US 6,549,870 B2 · Weighted setback reporting thermostat

Abstract

A thermostat receives requests to enter into setback modes of operation whereby at least one setpoint normally used by the thermostat is changed. The thermostat is operative to compute the integral of change in setpoint temperature over time during each setback mode of operation. The thermostat is also operative to maintain a running total of such computed integrals of change in setpoint temperature over time in order to respond to any request for such computed integrals. The thermostat is furthermore operative to set the total of such computed integrals of change in setpoint temperature over time equal to zero in response to a request to clear the total of such computed integrals of change in setpoint temperature over time. The thermostat will furthermore compute the integral of temperature offset occurring over any time left in any present setback mode of operation after implementing a requested clearing so as to thereby initiate the computation of a new running total of computed integrals of temperature offset occurring over time spent in setback modes of operation that are implemented after the clearing.

Claims14

Dependent claims

A process executable by a programmed processor within a thermostat for tracking and reporting the participation by the thermostat in requested setbacks of the setpoint temperature for the thermostat, said process comprising the steps of:

responding to a request from a requesting entity to enter into a setback mode of operation whereby at least one setpoint used in a normal mode of operation is changed;
tracking the amount of time that elapses during the setback mode of operation;
and
responding to a request from the requesting entity for an indication as to the amount of change in setpoint temperature that has occurred over time, said step of responding comprising the steps of:
computing the integral of change in setpoint temperature over time, and
transmitting the computed integral of change in setpoint temperature over time to the requesting entity.

3 more elements

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

a memory for storing information;
a processor operative to receive at least one communication requesting that the thermostat enter into a setback mode of operation whereby at least one setpoint used in a normal mode of operation is changed, said processor being operative to respond to a request from the requesting entity for an indication as to the amount of change in setpoint temperature that has occurred over time by computing the integral of change in setpoint temperature over time and transmitting the computed integral of change in setpoint temperature over time to the requesting entity.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Weighted setback reporting thermostat

Life of this patent

Weighted setback reporting thermostat

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims14