Method and apparatus for automatically transmitting temperature information to a thermostat
First Claim
1. An apparatus providing temperature information to a thermostat, the apparatus comprising:
- a sensor for sensing temperature;
a storage device for storing sensed temperature data;
a comparator for comparing a current sensed temperature with a stored previously transmitted temperature; and
a transmitter for transmitting the current sensed temperature together with a signal uniquely identifying the apparatus to the thermostat on a frequency selected within a fixed range, when the difference between the current sensed temperature and the stored previously transmitted temperature determined by the comparator exceeds a predetermined value.
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Abstract
A method and device includes the use of multiple remote sensors transmitting temperature information to a thermostat, while reducing or eliminating transmission interference and providing increased user control. Remote temperature sensors of the present invention sense temperature at variable time periods and only transmit temperature information on a sensed change in temperature. Transmission of temperature information is provided on variably selected frequencies within a specified range, and may be based in part on previous temperature transmissions. A learn mode is provided that allows for recognition of each sensor by a host-controlling thermostat, including determining the proper transmission power level for each sensor. Additionally, each sensor is programmable to provide a temperature offset and each sensor may be individually weighted according to specific requirements or needs.
274 Citations
47 Claims
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1. An apparatus providing temperature information to a thermostat, the apparatus comprising:
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a sensor for sensing temperature;
a storage device for storing sensed temperature data;
a comparator for comparing a current sensed temperature with a stored previously transmitted temperature; and
a transmitter for transmitting the current sensed temperature together with a signal uniquely identifying the apparatus to the thermostat on a frequency selected within a fixed range, when the difference between the current sensed temperature and the stored previously transmitted temperature determined by the comparator exceeds a predetermined value. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. In combination with a digital thermostat, at least one temperature sensing apparatus providing temperature information to the thermostat from a remote location, the temperature sensing apparatus comprising:
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a sensor for sensing temperature;
a processor connected to the sensor with a memory unit for storing sensed temperature data and a comparator for comparing a current sensed temperature with a stored previously transmitted temperature; and
a transmitter for transmitting the current sensed temperature on a frequency selected within a fixed range, when the difference between the current sensed temperature and the stored previously transmitted temperature determined by the comparator exceeds a predetermined value. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
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23. A method of providing temperature information to a thermostat from a remote location, the method comprising the steps of:
sensing a temperature, storing sensed temperature data, comparing a current sensed temperature with a stored previously transmitted temperature, and transmitting the current sensed temperature on a frequency selected within a fixed range, when the difference between the current sensed temperature and the stored previously transmitted temperature exceeds a predetermined value. - View Dependent Claims (24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35)
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36. In combination with a digital thermostat, at least one programmable remote temperature sensor providing temperature information to the thermostat, the temperature sensor comprising:
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a temperature sensing member for sensing temperature at a specified time period;
a storage member for storing sensed temperature data;
a comparator for comparing a current sensed temperature with a stored previously transmitted temperature;
a transmitter for transmitting the current sensed temperature together with a signal uniquely identifying the sensor to the digital thermostat on a frequency selected within a fixed range, when the difference between the current sensed temperature and the stored previously transmitted temperature determined by the comparator exceeds a predetermined value; and
a comfort adjust member for setting an offset to be transmitted with the current sensed temperature. - View Dependent Claims (37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47)
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Specification