Connected thermostat for controlling a climate system based on a desired usage profile in comparison to other connected thermostats controlling other climate systems

Methods, devices, computer readable medium, and systems are described for sending from a thermostat device to a server device a target ecorank setting, and receiving from the server a climate system setting wherein the climate system setting is derived from a comparison of energy consumed by the climate system controlled by the thermostat device in comparison to energy consumed by a comparison group, the comparison group comprising other climate systems controlled by other thermostat devices. The comparison group is determined based on profile information comprising information describing the dwelling, dwelling size, dwelling location, occupants, and climate system technology. The climate system setting is determined based on an energy savings needed to match or better the ecorank target setting based on a comparison group and comparison time period. The energy consumed by the climate systems may be reported by an associated energy measurement device or inferred by heating and cooling hours.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a thermostat for providing feedback to a user as to how the energy consumption of their climate control system compares to the energy consumption of other related climate control systems. In another aspect of the present disclosure, the user sets an ecorank target setting among other climate control systems, and the energy consumption is controlled in order to meet or better the ecorank target.

BACKGROUND

With an ever increasing worldwide population consuming the world's fossil fuel supply at an ever increasing rate, many people have become interested in reducing their energy consumption footprint. Reducing energy consumption also results in lower pollution emissions and reduced energy expenditures. Recent developments in connected thermostats allow for more efficient energy use through machine learning and artificial intelligence techniques to adaptively control the climate system setting of a thermostat. Some thermostat devices are smart enough to notify users through portals and messaging when they have decreased or increased their energy consumption due to the thermostats adaptive temperature control. However, this information is not available in real-time nor at the thermostat device itself.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The following disclosure describes a connected thermostat. In one aspects of the disclosure, as the user changes climate settings at the thermostat, the system provides real-time feedback as to how energy consumed by a climate system controlled by the thermostat compares to other energy consumed by other climate systems controlled by other thermostats. While current thermostats may provide feedback on climate settings that represent an improvement over past settings, they do not provide that feedback in real-time, and they do not provide information to the user in regards to where the user ranks in energy consumption in comparison to similar consumers through the use of comparison groups, nor at the thermostat device itself.

In a further aspect of the disclosure, in a second mode of operation, the thermostat user is enabled to change an ecorank target setting indicating where they would like to rank in a comparison group in terms of energy consumption. Based on this “ecorank target setting”, the disclosed system adjusts the climate system setting to achieve this ecorank target setting. The thermostat device displays in real-time a climate system setting that will achieve this goal. However, it is important to note that as other users of the system adjust their climate system settings, this climate system setting may also have to change to achieve the ecorank target setting.

A system of one or more computers can be configured to perform particular operations or actions by virtue of having software, firmware, hardware, or a combination thereof installed on the system that in operation causes or cause the system to perform the actions. One or more computer programs can be configured to perform particular operations or actions by virtue of including instructions that, when executed by data processing apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform the actions. One general aspect includes a unitary thermostat device including: a housing, a signaling interface attached to the housing and operable to control a climate system including one or more climate system components, where the one or more climate system components includes one or more of a heating component, a cooling component, a fan component, a humidification component, and a dehumidification component. The unitary thermostat device also includes a communications interface attached to the housing and; a processor and memory located within the housing and associated with the communications interface and the signaling interface and operable to send, to a server device, an ecorank target setting. The unitary thermostat device also includes receiving, from the server device, a climate system setting. The unitary thermostat device also includes controlling the climate system based on the climate system setting; and a display attached to the housing and operable to present the climate system setting. Other embodiments of this aspect include corresponding computer systems, apparatus, and computer programs recorded on one or more computer storage devices, each configured to perform the actions of the methods.

Implementations may include one or more of the following features. The unitary thermostat device where the ecorank target setting includes information reflecting a desired usage of the climate system controlled by the unitary thermostat device in comparison to other usage of other climate systems controlled by other unitary thermostat devices. The one or more climate system components are fueled by one or more of electricity, gas, oil, wood, and coal. The unitary thermostat device may be further operable to send, to the server device, usage information indicating usage of the one or more climate system components and including one or more of heating component usage information, cooling component usage information, fan component usage information, humidification component usage information, and dehumidification component usage information. The unitary thermostat device may also include receiving, from the server device, ecorank information; and the display operable to present the ecorank information. Sending usage information may further include sending a climate system setting. The unitary thermostat device may be further operable to receive, from an other device, the ecorank target setting; and apply the the ecorank target setting. The climate system setting may include one or more of a heat setting, cool setting, fan setting, a humidifier setting, and an ecorank target setting. The unitary thermostat device may be further operate to receive an updated ecorank target setting. The unitary thermostat device may also include sending, to the server device, the updated ecorank target setting. The unitary thermostat device may also include receiving, from the server device, an updated climate system setting. The unitary thermostat device may also include applying the updated climate system setting to the unitary thermostat device; and the display operable to present the updated climate system setting, where the unitary thermostat device is a first thermostat device associated with a first dwelling and the updated climate system setting is received in response to the server device receiving updated information from an other thermostat device associated with an other dwelling. The unitary thermostat device may be further operable to receive, at the unitary thermostat device, user input identifying the ecorank target setting. The unitary thermostat device may also include sending, to the server device, the ecorank target setting. The unitary thermostat device may be further operable to receive an updated climate system setting; and the display operable to present the updated climate system setting, where the unitary thermostat device is a first thermostat device associated with a first dwelling and the updated climate system setting is received in response to the server device receiving updated information from an other thermostat associated with an other dwelling. The unitary thermostat device may be further operable to receive a climate priority mode setting. The unitary thermostat device may also include applying the climate priority mode setting to the unitary thermostat device. The unitary thermostat device may also include sending climate system usage information to the server device. The unitary thermostat device may also include receiving updated ecorank information from the server device; and the display operable to present a visual indicator of the climate priority mode. The unitary thermostat device may further include receiving the ecorank target setting and sending the climate system setting, receiving information identifying a user providing the ecorank target setting; and send the information identifying the user providing the ecorank target setting with the ecorank target setting. The unitary thermostat device may be further connected to a plurality of thermostat devices associated with a dwelling. The plurality of thermostat devices associated with the dwelling operate independently from one another, and the ecorank target setting applied to one of the plurality thermostat devices, is applied to only the one of the plurality thermostat devices. The plurality of thermostat devices associated with the dwelling may also operate dependently with one another, and the ecorank target setting applied to one of the plurality thermostat devices, is applied to all of the plurality of thermostat devices. The ecorank target setting may be one or more of a numerical score, percentage, graphic, icon, color, letter, ecorank trend indicator, an audio item, and a video item. The received climate system setting may be determined at the server based on needed energy savings, the needed energy savings determined by comparing energy consumed by the climate system controlled by the unitary thermostat device to a comparison group, the comparison group including other climate systems associated with a plurality of other thermostat devices providing other climate system usage information to the server device, the comparison made over a temporal comparison period based on the usage information provided by the thermostat device and the plurality of other thermostat devices including the comparison group. The comparison group may be determined by profile information. The profile information may include of one or more of: a geographical location of a dwelling associated with the unitary thermostat device, a dwelling structural volume of the dwelling associated with the unitary thermostat device, a construction year of the dwelling associated with the unitary thermostat device, a foundation type of the dwelling associated with the unitary thermostat device, an elevation of the dwelling associated with the unitary thermostat device, a size of the dwelling associated with the unitary thermostat device, a format of the dwelling associated with the unitary thermostat device, a number of floors in the dwelling associated with the unitary thermostat device, a number of occupants associated with the dwelling associated with the unitary thermostat device, and a social group associated with a user of the unitary thermostat device. The comparison group may be one of a symmetric group and an asymmetric group, where the symmetric group is defined as a group where if entity a is in entity b's group, then entity b is in entity a's group, and where the asymmetric group is defined as a group where entity a is in entity b's group, but entity b is not in entity a's group. The unitary thermostat device may be further capable of receiving the climate system setting and further operable to request the climate system setting. The unitary thermostat device may also include receiving, in real-time, the climate system setting in response to the request and in temporal proximity to the request. The unitary thermostat device may be further operable to receive the climate system setting at a time designated by the server device. The climate system setting may be determined based on a temporal comparison period, the temporal comparison period being n days in length and being repositioned by the server device on a daily basis. The climate system setting may be determined based on a temporal comparison period, the temporal comparison period being n days in length and being moved by the server device at an end of the n days. The unitary thermostat device may be further operable to determine a privacy mode setting; and the display operable to present, based on the privacy mode setting, the ecorank target setting. The unitary thermostat device may communicate with the server device through a hub device. The unitary thermostat device and the hub device may communicate using a first communication protocol and the hub device and the server device communicate using a second different communication protocol. Implementations of the described techniques may include hardware, a method or process, or computer software on a computer-accessible medium.

One general aspect includes a method of operating a unitary thermostat device including: sending, to a server device, an ecorank target setting, the ecorank target setting reflecting the desired usage of the climate system controlled by the unitary thermostat device in comparison to other usage of other climate systems controlled by other unitary thermostat devices; receiving, from the server device, a climate system setting; controlling, through a signaling interface, according to the climate system setting, a climate system including one or more climate system components, where the one or more climate system components are included of one or more of a heating component, a cooling component, a fan component, a humidification component, and a dehumidification component; and presenting, on a display of the unitary thermostat device, the climate system setting. Other embodiments of this aspect include corresponding computer systems, apparatus, and computer programs recorded on one or more computer storage devices, each configured to perform the actions of the methods.

One general aspect includes a non-transitory computer readable medium storing program codes that when executed instruct a processor in a unitary thermostat device to: send, to a server device, an ecorank target setting, the ecorank target setting reflecting the desired usage of the climate system controlled by the unitary thermostat device in comparison to other usage of other climate systems controlled by other unitary thermostat devices; receive, from the server device, a climate system setting; control, through a signaling interface, according to the climate system setting, a climate system including one or more climate system components, where the one or more climate system components are included of one or more of a heating component, a cooling component, a fan component, a humidification component, and a dehumidification component; and present, on a display of the unitary thermostat device, the climate system setting. Other embodiments of this aspect include corresponding computer systems, apparatus, and computer programs recorded on one or more computer storage devices, each configured to perform the actions of the methods.

One general aspect includes a system including: a unitary thermostat device including: a housing, a signaling interface attached to the housing and operable to control a climate system including one or more climate system components. The system also includes a first communications interface attached to the housing; a first processor and a first memory within to the housing and associated with the first communications interface and operable to send, to a server device, an ecorank target setting. The system also includes receiving, from the server device, a climate system setting; and a display attached to the housing and operable to present the climate system setting. The system also includes a second communications interface; a second processor and a second memory associated with the second communications interface and operable to receive, from the thermostat device, the ecorank target setting. The system also includes determining, based on climate system usage information, the climate system setting. The system also includes sending, to the thermostat device, the climate system setting. Other embodiments of this aspect include corresponding computer systems, apparatus, and computer programs recorded on one or more computer storage devices, each configured to perform the actions of the methods.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

While most people want to reduce energy consumption, it can be discouraging when one considers the impact that a single person can have given a world population of 7.3 billion. Even if that one consumer used no energy at all, the savings in worldwide energy consumption would be infinitesimal. However, if groups of people change their consumption habits, the impact is more substantial. However, there is currently no way for energy consumption habits to be easily shared in a timely and actionable way. It is easy to see how such a mechanism could have a substantial impact on a user's habits. In other words, an average consumer would be more likely to make sacrifices in energy consumption if they knew others were making similar sacrifices. The proposed connected thermostat device offers the ability to provide that information in a real-time fashion allowing for instant gratification. Similarly, users might be more likely to make sacrifices in everyday consumption if they knew how they compared to others. I.e. if they knew they were using more energy than 90% of other users, then they might be more likely to change. Key to the practicality of this assumption is being able to compare a user to similar other users. I.e. comparing the energy consumption of someone living in a 600 sq. ft. urban condo to someone living in 3,000 sq. ft. suburban home for five is not likely to produce useful comparisons and provide the needed behavioral incentive. Another example would be comparing a single occupant dwelling to another single occupant dwelling where the occupant works from a home office. The two occupants might in fact use the same amount of energy, but in one case that energy consumption is being captured completely at the home dwelling and in the other case part of the energy is occurs at the home dwelling and part occurs at an office building. For a more meaningful comparison to occur, the comparison group for the user with the home office would not include others that did not work at home, or adjustments would be made to account for the fact.

As referred to herein, the term “computing device” should be broadly construed. It can include any type of computing device, for example, a smart phone, a cell phone, a pager, a personal digital assistant (PDA, e.g., with GPRS NIC), a mobile computer with a cellular radio, or the like. A typical computing device is a wireless data access-enabled device (e.g., an iPHONE® smart phone, a BLACKBERRY® smart phone, a NEXUS ONE™ smart phone, an iPAD™ device, or the like) that is capable of sending and receiving data in a wireless manner using protocols like the Internet Protocol, or IP, and the wireless application protocol, or WAP. This allows users to access information via wireless devices, such as smart phones, mobile phones, pagers, two-way radios, communicators, and the like. Wireless data access is supported by many wireless networks, including, but not limited to, CDPD, CDMA, GSM, PDC, PHS, TDMA, FLEX, ReFLEX, iDEN, TETRA, DECT, DataTAC, Mobitex, EDGE and other 2G, 3G, 4G and LTE technologies, and it operates with many handheld device operating systems, such as PalmOS, EPOC, Windows CE, FLEXOS, OS/9, JavaOS, iOS and Android. Typically, these devices use graphical displays and can access the Internet (or other communications network) on so-called mini- or micro-browsers, which are web browsers with small file sizes that can accommodate the constrained operating environment of wireless devices on wireless networks. In a representative embodiment, the computing device is a cellular telephone or smart phone that operates over GPRS (General Packet Radio Services), which is a data technology for GSM networks. In addition to a conventional voice communication, a given computing device can communicate with another such device via many different types of message transfer techniques, including SMS (short message service), enhanced SMS (EMS), multi-media message (MMS), email WAP, paging, or other known or later-developed wireless data formats. Although many of the examples provided herein are implemented on a computing device, the examples may similarly be implemented on any suitable “computing device”.

Computer storage media is non-transitory and includes volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storage of information such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. Computer storage media includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage components, or any other medium which can be used to store the desired information and may be accessed by an instruction execution system. Note that the computer-usable or computer-readable medium can be paper or other suitable medium upon which the program is printed, as the program can be electronically captured via, for instance, optical scanning of the paper or other suitable medium, then compiled, interpreted, of otherwise processed in a suitable manner, if necessary, and then stored in a computer memory.

Communication media typically embodies computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other data in a modulated data signal such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism and includes any information delivery media. The term “modulated data signal” can be defined as a signal that has one or more of its characteristics set or changed in such a manner as to encode information in the signal. By way of example, and not limitation, communication media includes wired media such as a wired network or direct-wired connection, and wireless media such as acoustic, RF, infrared and other wireless media. Combinations of any of the above-mentioned should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

Operating environments in which embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented are also well-known. In a representative embodiment, a device, such as a computing device30, is connectable to a transmission functionality that varies depending on implementation. Thus, for example, where the operating environment is a wide area wireless network (e.g., a 2.5G network, a 3G network, or a 4G network), the transmission functionality comprises one or more components such as a mobile switching center (MSC) (an enhanced ISDN switch that is responsible for call handling of mobile subscribers), a visitor location register (VLR) (an intelligent database that stores on a temporary basis data required to handle calls set up or received by computing devices registered with the VLR), a home location register (HLR) (an intelligent database responsible for management of each subscriber's records), one or more base stations (which provide radio coverage with a cell), a base station controller (BSC) (a switch that acts as a local concentrator of traffic and provides local switching to effect handover between base stations), and a packet control unit (PCU) (a device that separates data traffic coming from a computing device). The HLR also controls certain services associated with incoming calls. Of course, the present disclosure may be implemented in other and next-generation mobile networks and devices as well. The computing device is the physical equipment used by the end user, typically a subscriber to the wireless network. Typically, a computing device is a 2.5G-compliant device, 3G-compliant device, or a 4G-compliant device) that includes a subscriber identity module (SIM), which is a smart card that carries subscriber-specific information, mobile equipment (e.g., radio and associated signal processing devices), a user interface (or a man-machine interface (MMI), and one or more interfaces to external devices (e.g., computers, PDAs, and the like). The computing device may also include a memory or data store. The presently disclosed subject matter is now described in more detail.

Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. Therefore, any given numerical range shall include whole and fractions of numbers within the range. For example, the range “1 to 10” shall be interpreted to specifically include whole numbers between 1 and 10 (e.g., 1, 2, 3, . . . 9) and non-whole numbers (e.g., 1.1, 1.2, . . . 1.9).

Although process (or method) steps may be described or claimed in a particular sequential order, such processes may be configured to work in different orders. In other words, any sequence or order of steps that may be explicitly described or claimed does not necessarily indicate a requirement that the steps be performed in that order unless specifically indicated. Further, some steps may be performed simultaneously despite being described or implied as occurring non-simultaneously (e.g., because one step is described after the other step) unless specifically indicated. Where a process is described in an embodiment the process may operate without any user intervention.

FIG. 1Aillustrates various elements of thermostat device30according to one embodiment. The drawing does not represent a particular mode of operation, but instead enumerates various user interface elements of the thermostat device30. The thermostat device30user interface is comprised of an outer ring102, inner ring104, actual ecorank106, active control indicator110, actual temperature112, climate mode indicator114, temperature target setting116, ecorank target setting118, zone indicator122, and zone name124. The outer ring operates to allow physical manipulation of the thermostat around a stationary inner ring, providing for navigation through various functions and features. The actual ecorank106operates to provide visual indication of the current actual ecorank. The active control indicator110operates to provide visual indication of the active control, thus indicating that the device is operating in climate priority mode or in eco priority mode. The actual temperature112operates to provide visual indication of the current actual temperature. The climate mode indicator114is capable of providing visual indication of the current climate mode. Possible modes include (but are not limited to) “heating”, “cooling”, “auto”, “emergency heat”, and “off”. The temperature target setting116operates to provide visual indication of the desired temperature. The temperature ecorank target setting116operates to provide visual indication of the desired ecorank. The zone indicator122Is capable of providing visual indication of the current zone being manipulated at the thermostat device30. By default, the thermostat device being operated is the local thermostat device30. The zone name124provides visual indication of the name of the thermostat being operated, and operates in conjunction with the zone indicator122, changing as the operator cycles through the various zones. The control focus indicator126demarcates the setting currently available for user manipulation via the user interface controls.

Referring now toFIG. 1B, a graphical depiction of thermostat device30is presented in climate priority mode of operation without privacy enabled. As used herein, climate priority mode is used to refer to a mode of operation wherein the thermostat device30receives a climate setting, such as a target temperature setting116, and an ecorank106is determined from that climate setting and displayed on the thermostat device30. The active mode indicator110is activated in association with the actual temperature112to provide feedback to the user of the thermostat device30indicating the climate priority mode of operation.

Possible climate mode indicators114include cooling, heating, auto, and off. In cooling operation mode, a maximum temperature is supplied, and the climate system attempts to keep the operating temperature of the dwelling at or below that climate setting. In heating operation mode, a minimum temperature is supplied, and the climate system attempts to keep the operating temperature of the dwelling at or above that climate setting. In auto operation mode, a maximum temperature and minimum temperature are supplied, and the climate system attempts to keep the temperature at or above the minimum temperature and at or below the maximum temperature. An off operation mode state indicates the climate system is not being employed. In some embodiments, the thermostat device will be programmable or configurable, and the settings may vary over time according to program settings.

Referring now toFIG. 1C, a graphical depiction of the thermostat device in climate priority mode of operation with privacy enabled is shown. With privacy enabled as shown inFIG. 1B, the ecorank indicator106and the ecorank target setting118are not displayed. This may be desirable to users where their ecorank is not favorable, and they do not wish to share it.

Referring now toFIG. 1D, a graphical depiction of the thermostat device30is presented in eco priority mode of operation without privacy enabled. As used herein, eco priority mode is used to refer to the mode of operation wherein the thermostat device30receives an ecorank target setting118, and a temperature target setting116is determined from that ecorank target setting118, and applied at the thermostat device30. The active control indicator110is displayed in association with the actual ecorank106to provide feedback to the user of the thermostat device30indicating the eco priority mode of operation.

When in eco priority mode the thermostat device may display two ecoranks. The first is an indicator of the actual ecorank106, as calculated based on past usage data, while the second is a ecorank target setting118, which is user settable and indicates the desired ecorank. An ecorank indicator is a human observable indication of an ecorank. The ecorank indicator may comprised one or more of a numerical score, graphic, icon, color, letter, symbol, and audio item. The actual ecorank106and the ecorank target setting118may be the same, but if the user is adjusting the ecorank target setting118, the actual ecorank106will take time to adjust, and will likely be different. In some embodiments, the ecorank target setting118may act as a desired convergence point. That is, the system will attempt to achieve that value within a tolerance range. In other embodiments, the ecorank target setting118may act as a threshold, in which the system attempts to achieve that score or better. A “better” ecorank score is one that reflects a lower energy consumption. In this respect, the threshold may share the same value range as the ecorank target setting. Some examples may include above average, top one third, top 10 percent etc. In some embodiments, the ecorank is indicated by a ranking falling between 0 and 100. The threshold may share that same value range.

In some embodiments, in addition to or in replacement of showing an ecorank indicator, an ecorank relative indicator may be shown. For example, instead of showing an ecorank target setting118and an actual ecorank106, an ecorank relative indicator may be displayed. This information may comprise, for example, an indication of whether the actual ecorank is equal to or better than the ecorank target setting. It also may comprise information indicating whether the actual ecorank is trending in a direction to match (within a tolerance) to or be better than the ecorank target setting.

In some embodiments, ecorank information may be provided to a thermostat device for other entities, for example other entities of a comparison group. In some embodiments, a list of all comparison group entities and their corresponding ecorank information is provided to the thermostat device and is available for display. Due to the limited display area of a typical thermostat device, it is likely that only a small number of entities would be displayed, for example the entity with the best actual ecorank.

Referring now toFIG. 1E, a graphical depiction of the thermostat device in eco priority mode of operation with privacy enabled is shown. With privacy enabled as shown inFIG. 1E, the actual ecorank106is not displayed. As discussed above, this may be desirable to users where their ecorank is not favorable, and they do not wish to share it.

According to one embodiment, the thermostat device30is a circular shaped device with a stationary inner ring102and a movable outer ring104. In climate priority mode, moving the inner ring clockwise will increase the climate setting, and moving the inner ring counter-clockwise will decrease the climate setting. Pushing in on the inner ring104will toggle between climate priority mode and eco priority mode. Double pressing on the inner ring104in quick succession will bring up a display for entering additional settings at the thermostat device30. Additionally, the thermostat device may be operated and programmed from a computing device as depicted inFIGS. 3B and 5B.

FIG. 1Fis a graphical depiction of a thermostat device associated with a dwelling having multiple zones. When more than one zone (i.e., a thermostat device) is detected in a dwelling, the thermostat displays a zone indicator122for itself, plus each of the other thermostats. The dwelling associated with the thermostat device depicted in byFIG. 1Ftherefore has three thermostats (or zones). The user may interact with either of the zones at either thermostat device by using the navigation control104to select a different thermostat. As the user navigates through the zone indicators122, the name for each zone is shown on the display124(e.g., FIRST FLOOR). The thermostats within the dwelling may operate in two different ways: independently or dependently (linked). When operating independently, as shown inFIG. 1E, each zone operates independently (i.e., according to its own settings). That is changing one thermostats setting does not change the settings on the other thermostat(s). In the second mode, the thermostats are linked, and changing the settings at one thermostat changes the settings at all of the thermostats. The linking may involve all thermostats within a dwelling. In alternative embodiments, the linking may be one or more groups of one or more thermostats within the same or different dwellings. Note that even in linked mode, when the settings are the same for each thermostat within a group, the climate equipment controlled by the thermostat may turn on or off at different times based on the current conditions (temperature) detected by that thermostat.

In some embodiments, a setting change entered at one thermostat may cause notifications to be sent to other related thermostats or computing devices. Related thermostats may include thermostats found in the same dwelling. Related computing devices may include computing devices operated by a user living in the dwelling where the thermostat device is located.

In some embodiments, setting changes entered at a thermostat may not take effect unless and until confirmed by an authorized user. In some embodiments, an authorized user may be a user in possession of a Personal Identification Number (PIN) which may be entered at the thermostat device where the change setting was requested, another thermostat device within the dwelling, or a computing device associated with the authorized user. Examples of setting changes requiring confirmation may include changes in priority mode, changes in privacy mode, changes in settings that would increase energy consumption, changes in settings that would increase energy consumption above a certain percentage, changes in settings that would result in a ecorank target setting not being achieved, etc.

FIG. 1Gis a graphical depiction of a thermostat device30employing ecorank trend indicators according to some embodiments. A number of visual cues may be employed to convey information using the indicators, including but not limited to indicator shape, indicator color, indicator size, indicator opacity, etc. The trend indicators inFIG. 1Guse indicator shape and color. Indicator130shows an upward pointing triangle of red color to indicate an ecorank below the desired ecorank target setting (below a comparison threshold) the ecorank target setting but trending towards/converging on the ecorank target setting. Indicator132shows a downward pointing triangle of red color to indicate an ecorank below desired ecorank target setting (below a comparison threshold) the ecorank target setting and trending away/diverging from the ecorank target setting. Indicator134shows a green circle to indicate an ecorank is at the ecorank target setting within a certain tolerance (within the range of an upper and lower comparison threshold). Indicator136shows a star of gold color to indicate that an ecorank exceeding the ecorank target setting (above a comparison threshold). Other shape and color combinations may be used to represent the above described and/or additional indicators.

FIG. 2is a graphical depiction of a dwelling200with multiple zones (i.e., more than one thermostat device30) and various climate system300elements. The dwelling may be associated with one or more occupants10. As background, climate-control devices or systems typically have three basic components: a source of warmed or cooled air, a means of distributing the air (supplies204and returns202) to the rooms being heated or cooled, and a control used to regulate the system (e.g., thermostat device30). The source of warm air, such as a furnace208, and cool air, such as an air conditioner, in a house often use the same distribution and control systems, as is the case inFIG. 2. The dwelling further comprises an electrical panel210comprising zero or more energy measurement devices50. The dwelling further comprises a furnace (heating component)208and an air conditioner (cooling component)218comprising an evaporator214and a condenser216.

FIG. 3Ashows a system diagram for a climate system300according to some embodiments. In these embodiments, the climate system300is comprised of a thermostat device30, a computing device20, climate control subsystems90, a comparison server device60, and a network15.

The computing device20is comprised of a control system21, UI module22, communication module23, reporting module24, and configuration module25. The UI module22operates to facilitate interactions between the user of the computing device20and the hardware and software of the computing device20. The communication module23facilitates between the computing device20and other devices connected through the network15, such as the thermostat device30and the comparison server device60. The reporting module24enables browsing of web content hosted on the Internet and by other devices addressable through the network, some of which may be local devices. The configuration module25facilitates remote configuration of the thermostat device30in some embodiments of the present disclosure.

The thermostat device30is comprised of a control system31, UI module32, sensing module33, monitoring module34, communications module35, event module36, and a signaling interface37. The UI module32operates to facilitate interactions between the user of the thermostat device30and the hardware and software of the thermostat device30. The sensing module33operates to interact with other elements of the thermostat device to determine climatic factors. Climactic factors include but are not limited to temperature, humidity, and the like. The monitoring module34operates to monitor the climatic factors around the thermostat device30and record them to the usage history466. The communication module35provides the communications between the thermostat device30and other devices connected through the network15. The event module36operates to facilitate communications and interactions between the comparison server device60and the thermostat device30. The signaling interface37operates as an electro-mechanical interface providing voltage line levels to the climate subsystems to turn them on and off.

The comparison server device60is comprised of a control system61, communication module62, comparison module63, an event module64, user repository400, dwelling repository412, thermostat device repository440, energy measurement device repository467. The communication module62provides the communications between the comparison server device60and other devices connected through the network15. The comparison module63operates to determine an ecorank based on a climate system setting, or conversely, a climate system setting based on a ecorank target setting. For some embodiments, the processes used to make these determinations are outlined inFIGS. 6E, 7A, and 7E. The user repository400stores information related to the various thermostat devices30and their associated users10and dwellings200. The dwelling repository412stores information related to dwellings200. The thermostat device repository440stores information related to thermostat devices30. The energy measurement device repository467stores information related to energy measurement devices50. In some embodiments, the aforementioned repositories (400,412,440,467) are stored as xml in the file system. In some embodiments, the aforementioned repositories (400,412,440,467) are stored in a database. In some embodiments, the aforementioned repositories (400,412,440,467) are stored in a blockchain. In some embodiments, the aforementioned repositories400,412,440,467) are stored according to differing mechanisms.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the network15is not limited by the implementations listed above. More specifically, the network15may be any type of network suitable to allow interaction between the computing devices20, member thermostat devices30, and the comparison servers60. For example, the network15may be a wired network, a wireless network, or any combination thereof. Further, the network15may include a distributed computing network, an intranet, a local-area network (LAN) and/or a wide-area network (WAN), or any combination thereof.

In an alternative embodiment the thermostat device control system is implemented as a client that is downloaded on initialization. As a non-limiting example, the thermostat device boots into a “stub” that is configured to connect to the network and download a latest version of the client from the network.

In an alternative embodiment the thermostat device is a unitary thermostat device with all elements physically packaged with the housing of the thermostat device. In another aspect of the present disclosure the thermostat device is a modular thermostat device. As used herein, unitary refers to a single standalone entity or device. Namely, a device that has all ascribed function within a single housing or enclosure. In some embodiments, the thermostat device is a unitary thermostat device, wherein all constituent parts of the device are housed in a single enclosure.

In another aspect of the present disclosure the thermostat device further comprises a signaling interface37operable to control the climate system components. While there is no industry standard for the signaling interface37, many suppliers have covered on a common wiring scheme. As used herein, a signaling interface refers to the interface through which the thermostat device controls the various climate system subsystems90. In some embodiments, the signaling interface37is comprised of a low voltage interface wherein the thermostat control raises the voltage on one of a plurality of lines to turn a climate system component on. Subsequently lowering the voltage on said line to turn the same climate system component off. The climate control subsystem90is comprised of one or more of a heating subsystem208, air conditioning subsystem218, fan subsystem220, and humidification/dehumidification subsystem222. In some embodiments, one or more of the climate control subsystems are combined in a single subsystem.

FIGS. 3B and 3Ceach illustrates aspects of the network traffic flowing between the thermostat device30-1, comparison device server60, and a plurality of other thermostat devices30-[2−N]. In some embodiments, the thermostat device30-1creates a WIFI-Direct network operable to allow other computing devices20to configure the thermostat device30-1. Other networking protocols and technologies may be used in addition to or in replacement of WIFI-Direct. In some embodiments, the configuration information will be received at the computing device30-1based on user input provided by the user10at the thermostat device30-1.

FIG. 3Billustrates the network traffic flow for the climate priority mode of operation. The thermostat device30-1is set to climate priority mode304-1, indicating that the climate system settings may be manipulated306-1. A climate system setting may be sent308-1to the comparison server device60and corresponding ecorank information determined310. Asynchronously from the thermostat device30-1, other thermostat devices30-[2-N] may send other climate system settings. The ecorank information is received312-1at the thermostat device30from the comparison server device60, and, when not in privacy mode, displayed along with the climate system settings314-1at the thermostat device30. Asynchronously, other ecorank information is received at the other thermostat devices30-[2-N]. In some embodiments, climate system usage data are sent to the comparison server316-1. In some embodiments this comprises time stamped information indicating when the climate system components90are turned on and off. A plurality of other thermostat devices30-[2-N] may be connected to the comparison server device60providing316-[2-N] climate system usage data as well. As these other thermostat devices30-[2-N] from other dwellings provide other climate system usage data, the ecorank information may be adjusted318and sent320-1to the thermostat device30-1without request by the thermostat device30-1. This process may be repeated322on a periodic basis, when of updates have been provided by the other thermostat devices30-[2-N], when requested by the thermostat device30-1, or according to other criteria. The steps of sending the climate system settings308, determining ecorank information310, and receiving the ecorank information at the thermostat device312may be performed in real-time or near real-time (i.e., approximately real-time). Likewise, the steps of sending316climate system usage information, updating318ecorank information, and sending320ecorank information may be performed in real-time or near real-time (i.e., approximately real-time). Thus the operator of the thermostat device30-1is able to receive immediate feedback as they interactively make climate system setting changes at the thermostat device30.

Referring now toFIG. 3C, the thermostat device30-1may be set to eco priority mode352-1. In eco priority mode, the ecorank target setting may be received and sent354-1to the comparison server device60. The climate system setting determined356at the comparison server device60, returned358-1to the thermostat device30, and displayed360-1along with the ecorank target setting at the thermostat device30-1. In some embodiments, climate system usage data are sent362-1to the comparison server device60. In some embodiments this comprises time stamped information indicating when the heating or cooling systems are turned on and off. A plurality of other thermostat devices30-[2-N] may be connected to the comparison server device60asynchronously providing target ecorank settings354-[2-N] and climate system usage information362-[2-N]. As these other thermostat devices30-[2-N] provide information, the climate system settings may need to be adjusted364and sent to the thermostat device30in366-[2-N]. This process may be repeated on a periodic basis, when a number of updates have been provided by the other devices, when requested by the thermostat device30, or according to other criteria. The steps of sending the ecorank target setting354, determining climate system settings356, and receiving the climate system settings at the thermostat device358may be performed in real-time or near real-time (i.e., approximately real-time). Thus the user operating the thermostat device is able to receive immediate interactive feedback as they make ecorank target setting changes at the thermostat device30or provide the settings remotely via a computing device20.

FIG. 4Aillustrates an exemplary structure in memory for storing user account repository according to some embodiments. The user account repository400may contain a plurality of user accounts1-L402. Each user account402is comprised of a user account id404, user account name406, user account password408, and user account ecorank410. The user id404field stores unique identifier for the user. The user account name406stores the name of the user associated with the user account402. The user account password408stores the password of the user associated with the user account402. user account id404and user account password408together form credentials used by the user to access the user account402. The user account ecorank410stores information regarding the users most recent ecorank information. This information is determined by the comparison server device60and communicated to the thermostat device30. It may be pushed periodically from the comparison server device60, or it may be requested from the thermostat device30as needed.

FIG. 4Billustrates an exemplary structure in memory for storing dwelling repository412according to some embodiments. As used herein, a dwelling414refers to a physical structure where one or more dwelling occupants426reside. The same physical structure may contain a single dwelling, as would be the case in a single family detached home, or multiple dwellings, as would be the case of a high-rise condominium tower. Each dwelling414is comprised of a dwelling id416, a dwelling location418, a dwelling address420, a dwelling name422, dwelling size424, a number of dwelling occupants426, a dwelling type428, a number of dwelling exterior walls430, dwelling floors432, dwelling foundation type433, dwelling ecorank information434, and a hub ID436. The dwelling id416is a unique identifier for the dwelling414. The dwelling location418reflects the geographic location of the dwelling in which the thermostat device30is installed. In some embodiments, this information is stored as a zip code. In other embodiments, this information may be stored as GPS data. A computing device20associated with the thermostat device at the time of configuration may provide the GPS information. In some embodiments, the user is presented with a map and allowed to navigate to and pinpoint the location of the dwelling on the map. The location may also be determined using mapping methods to determine the location based on IP address assigned to the dwelling. The dwelling address420is the mailing address of the dwelling structure. The dwelling name422is a name assigned by the user. Examples might include “Primary House”, “Beach House”, “Vacation Condo”, etc. The dwelling size424indicates the size of the dwelling in which the thermostat is installed. In some embodiments, this measurement is stored in square feet (sq. ft.), on other embodiments this measurement may be stored in cubic feet to account for ceiling height. The dwelling occupants426field stores the number of people currently occupying the dwelling. In some embodiments this will represent a number set by the occupant10. In other embodiments, this may be an auto detected number based on motion detectors and/or geo-fencing using cellular phones carried by occupants or the like. In some embodiments, this number may represent a moving average. In other embodiments it may represent an instantaneous number. Still other embodiments will store a plurality of the aforementioned indicators in the dwelling occupants426field. In some embodiments, this information will be automatically determined based on based on a camera using facial recognition to determine unique occupants. This approach may also yield additional information as to how often the occupants are within the dwelling. In some embodiments, the occupants will register their respective mobile tracking devices so that the system may automatically determine how often they are within the dwelling, and for what duration. In some embodiments, this personal tracking device will be a cellular phone, such as computing device20. The dwelling type428indicates the type of structure wherein the thermostat device30resides. Possible values for dwelling type are comprised of single family detached, multifamily detached, apartment, condominium, business, and the like. The dwelling exterior walls430indicate the amount of wall space in the structure that is externally exposed. In some embodiments this measurement is stored as linear feet. In some embodiments it may be stored as a number of exterior walls. In some embodiments, it may be stored as a percentage of exterior wall space in relation to total wall space. In other embodiments, it may be stored as a ratio of wall space to total wall space including floor and ceiling. The dwelling floors432stores information regarding the number of floors present in the dwelling. Dwelling foundation type433specifies a type of foundation supporting the dwelling. Dwelling foundation types433may in include crawlspace, concrete slab, basement, etc. . . . The dwelling ecorank information434specifies information regarding the dwelling ecorank results. This information is determined by the comparison server device60and communicated to the thermostat device30. It may be pushed periodically from the comparison server60, or it may be requested from the thermostat device30as needed. Dwelling usage type435indicates how the dwelling is used. For example, if the dwelling is used for a home office, then one would expect the energy consumption to be higher due to additional time at the dwelling and additional equipment usage. When present, the hub436acts a communications bridge between the communications scheme used by the thermostats30and the hub40versus the communications scheme used between the hub40and the comparison server device60. Each dwelling414may be comprised of one or more thermostats440.

In another aspect of the present disclosure, portions of the dwelling information may be obtained from a 3rd party site such as Zillow®. In another aspect, information collected from the user regarding the dwelling may be provided back to the 3rd party site.

FIG. 4Cillustrates an exemplary structure in memory for storing thermostat information440according to some embodiments. Each thermostat442[1-N]is may include a thermostat id443, thermostat name444, privacy mode445, climate mode446, energy provider447, current temperature448, heat setting449, heating fuel type450, heating element type451, cool setting452, fan mode453, fan settings454, humidification settings455, dehumidification456, ecorank information458, and usage history459. The thermostat id443is a unique identifier for the thermostat device. The thermostat name444is a name assigned by the user. Examples would include “Bedroom”, “Den”, “Living Room”, “Upstairs”, etc. The privacy mode445indicates whether the ecorank information should be presented on the display of the thermostat device30. The climate mode446indicates the operating mode of the climate system. Examples would be “Heat”, “Cool”, “Auto”, “Off”. The energy provider447indicates one or more business entities providing the energy to fuel one or more climate system components for the climate system. The current temperature448reflects the temperature sensed at the thermostat device30. The heat setting449is the minimum temperature that the climate system will attempt to maintain. The heating fuel type450reflects the type of fuel used in heating the dwelling. Possible types comprise gas, electric, oil, propane, and/or geothermal. The heating element type451indicates the type of heating unit associated with the thermostat. Possible values are comprised of forced air, in-floor radiant, radiators, and electric baseboards. The cool setting452is the maximum temperature that the climate system will attempt to maintain. The fan mode453represents the operating mode of the fan. Possible settings include “On”, “Off”, and “Auto”. The fan setting454indicates the fan speed. Examples may include “Auto”, “Low”, “Medium”, and “High”. The humidification settings455indicate a target humidity level or a minimum humidity level, such as 30%. The dehumidification settings456indicate a target humidity level or a minimum humidity level, such as 70%. Thermostat ecorank information458stores information regarding the thermostat ecorank results. The thermostat ecorank information is determined by the comparison server60and communicated to the thermostat device30.

The usage history459stores historical data regarding the energy consumption of the climate system associated with the thermostat device30. In some embodiments, the usage history stores events that occur at the thermostat. These events may include the temperature being changed, the ecorank being changed, the heat turning on or off, the cooling turning on or off, movement detected in front of the thermostat, a change in priority mode, or a change in some other setting. These events may also comprise “program events” or events that are generated according to thermostat device program settings. In some embodiments, the identity of the person making the change is recorded along with the event. In some embodiments, the identity of the person making the change is detected using a camera housed in the thermostat and facial recognition. In some embodiments, the occupants of the dwelling may provide a profile image such that the occupant making the changes to the thermostat may be identified. In some embodiments, if a visitor who has not been registered with the system attempts to make a change to the climate system settings they are disallowed. In some embodiments, their image will be captured and may be visually inspected by the dwelling occupants at a later time. In some embodiments, occupants are identified with biometrics such as a fingerprint scanner.

In another aspect of the present disclosure an energy company, as indicated by the energy provider447, may use the ecorank scores as a framework to enable a tiered pricing structure, awarding customers with a better ecorank score discounted pricing, and users with worse ecorank scores less favorable pricing. In another aspect of the present disclosure, the energy company may subsidize the purchase of the described thermostat device to further facilitate the reduction in peak energy consumption. In some embodiments, the energy company may control the operation of the thermostat during peak energy demand time windows to reduce peak energy demands. In some embodiments, users are awarded a better ecorank score in exchange for ceding control of the thermostat during.

FIG. 4Dillustrates an exemplary structure in memory for storing energy measurement device information according to some embodiments. Each energy measurement device468is comprised of an energy measurement device ID470, a name472, and a metering module474. The energy measurement device id470is a unique identifier identifying the energy measurement device50. The name472is a user assigned name. The meter474stores information regarding energy usage.

FIG. 4Eis a graphical illustration of a comparison group. The comparison group480is comprised one or more comparison group records481, each comparison group record comprising a comparison group id482, a plurality of comparison group elements483, a comparison period484, comparison type485, comparison format486, and a comparison state487. The comparison group id specifies a unique identifier for the comparison group. Comparison group elements483specifiy a plurality of entities being compared. The entities to be compared may include one of user accounts, dwellings, and thermostats (i.e. the entities to be compared are homogeneous). The comparison period484specifies the time period over which the comparison is being made. Possible values for this field may be specified in increments of days, months, quarters, and years. The comparison type485specifies if the comparison period484is a moving window or a set period. The comparison format486specifies whether the ecorank scores are normalized, and if so, the attributes on which the normalization takes place. The comparison state487specifies the current position within a stationary comparison window.

FIG. 4Fis a graphical illustration of a ecorank information490structure. The ecorank information comprises a predicted ecorank492and an actual ecorank493. In some embodiments, the predicted ecorank492and the actual ecorank493are represented as a single composite ecorank494, wherein the composite ecorank494is based on a combination of the predicted ecorank494and an actual ecorank495depending on the data available at the time of ecorank determination.

FIG. 4Gillustrates an exemplary entity relationship diagram495according to some embodiments. As indicated496, the user account record402may be linked to one to many dwelling records414, and the dwelling record414may be linked to zero to many user accounts402. As indicated497, the dwelling record414may be linked to one to many thermostat records442, and the thermostat record442may be linked to one and only one dwelling record414. As indicated498, the thermostat record442may be linked to zero to many energy measurement device records468, and the energy measurement device record468is linked one and only one thermostat. As indicated499, the comparison group480is linked to a plurality of thermostats442, while thermostat may belong to one or more comparison groups480. Since ecorank comparisons may also be made at the dwelling414and user account402level, the comparison group has similar relationships with dwellings414and user accounts. For simplicity, these possible relationships, are not shown inFIG. 4E.

FIG. 5Ashows a system diagram for the climate system500according to other embodiments. In these embodiments, the system is comprised of a computing device20, thermostat device30, hub device40, energy measurement device50, climate control subsystems90, a comparison server device60, and a network15. Note that in some embodiments the hub device40will be present, but not the energy measurement device50. In other embodiments the energy measurement device50but not the hub device40. And in others, as shown inFIG. 5A, both are present.

The computing device20, thermostat device30, and comparison server device60perform similar roles as described inFIG. 3A.

The hub device40may be used to act as a bridge between the thermostat device30, energy measurement device50, comparison server device60and computing device20. As such, the thermostat device30and energy measurement device50are able to interface with the hub device40using a first network interface and the hub device40communicates with the comparison server device60using a second, different interface. For example, the first network interface may employ one or more of a C-Bus, EnOcean, Insteon, KNX, UPB, X10, ZigBee, and Z-Wave protocols, while the second network interface uses internet protocols over WiFi and/or Ethernet. In some embodiments, the network communications may be encrypted, particularly for the devices that are communicating over the Internet to the comparison server60. Encrypting the data traveling over the network provides additional security in terms of protecting the various data collected by the computing device, thermostat device, and energy measurement device. Additionally, this provides additional protection from nefarious entities attempting to remotely control the thermostat device over the Internet. The hub device40is comprised of a monitoring module42, a communications module43, and a configuration module44. The monitoring module operates to obtain status updates from the various thermostat devices30and energy measurement devices50and provide that information to the comparison server device60. The monitoring module42may also obtain information from the comparison server device60, and direct it to the appropriate thermostat device20. The monitoring information may be obtained using polling or interrupt techniques or any combination thereof. The communication module43operates to provide the network communications between the hub device40and the local devices (thermostat devices30and energy measurement devices50), and between the hub device40and the comparison server60. The configuration module44operates to receive configuration information and direct the hub device40to operate according to the configuration.

Zero or more energy measurement devices50may be used to monitor the energy being consumed by the HVAC system. The use of the energy measurement device50provides for a more accurate determination of the energy being consumed as compared to other methods disclosed herein where the energy being consumed is being estimated or inferred indirectly. For example, in some embodiments, the usage time for the various climate system components is used to determine ecorank. The usage time acts as a proxy for the energy being consumed. In other embodiments, the energy consumed will be determined as a product of the usage time for various climate system components and their typical in-use energy consumption profile. The energy measurement device50is comprised of a monitoring module52, a communications module53, and a configuration module54. The monitoring module52operates to monitor the energy consumption for the circuit for which it is associated. In some embodiments this may be done in a digital fashion by periodically sampling the electrical current flowing through the circuit and integrating over time. In other embodiments, this may be accomplished using an analog counter that may be digitally read. The communications module53operates to provide the networking communications between the energy measurement device50and the hub device as shown inFIG. 4A. In other embodiments, the energy measurement device50may communicate directly through the LAN/WAN network15without going through the hub network12. In some embodiments, the communications interface for the energy measurement device50may be provided at the individual circuit breaker level, so that not all breakers in a panel have to be network-enabled breakers. In some embodiments, the communications interface is provided at the panel, so that not each breaker has to contain a separate communications interface. The configuration module54operates to receive configuration information and direct the energy measurement device50to operate according to the configuration.

Examples of hub devices would include televisions, set-top-boxes (STBs), over-the-top devices (OTTs), gaming consoles, home security systems, and other computing devices. As used herein, an over-the-top device refers to a device operable to deliver audio, video, and other media over the Internet without the involvement of a multiple-system operator in the control or distribution of the content.

FIG. 5Bis a network diagram showing the communications between the thermostat device30, computing device20, hub device40, energy measurement device50, and comparison server device60in climate priority mode. The computing device20sends network credentials504to the hub device40allowing the hub device40to join the network506. In some embodiments, hub device40receives the credentials from the user directly at the hub device40. The thermostat device30and the energy measurement device50similarly join (508,510, respectively) the hub network12. User input indicating the climate system setting is received512at the thermostat device30. The climate system settings are sent to the hub40in514and relayed to the comparison server device60in516. The comparison server device60determines ecorank information based on the climate system settings518. The ecorank information is sent from the comparison server device60to the hub device40in520and relayed to the thermostat device30in522. The climate system settings and corresponding ecorank information are displayed at the thermostat device30in524. Energy consumption information is reported by the energy measurement device50to the hub device40in526and relayed to the comparison server device60528. The ecorank information is updated and sent to the hub device40in430and relayed to the thermostat device30in532. This process may be repeated on a periodic basis, when a number of updates have been provided by the other devices, when requested by the thermostat device30, or according to other criteria534. The steps of sending the climate system settings514and516, determining ecorank518, and receiving the ecorank at the thermostat device520and522are performed in real-time or near real-time. Thus the user operating the thermostat device30is able to receive immediate feedback as they make climate system setting changes at the thermostat device30.

FIG. 5Cis a network diagram showing additional communications between the thermostat device30, computing device20, hub device40, energy measurement device50, and comparison server device60in eco priority mode. The priority mode is set to eco priority mode554based on user input. User input is received indicating an ecorank target setting556. The ecorank target setting is sent to the hub device40in558and relayed to the comparison server device60in560. An updated climate system setting is determined based on the target ecorank target setting562, sent to the hub device40in564, and relayed to the thermostat30in566. The target ecorank target setting and the corresponding climate system setting are displayed at the thermostat device568. Energy consumption is reported570by the energy measurement device50to the hub device40and relayed572to the comparison server device60. Based on the energy consumption information the climate system settings are updated and sent to the hub device40in574, and relayed576to the thermostat device30. This process may be repeated on a periodic basis, when a number of updates have been provide by the other devices, when requested by the thermostat device30, or according to other criteria570. The steps of sending the ecorank target setting558and560, determining climate system settings562, and receiving564and566the climate system settings at the thermostat device30are performed in real-time or near real-time. Thus the user operating the thermostat device30is able to receive immediate feedback as he or she makes ecorank target setting changes at the thermostat device30.

FIG. 6Ais a flowchart illustrating the process involved in operating an exemplary comparison server600. Along the top of the diagram, various events617are listed, including a network message received event601, an comparison period reset timer event602, a comparison group refactor timer event603, a weather forecast information received event604, an incentive information received event605, and an ecorank and climate settings re-compute timer event606. The events feed into an event queue607. The events are dispatched by the event dispatcher608to the event handlers618listed along the bottom of the diagram, including a user account event handler609, a dwelling event handler610, a thermostat event handler611, a climate setting change event handler612, an ecorank target setting change event handler613, a zone setting change event handler614, an ecorank request change event handler615, and a usage information event handler616.

FIG. 6Bis a flowchart illustrating the process involved in responding to a user account event at an exemplary comparison server60. The user account event handler620receives a user account event621from the event dispatcher608. The user account repository is accessed622. If the user event specifies a new user account should be added623, then a user account is added624. If the user event specifies a user account should be deleted625, then a user account is deleted626. If the user account event specifies a user account information should be stored627, then the user account information is stored628. Any of the above three events (624,626,628) may cause the comparison group to be updated629, and an ecorank to be recomputed630. If the user account event specifies that user account information should be obtained631, then the user account information is sent to the requesting entity632. Once the event has been handled control is returned633to the event dispatcher608.

FIG. 6Cis a flowchart illustrating the process involved in responding to a dwelling event at an exemplary comparison server60. The dwelling event handler640receives a dwelling event641from the event dispatcher608. The dwelling repository is accessed642. If the dwelling event specifies a new dwelling should be added643, then a dwelling is added644. If the dwelling event specifies a dwelling should be deleted645, then a dwelling is deleted646. If the dwelling event specifies a dwelling information should be stored647, then the dwelling information is stored648. Any of the above three events (644,646,648) may cause the comparison group to be updated649, and an ecorank to be recomputed650. If the dwelling event specifies that dwelling information should be obtained651, then the dwelling information is sent to the requesting entity652. Once the event has been handled control is returned653to the event dispatcher608.

FIG. 6Dis a flowchart illustrating the process involved in responding to a thermostat event at an exemplary comparison server60. The thermostat event handler660receives a thermostat event661from the event dispatcher608. The thermostat repository is accessed662. If the thermostat event specifies a new thermostat should be added663, then a thermostat is added664. If the thermostat event specifies a thermostat should be deleted665, then a thermostat is deleted666. If the thermostat event specifies a thermostat information should be stored667, then the thermostat information is stored668. Any of the above three events (664,666,668) may cause the comparison group to be updated669, and an ecorank to be recomputed670. If the thermostat event specifies that thermostat information should be obtained671, then the thermostat information is sent to the requesting entity672. Once the event has been handled control is returned671to the event dispatcher608.

FIG. 6Eis a flowchart illustrating the process involved in receiving a climate setting at an exemplary comparison server. A climate setting is received682by the climate setting change event handler680. This serves as an implicit notice to the comparison server device60that the associated thermostat wishes to operate in climate priority mode684. The climate settings are stored686in the usage history466log. The predicted ecorank is updated688and sent to the requesting thermostat690. Once the event has been handled control is returned692to the event dispatcher608.

FIG. 7Ais a flowchart illustrating the process involved in receiving an ecorank target setting at an exemplary comparison server. An ecorank target setting702is received by the ecorank setting change event handler700. This serves as an implicit notice to the server that the associated thermostat wishes to operate in eco priority mode704. In some embodiments, an explicit signal may be sent instructing the server to enter eco priority mode. A position in a sorted list of entities is determined that will result in the desired ecorank706. Information indicating the current energy usage is received707. Information indicating the temporal comparison period to be used is received708. The energy needed to achieve the ecorank target setting over the temporal comparison period is determined710. Weather forecast information is received indicating the weather forecast over the temporal comparison period712. The climate system settings needed to achieve the energy savings required to achieve the desired position to achieve the desired ecorank are determined714. The climate system settings are sent to the corresponding thermostat device30in716. Once the event has been handled control is returned718to the event dispatcher608.

Note that when referring to “sorted list”, this may be thought of as a conceptual construct. In some embodiments, actual sorted list may be used. In other embodiments, other implementations may be used to arrive at the same result.

FIG. 7Bis a flowchart illustrating the process involved in receiving a zone setting at an exemplary comparison server device60. The zone setting change event721is received at the zone setting change event handler720from the event dispatcher608. The thermostat repository is accessed722. If the event specifies a link request723, then the linking between zones is initiated724. If necessary, an aggregated ecorank is recomputed725, and the updated ecorank is sent to the effected thermostat devices726. If the event specifies an unlink request727, then the unlinking between zones is initiated728. If necessary, an un-aggregated ecorank is determined729, and the updated ecorank is sent to the effected thermostat devices730. If the event specifies a get zone list request731, then the zone list is sent to the effected thermostat device724. If the event specifies a set zone attribute request733, then the zone attribute is set for the specified zone734. Once the event has been handled control is returned735to the event dispatcher608.

FIG. 7Cis a flowchart illustrating the process involved in requesting ecorank information at an exemplary comparison server. The ecorank request event742is received at the ecorank request event handler740. If the requesting thermostat is operating in climate priority mode744, then the actual ecorank and ecorank target setting are retrieved748and sent to the requesting thermostat750. If the requesting thermostat is operating in eco priority mode746, then the actual ecorank and predicted ecorank are retrieved752and set to the requesting thermostat754. Once the event has been handled control is returned756to the event dispatcher608.

FIG. 7Dis a flowchart illustrating the process involved in receiving usage information at an exemplary comparison server. The usage information event is received at the usage information event handler760. The usage information is received762and stored764in the usage history466log. The usage information may include information regarding the usage of various components of the corresponding climate system. For example, the heater turning on/off, the air conditioning turning on/off, the fan turning on/off, and a humidifier turning on/off. In some embodiments this information is reported in the form on a time duration that the corresponding component has been used since a last usage information was reported. In some embodiments, the usage information will comprise energy consumed by various components as reported by a corresponding energy measurement device. Based on the new usage history, the ecorank is updated768and sent to the requesting thermostat. The ecorank may be updated immediately (synchronously), or scheduled for update at a later time (asynchronously). Once the event has been handled control is returned770to the event dispatcher608.

FIG. 7Eillustrates a process780for determining a comparison group. Information regarding the user, dwelling and thermostat is received782. A match score between a target thermostat/dwelling and a plurality of other thermostat/dwellings is determined784. The plurality of other thermostat/dwellings are then ranked by match score786. The top N other thermostat/dwellings are selected as the comparison group for the target thermostat/dwelling788. Information regarding the comparison group may be stored in the comparison group481of the corresponding dwelling412.

The ecorank is then determined based on the entities position within the sort. For example, if an entity were 37thin a group of 100 ranked entities, ranked lowest to highest, then an ecorank of37would be assigned. In some embodiments the entities will be ranked lowest to highest, with a low ecorank being better. Other embodiments may choose a different polarity for the ecorank, with a higher number indicating a more favorable ecorank. Some embodiments may use colors and/or graphical symbols to augment or replace a numerical ecorank indicator.

In some embodiments, the comparison groups may be formed through the use of clustering. Example of clustering techniques would comprise connectivity based clustering, centroid based clustering, distribution based clustering, and density based clustering.

The described system may operate in two different modes, temperature priority, and ecorank priority. In the case of temperature priority, the temperature is the independent variable, and the ecorank is the dependent variable. A climate setting is selected, and the ecorank follows. In the case of ecorank priority, the ecorank target setting is selected, and a climate setting must be determined. However, there is not a closed form equation to determine the setting because of other user's climate system settings and ecorank target settings will be varying and controlled independently. As a result, the climate settings to achieve the ecorank target setting must be determined in an iterative fashion, and updated over time. Note also that it may not be possible to achieve the ecorank target setting for a particular thermostat. For example, a user may desire an ecorank score of zero, but if all other users in a comparison group481desire the same score, then the best that can be achieved is a multiple way tie. That is, all of the thermostats are effectively shut off and no one uses any energy at all. Note that while this may be a desired goal of the present disclosure, it is not likely a realistic scenario.

When system300and500is first put into use, and there are only a few users of the system, there may be only one comparison group481and the comparisons will be very course and rudimentary. As the system continues to run and other users are added, the comparison groups may become more granular, and the comparisons more meaningful.

The actual ecorank is determined based on a time period window. In some embodiments, the time period window is an “N” day window. The time period window may be stationary or it may be moving. An example of a stationary time period window would be an ecorank that is calculated based on the month. At the beginning of January, the ecorank would be reset, and the ecorank would be calculated throughout the month based on the time elapsed within that month. For example, on the 6thday of January, the ecorank would be based on data collected from January 1stup through January 6th. An example of a moving time period window would be a 30 day moving window. So for our example of January 6th, using the moving time period window, the data used to compute the ecorank would be December 6th of the previous year up through January 6th. In some embodiments, the time period window would be a per comparison group481setting (assuming a symmetric comparison group). In other embodiments, the time period window would be a system wide setting. In other embodiments, the time period window may be a per user/thermostat/dwelling setting.

In another aspect of the present disclosure the comparison group481is further determined based on demographic data, such as household (dwelling) income data. User income may be correlated with energy consumption. For example, users with lower incomes are more likely to use less energy, however it may be for economic necessity as opposed to altruistic inclinations. As such, a comparison group determined based on demographic data may be preferable.

In another aspect of the present disclosure the comparison group481is determined based on climate mode settings, i.e. climate mode vs. eco mode. In some circumstances it may be preferable to have a comparison group481based on a common mode, i.e. all eco priority mode or all climate priority mode. In other instances, it may be preferable to have a mix of eco priority mode and climate priority mode. Therefore, a comparison group481determined based on priority mode may be preferable.

In some embodiments, input is received from the user selecting the entities to be included in a comparison group481. In some embodiments, the comparison group481is comprised of the users friends on a social network. In some embodiments the comparison group481is comprised of a circle of friends representing a subset of friends on the social network. In some embodiments, the comparison group481is comprised of other users being followed on a social network. In some embodiments, the comparison group481is comprised of other users following the user on a social network. Examples of social networks include Facebook®, Google®, Twitter®, and the like. In some embodiments, ecorank information is provided by the comparison server device to a social network for display. In some embodiments, the display of the ecorank information is dictated based on friend groups and sharing permissions. In some embodiments, the display of the ecorank information is used to derive ad placement and resultant revenues. In some embodiments, the user may elect to have their ecorank information displayed only if it is above or below a certain threshold. In some embodiments, an energy provider may pay for the placement and display of ecorank information for users of the social network where the ecorank score is above or below a certain threshold.

FIG. 8Ais a flowchart illustrating the process800involved in operating an exemplary thermostat device30. Along the top of the diagram, various events818are listed, including a network message received event802, a user input event804, and a motion detection event806. The events feed into an event queue808. The events are dispatched by the event dispatcher810to the event handlers820listed along the bottom of the diagram, including a network message event handler812, a user input event handler814, and a motion detection event handler816.

FIG. 8Bis a flowchart illustrating the process830involved in receiving a network message832at exemplary thermostat device. If the network message indicates receiving actual ecorank information834, then depending on privacy mode836, the actual ecorank information is either stored and displayed838, or stored and not displayed839. If the network message indicates receiving predicted ecorank information840, then depending on privacy mode842, the predicted ecorank information is either stored and displayed844, or stored and not displayed845. If the network message indicates receiving ecorank target setting information840, then depending on privacy mode848, the ecorank target setting information is either stored and displayed850, or stored and not displayed851. If the network message indicates receiving zone state information852, then the zone state information is displayed854. If the network message indicates receiving a confirmation request856, then the confirmation request is displayed (not shown). If confirmation is received858, then the confirmation is sent860, otherwise no confirmation is sent861. Once the event has been handled862control is returned to the event dispatcher810.

FIG. 8Cis a flowchart illustrating the process870involved in receiving user input872at exemplary thermostat device. If the network message indicates receiving a navigate counterclockwise event874, then the current menu item is changed to the previous menu item876. If the network message indicates receiving a navigate clockwise event878, then the current menu item is changed to the next menu item880. If the network message indicates receiving a select event882, then the current menu item is selected884. Depending on the type of selected menu item, the current menu may be changed to a child menu886, the selected menu item may be executed888, or the current menu item may be changed to a parent menu890. Once the event has been handled892control is returned to the event dispatcher810.

FIG. 9is a diagram illustrating the comparison period used in determining900ecorank information. The ecorank comparison period916is comprised of an actual ecorank904and a predicted ecorank906. At the beginning901of the comparison period916, and at end903, a predicted ecorank is determined based on climate settings (for climate priority mode) and ecorank target settings (for eco priority mode). Past usage history may also be used when available (i.e. after the first time the thermostat device is used). The actual ecorank is determined, for interval902, based on usage information reported902. In climate priority mode, the predicted ecorank is determined, for interval903, based on the temperature target setting116. In eco priority mode, the predicted ecorank is determined, for interval903, based on the ecorank target setting118. T=0 912, reflects the current time. T—ELAPSED TIME912, reflects the start of the comparison period. T—REMAINING TIME916, reflects the end of the comparison period. Together, the ELAPSED TIME and REMAINING TIME are equal to the duration of the comparison period.

FIG. 10is a diagram illustrating the various climate settings of the present system1000. The climate settings are comprised of cool settings1014and heat settings1016. The cool settings are comprised of away maximum temperature1002settings, home maximum temperature1004settings, and a cool temperature1006setting. The heat settings are comprised of away minimum temperature1012settings, home minimum temperature1010settings, and a heat temperature1008setting. The cool temperature1006and heat temperature1008operate as normal/traditional climate system settings and are applicable when the thermostat is operating in climate priority mode. The home maximum temperature1004and the home minimum temperature1010operate as temperature boundaries outside of which the system will not adjust the climate settings when operating in eco priority mode. The away maximum temperature1004and the away minimum temperature1010operate as temperature boundaries outside of which the system will not adjust the climate settings when operating in either climate priority mode or eco priority mode.

FIG. 11illustrates factors (i.e., parameters) and computations used in an exemplary process for determining a match score between two dwellings/thermostats according to some embodiments of the present disclosure1100. The match score is determined as a function (or through an analysis) of a geographic location factor1102, a geographic location factor weight1104, a dwelling type factor1106, a dwelling type factor weight1108, a dwelling size factor1110, a dwelling size factor weight1112, an occupant count factor1114, an occupant count factor weight1116, a dwelling floor count factor1118, a dwelling floor count factor weight1120, a heating fuel type match1122, a heating fuel type match weight1124, a heating element type match1126, a heating element type match weight1128, a usage type match1130, and a usage type match weight1132. Note that a plurality of other factors is identified within the present disclosure, and while not used in this exemplary computation, are considered within the scope of the disclosure.
Match Score(dwelling #1, dwelling #2)=GLFW*GLF+DSFW*DSF+DTFW*DTF+HFTMW*HFTM+HETMW*HETM+OCF*OCF+DFCFW*DFCF+UTMW*UTM

FIG. 12Aillustrates exemplary data for use in computing an ecorank. The table is comprised of a dwelling ID416, city and state from a dwelling address420, dwelling location418, dwelling type428a dwelling size424, dwelling occupants426, dwelling floors432, heating fuel type450, heating element type451, usage type435, average cool setting, average heat setting, hours cooling, hours heating, total hours, and energy consumption. The table ofFIG. 12Aconsist of M rows, one for each dwelling in the example data set. For this example, M=30. The first row is the table is for a dwelling in Cedar Rapids Iowa. The average cool setting, average heat setting, hours cooling, hours heating, total hours, and energy consumption are computed based on an N day moving window.

FIG. 12Billustrates an exemplary computation of a match score based on the data ofFIG. 12A. The table ofFIG. 12Bconsist of M-1(29) rows. Each of the 29 rows contains the data for that dwelling in comparison to row 1 of the table ofFIG. 9A(a.k.a. the dwelling in Cedar Rapids Iowa). The individual comparison factors (GLF, DTF, DSF, OCF, DFCF, HFTM, HETM, and UTM) are individually computed for each of the 29 rows. The comparison factors are detailed in the table below.

FIG. 12Cillustrates an exemplary selection of a comparison group481based on the match score ofFIG. 12B. The rows ofFIG. 12Chave been sorted by the match score1202, with the highest match scores appearing at the top. For the purposes of this example calculation, we are choosing the comparison group481to be10dwellings (i.e., the Cedar Rapids dwelling plus the nine other dwellings with the highest match score as indicated by the cutoff line1204). Note that comparison groups are not always symmetric. In other words, the comparison group481for dwelling A may contain dwelling B, but the comparison group481for dwelling B may contain necessarily contain dwelling A. I.e. asymmetric.

FIG. 12Dillustrates an exemplary computation of an ecorank based on the comparison group481ofFIG. 12C. The table appearing inFIG. 12Dhas been resorted based on the energy consumption1206with the dwelling with the lowest energy consumption appearing at the top. The Cedar Rapids dwelling appears third from the bottom and thus has an ecorank of30. In this particular example, the ecorank was determined based on energy consumption, indicating that each of the dwellings was equipped with an energy measurement device. In real world applications, this would not likely be true. In scenarios where energy consumption is not available, the hours spent heating and cooling (total hours in the table ofFIG. 12D) could be used. Note that the example data set ofFIG. 12Awas chosen for illustrative purposes. The dwellings are not disbursed geographically in terms of population. “In the wild”, the number of dwellings would be several orders of magnitude greater, and they would likely be distributed according to real populations.

FIG. 13illustrates an exemplary computation for determining a climate setting based on an ecorank target setting for a thermostat/dwelling. A match score is determined between a target thermostat device and a plurality of other thermostat devices. In this example, the target thermostat/dwelling is the Cedar Rapids dwelling. The thermostat device sends an indication that it wishes to operate according to eco priority mode1302. A request is received from the thermostat device indicating that it wishes to be in the top three in terms of ecorank1304. For the Cedar Rapids thermostat/dwelling to be in the top three, it needs to end up above the Lubbock, Tex. thermostat/dwelling1306. The energy consumption differential is determined between Cedar Rapids thermostat/dwelling and Lubbock, Tex. thermostat/dwelling1308. The time left in the comparison window is determined as 10 days. It is determined that the Cedar Rapids thermostat/dwelling needs to save 945 kilowatt hours (kwhs) over the 10-day period as 94.5 kwh/day 1310. The heat loss rate is determined1312. The predicted energy consumption for the 10-day period is estimated based on the heat loss rate for the dwelling and the weather forecast for the area around the dwelling1314. The heat loss rate is dependent on the temperature differential between the dwelling and the atmosphere around it so knowing the weather forecast (temperature) around the dwelling is needed. A temperature is determined that will result in the needed energy consumption savings over the 10-day period1316.

FIGS. 14A, 14B, 14C, and 14Dgraphically illustrate exemplary user interfaces for interacting with the computing device20and/or thermostat device30. When interacting with the computing device30, the settings may be sent from the computing device20in a plurality of manners. The settings may be sent to the thermostat device20using a point to point protocol such as Bluetooth or WIFI direct, relayed through the hub40, or sent to the comparison server60over the internet and relayed back to the thermostat device30. In some embodiments, more than one protocol may be employed. The information accessed by the various panels may be stored at the thermostat device30and/or the comparison server device60. In some embodiments, the information stored at the comparison server device60is stored in a structure in memory such as the structures described inFIGS. 4A-4D.

FIG. 14Agraphically illustrates an exemplary user interface for setting user profile settings1400. The user id control1402operates to enable access to the user id404data1403. The password controls1404operates to enable access to the password408data1405. The first name control1406, last name control1408, and middle name control1410operate to enable access to the user name406data140714091411. The image control1412operates to enable access to the image406data1416. The image1416stores an image, graphical depiction, icon, or likeness of the user represented by the user profile. The dwelling control1414operates to enable access to one or more dwellings412associated with the user. Selecting one of the one or more dwellings412using the dwellings control1414will effect the display of the dwellings profile settings ofFIG. 14B.FIG. 14Bgraphically illustrates an exemplary user interface for setting dwelling profile settings1420.

FIG. 14Bgraphically illustrates an exemplary user interface for setting dwelling profile settings1420. The dwelling location control1422operates to enable access to the dwelling location418data1423. The dwelling name control1424operates to enable access to the dwelling name422data1425. The dwelling size control1426operates to enable access to the dwelling type424data1427. The dwelling occupants control1428operates to enable access to the dwelling occupants426data1429. The dwelling type control1430operates to enable access to the dwelling type428data1431. The dwelling exterior walls control1432operates to enable access to the dwelling exterior walls430data1433. The dwelling floors1434operates to operates to enable access to the dwelling floors432data1435. The comparison group control1436operates to enable access to the comparison group481data1437. The comparison period control1438operates to enable access to the comparison period484data1439. The thermostat control1440operates to enable access to one or more thermostats associated with the thermostat device. Selecting one of the one or more thermostats using the thermostats control1438will effect the display of the climate system settings ofFIG. 14C.

FIG. 14Cgraphically illustrates an exemplary user interface for effecting climate system settings1440. The thermostat name control1442operates to enable access to the thermostat name444data1443. The heating fuel type control1444operates to enable access to the heating fuel type450data1445. The energy provider control1446operates to enable access to the energy provider447data1447. The heating element type control1448operates to enable access to the heating element type451data1449. The climate mode control1450operates to enable access to the mode446data1451. The heat setting control1452operates to enable access to the mode449data1453. The cool setting control1454operates to enable access to the mode452data1455. The fan mode control1456operates to enable access to the fan mode453data1457. The energy measurement device(s) controls1458operates to enable selection and configuration of the associated energy measurement device(s)468.

FIG. 14Dgraphically illustrates an exemplary user interface for specifying energy measurement device settings1460. The names of the energy measurement devices are listed on the left of the display area. For example: “heating subsystem”1463, “air conditioning subsystem”1465, “fan subsystem”1467, and “humidification/dehumidification subsystem”1469. A selector menu1470operates to receive input allowing the designation of the subsystem for which energy consumption is being measured. In some embodiments, the selection menu1470is populated based on information identifying the various subsystems provided by the energy measurement device.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the thermostat ecorank information is normalized by dwelling characteristics and/or occupant information such that thermostat ecorank information may be compared directly. In some embodiments, this is done so that thermostat ecorank information can be compared directly, and need not be put into comparison groups. For example, the thermostat ecorank information may be normalized based on the dwelling size, dwelling geographic location, and dwelling occupant count. In some embodiments, the thermostat ecorank information is normalized in addition to utilizing comparison groups.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the dwelling ecorank information is normalized by dwelling information such that dwelling ecorank information may be compared directly. In some embodiments, this is done so that dwelling ecorank information can be compared directly, and need not be put into comparison groups. For example, the thermostat ecorank information may be normalized based on the dwelling size, dwelling geographic location, and dwelling occupant count. In some embodiments, the dwelling ecorank information is normalized in addition to utilizing comparison groups. In some embodiments, the dwelling ecorank information is based on normalized thermostat ecorank information.

In some embodiments of the present disclosure, the user account ecorank information is normalized by user account information such that user account ecorank information may be compared directly. In some embodiments, this is done so that user account ecorank information can be compared directly, and need not be put into comparison groups. For example, the user account ecorank information may be normalized based on the country and or continent that the user primarily resides. For example, users residing in the U.S. have energy consumption rates that far exceed those of users residing in developing countries such as those found in Africa. In some embodiments, the user account ecorank information is normalized in addition to utilizing comparison groups. In some embodiments, the user account ecorank information is based on normalized thermostat ecorank information and normalized dwelling ecorank information.

FIG. 15Bgraphically illustrates an exemplary user interface for displaying1520an ecorank for a dwelling at either the computing device20or thermostat device30. The dwelling ecorank1522displays the ecorank for the dwelling1524. When a dwelling has a single thermostat, the ecorank for the dwelling is the same as the ecorank for the thermostat device. When a dwelling has more than one thermostat, the ecorank for the dwelling is the average of the ecoranks of the respective thermostat devices. The comparison results1526explain how to interpret the ecorank results. The comparison group1528describes the other thermostat devices included in the comparison group. The comparison period1530displays the length of the comparison period.

FIG. 15Cgraphically illustrates an exemplary user interface1540for displaying a user at either the computing device20or thermostat device30. The user ecorank displays1542the ecorank for the user1544. When a user has a single dwelling, the ecorank for the user1552is the same as the ecorank for the associated dwelling1554. When a user has more than one dwelling, the ecorank for the user1552is the average of the ecoranks of the respective dwellings. The comparison results1546explain how to interpret the ecorank results. The comparison group481describes1548the other thermostat devices included in the comparison group. The comparison period1550displays the length of the comparison period.

FIG. 16Agraphically illustrates relationships1600between dwellings200, thermostat devices30and users10in instances when one or more of each are involved. In some instances, there will be a single dwelling, thermostat device, and occupant1602. For example, a single occupant living in a single dwelling, such as a condo, with a single thermostat. In some instances, there will be a single dwelling, thermostat device, and multiple occupants1604. For example, multiple occupants living in a single dwelling, such as a condo, with a single thermostat. In some instances, there will be a single dwelling, multiple thermostat devices, and a single occupant1606. For example, one occupant living in a single dwelling, such as a condo, with multiple thermostats—for example a multi floor townhouse. In some instances, there will be a single dwelling, multiple thermostat devices, and multiple occupants1608. For example, multiple occupants living in a single dwelling, such as a townhouse, with multiple thermostats—for example a multi floor townhouse.

FIG. 16Bgraphically illustrates additional relationships between dwellings200, thermostat devices30and users10in instances when one or more of each are involved. In some instances, there will be multiple dwellings, a single thermostat device, and a single occupant1610. For example, one occupant residing in two different dwellings, where both dwellings are controlled by the same thermostat—for example a main house and an out building that are both controlled by one thermostat. In some instances, there will be multiple dwellings, a single thermostat device, and multiple occupants1612. For example, multiple occupants residing in two different dwellings, where both dwellings are controlled by the same thermostat—for example a main house and an out building that are both controlled by one thermostat. In some instances, there will be multiple dwellings, multiple thermostat devices, and a single occupant1614. For example, one occupant residing in two different dwellings, where each dwelling is controlled by a separate thermostat—for example a main house and an out building wherein each building has its own thermostat. In some instances, there will be multiple dwellings, multiple thermostat devices, and multiple occupants1616. For example, multiple occupants residing in two different dwellings, where each dwelling is controlled by a separate thermostat—for example a main house and an out building wherein each building has its own thermostat.

FIGS. 17A-Fshows possible interactions between a controlled device14, a control device16, and an energy measurement device50. As shown inFIG. 17A, the controlled device14, the control device16, and the energy measurement device50, are all separate devices. As shown inFIG. 17B, the controlled device14and the control device16may be grouped together as one device1720, interacting with a separate energy measurement device50. As shown inFIG. 17C, the control device16and the energy measurement device50may be grouped together as a single device1730interacting with a separate controlled device14. As shown inFIG. 17D, the controlled device14and the energy measurement device50may be grouped together as a single device1730interacting with a separate control device16. Finally, as shown inFIG. 17E, the controlled device14, the control device16, and the energy measurement device50, are all grouped as a single device1740. In some embodiments, the control device16is a thermostat device30. In some embodiments, the controlled device is a climate system component. In some embodiments, the energy measurement device50is a device capable of determining the energy used by each of a plurality of electrical subsystems and/or appliances in a dwelling200. Further, the energy measurement device50may be operable to assign and/or receive names for the subsystems and/or appliances in a dwelling200. In some embodiments the energy measurement device50is operable to perform signal processing to determine the identity and/or distinguish between subsystems and/or appliances in a dwelling200.

FIG. 17shows possible interactions between a controlled device14, a control device16, and then energy measurement device30. As shown inFIG. 17A, the controlled device14, the control device16, and the energy measurement device50, are all separate devices. As shown inFIG. 17Bthe controlled device14and the control device16may be grouped together as one device, interacting with the energy measurement device50. As shown inFIG. 17C, the control device and their energy measurement device may be group together as a single device interacting with the controlled device14. As shown inFIG. 17D, the controlled device14and the energy measurement device50may be group together as a single device interacting with the control device16. Finally, as shown inFIG. 17E, the control device16, the control device16, and the energy measurement device50, are all group does a single device.

FIG. 17Fshows a networking diagram graphically illustrating the interactions between an exemplary control device, energy measurement device, and a comparison server60according to some embodiments. The energy measurement device50broadcast1752its presence on the network and is subsequently discovered1754by the control device16. The control device16request a list of identified controlled devices1756. The energy measurement device50sends1758the list of identified controlled devices16to the control device16. The list of identified controlled devices16is displayed1760at the control device. User input is received selecting one or more of the list of identified controlled devices16. The association between the control device16and the one or more energy measurement devices50is stored at the control device16. Energy consumption information is requested1766by the control device16from the energy measurement device50. Energy consumption information is sent1768from the energy measurement device50to the control device16. Energy consumption information is sent from the control device16to the comparison server device60. In some embodiments, the energy consumption information is collected1765asynchronously at the energy measurement device50.

In some embodiments, the association(s) between the control device16and the one or more energy measurement devices50is stored at the comparison server device60and the energy consumption information is sent from the energy measurement device50to the comparison server device60without transmission to the control device16.

FIG. 18is a block diagram of a computing device according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, the computing device20includes a controller1804connected to memory1806, one or more communications interfaces1808, one or more user interface components1810, one or more storage components1812, and a location component1814by a bus1802or similar mechanism. The controller1804is a microprocessor, digital ASIC, FPGA, or the like. In general, the computing device20includes a control system21having associated memory1806. In this embodiment, the controller1804is a microprocessor, and the user interface (UI) module22, communications module23, reporting module24, and configuration module25are implemented in software and stored in the memory1806for execution by the controller1804. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The aforementioned functions and module may be implemented in software, hardware, or a combination thereof. The computing device20also includes a communication interface1808enabling the computing device20to connect to the network15. The one or more user interface components1810include, for example, a touchscreen, a display, one or more user input components (e.g., a keypad), a speaker, or the like, or any combination thereof. The storage component(s)1812is a non-volatile memory. In this embodiment, the location component1814is a hardware component, such as a GPS receiver. However, the present invention is not limited thereto.

FIG. 19is a block diagram of a thermostat device30according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, the thermostat device30includes a controller1904connected to memory1906, one or more communications interfaces1908, one or more user interface components1910, one or more storage components1912by a bus1902or similar mechanism. The controller1904is a microprocessor, digital ASIC, FPGA, or the like. In general, the thermostat device30includes a control system31having associated memory1906. In this embodiment, the controller1904is a microprocessor, and the and the UI module32, sensing module33, monitoring module34, and communications module35are implemented in software and stored in the memory1906for execution by the controller1904. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The aforementioned modules may be implemented in software, hardware, or a combination thereof. The thermostat device30also includes a communication interface1908enabling the reference thermostat device30to connect to the network15. The one or more user interface components1910include, for example, a touchscreen, a display, one or more user input components (e.g., a keypad), a speaker, or the like, or any combination thereof. The storage component(s)1912is a non-volatile memory.

FIG. 20is a block diagram of a hub device40according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, the hub device40includes a controller2004connected to memory2006, one or more communications interfaces2008, one or more user interface components2010, one or more storage components2012by a bus2002or similar mechanism. The controller2004is a microprocessor, digital ASIC, FPGA, or the like. In general, the hub device40includes a control system41having associated memory2006. In this embodiment, the controller2004is a microprocessor, and the monitoring module42, communication module43, and configuration module44are implemented in software and stored in the memory2006for execution by the controller2004. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The aforementioned modules may be implemented in software, hardware, or a combination thereof. The hub device40also includes a communication interface2008enabling the reference hub device40to connect to the network15. The one or more user interface components2010include, for example, a touchscreen, a display, one or more user input components (e.g., a keypad), a speaker, or the like, or any combination thereof. The storage component(s)2012is a non-volatile memory.

FIG. 21is a block diagram of an energy measurement device50according to one embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, the energy measurement device50includes a controller2104connected to memory2106, one or more communications interfaces2108, one or more user interface components2110, one or more storage components2112by a bus2102or similar mechanism. The controller2104is a microprocessor, digital ASIC, FPGA, or the like. In general, the energy measurement device50includes a control system51having associated memory2106. In this embodiment, the controller2104is a microprocessor, and the monitoring module52, communications module53, and a configuration module54is implemented in software and stored in the memory2106for execution by the controller2104. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The aforementioned modules may be implemented in software, hardware, or a combination thereof. The energy measurement device50also includes a communication interface2108enabling the reference energy measurement device50to connect to the network15(FIG. 1A). The one or more user interface components2110include, for example, a touchscreen, a display, one or more user input components (e.g., a keypad), a speaker, or the like, or any combination thereof. The storage component(s)2112is a non-volatile memory.

FIG. 22is a block diagram of a comparison server device60according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. As illustrated, comparison server device60includes a controller2204connected to a memory2206, one or more secondary storage components2212, and one or more communications interfaces2208by a bus2202or similar mechanism. The controller2204is a microprocessor, digital Application Specific Integrated Circuit ASIC, Field Programmable Gate Array FPGA, or the like. In general, the comparison server device60includes a control system61having associated memory2206. In this embodiment, the controller2204is a microprocessor, and the comparison module62is implemented in software and stored in the memory2206for execution by the controller2204. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The aforementioned module may be implemented in software, hardware, or a combination thereof. Further, the user repository400, dwelling repository412, thermostat device repository440, and energy measurement device repository467may be stored in the one or more secondary storage components2212. The secondary storage components2212are digital data storage components such as, for example, one or more hard disk drives. The comparison server device60also includes a communication interface2208enabling the comparison server device60to connect to the network15.

In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the principles described herein are applied to water consumption as opposed to energy consumption. A dwelling has a networked connected water meter. The water meter is paired with a water consumption meter as opposed to an energy measurement device. A user is able to receive information indicating their water consumption in real-time, and the comparison server may compute an ecorank based on water consumption in relative to a comparison group. Alternatively, a user may specify a desired ecorank as it pertains to water use, and the water meter acts in conjunction with the comparison server device to try and achieve that target. The water meter, as instructed by the comparison server may restrict flow to landscape watering for example, to reduce the amount of water consumed at a dwelling. Likewise, it may cut off water to the dwelling altogether if the dwelling is not on schedule to meet its target ecorank. In a more sophisticated system, with additional controls, the water may be cut off to outside spigots, showers, baths, washing machines, and the like, but remain on and in use for flushing toilets, drinking taps, and other critical items.

In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the thermostat device is replaced with a general purpose control device. The control device is operable to control any number of subsystems within the dwelling, and to communicate with one or more energy measurement devices50. The control device may be used to set an ecorank target, and the control device and comparison server device60work in tandem to control the energy consumption throughout the dwelling to meet or exceed the ecorank target.