Thermostat and messaging device and methods thereof

• US 10,440,130 B2
• Filed: 04/03/2017
• Issued: 10/08/2019
• Est. Priority Date: 06/17/2014
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Magnum Energy Solutions, LLC
• Original Assignee: Magnum Energy Solutions, LLC
• Inventors: Giorgi, Michael E.
• Primary Examiner(s): Barnes-Bullock, Crystal J
• Application Number:
  US15/478,119
• Publication Number:
  US 20170336813A1
• Time in Patent Office: 918 Days
• CPC Class Codes: F24F 11/52 Indication arrangements, e.g. displays
• CPC Class Codes: F24F 11/58 using Internet communication
• CPC Class Codes: F24F 11/64 using pre-stored data
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/2614 HVAC, heating, ventillation, climate control
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/2642 Domotique, domestic, home control, automation, smart house
• CPC Class Codes: G05D 23/1905 associated with tele control
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/2818 from a device located outside both the home and the home network access arrangements H04L12/2856; for remote control or remote monitoring of applications H04L67/025; arrangements for transmitting signals characterised by the use of a wireless eletrical link G08C17/00; telephonic communication systems adapted for combination with remote control systems H04M11/007
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/282 based on user interaction within the home receiver circuitry for displaying additional information being controlled by a remote control apparatus H04N21/42204
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 2012/285 Generic home appliances, e.g. refrigerators
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/12 specially adapted for proprietary or special-purpose networking environments, e.g. medical networks, sensor networks, networks in vehicles or remote metering networks
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 67/52 specially adapted for the location of the user terminal
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/02 Services making use of location information

Abstract

Thermostat and messaging devices (TMDs) and associated platforms for providing monitor and control functionality are disclosed. A TMD can be in communication with one or more sensors to facilitate intelligent heating and cooling as well has home automation. The TMD can facilitate communication with a plurality of different networking protocols such that it can receive communication signals from a plurality of different sensors and devices that operate using varying communication techniques. The TMD can also be configured to assist with geolocating a person who is calling for emergency services.

Claims

1. A thermostat and messaging device for an environment having a climate control system, comprising:

a user interface comprising a display screen;

a network interface that comprises a first transceiver for communicating in a first communication protocol and a second transceiver for communicating in a second communication protocol, wherein the first communication protocol and the second communication protocol are different protocols;

a controller coupled to the user interface and the network interface, wherein the controller generates control signals to one or more components of the climate control system of the environment, and wherein the controller is configured to communicate with a first control device positioned within the environment using the first communication protocol and a second control device positioned within the environment using the second communication protocol, wherein the first control device and the second control device are devices separate from the climate control system;

a data store that stores geospatial information of the thermostat and messaging device, wherein the geospatial information comprises height information, and wherein the geospatial information is unique to the thermostat and messaging device; and

a transmitter that sends the geospatial information stored in the data store in a response to a request for the geospatial information and based on an emergency associated with the first control device or the second control device.

2. The thermostat and messaging device of claim 1, wherein the control signals are based on inputs received at the user interface.

3. The thermostat and messaging device of claim 1, wherein the controller communicates with a computing device of an occupant within the environment.

4. The thermostat and messaging device of claim 1, wherein the geospatial information further comprises at least one of an address and a positional identifier.

5. The thermostat and messaging device of claim 4, wherein the controller provides the geospatial information based on a request from a computing device during an emergency event.

6. The thermostat and messaging device of claim 5, wherein the computing device is a mobile communication device located in the environment.

7. The thermostat and messaging device of claim 5, wherein the computing device is an emergency communications center.

8. The thermostat and messaging device of claim 1, wherein the controller is in networked communication with an environment control system.

9. The thermostat and messaging device of claim 8, wherein the environment control system is in networked communication with a set of other thermostat and messaging devices.

10. The thermostat and messaging device of claim 9, wherein the set of other thermostat and messaging devices are positioned within separate sub-environments of the environment.

11. The thermostat and messaging device of claim 10, wherein the environment is a structure and the separate sub-environments are separate areas in the structure.

12. The thermostat and messaging device of claim 8, wherein the environment control system is configured to transmit messaging to a selective thermostat and messaging device for display on the display screen.

13. The thermostat and messaging device of claim 12, wherein the messaging is an occupant notification.

14. The thermostat and messaging device of claim 1, wherein the first control device is configured to operate a lighting element within the environment.

15. The thermostat and messaging device of claim 1, wherein the first control device is associated with an appliance located in the environment.

16. The thermostat and messaging device of claim 1, wherein the first control device is associated with surveillance equipment.

17. The thermostat and messaging device of claim 1, wherein the first control device is associated with home entertainment equipment.

18. The thermostat and messaging device of claim 1, wherein the first control device is an electrical outlet.

19. The thermostat and messaging device of claim 1, wherein the first control device is associated with a home automation service excluding the climate control system.