a direct sunlight event is low.
These probabilities may be based on the ALS profile described
previously. For example, in time intervals where ALS spikes have
been detected according to the ALS profile, the direct sunlight
event threshold may be lowered.
[0107] The values used for the threshold may also be based on the
ALS profile. In one embodiment, the higher threshold may correspond
to the 97th percentile of the measurements in the ALS profile,
while the lower threshold may correspond to the 90th percentile of
the measurements in the ALS profile. By identifying time intervals
where direct sunlight events are more probable and adjusting the
detection thresholds accordingly, the thermostat can minimize the
number of false positives and false negatives that would tend to
corrupt the determined ambient temperature.
[0108] Generally, it may not be sufficient to detect an ALS spike
alone in order to switch between temperature calculation methods.
Conversely, it may not be sufficient to detect a temperature
divergence event alone in order to switch between temperature
calculation methods. For example, a high-power artificial light
source may be temporarily aimed at the thermostat. This may cause
an ALS spike due to the high photon energy incident on the
thermostat; however, the high-powered artificial light source
usually will not generate enough heat to mimic a direct sunlight
event. In another example, the use of a heater in an enclosure
could result in temperature divergence without an ALS spike. In
other cases, actual direct sunlight events may occur sporadically
and unpredictably. Short direct sunlight events may cause an ALS
spike without heating the thermostat significantly. Therefore, some
embodiments may transition between temperature calculation methods
by analyzing both the ALS measurements and temperature
measurements.
[0109] During a direct sunlight event, the ALS spike may be
observed immediately. However, it may take a few minutes before the
thermostat itself starts to heat based on the direct sunlight
exposure. Therefore, when an ALS spike is detected, the temperature
switching algorithm may enter into an intermediate state that
analyzes the temperature measurements being made by the thermostat.
If the temperature measurements detect that the thermostat is
heating, and this heating is correlated with an ALS direct sunlight
event, then the thermostat may transition into a sunlight
correction mode and switch between temperature calculation
methods.
[0110] FIG. 10 illustrates a graph 1000 of thresholds that may be
used with predicted direct sunlight intervals, according to some
embodiments. Interval 1006 may represent a time interval where a
direct sunlight spike may be predicted according to the ALS profile
generated for the enclosure. Threshold 1008 may represent an
ambient light threshold to be used during time intervals when
direct sunlight spikes are not predicted. In contrast, threshold
1010 may represent an ambient light threshold to be used during the
time intervals when direct sunlight spikes are predicted, such as
interval 1006.
[0111] Trace 1002 may represent ambient light measurements provided
by the ALS to the thermostat processing system. Before entering
interval 1006, trace 1002 would normally be compared to threshold
1008. However, after moving into interval 1006, the ambient light
measurements of trace 1002 would be compared to threshold 1010. By
adjusting threshold based on predicted profile spikes of the ALS
profile, the thermostat can increase its sensitivity to direct
sunlight spikes at the correct times, and thus respond more quickly
to switch between ambient temperature determining algorithms.
[0112] After passing into interval 1006, the ambient light
measurements of trace 1002 can be observed to cross threshold 1010
at time 1012 of graph 1000. Upon crossing threshold 1010, the
processing system may determine that direct sunlight is incident on
the housing of the thermostat. The time interval during which the
direct sunlight spike is detected is denoted by region 1004. In
some embodiments, the processing system may immediately switch to
the second ambient temperature determination algorithm. In other
embodiments, the processing system may instead begin to look for a
temperature increase that would normally accompany a direct
sunlight spike.
[0113] In some embodiments, a hysteresis may be considered when
crossing threshold 1010 or threshold 1008. Notice that in graph
1000, region 1004 where the direct sunlight spike was detected does
not end as soon as trace 1002 goes beneath threshold 1010. Instead,
there is a hysteresis buffer of approximately 250 Lux before the
transition back to the first ambient temperature determining
algorithm takes place. This hysteresis may limit the number of
times a head unit processor needs to wake up, and may prevent rapid
switching back and forth between the first and second
algorithms.
[0114] FIG. 11 illustrates a graph 1100 of simulated temperature
measurements as the thermostat switches between the first and
second ambient temperature determining algorithms, according to
some embodiments. As direct sunlight becomes incident upon the
housing of the thermostat at time t.sub.1, the first temperature
sensor curve 1110, the second temperature sensor curve 1112, and
the third temperature sensor curve 1114 may all begin to increase
as the thermostat is heated by the direct sunlight. Note that as
described above, the curve corresponding to each temperature sensor
changes at different rates and times based on their location and
thermal isolation within the thermostat housing.
[0115] As sunlight hits the thermostat, the ALS can immediately
detect a spike. As the first temperature sensor curve 1110 and the
second temperature sensor curve 1112 begins to increase and
diverge, the determined ambient temperature curve 1116 begins to
increase according to the first ambient temperature determination
algorithm. At time t.sub.2, the thermostat may determine that the
ambient light measurements from the ALS and temperature increases
measured by the one or more temperature sensors properly detect a
direct sunlight spike. At this point, the thermostat may switch to
the second ambient temperature determining algorithm. The results
of this switch may be seen by determined ambient temperature curve
1118.
[0116] In some cases, the transition between determined ambient
temperature curve 1116 and determined ambient temperature curve
1118 may be abrupt and/or discontinuous as shown in graph 1100.
This abrupt change may cause unintended consequences and the
control of the HVAC system. In order to smooth this transition,
some embodiments may use low pass filtering techniques. One
embodiment may use an averaging sliding window that averages the
last five to ten temperature measurements at, for example, 30
second intervals. Other window length and interval lengths may also
be used. In other embodiments, discrete time domain operations may
apply digital filters to the determined ambient temperatures to
smooth the transition.
[0117] FIG. 12 illustrates a flowchart 1200 of an algorithm that
may be used to switch between ambient temperature determination
algorithms, according to some embodiments. Flowchart 1200 may be
implemented in software and/or hardware by a state machine. This
algorithm may use both ambient light measurements and temperature
divergence to switch between ambient temperature determination
algorithms.
[0118] In embodiments where the thermostat is divided into a head
unit and a backplate, the temperature switching algorithm can be
run by the head unit processor. The head unit processor can then
store transition temperatures and/or ambient light levels in the
backplate processor. Sometimes, the head unit processor may step
through different stages of the state machine represented by
flowchart 1200 each time the head unit processor wakes up. In some
cases, multiple stages may be stepped through in each wake cycle,
while in other cases, the state machine may remain idle.
[0119] The algorithm may stay in the idle state 1202 until the
thermostat has enough data in the ALS profile to confidently
identify direct sunlight events. In some embodiments, three days of
ALS data may be required before the algorithm can leave the idle
state. Other embodiments may require one week for the ALS data to
be prepared. Depending on the particular enclosure characteristics,
the length of the initialization period for the ALS profile to be
developed such that it is a dependable representation of direct
sunlight event probabilities may be determined experimentally. In
some embodiments, the algorithm may also stay in the idle state
1202 at night. The sunrise and sunset times calibrated by the ALS
profile may be used to transition back to the idle state 1202 after
daylight hours are over.
[0120] When the algorithm is ready during daylight hours, the
algorithm may advance to state 1204 or state 1206 depending on
whether the current time falls within one of the predetermined time
intervals wherein a direct sunlight spike is probable according to
the ALS profile of the enclosure. The algorithm may switch back and
forth between state 1204 and state 1206 as the current time passes
in and out of the high probability time intervals.
[0121] While in state 1204 or state 1206, the thermostat may
receive ambient light measurements from the ALS and compare them to
the high threshold or the low threshold, depending on the current
state. When the ambient light measurements surpass the threshold,
the algorithm may enter state 1210. In state 1210, an ambient light
spike has been detected and the thermostat may then watch for a
corresponding temperature increase to confirm that direct sunlight
is incident on the housing of the thermostat.
[0122] In order to transition from state 1210 to state 1212, the
algorithm may determine whether there is a temperature increase
that corresponds to the ALS spike. In some embodiments, the
temperature increase may be detected by comparing future
temperatures that are measured after the beginning of the ALS spike
with historical temperatures that were measured previous to the ALS
spike. Historical temperatures prior to the ALS spike may be used
to calculate a temperature baseline. For example, a median
temperature measured over a time interval, such as 10 minutes,
prior to the ALS spike may be used as a baseline temperature.
Similarly, a minimum temperature measured over a time interval
prior to the ALS spike may be used as a baseline temperature.
[0123] Generally, "temperature divergence" can be used to describe
the condition where (i) the determined ambient temperature begins
to increase from its historical values, and (ii) the determined
ambient temperature diverges from the temperature measurements
provided by the third temperature sensor that is less susceptible
to direct sunlight heating. In some embodiments, both of these
criteria are used to verify a signature of sunlight incident on the
thermostat.
[0124] Different embodiments may use different conditions to
characterize a temperature increase. Some embodiments may watch for
a determined ambient temperature that increases above a median
temperature by threshold amount, where the median temperature is
measured over a time interval immediately preceding the current
time. For example, if the determined ambient temperature increases
by 2 degrees above the median temperature measured over the last 60
seconds, this may suffice. Other embodiments may perform a similar
comparison to a minimum temperature measured over a time interval
immediately preceding the current time. Some embodiments may
compare the determined ambient temperature to a temperature
provided by the third temperature sensor adjusted by the
temperature offset. Because the determined ambient temperature
should track with the temperature measurements provided by the
third temperature sensor according to the temperature offset,
deviations from this value may signify heating due to direct
sunlight. Some embodiments may also compare the temperature offset
to a threshold value. In one embodiment, all of these criteria may
be combined into a single logical statement to be evaluated by the
processing system. In other embodiments, criteria may be used
separately, weighted, and evaluated according to the needs of the
particular embodiment. Example criteria are illustrated in FIG.
12.
[0125] After the temperature increase has been detected, the
algorithm may transition to state 1212 where the second ambient
temperature determination algorithm be activated. For example, the
head unit processor may instruct the backplate processor to begin
using the second algorithm while in state 1212. In some cases, the
algorithm may transition from state 1212 back to state 1210 if the
direct sunlight spike remains as measured by the ALS but the
temperature increase does not persist.
[0126] In another situation, the algorithm may transition from
state 1212 back to state 1204 or stay 1206 depending upon decision
block 1214 and whether the current time falls within a high
probability interval for a direct sunlight spike. In some
embodiments, this transition may be made if both the measured
temperature increase and the measured ambient light increase fall
below threshold values. Other embodiments may make this transition
after a maximum spike persistence time. For example, the thermostat
might only respond to direct sunlight spikes that are less than two
hours, according to some embodiments. Some embodiments may also
make this transition after a threshold amount of time passes after
the end of an ambient light spike regardless of whether the
temperature increase persists. Some embodiments may also combine
these criteria using logical operators. Example criteria are
illustrated in FIG. 12.
[0127] The states and steps illustrated by flowchart 1200 are
merely exemplary, and not meant to be limiting. Other embodiments
may add additional states and additional criteria for transitioning
between states.
[0128] Whereas many alterations and modifications of the present
invention will no doubt become apparent to a person of ordinary
skill in the art after having read the foregoing description, it is
to be understood that the particular embodiments shown and
described by way of illustration are in no way intended to be
considered limiting. Therefore, reference to the details of the
preferred embodiments is not intended to limit their scope.
* * * * *
References