Device and method for interactive programming of a thermostat

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention relates to a device and method for interactive programming of a thermostat, and more particularly, to a universally adaptable thermostat that verbally provides step by step instructions for the operating and/or programming of a programmable or non-programmable thermostat to manage temperature and time parameters in a heating and cooling system.

[0003] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0004] There are several programmable thermostats now available in the market. To operate these thermostats, a user may select a plurality of times within a day and assign a desired temperature to each time. The thermostat then controls a heating and/or cooling system according to the programmed times and temperatures. Programmable thermostats of the type described above are advantageous in that they permit the thermostat to control the heating and/or cooling operation within an environment that changes over the day in accordance with the user's particular schedule, thus saving energy costs.

[0005] However, programming such thermostats can be challenging when used by people, who are not very familiar with electronic appliances and with programming procedures/systems. The displays used are usually of the “static” type, with icons and segments, and therefore are not interactive with the user; moreover, conventional devices almost always require a large number of keys, each one specialized according to function. To reduce cost some devices may use fewer keys, but a reduced number of keys also introduces confusing key combinations to memorize. Therefore, even though they may not be completely lacking in general knowledge of programming electronic devices, users are often obliged to consult the related instruction booklet (which is not always completely understandable), and the potential of the programming device can almost never be entirely exploited. Also, the blind or visually impaired are totally excluded from using these energy saving devices.

[0006] Accordingly, there is a need for a programmable thermostat that is easily installed on any heating and/or air conditioning system and easily programmable by a user, both sighted or visually impaired, having no knowledge or experience in programming.

[0007] According to one aspect the present invention relates to a programmable thermostat device communicatively connected to a heating/cooling system, the device comprising:

• • [0008] a microprocessor configured to send signals to and receive signals from the heating/cooling system upon a preset triggering event and/or commands by a user;
  • [0009] a user interface comprising at least one triggering means that upon activation interacts with the microprocessor;
  • [0010] a voice storage means comprising pre-recorded audible signals or microprocessor generated audible signals associated with activation of triggering means, wherein the audible signals are responsively actuatable in the microprocessor;
  • [0011] an announcing means, wherein upon activation of a triggering means, the microcontroller causes an audible signal to be announced relative to the triggering means;
  • [0012] a display device for displaying output comprising at least one display parameter selected from the group including: current status of selectable functions, ambient conditions, programming status and/or response to activation of a triggering means.

[0013] In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a programmable thermostat device communicatively connected to a heating/cooling system adapted for visually impaired users, the device comprising:

• • [0014] a microprocessor configured to send signals to and receive signals from the heating/cooling system upon a preset triggering event and/or commands by a user;
  • [0015] a user interface comprising at least one triggering means that upon activation interacts with the microprocessor;
  • [0016] a voice storage means comprising pre-recorded audible signals or microprocessor generated audible signals associated with activation of triggering means, wherein the audible signals are responsively actuatable in the microprocessor;
  • [0017] an announcing means, wherein upon activation of a triggering means, the microcontroller causes an audible signal to be announced relative to the triggering means; and
  • [0018] an alerting means comprising a visual display device and/or a verbal announcing device to alert a user of current status of programmable time and temperature parameters, to alert a user of different choices within the time and temperature parameters and/or to alert a user of chosen parameters selected from the group including: current status of selectable functions, ambient conditions, programming status and/or response to activation of a triggering means.

[0019] In yet another aspect, the present invention provides for a method for changing current programmed temperature/time parameters in a thermostat, comprising:

• • [0020] activating a first triggering means to initiate programming of desired programmed temperature/time parameters;
  • [0021] responding to a pre-recorded or microprocessor generated audible message offering the option of audible instructions for programming guidance by activating a second triggering means to accept or reject the option of audible instructions;
  • [0022] activating a third triggering means to input desired programmed temperature/time parameters wherein modified parameters are visually displayed and/or verbally announced; and
  • [0023] activating a final triggering means to complete programming of desired programmed temperature/time parameters.

[0024] In yet another aspect, the present invention provides for a method of changing current ambient temperature parameters in a thermostat, comprising:

• • [0025] activating a first triggering means to initiate programming of desired ambient temperature parameters;
  • [0026] responding to a prerecorded audible message offering the option of audible instructions for programming the thermostat by activating a second triggering means thereby initiating audible instructions for programming;
  • [0027] activating a third triggering means according to audible instructions to input desired ambient temperature parameters wherein modified ambient temperature parameters are visually displayed and/or verbally announced; and
  • [0028] activating a final triggering means to complete programming of desired ambient parameters.

[0029] Other aspects and features of the invention will be more fully apparent from the ensuing disclosure and appended claims.

[0035] With reference to FIG. 1, an audible interactive and programmable thermostat of the present invention is indicated by reference number 10, wherein the programmable thermostat is a battery or system powered heating and cooling digital thermostat control device with a microprocessor that plays voice setup instructions and messages for easy and precise temperature management not only during the week but also provides for specific timing instruction for weekends. The thermostat of the present invention is schematically illustrated in FIG. 1 and comprises a central processing unit 11 connected to inner memory 15 wherein preset programs of the thermostat are stored and memorized for activation by user. The processing unit is further communicatively connected to sensors 12 to receive input signals from the sensors to detect ambient temperature in the surrounding area of the thermostat so that the processing unit can send out signals to the heating/cooling system to regulate temperature conditions according to the temperature setpoint programmed into the memory of the processing unit. The processing unit is communicatively connected to a clock 13. Further, the processing unit is able to receive and processes commands inputted by the user through the triggering means 14 that are stored in a non-volatile memory for further activation of the heating/cooling system 18. Alerting means 17, which can be a visual display panel and/or a verbal announcing means, in the illustrated embodiment is display panel that visually displays many features of the present invention including, but not limited to, the current status of heating/cooling system, ambient temperature of the area, mode of programming currently being executed by the central processing unit and/or time and day of the week. Further included in thermostat 10 is an audio system 16 that provides for audio instruction during the programming of the thermostat and can also notify the user of time and ambient temperatures that may be sensed in the heating/cooling system.

[0036] In another embodiment, the present invention provides for a unitary structure that comprises the components set forth above and may further include an alerting device that includes a verbal announcing device that may be separate or combined with the audio device 16 to provide alerting announcements and voice instructions for a visually impaired user. The present invention may include both a display device and the verbal announcing device thereby providing a programmable for hearing impaired or visually impaired users.

[0037] FIG. 2 shows a preferred thermostat housing 21, as a unitary structure according to the present invention comprising a front panel 20 of the present audible thermostat. The front panel includes a plurality of trigger means 14 (see FIG. 1) that upon activation provide for programming the thermostat. The trigger means may include a “REPORT” button 24, which upon activation the current indoor temperature and setpoint temperature are announced and/or visually shown on the display panel 36. Additional messages can be displayed and/or announced, for example, reporting a low battery or a reminder for checking the filter in the heating/cooling system. Further shown on the front panel are “UP” and “DOWN,” buttons, 28 and 30 respectively, which upon activation can adjust any number setting up or down, such as adjusting temperatures and/or setting the clock. As these buttons are activated, the resulting activation can be verbally announced. It should be noted that all triggering means, such as the buttons and switches shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 can be fabricated of a material that provides an acceptable surface and size for imprinting brail letters thereon.

[0038] Still further shown on the front panel are additional features that simplify the programming of the thermostat relating to the programming of temperature setpoints and providing an indication as to which particular temperature setpoint program is currently active. For instance, a 24 hour period may be divided into four separate time periods 32, including “WAKE”, “DAY”, “EVE” and “SLEEP” and each time period can include preferred heating/cooling temperatures that are applied during a 24 hour period.

[0039] The digital display panel 36 provides a visual display of programming parameters and current status of the heating/cooling system. Preferably, a liquid crystal display (LCD) which when an electrical connection is made, circuitry that is well known in the art, causes the LCD to emit a signal responding to the button activated. The display panel may also include the respective days of the week, including “MO,” “TU,” “WE,” “TH,” “FR,” “SA” and “SU”. As shown on the display panel 36 the illustrated day of the week is Wednesday “WE.” In the visually impaired embodiment, all the displayed icons will also be associated with voice tags to alert the user of the day and time. The digital display panel further displays the indoor temperature and the temperature set point on the LCD display. The larger lower number is the indoor temperature and the smaller number (above) is the current setpoint. A user can check the indoor and setpoint temperatures by pressing the “REPORT” button 24 and the following message may be played:

• • [0040] “The indoor temperature is (______) degrees.”
  • [0041] “The thermostat is set for (______) degrees.”

[0042] The digital display panel further provides visual and/or verbal (if the verbal announcement device has been included and/or activated) indication of the time of day and the specific time period, that being, in the “AM” or “PM” time period. There is also included a visual display and/or an announcement that alerts the user as to whether the programming system is currently in the “ON” or “OFF” position and in which mode the system is currently running, that being “HEAT,” “COOL” and/or “FAN.” The digital display panel provides for alerting the homeowner or user regarding specific conditions that require attention, for example, a message can be displayed that warns the batteries are low in the thermostat or that the system has been running a predetermined length of time and the air filter may need to be inspected for changing or cleaning.

[0043] In another embodiment, the present invention may further comprises additional programming that provides voice tags for each of the different trigger means thereby providing an audible announcing system to audibly informed visually impaired user of any changes in the system, audibly instruct the user before each trigger step and audibly confirm completion of each command. Thus, this embodiment generates control signals in conjunction with audio signals thereby alerting user of current condition, choices for altering and programming the heat/cool system.

[0044] The front panel further includes, to accommodate the audio features of the present invention, an audio system comprising a speaker 38 mounted within the thermostat housing. A grid 40 in the thermostat housing protects the speaker, while providing substantial free space for sound to travel through the grid 40. The speaker, having an adjustable volume, is preferably mounted so that it will project sound away from the thermostat housing into the area of the room. An amplifier drives the speaker as well known in the art. Pressing any of the trigger means initiates the applicable audio message through the speaker representative of the action of selected triggering means.

[0045] The audio system further comprises a voice chip to enunciate the desired action, current status of system or provide instructions of programming. An addressable voice chip is preferred so that the person assembling the device is able to record the necessary audible messages. The end user is then able, using the triggering means to output the messages applicable to selected triggering means. Verbal announcements can be stored in a conventional serial or parallel memory chips, or directly in the microprocessor. Alternatively, the microprocessor includes applicable algorithms that generate voice-like words in response to specific requests. Any commercially available voice chip or addressable voice chip that provides the above features may be used. Further, the audio system may comprise a microphone for recording capability coupled to the addressable voice circuit to allow the user to provide a message for later playback.

[0046] The front panel further includes a front panel door 34, which springs open to show an interior panel 48, as shown in FIG. 3, which provides additional triggering means for programming of the thermostat. Reset button 50, resets the thermostat to the factory default program settings. For example, if any of the functions on the display panel 36 lock up or the display panel scrambles, the user can open the thermostat housing and then press “RESET” to restore default settings.

[0047] The “PROGRAM” panel 52 includes multiple buttons required for programming the thermostat. Specifically, the “ON/OFF” button 64 turns programming on and off; the “RUN” button 62 saves any changes made during the programming or when “OVERIDE” is displayed, turns it off and restores the originally programmed settings; the “WEEKEND” button 60 programs Saturday and Sunday time and temperature setpoints; “WEEKDAY” button 58 programs Monday through Friday time and temperature setpoints; the “YES” button 54 confirms requests and the “NO” button 56 cancels requests.

[0048] The “SET” button 66 adjusts the day and time settings. For example, the user presses the “DAY/TIME” button 66, and the user will hear the audible announcement:

• • [0049] “Do you want to change the Day or Time Settings? Press YES or NO,”
    and the user activates either button 54 and 56, indicating “YES” or “NO” respectively. If the NO button is pressed, the day and time settings remain the same. If the “YES” button is activated, the user will likely hear:
  • [0050] “Would you like voice instructions? Press the YES or NO button.”
    If the “YES” button is pressed by the user, each programmed step will be announce to the user for providing guidance through the programming instruction. The thermostat of the present invention will wait for each step to be completed before proceeding to the next voice instruction. If the “NO” button is pressed, programming can be done without voice assistance and guidance is displayed on the display panel 36 (FIG. 2). For example, the time will be displayed on the digital display panel 36, and if no change is required the “RUN” button 62 is pressed.

[0051] In the alternative to make changes to the time, the “UP” or “DOWN” buttons, 28 and 30 respectively, are pressed to set the hours and minutes. When the desired time is reached, the “RUN” button is activated. Next the DAY will be displayed on the display panel 36, and if no change is required the user presses the “RUN” button. In the alternative if the day is changed, the “UP” and “DOWN” buttons are pressed until the desired day is shown on the display panel and then the user presses the “RUN” button. In the visually impaired embodiment, the user will hear each minute as the clock is set, then each hour, and finally each day of the week until the desired hour, minute or day is reached.

[0052] The internal panel 48 further comprises several additional trigger means that activate different modes of the heating/cooling system. For example, switch 68 can be moved to set the fan, connected to the heating/cooling system, to run continuously or switched to run only when the heating or cooling is operating. Switch 70 is moved to turn the heating/cooling system “OFF” or moving the switch into the “HEAT” position can activate the heating system. In the alternative, moving the switch into the “COOL” system can activate the cooling system.

[0053] When the user desires to program the thermostat of the present invention, the user opens the front panel door to show the internal panel 48 and activates the “ON/OFF” button 64 in the “PROGRAM” panel 52. The digital display panel 36 will show PROG/ON and the following audio announcement will be heard:

• • [0054] “Program is ON”
    When the PROG/ON is displayed and the user does not change the “WEEKEND” and “WEEKDAY” time and temperature setpoints, the thermostat of the present invention will “run automatically.” Run automatically means that the last entered program settings will be used. If the present thermostat has never been programmed, the factory default settings will automatically be used. Preferably the default settings are comparable to the EPA Energy Star Acceptable Setpoint Time and Temperature settings, such as shown below:

[0055]

	TIME	HEAT	COOL
	Wake Up Time: 6 AM	70° F.	78° F.
		21° C.	26° C.
	Day Time: 8 AM	62° F.	85° F.
		17° C.	29° C.
	Evening Time: 6 PM	70° F.	78° F.
		21° C.	26° C.
	Sleep Time: 10 PM	62° F.	82° F.
		17° C.	28° C.

[0056] If the user decides to change the factory default settings (or any previous settings), programming can be efficiency completed by initially jotting down the desired weekday and weekend settings for easy reference during the programming. For example, an applicable table is shown below:

[0057]

	Time	Heat ° F./C.	Cool ° F./C.
	WEEKDAY
	Wake Up
	Day
	Evening
	Sleep
	WEEKEND
	Wake Up
	Day
	Evening
	Sleep

[0058] Initially, the mode of heating or cooling has to be inputted by moving switch 70 to HEAT to change the heat program or move the system switch to COOL to change the cool program. The system will remind the user, either visually or verbally, to turn the system to HEAT or COOL. If the switch is in the OFF position, OFF will be digitally displayed and/or audibly announced and the user will be unable to program the thermostat.

[0059] After the mode, heating or cooling, is selected, the “WEEKDAY” or “WEEKEND” button, 58 or 60 respectively, is activated. When the “WEEKDAY” button is activated, the user will hear a message such as the following:

• • [0060] “Do you want to change the program? Press YES or NO.”
    If the “NO” button is pressed, the thermostat stays in the present status. If the user activates the “YES” button, the following message will be heard:
  • [0061] “Would you like voice instructions? Press YES or NO.”

[0062] It should be noted that the programming can be completed without voice assistance, if the “NO” button is pressed. If the “YES” button is pressed, each programming step will be announced to the user. The audible interactive thermostat of the present invention will wait for the user to confirm each step by pressing the “RUN” button before proceeding with the next step. When all the steps have been completed the user will hear:

• • [0063] “Program complete”

[0064] The programming will initiate with Wake Up Time Programming. The system will announce the following message:

• • [0065] “Press the UP or DOWN key to set the Wake Time, when finished, press RUN”
    If no change is required the user presses the “RUN” button. To make changes, the user presses the “UP” or “DOWN” button to set the Wake Up Time. In the visually impaired embodiment the time is announce every time the “UP” or “DOWN” button is pressed. When the desired Time is chosen, the user presses the “RUN” button. The Wake Up Temperature is changed the same as the Wake Up Time. The Day Time, Evening Time and Sleep Time programming is programmed in a similar fashion until the programming is complete.

[0066] Other options of the present invention include choosing between using Fahrenheit and Celsius by pressing the “YES” and “NO” buttons together for about 3 seconds to switch the LCD display between Fahrenheit and Celsius.

[0067] Additionally, when the thermostat is in the programming mode, the temperature setpoints can be manually overridden by pressing “UP” or “DOWN” buttons to the desired temperature. “OVERRIDE” is displayed and the thermostat will remain in the manual temperature setpoint until either 1) the next program time change or 2) the “RUN” button is pressed.

[0068] The “RUN” button stores any program changes when pressed while the “PROG/ON” is displayed. If the “RUN” button is pressed while the “OVERRIDE” is displayed on the digital display panel 36, the setpoint temperature returns to the programmed setting, which will be either the factory default settings or the latest programmed setting.

[0069] The thermostat further provides for a warning when the batteries are starting to run low. The digital display screen 36 will display “LO BAT” for approximately three (3) weeks before the batteries become dead. If the batteries become too low, the screen will go blank. A verbal “LOW BATTERY” message is appended to the “REPORT” message when the batteries are low. After pressing the “REPORT” button and hearing the “low battery” message, the “LOW BATTERY” icon on the display screen is removed.

[0070] A remote control device can further program the thermostat, so that a user can override the thermostat without physically contacting the thermostat housing. Any universal remote that emits a command signal, which is modulated (either frequency modulated or amplitude modulated) to be representative of the button that is pressed, may be used with the present invention, such as the remote device described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,130,624, the contents hereby incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. The command signal is transmitted to the thermostat housing and received by a RF receiver 19 (FIG. 1) to effectuate the function of the activated button.

[0071] In a further embodiment, the thermostat can be also directly connected to a telephone line and programmed remotely through telephone transmission lines, using either voice frequency signal or frequency signals different from voice frequencies.

[0072] FIG. 4 illustrates a representative software routine incorporated into the computer system for the purpose of effectuating a task of programming, which is displayed in a simplified top-level block diagram. The time and temperature programming starts 110 by activating the PROG/ON button which proceeds to initialize various memories of the system. The program then proceeds to step 112 at which point the display panel 36 displays the current status of the system including information on the temperature, time, day of the week, current program settings. Alternatively, the system verbally announces the current status of the system. The program may proceed to request if the user wishes to change settings of the program 114. If the user selects “NO” by activating the “NO” button 56, then the previous settings remain the same. If the user selects “YES”, the program retrieves a messages requesting if the user wants voice instructions during the programming process 116. If the user selects “YES”, the program awaits until the user selects and activates a specific trigger means 118 and the processing unit retrieves applicable instruction from memory to provide voice instructions to the user 120. Upon inputting selected parameters by the user pressing the “UP” and “DOWN” buttons 122, the processing unit stores the input in memory, sets the new settings for the chosen parameters, optionally announces the new settings, and waits for the user to complete the programming process by triggering the “RUN” button 124 to complete the process. The new parameter is then stored and/or displayed 112 on the display screen 36 and/or verbally announced. If the user decided not to use the voice instructions by pressing “NO”, the user selects a specific triggering means 126, and inputs setting parameters by pressing the “UP/DOWN” keys 128 until the desired settings is reached. Upon completion the user selects the “RUN” button to complete the process 130.

[0073] The present invention provides for several unique and advantageous programming features including, four separate time and temperature settings, 5/2 weekday/weekend programming, a 7 day individual programming feature, an override temperature feature which allows manual change of the temperature setpoint until the next program time or until the “RUN” button is pressed, holds both heating and cooling programs simultaneously, provides a button that announces a personalized message 22 (see FIG. 1), a LCD display panel that displays both ambient temperatures and current setpoint temperatures, an announcing means that corresponds or replaces the visual display panel to provide the user with verbal current status and all updates in the system and providing for cycle adjustments in three different temperature spans.

[0074] Additionally, the present audible interactive thermostat will trigger the system “ON” or “OFF” to cycle through a set program only when the indoor temperature is above or below the temperature setpoint, whether the temperature setpoint is the factory default setting or specifically programmed by the user. The Cycle rate of the present thermostat can be adjusted by pressing the “UP” and “DOWN” button at the same time for approximately 5 seconds to force the temperature display on display panel 36 to flash and then C1, C2 or C3 will be displayed. To select the desired cycle rate the user presses the “UP” or “DOWN” button. The cycle rate settings include: Cycle 1 for minimum temperature range and efficiency, Cycle 2 to provide normal temperature range and efficiency and Cycle 3 for maximum range and efficiency. The “RUN” button is pressed to accept the new cycle settings. The temperature display range of the present thermostat is from about 40° to about 99° F. and the control range is from about 40° to about 99° F.

[0075] Advantageously, the present thermostat has the ability to be connected to most heating/cooling system and includes multiple terminals, in a range of from 4 to about 10 terminals, for providing adaptation to single or two-transformer systems thereby allowing for connection to several different types of heating/cooling systems, including but not limited to Heat/Cool units with a 5 wire two transformer, Heat only units with a 2 or 3 wire single transformer, Heat/Cool units with a 4 wire single transformer and heat pumps, as shown in FIGS. 5A, B, C and D.

[0076] Although the present invention has been described with reference to preferred embodiments, one skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For instance, workers skilled in the art will appreciate that all of the various embodiments discussed herein may be employed with one or more of the other embodiments.