Networked Thermostat Occupancy Detection Using Wireless Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional programmable thermostats have restrictive user interfaces, leading to sub-optimal energy savings due to difficulty in programming and lack of occupancy detection, resulting in inefficient HVAC system operation and high energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A network-connected thermostat system that uses user interaction data from devices like computers and TVs to adjust temperature settings based on occupancy, optimizing energy consumption by associating thermostats with computers and consumer devices via a server that logs temperature and activity patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional programmable thermostats are used, then basic temperature control is achieved, but user interface complexity and programming difficulty increase, leading to sub-optimal energy savings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a computer as an intermediary device between the user and the thermostat. The computer's sophisticated interface handles complex programming tasks, while the thermostat receives simplified commands. This mediator approach allows users to leverage the computer's processing power and interface capabilities without increasing the thermostat's physical complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system leverages the computer's existing multi-functional capabilities (processing, storage, networking) to handle thermostat control functions. Instead of adding dedicated hardware for each function to the thermostat, the system uses the computer's universal processing abilities to manage scheduling, occupancy detection, and temperature control algorithms.
2Measurement precision
If basic programmable thermostats are used, then simple temperature scheduling is possible, but occupancy detection capability is lost, resulting in inefficient HVAC operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repurposes the computer's existing sensors (keyboard, mouse, camera, microphone) for occupancy detection. Instead of adding dedicated occupancy sensors to the thermostat, the system uses the computer's multi-functional sensors to detect user presence and activity, thereby achieving precise occupancy measurement without increasing thermostat complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The computer serves as an intermediary that detects occupancy through its sensors and communicates this information to the thermostat. This approach allows the system to achieve accurate occupancy detection by leveraging the computer's sensing capabilities rather than requiring the thermostat to incorporate complex sensor arrays.
3Productivity
If restrictive thermostat interfaces are used, then device cost and real estate requirements are reduced, but user programming capability and energy savings are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The computer acts as an intermediary that provides an accessible, sophisticated interface for programming temperature schedules and preferences. Users can interact with the system through the computer's familiar interface (keyboard, mouse, touchscreen) rather than being limited by the thermostat's restrictive physical interface, thereby improving programming accessibility and user engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system moves the interface from the two-dimensional physical thermostat display to the computer's multi-dimensional interface capabilities (graphical displays, text input, multimedia). This dimensional shift allows for much more comprehensive programming options and user interaction without increasing the thermostat's physical size or cost.
4Device complexity
If thermostats are located in hallways for central control, then HVAC system control is simplified, but occupancy detection capability is reduced due to distance from occupied spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the computer as an intermediary located in or near occupied spaces to detect occupancy. The computer's sensors can directly detect user presence and activity in the living space, providing accurate occupancy information to the hallway-mounted thermostat through network communication. This resolves the contradiction by placing the sensing function near occupants while keeping the control function centralized.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention comprises systems and methods for detecting the use of networked consumer electronics devices as indications of occupancy of a structure for purposes of automatically adjusting the temperature setpoint on a thermostatic HVAC control. At least one thermostat is located inside a structure and is used to control an HVAC system in the structure. At least one networked electronic device is used to indicate the state of occupancy of the structure. The state of occupancy is used to alter the setpoint on the thermostatic HVAC control to reduce unneeded conditioning of unoccupied spaces.