Systems and methods for controlling the operation of smart appliances

Abstract

A system and method for controlling the operation of smart appliances are disclosed. In one method for controlling the operating parameters of a smart device, a user processing device receives user-defined criteria for changing the operating parameters based on financial parameters associated with an account. The user processing device obtains the value of the financial parameter from a financial institution server and determines whether it meets the user-defined criteria. In response to determining that the user-defined criteria are met, the user processing device sends a first instruction to the smart device to change the operating parameters. Then, the user processing device can receive an updated value of the financial parameter from the financial institution server and determine whether the user-defined criteria are no longer met. In response to determining that the user-defined criteria are no longer met, the user processing device sends a second instruction to the smart device to change the operating parameters.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to the control of the operation of smart appliances, and more specifically, to changing the operating parameters of smart appliances based on financial account information. Background Technology

[0002] The increasing efficiency of home appliances and vehicles is largely due to highly sophisticated sensors and control systems. In many cases, these systems allow machinery to operate in an energy-efficient "economy" mode. While such operating modes may result in temporary cost savings, they can also impair the lifespan of equipment or lead to performance degradation, negatively impacting other elements of the home environment.

[0003] Home appliances also have the ability to connect to the home network. This allows homeowners to control and monitor the operation of home appliances from a computer or smartphone. This is very advantageous for homeowners who need to adjust appliance operation at times to minimize costs. However, with the increasing number of smart appliances and vehicles, the average homeowner cannot track and maintain the efficient operation of all of them. Summary of the Invention

[0004] An exemplary aspect of the present invention provides a system for controlling the operation of a smart device. The system includes at least one smart device having a device control system, a device communication system communicating with the device control system, and controllable operating parameters. The system also includes a user processing device comprising a user device data processor, a network communication interface, a device communication interface, and a memory. The network communication interface communicates with the data processor and is configured to communicate over a network. The device communication interface is configured to selectively communicate with the device communication system of each smart device. The user interface includes a data input mechanism and a visual display. The memory is accessible by the data processor and stores a financial monitoring application and a device control application. The financial monitoring application is configured to receive financial account parameters associated with a financial account from a financial institution server via the network communication interface. The financial monitoring application is also configured to determine whether the received financial account parameters exceed a user-defined acceptable range. The device control application is configured to, in response to the financial monitoring application determining that the financial account parameters exceed the user-defined acceptable range, establish communication with at least one of the at least one smart devices via the device communication system, and send user-specified instructions regarding the operating parameters of each of the at least one device control system to at least one of the at least one device control system.

[0005] Another aspect of the present invention provides a method for controlling operating parameters of a smart device. The method includes receiving, by a user processing device, user-defined criteria for changing the operating parameters based on financial parameters associated with an account. The method further includes obtaining values ​​of the financial parameters from a financial institution server by the user processing device; and using the financial parameters to determine whether the user-defined criteria are met. In response to determining that the user-defined criteria are met, the user processing device sends a first instruction to the smart device to change the operating parameters. The method may further include periodically obtaining updated values ​​of the financial parameters from the financial institution server by the user processing device, and using the financial parameters to determine whether the user-defined criteria are no longer met. In response to determining that the user-defined criteria are no longer met, the user processing device sends a second instruction to the smart device to change the operating parameters.

[0006] Another aspect of the present invention provides a mobile control device for controlling operating parameters of a smart device. The mobile control device includes a data processor, a network communication interface, a user interface, a device communication interface, and a memory. The network communication interface communicates with the data processor and is configured to selectively communicate with a financial institution server via a network. The user interface includes a data input mechanism and a visual display. The device communication interface is configured to selectively communicate with the smart device. The memory is accessible by the data processor and stores a device control application configured to receive and store user-defined criteria for changing the operating parameters based on financial parameters associated with an account. The device control application is also configured to receive values ​​of the financial parameters from the financial institution via the network and the network communication interface, and determine whether the user-defined criteria are met. In response to determining that the user-defined criteria are met, the application causes the mobile control device to send an instruction to the smart device to change the operating parameters. Attached Figure Description

[0007] The invention will be more fully understood by reading the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals are used to indicate like elements, and wherein:

[0008] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a system for controlling the operation of a smart device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0009] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a smart device that can be used in conjunction with the method of the present invention;

[0010] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a user processing device that can be used in conjunction with the method of the present invention;

[0011] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of a method for controlling the operating parameters of a smart device according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

[0012] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of the actions in a method for controlling the operation of a smart device according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0013] Although the invention will be described in conjunction with specific embodiments and manufacturing environments, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to these embodiments and environments. Rather, various alternatives, modifications, and equivalents are contemplated and included within the spirit and scope of the invention as described.

[0014] This invention provides a system and method for automatically adjusting the operation of smart appliances, vehicles, or other devices based on financial information from a user's account. Embodiments of the invention utilize an application installed on the user's device associated with the account, which periodically or as needed obtains financial account information from the account administrator's information system. The application then compares this information with user-provided standards to determine whether the operation of any user's smart device should be adjusted to a more economical operating mode. Some embodiments of the invention provide a method for balancing economical operating standards with potential harmful effects on the device or other environmental elements.

[0015] The method of this invention can be implemented in conjunction with any financial transaction processing and monitoring system. Figure 1 An intelligent device control system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown, which can be used in conjunction with a typical transaction processing and monitoring system 10. The transaction system 10 may include various computer systems with network capabilities. These computer systems are configured to process transactions involving multiple accounts managed by financial institutions or merchants. For example, such as Figure 1 As shown, system 10 may include one or more merchant transaction processing devices 20, transaction processors 40 and account management servers 50, all of which are able to communicate with each other via network 30.

[0016] As referred to herein, network-enabled computer systems and / or devices may include, but are not limited to, any computer or communication device, including servers, network appliances, personal computers (PCs), workstations, and mobile processing devices such as smartphones, smart keyboards, handheld PCs, or personal digital assistants (PDAs). Mobile processing devices may include near field communication (NFC) functionality, which allows communication by bringing the mobile processor device into contact with or close proximity to other devices.

[0017] A network-enabled computer system for executing the transactions contemplated in this invention can execute one or more software applications to, for example, receive data as input from an entity accessing the network-enabled computer system, process the received data, send data over the network, and receive data over the network. One or more network-enabled computer systems may also include one or more software applications to notify account holders based on transaction information. It will be understood that... Figure 1 The depictions herein are merely illustrative, and the functions and processes described herein can be performed by any number of network-enabled computers. It should also be understood that where the illustrated system 100 may have only a single instance of certain components, multiple instances of those components may be used. System 100 may also include... Figure 1 Other devices not shown.

[0018] In the example embodiments presented herein, the account holder can be any individual or entity permitted to use the transaction account for transactions (which can be, but is not limited to, financial transactions). The account can be held by any place, location, object, entity, or other mechanism used to hold currency or conduct transactions in any form (including, but not limited to, electronic form). The account can be, for example, a credit card account, prepaid card account, stored-value card account, debit card account, cheque card account, payroll card account, gift card account, prepaid credit card account, debit card account, cheque account, rewards account, credit line account, credit account, mobile device account, or mobile commerce account. The account holder can be a transaction processing entity, such as a financial institution, a credit card provider, or other entity that provides accounts to customers.

[0019] A transaction account may be associated with one or more transaction cards (e.g., debit cards, credit cards, or prepaid account cards). Alternatively or additionally, a transaction account may be associated with one or more account holder processing devices, or simply with a unique identifier that the account holder can enter to facilitate the transaction. The processing device may be configured as a method of making payments at a POS location, for example, using NFC or any other mobile payment technology. In some embodiments, a separate card or user device may be associated with various co-holders of the accounts.

[0020] Merchant transaction processing device 20 can be any network-enabled processor configured to transact with account holders or co-holders. As used herein, a merchant is any entity transacting with an account holder. This can include, but is not limited to, any retailer, wholesaler, or barter entity. A merchant may have one or more physical locations or may be an online retailer. Merchant transaction processing device 20 can be any network-enabled device (e.g., a cash register or other POS terminal or online transaction server) capable of executing transactions and communicating with transaction processor 40. In particular, merchant device 20 can be configured to send transaction information to transaction processor 40, which includes at least an account identifier, transaction type, and transaction amount.

[0021] Transaction processor 40 is a network-enabled system configured to receive transaction information from merchant device 20 or other systems (e.g., user device 110), identify accounts associated with the transactions, and process financial transactions on those accounts. Transaction processor 40 may also be configured to send transaction or account information to account management server 50 via network 30 or other networks. Account management server 50 is a network-enabled processing system configured to manage account information. Specifically, account management server 50 may be configured to store account information in account information database 52. Account management server 50 may also be configured to retrieve information for a specific account from the account information database and send this information to user device 100 associated with that account via network 30. Account information may include, but is not limited to, current account balance, previous account balance, information on recent transactions, and anticipated or planned transactions (e.g., automatic deposits or withdrawals). Account management server 50 may be configured to send account information periodically and / or when transactions or other changes occur in the account. The account management server 50 can also be configured to receive a request from the user equipment 100 to obtain account information, verify the authorization of the user equipment 100 to receive the requested information, and retrieve and send the requested information to the user equipment 100 via the network 30.

[0022] Network 30 can be any form of communication network capable of enabling communication between transaction entities and transaction information system 100. For example, network 30 can be one or more of a wireless network, a wired network, or any combination of wireless and wired networks. Network 30 can be or may include one or more of the following: fiber optic network, passive optical network, cable network, Internet network, satellite network, wireless LAN, Global System for Mobile Communications (“GSM”), Personal Communication Service (“PCS”), Personal Area Network (“PAN”), Wireless Application Protocol (WAP), Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS), Enhanced Messaging Service (EMS), Short Message Service (SMS), Time Division Multiplexing (TDM) based system, Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) based system, D-AMPS, Wi-Fi, Fixed Wireless Data, IEEE 802.11b, 802.15.1, 802.11n, and 802.11g, or any other wired or wireless network used for transmitting and receiving data signals. Network 30 can utilize one or more protocols of one or more network elements communicatively coupled thereto. Network 30 can be converted to one or more protocols of the network device or converted from other protocols to one or more protocols of the network device. Although network 30 is described as a single network, it should be understood that it can include multiple interconnected networks, such as the Internet, service provider networks, cable television networks, corporate networks, and home networks.

[0023] The intelligent device control system 100 includes a user processing device 110 and one or more intelligent appliances or other devices. Figure 1 In the illustrative example, the smart devices of system 100 include vehicle 120, refrigerator 130, washing machine 140, heating and cooling system 150, and general-purpose smart device 190. Each of these devices can be connected to a local network 130 that is also connected to user device 110. The device control system 100 may also include a “smart speaker” that communicates with network 130.

[0024] As used herein, the term "smart device" refers to any controllable vehicle, appliance, or other mechanism or system having a data processing system that can receive control commands from a user data processing device (e.g., user equipment 110) via direct wired or wireless communication or via a network (e.g., network 130). Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The general-purpose intelligent device 190 can be used to describe common components of various intelligent devices available in the system of the present invention. For example... Figure 2As shown, the intelligent device 190 includes a data processing system 191 and one or more mechanical systems 197. The one or more mechanical systems 197 contain all the operational hardware that allows the device 190 to perform its functions. In an appliance such as a refrigerator, this would include all the main and auxiliary mechanisms and power systems for cooling the enclosed compartment. In a washing machine, this would include all the mechanisms for filling, agitating, rotating, and draining the washing tub. In a vehicle, this would include various systems for refueling, steering, braking, cooling, etc.

[0025] The data processing system 191 includes elements for controlling the operation of the mechanical system 197. These elements may include a control processor 192 configured to monitor and control one or more operating parameters of the mechanical system 197. Such parameters can be simple, such as "on or off," or more complex, such as parameters associated with a washing cycle in a washing machine (e.g., water filling and draining control and timing, water temperature, agitation cycle, etc.). Operating instructions for the control processor 192 may be stored in a memory module 195. These instructions may be a combination of permanently stored instructions and temporary instructions provided by the user.

[0026] In many cases, the memory 195 may store predetermined operating modes that allow the user to select. Qualitatively, these may include, for example, equivalents of a "normal" operating mode, a "high-efficiency" or "heavy-load" operating mode, and an "economic" operating mode. Each of these modes has associated costs in terms of energy and other research uses, with the high-efficiency mode typically incurring the highest cost and the economic mode incurring the lowest cost. While the operating mode determines how the device should operate, it can be independent of other user-specified parameters. For example, in a heating system, the user can specify a particular room temperature and operating mode. The control processor 192 will operate the system 197 according to the operating mode in a way that reaches and maintains the specified temperature. If operating in high-efficiency mode, the system 197 can reach the specified temperature very quickly, but requires more energy. When operating in economic mode, the system 197 can reduce energy consumption, but may also require a longer time to reach the specified temperature.

[0027] The memory 195 may also store operational limits to prevent the mechanical system 197 from operating under predetermined conditions (e.g., overheating or excessive current consumption). For example, these may require the control processor 192 to change the operating mode of the mechanical system 197, or even shut it down completely.

[0028] User input to the data processing system 191 is received via a user interface 194, which can be or includes any device for inputting information, control input, and instructions into the system 191. In many cases, the user interface 194 can be a combination of buttons and / or dials with preset control functions. In some devices, the user interface 194 may include more complex devices such as a touchscreen, keyboard, mouse, cursor control device, microphone, stylus, or digital camera. The user interface 15 may also include an illuminated indicator, digital display, or graphic display for presenting visual information.

[0029] The data processing system 191 also includes a communication interface 193 that communicates with the control processor 192 and is configured to communicate on one or more networks (e.g., local network 130 and network 30). Specifically, the communication interface 193 may be configured to allow the control processor 192 to send and receive transmitted content with the user equipment 110 via the local network 130. In some embodiments, the communication interface 193 may be configured to support communication with short-range wireless communication interfaces, such as Near Field Communication (NFC), Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), and Bluetooth.

[0030] The intelligent device 190 may include a sensor device 196 that communicates with a control processor 192. The sensor device 196 may be configured to monitor one or more operating parameters of the mechanical system 197 and / or measurable parameters in the operating environment of the device 190. For example, in the case of a refrigerator, the sensor device 196 may include a temperature sensor for monitoring the temperature in each compartment of the refrigerator. In a home heating system, the sensor device 196 may include an indoor air temperature sensor. The sensor device 196 may also include sensors for monitoring the condition or operating characteristics of the mechanical system 197. This may include, for example, a sensor for measuring the internal machine temperature, which, if exceeding a certain level, could potentially damage the equipment. Sensor measurement information is transmitted from the sensor device 196 to the control processor 192, which uses it to control the operation of the mechanical system 197.

[0031] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 3The account holder or user interface device 110 may be any data processing and / or communication device used by the account holder to execute transactions and / or receive notifications from the transaction processor 40, or including but not limited to smartphones, laptops, desktop computers, and tablets. In a particular embodiment, the account holder device 110 includes an onboard data processor 111 that communicates with the storage module 113, the user interface 115, and the communication interface 117. In some embodiments, the account holder device 110 may include an image capture device (e.g., a digital camera). The data processor 111 may include a microprocessor and associated processing circuitry, and may include other components, including processors, memory, error and parity / CRC checkers, data encoders, anti-collision algorithms, controllers, command decoders, security primitives, and tamper-proof hardware necessary to perform the functions described herein. The memory 113 may be a read-only memory, a write-once-read-many memory, or a read / write memory, such as RAM, ROM, and EEPROM, and the user device 110 may include one or more of these memories.

[0032] User interface 115 includes a user input mechanism, which can be any device for inputting information and instructions into account holder device 110, such as a touchscreen, keyboard, mouse, cursor control device, microphone, stylus, or digital camera. User interface 115 may also include a display, which can be any type of device for presenting visual information, such as a computer monitor, flat panel display, and mobile device screen, including liquid crystal displays, light-emitting diode displays, plasma display panels, and cathode ray tube displays.

[0033] Communication interface 115 is configured to establish and support wired or wireless data communication capabilities for connecting device 110 to wide area network 30, local area network 130, or other communication networks. Communication interface 115 can also be configured to support communication with short-range wireless communication interfaces, such as near field communication (NFC), radio frequency identification (RFID), and Bluetooth.

[0034] In embodiments of the invention, memory 113 may store one or more applications that data processor 111 can use to perform and / or monitor transactions on a transaction account between account holder device 110 and merchant device 20 or other devices via network 30. These applications may include instructions that data processor 111 can use to identify transaction events, store event data in memory 113, and transmit event data to transaction processing server 40 and / or account management server 50. Some applications may also include instructions relating to receiving and interpreting notifications and / or instructions from transaction processor 40 or account management server 50.

[0035] In a particular embodiment, memory 113 may store a financial monitoring application configured to receive account information from account management server 50. The account information may include information about any account parameters, including but not limited to current account balance, average account balance, item account balance, and expenditures over a period of time or since the start date of that period (e.g., the first day of a month). The account information may also include information such as previous account balances, information on recent transactions, information on anticipated or planned transactions (e.g., automatic deposits or withdrawals), and payments to specific merchants.

[0036] Account information can be received periodically and / or when transactions or other changes occur in the account. The financial monitoring application can be further configured to periodically send requests for account information on specific dates relative to other events (e.g., expected payment due dates or account deposits), or when specific transaction events identified by the data processor 111 occur. Account information requests can also be initiated by the account holder through the application.

[0037] Financial monitoring applications can be configured with instructions that enable data processor 111 to use received account information to determine whether specific account parameters meet acceptable criteria specified by the account holder. In the simplest case, such criteria can be based on parameters falling within an acceptable range set by the account holder. For example, the account holder can specify an account balance threshold. Any account balance above this threshold is considered acceptable. If the balance is below the threshold, the application identifies it as unacceptable. A more complex example is that the account balance threshold varies depending on the time of the month. For example, an unacceptable account balance at the beginning of the month might be considered acceptable at the end of the month. Acceptability criteria may also vary based on other factors, such as the time of year.

[0038] The financial monitoring application can be configured to display alerts to account holders when account parameters are determined to be within unacceptable ranges. The application can also be configured to take other actions, including actions initiated by other applications.

[0039] The user equipment memory 113 may also store a smart device control application configured to cause the data processor 111 to construct control instructions and send these instructions to one or more of the smart devices 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, and 190 via the local network 130. The application can be configured to tailor these instructions to the controlled device based on information stored in the memory 113. Instructions associated with the general device 190 may include instructions for displaying prompts to an account holder and receiving control input information from the account holder via the user interface 115. Control input information may include operating mode selection, specifications of one or more operating parameters, and / or one or more desired device output parameters. The control application can be configured to instruct the data processor to receive the control input information, construct device control instructions, and then send the device control instructions to the data processing system 191 of the device 190 via the local network 130. In some embodiments, the control instructions may be sent to the device 190 via network 30, or to a local area network server via network 30 and then via the local network 30. The device control instructions may include instructions for setting or changing the operating parameters of the device 190.

[0040] The control application 190 may be further configured with instructions for receiving operational information from the data processing system 191 of the device 190. The application may be configured to view this information and determine whether to display some or all of the information to the account holder via the user interface 115. In some embodiments, the control application may be configured to prompt and receive additional control input information in response to operational information received from the device 190.

[0041] In certain embodiments of the invention, the device control application may include instructions configured to construct control change instructions and send them to the data processing system 191 of device 190 in response to the satisfaction of user-specified control change criteria. These instructions may include instructions to request the receipt of control change criteria from an account holder via user interface 115 and to store the control change criteria in memory 113. Control change criteria may specify conditions or ranges of measured or otherwise received parameters upon which changes to control parameters of device 190 are based. Such criteria may be associated with any event or parameter monitored by data processor 111. Control change criteria may be particularly associated with financial information, such as account information received from account management server 50. In a particular example, control change criteria may specify a range of financial parameters (e.g., account balance). In a particular example, control criteria may include a minimum account balance threshold. In this example, if the account balance is below this threshold, the change criterion is satisfied.

[0042] The device control application may also include instructions configured to receive from the account holder information regarding one or more operating parameters of device 190 that should be changed in response to meeting control change criteria, and how to change them. This may include, for example, adjustments to a single parameter (e.g., the minimum or maximum temperature setting of a thermostat) or multiple parameters, or changes from one preset operating mode to another (e.g., a change from a normal operating mode to an economy operating mode). The application may also include instructions to receive instructions for changing the operating parameters back to the criteria they were set to before the change. This may include, for example, a second account balance threshold (equal to or greater than a first threshold). In this example, if the account balance exceeds the second threshold, the return criterion is met.

[0043] It will be understood that the standards for controlling changes can differ for different smart devices.

[0044] Financial monitoring or device control applications may include instructions requiring control processor 192 to compare financial parameter information obtained from account management server 50 to control change criteria for each smart device 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, 190. In some embodiments, determining that a control change criterion is met may also be considered as not meeting an acceptable criterion. The device control application may be configured to send a parameter change instruction to the device in response to determining that the device's control change criterion is met. This instruction identifies one or more parameters (or operating modes) to be changed and a new value specified by the account holder.

[0045] The user equipment memory 113 may also store a device operation monitoring application configured to receive information about the operation of the devices to determine whether automatically changing the operation of the devices would have a negative or unintended impact on the devices. This may include instructions to request the receipt and evaluation of operational information from any one or all of devices 110, 120, 130, 140, 150, 160, and 190. Such operational information may include information about one or more measured operational parameters of the devices and / or measured environmental parameters. In some embodiments, this information may be used by a device control application or a financial monitoring application to determine whether control criteria are met. It may also be used to determine whether control change instructions should be canceled, modified, or otherwise substituted. This determination may be based on substitution criteria stored in memory 113. In some embodiments, data processor 111 may receive information about one or more operational parameters from control processor 192 of device 190 and compare this information with substitution criteria. In response to the operational parameter information meeting the substitution criteria, the control processor may send substitution instructions to device 190. These instructions may include commands to change one or more operating parameters back to previous or new values, to change the operating mode of device 190 to the "default" operating mode, or to shut down device 190 in certain circumstances.

[0046] In a particular embodiment, the device operation monitoring application may be configured to acquire one or more device operation measurements from the smart device 190 and determine whether any operation measurements exceed predetermined acceptable limits for operation parameters. In response to determining that a particular smart device's device operation measurement exceeds predetermined acceptable limits for operation parameters, the application may use the user device 110 to display a warning message to the user and / or send instructions to the smart device requesting changes to the device's controllable operating parameters or shutdown of the device.

[0047] In some embodiments, the control application may include instructions requiring the control processor 111 to determine an optimal set of operating parameters for the device 190 using financial parameter information, operational parameter information, and the device 190's experienced expected lifespan and / or cost information. The optimal set of operating parameters may then be included in a change control instruction sent by the data processor 111 to the control processor 192 of the device 190.

[0048] Figure 4 This is a diagram of a method M100 for controlling the operating parameters of a smart device according to an embodiment of the present invention. The smart device may have parameters such as Figure 1 The general equipment 190 refers to any device, vehicle, or system. The action of method M100 can be performed in, for example... Figure 1The method is executed on a user device of device 110. Method M100 includes, in step S110, receiving a user-defined standard for changing operating parameters based on financial or other parameters. This action may include displaying an information prompt on the user device's display and receiving user-provided input via a user input device. Change standards for one or more operating parameters associated with the smart device may be received, and for each operating parameter, the change standard will include identifying specific conditions on which the change of the operating parameter is based and how it is changed. Specifically, the change standard may specify that the operating parameter is changed when the financial or other parameters fall within a specified range. In a particular embodiment, the change standard may identify a specific financial parameter associated with a user account. In many cases, this financial parameter refers to the account balance. In some embodiments, the change standard may also specify a specific state of the device. For example, this may include requirements such as: the device is operable, the device's operating parameters are within a specific range, or the device performs operation in a specific mode.

[0049] In S120, the user equipment obtains the current values ​​of one or more financial or other parameters to determine whether the change criteria are met. In specific embodiments where these are financial parameters, the user equipment may obtain the current values ​​from a financial institution or other account management entity. Specifically, the user equipment may receive one or more financial parameters from an account management server, such as those previously described. The financial parameter values ​​may be received from the management server as part of periodically sent content, or they may be received in response to a request sent by the user equipment to the server.

[0050] In S130, the user equipment may selectively establish communication with the control processor of the smart device to obtain information about the current operating state of the device. This information may include information about the device's current operating parameters and / or current operating mode. It may also include environmental information acquired by the device's sensor system. In some embodiments of the invention, other actions of the method may be paused based on the operating state. In S140, the user equipment determines whether a user-provided change criterion is met. This may include comparing one or more received parameter values ​​with the user-provided change criterion. In a typical embodiment where the change criterion specifies a range of account balances (e.g., from zero to a change threshold), the user equipment receives financial information about the account, including the account balance. If the account balance falls within the specified range (e.g., less than the change threshold), the change criterion is considered met. In embodiments where the change criterion includes requirements regarding the device's operating state, the action of determining whether the change criterion is met may be based at least in part on current operating state information obtained from the device.

[0051] In response to determining that the change criteria have been met, the user equipment may selectively display a notification to the user in S150. This notification may record details of the event. For example, the user equipment may display one or more parameters involved and the change criteria that have been met. For instance, in the account balance example, the user equipment may notice that the account balance has fallen below the change threshold. The notification may further illustrate the change to one or more operating parameters of the smart device. In some embodiments, the user may be provided with the option to cancel the intended operational change. In such embodiments, the user equipment will not take further action unless the user confirms that a change should be made.

[0052] Furthermore, in response to the fulfillment of the change criteria (and in some of the embodiments described above, receiving a change confirmation from the user), the user equipment sends an instruction to the smart device in S160 to change one or more operating parameters of the device. In some embodiments, the change instruction may be based on specific instructions provided by the user. Such an instruction may, for example, be to change the operating parameters to specific predetermined values. In some embodiments, the instruction will guide the device to change from one operating mode to another (e.g., from normal mode to economy mode).

[0053] In some embodiments, parameter change instructions can be constructed by the user equipment based on received parameter information and operational information received from the device. For example, the user equipment can use an empirical model to determine parameter values ​​based on current parameter values ​​and one or more operational parameter values. Such a model can also use additional information, such as the device's lifespan or usage history. In a particular example, parameter changes can be the result of an optimization routine that balances, for example, current savings resulting from performing operations in an economic mode with additional anticipated costs resulting from the impact of such operations on the device's expected lifespan and / or future operational efficiency.

[0054] It will be understood that if it is determined in S140 that the change criteria are not met, or in some embodiments, if the user fails to confirm that a change should be made, other actions of the method can be suspended. Regardless of whether a change is made, the user equipment can periodically or at the user's request repeat the actions of S120, S130, and S140. If no change is made, these actions will be the same as the previous actions. If a change has been made, these actions are used to determine whether further changes should be made. Such changes will further adjust the operating parameters of the device, or reverse the original change and return the device to its initial operating state. However, in some embodiments, different change criteria may be used to determine whether to reverse the change. For example, if a change is made because the account balance is below a threshold, the criterion for reversing the change may be a second threshold higher than the first threshold.

[0055] Figure 5The actions in method M200 for controlling a smart device, which can be used in conjunction with method M100 described above, are illustrated. Method M200 provides external management control of the smart device's operating parameters based on information provided by the device itself. This allows the user device or user to mitigate potential negative impacts of other changes on the device's operation. As previously mentioned, the smart device may have features such as... Figure 1 The general equipment 190 refers to any device, vehicle, or system. The action of method M100 can be performed in, for example... Figure 1 The method M200 is executed on the user equipment of device 110. Method M200 includes receiving, in S210, a user-defined standard for changing one or more operating parameters of the device. This action may include displaying an information prompt on the user equipment's display and receiving user-provided input via a user input device. The change standard may receive one or more operating parameters associated with the smart device, and for each operating parameter, the change standard will include identifying the specific conditions upon which the change of the operating parameter is based and how it is changed. Specifically, the change standard may specify that the operating parameter being measured by the device will be changed when it falls within a specified unacceptable range. In S220, the user equipment receives operating parameter data from the device (e.g., via transmission over a local network). Such data may be sent periodically by the device or may be sent in response to a request sent by the user equipment to the device's control processor. In S230, the user equipment may use the operating parameter data and / or other information to determine the operating state of the device. In S240, the user equipment may compare the operating state and / or the value of a specific operating parameter with the change standard to determine whether the change standard is met. In response to the change standard being met, the user equipment may selectively display a notification to the user equipment. The notification may include a description of the device's operating status and an indication that the status exceeds acceptable operating conditions. The notification may also include an indication of a anticipated change to one or more operating parameters of the device. In some embodiments, the user may be required to confirm that the anticipated change should be made. Further, in response to meeting change criteria, and if applicable, in response to receiving change confirmation from the user, the user device sends an instruction to the device to change one or more operating parameters. In some embodiments, the change instruction may be based on specific user-provided instructions. Such an instruction may, for example, be to change the operating parameter to a specific predetermined value. In some embodiments, the instruction will guide the device to change from one operating mode to another (e.g., from normal mode to economy mode).

[0056] It will be understood that if it is determined in S240 that the change criteria are not met, or in some embodiments, if the user fails to confirm that a change should be made, other actions of the method can be suspended. Regardless of whether a change is made, the user equipment can periodically or at the user's request repeat the actions of S220, S230, and S240.

[0057] This invention significantly improves the operation of home appliances, vehicles, and other equipment by automatically adjusting operating parameters based on the homeowner's bank account status or other financial or other parameters. Those skilled in the art will readily understand that this invention has broad applicability and utility. Many embodiments and adaptations of the invention beyond the scope described herein, as well as many variations, modifications, and equivalent arrangements, will be apparent or reasonably implied by the invention as described above, without departing from its spirit or scope.

Claims

1. A method for controlling an operating parameter of a smart device, the method comprising: receiving, by a user processing device, a user-defined criterion for altering the operating parameter based on a financial parameter associated with a financial institution account, the financial parameter being one of a set consisting of a current account balance and an average account balance; obtaining, by the user processing device, a value of the financial parameter from a financial institution server; determining, by the user processing device, using the financial parameter, whether the user-defined criterion is satisfied; and in response to determining that the user-defined criterion is satisfied, sending, by the user processing device, a first instruction to the smart device to alter the operating parameter; and wherein the user-defined criterion comprises a first specification that a date associated with the financial parameter falls within a predetermined date range and a second specification that a date associated with the financial parameter does not fall within the predetermined date range prior to a date on which an upcoming deposit enters the financial institution account.

2. The method of claim 1, further comprising: in further response to determining that the user-defined criterion is satisfied, periodically obtaining, by the user processing device, an updated value of the financial parameter from the financial institution server and determining, by the user processing device, using the financial parameter, whether the user-defined criterion is no longer satisfied, and in response to determining that the user-defined criterion is no longer satisfied, sending, by the user processing device, a second instruction to the smart device to alter the operating parameter.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein the second instruction is an inverse of the first instruction.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the smart device has a normal operating mode in which its controllable operating parameter is in a first range and an economy operating mode in which its controllable operating parameter is in a second range; and the first instruction is to switch from the normal operating mode to the economy operating mode.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein the user-defined criterion comprises a specification that the account balance is below a threshold value.

6. A mobile control device for controlling an operating parameter of a smart device, the device comprising: a data processor; a network communication interface in communication with the data processor and configured to selectively communicate with a financial institution server via a network; a user interface comprising a data input mechanism and a visual display; a device communication interface configured to selectively communicate with the smart device; and a memory accessible to the data processor and having stored thereon a device control application configured to receive and store a user-defined criterion for altering the operating parameter based on a financial parameter associated with a financial institution account, the financial parameter being one of a set consisting of a current account balance and an average account balance, receive a value of the financial parameter from the financial institution server via the network and the network communication interface, determine whether the user-defined criterion is satisfied, and in response to determining that the user-defined criterion is satisfied, send a first instruction to the smart device to alter the operating parameter; and ​ wherein the user-defined criteria includes a first specification that a date associated with the financial parameter falls within a predetermined date range and a second specification that a date associated with the financial parameter does not fall within a predetermined date range prior to a date on which an upcoming deposit enters the financial institution account.

7. The mobile control device of claim 6, the device control application further configured to, in response to determining that the user-defined criteria is satisfied, periodically obtain, by the user processing device from the financial institution server, updated values of the financial parameter, and determine, by the user processing device using the financial parameter, whether the user-defined criteria is no longer satisfied, and in response to determining that the user-defined criteria is no longer satisfied, send, by the user processing device to the smart device, a second instruction to alter the operational parameter.

8. The mobile control device of claim 7, wherein the second instruction is an inverse of the first instruction.

9. The mobile control device of claim 6, wherein the smart device has a normal operating mode in which its controllable operational parameter is in a first range, and an economy operating mode in which its controllable operational parameter is in a second range; and the first instruction is to switch from the normal operating mode to the economy operating mode.

10. The mobile control device of claim 6, wherein the user-defined criteria includes a specification that the account balance is below a threshold.

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