`Redline comparison of the ’085 application over the ’714 provisional.
`Redline comparison of the ’085 application over the ’714 provisional.
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`EFACT.011 C3
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`PATENT
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`SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR USING A GRAPHIC INTERFACEWIRELESS
`DEVICE AS AN OCCUPANCYA SENSOR FOR AN ENERGY MANAGEMENT
`SYSTEM
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`Background of the
`Invention
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`RELATED APPLICATIONS
`[0001] Any and all applications for which a foreign or domestic priority
`claim is identified in the Application Data Sheet, or any correction thereto, are
`hereby incorporated by reference into this application under 37 CFR 1.57.
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`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
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`Field of the Invention
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`[0002] This invention relates to the use of thermostatic HVAC and other
`energy management controls that are connected to a computer network. More
`specifically, the present invention pertains to the use of user interactions with an
`interface such as a personal computer or an Internet-enabled television as signal
`related to occupancy to inform an energy management system.
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`Background
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`[0003] Heating and cooling systems for buildings (heating, ventilation and
`cooling, or HVAC systems) have been controlled for decades by thermostats. At the
`most basic level, a thermostat includes a means to allow a user to set a desired
`temperature, a means to sense actual temperature, and a means to signal the
`heating and/or cooling devices to turn on or off in order to try to change the actual
`temperature to equal the desired temperature. The most basic versions of
`thermostats use components such as a coiled bi-metallic spring to measure actual
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`temperature and a mercury switch that opens or completes a circuit when the spring
`coils or uncoils with temperature changes. More recently, electronic digital
`thermostats have become prevalent. These thermostats use solid-state devices
`such as thermistors or thermal diodes to measure temperature, and microprocessor-
`based circuitry to control the switch and to store and operate based upon user-
`determined protocols for temperature vs. time.
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`[0004] These programmable thermostats generally offer a very restrictive
`user interface, limited by the cost of the devices, the limited real estate of the small
`wall-mounted boxes, and the inability to take into account more than two variables:
`the desired temperature set by the user, and the ambient temperature sensed by
`the thermostat. Users can generally only set one series of commands per day, and
`in order to change one parameter (e.g., to change the late-night temperature) the
`user often has to cycle through several other parameters by repeatedly pressing
`one or two buttons.
`[0005] Because the interface of programmable thermostats is so poor, the
`significant theoretical savings that are possible with them (sometimes cited as 25%
`of heating and cooling costs) are rarely realized. In practice, studies have found
`that more than 50% of users never program their thermostats at all. Significant
`percentages of the thermostats that are programmed are programmed sub-
`optimally, in part because, once programmed, people tend to not to re-invest the
`time needed to change the settings very often.
`[0006] A second problem with standard programmable thermostats is that
`they represent only a small evolutionary step beyond the first, purely mechanical
`thermostats. Like the first thermostats, they only have two input signals -
`ambient temperature and the preset desired temperature. The entire advance
`with programmable thermostats is that they can
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`shift between multiple present temperatures at different times without real-time
`involvement of a human being.
`[0007] Because most thermostats control HVAC systems that do not offer
`infinitely variable output, traditional thermostats are designed to permit the
`temperature as seen by the thermostat to vary above and below the setpoint to
`prevent the HVAC system from constantly and rapidly cycling on and off, which is
`inefficient and harmful to the HVAC system. The temperature range in which the
`thermostat allows the controlled environment to drift is known as both the dead zone
`and, more formally, the hysteresis zone. The hysteresis zone is frequently set at+/-
`1 degree Fahrenheit. Thus if the setpoint is 68 degrees, in the heating context the
`thermostat will allow the inside temperature to fall to 67 degrees before turning the
`heating system on, and will allow it to rise to 69 degrees before turning it off again.
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`[0008] As energy prices rise, more attention is being paid to ways of reducing
`energy consumption. Because energy consumption is directly proportional to
`setpoint - that is, the further a given setpoint diverges from the balance point (the
`inside temperature assuming no HVAC activity) in a given house under given
`conditions, the higher energy consumption will be to maintain temperature at that
`setpoint), energy will be saved by virtually any strategy that over a given time frame
`lowers the average heating setpoint or raises the cooling setpoint. Conventional
`programmable thermostats allow homeowners to save money and energy by pre-
`programming setpoint changes based upon comfort or schedule. For example, in
`the summer, allowing the setpoint to rise by several degrees (or even shutting off
`the air conditioner) when the home is unoccupied will generally save significantly on
`energy. But such thermostats have proven to be only minimally
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`effective in practice. Because they have such primitive user interfaces, they are
`difficult to program, and so many users never bother at all, or set them up once and
`do not alter the programming even if their schedules change.
`[0009] In the hotel industry, the heating and cooling decisions made in
`hundred or even thousands of individual rooms with independently controlled HVAC
`systems are aggregated into a single energy bill, so hotel owners and managers are
`sensitive to energy consumption by those systems. Hotel guests often turn the air
`conditioner to a low temperature setting and then leave the room for hours at a time,
`thereby wasting considerable energy. An approach commonly used outside of the
`United States to combat this problem is to use a keycard to control the HVAC
`system, such that guests place the keycard into a slot mounted on the wall near the
`door of the room which then triggers the lights and HVAC system to power up, and
`turn them off when the guest removes the card upon leaving the room. However,
`because most hotels give each guest two cards, it is easy to simply leave the extra
`card in the slot, thus defeating the purpose of the system. Recently, systems have
`been introduced in which a motion sensor is connected to the control circuitry for the
`HVAC system. If no motion is detected in the room for some predetermined interval,
`the system concludes that the room is unoccupied, and turns off or alters the
`setpoint of the HVAC system to a more economical level. When the motion sensor
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`detects motion (which is assumed to coincide with the return of the guest), the
`HVAC system resets to the guest's chosen setting.
`[0010] Adding occupancy detection capability to residential HVAC systems could
`also add considerable value in the form of energy savings without significant
`tradeoff in terms of comfort. But the systems used in hotels do not easily transfer to
`the single-family
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`residential context. Hotel rooms tend to be small enough that a single motion
`sensor is sufficient to determine with a high degree of accuracy whether or not the
`room is occupied. A single motion sensor in the average home today would have
`limited value because there are likely to be many places one or more people could
`be home and active yet invisible to the motion sensor. The most economical way
`to include a motion sensor in a traditional programmable thermostat would be to
`build it into the thermostat itself. But thermostats are generally located in hallways,
`and thus are unlikely to be exposed to the areas where people tend to spend their
`time. Wiring a home with multiple motion sensors in order to maximize the chances
`of detecting occupants would involve considerable expense, both for the sensors
`themselves and for the considerable cost of installation, especially in the retrofit
`market. Yet if control is ceded to a single-sensor system that cannot reliably detect
`presence, the resulting errors would likely lead the homeowner to reject the
`system.
`[0011] It would thus be desirable to provide a system that could detect
`occupancy without requiring the installation of additional hardware; that could
`accurately detect occupancy regardless of which room in the house is occupied,
`and could optimize energy consumption based upon dynamic and individually
`configurable heuristics.
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`Summary of the Invention
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`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`[0012] In one embodiment, the invention comprises a thermostat attached to an
`HVAC system, a local network connecting the thermostat to a larger network such
`as the Internet, and one or more computers attached to the network, and a server
`in bi-directional communication with a plurality of such thermostats and computers.
`The server pairs each thermostat with one or more computers or other
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`consumer electronic devices which are determined to be associated with the home
`in which the thermostat is located. The server logs the ambient temperature sensed
`by each thermostat vs. time and the signals sent by the thermostats to their HVAC
`systems. The server also monitors and logs activity on the computercomputers or
`other consumer electronic devices associated with each thermostat. Based on the
`activity patterns evidenced by keystrokes, cursor movement or other inputs, or lack
`thereof, the server instructs the thermostat to change temperature settings between
`those optimized for occupied and unoccupied states.
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`Brief Description of the Drawings
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`
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`[0013] At least one embodiment of the invention comprises the steps of
`determining whether one or more networked electronic devices inside a structure
`are in use; determining whether said use of said networked electronic devices
`indicates occupancy of said structure; and adjusting the temperature setpoint on a
`thermostatic controller for an HVAC system for said structure based upon whether
`or not said structure is deemed to be occupied.
`[0014] At least one embodiment of the invention comprises at least one
`said thermostat having at least one temperature setting associated with the
`presence of one or more occupants in said structure, and at least one temperature
`setting associated with the absence of occupants in said structure; one or more
`electronic devices having at least a user interface; where said electronic devices
`and said thermostat are connected to a network; where said setpoint on said
`thermostat is adjusted between said temperature setting associated with the
`presence of one or more occupants in said structure and said temperature setting
`associated with the absence of occupants in said structure based upon the use of
`said user interface for said electronic device.
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`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`[0015] Figure 1 shows an example of an overall environment in which an
`embodiment of the invention may be used.
`[0016] Figure 2 shows a high-level illustration of the architecture of a
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`network showing the relationship between the major elements of one embodiment of
`the subject invention.
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`[0017] Figure 3 shows an embodiment of the website to be used as part of
`the subject invention.
`[0018] Figure 4 shows a high-level schematic of the thermostat used as
`part of the subject invention.
`[0019] Figure 5 shows one embodiment of the database structure used as
`part of the subject invention.
`[0020] Figure 6 shows the browser as seen on the display of the computer
`used as part of the subject invention.
`[0021] Figure 7 is a flowchart showing the steps involved in the operation
`of one embodiment of the subject invention.
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`[0022] Figure 8 is a flowchart that shows how the invention can be used to select
`different HVAC settings based upon its ability to identify which of multiple potential
`occupants is using the computer attached to the system.
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`Detailed Description
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`
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`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
`[0023] Figure 1 shows an example of an overall environment 100 in which
`an embodiment of the invention may be used. The environment 100 includes an
`interactive communication network 102 with computers 104 connected thereto.
`Also connected to network 102 are one or more server computers 106, which store
`information and make the information available to computers 104. The network
`102 allows communication between and among the computers 104 and 106.
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`[0024] Presently preferred network 102 comprises a collection of
`interconnected public and/or private networks that are linked to together by a set of
`standard protocols to form a distributed network. While network 102 is intended to
`refer to what is now commonly referred to as the Internet, it is also intended to
`encompass variations which may be made in the future, including changes
`additions to existing standard protocols.
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`[0025] When a user of the subject invention wishes to access information
`on network 102, the buyer initiates connection from his computer 104. For
`example, the user invokes a browser, which executes on computer 104. The
`browser, in turn,
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`establishes a communication link with network 102. Once connected to network
`102, the user can direct the browser to access information on server 106.
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`[0026] One popular part of the Internet is the World Wide Web. The World Wide
`Web contains a large number of computers 104 and servers 106, which store
`HyperText Markup Language (HTML) documents capable of displaying graphical
`and textual information.HTML is a standard coding convention and set of codes
`for attaching presentation and linking attributes to informational content within
`documents.
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`[0027] The servers 106 that provide offerings on the World Wide Web are
`typically called websites. A website is often defined by an Internet address that has
`an associated electronic page. Generally, an electronic page is a document that
`organizes the presentation of text graphical images, audio and video.
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`[0028] In addition to the Internet, the network 102 can comprise a wide
`variety of interactive communication media. For example, network 102 can include
`local area networks, interactive television networks, telephone networks, wireless
`data systems, two-way cable systems, and the like.
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`[0029] In one embodiment, computers 104 and servers 106 are
`conventional computers that are equipped with communications hardware such as
`modem or a network interface card. The computers include processors such as
`those sold by Intel and AMD. Other processors may also be used, including
`general- purpose processors, multi-chip processors, embedded processors and
`the like.
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`[0030] Computers 104 can also be handheld and wireless devices such as
`personal digital assistants (PDAs), cellular telephones and other devices capable of
`accessing the network. Computers 104 can also be microprocessor- controlled
`home entertainment equipment including advanced televisions, televisions paired
`with home entertainment/media centers, and wireless remote controls.
`[0031] Computers 104 may utilize a browser configured to interact with the
`World Wide Web.Such browsers may include Microsoft Explorer, Mozilla, Firefox,
`Opera or Safari. They may also include browsers or similar software used on
`handheld, home entertainment and wireless devices. The storage medium may
`comprise any method of storing information. It may comprise random access
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`memory (RAM), electronically erasable programmable read only memory
`(EEPROM), read only memory (ROM), hard disk, floppy disk, CD-ROM, optical
`memory, or other method of storing data. Computers 104 and 106 may use an
`operating system such as Microsoft Windows, Apple Mac OS, Linux, Unix or the
`like. Computers 106 may include a range of devices that provide information,
`sound, graphics and text, and may use a variety of operating systems and
`software optimized for distribution of content via networks.
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`[0032] Figure 2 illustrates in further detail the architecture of the specific
`components connected to network 102 showing the relationship between the major
`elements of one embodiment of the subject invention. Attached to the network are
`thermostats 108 and computers 104 of various users. Connected to thermostats
`108 are HVAC units 110. The HVAC units may be conventional air conditioners,
`heat pumps, or other devices for transferring heat into or out of a building. Each
`user is connected to the server 106 via wired or wireless connection such as
`Ethernet or a wireless protocol such as IEEE 802.11, a gateway 110112 that
`connects the computer and thermostat to the Internet via a broadband connection
`such as a digital subscriber line (DSL) or other form of broadband connection to
`the World Wide Web. Server 106 contains the content to be served as web pages
`and viewed by computers 104, as well as databases containing information used
`by the servers.
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`[0033] In the currently preferred embodiment, the website 200 includes a
`number of components accessible to the user, as shown in Figure 3. Those
`components may include a means to enter temperature settings 202, a means to
`enter information about the user's home 204, a means to enter the user's electricity
`bills 206, means to calculate energy savings that could result from various
`thermostat-setting strategies 208, and means to enable and choose between
`various arrangements 210 for demand reduction with their electric utility provider
`as intermediated by the demand reduction service provider.
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`[0034] Figure 4 shows a high-level block diagram of thermostat 108 used as part
`of the subject invention. Thermostat 108 includes temperature sensing means 252,
`which may be a
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`thermistor, thermal diode or other means commonly used in the design of
`electronic thermostats. It includes a microprocessor 254,memory 256, a display
`258, a power source 260, a relay 262, which turns the HVAC system on an and off
`in response to a signal from the microprocessor, and contacts by which the relay is
`connected to the wires that lead to the HVAC system. To allow the thermostat to
`communicate bi-directionally with the computer network, the thermostat also
`includes means 264 to connect the thermostat to a local computer or to a wireless
`network. Such means could be in the form of Ethernet, wireless protocols such as
`IEEE 802.11, IEEE 802.15.4, Bluetooth, ceilularcellular systems such as CDMA,
`GSM and GPRS, or other wireless protocols. The thermostat ꞏ 250 may also
`include controls 266 allowing users to change settings directly at the thermostat,
`but such controls are not necessary to allow the thermostat to function.
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`[0035] The data used to generate the content delivered in the form of the
`website is stored on one or more servers 106 within one or more databases. As
`shown in Figure 5, the overall database structure 300 may include temperature
`database 400, thermostat settings database 500, energy bill database 600, HVAC
`hardware database 700, weather database 800, user database 900, transaction
`database 1000, product and service database 1100 and such other databases as
`may be needed to support these and additional features.
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`[0036] The website 200 will allow users of connected thermostats 250 to create
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`personal accounts. Each user's account will store information in database 900,
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`which tracks various attributes relative to users of the site. Such attributes may
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`include the make and model of the specific HVAC equipment in the user's home;
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`the age and square footage of
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`the home, the solar orientation of the home, the location of the thermostat in the
`home, the user's preferred temperature settings, whether the user is a participant in
`a demand reduction program, etc.
`[0037] As shown in Figure 3, the website 200 will permit thermostat users
`to perform through the web browser substantially all of the programming functions
`traditionally performed directly at the physical thermostat, such as temperature set
`points, the time at which the thermostat should be at each set point, etc. Preferably
`the website will also allow users to accomplish more advanced tasks such as allow
`users to program in vacation settings for times when the HVAC system may be
`turned off or run at more economical settings, and set macros that will allow
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`changing the settings of the temperature for all periods with a single gesture such
`as a mouse click.
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`[0038] Figure 6 represents the screen of a computer or other device 104
`using a graphical user interface connected to the Internet. The screen shows that a
`browser 1200 is displayed on computer 104. In one embodiment, a background
`application installed on computer 104 detects activity by a user of the computer,
`such as cursor movement, keystrokes or otherwise, and signals the application
`running on server 106 that activity has been detected. Server 106 may then,
`depending on context, (a) transmit a signal to thermostat 108 changing setpoint
`because occupancy has been detected at a time when the system did not expect
`occupancy; (b) signal the background application running on computer 104 to
`trigger a software routine that instantiates a pop-up window 1202 1202 that asks
`the user if the server should change the current setpoint, alter the overall
`programming of the system based upon a new occupancy pattern, etc. The user
`can respond by clicking the cursor on "yes" button 1204 or "No" button 1206.
`Equilvalent means of signalling activity may be employed with interactive television
`programming, gaming systems, etc.
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`an occupied home.[0039] Figure 7 represents a flowchart showing the steps
`involved in the operation of one embodiment of the subject invention. In step 1302,
`computer 104 transmits a message to server 106 via the Internet indicating that
`there is user activity on computer 104. This activity can be in the form of keystrokes,
`cursor movement, input via a television remote control, etc. In step 1304 the
`application queries database 300 to retrieve setting information for the HVAC
`system. In step 1306 the application determines whether the current HVAC program
`is intended to apply when the home is occupied or unoccupied. If the HVAC settings
`then in effect are intended to apply for an occupied home, then the application
`terminates for a specified interval. If the HVAC settings then in effect are intended to
`apply when the home is unoccupied, then in step 1308 the application will retrieve
`from database 300 the user's specific preferences for how to handle this situation. If
`the user has previously specified (at the time that the program was initially set up or
`subsequently modified) that the user prefers that the system automatically change
`settings under
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`such circumstances, the application then proceeds to step 1316, in which it
`changes the programmed setpoint for the thermostat to the setting intended for the
`house when occupied. If the user has previously specified that the application
`should not make such changes without further user input, then in step 1310 the
`application transmits a command to computer 104 directing the browser to display
`a message informing the user that the current setting assumes an unoccupied
`house and asking the user in step 1312 to choose whether to either keep the
`current settings or revert to the pre-selected setting for an occupied home. If the
`user selects to retain the current setting, then in step 1314 the application will write
`to database 300 the fact that the users has so elected and terminate. If the user
`elects to change the setting, then in step 1316 the application transmits the revised
`setpoint to the thermostat. In step 1314 the application writes the updated setting
`information to database 300.
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`[0040] Figure 8 is a flowchart that shows how the invention can be used to
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`select different HVAC settings based upon its ability to identify which of multiple
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`potential occupants is using the computer attached to the system.
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` In step 1402 computer 104 transmits to server 106 information regarding
`the type of activity detected on computer 104. Such information could include the
`specific program or channel being watched if, for example, computer 104 is used
`to watch television. The information matching, for example, TV channel 7 at
`4:00PM00 PM on a given date to specific content may be made by referring to
`Internet-based or other widely available scheduling sources for such content. In
`step 1404 server 106 retrieves from database 300 previously logged data
`regarding viewed programs. In step 1406 server 106 retrieves previously stored
`data regarding the residents of the house. For example, upon initiating the service,
`one or more users may have filled out online questionnaires sharing their age,
`gender, schedules, viewing preferences, etc. In step 1408, server 106 compares
`the received information about user activity to previously stored information
`retrieved froinfrom database 300 about
`the occupants and
`their viewing
`preferences. For example, if computer I 04104 indicates to server I 06106 that the
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`computer is being used to watch golf, the server may conclude that an adult male
`is watching; if computer I 04104 indicates that it is being used to_ watch children's
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`programming, server 106 may oncludeconclude that a child is watching. In step
`1410 the server transmits a query to the user in order to verify the match, _asking,
`in effect, "Is that you,. Bob?" In step 1412, based upon the user's response, the
`application determines whether the correct user has been identified. If the answer
`is no, then the application proceeds to step 1416. If the answer is yes, then in step
`1414 the application retrieves the temperature settings for ththe identified
`occupant. In step 1416 the application writes to database 300 the programming
`information and information regarding matching of users to that programming.
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`[0041] In an alternative embodiment, the application running on computer
`104 may respond to general user inputs (that is, inputs not specifically intended to
`instantiate communication with the remote server) by querying the user whether a
`given action should be taken. For example, in a system in which the computer 104
`is a web-enabled television or web- -enabled set-top device connected to a
`television as a display, software running on computer 104 detects user activity,
`and transmits a message indicating such activity to server 106. The trigger for this
`signal may be general, such as changing channels or adjusting volume with the
`remote control or a power-on event. Upon receipt by server 104 of this trigger,
`server 104 transmits instructions to computer 104 causing it to display a dialog box
`asking the user whether the user wishes to change HVAC settings.
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`WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:
`A system based upon a new occupancy pattern, etc. The user can respond by
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`clicking the cursor on "yes" button 1204 or "No" button 1206.
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`F_igure7 represents a flowchart showing the steps involved in the operation of
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`one embodiment of the subject invention. In step 1302, computer I 04 transmits
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`a message to server 106 via the Internet indicating that there is user activity on
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`computer I 04. This activity can be in the form of keystrokes, cursor movement,
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`input via a television remote control, etc. In step 1304 the application queries
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`database 300 to retrieve setting in.formation for the controlling an HVAC system. In
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`step 1306 the application determines whether the current HVAC program is intended
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`to apply when the home is occupied or unoccupied. If
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`the HVAC settings then in effect are intended to apply for an occupied home, then
`the
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`1.
`application terminates for a specified interval. If the HVAC settings then in
`effect are intended to apply when the home is unoccupied, then in step 1308 the
`application will retrieve from database 300 the at a user's specific preferences for how
`to handle this situation . If the user has previously specified (at the time that the
`program was initially set up or subsequently modified) that the user prefers that
`building, the system automatically change settings under such circumstances, the
`application then proceeds to step 1316, in which it changes the programmed setpoint for the
`thermostat to the setting intended for the house when occupied. If the user has previously
`specified that the application should not make such changes without further user input,
`then in step 1310 the application transmits acomprising:
`command to computer 104 directing the browser to display a
`message informing the user that the current a memory; and
`one or more processors;
`the one or more processors configured to receive a first data from at
`least one sensor, wherein the first data from the at least one sensor includes
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`a measurement of at least one characteristic of the building;
`the one or more processors further configured to receive a second
`data from a network connection, wherein the second data from the network
`connection is collected from a source external to the building;
`the one or more processors further configured to receive a first
`temperature setpoint for the building corresponding to a desired temperature
`setting when the building is occupied, and a second temperature setpoint for
`the building corresponding to a desired temperature setting when the building
`is unoccupied;
`the one or more processors further configured to receive commands
`through the Internet by way of a remote interface; wherein the interface is
`configured to allow the user to adjust temperature setpoints for the HVAC
`system;
`the one or more processors further configured to send user-specific
`data through the Internet, wherein user-specific information about the building
`and HVAC system is generated based at least in part on the user-specific
`data, wherein the user-specific information is presented on a website
`accessible through the Internet;
`the one or more processors further configured to determine whether
`the building is occupied or unoccupied, and based on that determination, to
`control the HVAC system to provide heating or cooling to the building at an
`operational temperature.
`2.
`The system of claim 1, wherein the operational temperature is the
`second temperature setpoint for the building corresponding to a desired temperature
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`setting assumes an when the building is unoccupied house and asking the user in
`step 1312 to choose, in the event the one or more processors determines that the
`building is unoccupied.
`3.
`The system of claim 1, wherein the operational temperature is the first
`temperature setpoint for the building corresponding to a desired temperature setting
`when the building is occupied, in the event the one or more processors determines
`that the building is occupied.
`4.
`The system of claim 2, wherein the first data from the at least one
`sensor comprises a measurement of the current temperature of the building by the
`sensor.
`The system of claim 4, wherein the second data from the network
`5.
`connection comprises a measurement of the current outdoor temperature.
`6.
`The system of claim 4, wherein the one or more processors is further
`configured to query the user to confirm whether to either keepchange to a different
`temperature setpoint after determining whether the building is occupied or
`unoccu