US 6,305,611 B1 · Setback tracking thermostat

Abstract

A thermostat receives requests to enter into setback modes of operation whereby at least one setpoint normally used by the thermostat is to be changed at a stipulated start time for each setback mode of operation. The thermostat is operative to enter into a requested setback mode of operation at a time following the requested start time in the event there has been a delay in receiving the request to enter into a setback mode of operation. The thermostat is furthermore operative to track the time that elapses during each setback mode of operation and to report the total accumulated time that has elapsed in response to a request to do so. The thermostat is furthermore operative to set the total accumulated time to zero in response to a request to initialize the total accumulated time.

Claims15

Dependent claims

A process executable by a programmed processor within a thermostat for responding to requested setbacks of the setpoint control for the thermostat, said process comprising the steps of:

receiving a request to enter into a setback mode of operation, the request including information as to a start time for the setback mode of operation and information as to an end time for the setback mode of operation;
determining whether the present time of day is within the range of the start time and the end time for the requested setback mode of operation;
entering into a requested setback mode of operation whereby at least one setpoint used in a normal mode of operation is changed when the present time of day is within the range of the requested start time and the end time for the requested mode of operation;
noting when the setback mode of operation is terminated;
and
computing the amount of time the thermostat participated in the requested setback mode of operation as a function of the time of day that the requested setback mode of operation was entered into and the time of day when the requested setback mode of operation is terminated.

3 more elements

A thermostat having the capability to track the participation by the thermostat in requested setbacks of the setpoint control for the thermostat, said thermostat comprising:

a memory for storing information;
a processor operative to read and store information in said memory pertaining to a requested setback mode of operation, the information including information as to a start time for the setback mode of operation and information as to an end time for the setback mode of operation, said processor being operative to enter into a requested setback mode of operation whereby at least one setpoint used in a normal mode of operation is changed when the present time of day is within the range of the start time and the end time for the requested mode of operation, said processor being furthermore operative to compute the amount of time the thermostat participated in the requested setback mode of operation as a function of the time of day that the setback mode of operation was entered into and the time of day when the setback mode is terminated.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Setback tracking thermostat

Life of this patent

Setback tracking thermostat

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims15