System, method and apparatus for identifying manual inputs to and adaptive programming of a thermostat

• US 8,596,550 B2
• Filed: 05/11/2010
• Issued: 12/03/2013
• Est. Priority Date: 05/12/2009
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: EcoFactor, Inc. (Trane Technologies plc)
• Original Assignee: EcoFactor, Inc. (Trane Technologies plc)
• Inventors: Steinberg, John Douglas, Hublou, Scott Douglas, Cheung, Leo
• Primary Examiner(s): NORMAN, MARC E
• Application Number:
  US12/778,052
• Publication Number:
  US 20100308119A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,302 Days
• Field of Search: 236/1.C, 236/46.R, 236/51, 236/94, 621/61, 621/63, 700/276, 700/278
• US Class Current: 236/1.C
• CPC Class Codes: F24F 11/30 for purposes related to the operation of the system, e.g. for safety or monitoring
• CPC Class Codes: F24F 11/39 Monitoring filter performance
• CPC Class Codes: F24F 11/56 Remote control
• CPC Class Codes: F24F 11/62 characterised by the type of control or by internal processing, e.g. using fuzzy logic, adaptive control or estimation of values
• CPC Class Codes: F24F 11/63 Electronic processing
• CPC Class Codes: F24F 11/65 for selecting an operating mode
• CPC Class Codes: F24F 2110/00 Control inputs relating to air properties
• CPC Class Codes: F24F 2120/20 Feedback from users
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 19/0426 Programming the control sequence
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/23199 Reference value, setpoint for regulator
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 2219/2614 HVAC, heating, ventillation, climate control
• CPC Class Codes: G05D 23/1904 variable in time

Abstract

Systems and methods are disclosed for incorporating manual changes to the setpoint for a thermostatic controller into long-term programming of the thermostatic controller. For example, one or more of the exemplary systems compares the actual setpoint at a given time for the thermostatic controller to an expected setpoint for the thermostatic controller in light of the scheduled programming. A determination is then made as to whether the actual setpoint and the expected setpoint are the same or different. Furthermore, a manual change to the actual setpoint for the thermostatic controller is compared to previously recorded setpoint data for the thermostatic controller. At least one rule is then applied for the interpretation of the manual change in light of the previously recorded setpoint data.

Claims

1. A method for detecting manual changes to the setpoint for a thermostatic controller comprising:

accessing stored data comprising a plurality of internal temperature measurements taken within a structure and a plurality of outside temperature measurements relating to temperatures outside the structure;

using the stored data to predict a rate of change of temperatures inside the structure in response to at least changes in outside temperatures;

calculating with one or more computer processors, scheduled programming of the thermostatic controller for one or more times based on the predicted rate of change, the scheduled programming comprising at least a first automated setpoint at a first time;

generating with one or more computer processors, a difference value based on comparing an actual setpoint at the first time for said thermostatic controller to the first automated setpoint for said thermostatic controller;

detecting a manual change to the first automated setpoint by determining whether said actual setpoint and said first automated setpoint are the same or different based on said difference value; and

logging said manual change to a database associated with the thermostatic controller.

2. A method as in claim 1 where said thermostatic controller operates a system for changing the air temperature in a structure.

3. A method as in claim 1 where said thermostatic controller operates a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system.

4. A method as in claim 1 where said thermostatic controller operates a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system in a single family residence.

5. A method as in claim 1 in which at least one remote processor is in communication with said thermostatic control device.

6. A method as in claim 5 in which said remote processor is not located in the same structure as said thermostatic controller.

7. A method as in claim 5 in which said remote processor sets programming for said thermostatic controller.

8. A method as in claim 1 in which said thermostatic controller is programmable.

9. A method for incorporating manual changes to the setpoint for a thermostatic controller into long-term programming of said thermostatic controller comprising:

accessing stored data comprising a plurality of internal temperature measurements taken within a structure and a plurality of outside temperature measurements relating to temperatures outside the structure;

using the stored data to predict a rate of change of temperatures inside the structure in response to at least changes in outside temperatures;

calculating scheduled programming of setpoints in the thermostatic controller based on the predicted rate of change, the scheduled programming comprising at least a first automated setpoint at a first time and a second automated setpoint at a second time;

comparing the actual setpoint at the first time for said thermostatic controller to the first automated setpoint for said thermostatic controller;

detecting a manual change to the first automated setpoint by determining whether said actual setpoint and said first automated setpoint are the same or different;

changing the second automated setpoint at the second time based on at least one rule for the interpretation of said manual change.

10. A method as in claim 9 where said thermostatic controller operates a system for changing the air temperature in a structure.

11. A method as in claim 9 where said thermostatic controller operates a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system.

12. A method as in claim 9 where said thermostatic controller operates a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system in a single family residence.

13. A method as in claim 9 in which at least one remote processor is in communication with said thermostatic control device.

14. A method as in claim 13 in which said remote processor is not located in the same structure as said thermostatic controller.

15. A method as in claim 13 in which said remote processor sets programming for said thermostatic controller.

16. A system as in claim 9 in which said thermostatic controller is programmable.

17. An apparatus for detecting manual changes to the setpoint for a thermostatic controller comprising:

at least a programmable communicating thermostat;

at least a remote processor;

at least a network connecting said remote processor and said communicating;

at least a database comprising a plurality of internal temperature measurements taken within a structure and a plurality of outside temperature measurements relating to temperatures outside the structure;

computer hardware comprising one or more computer processors configured to use the stored data to predict a rate of change of temperatures inside the structure in response to changes in outside temperatures;

the one or more computer processors configured to calculate scheduled setpoint programming of the programmable communicating thermostat for one or more times based on the predicted rate of change, the scheduled programming comprising one or more automated setpoints;

at least a database that stores the one or more automated setpoints associated with the scheduled programming for said programmable communicating thermostat;

at least a database that stores actual setpoint programming of said programmable communicating thermostat; and

the one or more computer processors configured to compare the one or more automated setpoints associated with said scheduled setpoint programming with said actual setpoint programming.

18. An apparatus as in claim 17 where said programmable communicating thermostat operates a system for changing the air temperature in a structure.

19. An apparatus as in claim 17 where said programmable communicating thermostat operates a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system.

20. An apparatus as in claim 17 where said programmable communicating thermostat operates a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system in a single family residence.

21. An apparatus as in claim 20 in which at least one remote processor is in communication with said programmable communicating thermostat.

22. An apparatus as in claim 20 in which said remote processor is not located in the same structure as said programmable communicating thermostat.

23. An apparatus as in claim 20 in which said remote processor sets programming for said programmable communicating thermostat.