System for controlling an environment of a structure

A system for modifying controllable elements of a structure based on an array of conditions, particularly a distance of a user or operator from the structure, deviations from an expected travel path to the structure, activities conducted either along or while deviating from the expected travel path, traffic, a core body temperature of the user or operator, and other factors. The controllable structure elements can include, for example, heating and air conditioning (HVAC), alarm, lights, and appliances.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This disclosure relates to devices configured to control an environment of a structure. Such control considers deviations from typical travel paths between destinations, and activities conducted either along the path of travel or in a deviation from a path of travel. Structure elements can include, for example, heating and air conditioning (HVAC), an alarm, lights, and appliances.

BACKGROUND

Systems exist for automatically modifying air conditioning, heating, and lights based on a distance from home.

SUMMARY

This disclosure provides a system for controlling an environment of a structure, the system comprising at least one temperature sensor, a location device, a mapping system, and a processor. The at least one temperature sensor is sized, dimensioned, and positioned to receive signals from an Abreu brain thermal tunnel (ABTT) terminus of a user and configured to transmit temperature signals representative of the signals received from the ABTT terminus. The location device is configured to determine a location of the user and to transmit signals representative of the location of the user. The mapping system is configured to determine a route of travel of the user and a time to travel the route. The processor is configured to receive the temperature signals from the at least one temperature sensor, the location signals from the location device, and route information from the mapping system, and to control at least one sub-system of the structure based on the temperature of the ABTT when the user reaches a predetermined time from the structure as determined from the route of travel.

This disclosure also provides a system for operating a plurality of devices in a structure, the system comprising a user sub-system and a structure sub-system. The user sub-system includes at least one temperature sensor configured to measure a core body temperature of a user, a device configured to determine a route from a location of the user to the structure, and a transmission device for transmitting information including the core body temperature of the user and the route. The structure sub-system is configured to receive the information transmitted by the user sub-system and operate at least one structure device of the plurality of structure devices based at least in part on the core body temperature of the user, the route of the user, and a calculated predetermined time of arrival of the user at the structure.

This disclosure also provides a method of controlling an environment of a structure, the method comprising receiving a temperature of an ABTT terminus of a user, receiving location information of the user, receiving route information of the user, determining from the route and location information a time of arrival at the structure, and controlling at a predetermined time before arrival of the user at the structure at least one sub-system of the structure based at least in part on the temperature of the ABTT terminus of the user.

Advantages and features of the embodiments of this disclosure will become more apparent from the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments when viewed in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure provides a system for modifying an environment of a structure, such as a building, based on an array of conditions, particularly a distance of a user or operator from the structure and the estimated time to travel that distance, deviations from an expected travel path to the structure, activities conducted either along or while deviating from the expected travel path, traffic, a core body temperature of the user or operator, and other factors. The controllable structure elements can include, for example, heating and air conditioning (HVAC), an alarm, lights, and appliances.

The Abreu brain thermal tunnel (ABTT) provides a unique opportunity to diagnose an array of conditions and diseases that were previously difficult or even impossible to diagnose, and to treat those diseases and conditions, as disclosed by Applicant in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/512,421, filed on Oct. 11, 2014, Ser. No. 14/512,427, filed on Oct. 11, 2014, Ser. No. 14/593,848, filed on Jan. 9, 2015, Ser. No. 14/594,122, filed on Jan. 10, 2015, and Ser. No. 14/603,353, filed on Jan. 22, 2015, incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

The present disclosure arises from the discovery that the Abreu brain thermal tunnel, or ABTT, provides the first known structure for brain-surface thermodynamic communication and thermal connection directly with the center of the brain. Anatomically and physiologically speaking, and as shown inFIGS. 1-3, ABTT12includes a continuous, direct, and undisturbed connection between a brain core24at the control center of the brain and the skin of ABTT terminus10. The skin of ABTT terminus10is unique in that it is the thinnest skin with the fewest layers of any skin on a human body, it is absent a fat layer, and it has the high thermal conductivity of any skin on the human body.

The physical and physiological events at one end of the tunnel are reproduced at the opposite end. Thus, ABTT12enables the direct transfer of temperature signals from brain core24to ABTT terminus10without significant barriers, as described in co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/512,421.

Anatomy shows the convergence of four veins at ABTT target area10: frontal14, superior palpebral16, supraorbital18, and angular20. As angular vein20extends further from ABTT12, it transitions into facial vein22. Having converged, there is a direct, valve-free connection from ABTT terminus or target area10between an eye32and an eyebrow28into the center of the brain, i.e., brain core24, which is the temperature center present in the hypothalamus and a thermal storage area present in the cavernous sinus.

FIGS. 1 and 2show the approximate location of these veins in relation to other facial features. Angular/facial vein20/22runs up alongside nose26, superior palpebral vein16runs along eyebrow28, and frontal vein14and supraorbital vein18run through forehead30, all positioned on a head34. For the purposes of disclosure, terminology referring to relevant facial areas or veins herein will be described as one or more of the above-referenced veins and ABTT target area10.

As described herein, veins14,16,18,20, and22converge in the superomedial orbit in the region of the upper eyelid and adjacent to the bridge of the nose, and flow directly, without inhibition, to the center of the brain. The skin in this area, as shown in pending applications by Applicant, is the thinnest skin in the body and free of fat, providing an unexpectedly rapid communication of temperature from the brain core to the skin of ABTT terminus10. These vessels lack valves, which are typically an important barrier to blood flow and the direct and rapid transmission of temperature signals. Without valves, these blood vessels truly provide a direct, uninhibited passage for transporting temperature signals directly to and from the hypothalamic region of the brain. Moreover, ABTT12includes a superior ophthalmic vein (SOV)23, which connects the skin surface to the brain and corresponds to the central portion of the tunnel (ABTT12), is valveless, and has bidirectional blood flow. The SOV lies directly underneath the skin of the superomedial orbit, between eye32and eyebrow28, and is a direct conduit from the surface of the skin at the facial end of ABTT12, i.e., ABTT terminus10, to the brain, and then to the hypothalamus. The hypothalamic region of the brain is the link between the central nervous system and the endocrine system and, as such, acts as the center of control for many basic bodily functions such as, for example, hunger, thirst, body temperature, fatigue, blood pressure, immune responses, circadian cycles, hormone production and secretion, and many others.

The facial end of ABTT12, herein referred to as a target area, or terminus10on the skin on, over, or adjacent to ABTT12, measures about 11 mm in diameter measured from the medial corner of eye32at the medial canthal tendon and extends superiorly for about an additional 6 or 7 mm in an ABTT superior projection (not shown), and then extends into an upper eyelid in a horn-like projection (not shown) for another 22 mm. ABTT terminus10is absent fat, and the ABTT superior projection and the horn-like projection are absent fat in areas near to ABTT terminus10, with a fat layer present in areas a spaced distance away from ABTT terminus10.

Many aspects of the disclosure are described in terms of sequences of actions to be performed by elements of a computer system or other hardware capable of executing programmed instructions, for example, a general-purpose computer, special purpose computer, workstation, or other programmable data process apparatus. It will be recognized that in each of the embodiments, the various actions could be performed by specialized circuits (e.g., discrete logic gates interconnected to perform a specialized function), by program instructions (software), such as program modules, being executed by one or more processors (e.g., one or more microprocessors, a central processing unit (CPU), and/or application specific integrated circuit), or by a combination of both. For example, embodiments can be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, microcode, or any combination thereof. The instructions can be program code or code segments that perform necessary tasks and can be stored in a non-transitory machine-readable medium such as a storage medium or other storage(s). A code segment may represent a procedure, a function, a subprogram, a program, a routine, a subroutine, a module, a software package, a class, or any combination of instructions, data structures, or program statements. A code segment may be coupled to another code segment or a hardware circuit by passing and/or receiving information, data, arguments, parameters, or memory contents.

The non-transitory machine-readable medium can additionally be considered to be embodied within any tangible form of computer readable carrier, such as solid-state memory, magnetic disk, and optical disk containing an appropriate set of computer instructions, such as program modules, and data structures that would cause a processor to carry out the techniques described herein. A computer-readable medium may include the following: an electrical connection having one or more wires, magnetic disk storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape or other magnetic storage devices, a portable computer diskette, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (e.g., EPROM, EEPROM, or Flash memory), or any other tangible medium capable of storing information.

It should be noted that the system of the present disclosure is illustrated and discussed herein as having various modules and units that perform particular functions. It should be understood that these modules and units are merely described based on their function for clarity purposes, and do not necessarily represent specific hardware or software. In this regard, these modules, units and other components may be hardware and/or software implemented to substantially perform their particular functions explained herein. The various functions of the different components can be combined or segregated as hardware and/or software modules in any manner, and can be useful separately or in combination. Input/output or I/O devices or user interfaces including, but not limited to, keyboards, displays, pointing devices, and the like can be coupled to the system either directly or through intervening I/O controllers. Thus, the various aspects of the disclosure may be embodied in many different forms, and all such forms are contemplated to be within the scope of the disclosure.

FIG. 4shows a structure control system40in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. Structure control system40includes a user or operator sub-system (user sub-system)42and a structure sub-system44. Structure control system40is configured to receive information from outside sources84, such as traffic flow, accidents, construction, weather conditions, road conditions, road closures, etc. Structure control system40is also configured to receive location information from a location device or system, such as from GPS satellites46.

The user-subsystem includes a user sub-system processor48, a GPS receiver50, a non-transitory memory52, a transceiver54, and an ABTT interface56. Transceiver54can be part of a cell phone, a wireless device built into a vehicle, or other system capable of at least transmitting signals wirelessly, and preferably receiving signals wirelessly. The processor can also be included as part of a cell phone, a system built into a vehicle, or other processor. The processor is a physical device, which can be a CPU or can include a CPU, that is connected to various other elements of user sub-system42by wire or wirelessly. User sub-system42also includes non-transitory memory52that serves as a location for the storage of software and data used to perform functions of user sub-system42.

ABTT interface56includes at least a sensor58configured to measure the temperature of ABTT terminus10. Sensor58can be a contact sensor that directly measures temperature, an IR sensor, or another device configured to receive thermal signals emitted by or from ABTT terminus10. If sensor58is a contact sensor, it can be positioned in a pad60configured to contact ABTT terminus10. ABTT interface56further includes a support frame62, which can include temple frames64and a nose support66. To position sensor58to receive thermal signals optimally from ABTT terminus10, ABTT interface56includes one or more flexible arms68, and each sensor58is positioned at a distal end of flexible arm68that is configured to accommodate differences in ABTT location from user to user. A proximate end of flexible arm68is attached to support frame62.

Sensor58is configured to transmit signals representative of the temperature or thermal signature of ABTT terminus10. These signals may be transmitted by wire or wirelessly to user sub-system processor48, which then uses the data embodied in the signal to perform other functions, described in more detail herein. User sub-system processor48is also connected to other elements of user sub-system42physically or wirelessly, and transmits or receives signals from these other elements, as appropriate to the element. For example, GPS data from GPS receiver50is provided to user sub-system processor48, data and/or software is transmitted by user sub-system processor48to and from non-transitory memory52, and data and/or control signals are transmitted to transceiver54. While the exemplary embodiment ofFIG. 4shows that user sub-system processor48of user sub-system42performs the functions of structure control system40, a structure processor70included as part of structure subsystem44, described in more detail later, can also perform the functions by receiving information from user sub-system42and performing the necessary determinations or calculations.

Structure sub-system44includes a structure receiver or transceiver72, structure processor70, and a plurality of controllable structure elements or devices, such as HVAC74, lights76, alarm78, appliances80, and other elements82. The structure receiver or transceiver72is configured to receive signals from transceiver54of user sub-system42. It should be understood that whileFIG. 4shows signals as being transmitted directly from user sub-system42to structure sub-system44, which can be one embodiment of the present disclosure, in other embodiments the signals are transmitted through a cell phone network, via Wi-Fi, or through other transmission systems. Structure processor70receives the signals from the structure receiver or transceiver72, and based on the signals determines whether one or more of the controllable structure elements needs to be operated, such as being turned on, turned off, adjusted, etc.

FIG. 5shows an exemplary process flow of structure control system40, andFIG. 6shows exemplary examples of the operation of structure control system40.

As shown inFIG. 5, a structure control system (SCS) process flow begins with a start process102. Start process102is initiated when structure control system40is actuated, or, if actuated, start process102is initiated when the user is travelling along a route that is typically associated with travel to the structure. Start process102can include clearing of registering, loading of software from non-transitory memory52to user sub-system42processor, etc. Control is then passed from start process102to a route to structure decision process104.

In route to structure decision process104, wherein an exemplary structure200is a house or home200, a decision is made as to whether a travel route to structure200is being taken, such as home route #1, #2, or #3shown inFIG. 6. Such route information can be made by a mapping device, mapping system, or a processor using map information. If a route home is not detected, control remains with route to structure decision process104until a route to home200is detected. Once route to structure decision process104determines that a route home is detected, control passes from the route to structure decision process104to a route identified decision process106.

In route identified decision process106, a determination of the route being taken is made. It is typical for more than one route to be available from a first location, such as a work location208, to a second location, such as home200. Because the travel time and conditions vary over each route, identification of such routes can be valuable to minimize modifying the environment of structure200too early or too late. Early modification wastes energy, and can cause other issues, described in more detail hereinbelow, and late modification can mean less desirable conditions at the destination, such as an overly hot or cold structure, lack of lights, etc. Once a probable route has been determined, control is passed from route identified decision process106to a receive data process108.

In receive data process108, all available data is received for that route, such as traffic conditions, road conditions, construction, etc., which can be received from, for example, sources84. It should be understood that while process108is shown as a single event, route related data can be continually received throughout process100and is used to update process100as to when the environment of structure200should be controlled. After receipt of data for a particular route, control passes from receive data process108to a determine arrival time at home process110.

At determine arrival time at home process110, a determination of the approximate arrival time at structure or home200is made, based on traffic and other information. Once the approximate arrival time is determined, control is passed from determine arrival time at home process110to a check route progress process112. Control then passes from check route process112to a first route deviated decision process114. In first route deviated decision process114, a determination is made as to whether a deviation from the identified route exists. If no deviation exists, control passes from first route deviated decision process114to a first predetermined time decision process116. If a route deviation exists, control passes from first route deviated decision process114to a determine nature of deviation process118.

In determine nature of deviation process118, structure control system40uses information from one or more sources to determine how long such deviation is likely to occur. Such information can include, as shown inFIG. 6, that the user has deviated from home route #1into an area identified as shopping202. Over time, structure control system40can build a history of stops at shopping202to estimate how long such a stop is likely to be, incorporating that delay into the calculation for the predetermined time, described further hereinbelow. Such history can be stored in, for example, non-transitory memory52, and recalled as part of determining or estimating the length of a deviation.

In another example, a deviation can be into an area identified as shopping204, which includes a fitness center206. Attendance at fitness center206can be recognized by user sub-system42because exercise generates measurable thermal signals at ABTT terminus10. Such measurements can be valuable because structure sub-system44can use the thermal signature provided by ABTT terminus10to determine actions that need to be taken once the user returns to a route leading to structure200. For example, if fitness center206is approximately 20 minutes from home200, and the thermal signature at ABTT terminus10indicates an elevated core temperature, structure sub-system44can compensate for the elevated core temperature by decreasing the temperature of the HVAC system accordingly, meaning by an amount greater than the temperature would otherwise be decreased because the user has been exercising and is hot.

Once the nature of a deviation is determined, control passes from determine nature of deviation process118to an estimated arrival time process120, where a revised arrival time at the structure is determined. In addition, at least one new predetermined time based on the estimated arrival time is determined. The predetermined time is a time at which various controllable structure elements are operated or actuated in advance of the arrival of the user. In an exemplary embodiment, a plurality of predetermined times are determined for each controllable structure element. For example, HVAC system74may be operated to reduce structure200temperature at a predetermined time of 15 minutes before the estimated arrival time because of the time it takes to heat or cool an enclosed space. Alarm system78can be operated to turn off a front door or garage entry at the approximate or estimated arrival time, or a short, predetermined time before the approximate or estimated arrival time. Appliances80for cooking, an electric blanket, a whirlpool tub, and other appliances80can be operated as selected by the user at predetermined times determined from the estimated arrival time, incorporating core temperature measurements provided by ABTT thermal sensor58, if appropriate, as described in more detail hereinbelow. For example, the user may prefer to jump into the whirlpool tub within ten minutes of arrival. Process100thus controls structure sub-system44to automatically fill the whirlpool tub with water of the appropriate temperature at a time that prepares the tub for the arrival of the user, such as five minutes before the estimated time the user typically desires to use the whirlpool tub, with a water temperature that is adjusted based on the thermal signature of ABTT terminus10. In another example, compact fluorescent lights can be actuated at a predetermined time of 30 seconds before the user's arrival time so that the lights are fully on by the time the user enters structure200.

Once all predetermined times for various controllable structure elements have been calculated, control passes from estimated arrival time process120to a second predetermined time decision process122. In second predetermined time decision process122, SCS process flow100waits for a first predetermined time to occur, which in an exemplary embodiment is for HVAC74. At the first predetermined time, control passes from the second predetermined time decision process122to a confirm arrival with the user process124. It should be understood that control can be passed to second predetermined time decision process122multiple times. Each time control passes to second predetermined time decision process122, a determination of a next predetermined time is made. For example, in an exemplary embodiment the total number of systems in a structure to be operated bases on predetermined times can be five, with operation at exemplary times before arrival of 15 minutes, 10 minutes, 7 minutes, 5 minutes and 30 seconds. Once the first predetermined time has passed, the first controllable structure element, for example, HVAC74, will be operated or actuated. Once the second predetermined time has passed, a second controllable structure element, for example, a cooking appliance80, can be operated or actuated. Other predetermined times and controllable structure elements are actuated or operated as appropriate until all predetermined times have been reached and the associated elements have been actuated, operated, or otherwise controlled.

Confirm arrival with the user process124is an optional process that provides an indication to a user that structure control system40has calculated an approximate arrival time, and is controlling various controllable structure elements accordingly. The user can confirm the approximate arrival time, or can adjust the approximate arrival time up or down, based on information known only to the user. If the user elects to not confirm the user's arrival time, SCS process flow100moves from confirm arrival with the user process124to a receive ABTT temperature process126.

In receive ABTT temperature process126, the thermal signature of ABTT terminus10is measured to determine a core temperature of the user. This temperature is transmitted to user subsystem processor48and/or structure processor70for modification of various controllable structure elements. Control then passes from receive ABTT temperature process126to an operate structure systems process128.

In operate structure systems process128, appropriate structure systems are operated with a separate predetermined time for each system, modified as necessary by the ABTT thermal signature. Once the appropriate system is actuated or operated based on the predetermined time and, as appropriate, the ABTT thermal signature, control passes from the operate structure systems process128to an arrived at structure decision process130.

At arrived at structure decision process130, system40determines whether the user has arrived at structure200. If the user has arrived at structure200, all predetermined times have passed and all structure elements operable or controllable by structure control system40will have been operated, actuated, or otherwise controlled as appropriate to their function. Control then passes from arrived at structure decision process130to an end process134. However, in another exemplary embodiment, the ABTT interface can remain in place and certain structure systems, for example, HVAC74, can be dynamically adjusted based on the ABTT thermal signature. In another example, as a user's thermal signature indicates sleep, an electronic blanket can be actuated in preparation for the user to go to bed.

If the user has yet to arrive at structure200, control passes from arrived at structure decision process130to a second route deviated decision process132, which functions in a manner that is similar to first route deviated decision process114. If the route has deviated, control passes from second route deviated decision process132to determine nature of deviation process188, which functions as previously described.

Though not specifically shown, structure control system40continually receives updated traffic and other information at regular intervals, and system40uses the updated traffic and other information to recalculate the estimate arrival time along with all associated predetermined times. One benefit to system40ofFIG. 4and process flow100ofFIG. 5is that system40is continuously adaptable to the driving environment, which includes user-initiated route deviations, without any intervention by the user. Furthermore, the user's physical condition is incorporated into decisions made by structure control system40and SCS process flow100. Thus, the disclosure ofFIGS. 4 and 5is exemplary rather than exhaustive.

While various embodiments of the disclosure have been shown and described, it is understood that these embodiments are not limited thereto. The embodiments can be changed, modified, and further applied by those skilled in the art. Therefore, these embodiments are not limited to the detail shown and described previously, but also include all such changes and modifications.