Abstract:
This invention is a remote control device to control a thermostat. The remote control works using RF transceivers in base a wall mounted base unit and a portable remote control unit, or optionally, using infrared signals much like a television remote control. The remote control has a keypad on it to allow one to select the desired temperature, or to select a temperature from one of several buttons on it corresponding to a specific temperature. This enables the user to set the temperature of a room without having to get up and manually change it.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     The present invention is a Continuation of United States Provisional Patent Application No. 60/142,974, filed on Jul. 12, 2000. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates generally to temperature control and, more particularly, to a wireless remotely controlled thermostat for regulating room temperature. 
     2. Description of the Related Art 
     In the related art, there exists various devices to regulate room temperature. Typically this is done via a thermostat. The prior art includes such devices and various schemes whereby such thermostats can be remotely activated. There also exists inventions where wireless technology is used to regulate room temperature. However, the present invention has several novel features over the prior art as discussed below. 
     Regardless of geographic location, virtually every American&#39;s home includes a climate control system for regulating the room temperature inside the dwelling. Typically consisting of a heating unit and an air conditioning unit, these devices are controlled by thermostats that switch the heating unit/air conditioner on and off in order to maintain a desired ambient temperature. Developed in the past and still in common use today, conventional thermostats incorporate the use of mercury switches or mechanical switches that are triggered by an expansion-type thermoswitch. Modern concerns over energy consumption, however, have resulted in the development of electronic thermostats that incorporate micro-processing technology and solid state switching to allow for accurate, programmable climate control. In fact, many modern home heating and air conditioning systems incorporate the use of automated dampers that allow for regulating the home climate on an individual room basis. In spite of the technological advancements that have been made in the area of home climate control, however, home owners are still required to operate thermostats from a fixed position, usually mounted on a wall in a centrally located position. One desiring to adjust the temperature in one room of the building must go to the room where the thermostat is located to adjust the temperature. This can be inconvenient at night when one is lying in their bedroom. The development of the Remote Control Thermostat eliminates this problem. 
     A search of the prior art did not disclose any patents that read directly on the claims of the instant invention; however, the following references were considered related: 
     
       
         
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                 U.S. Pat. No. 
                 Inventor 
                 Issue Date 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
                 5,386,461 
                 Gedney 
                 January 31, 1998 
               
               
                   
                 4,353,502 
                 Myers 
                 October 12, 1982 
               
               
                   
                 4,969,508 
                 Tate et al. 
                 November 13, 1990 
               
               
                   
                 4,336,902 
                 Neal 
                 June 29, 1982 
               
               
                   
                 3,972,471 
                 Ziegler 
                 August 3, 1976 
               
               
                   
                 4,433,719 
                 Cherry, et al. 
                 February 28, 1984 
               
               
                   
                 4,205,782 
                 Cannella 
                 June 3, 1980 
               
               
                   
                 4,032,069 
                 Cannella 
                 June 28, 1977 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     Of some relevance is U.S. Pat. No. 4,969,508 issued to Tate et al. The &#39;508 reference discloses a wireless thermostat and room environment control system. The invention of the &#39;508 reference attempts to regulate room temperature via a handheld wireless transmitter which controls a solenoid operated baffle located in the conduit supplying regulated air to individual rooms. This is significantly different than the present invention which is a handheld wireless transmitter which controls the thermostat. 
     Of considerable relevance is U.S. Pat. No. 4,433,719 issued to Cherry et al. The invention of the &#39;719 reference is a portable thermostat which controls the heating and cooling devices via RF signals. One need merely to carry the thermostat with them into any room to adjust the temperature. The present invention differs from the invention in the &#39;719 reference in that the present invention has a wall mounted base unit for receiving user commands from a wireless handheld unit, much like the remote control of a television. One can have several of the handheld transmitters but there is only one wall mounted base unit. Without a base unit as in the present invention, in contrast to the invention of the &#39;719 reference, one would have no way to adjust the temperature should the handheld transmitter(s) be lost or the batteries discharged. The present invention eliminates this problem. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a remote control thermostat. 
     It is a another feature of the present invention to provide full control access from a remote location. 
     It is yet another feature of the present invention to operate from anywhere within a dwelling. 
     It is yet still another feature of the present invention to promote energy conservation and efficiency. 
     It is still yet another feature of the present invention to promote energy conservation and efficiency. 
     It is another feature of the present invention to provide quick and accurate response to a users commands. 
     It is yet another feature of the present invention to be programmable. 
     Briefly described according to one embodiment of the present invention, a Remote Control Thermostat is provided consisting of a fully functional base suited for wall mounting in a convenient location in a manner similar to that of conventional thermostats. The base unit incorporates the full functionality of modern electronic thermostats, allowing for programming functions while providing superior control characteristics. Also included in the system is a battery powered remote control unit that allows the user to adjust the temperature settings from a remote location. Ideally suited for the elderly and the handicapped, the house climate can be regulated to a comfortable level without the hassle and burden associated with getting up and accessing the wall mounted unit. As a result, use of the Remote Control Thermostat allows one to monitor and control their home climate control system in a convenient yet effective manner. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The advantages and features of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following more detailed description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like elements are identified with like symbols, and in which: 
     FIG. 1 is a front view of a Remote Control Thermostat, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a remote control for a Remote Control Thermostat, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 3 is a block-type electrical diagram of the base unit, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
     FIG. 4 is a block-type electrical diagram of the remote control unit, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention; and 
     FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of the internal control logic of the Remote Control Thermostat. 
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 10 
                 base unit 
                 105 
                 back light control switch 
               
               
                 15 
                 remote control unit 
                 110 
                 light timing module 
               
               
                 20 
                 power supply 
                 115 
                 lamps 
               
               
                 25 
                 conventional thermostat 
                 120 
                 remote temperature control 
               
               
                   
                 connection 
                   
                 pushbuttons 
               
               
                 30 
                 first battery 
                 125 
                 remote fan control switch 
               
               
                 35 
                 main microprocessor 
                 130 
                 remote temperature sensor 
               
               
                   
                 controller 
                 135 
                 remote readout display 
               
               
                 40 
                 local temperature control 
                 140 
                 third display driver 
               
               
                   
                 pushbuttons 
                 145 
                 remote unit transceiver 
               
               
                 45 
                 fan control switch 
                   
                 module 
               
               
                 50 
                 temperature sensing device 
                 150 
                 remote unit antenna 
               
               
                 55 
                 base unit transceiver module 
                 160 
                 first functional block 
               
               
                 60 
                 base unit antenna 
                 165 
                 first operational block 
               
               
                 65 
                 RF signals 
                 170 
                 second operational block 
               
               
                 70 
                 ambient temperature readout 
                 175 
                 second functional block 
               
               
                 75 
                 first display driver 
                 180 
                 third operational block 
               
               
                 80 
                 set-point temperature readout 
                 185 
                 fourth operational block 
               
               
                 85 
                 second display driver 
                 190 
                 fifth operational block 
               
               
                 90 
                 output control relay module 
                 195 
                 third functional block 
               
               
                 95 
                 second battery 
                 200 
                 sixth operational block 
               
               
                 100 
                 remote microprocessor 
                 205 
                 fourth functional block 
               
               
                   
                 controller 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The best mode for carrying out the invention is presented in terms of its preferred embodiment, herein depicted within the Figures. 
     1. Detailed Description of the Figures 
     Referring now to FIG. 1, shown is a Remote Control Thermostat, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, comprised of a base unit  10  for mounting on the wall of a structure and a remote control unit  15  for carrying throughout the structure. Base unit  10  is an otherwise conventional thermostat typically found in the home or office with a low power transceiver coupled to the temperature sensing and regulating functions of the thermostat. Base unit  10  should be centrally located in the structure so that the local temperature reading should be representative of the temperature throughout the structure. This requires that base unit  10  be placed on a wall free from drafts from leaky doors or windows or exposed to direct sunlight. As is typical with a thermostat, base unit  10  would electronically control the temperature in the room by comparing the local temperature to a desired temperature input set into the thermostat by the user. If the local temperature is above or below the desired set temperature, a signal is sent via low voltage circuitry to either a heating unit or an air conditioning unit to raise or lower the temperature until the desired temperature is reached. In this fashion, one can have the temperature that they are most comfortable at all times regardless of the temperature outside. Base unit  10  allows one to set that desired temperature from a remote location via a radio frequency signal. The specially designed transceiver built into base unit  10  is designed to receive radio signals from a remote control unit  15  which allows a user to select the desired temperature. The user can also input the desired temperature from a keypad located on base unit  10  itself. The transceiver also transmits a signal back to remote control unit  15  indicating the local temperature at base unit  10 . This is essential to the operation of the Remote Control Thermostat in case the local temperature at base unit  10  is different from the local temperature at remote control unit  15 . By the user knowing the difference between the two local temperatures the user can select the desired temperature accordingly. The temperature selected on the remote control unit will be the temperature that base unit  10  will bring the local temperature to. Of course the Remote Control Thermostat will have enough power such that the signal strength from every room in the structure can reach the base unit  10  and remote control unit  15  but not so much power that other owners of a Remote Control Thermostat in the same neighborhood will suffer interference. The Remote Control Thermostat is designed with conventional microelectronics including the use of microprocessor and off-the-shelf radio transceiver components using existing known technologies. It is envisioned that a conventional nine-volt battery would provide sufficient electrical power for both the base unit  10  and the remote control unit  15 . 
     Referring to FIG. 2, shown is a perspective view of a remote control unit  15  from a Remote Control Thermostat, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Remote control unit  15  is a portable, handheld device having an input keypad, a digital display, an RF transceiver, a temperature sensor, and a microprocessor. The temperature sensor is designed to constantly monitor the temperature local around remote control unit  15 . This information is available to the user via a button on the keypad. The keypad has many buttons on it including a numeric keypad plus additional buttons that perform specific functions which give the microprocessor specific instructions. Normally, the operating instructions of the microprocessor are designed to receive a specific numeric input from the keypad, representing the temperature desired, for example, 68°, and transmit it via the transceiver to base unit  10  to adjust the temperature accordingly. Other functions that are available are to turn the heating or air conditioning systems on or off. One may also adjust the temperature in 2° increments via two special keys marked with arrows to indicate temperature up or down. In an alternate embodiment, it is envisioned that keys representing specific temperatures may be included directly on the keypad, beginning at, for instance, 50° at 5° intervals until a temperature of 95°. This would eliminate the user having to push many buttons to adjust the temperature when it may be inconvenient like when it is dark at night. In either embodiment, the instructions are sent via the keypad to the microprocessor which in turn sends it to the transceiver to be carried to base unit  10  to adjust the temperature accordingly. A button located conspicuously on the keypad is also present for a light to illuminate the keypad for a short interval as desired. Remote control unit  15  is designed and built with readily available electronic components utilizing well known existing technologies. Base unit  10  is designed so that it can receive an instructional RF signal from any remote control unit  15  utilizing the same carrier frequency. In this fashion, many remote control units  15  can be purchased to operate a single base unit  10 . One can purchase many remote control units  15  and put them in any room in the structure for remote operation of base unit  10 . 
     In an alternate preferred embodiment, the RF transceiver in both base unit  10  and remote control unit  15  is replaced with infrared transmitters and receivers whereby a desired temperature setting is sent to base unit  10  via infrared light, much like the operation of a TV remote control. However, there are significant limitations to this design in terms of the receiving and transmitting ranges and obstacles such as walls which prevent IR signals from passing. Nonetheless, this is an acceptable way for remotely controlling temperature from within a room or a short distance. 
     Referring next to FIG. 3, a block-type electrical schematic of the base unit  10  from a Remote Control Thermostat, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention is disclosed. A power supply  20  receives electrical power from a conventional thermostat connection  25  or a first battery  30 . The conventional thermostat connection  25  provides power in the same manner as conventional thermostats, and as such requires no external connections to power or specialized hookups. The power supply  20  provides electrical power to a main microprocessor controller  35 . The main microprocessor controller  35  receives input signals from four sources. First, a set of local temperature control pushbuttons  40 , provide for the up and down setting of the desired temperature in 2° increments. Second, a fan control switch  45 , provides user control over the fan, in that is always off, always on, or automatically running whenever heating or cooling is called for. Third, a temperature sensing device  50 .is provided for local ambient air sensing, so that the control feedback loop can be closed and a comfortable temperature can be maintained. Finally, fourth is a base unit transceiver module  55  which interacts with the remote control unit  15  providing both input and output signals. The relationship of the remote control unit  15  with the base unit transceiver module  55  will be explained in greater detail herein below. A base unit antenna  60  is provided for the transmission of RF signals  65 , but infrared signals could be used with line-of-sight effectiveness as explained above. The main microprocessor controller  35  also provides three sets of output signals. First, the current ambient temperature is displayed on an ambient temperature readout  70 . The ambient temperature readout  70  receives its signal through a first display driver  75  which is electrically coupled to the main microprocessor controller  35 . Second, the current set-point of the Remote Control Thermostat is displayed on a set-point temperature readout  80 . The set-point temperature readout  80  receives its signal through a second display driver  85  which is electrically coupled to the main microprocessor controller  35 . Finally, third, the main microprocessor controller  35  provides operational signals to the heating and/or cooling device through an output control relay module  90 . The output control relay module  90  would be capable of providing up to three signals, one to energize the heating equipment, one to energize the cooling equipment and one to energize the fan portion of either the heating and/or cooling equipment. Such universal design would allow the Remote Control Thermostat to be used with any type of equipment. 
     Referring now to FIG. 4, a block-type electrical schematic of the remote control unit  15  from a Remote Control Thermostat, according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention is disclosed. A second battery  95  provides power to a remote microprocessor controller  100 , serving as the main controlling element of the remote control unit  15 . A back light control switch  105  provides an actuating signal to a light timing module  110  which energizes a series of lamps  115  for a fixed time period, envisioned to be approximately ten seconds. The lamps  115  are so situated as to illuminate any input keys as well as the output display. A set of remote temperature control pushbuttons  120  provides input signals to the remote microprocessor controller  100  in much as the same manner as the local temperature control pushbuttons  40  (as described in FIG.  3 ). Each command will increment or decrement the set-point temperature by 2° each. The remote temperature control pushbuttons  120  could also be a direct numerical keypad allowing for the issuing of direct temperatures to be set. A remote fan control switch  125  provides for the total control of the remote control unit  15  as well as the fan by allowing one of three inputs. First, an OFF position is provided to de-energize the remote control unit  15  as well as the associated heating and/or cooling system. Second, an ON position is provided to allow the fan associated with the heating and/or cooling system to run continuously. Finally and third, an AUTO position is provided to allow the fan to run whenever the heating and/or cooling system is operational. A remote temperature sensor  130  is provided to allow the user to determine the ambient temperature around the remote control unit  15  as an aid to determining the correct set-point. A remote readout display  135  coupled with a third display driver  140  allows the user to view the current settings of the remote control unit  15  and perform any temperature adjustments. It is envisioned the various temperatures and the corresponding set-points will alternate on the remote readout display  135  in a rotating manner. While an exact configuration will be determined with the specific programming of the remote microprocessor controller  100 , the following are envisioned to be selectable: 
     1. Current base unit temperature 
     2. Current unit set-point 
     3. Current remote unit temperature 
     The various settings of the base unit  10  (as shown in FIG. 3) are transmitted to the remote control unit  15  with the aid of a remote unit transceiver module  145  and a remote unit antenna  150 . Likewise, the various control metrics as issued by the remote control unit  15  are transmitted to the base unit  10  (as shown in FIG. 3) as well by the remote unit transceiver module  145  and remote unit antenna  150 . 
     Referring finally to FIG. 5, a logic flow diagram depicting the internal logic of the base unit  10  (as shown in FIG. 1) is displayed. The process begins at a first functional block  160  where the current set-point from either the base unit  10  (as shown in FIG. 1) or the remote control unit  15  (as shown in FIG. 2) is retrieved and stored in internal memory of the main microprocessor controller  35  (as shown in FIG.  2 ). Next, the logic flow continues to a first operational block  165  where the base unit  10  (as shown in FIG. 1) is checked for changes. A positive response forces the return to the first functional block  160 . A negative response allows control to advance to a second operational block  170  where the remote control unit  15  (as shown in FIG. 2) is checked for a revised set-point as well. A positive response once again forces a return to the first functional block  160  and a negative response allows control to continue to a second functional block  175  where the ambient temperature and the current desired set-point are compared. If they are the same as determined by a third operational block  180 , the control returns the first functional block  160 . If they are different, the control passes to a fourth operational block  185  where it is determined if the base unit  10  (as shown in FIG. 1) is in a heating mode. If it is, as determined by a positive response, the control passes to a fifth operational block  190  where it is determined if the set-point is higher or lower than the desired ambient. If it is lower, a negative response is generated and a third functional block  195  then energizes the heating system at a third functional block  195 . If it is higher, the positive response then turns control over to the first functional block  160 , and heat loss conditions of the building will allow the temperature to return to the set-point. If the outcome of the fourth operational block  185  is a negative response, control passes to a sixth operational block  200 , where it is determined if the ambient temperature is less than the set-point. If it is not, the negative response sends control to a fourth functional block  205  where the cooling system is energized. If it is, the positive response returns control to the first functional block  160 , where heat gain will allow the temperature to return to the set-point. 
     2. Operation of the Preferred Embodiment 
     To use the present invention, one need to merely carry it into the room where one typically spends the most time in, such as the bedroom. If the user feels that they are either hot or cold, they can use the remote control unit to adjust the temperature. A display is provided constantly and normally displaying the temperature at the remote control unit. In cases where the temperature in the room could possibly be different than that near the thermostat, the user can check this information by the pressing of a button. This will display the temperature near the thermostat. This enables the user to decide whether they should input a higher or lower temperature into the remote control unit. A light key is also provided to light the keypad in the dark. 
     The foregoing description is included to illustrate the operation of the preferred embodiment and is not meant to limit the scope of the invention. The scope of the invention is to be limited only by the following claims.