Abstract:
Systems and methods for using multi-criteria state machines to manage alarming states and pre-alarming states of a hazard detection system are described herein. The multi-criteria state machines can include one or more sensor state machines that can control the alarming states and one or more system state machines that can control the pre-alarming states. Each state machine can transition among any one of its states based on sensor data values, hush events, and transition conditions. The transition conditions can define how a state machine transitions from one state to another. The hazard detection system can use a dual processor arrangement to execute the multi-criteria state machines according to various embodiments. The dual processor arrangement can enable the hazard detection system to manage the alarming and pre-alarming states in a manner that promotes minimal power usage while simultaneously promoting reliability in hazard detection and alarming functionality.
Abstract:
Embodiments of the present invention provide a temperature control system having programmable, interchangeable docking thermostats that work cooperatively to achieve desired temperature control in an enclosure. Various embodiments provide first and second thermostats each having one or more temperature sensors. Also provided may be a first HVAC docking device directly wired to the HVAC wire system and a second docking device that may connect to a power source other than the HVAC wire system, where each of the docking devices have an electrical connector mateable to the electrical connector of the docking thermostats. The first and second docking thermostats may interchangeably mate to the docking devices, and either may control the HVAC system to achieve a desired comfort level.
Abstract:
A device management system facilitates an automatic pairing of an electronic device with a management account. The device management system receives a public network address associated with a computer device on a private network accessing the management account. The system retrieves the metadata including a public network address associated with a registration of the electronic device with the device management system. The public network address registered with the metadata is provided by a router on the private network and therefore should match the public network address used by computer devices on the private network. The management account is paired with the electronic device if the electronic device has the same public network address as the computer device accessing the management account. Pairing the management account to the electronic device allows the management account to communicate with the electronic device over the public network through the device management system.
Abstract:
A user-friendly programmable thermostat is described that includes receiving an immediate-control input to change set point temperature, controlling temperature according to the set point temperature for a predetermined time interval, and then automatically resetting the set point temperature upon the ending of the predetermined time interval such that the user is urged to make further immediate-control inputs. A schedule for the programmable thermostat is automatically generated based on the immediate-control inputs. Methods are also described for receiving user input relating to the user's preference regarding automatically generating a schedule, and determining whether or not to automatically adopt an automatically generated schedule based on the received user input.
Abstract:
A particular smart hazard detector may itself function as a guide during a process of installation of the same at an installation location. Additionally, the installation location of the particular smart hazard detector may play a central role in how various settings of the smart hazard detector are defined and adjusted over time.
Abstract:
A thermostat is described for controlling air temperature in a building. The time associated with causing the controlled air temperature to reach a target temperature is estimated and displayed to a user. Input from a user indicating the target temperature can be received and the estimating and displaying can be carried out in real time. The thermostat can be wall-mounted or the user input can be received and estimated time can be displayed using a remote device, for example that communicates wirelessly with other components of the HVAC system.
Abstract:
A method is described for identifying faults relating to an HVAC system, such a clogged filter. Sensor data is used to estimate HVAC system efficiency. Trends in system efficiency are then used to identify faults such as clogged filters. The sensor(s) can include one or more of the following types: optical sensor, temperature sensor, pressure sensor, acoustic transducer, humidity sensor, resistive sensor, capacitive sensor, and infrared sensor. The efficiency estimation can also be based on conditions external to the building, such as data from exterior sensors and/or data gathered from third parties such as government or private weather stations. The efficiency estimation can also be based on performance metrics such as the time used to reach a set point temperature. The fault identification includes filtering out non-fault related events.
Abstract:
Ambient amount of a hazardous condition may be monitored. A mode may be set to a state indicative of the hazardous condition being present in the ambient environment. It may then be determined that the amount of the hazard in the ambient environment has dropped below an alarm criterion. A time period may then be tracked during which the amount of the hazardous condition present in the ambient environment of the hazard detector has remained below the alarm criterion. It may be determined that the time period has reached at least a threshold duration, during such time period the amount of the hazardous condition present in the ambient environment of the hazard detector having remained below the alarm criterion. An indication of the hazardous condition easing may be output in response to the time period being at least the threshold duration.
Abstract:
This patent specification relates to apparatus, systems, methods, and related computer program products for providing home security/smart home objectives. More particularly, this patent specification relates to a plurality of devices, including intelligent, multi-sensing, network-connected devices, that communicate with each other and/or with a central server or a cloud-computing system to provide any of a variety of useful home security/smart home objectives.
Abstract:
Methods for controlling temperature in a conditioned enclosure such as a dwelling are described that include an “auto-away” and/or “auto-arrival” feature for detecting unexpected absences which provide opportunities for significant energy savings through automatic adjustment of the setpoint temperature. According to some preferred embodiments, when no occupancy has been detected for a minimum time interval, an “auto-away” feature triggers a changes of the state of the enclosure, and the actual operating setpoint temperature is changed to a predetermined energy-saving away-state temperature, regardless of the setpoint temperature indicated by the normal thermostat schedule. The purpose of the “auto away” feature is to avoid unnecessary heating or cooling when there are no occupants present to actually experience or enjoy the comfort settings of the schedule, thereby saving energy.