Networked Thermostat Occupancy Sensing from PC and TV Activity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional programmable thermostats have restrictive user interfaces, leading to sub-optimal energy management in buildings, with users often failing to program or adjust settings due to complexity, resulting in inefficient energy consumption. Additionally, they lack the ability to accurately detect occupancy in residential settings, limiting energy savings potential.
Innovation Solution
A network-connected thermostat system that uses user interaction data from devices like computers and TVs to determine occupancy and adjust temperature settings dynamically, optimizing energy consumption without the need for additional hardware, by pairing thermostats with associated electronic devices and a server that logs temperature and activity data to adjust HVAC settings accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional programmable thermostats are used, then temperature control functionality is provided, but user interface complexity limits programming ability and energy savings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a personal computer as an intermediary device between the user and the thermostat. The PC runs software that provides a user-friendly interface for programming thermostat schedules, while the thermostat itself remains relatively simple. This mediator handles the complexity of programming, making the system easier to operate while maintaining full functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system divides the thermostat control functionality into two separate components: a simple wall-mounted thermostat for temperature control and a separate PC-based software system for programming and scheduling. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently—the thermostat for reliability and simplicity, and the PC software for user-friendly programming capabilities.
2Extent of automation
If basic programmable thermostats are used, then automated temperature scheduling is achieved, but occupancy detection capability is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the personal computer serve multiple functions: it acts as both the programming interface for the thermostat and the occupancy sensor. By monitoring keyboard activity, mouse movements, and application usage, the PC determines whether occupants are present in the building, eliminating the need for separate occupancy detection hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the PC's own operational data (keyboard activity, mouse movements, application usage) to determine occupancy status. The PC essentially monitors itself to detect whether users are present, providing occupancy information without requiring external sensors or additional hardware.
3Ease of manufacture
If restrictive thermostat interfaces are used, then device cost and real estate requirements are reduced, but user programming participation drops below 50%
Solution Approach 1:
The PC-based software acts as an intermediary that provides a sophisticated, user-friendly programming interface while keeping the actual thermostat device simple and inexpensive to manufacture. The PC handles all complex programming tasks through its software interface, allowing users to easily create and modify schedules without requiring a complex thermostat interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the thermostat programming interface on the PC, allowing users to interact with a full-featured programming environment that doesn't exist in the physical thermostat. This virtual interface provides comprehensive scheduling capabilities while the physical thermostat remains simple, resolving the conflict between manufacturing simplicity and programming effectiveness.
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.