(12) United States Patent
`Stoner et al.
`
`(10) Patent No.:
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`US 8,276,829 B2
`Oct. 2, 2012
`
`US00827.6829B2
`
`k - 4
`
`OSO
`
`wk W
`
`y
`
`5,839,654. A 1 1/1998 Weber
`et al. ................ 236,51
`: gi }: A ck 2.38 R
`6,196.467 B1
`3/2001 Dushane et al.
`6,260,765 B1
`7/2001 Natale et al.
`6,394,359 B1
`5/2002 No. al
`6,460,774 B2 10/2002 Sumida et al.
`8. E6; R ck 1638. Miller et al. .............. 236,46R
`7,083,109 B2
`8/2006 Pouchak
`7,089,088 B2
`8/2006 Terry et al.
`inued
`(Continued)
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`OESA Heating Products, Wireless Hand-Held Remote Control Sets
`Models (C) GHRCB and (C)GHRCTB, Operating Instructions, 4
`May 2003.
`pages, May
`
`(Continued)
`
`Primary Examiner — Cheryl J Tyler
`Assistant Examiner — Jonathan Bradford
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm — Seager Tufte & Wickhem
`LLC
`
`(54) BUILDING CONTROL SYSTEM WITH
`REMOTE CONTROL UNIT AND METHODS
`OF OPERATION
`
`(75) Inventors: Marcus D. Stoner, Minnetonka, MN
`(US); Robert J. Schnell, Plymouth, MN
`(US); David A. Schultz, Savage, MN
`(US); Cary Leen, Hammond, WI (US)
`(73) Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.,
`Morristown, NJ (US)
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 1196 days.
`(21) Appl. No.: 11/948,971
`
`(*) Notice:
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Nov.30, 2007
`O
`O
`Prior Publication Data
`US 2009/O14006O A1
`Jun. 4, 2009
`
`(65)
`
`(56)
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`4,308,911 A *
`1/1982 Mandl........................... 165,209
`4,336,902 A
`6, 1982 Neal
`4.433,719 A
`2/1984 Cherry et al.
`4,585,164 A
`4, 1986 Butkovich et al.
`4.969,508 A * 1 1/1990 Tate et al. ..................... 165,209
`5,023,782 A * 6/1991 Lutz et al. ....................... 705/45
`5,272.477 A 12/1993 Tashima et al.
`5,590,831 A
`1/1997 Manson et al.
`5,603,451 A
`2f1997 Helander et al.
`5,654,813 A
`8, 1997 Whitworth
`5,833,134 A 11/1998 Ho et al.
`
`(51) Int. Cl.
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`(2006.01)
`G05D 23/00
`A building controller for controlling the comfort level in a
`.
`(52) U.S. Cl. ........ irr 236/1 C; 236/51:
`(58) Field of Classification Search ............... 3. 2. building is described. The building controller may include a
`s
`thermostat and wireless remote controller for communicating
`See application file for complete search history.
`with the thermostat from a remote location. The thermostat
`References Cited
`may have access to a first temperature sensor for sensing a
`first temperature, sometimes at or near the thermostat. The
`remote controller may likewise have a second temperature
`sensor for sensing a second temperature, sometimes at or near
`the remote controller. Under some conditions, the thermostat
`may use the second temperature sensed by the remote con
`troller to control the comfort level in a building unless or until
`a predetermined condition is detected, after which the ther
`mostat may use a different temperature, such as the first
`temperature at or near the thermostat, to control the comfort
`level in a building.
`
`24 Claims, 20 Drawing Sheets
`
`-10
`
`
`
`HVAC Controller
`
`Remote Controller
`
`HVAC
`Equipment
`
`Emerson Exhibit 1030
`Emerson Electric v. Ollnova
`IPR2023-00624
`Page 00001
`
`

`

`US 8,276.829 B2
`Page 2
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`7,108,194 B1
`9/2006 Hankins, II
`7,146.253 B2 12/2006 Hoog et al.
`2002/0104323 A1* 8, 2002 Rash et al. ................... 62,176.1
`2002/014841.0 A1* 10, 2002 Thomas ........................ 119,452
`2003.0034.897 A1
`2/2003 Shamoon et al.
`2003.0034898 A1
`2/2003 Shamoon et al.
`2003/0103075 A1
`6, 2003 Rosselot
`9/2004 Hoog et al.
`2004/O193324 A1
`2005, 0083168 A1
`4/2005 Breitenbach
`2005/027O151 A1
`12, 2005 Winick
`2006, 0071086 A1
`4/2006 Kates
`8/2006 Carey et al.
`2006,0186213 A1
`3/2007 Chapman et al. ........... 236,46 C
`2007/0045429 A1*
`5/2007 Gugenheim
`2007/0114293 A1
`2007/0114295 A1
`5, 2007 Jenkins
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`TRANE, “Wireless Zone Sensor. Where Will Technology Take
`You?'', 4 pages, Feb. 2006.
`
`Travis Industries, Remote Fireplace Thermostat, Part #99300651, 6
`pages, printed Feb. 3, 2003.
`Logitech, “Harmony 880 Remote User Manual. v. 1, pp. 1-15, prior
`to Nov.30, 2007.
`Lux Products Corporation. "9000RF Remote Instructions,” 2 pages,
`prior to Nov.30, 2007.
`OMRON Electronic Components, LLC, “Micro Tilt Sensor D6B.”
`Cat. No. JB301-E3-01, 6 pages, Mar. 2005.
`OMRON Electronic Components, LLC, “Micro Tilt Sensor D6B.”
`Cat. No. B02WAD1, 2 pages, Jun. 2002.
`Sharp Corporation, “GP1S036HEZ Phototransistor Output, Trans
`missive Photointerrupter with Tilt Direction (4-Direction) Detect
`ing.” pp. 1-11, Oct. 3, 2005.
`Totaline, “P/N 374-0431 Thermostat Remote Control & Receiver.”
`11 pages, prior to Nov.30, 2007.
`Honeywell, “Excel Building Supervisor-Integrated R7044 and FS90
`Ver, 2.0.” Operator Manual, 70 pages, Apr. 1995.
`Trane, "System Programming, Tracer Summit Version 14, BMTW
`SVP01D-EN,” 623 pages, 2002.
`* cited by examiner
`
`IPR2023-00624 Page 00002
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`US 8,276.829 B2
`
`
`
`
`
`JOSuÐS?|npOWNJOSuÐS
`
`IPR2023-00624 Page 00003
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`US 8,276.829 B2
`
`
`
`
`
`JOSu3S?InpOWJOSuÐS
`
`IPR2023-00624 Page 00004
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Oct. 2, 2012
`
`Sheet 3 of 20
`
`US 8,276.829 B2
`
`79
`
`
`
`8 ou nôh 4,
`
`Ue
`
`?Inpe?ºs 6u Molioj ' - ºººººººº|
`
`89
`
`09
`
`Z9
`
`IPR2023-00624 Page 00005
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`Oct. 2, 2012
`
`Sheet 4 of 20
`
`US 8,276.829 B2
`US 8,276,829 B2
`
`o:/
`ow
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Sd1A9qSIULye}SOWUDU
`
`WeEO:g
`
`Uue 20:8
`
`apisino
`
`7/
`vl
`
`VPaanhift
`
`IPR2023-00624 Page 00006
`
`IPR2023-00624 Page 00006
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`Oct. 2, 2012
`Oct. 2, 2012
`
`Sheet 5 of 20
`Sheet 5 of 20
`
`US 8,276.829 B2
`US 8,276,829 B2
`
`fo
`
`
`
`8
`88
`
`i
`Figure4B
`
`so
`78
`
`IPR2023-00624 Page 00007
`
`eZ
`
`E
`9.
`e
`
`E8W
`
`tm
`©
`E
`|@
`O
`o
`oO
`H
`E
`Fe
`Te
`oO
`u
`-
`D
`£
`o
`Gu &
`s
`3
`8
`[FE
`Y
`
`IPR2023-00624 Page 00007
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`Oct. 2, 2012
`
`Sheet 6 of 20
`
`US 8,276.829 B2
`US 8,276,829 B2
`
`!”
`oy
`
`
`
`WEED:
`
`apisino
`
`
`
`
`
`Bd1ANqSIUL
`
`vl
`
`DFaanhit
`
`IPR2023-00624 Page 00008
`
`IPR2023-00624 Page 00008
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`Oct. 2, 2012
`Oct. 2, 2012
`
`Sheet 7 of 20
`Sheet 7 of 20
`
`US 8,276.829 B2
`US 8,276,829 B2
`
`R
`fo
`
`
`
`8 8
`80
`88
`
`
`
`ThisDevice
`
`i
`Figure4D
`
`IPR2023-00624 Page 00009
`
`_a £3©ao
`
`s
`
`f
`Y
`
`z
`
`E
`9
`d
`8
`c
`H
`
`e a£©-
`
`£2r
`
`IPR2023-00624 Page 00009
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Oct. 2, 2012
`
`Sheet 8 of 20
`
`US 8,276.829 B2
`
`80
`
`Control the Comfort Level
`Using the Temperature Sensed
`by the Remote Controller
`
`82
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`HaS
`a Pre
`determined
`Condition been
`Detected
`p
`
`
`
`84
`
`Control the Comfort Level
`Using a Different Temperature
`
`Figure 5
`
`IPR2023-00624 Page 00010
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Oct. 2, 2012
`
`Sheet 9 of 20
`
`US 8,276.829 B2
`
`
`
`Control the Comfort Level
`Using the Temperature Sensed
`by the Remote Controller
`
`Control the Comfort Level
`Using a Different Temperature
`
`Tigure 6
`
`IPR2023-00624 Page 00011
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Oct. 2, 2012
`
`Sheet 10 of 20
`
`US 8,276.829 B2
`
`100
`
`102
`
`Control the Comfort Level
`Using the Temperature Sensed
`by the Remote Controller
`
`Determine the Difference
`Between the Remote Control
`Temp. and the HVAC Temp.
`
`104
`
`
`
`
`
`DOes
`the
`Difference
`ExCeed a
`Threshold
`p
`
`
`
`106
`
`Control the Comfort Level
`Using a Different Temperature
`
`Tigure 7
`
`IPR2023-00624 Page 00012
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Oct. 2, 2012
`
`Sheet 11 of 20
`
`US 8,276.829 B2
`
`
`
`110
`
`112
`
`Control the Comfort Level
`Using the Temperature Sensed
`by the Remote Controller
`
`Determine the Temp.
`Sensed by the Remote
`Control Temp. Sensor
`
`116
`
`Control the Comfort Level
`Using a Different Temperature
`
`Tigure 8
`
`IPR2023-00624 Page 00013
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Oct. 2, 2012
`
`Sheet 12 of 20
`
`US 8,276.829 B2
`
`
`
`120
`
`122
`
`Control the Comfort Level
`Using the Temperature Sensed
`by the Remote Controller
`
`Determine the Temp.
`Sensed by the HVAC
`Control Temp. Sensor
`
`126
`
`Control the Comfort Level
`Using a Different Temperature
`
`Figure 9
`
`IPR2023-00624 Page 00014
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Oct. 2, 2012
`
`Sheet 13 of 20
`
`US 8,276.829 B2
`
`
`
`130
`
`Control the Comfort Level
`Using the Temperature Sensed
`by the Remote Controller
`
`132
`
`Determine the Rate of Change of
`the Temp. Sensed by the Temp.
`SensOr in the Remote Controller
`
`DOes
`the Rate
`of Change
`ExCeed a
`Threshold
`p
`
`136
`
`Control the Comfort Level
`Using a Different Temperature
`
`Tigure IO
`
`IPR2023-00624 Page 00015
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Oct. 2, 2012
`
`Sheet 14 of 20
`
`US 8,276.829 B2
`
`
`
`Control the Comfort Level
`Using the Temperature Sensed
`by the Remote Controller
`
`142
`
`Determine the Rate of Change of
`the HVAC Controller Temp. Senser and
`the Remote Controller Temp. Sensor
`
`144
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`DOes
`the Diff
`erence BetWeen
`the Rate of Change
`Exceed a
`Threshold
`p
`
`
`
`146
`
`Control the Comfort Level
`Using a Different Temperature
`
`figure 11
`
`IPR2023-00624 Page 00016
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Oct. 2, 2012
`
`Sheet 15 of 20
`
`US 8,276.829 B2
`
`Control the Comfort Level
`Using the Temperature Sensed
`by the Remote Controller
`
`152
`
`Determine the Direction of Change of
`the HVAC Controller Temp. Sensor and
`the Remote Controller Temp. Sensor
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`Are
`the
`Directions of
`Change
`Different
`p
`
`156
`
`Control the Comfort Level
`Using a Different Temperature
`
`figure 12
`
`IPR2023-00624 Page 00017
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Oct. 2, 2012
`
`Sheet 16 of 20
`
`US 8,276.829 B2
`
`Control the Comfort Level
`Using the Temperature Sensed
`by the Remote Controller
`
`162
`
`164
`
`Determine an Expected Response
`Direction when One or More HVAC
`Components are Activated
`
`Determine the Detected Response
`Direction of the Remote
`Controller Temp. Sensor
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`the Expec
`ted Response
`Direction and the D
`etected Response
`Direction
`Different
`p
`
`
`
`168
`
`Control the Comfort Level
`Using a Different Temperature
`
`Figure 13
`
`IPR2023-00624 Page 00018
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Oct. 2, 2012
`
`Sheet 17 of 20
`
`US 8,276.829 B2
`
`Control the Comfort Level
`Using the Temperature Sensed
`by the Remote Controller
`
`Determine an Expected Response
`Time in Response to the Activation
`of One or More HVAC Components
`
`Determine the Response Time of the
`HVAC Controller Temp. Sensor and
`the Remote Controller Temp. Sensor
`
`172
`
`174
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`DO
`the
`Response Times
`Deviate by More
`than a
`Threshold
`p
`
`
`
`178
`
`Control the Comfort Level
`Using a Different Temperature
`
`Figure 14
`
`IPR2023-00624 Page 00019
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Oct. 2, 2012
`
`Sheet 18 of 20
`
`US 8,276.829 B2
`
`18O
`
`Control the Comfort Level
`Using the Temperature Sensed
`by the Remote Controller
`
`182
`
`Set a Programmed Schedule
`Time Boundary
`
`
`
`HaS
`the
`Programmed
`Time Boundary
`Lapsed
`p
`
`186
`
`Control the Comfort Level
`Using a Different Temperature
`
`figure 15
`
`IPR2023-00624 Page 00020
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Oct. 2, 2012
`
`Sheet 19 of 20
`
`US 8,276.829 B2
`
`
`
`190
`
`Control the Comfort Level
`Using the Temperature Sensed
`by the Remote Controller
`
`192
`
`Determine a Desired Cycling
`of the HVAC Components
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`DOes
`the Cycling
`Fall Outside
`Desired
`Parameters
`p
`
`196
`
`Control the Comfort Level
`Using a Different Temperature
`
`Tigure 16
`
`IPR2023-00624 Page 00021
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Oct. 2, 2012
`
`Sheet 20 of 20
`
`US 8,276.829 B2
`
`200
`
`Control the Comfort Level
`Using the Temperature Sensed
`by the Remote Controller
`
`202
`
`Determine the Temp. Swings of
`the Remote Control Temp. Sensor
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`DO
`The Temp.
`Swings Exceed a
`Threshold
`p
`
`2O6
`
`Control the Comfort Level
`Using a Different Temperature
`
`Tigure 17
`
`IPR2023-00624 Page 00022
`
`

`

`US 8,276,829 B2
`
`1.
`BUILDING CONTROL SYSTEM WITH
`REMOTE CONTROL UNIT AND METHODS
`OF OPERATION
`
`FIELD
`
`The present invention relates generally to building control
`systems that include an HVAC controller as well as a remote
`control unit, and more particularly, to devices and methods
`for remote control unit sensing and control in Such building
`control systems.
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`Building control systems often include heating, ventila
`tion, and/or air conditioning (HVAC) systems to control the
`comfort level within a building. Many building control sys
`tems include a controller that activates and deactivates one or
`more HVAC components of the HVAC system to affect and
`control one or more environmental conditions within the
`building. These environmental conditions can include, but are
`not limited to, temperature, humidity, and/or ventilation. In
`many cases, the controller of the building control system may
`include, or have access to, one or more sensors, and may use
`parameters provided by the one or more sensors to control the
`one or more HVAC components to achieve one or more pro
`grammed or set environmental conditions.
`In some cases, the controller may be a thermostat that is
`mounted to a wall or the like of the building. A typical ther
`mostat includes a local temperature sensor and/or other sen
`sors, which may be used to sense one or more environmental
`conditions of the inside space proximate to the thermostat,
`and/or may have access to one or more remotely mounted
`sensors that are mounted to a wall or the like in the building at
`a location remote from the thermostat. In these installations,
`the sensors are typically mounted at or near the walls of the
`building, and at particular fixed locations within the building.
`In many cases, the occupants of the building do not occupy
`the space immediately adjacent to the sensors, and therefore,
`the environmental conditions sensed by the sensors often do
`not accurately represent the actual environmental conditions
`at the location of the occupants. In addition, to make a desired
`change to the environmental condition in the building, the
`occupant must often walk over and physically interact with
`the controller. In Zoned systems, the occupant may have to
`walk to each Zone and interact with the controller in each
`ZO.
`
`2
`times in the same housing as the first controller. Alternatively,
`or in addition, the first temperature sensor may be remote
`from the first controller, but in communication therewith. The
`first controller may further include a wireless interface, and a
`control module for controlling the comfort level of at least a
`portion of the building or other structure by activating and
`deactivating one or more HVAC components of the building
`or other structure. The second controller may have a second
`temperature sensor for sensing a second temperature, and a
`wireless interface. The wireless interface of the second con
`troller and the wireless interface of the first controller may be
`configured to provide a communication path, whereby the
`second temperature can be communicated from the second
`controller to the first controller.
`In some cases, the control module of the first controller
`may be configured to control the comfort level of at least the
`portion of the building or other structure based at least pri
`marily on the first temperature or the second temperature, and
`sometimes solely on either the first temperature or the second
`temperature. In some illustrative embodiments, when the
`control module of the first controller is controlling the com
`fort level of at least the portion of a building or other structure
`based at least primarily on the second temperature, the control
`module may automatically Switch to controlling the comfort
`level based at least primarily on the first temperature when a
`predetermined condition is detected.
`In some cases, the predetermined condition may include,
`for example, the first temperature and the second temperature
`deviating by more than a threshold amount, the expiration of
`a period of time, the second temperature exceeding a tem
`perature limit, a rate of change of the first temperature and a
`rate of change of the second temperature deviating by more
`than a threshold amount, a rate of change of the second
`temperature exceeding a threshold limit, a direction of change
`of the first temperature and a direction of change of the second
`temperature being different, a detected response direction of
`the second temperature that is different from the expected
`response direction when the second temperature has an
`expected response direction when one or more HVAC com
`ponents are activated by the control module, the response
`time of the first temperature and the response time of the
`second temperature deviating by more than a threshold
`amount when the first temperature and the second tempera
`ture each have a response time in response to activation of one
`or more HVAC components by the control module, the sec
`ond temperature having temperature Swings that exceed pre
`defined limits, the cycling of the one or more HVAC compo
`nents falling outside of desired parameters when the control
`module of the first controller cycles the one or more HVAC
`components when controlling the comfort level of at least the
`portion of the building or other structure, and/or any other
`suitable predetermined condition or combination of predeter
`mined conditions.
`In some embodiments, a building system controller may
`include a thermostat having a first temperature sensor for
`sensing a first temperature, a portable remote controller hav
`ing a second temperature sensor for sensing a second tem
`perature, and a wireless interface adapted to communicate the
`second temperature to the thermostat. The thermostat may
`have a control module that controls the comfort level of at
`least a portion of a building by activating and/or deactivating
`one or more HVAC components. In some cases, the control
`module may use the second temperature to control the com
`fort level, and if a condition is subsequently detected, the
`control module may use a different temperature than the
`second temperature. In some cases, the different temperature
`may be the first temperature, an arithmetic combination of the
`
`10
`
`15
`
`25
`
`30
`
`35
`
`40
`
`45
`
`SUMMARY
`
`The following summary is provided to facilitate an under
`standing of Some of the innovative features unique to the
`present invention and is not intended to be a full description.
`A full appreciation of the invention can be gained by taking
`the entire specification, claims, drawings, and abstract as a
`whole.
`The present invention relates generally to building control
`systems that include an HVAC controller as well as a remote
`control unit, and more particularly, to devices and methods
`for remote control unit sensing and control in Such building
`control systems. In one illustrative embodiment, a comfort
`control system for controlling one or more HVAC compo
`nents of a building or other structure may include a first
`controller and a second controller. The first controller, which
`may be a thermostat or the like, may have access to a first
`temperature sensor for sensing a first temperature. In some
`cases, the first temperature sensor may be local and some
`
`50
`
`55
`
`60
`
`65
`
`IPR2023-00624 Page 00023
`
`

`

`US 8,276,829 B2
`
`3
`first temperature and the second temperature, an average of
`the first temperature and the second temperature, a weighted
`average of the first temperature and the second temperature,
`or any other suitable different temperature, as desired.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION
`
`10
`
`The invention may be more completely understood in con
`sideration of the following detailed description of various
`illustrative embodiments of the invention in connection with
`the accompanying drawings, in which:
`FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an illustrative embodiment of
`a building control system including a HVAC controller and a
`remote controller;
`FIG. 2 is a block diaphragm of another illustrative embodi
`ment of the building control system of FIG. 1 having a tem
`perature control indicator,
`FIG. 3 is a pictorial view showing an illustrative HVAC
`controller user interface having a temperature displayed on a
`display;
`FIGS. 4A-D are a pictorial views showing an illustrative
`remote controller user interface having a temperature and
`temperature control indicator displayed on part of the display;
`and
`FIGS. 5-17 are flow diagrams of illustrative methods of
`25
`controlling the comfort level of a building control system.
`
`15
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`4
`cases, control module 22 may be configured to control one or
`more HVAC functions, such as, for example, HVAC sched
`ules, temperature setpoints, humidity setpoints, trend logs,
`timers, environment sensing, and/or other HVAC functions,
`as desired. In the illustrative embodiment, control module 22
`may selectively control the comfort level of at least a portion
`of the building or structure using the temperature sensed by
`temperature sensor 18 or a temperature sensed by a tempera
`ture sensor 24 of the remote controller 14, as will be discussed
`in further detail below.
`Wireless interface 20 of the HVAC controller 12 may be
`configured to wirelessly communicate (i.e. transmit and/or
`receive signals) with one or more HVAC components of
`HVAC equipment 16. Alternatively, or in addition, wireless
`interface 20 may be configured to communicate with wireless
`interface 26 of the remote controller 14. For example, wire
`less interface 20 may be configured to communicate with
`wireless interface 26 of the remote controller 14 to send
`and/or receive a signal corresponding to, for example, the
`temperature sensed by temperature sensor 24. The wireless
`interface 20 may include, for example, a radio frequency (RF)
`wireless interface, an infrared wireless interface, a microwave
`wireless interface, an optical interface, and/or any other Suit
`able wireless interface, as desired. Wireless interface 20 may
`also be coupled to the control module 22 to provide informa
`tion corresponding to the temperature sensed by, for example,
`temperature sensor 24.
`In the illustrative embodiment, a remote controller 14 may
`be operatively connected to the HVAC controller 12 to pro
`vide remote temperature sensing for the building control sys
`tem 10. In some cases, the remote controller 14 may be a
`portable remote control unit. The remote controller 14 may
`be, in some cases, simply a portable remote sensing module
`for sensing an environmental parameter and providing a mea
`sure related to the sensed environmental parameter to HVAC
`controller 12 via the wireless interfaces 26 and 20. In other
`cases, the remote controller 14 may be a more Sophisticated
`device that includes a remote user interface (RUI) that allows
`a user to view, display and/or change one or more parameters
`of the HVAC controller 12 and/or remote controller 14.
`In either case, the remote controller 14 may be movable
`between multiple locations within a building or structure by a
`user. For example, in a residential building, the remote con
`troller 14 may be movable between a living room, a kitchen,
`a den, a bedroom, and/or any other location in the residential
`building. The remote controller 14 may sense an ambient
`temperature adjacent to the remote controller 14 and relay the
`temperature to the HVAC controller 12. The control module
`22 may then use the temperature sensed by the remote con
`troller 14 to control the comfort level. As indicated above, and
`in some cases, the remote controller 14 may provide a remote
`user interface (RUI) for viewing, displaying and/or changing
`one or more parameters of the HVAC controller 12.
`As illustrated, remote controller 14 may include a tempera
`ture sensor 24 and a wireless interface 26. As briefly men
`tioned previously, temperature sensor 24 may be configured
`to sense the temperature of the environment in the vicinity of
`the remote controller 14. Wireless interface 26 may be con
`figured to wirelessly communicate (i.e. transmit and/or
`receive signals) with the wireless interface 20 of the HVAC
`controller 12. In some cases, wireless interface 26 may trans
`mit a signal corresponding to the temperature sensed by tem
`perature sensor 24 to the HVAC controller 12.
`Remote Controller 14 can provide for user interaction with
`the HVAC Controller 12 from locations remote from the
`HVAC Controller 12. Also, and as detailed above, the remote
`controller 14 may include a temperature sensor (and/or other
`
`30
`
`45
`
`The following description should be read with reference to
`the drawings wherein like reference numerals indicate like
`elements throughout the several views. The detailed descrip
`tion and drawings show several embodiments which are
`meant to be illustrative of the claimed invention.
`FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an illustrative embodiment of
`35
`a building control system 10. In the illustrative embodiment,
`building control system 10 may include aheating, ventilation,
`and air conditioning (HVAC) controller 12, HVAC equipment
`16 having one or more HVAC system components, and a
`remote controller 14. In the illustrative embodiment, HVAC
`40
`controller 12 may be operatively connected in any suitable
`manner to HVAC equipment 16, such as one or more HVAC
`system components of HVAC equipment 16, which can be
`activated to regulate one or more environmental conditions
`Such as temperature, humidity, ventilation, and air quality
`levels within a building or structure. Example HVAC equip
`ment 16 may include, but are not limited to, cooling units (i.e.
`air conditioners), heating units (i.e. boilers, furnaces, etc.),
`filtration units, dampers, valves, sensors, humidifier/dehu
`midifier units, and ventilation units (i.e. fans, blowers, etc.).
`In some cases, HVAC controller 12 may be a thermostat, such
`as, for example, a wall mountable thermostat, if desired.
`However any suitable HVAC controller may be used, as
`desired.
`In the illustrative embodiment, the HVAC controller 12
`may include a control module 22, a temperature sensor 18,
`and a wireless interface 20. Temperature sensor 18 may sense
`the temperature proximate to the HVAC controller 12. As
`illustrated, temperature sensor 18 may be included with the
`HVAC controller 12, such as within the housing of HVAC
`60
`controller 12. However, it is contemplated that temperature
`sensor 18 may be located remote from the HVAC controller
`12, but in communication therewith.
`Control module 22 of HVAC controller 12 may be config
`ured to control the comfort level of at least a portion of the
`building or structure by activating and/or deactivating the one
`or more HVAC components of HVAC equipment 16. In some
`
`50
`
`55
`
`65
`
`IPR2023-00624 Page 00024
`
`

`

`US 8,276,829 B2
`
`10
`
`15
`
`5
`type of sensors such as humidity), and may transmit a tem
`perature (and/or other) sensor value to the HVAC Controller
`12 for use in controlling the comfort level of at least a portion
`of the building or structure. During use, the remote controller
`14 can be carried to various rooms or locations within a
`building or structure to control the comfort level using the
`temperature (and/or other parameter) sensed at the current
`location of the Remote Controller 14, instead of using the
`temperature (and/or other) sensed at the fixed location of the
`HVAC Controller 12.
`For example, in the case of a residential building, the
`remote controller 14 may be moved from a living room to a
`kitchen, a bedroom, or other room. The remote controller 14
`may initially sense the temperature of the living room and
`control the comfort level in the building (or Zone of the
`building) using the sensed temperature from that location.
`When the remote controller 14 is moved to another room by
`the user, the remote controller 14 may sense the temperature
`of the new room. If the temperature sensed in the new room is
`different from the living room, the HVAC controller 12 may
`activate one or more HVAC components of HVAC Equipment
`16 to heat or cool the new room to the desired setpoint tem
`perature.
`Because the remote controller 14 is portable, it can be
`placed at locations where the sensed temperature may not
`accurately reflect the ambient temperature of the room. For
`example, bright Sunlight, an open window, an air draft caused
`by an open door or the like, a heat source, or other condition
`may cause the sensed temperature at the remote controller 14
`to be inaccurate. In some instances, the remote controller 14
`may be moved to a location outside the building or structure.
`In these and other situations, the HVAC system may operate
`using an inaccurate temperature reading, and may cause the
`HVAC system to consume excess energy and/or may cause at
`least a portion of the building or structure to have relatively
`extreme high or low temperatures.
`In operation, and in one illustrative embodiment, control
`module 20 of the HVAC controller 12 may control the com
`fort level of at least the portion of the building or other
`structure using, for example, the temperature sensed by either
`the temperature sensor 18 of the HVAC controller 12 or the
`temperature sensor 24 of the remote controller 14. In some
`cases, when the control module 20 of the HVAC controller 12
`is controlling the comfort level of at least the portion of a
`building or other structure using the temperature from tem
`45
`perature sensor 24 of the remote controller 14, the control
`module 20 may switch, in some cases, automatically Switch,
`to controlling the comfort level using the temperature from
`temperature sensor 18 of the HVAC controller 12 when a
`condition is detected.
`In other cases, the control module 22 may switch, in some
`cases automatically Switch, from the temperature sensed by
`the temperature sensor 24 of the remote controller 14 to a
`different temperature, which may or may not be the tempera
`ture sensed by temperature sensor 18, if desired. For example,
`the different temperature may be the first temperature, an
`arithmetic combination of the first temperature and the sec
`ond temperature, an average of the first temperature and the
`second temperature, a weighted average of the first tempera
`ture and the second temperature, or any other Suitable tem
`perature, as desired. In some cases, the condition may be or
`include one or more predetermined conditions, if desired.
`Example conditions, which will be discussed in further
`detail below, may include, but are not limited to, the first
`temperature and the second temperature deviating by more
`thana threshold amount, the expiration of a period of time, the
`second temperature exceeding a temperature limit, a rate of
`
`55
`
`6
`change of the first temperature and a rate of change of the
`second temperature deviating by more than a threshold
`amount, a rate of change of the second temperature exceeding
`a threshold limit, a direction of change of the first temperature
`and a direction of change of the second temperature being
`different, and a programmed schedule time boundary being
`passed. In another example, the second temperature may have
`an expected response direction when one or more HVAC
`components are activated by the control module and the con
`dition may include a detected response direction of the sec
`ond temperature that is different from the expected response
`direction. In another example, the first temperature and the
`second temperature may each have a response time in
`response to activation of one or more HVAC components by
`the control module and the condition may include the
`response time of the first temperature and the response time of
`the second temperature deviating by more than a threshold
`amount. In another example, the control module of the first
`controller may cycle the one or more HVAC components
`when controlling the comfort level of at least the portion of
`the building or other structure and the condition may include
`cycling of the one or more HVAC components falling outside
`of desired parameters.
`It should be recognized that HVAC controller 12 and
`remote controller 14 of FIG. 1 are merely illustrative and are
`not meant to be limiting in any manner. It is to be understood
`that the HVAC controller 12 and the remote controller 14 may
`be any suitable devices, as desired.
`In some cases, it is contemplated that the HVAC controller
`12 may include a user interface that may allow a user or
`technician to program and/or modify one or more control
`parameters of controller 12 of HVAC controller 12, such as
`programming and/or schedule parameters, if desired. In this
`case, the user interface may include a touch screen, a liquid
`crystal display (LCD) panel and keypad, a dot matrix display,
`a computer, buttons and/or any other Suitable device, as
`desired. Likewise, remote controller 14 may include a user
`interface that may allow a user or technician to program
`and/or modify one or more control parameters of HVAC
`contro