Ex. 1014
`Redline comparison of the ’085 application over the ’074 application.
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`EFACT.011C1011 C3
`
`PATENT
`
`SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR USING A WIRELESS DEVICE AS A SENSOR FOR
`AN ENERGY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM
`
`CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
`[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. Patent Application No.
`12/502,064, filed July 13, 2009,Any and all applications for which claims a foreign
`or domestic priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/134,714, filed July 14,
`2008,claim is identified in the entireties of both of whichApplication Data Sheet, or
`any correction thereto, are hereby incorporated herein by reference and are to be
`considered part ofinto this specificationapplication under 37 CFR 1.57.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`
`Field of the Invention
`[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.
`[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
`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 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 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 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.
`
`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 computers 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.
`[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.
`
`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
`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.
`[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.
`
`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.
`[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.
`[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.
`[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.
`[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.
`[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.
`[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 AMO. Other processors may also be used, including general-
`purpose processors, multi-chip processors, embedded processors and the like.
`[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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`read only memory
`(RAM), electronically erasable programmable
`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.
`[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 112 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.
`[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.
`[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 thermistor, thermal diode or other means commonly
`used in the design of electronic thermostats. It includes a microprocessor 254,
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`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, cellular systems such as
`CDMA, GSM and GPRS, or other wireless protocols. The thermostat 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.
`[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.
`[0036] The website 200 will allow users of connected thermostats 250 to
`create personal accounts. Each user's account will store information in database
`900, which tracks various attributes relative to users of the site. Such attributes may
`include the make and model of the specific HVAC equipment in the user's home; the
`age and square footage of 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.
`[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 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.
`
`[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.
`[0040] 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. 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 4:00 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 from database 300 about the occupants and
`their viewing preferences. For example, if computer 104 indicates to server 106 that
`the computer is being used to watch golf, the server may conclude that an adult
`male is watching; if computer 104 indicates that it is being used to watch children's
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`programming, server 106 may conclude 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 the identified occupant. In step
`1416 the application writes to database 300 the programming information and
`information regarding matching of users to that programming.
`[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 methodsystem for varyingcontrolling an HVAC system at a user's
`1.
`building, the system comprising:
`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
`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;
`1.
`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
`anthe HVAC system comprising:;
`storingthe 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 first
`HVACwebsite 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 setpoint associated with a structure that is deemed to
`be non-occupied and at least a .
`2.
`The system of claim 1, wherein the operational temperature is the
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`second HVAC temperature setpoint for the building corresponding to a desired
`temperature
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`setting when the building is unoccupied, 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 associated with said structure deemed to befor 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.
`monitoring an activity status The system of at least one wireless device
`associated with one or more occupants of said structureclaim 2, wherein said wireless
`devicethe first data from the at least one sensor comprises a graphic user
`interfacemeasurement of the current temperature of the building by the sensor.
`5.
`The system of claim 4, wherein use of said wireless devicethe second
`data from the network connection comprises at least one of cursor movement,
`keystrokes or other user interface actions intended to alter a statemeasurement of said
`wireless device;the current outdoor temperature.
`6.
`determining whether a current HVAC The system of claim 4, wherein the
`one or more processors is further configured to query the user to confirm whether to
`change to a different temperature setpoint associated with saidafter determining
`whether the building is occupied or unoccupied.
`7.
`The system of claim 5, wherein the one or more processors is further
`configured to receive at least one setting of the HVAC system.
`8.
`The system of claim 7, wherein the at least one setting of the HVAC
`system is set to said first comprises whether the HVAC system is currently on or off.
`9.
`The system of claim 7, wherein the at least one setting of the HVAC
`system comprises whether the HVAC system is operating in a cooling mode or a
`heating mode.
`10.
`The system of claim 4, wherein the determination of whether the
`building is occupied or unoccupied by the one or more processors is based on a
`third data received from a motion sensor.
`11.
`The system of claim 5, wherein the network connection is based on
`the IEEE 802.11 wireless protocol.
`12.
`The system of claim 5, wherein the memory is further configured to
`store historical values of the first data and second data.
`
`-16-
`-16-
`0256
`0423
`
`ecobee, IPR2021-01052
`Ex.1014, Page 16 of 25
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`The system of claim 12, wherein the one or more process