Thermostat facilitating user-friendly installation thereof

• US 8,757,507 B2
• Filed: 03/01/2011
• Issued: 06/24/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 11/19/2010
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Google LLC (Alphabet Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Nest Labs Incorporated (Alphabet Inc.)
• Inventors: Fadell, Anthony Michael, Matsuoka, Yoky, Rogers, Matthew Lee, Sloo, David, Plitkins, Michael, Sharan, Rangoli, Ruff, Joseph Adam
• Primary Examiner(s): NORMAN, MARC E
• Application Number:
  US13/038,191
• Publication Number:
  US 20120130679A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,211 Days
• Field of Search: 236/1.C, 236/94, 621/25, 621/27, 621/29, 700/276, 700/278
• US Class Current: 236/94
• CPC Class Codes: B01D 46/0086 Filter condition indicators
• 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 11/32 Responding to malfunctions or emergencies
• CPC Class Codes: F24F 11/39 Monitoring filter performance
• CPC Class Codes: F24F 11/46 Improving electric energy efficiency or saving
• CPC Class Codes: F24F 11/47 Responding to energy costs
• CPC Class Codes: F24F 11/52 Indication arrangements, e.g. displays
• CPC Class Codes: F24F 11/56 Remote control
• CPC Class Codes: F24F 11/58 using Internet communication
• CPC Class Codes: F24F 11/61 using timers
• 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 11/64 using pre-stored data
• CPC Class Codes: F24F 11/89 Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices
• CPC Class Codes: F24F 2110/00 Control inputs relating to air properties
• CPC Class Codes: F24F 2110/10 Temperature
• CPC Class Codes: F24F 2120/10 Occupancy
• CPC Class Codes: F24F 2120/20 Feedback from users
• CPC Class Codes: F24F 2130/40 Noise
• CPC Class Codes: F24F 2140/00 Control inputs relating to system states
• CPC Class Codes: F24F 2140/60 : Energy consumption
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 13/0265 : the criterion being a learning criterion
• CPC Class Codes: G05B 15/02 : electric
• CPC Class Codes: G05D 23/19 : characterised by the use of electric means G05D23/1393 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G05D 23/1902 : characterised by the use of a variable reference value
• CPC Class Codes: G05D 23/1917 : using digital means
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 9/2416 : Means for guiding or retaining wires or cables connected to terminal blocks
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 4/70 : Services for machine-to-machine communication [M2M] or machine type communication [MTC]
• CPC Class Codes: Y02B 10/20 : Solar thermal
• CPC Class Codes: Y02B 10/70 : Hybrid systems, e.g. uninterruptible or back-up power supplies integrating renewable energies
• CPC Class Codes: Y02D 30/70 : in wireless communication networks
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 29/49826 : Assembling or joining

Abstract

A thermostat for controlling an HVAC system and related systems, methods, and computer program products for facilitating user-friendly installation of the thermostat are described. For one embodiment, automated installation verification is performed by the thermostat by automatically sensing which wires have been inserted, selecting a candidate HVAC operating function (e.g., heating or cooling) that is consistent with a subset of HVAC signal types indicated by the inserted wires, applying control signals to the HVAC system to invoke that HVAC operating function, and processing a time sequence of acquired temperature readings to determine whether that HVAC operating function was successfully carried out. For one embodiment, the initial automated testing of the heating and cooling functions are only carried out at times for which such heating or cooling function would normally be invoked during normal operation of the thermostat. Automated determination of a heat pump call convention is also described.

Claims

1. A thermostat for controlling the operation of an HVAC system having a plurality of wires requiring connection to the thermostat, each wire being associated with a distinct HVAC signal type, the thermostat comprising:

a control unit including at least one processor and at least one environmental sensor, the at least one environmental sensor including a temperature sensor;

a plurality of connection ports, each connection port being associated with a predetermined HVAC signal type, each connection port being configured to receive one of the plurality of wires, each connection port having an associated wire insertion sensing circuit that identifies to the control unit the presence or absence of an inserted wire therein; and

a user interface operatively coupled to said control unit, said user interface including at least one output device for providing output information to a user and at least one input device for receiving one or more user inputs;

wherein said control unit is configured and programmed to cause the thermostat to carry out an installation verification process, comprising;

receiving a first input from the user at said user interface indicative of a completion of insertion of the required plurality of wires into the thermostat;

subsequent to said receiving the first input and before applying any set of operating control signals to the HVAC system, receiving a second input from the user indicative of a user selection to begin normal operation of the HVAC system;

operating said insertion sensing circuits to identify a first subset of said connection ports into which wires have been inserted, said first subset of connection ports having an associated first subset of HVAC signal types;

subsequent to said receiving the first input and before applying any set of operating control signals to the HVAC system, identifying a first candidate HVAC operating function that is consistent with said first subset of HVAC signal types by;

operating the temperature sensor to sense a current temperature;

assigning the first candidate HVAC operating function as a heating function if the current temperature is less than or equal to a heating trip point temperature of the thermostat and the heating function is consistent with said first subset of HVAC signal types; and

assigning the first candidate HVAC operating function as a cooling function if said current temperature is greater than or equal to a cooling trip point temperature of the thermostat and the cooling function is consistent with said first subset of HVAC signal types;

applying a first set of control signals to the HVAC system through one or more of the first subset of connection ports, said first set of control signals being configured to instantiate operation of the HVAC system according to the first candidate HVAC operating function;

acquiring, upon said application of the first set of control signals, a first time sequence of environmental readings using said environmental sensor;

processing said first time sequence of environmental readings to automatically determine, without requiring an input from the user, whether the HVAC system has successfully operated according to said first candidate HVAC operating function; and

providing an indication of an error condition on said user display if said automatic determination is that the HVAC system has not successfully operated according to the first candidate operating function;

whereby the first candidate HVAC operating function is not identified, and no control signals are applied to the HVAC system for automated installation verification, unless and until such operating function would be normally carried out at the currently sensed temperature.

2. The thermostat of claim 1, wherein said installation verification process further comprises:

assigning a second candidate HVAC operating function as an opposite function of the assigned first candidate HVAC operating function if said opposite function is consistent with the predetermined HVAC signal types associated with said first subset of connection ports; and

at a first point in time (i) that is subsequent to the determination that the HVAC system successfully operated according to said first candidate HVAC operating function, and (ii) for which the second candidate HVAC operating function would normally be carried out at the currently sensed temperature, carrying out the steps of;

applying a second set of control signals to the HVAC system through one or more of the first subset of connection ports, said second set of control signals being configured to instantiate operation of the HVAC system according to the second candidate HVAC operating function;

acquiring, upon said application of the second set of control signals, a second time sequence of environmental readings using said environmental sensor;

processing said second time sequence of environmental readings to automatically determine, without requiring an input from the user, whether the HVAC system has successfully operated according to said second candidate HVAC operating function; and

providing an indication of an error condition on said user display if said automatic determination is that the HVAC system has not successfully operated according to the second candidate HVAC operating function.

3. The thermostat of claim 1, wherein said heating function is further assigned as a heat pump heating function and said cooling function is further assigned as a heat pump cooling function if said first subset of HVAC signal includes a heat pump (O/B) signal type, and wherein said applying the first set of control signals, said acquiring the first time sequence, and said automatically determining are carried out in a manner that incorporates an automated empirical identification of a heat pump call convention used by the HVAC system.

4. The thermostat of claim 3, wherein, for cases in which said first candidate HVAC operating function is assigned as a heat pump heating function:

(a) said first set of control signals are initially set to a heat pump heating call configuration according to a first heat pump call convention;

(b) if said first time sequence is indicative of a corresponding temperature increase, said automated empirical identification is that said first heat pump call convention is used by the HVAC system and said HVAC system is determined to have successfully operated according to the heat pump heating function;

(c) if said first time sequence is indicative of a corresponding temperature decrease, said first set of control signals are changed to a heat pump heating call configuration according to a second heat pump call convention, and (i) if said first time sequence is thereafter indicative of a corresponding temperature increase, said automated empirical identification is that said first heat pump call convention is used by the HVAC system and said HVAC system is determined to have successfully operated according to the heat pump heating function, and (ii) if said first time sequence is not thereafter indicative of a corresponding temperature increase, an error condition indication is provided on the user display.

5. The thermostat of claim 4, wherein:

said heat pump heating call configuration for said first heat pump call convention comprises energizing a cooling call (Y1) signal type while not energizing the heat pump (O/B) signal type; and

said heat pump heating call configuration for said second heat pump call convention comprises energizing the cooling call (Y1) signal type while also energizing the heat pump (O/B) signal type.

6. The thermostat of claim 5, wherein, for cases in which said first candidate HVAC operating function is assigned as a heat pump cooling function:

(a) said first set of control signals are initially set to a heat pump cooling call configuration according to the first heat pump call convention;

(b) if said first time sequence is indicative of a corresponding temperature decrease, said automated empirical identification is that said first heat pump call convention is used by the HVAC system and said HVAC system is determined to have successfully operated according to the heat pump cooling function;

(c) if said first time sequence is indicative of a corresponding temperature increase, said first set of control signals are changed to a heat pump cooling call configuration according to the second heat pump call convention, and (i) if said first time sequence is thereafter indicative of a corresponding temperature decrease, said automated empirical identification is that said second heat pump call convention is used by the HVAC system and said HVAC system is determined to have successfully operated according to the heat pump cooling function, and (ii) if said first time sequence is not thereafter indicative of a corresponding temperature decrease, an error condition indication is provided on the user display.

7. The thermostat of claim 6, wherein:

said heat pump cooling call configuration for said first heat pump call convention comprises energizing a cooling call (Y1) signal type while also energizing the heat pump (O/B) signal type; and

said heat pump cooling call configuration for said second heat pump call convention comprises energizing the cooling call (Y1) signal type while not energizing the heat pump (O/B) signal type.

8. A thermostat for controlling the operation of an HVAC system having a plurality of wires requiring connection to the thermostat, each wire being associated with a distinct HVAC signal type, the thermostat comprising:

a control unit including at least one processor and at least one environmental sensor;

a plurality of connection ports, each connection port being associated with a predetermined HVAC signal type, each connection port being configured to receive one of the plurality of wires, each connection port having an associated wire insertion sensing circuit that identifies to the control unit the presence or absence of an inserted wire therein; and

a user interface operatively coupled to said control unit, said user interface including at least one output device for providing output information to a user and at least one input device for receiving one or more user inputs;

wherein said control unit is configured and programmed to cause the thermostat to carry out an installation verification process, comprising;

operating said insertion sensing circuits to identify a first subset of said connection ports into which wires have been inserted, said first subset of connection ports having an associated first subset of HVAC signal types;

identifying a first candidate HVAC operating function that is consistent with said first subset of HVAC signal types;

receiving a first input from the user at said user interface indicative of a completion of insertion of the required plurality of wires into the thermostat;

subsequent to said receiving the first input and before applying any set of operating control signals to the HVAC system, comparing said first subset of HVAC signal types to first information representative of known erroneous HVAC signal type combinations, and providing an indication of an error condition on said user display if a known erroneous HVAC signal type combination is present;

subsequent to said receiving the first input and before applying any set of operating control signals to the HVAC, comparing said first subset of HVAC signal types to second information representative of known ambiguous HVAC signal type combinations that indicate plural potential HVAC system configurations, and operating the user interface to receive selected information from the user that facilitates identification of an actual HVAC system configuration from the plural potential HVAC system configurations if a known ambiguous HVAC signal type combination is present;

applying a first set of control signals to the HVAC system through one or more of the first subset of connection ports, said first set of control signals being configured to instantiate operation of the HVAC system according to the first candidate HVAC operating function;

acquiring, upon said application of the first set of control signals, a first time sequence of environmental readings using said environmental sensor;

processing said first time sequence of environmental readings to automatically determine, without requiring an input from the user, whether the HVAC system has successfully operated according to said first candidate HVAC operating function;

providing an indication of an error condition on said user display if said automatic determination is that the HVAC system has not successfully operated according to the first candidate operating function.

9. The thermostat of claim 8, wherein said known erroneous HVAC signal type combinations include at least one combination from the group of combinations consisting of:

(i) common (C) with no other signal types present;

(ii) call power (Rh and/or Rc) with no cooling call (Y1) and no heat call (W1) present;

(iii) fan call (G) with no cooling call (Y1) and no heat call (W1) present; and

(iv) heat pump (O/B) with no cooling call (Y1) present.

10. The thermostat of claim 9, wherein said known ambiguous HVAC signal type combinations include at least one combination from the group of combinations consisting of:

heat call (W1) with zero or more other signal types present.

11. The thermostat of claim 9, wherein said operating the user interface to receive selected information that facilitates identification of an actual HVAC system configuration comprises:

displaying a first inquiry and receiving a corresponding first inquiry response if said first subset of HVAC signal types includes the heat call (W1) signal type, said first inquiry relating to whether the HVAC system provides electric heat versus gas/oil heat; and

displaying a second inquiry and receiving a corresponding second inquiry response if said first subset of HVAC signal types includes both the heat call (W1) signal type and a fan call (G) signal type, said second inquiry relating to whether the HVAC system provides forced-air heat versus non-forced air (radiant) heat.

12. The thermostat of claim 11, wherein said installation verification process further comprises:

subsequent to a later of (a) said receiving the first input and (b) said operating the user interface to receive selected information that facilitates identification of an actual HVAC system configuration, and before applying any set of operating control signals to the HVAC system including said first set of control signals, receiving a second input from the user indicative of a user selection to begin normal operation of the HVAC system; and

responsive to said received second input and before applying any set of control signals to the HVAC system including said first set of control signals, carrying out said identifying the first candidate HVAC operating function according to the steps of;

operating the temperature sensor to sense a current temperature;

assigning the first candidate HVAC operating function as a heating function if the current temperature is less than or equal to a heating trip point temperature of the thermostat and the heating function is consistent with said first subset of HVAC signal types; and

assigning the first candidate HVAC operating function as a cooling function if said current temperature is greater than or equal to a cooling trip point temperature of the thermostat and the cooling function is consistent with said first subset of HVAC signal types;

whereby the first candidate HVAC operating function is not identified, and no control signals are applied to the HVAC system for automated installation verification, unless and until such operating function would be normally carried out at the currently sensed temperature.

13. The thermostat of claim 12, wherein said installation verification process further comprises:

assigning a second candidate HVAC operating function as an opposite function of the assigned first candidate HVAC operating function if said opposite function is consistent with the predetermined HVAC signal types associated with said first subset of connection ports; and

at a first point in time (i) that is subsequent to the determination that the HVAC system successfully operated according to said first candidate HVAC operating function, and (ii) for which the second candidate HVAC operating function would normally be carried out at the currently sensed temperature, carrying out the steps of;

applying a second set of control signals to the HVAC system through one or more of the first subset of connection ports, said second set of control signals being configured to instantiate operation of the HVAC system according to the second candidate HVAC operating function;

acquiring, upon said application of the second set of control signals, a second time sequence of environmental readings using said environmental sensor;

processing said second time sequence of environmental readings to automatically determine, without requiring an input from the user, whether the HVAC system has successfully operated according to said second candidate HVAC operating function; and

providing an indication of an error condition on said user display if said automatic determination is that the HVAC system has not successfully operated according to the second candidate HVAC operating function.

14. The thermostat of claim 13, wherein said installation verification process further comprises:

prior to said receiving the first input, displaying on said user interface a graphical representation of (i) said first subset of connection ports into which wires have been inserted including said first subset of HVAC signal types associated therewith, and (ii) a second subset of connection ports of the thermostat into which wires have not been inserted including a second subset of HVAC signal types associated therewith; and

displaying concurrently with said graphical representation on said user interface a request for the user to confirm a correctness of said graphical representation;

wherein a first positive confirmation received from the user regarding said graphical representation constitutes said first input.

15. The thermostat of claim 14, wherein said installation verification process further comprises:

subsequent to said later of (a) said receiving the first input and (b) said operating the user interface to receive selected information that facilitates identification of an actual HVAC system configuration, and before said receiving the second input, displaying on said user interface at least one determined conclusion regarding the actual HVAC system configuration;

displaying concurrently with said at least one determined conclusion on said user interface a request for the user to confirm a correctness of said at least one determined conclusion;

wherein a second positive confirmation received from the user regarding said at least one determined conclusion constitutes said second input.

16. A thermostat for controlling the operation of an HVAC system having a plurality of wires requiring connection to the thermostat, each wire being associated with a distinct HVAC signal type, the thermostat comprising:

a control unit including at least one processor and at least one temperature sensor;

a plurality of connection ports, each connection port being associated with a predetermined HVAC signal type, each connection port being configured to receive one of the plurality of wires, each connection port having an associated wire insertion sensing circuit that identifies to the control unit the presence or absence of an inserted wire therein; and

a user interface operatively coupled to said control unit, said user interface including at least one output device for providing output information to a user and at least one input device for receiving one or more user inputs;

wherein said control unit is configured and programmed to cause the thermostat to carry out an installation verification process, comprising;

receiving a first input from the user at said user interface indicative of a completion of insertion of a required plurality of wires into the thermostat;

operating said insertion sensing circuits to identify a first subset of said connection ports into which wires have been inserted, said first subset of connection ports having an associated first subset of HVAC signal types;

identifying a first candidate HVAC operating function that is consistent with said first subset of HVAC signal types, said first candidate HVAC operating function being one of a heating function and a cooling function;

if said first candidate HVAC operating function is a heating function and said first subset of HVAC signal types includes a heat pump (O/B) signal type, performing a first automated test in which both (a) a heat pump heating functionality is confirmed and (b) a heat pump call convention of the HVAC system is empirically determined without requiring user input, the first automated test comprising;

(i) applying a first heat pump heating call to the HVAC system according to a first heat pump call convention, operating the temperature sensor to detect an associated temperature change and, if an associated temperature rise is detected, determining that the heat pump heating functionality is confirmed and that the HVAC system has said first heat pump call convention;

(ii) if an associated temperature decrease is instead detected upon said applying the first heat pump heating call, applying a second heat pump heating call to the HVAC system according to a second heat pump call convention, operating the temperature sensor to detect the associated temperature change, determining that the heat pump heating functionality is confirmed and that the HVAC system has said second heat pump call convention if an associated temperature rise is detected, and providing an indication of an error condition on said user display if the associated temperature rise is not detected;

if said first candidate HVAC operating function is a cooling function and said first subset of HVAC signal types includes a heat pump (O/B) signal type, performing a second automated test in which both (a) a heat pump cooling functionality is confirmed and (b) the heat pump call convention of the HVAC system is empirically determined without requiring user input, the second automated test comprising;

(i) applying a first heat pump cooling call to the HVAC system according to one of said first and second heat pump call conventions, operating the temperature sensor to detect an associated temperature change and, if an associated temperature decrease is detected, determining that the heat pump cooling functionality is confirmed and that the HVAC system has said one of said first and second heat pump call conventions;

(ii) if an associated temperature rise is instead detected upon said applying the first heat pump cooling call, applying a second heat pump cooling call to the HVAC system according to an other of said first and second heat pump call conventions, operating the temperature sensor to detect the associated temperature change, determining that the heat pump cooling functionality is confirmed and that the HVAC system has said other of said first and second heat pump call conventions if an associated temperature decrease is detected, and providing an indication of an error condition on said user display if the associated temperature decrease is not detected.

17. The thermostat of claim 16, wherein said installation verification process further comprises:

subsequent to said receiving the first input and before applying any set of operating control signals to the HVAC system including either of said first heat pump heating or cooling calls, receiving a second input from the user indicative of a user selection to begin normal operation of the HVAC system; and

responsive to said received second input and before applying any set of operating control signals to the HVAC system including either of said first heat pump heating or cooling calls, carrying out said identifying the first candidate HVAC operating function according to the steps of;

operating the temperature sensor to sense a current temperature;

assigning the first candidate HVAC operating function as said heating function if the current temperature is less than or equal to a heating trip point temperature of the thermostat and the heating function is consistent with said first subset of HVAC signal types; and

assigning the first candidate HVAC operating function as said cooling function if said current temperature is greater than or equal to a cooling trip point temperature of the thermostat and the cooling function is consistent with said first subset of HVAC signal types;

whereby the first candidate HVAC operating function is not identified, and no control signals are applied to the HVAC system for automated installation verification, unless and until such operating function would be normally carried out at the currently sensed temperature.

18. The thermostat of claim 16, wherein:

said first heat pump call convention comprises (i) for a heat pump heating call, energizing a cooling call (Y1) signal type while not energizing the heat pump (O/B) signal type, and (ii) for a heat pump cooling call, energizing the cooling call (Y1) signal type while also energizing the heat pump (O/B) signal type;

and said second heat pump call convention comprises (i) for a heat pump heating call, energizing the cooling call (Y1) signal type while also energizing the heat pump (O/B) signal type, and (ii) for a heat pump cooling call, energizing the cooling call (Y1) signal type while not energizing the heat pump (O/B) signal type.

19. The thermostat of claim 16, wherein said installation verification process further comprises:

prior to said receiving the first input, displaying on said user interface a graphical representation of (i) said first subset of connection ports into which wires have been inserted including said first subset of HVAC signal types associated therewith, and (ii) a second subset of connection ports of the thermostat into which wires have not been inserted including a second subset of HVAC signal types associated therewith; and

displaying concurrently with said graphical representation on said user interface a request for the user to confirm a correctness of said graphical representation;

wherein a first positive confirmation received from the user regarding said graphical representation constitutes said first input.

20. A method of operation in a thermostat for facilitating user-friendly installation thereof, the thermostat for controlling the operation of an HVAC system having a plurality of wires requiring connection to the thermostat, each wire being associated with a distinct HVAC signal type, the thermostat comprising at least one environmental sensor and a population of connection ports, each connection port being associated with a predetermined HVAC signal type, the method comprising:

receiving the plurality of wires at a respective plurality of the population of connection ports;

identifying, by automated sensing, a first subset of the population of connection ports into which wires have been inserted, the first subset of connection ports having an associated first subset of HVAC signal types;

receiving a first input from the user at the user interface indicative of a completion of insertion of the required plurality of wires into the thermostat;

subsequent to said receiving the first input and before applying any set of operating control signals to the HVAC system, receiving a second input from the user indicative of a user selection to begin a normal operation of the HVAC system;

responsive to said received second input and before applying any set of operating control signals to the HVAC system, identifying a first candidate HVAC operating function that is consistent with the first subset of HVAC signal types by;

operating the at least one environmental sensor to sense a current temperature;

assigning the first candidate HVAC operating function as a heating function if the current temperature is less than or equal to a heating trip point temperature of the thermostat and the heating function is consistent with said first subset of HVAC signal types; and

assigning the first candidate HVAC operating function as a cooling function if said current temperature is greater than or equal to a cooling trip point temperature of the thermostat and the cooling function is consistent with said first subset of HVAC signal types;

applying a first set of control signals to the HVAC system through one or more of the first subset of connection ports, said first set of control signals being configured to instantiate operation of the HVAC system according to the first candidate HVAC operating function;

acquiring, upon said application of the first set of control signals, a first time sequence of environmental readings using the at least one environmental sensor, the environmental readings being temperature readings;

processing the first time sequence of environmental readings to automatically determine, without requiring an input from a user, whether the HVAC system has successfully operated according to said first candidate HVAC operating function; and

providing an indication of an error condition on a user interface if the automatic determination is that the HVAC system has not successfully operated according to the first candidate operating function;

whereby the first candidate HVAC operating function is not identified unless and until such operating function would be normally carried out at the currently sensed temperature according to the normal operation of the HVAC system.

21. The method of claim 20, further comprising:

assigning a second candidate HVAC operating function as an opposite function of the assigned first candidate HVAC operating function if said opposite function is consistent with the predetermined HVAC signal types associated with said first subset of connection ports; and

at a first point in time (i) that is subsequent to the determination that the HVAC system successfully operated according to said first candidate HVAC operating function, and (ii) for which the second candidate HVAC operating function would normally be carried out at the currently sensed temperature, carrying out the steps of;

applying a second set of control signals to the HVAC system through one or more of the first subset of connection ports, said second set of control signals being configured to instantiate operation of the HVAC system according to the second candidate HVAC operating function;

acquiring, upon said application of the second set of control signals, a second time sequence of environmental readings using said environmental sensor;

processing said second time sequence of environmental readings to automatically determine, without requiring an input from the user, whether the HVAC system has successfully operated according to said second candidate HVAC operating function; and

providing an indication of an error condition on said user interface if said automatic determination is that the HVAC system has not successfully operated according to the second candidate HVAC operating function.

22. The method of claim 20, wherein said heating function is further assigned as a heat pump heating function and said cooling function is further assigned as a heat pump cooling function if said first subset of HVAC signal includes a heat pump (O/B) signal type, and wherein said applying the first set of control signals, said acquiring the first time sequence, and said automatically determining are carried out in a manner that incorporates an automated empirical identification of a heat pump call convention used by the HVAC system.

23. The method of claim 22, wherein, for cases in which said first candidate HVAC operating function is assigned as a heat pump heating function:

(a) said first set of control signals are initially set to a heat pump heating call configuration according to a first heat pump call convention;

(b) if said first time sequence is indicative of a corresponding temperature increase, said automated empirical identification is that said first heat pump call convention is used by the HVAC system and said HVAC system is determined to have successfully operated according to the heat pump heating function;

(c) if said first time sequence is indicative of a corresponding temperature decrease, said first set of control signals are changed to a heat pump heating call configuration according to a second heat pump call convention, and (i) if said first time sequence is thereafter indicative of a corresponding temperature increase, said automated empirical identification is that said first heat pump call convention is used by the HVAC system and said HVAC system is determined to have successfully operated according to the heat pump heating function, and (ii) if said first time sequence is not thereafter indicative of a corresponding temperature increase, an error condition indication is provided on the user interface.

24. The method of claim 23, wherein:

said heat pump heating call configuration for said first heat pump call convention comprises energizing a cooling call (Y1) signal type while not energizing the heat pump (O/B) signal type; and

said heat pump heating call configuration for said second heat pump call convention comprises energizing the cooling call (Y1) signal type while also energizing the heat pump (O/B) signal type.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein, for cases in which said first candidate HVAC operating function is assigned as a heat pump cooling function:

(a) said first set of control signals are initially set to a heat pump cooling call configuration according to the first heat pump call convention;

(b) if said first time sequence is indicative of a corresponding temperature decrease, said automated empirical identification is that said first heat pump call convention is used by the HVAC system and said HVAC system is determined to have successfully operated according to the heat pump cooling function;

(c) if said first time sequence is indicative of a corresponding temperature increase, said first set of control signals are changed to a heat pump cooling call configuration according to the second heat pump call convention, and (i) if said first time sequence is thereafter indicative of a corresponding temperature decrease, said automated empirical identification is that said second heat pump call convention is used by the HVAC system and said HVAC system is determined to have successfully operated according to the heat pump cooling function, and (ii) if said first time sequence is not thereafter indicative of a corresponding temperature decrease, an error condition indication is provided on the user interface.

26. The method of claim 25, wherein:

said heat pump cooling call configuration for said first heat pump call convention comprises energizing a cooling call (Y1) signal type while also energizing the heat pump (O/B) signal type; and

said heat pump cooling call configuration for said second heat pump call convention comprises energizing the cooling call (Y1) signal type while not energizing the heat pump (O/B) signal type.

27. A method of operation in a thermostat for facilitating user-friendly installation thereof, the thermostat for controlling the operation of an HVAC system having a plurality of wires requiring connection to the thermostat, each wire being associated with a distinct HVAC signal type, the thermostat comprising at least one environmental sensor and a population of connection ports, each connection port being associated with a predetermined HVAC signal type, the method comprising:

receiving the plurality of wires at a respective plurality of the population of connection ports;

identifying, by automated sensing, a first subset of the population of connection ports into which wires have been inserted, the first subset of connection ports having an associated first subset of HVAC signal types;

receiving a first input from the user at said user interface indicative of a completion of insertion of the required plurality of wires into the thermostat;

subsequent to said receiving the first input and before applying any set of operating control signals to the HVAC system, comparing said first subset of HVAC signal types to first information representative of known erroneous HVAC signal type combinations, and providing an indication of an error condition on said user interface if a known erroneous HVAC signal type combination is present;

subsequent to said receiving the first input and before applying any set of operating control signals to the HVAC system, comparing said first subset of HVAC signal types to second information representative of known ambiguous HVAC signal type combinations that indicate plural potential HVAC system configurations, and operating the user interface to receive selected information from the user that facilitates identification of an actual HVAC system configuration from the plural potential HVAC system configurations if a known ambiguous HVAC signal type combination is present;

identifying a first candidate HVAC operating function that is consistent with the first subset of HVAC signal types;

applying a first set of control signals to the HVAC system through one or more of the first subset of connection ports, said first set of control signals being configured to instantiate operation of the HVAC system according to the first candidate HVAC operating function;

acquiring, upon said application of the first set of control signals, a first time sequence of environmental readings using the at least one environmental sensor;

processing the first time sequence of environmental readings to automatically determine, without requiring an input from a user, whether the HVAC system has successfully operated according to said first candidate HVAC operating function; and

providing an indication of an error condition on a user interface if the automatic determination is that the HVAC system has not successfully operated according to the first candidate operating function.

28. The method of claim 27, wherein said known erroneous HVAC signal type combinations include at least one combination from the group of combinations consisting of:

(i) common (C) with no other signal types present;

(ii) call power (Rh and/or Rc) with no cooling call (Y1) and no heat call (W1) present;

(iii) fan call (G) with no cooling call (Y1) and no heat call (W1) present; and

(iv) heat pump (O/B) with no cooling call (Y1) present.

29. The method of claim 27, wherein said known ambiguous HVAC signal type combinations include at least one combination from the group of combinations consisting of:

heat call (W1) with zero or more other signal types present.

30. The method of claim 27, wherein said operating the user interface to receive selected information that facilitates identification of an actual HVAC system configuration comprises:

displaying a first inquiry and receiving a corresponding first inquiry response if said first subset of HVAC signal types includes the heat call (W1) signal type, said first inquiry relating to whether the HVAC system provides electric heat versus gas/oil heat; and

displaying a second inquiry and receiving a corresponding second inquiry response if said first subset of HVAC signal types includes both the heat call (W1) signal type and a fan call (G) signal type, said second inquiry relating to whether the HVAC system provides forced-air heat versus non-forced air (radiant) heat.

31. The method of claim 30, further comprising:

subsequent to a later of (a) said receiving the first input and (b) said operating the user interface to receive selected information that facilitates identification of an actual HVAC system configuration, and before applying any set of operating control signals to the HVAC system including said first set of control signals, receiving a second input from the user indicative of a user selection to begin normal operation of the HVAC system; and

responsive to said received second input and before applying any set of control signals to the HVAC system including said first set of control signals, carrying out said identifying the first candidate HVAC operating function according to the steps of;

operating the environmental sensor to sense a current temperature;

assigning the first candidate HVAC operating function as a heating function if the current temperature is less than or equal to a heating trip point temperature of the thermostat and the heating function is consistent with said first subset of HVAC signal types; and

assigning the first candidate HVAC operating function as a cooling function if said current temperature is greater than or equal to a cooling trip point temperature of the thermostat and the cooling function is consistent with said first subset of HVAC signal types;

whereby the first candidate HVAC operating function is not identified, and no control signals are applied to the HVAC system for automated installation verification, unless and until such operating function would be normally carried out at the currently sensed temperature.

32. The method of claim 31, further comprising:

assigning a second candidate HVAC operating function as an opposite function of the assigned first candidate HVAC operating function if said opposite function is consistent with the predetermined HVAC signal types associated with said first subset of connection ports; and

at a first point in time (i) that is subsequent to the determination that the HVAC system successfully operated according to said first candidate HVAC operating function, and (ii) for which the second candidate HVAC operating function would normally be carried out at the currently sensed temperature, carrying out the steps of;

applying a second set of control signals to the HVAC system through one or more of the first subset of connection ports, said second set of control signals being configured to instantiate operation of the HVAC system according to the second candidate HVAC operating function;

acquiring, upon said application of the second set of control signals, a second time sequence of environmental readings using said environmental sensor;

processing said second time sequence of environmental readings to automatically determine, without requiring an input from the user, whether the HVAC system has successfully operated according to said second candidate HVAC operating function; and

providing an indication of an error condition on said user interface if said automatic determination is that the HVAC system has not successfully operated according to the second candidate HVAC operating function.

33. The method of claim 32, further comprising:

prior to said receiving the first input, displaying on said user interface a graphical representation of (i) said first subset of connection ports into which wires have been inserted including said first subset of HVAC signal types associated therewith, and (ii) a second subset of connection ports of the thermostat into which wires have not been inserted including a second subset of HVAC signal types associated therewith; and

displaying concurrently with said graphical representation on said user interface a request for the user to confirm a correctness of said graphical representation;

wherein a first positive confirmation received from the user regarding said graphical representation constitutes said first input.

34. The method of claim 33, further comprising:

subsequent to said later of (a) said receiving the first input and (b) said operating the user interface to receive selected information that facilitates identification of an actual HVAC system configuration, and before said receiving the second input, displaying on said user interface at least one determined conclusion regarding the actual HVAC system configuration;

displaying concurrently with said at least one determined conclusion on said user interface a request for the user to confirm a correctness of said at least one determined conclusion;

wherein a second positive confirmation received from the user regarding said at least one determined conclusion constitutes said second input.

35. A method of operation in a thermostat for facilitating user-friendly installation thereof, the thermostat for controlling the operation of an HVAC system having a plurality of wires requiring connection to the thermostat, each wire being associated with a distinct HVAC signal type, the thermostat comprising at least one environmental sensor and a population of connection ports, each connection port being associated with a predetermined HVAC signal type, the method comprising:

receiving the plurality of wires at a respective plurality of the population of connection ports;

identifying, by automated sensing, a first subset of the population of connection ports into which wires have been inserted, the first subset of connection ports having an associated first subset of HVAC signal types;

identifying a first candidate HVAC operating function that is consistent with the first subset of HVAC signal types, said first candidate HVAC operating function being one of a heating function and a cooling function;

if said first candidate HVAC operating function is a heating function and said first subset of HVAC signal types includes a heat pump (O/B) signal type, performing a first automated test in which both (a) a heat pump heating functionality is confirmed and (b) a heat pump call convention of the HVAC system is empirically determined without requiring user input, the first automated test comprising;

(i) applying a first heat pump heating call to the HVAC system according to a first heat pump call convention, operating the temperature sensor to detect an associated temperature change and, if an associated temperature rise is detected, determining that the heat pump heating functionality is confirmed and that the HVAC system has said first heat pump call convention;

(ii) if an associated temperature decrease is instead detected upon said applying the first heat pump heating call, applying a second heat pump heating call to the HVAC system according to a second heat pump call convention, operating the temperature sensor to detect the associated temperature change, determining that the heat pump heating functionality is confirmed and that the HVAC system has said second heat pump call convention if an associated temperature rise is detected, and providing an indication of an error condition on said user display if the associated temperature rise is not detected;

if said first candidate HVAC operating function is a cooling function and said first subset of HVAC signal types includes a heat pump (O/B) signal type, performing a second automated test in which both (a) a heat pump cooling functionality is confirmed and (b) the heat pump call convention of the HVAC system is empirically determined without requiring user input, the second automated test comprising;

(i) applying a first heat pump cooling call to the HVAC system according to one of said first and second heat pump call conventions, operating the temperature sensor to detect an associated temperature change and, if an associated temperature decrease is detected, determining that the heat pump cooling functionality is confirmed and that the HVAC system has said one of said first and second heat pump call conventions;

(ii) if an associated temperature rise is instead detected upon said applying the first heat pump cooling call, applying a second heat pump cooling call to the HVAC system according to an other of said first and second heat pump call conventions, operating the temperature sensor to detect the associated temperature change, determining that the heat pump cooling functionality is confirmed and that the HVAC system has said other of said first and second heat pump call conventions if an associated temperature decrease is detected, and providing an indication of an error condition on said user display if the associated temperature decrease is not detected.

36. The method of claim 35, further comprising:

subsequent to said receiving the first input and before applying any set of operating control signals to the HVAC system including either of said first heat pump heating or cooling calls, receiving a second input from the user indicative of a user selection to begin normal operation of the HVAC system; and

responsive to said received second input and before applying any set of operating control signals to the HVAC system including either of said first heat pump heating or cooling calls, carrying out said identifying the first candidate HVAC operating function according to the steps of;

operating the temperature sensor to sense a current temperature;

assigning the first candidate HVAC operating function as said heating function if the current temperature is less than or equal to a heating trip point temperature of the thermostat and the heating function is consistent with said first subset of HVAC signal types; and

assigning the first candidate HVAC operating function as said cooling function if said current temperature is greater than or equal to a cooling trip point temperature of the thermostat and the cooling function is consistent with said first subset of HVAC signal types;

whereby the first candidate HVAC operating function is not identified, and no control signals are applied to the HVAC system for automated installation verification, unless and until such operating function would be normally carried out at the currently sensed temperature.

37. The method of claim 35, wherein:

said first heat pump call convention comprises (i) for a heat pump heating call, energizing a cooling call (Y1) signal type while not energizing the heat pump (O/B) signal type, and (ii) for a heat pump cooling call, energizing the cooling call (Y1) signal type while also energizing the heat pump (O/B) signal type;

and said second heat pump call convention comprises (i) for a heat pump heating call, energizing the cooling call (Y1) signal type while also energizing the heat pump (O/B) signal type, and (ii) for a heat pump cooling call, energizing the cooling call (Y1) signal type while not energizing the heat pump (O/B) signal type.

38. The method of claim 35, wherein said installation verification process further comprises:

prior to said receiving the first input, displaying on said user interface a graphical representation of (i) said first subset of connection ports into which wires have been inserted including said first subset of HVAC signal types associated therewith, and (ii) a second subset of connection ports of the thermostat into which wires have not been inserted including a second subset of HVAC signal types associated therewith; and

displaying concurrently with said graphical representation on said user interface a request for the user to confirm a correctness of said graphical representation;

wherein a first positive confirmation received from the user regarding said graphical representation constitutes said first input.