(12) United States Patent
`Mueller et al.
`
`USOO6513723B1
`(10) Patent No.:
`US 6,513,723 B1
`(45) Date of Patent:
`Feb. 4, 2003
`
`(54) METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR
`AUTOMATICALLY TRANSMITTING
`TEMPERATURE INFORMATION TO A
`THERMOSTAT
`(75) Inventors: Carl J. Mueller, St. Louis, MO (US);
`Bartholomew L. Toth, St. Louis, MO
`(US); Frank A. Albanello, St. Louis,
`MO (US)
`(73) Assignee: Emerson Electric Co., St. Louis, MO
`(US)
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.
`
`(*) Notice:
`
`2- - - 2
`
`C. C. a.
`
`5,135,045 A 8/1992 Moon
`5,224,353 A 7/1993 Nagasawa
`3. A 2.E. Stil
`5,595,342 A
`1/1997 McNair et al.
`2. A AE (e. et al.
`59.27509 A
`7/1999 E.
`6,213,404 B1
`4/2001 Dushane et al. .............. 236/51
`6,260,765 B1 * 7/2001 Natale et al. ................. 236/47
`* cited by examiner
`Primary Examiner William Wayner
`$). Attorney Agent, or Firm-Harness, Dickey & Pierce,
`u YW
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`A method and device includes the use of multiple remote
`(21) Appl. No.: 09/672,553
`Sensors transmitting temperature information to a
`thermostat, while reducing or eliminating transmission inter
`(22) Filed:
`Sep. 28, 2000
`ference and providing increased user control. Remote tem
`(51) Int. Cl." ............................ F23N 520. Gosh 19 perature Sensors of the present invention Sense temperature
`at variable time periods and only transmit temperature
`(52) U.S. Cl. ....................... 236/46 R, 236/51; 340/584;
`374/167
`information on a Sensed change in temperature. Transmis
`(58) Field of Search ................... 236/46 R, 5; 340/584,
`Sion of temperature information is provided on variably
`340/870.17, 589; 374/167
`Selected frequencies within a specified range, and may be
`based in part on previous temperature transmissions. A learn
`mode is provided that allows for recognition of each Sensor
`by a host-controlling thermostat, including determining the
`proper transmission power level for each sensor.
`Additionally, each Sensor is programmable to provide a
`temperature offset and each Sensor may be individually
`weighted according to specific requirements or needs.
`
`7
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`4,132,355 A 1/1979 Cleary et al. ................. 236/47
`E2. A 2. E. Siles
`2 : - -2
`f
`erry et al.
`4,734,871 A 3/1988 Tsunoda et al.
`4,776,179 A 10/1988 Ta
`4,860,950 A 8/1989 Reeser et al.
`
`47 Claims, 5 Drawing Sheets
`
`---200
`
`- 202
`
`355;
`
`ENTER FRE2T
`CLEAR END INDOW FLAG
`- - -
`204
`CFE = FREG
`- 206
`YES
`207
`CFREG = CFREG/8 --
`26
`
`NO
`IS
`LOW
`— RED
`208 TEMPS
`Y--FREG =2xFREG
`20
`t
`22 CFREG - CFREG/4
`LOA ACCA & X REG.
`WITH 2040 FOR ADOFRG)
`
`s
`
`M
`
`224
`|
`HIGH
`TEMPs
`OAO ACCAS X REG.
`WITH 5550 (FOR ADDFRG)
`
`NO45>e
`
`28
`MID
`TEMPS
`LOAD ACCA & X REG,
`WITH 4280 (FOR ADDFRG)
`
`FRE = FREG + 2040
`(CALL ADDFRG)
`24-
`
`FRE = FRE - 5550
`225 -
`(CALL ADDFRG)
`—E-
`- CFREG = FREG - CFREQ |
`228
`
`FRE is FREG + 4280
`(CALL ADDFRG)
`
`- 220
`| CFREG = FREQ + CFREG
`t
`222
`
`ES
`
`232
`CFRER = CFRE
`
`CFREG = CFREG/822g
`230
`EAT S
`HEAT MODE FLAG SET
`.- -234
`ANTICIPAION
`CFRE = CFREG - ANTICIATION
`-
`-
`236
`SAWE THE LOW MIBBLE OF CFE AS THE FRACTIONAL TEMEATUE if
`
`CORRECTED FREG (TEMPERATURE = CFREG/16 -238
`
`CHECK BUFFERED TEMPERATURE RAM
`
`
`
`---240
`
`244 --
`
`RETURN FROMSUBROUTINE
`
`Emerson Exhibit 1031
`Emerson Electric v. Ollnova
`IPR2023-00626
`Page 00001
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb.4, 2003
`Feb. 4, 2003
`
`Sheet 1 of 5
`Sheet 1 of 5
`
`US 6,513,723 B1
`US 6,513,723 B1
`
`
`
`
`
`IPR2023-00626 Page 00002
`
`IPR2023-00626 Page 00002
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb.4, 2003
`Feb. 4, 2003
`
`Sheet 2 of 5
`Sheet 2 of 5
`
`US 6,513,723 B1
`US 6,513,723 B1
`
`-
`
`108
`
`18
`
`
`122 whye
`
`A(O*
`120
`PWR HL
`BATT
`LEARN
`
`120
`
`110
`
`116
`
`124
`
`112
`
`
`
`14
`
`14
`
`
`
` atl
`TTnineswiLeg
`
`
`
`PWR HL
`BATT
`LEARN
`
`
`IPR2023-00626 Page 00003
`
`IPR2023-00626 Page 00003
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb.4, 2003
`Feb. 4, 2003
`
`
`
`US 6,513,723 B1
`US 6513,723 B1
`
`14
`
`Sheet 3 of 5
`Sheet 3 of 5
`
`(i
`
`IPR2023-00626 Page 00004
`
`IPR2023-00626 Page 00004
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb. 4, 2003
`
`Sheet 4 of 5
`
`KTMEee
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`US 6,513,723 B1
`US 6,513,723 BI
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`SEY .
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`L66S0E-Z9
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`C º º) I —
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`IPR2023-00626 Page 00005
`
`IPR2023-00626 Page 00005
`
`

`

`U.S. Patent
`
`Feb. 4, 2003
`
`Sheet 5 of 5
`
`US 6,513,723 B1
`
`ENTER FREG2T
`
`200
`
`2O2
`
`CLEAR END WINDOW FLAG
`CFRE FRE-204
`- 206
`YES
`
`NO
`
`IS
`REG >= 3584
`p
`
`2O7
`
`CFREG = CFREG/8
`
`224
`HIGH
`TEMPS
`LOAD ACCA & X REG.
`WITH 5560 (FOR ADDFRG)
`
`
`
`NO
`
`IS
`REG s 520
`
`216
`YES
`
`218
`MID
`TEMPS
`LOAD ACCA & X REG.
`WITH 4280 (FOR ADDFRG)
`
`
`
`FREQ = FREQ + 5560
`(CALL ADDFRG)
`
`FREQ = FREG + 428O
`(CALL ADDFRG)
`
`LOW
`208 TEMPS
`20 FREG = 2%FREG
`
`22 CFREG = CFREG/4
`
`LOAD ACCA & X REG.
`WITH 2040 (FOR ADDFRG)
`
`
`
`FREG = FREG + 2040
`(CALL ADDFRG)
`214
`
`220
`CFREQ = FREG + CFREG
`
`222
`
`
`
`- CFREQ = FREQ - CFREG
`228
`
`CFREG = CFREG/8 - 229
`-230
`IS
`234
`tEAT MODE, FLAG SEI
`232
`CFREG = gences N CFREQ = CFREQ - ANTICIPATION
`236
`SAVE THE LOW NIBBLE OF CFREG AS THE FRACTIONAL TEMPERATURE- /
`
`YES
`
`NO
`
`CORRECTED FREQ (TEMPERATURE) = CFREG/16
`
`238
`
`CHECK BUFFERED TEMPERATURE RAM
`242
`CFREG + TEMPFR < BUFTEMP
`OMPARE
`TEMPFR BUFTEMP-TEFERAEBUFFER
`CFREG
`246
`INCREMENT BUFFERED TEMP.
`TEMP.
`DECREMENT BUFFERED TEMP.
`
`240
`
`244
`
`(Return frosauried FIG 6
`
`IPR2023-00626 Page 00006
`
`

`

`US 6513,723 B1
`
`1
`METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR
`AUTOMATICALLY TRANSMITTING
`TEMPERATURE INFORMATION TO A
`THERMOSTAT
`
`FIELD OF THE INVENTION
`The present invention relates to the field of thermostats,
`and in particular to a method and apparatus providing
`automatic transmission of temperature information to a
`thermostat.
`
`BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
`Typical thermostats for home or light commercial use
`generally are provided with a local temperature Sensor
`within the thermostat housing to measure air temperature
`and adjust the climate control System attached thereto
`according to Specified thermost at Settings. These Systems are
`limited in their application and oftentimes the thermostat is
`located Such that temperature measurements are taken in leSS
`desirable areas of a building (e.g., in a hallway and not in the
`family room).
`Systems were then developed that allowed for measuring
`temperature or other climate conditions in multiple rooms or
`on multiple floors of a building. For example, Some homes
`are provided with a separate thermostat on each floor of the
`house, each of which individually controls the climate
`Settings for the respective floors of the house. In other
`applications, multiple external Sensors hardwired to a ther
`mostat may be provided to transmit temperature or climate
`information from different rooms or floors of a building for
`use by the thermostat in controlling climate conditions.
`However, as the number of Sensors required for a particular
`application grows and/or the retrofitting required becomes
`more complex (e.g., multiple sensors on multiple floors
`controlled by a single thermostat), the cost for hardwiring
`the Sensors is increasingly expensive and installation
`increasingly complex.
`Sensors were then designed for transmitting temperature
`information from a remote location Separate from the digital
`thermostat, without the need for any wires, for example by
`using radio frequency or infrared signals. Although this
`reduces the cost of installing the Sensors, problems arose
`with accommodating transmissions and avoiding transmis
`Sion interference and collisions from multiple Sensor in the
`Same house or building, each having its own transmitter. The
`use of Sensors transmitting on multiple frequencies or at
`different time periods reduces transmission collisions.
`However, if an apartment complex has a wireless thermostat
`System encompassing four Sensors for each apartment, with
`50 apartments in the transmitting radius, then at a minimum,
`200 unique frequencies must be Selected to prevent one from
`interfering with the other. Although this reduces the problem
`of transmission collisions, the cost for providing these
`unique frequencies is high, as the Sensors would have to
`provide for Selecting the unique frequencies (e.g., a dip
`Switch, keypad or display for Selecting the frequencies).
`Further, transmitters capable of Supplying these different
`frequencies would also have to be provided.
`The known Systems fail to provide efficient and adequate
`variable time Sensing of temperature and random remote
`transmission of temperature information, while also provid
`ing user control of the Sensor Settings. Therefore, what is
`needed is a method and device for providing automatic
`remote temperature Sensor transmission of temperature
`information, with transmission on variable frequencies only
`
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`on a change in temperature. The method and device needs to
`provide efficient transmissions, while minimizing interfer
`ence and allowing control of the remote temperature Sensors.
`SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
`The present invention provides for the use of multiple
`remote temperature Sensors that minimize transmission
`interference, while improving individual control of the Sen
`Sors by allowing programming of each Sensor by a user
`according to the user's Specific temperature requirements
`(e.g., a user desiring to cool a room in which there is a
`remote Sensor Simply adjusts the temperature at the remote
`Sensor to transmit adjusted temperature information). The
`present invention provides a remote temperature Sensor
`preferably having a liquid crystal display for indicating
`temperature and other control information. The Sensor pref
`erably uses a transmitter (e.g., radio frequency transmitter)
`to transmit temperature and associated information to a
`host-controlling thermostat only on a Sensed change of
`temperature. The temperature is also Sensed at variable time
`periods which may vary only minimally.
`The sensor may be provided such that an offset can be
`made to the temperature at a remote Sensor to raise or lower
`a Sensed temperature transmitted, thereby effectively adjust
`ing the temperature information transmitted in a particular
`room as desired or needed. Further, the invention may
`provide for weighting each temperature Sensor, Such that the
`temperature information transmitted from one Sensor is
`given more weight in adjusting the climate control System
`than another Sensor.
`Succinctly, the invention provides both a method and
`device for use in connection with a thermostat for control
`ling a climate control System, which includes remote tem
`perature Sensors that may be programmable, and that trans
`mit temperature information with minimized interference.
`Specifically, the invention is preferably provided Such that a
`unique Serial number and/or channel number information is
`transmitted along with the temperature information on a
`variably selected frequency (e.g., random frequency) within
`a fixed range. Further, Sensing of air temperature may be
`provided at variable time intervals (e.g., a time offset pro
`vided based on a previous sensed temperature) and trans
`mission of the Sensed temperature transmitted only on a
`predetermined temperature change (i.e., comparing the cur
`rent Sensed temperature with a previously transmitted tem
`perature and transmitting only upon a predetermined
`change). Thus, the possibility of transmission collisions is
`reduced or eliminated.
`Additionally, the present invention may be provided with
`a learn mode Such that the host-controlling thermostat may
`initially identify each Sensor for later recognition of trans
`mitted temperature information from each of the Sensors.
`Each Sensor may also be provided with a plurality of power
`transmission levels, giving the invention further adaptability
`and increased utility in retrofit applications.
`While the principal advantages and features of the present
`invention have been explained above, a more complete
`understanding of the invention may be obtained by referring
`to the description of the preferred embodiments which
`follow.
`
`BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
`FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a remote Sensor con
`Structed according to the principles of the present invention;
`FIG. 2 is a front plan view of the LCD display of the
`remote sensor of FIG. 1;
`
`IPR2023-00626 Page 00007
`
`

`

`3
`FIG. 3 is a front plan view of the LCD display of the
`remote Sensor of FIG. 1 showing an increased temperature
`offset;
`FIG. 4 is a front plan view of the LCD display of the
`remote Sensor of FIG. 1 showing a decreased temperature
`offset;
`FIG. 5 is a Schematic diagram of a temperature Sensing
`circuit of the remote sensor of FIG. 1;
`FIG. 6 is a flow chart of the conversion of the frequency
`output of the circuit of FIG. 5 to a temperature reading, and
`FIG. 7 is a schematic view of a thermostat and multiple
`Sensors constructed according to the principles of the present
`invention.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE
`PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
`A remote temperature Sensor constructed according to the
`principles of the present invention is shown in FIG. 1 and
`indicated generally by reference numeral 100. In the most
`preferred embodiment, the temperature sensor 100 is pro
`vided with a liquid crystal display (LCD) 102, a temperature
`up button 104, a temperature down button 106 and a
`transmitter, together providing for control of the remote
`sensor 100 and transmission of temperature information to
`an associated host-controlling thermostat.
`More specifically, the sensor 100 is preferably provided
`with a Single integrated chip radio transmitter encased
`within a cover 101 and base 103, which transmits tempera
`ture and/or associated climate control information to a
`host-controlling thermoStat. The particular transmitter pro
`Vided may be determined according to the needs of the
`particular application, including the type of host-controlling
`thermostat and the receiver therein. The temperature up and
`temperature down buttons 104 and 106 provide for setting
`certain control parameters of the sensor 100, as well as
`adjusting the Sensed temperature transmitted by providing a
`temperature offset depending upon the needs of a specific
`user (e.g., when a user determines that a specific room is
`hotter or colder than desired, the user may specify an offset,
`for example three degrees warmer, to the Sensed temperature
`information transmitted, thereby resulting in the transmis
`Sion of the Sensed temperature along with a difference
`specified by the user offset). Thus, the sensor 100 preferably
`provides for remote transmission of temperature information
`with the ability to adjust Sensed temperature locally at the
`Sensor and allow for user programmable parameters.
`The LCD display 102, as shown in FIG. 2, preferably
`provides for displaying temperature and control information,
`including: Sensed temperature (either in Fahrenheit or
`Celsius) at 108, power level indicated as PWR H or Lat 110,
`channel identification (A, B, C or O) at 112, a vertical
`comfort adjust bar graph at 114 indicating a user offset, a
`LOW battery indicator at 116, a LOCK out indicator at 118,
`a temperature Sensing Symbol at 120, a transmission time
`symbol at 122, and a LEARN mode activation indicator at
`124. In the preferred normal operating mode, the LCD
`display 102 will provide information regarding Sensed tem
`perature at 108 (in either Fahrenheit or Celsius), the comfort
`adjust bar graph at 116, and channel identification informa
`tion at 112. Alternately, depending upon the particular
`application, the LCD display 102 may be provided such that
`normally the display is blank (e.g., to prevent unauthorized
`adjustment of a Sensor in a building).
`The sensor 100 preferably includes two modes of
`operation, a learn mode and a normal operating mode.
`Additionally, a menu mode is provided that allows for
`
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`US 6513,723 B1
`
`4
`adjustment of Sensor Settings and Selection of Sensor func
`tions or features. The learn mode, which is enabled in the
`menu mode as described herein, provides for Set-up of a
`Specific Sensor 100, including allowing the host-controlling
`thermostatto identify that specific sensor 100. Subsequent to
`the learn mode, the sensor 100 will revert to normal oper
`ating mode, wherein normal temperature transmission is
`provided. The sensor 100 operates in the normal mode
`unless the learn mode is again selected (e.g., if the channel
`identification for the sensor 100 needs to be changed).
`With respect to the menu mode, it may be accessed or
`entered by depressing and holding the temperature up button
`104 and temperature down button 106 for a predetermined
`period of time, for example, two Seconds. The LCD display
`102 will then be blank except for a first function or feature
`display. The temperature up key 104 is then preferably used
`(i.e., depressed) to Scroll through the Selectable functions or
`features. The following functions or features are preferably
`provided: channel identification (A, B, C or O), F/ C.
`Selection, learn mode, power Selection, key padlockout, and
`display blank. Each of these features can be incremented,
`toggled, enabled, or disabled preferably using (i.e.,
`depressing) the temperature down button 106. The menu is
`preferably exited by depressing the temperature up button
`104, or after a certain elapsed time period, for example, 120
`Seconds. All parameters are preferably Stored in a non
`volatile memory, for example, an EEPROM.
`It should be noted that when reference is made to using a
`button or operating a button, this means that a user simply
`manually operates the button by touching, pressing or
`depressing the button as required. Additionally, a button can
`refer to any touch operable element. Alternately, other
`Selectable members, Such as Switches may be provided.
`Learn Mode
`The sensor 100 is preferably provided such that identifi
`cation information may be automatically transmitted to the
`host-controlling thermostat during a learn mode. This one
`time learn mode is preferably enabled in the menu mode as
`disclosed herein. With the learn mode enabled, the sensor
`100 preferably transmits at predetermined intervals, for
`example, every 10 Seconds, a Signal identifying the Sensor
`100, until disabled in the menu mode or after a time period
`has elapsed, for example 5 minutes. The LCD display 102
`preferably indicates LEARN on the display when this mode
`is enabled. Depending upon the type of host-controlling
`thermostat, a tri-colored LED may be provided on the
`thermostat to confirm when the host-controlling thermostat
`recognizes a specific Sensor 100 Signal. For example, the
`LED may be green when the Signal from the Specific Sensor
`100 is strong, and the LED may be red when the specific
`Sensor 100 Signal is not recognized.
`With respect to identification of each specific sensor 100,
`a unique identification number is preferably preprogrammed
`into each sensor 100 for use in determining the sensor 100
`from which temperature information is transmitted. This
`unique identification number is transmitted by the Sensor
`100 and identified by the host-controlling thermostat during
`the learn mode, thereby allowing the host-controlling ther
`mostat to recognize the transmission of the Specific Sensor
`100 during its normal operating mode. For example, during
`the learn mode, a sensor 100 preferably transmits a sixteen
`bit unique identification number, Such as
`0110111000110100, which is received by the host
`controlling thermostat and Stored within the memory of the
`thermostat (e.g., EEPROM). This unique identification num
`
`IPR2023-00626 Page 00008
`
`

`

`S
`ber is Subsequently transmitted each time with the Sensed
`temperature information from the sensor 100 to the host
`controlling thermost at to identify the transmitting Sensor.
`Further, for each sensor 100, a transmission channel may
`be selected. Specifically, channel Selection is provided in the
`menu mode of the sensor 100 and allows for selection of
`preferably either A, B, C or O (outdoor), which is displayed
`at 112 on the LCD display 102. Again, to enter the menu
`mode, a user depresses the temperature up and temperature
`down buttons 104 and 106 at the same time, and uses the
`temperature up button 104 to select this feature. The tem
`perature down button 106 may then be used to increment the
`display from A to B to C to O and when selected, the menu
`mode may be exited by depressing the temperature up button
`106. Thus, as shown in the preferred embodiment in FIG. 7,
`four Separate temperature Sensors, including Sensor A 150,
`sensor B 152, sensor C 154 and sensor O 156, with probe
`158, may be provided in connection with a single host
`controlling thermostat 160. Each of the sensors transmits
`Sensed temperature information to the host-controlling ther
`mostat 160 as described herein and the temperature infor
`mation may be displayed for each Sensor on the host
`controlling thermostat. For example, a user may select a
`Specific Sensor 100 as defined by its channel (e.g., Sensor
`150 identified as channel A and located in the living room)
`using the host-controlling thermostat, and View the most
`recent transmitted temperature by that Sensor on the ther
`mostat (which thermostat may be, for example, the Series
`1F93/4/5 thermostat manufactured and sold by the White
`Rodgers Division of Emerson Electric Co.). It should be
`appreciated by one skilled in the art that the invention is not
`limited to four channels, and additional channels may be
`provided as needed to accommodate additional sensors 100.
`Selection of channel A, B or C provides for transmission
`of the temperature Sensed in a building during normal
`operating mode. Selection of channel O allows for the
`connection of a weather-proof remote Sensor probe to the
`sensor 100. The probe preferably provides temperature
`Sensing using a thermistor. When Selection of the O channel
`is made in the menu mode, the LCD display 102 will
`thereafter indicate the three digit outdoor temperature during
`normal operating mode. The Sensed outdoor temperature is
`transmitted to the host-controlling thermostat, and may be
`displayed on the host-controlling thermostat, but the tem
`perature information is not used by the host-controlling
`thermostat when controlling a climate control System (i.e.,
`the Sensed outdoor temperature is not processed by the
`host-controlling thermostat when determining whether to
`adjust the climate control System to which it is connected).
`When the outdoor channel selector (O) is enabled in the
`menu mode, transmission of temperature information is
`provided preferably upon a one degree Fahrenheit or more
`change. Additionally, the temperature is preferably Sensed at
`a rate often minutes plus the four least Significant bits of the
`temperature frequency output from the last reading, as
`described in more detail below. Additionally, when this
`channel is Selected, the buttons are preferably locked out,
`which is indicated by LOCK at 118 on the LCD display 102
`(i.e., a user cannot use the buttons to program a Sensor 100),
`and the vertical comfort adjust bar graph displayed at 114 is
`locked.
`During the learn mode, the proper Setting of the power
`transmission level of the sensor 100 is preferably also
`determined. Specifically, Sensor operation is preferably pro
`Vided in either a high or lower power mode. For example, if
`the sensor 100 and the host-controlling thermostat are in
`close proximity to each other, overloading of the receiver
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`US 6513,723 B1
`
`6
`within the thermostat may occur if the sensor 100 is oper
`ating in high power mode. However, if the sensor 100 and
`host-controlling thermostat are Separated by a significant
`distance (e.g., on Separate floors of a building), then the
`Sensor is preferably operated in the high power mode to
`ensure proper transmission of temperature information. In
`the high power mode, transmission power is preferably
`limited Such that other buildings (e.g., Surrounding homes)
`do not receive the transmitted information, and therefore the
`transmission does not interfere with Similar transmissions in
`the other buildings. Specifically, in order to Select the
`transmission power level, a user operates the Sensor 100 to
`enter the menu mode and Select this function. Depressing the
`temperature down button 106 will toggle the function and
`display on the LCD display 102 either L for low power mode
`or H for high power mode. A user may then Select the desired
`power mode for optimum signal transmission and battery
`life and exit the menu by depressing the temperature up
`button 104. Depending upon the Specific host-controlling
`thermostat used in combination with the sensor 100, a
`tri-colored light emitting diode (LED) may be provided on
`the host-controlling thermost at to indicate whether transmis
`Sion power from a particular Sensor during the learn mode is
`Sufficient. This may be provided by fast radio strength Signal
`indicator (FRSS) circuitry in the receiver of the thermostat,
`which circuitry determines the Signal Strength of the tem
`perature sensor 100 transmission. Thus, this allows the user
`to determine the best power mode of operation. For
`example, the LED of the thermostat may be green when
`transmission power is sufficient; the LED of the thermostat
`may be red when transmission power is insufficient, and
`therefore the sensor 100 must be switched from low power
`mode to high power mode; and the LED of the thermostat
`may be amber indicating that Signal Strength is marginal and
`the high power mode should preferably be selected. An
`example of the type of thermost at that may be used as the
`host-controlling thermostat for the sensor 100 is the Series
`1F93/4/5 thermostat manufactured and sold by the White
`Rodgers Division of Emerson Electric Co.
`Additionally, the input from each sensor 100 can be
`weighted, Such that the transmission of temperature infor
`mation from different sensors is considered of different
`relative value when averaging the different Sensed tempera
`ture readings to operate the climate control System.
`Preferably, each Sensor may be designated as either average
`weight (AV), high weight (HI) or low weight (LO), with the
`HI weight being two times the weight of the AV weight, and
`the LO weight being one-half the AV weight. Thus, if two
`Sensors transmit temperature information for use by the
`thermostat in climate control, with one Sensor having an AV
`weight and the other having a HI weight, the actual tem
`perature used for climate control is: two times the Sensed
`temperature from the HI Sensor plus the Sensed temperature
`from the AV sensor, the total then divided by three. The
`Setting of the weight of each Sensor is preferably provided at
`the thermostat. However, it should be appreciated by one
`skilled in the art that the weighting of each Sensor could be
`Set at each Sensor and transmitted as an extra bit with the
`temperature information.
`Normal Operating Mode
`During the normal operating mode of the sensor 100,
`temperature information is preferably transmitted to the
`host-controlling thermostat as described herein. Generally,
`during each transmission, the Sensor 100 preferably trans
`mits the following: the unique identification number of the
`sensor 100, the channel number selected for the sensor 100,
`
`IPR2023-00626 Page 00009
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`US 6513,723 B1
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`temperature data, including Sensed temperature with any
`user offset, and a low battery indication if the battery
`powering the Specific Sensor is low.
`The sensor 100 is preferably provided with user settable
`parameters for use during the normal operating mode. AS
`shown in FIG. 2, the vertical comfort adjust bar graph
`displayed at 114 is preferably a vertical ten segment LCD
`with “H” and “C” icons indicating a settable offset tempera
`ture in degrees Fahrenheit or one-half degrees Celsius. The
`letter “H” indicates a hotter setting while the letter “C” a
`colder Setting. The temperature offset information is prefer
`ably transmitted with the actual temperature as described
`herein. When the comfort adjust bar graph at 114 is in the
`middle of the display, preferably indicated by a darkened
`block, the actual Sensed temperature is transmitted to the
`host-controlling thermostat upon a Sensed temperature
`change, and no offset is provided. However, for example if
`a four degree increased Fahrenheit Setting is selected (e.g.,
`a user determines that a particular room in which a Sensor
`100 is located is too cool), such setting will be indicated on
`the comfort adjust bar graph at 114 as shown in FIG. 3, and
`a temperature offset will be transmitted with the actual
`temperature. The offset temperature data provided to the
`host-controlling thermostat is used in controlling operation
`of, for example, a climate control System. Further, as shown
`in FIG. 4, if a lower temperature offset is selected (e.g., a
`user determines that a particular room in which a sensor 100
`is located is too warm), a temperature offset will again be
`provided in addition to the actual temperature transmitted.
`The comfort adjust bar graph displayed at 114 is preferably
`incremented with the temperature up button 104 and decre
`mented with the temperature down button 106. Preferably,
`this offset is transmitted with the actual Sensed temperature
`for a predetermined period of time (e.g., four hours). After
`the expiration of Such predetermined period of time, the
`sensor 100 preferably resets the offset to zero.
`Specifically, with respect to the temperature offset com
`pensation provided from the temperature sensor 100 when
`Such offset is activated, the receiver in the host-controlling
`thermostat preferably receives the offset number and an
`additional bit to indicate whether the offset was hotter (H) or
`colder (C). Based upon the number of active indoor remote
`Sensors, the thermostat preferably multiplies the offset num
`ber with the number of active indoor remote sensors. This
`ensures that the offset value is not reduced when the ther
`mostat is averaging the temperatures of all the Sensors 100.
`Therefore, for example, if there are two active indoor remote
`Sensors and the offset value transmitted is three degrees
`hotter (H), the receiver will multiply two times three, and six
`degrees will be Subtracted from the actual temperature
`received because H was transmitted. If a colder (C) setting
`had been transmitted, then the Six degrees would have been
`added to the actual temperature.
`Additionally, a temperature calibration may be provided
`such that the sensor 100 transmits each time at a higher or
`lower temperature than is actually Sensed, Such that the
`thermostat receives and processes the offset Sensed tempera
`ture as if it were the actual Sensed temperature. This cali
`bration is preferably Selected and Set within the menu mode.
`The user settable offset may then be additionally provided as
`described above.
`The Selection of temperature Scale, which may be dis
`played in either degrees Fahrenheit or degrees Celsius, is Set
`by entering the menu mode as described herein. Again, the
`temperature up key 104 will select the feature, and the
`temperature down key 106 will provide for toggling the
`display between degrees Fahrenheit and degrees Celsius.
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`Preferably, when degrees Fahrenheit is selected, the vertical
`comfort adjust bar graph at 114 displays in one degree
`increments, while in degrees Celsius, the vertical comfort
`adjust bar graph at 114 displayS in one-half degree incre
`ments. Again, the menu mode may be exited by depressing
`the temperature up key 104.
`Preferably, a low battery (BATT) indication is also pro
`vided at 116 on the LCD display 102. This provides an alert
`when approximately 30 percent of battery life of the sensor
`100 remains. During such low battery operation, all other
`display elements on the LCD display 102 are blank. Further,
`as described herein, during the transmission of Sensed tem
`perature during a low battery condition, an indication bit is
`preferably included of the low battery condition. If the
`temperature up button 104 or the temperature down button
`106 is depressed during a low batter