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Wireless controlled thermostat with reduced polling communications during predicted periods of low activity to save power

  • US 9,955,296 B2
  • Filed: 01/13/2016
  • Issued: 04/24/2018
  • Est. Priority Date: 01/13/2016
  • Status: Active Grant
First Claim
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1. A temperature control apparatus for controlling operation of at least one temperature-modifying device, the apparatus comprising:

  • (a) a housing;

    (b) a wireless communication module contained within the housing and configured to communicate with a remote Internet-based server; and

    (c) a controller contained within the housing and in communication with the wireless communication module, the controller being configured to;

    (i) control operation of the at least one temperature modifying device in response to a comparison of a measured ambient temperature with a setpoint temperature,(ii) in a user-selectable first mode of operation, during a first pre-scheduled time period during a day, poll the remote server at a first rate of at least six times per hour, using the wireless communication module, for an instruction to change the setpoint temperature,(iii) in the first mode of operation, during a second pre-scheduled time period during the day different from the first time period, poll the remote server at a second rate that is lower than the first rate, using the wireless communication module, for an instruction to change the setpoint temperature,(iv) in a second user-selectable mode of operation, during the first pre-scheduled time period of the day, poll the remote server at a third rate that is between the first rate and the second rate, using the wireless communication module, for an instruction to change the setpoint temperature, and(v) in the second mode of operation, during the second pre-scheduled time period of the day, poll the remote server at a fourth rate that is lower than the second rate, using the wireless communication module, for an instruction to change the setpoint temperature.

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