Patent Publication Number: US-2022228764-A1

Title: System and method for a controlled environment

Description:
PRIORITY CLAIM 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/627,742 filed Jun. 20, 2017, which application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/352,883 filed Jun. 21, 2016. All of the foregoing applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties as if fully set forth herein. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to environmental systems and, particularly to controlled environments for personal space. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Large-scale environmental systems, such as whole-building HVAC systems, are used to provide comfortable environments for tenants, employees and other persons occupying the space. At the same time, those same conditions are likely agreeable to plants and other architectural elements inside the space. The system may control lighting, temperature, humidity and ambient noise. Such systems are intended to provide an overall controlled environment for the entire building. There may be local controls, such as thermostats and lighting switches in certain areas, such as individual floors, conference rooms and offices. These local controls are generally limited to controlling single parameters, such as lights or temperature. 
     In the home, a central heating and air conditioning system typically controls the internal environment of the entire house. The occupants typically have limited local control through individual light switches, thermostats, or by adjusting air vents in rooms. Such local control is typically limited to single parameters and is further limited to fixed areas of the house, such as a family room. None of these systems provide a personalizable environment in which multiple parameters are integrated and controllable by an individual. Accordingly, there is a need for an integrated system and method for a controlled environment suitable for personable space. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
       A more complete understanding of the present invention may be derived by referring to the detailed description and claims when considered in connection with the following illustrative figures: 
         FIG. 1  is block diagram of an integrated system providing a controlled personal environment in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a block diagram illustrating aspects of the system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a block diagram illustrating further aspects of the system in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a block diagram illustrating still further aspects of the system in  FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a flow chart illustrating various steps for an environmental control process according to an embodiment of the present invention; and, 
         FIG. 6  is a flow chart illustrating various steps for an environmental control process according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     Elements and steps in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been rendered according to any particular sequence. For example, steps that may be performed concurrently or in different order are illustrated in the figures in an exemplary order to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the present invention. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
     Various aspects of the present invention may be described in terms of functional block components and various process steps. Such functional blocks may be realized by any number of hardware or software components configured to perform the specified functions and achieve the various results. For example, exemplary embodiments of the present invention may employ various sensors, components and devices responsive to and affecting various parameters, such as, by way of example, temperature, light, sound, humidity and the like. In addition, various aspects of the present invention may be practiced in conjunction with any number of computation components, and the systems and methods described are merely exemplary embodiments and applications of the present invention. Further, exemplary embodiments of the present invention may employ any number of conventional techniques for sensing and affecting environmental parameters such as air handling, temperature, lighting, humidity, auditory and visual parameters and the like. In addition to a system and apparatus for providing a controlled environment in an enclosed personal space, also disclosed is a method for achieving the desired environment, including various learning methods. 
       FIG. 1  illustrate an integrated system  100  for controlling the environment within a personal space  102  in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. A tent  104  or other structure suitable for forming a personal space, such as structural walls or portable panels, is in contact with, and may enclose, a user station  106 . System  100  further includes a control system  108 , main controller  110 , control modules  112 , sensors  114 , environmental units  116  and other controllers  120  that operate in an integrated fashion to provide a controlled environments within personal space  102 . The tent  104  may enclose all or portions of the control system  108 , main controller  110 , control modules  112 , sensors  114 , environmental units  116  and other controllers  120 . Likewise portions of the control system  108 , main controller  110 , control modules  112 , sensors  114 , environmental units  116  and other controllers  120  may reside outside tent  104 . 
     Various representative implementations of the present invention may be applied to an integrated system  100  for creating a controlled environment inside a personal, enclosed space  102 . These various components or systems may be connected or interact with other components in any number of ways. They may also be composed of, interact with, contain, manage, or control various other components. What follows here are some exemplary embodiments of a small number of possible variations of the invention. In no way should the embodiments described herein be read to limit the invention to only those described herein. It is understood that many other arrangements, systems, or methods may be used with the invention and the preceding and following descriptions do not prevent those uses not specifically described herein. 
     The integrated system  100  provides a desired environment for a user by providing a controlled physical environment in the personal space  102  around the user station  106 . Personal space  102 , as defined by tent  104 , exists above or around the user station  106 , is modified and controlled by the environmental control system  108 . Control system  108  preferably includes a main controller  110 , control modules  112 , sensors  114 , environmental unit  116  and other controllers  120 . Main controller  110 , may be a conventional computer-controlled device, such as, for example, a microprocessor based controller, that drives, among other components and systems, environmental unit  116  to create the optimum experience for the user in space  102 . Preferably, various sensors  114  provide continuous monitoring to ensure a stable and desired environment is obtained and maintained within space  102 . As an example: sensors  114  may sense parameters such as temperature, humidity, air quality, air movement, lighting, sound, visuals, movement, etc. and are configured to allow integrated system  100  to optionally and individually adjust, in an integrated fashion, parameters to a user&#39;s preference within space  102 . 
     The user station  106  represents the area the user touches or otherwise interacts with by sitting, laying, standing, etc. Non-limiting examples of user station  106  include a bed, chair, couch, cot, mat, or any other type of commercially available or proprietary furniture or other fixture desired by the user. It may also simply include the floor. 
     The environmental enclosure (tent  104 ), provides a barrier or boundary, in conjunction with the user station  106 , to establish the controlled environment in space  102  corresponding to the inner volume inside the tent  104 . The tent  104  may consist of, as a non-limiting example, fabric or other materials. In accordance with some embodiments of the invention the tent material is preferably light weight, low friction and snag resistant, limits echo, may insulate the interior, is static free, and can manage moisture. In further embodiments, the tent material is removable and portable. 
     The tent  104  may further provide one or more of the following features: an insect barrier; acoustic control, including sound deadening; temperature control, including enhanced thermal insulation; translucency, including the ability to adjust light transmission; air quality, including dust control; electric magnetic energy dissipation, visual ambiance, including color options, an easily maintained, including, for example, a replaceable fabric that can be cleaned or repaired. 
     As discussed above and illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , control system  108 , in accordance with one embodiment of the invention, comprises main controller  110 , control modules  112 , sensors  114 , environmental units  116  and manual controls  120 . Control modules  112  may be manual controls that may be operated by the user but may also be automated controls operable by and responsive to the control system  108 . The main controller  110  utilizes various inputs to drive a set of prescribed outputs. The inputs may be, for example, default programming (software/firmware) with standard pre-sets, user modified inputs through the user station  106 , control modules  112 , and sensors  114 . These outputs may provide commands to various environmental units  116  that will adjust the environmental conditions of the controlled environment in space  102 . For example, sensors  114  may provide feedback (input) to the main controller  110  and programming (firmware/software) of the main controller  110  will provide the logic to adjust and maintain the desired controlled volume environment. 
     The environmental units  116  are, according to one embodiment of the invention, comprised of mechanical components and ducts that, in some embodiments, provide airflow management, and direct air modification via, for example, temperature, humidity, air movement speed, air quality, and other non-limiting potential modifiers to and from the controlled environment of space  102 . 
     The programming of system  100 , which in some embodiments may be accessible through the main controller  110  and may optionally be accessed by mobile devices, such as smart phones, tablets, voice and motion responsive devices, receives an activity instruction provided by the user based upon a desired experience, for example, sleep, short nap, ultra-quiet, cooler, warmer, etc. The integrated system  100  responds appropriately and in an integrated fashion to create an environment suitable for that activity within the personal space  102  inside tent  104 . 
     To personalize the user experience, for example during an initial use, the system  100  prompts the user to initiate a preliminary environmental evaluation, where it monitors and learns about the user&#39;s habits, and sleep patterns. This is achieved using various sensors and settings. As the invention learns about the user it is able to use, for example, predictive intelligence, which allows it to make adjustments during use or to give suggestions to the user, further optimizing the experience. The system  100  may also have the capability to store information in control system  108  and to retrieve stored information on multiple users allowing it to customize any individual user&#39;s experience to their particular preferences. 
     In order to achieve user desired conditions, the system takes advantage of environmental controls and sensors by using them, at least optionally, in collaboration with one another. For example, the system  100  may sense noise levels and then monitor the user&#39;s reaction to them. In this example, some noises may be detrimental to sleep, while others are suitable for assisting in sleep activity. The system  100  may learn or be programed to respond to a user&#39;s reactions and optionally, allow a noise to persist or utilize noise cancelling technology to remove it from the user&#39;s perception in space  102 . In other possible embodiments, sound may also be used for entertainment purposes through the use of one or more speakers placed in, or whose sound penetrates the inner tent volume of space  102 . 
     The system may also control olfactory parameters in the personal space  102 . Smell may be important to individualizing an environment for a specific activity or user. Many users respond to smells in different ways. In one example, information, including smell, from a sleep study may be used to enhance the user&#39;s experience. 
     During a sleep study an individual user might respond to body movement manipulation. At different intervals of sleep or at different points in the study, similar movements may have different effects on the user. In one example, with information gathered from the study, in combination or individually, predictive intelligence allows the system  100  to learn what movements best suit each user at different times or for different activities. 
     Video imaging may also optionally be used in some possible embodiments of the invention. For example, images can create strong impressions during sleep or study times. Video may also be used for entertainment purposes. Repetitive imagery can also be used, optionally to train an individual&#39;s subconscious. In this example, the use of video, still or otherwise, is allowed to purposefully imprint on the user. 
     The environment within personal space  102  may be adjusted to create an environment suitable for different users. Variables such as temperature, humidity, lighting, air movement, and air filtration, may all optionally be adjusted depending on user preferences or automated features. The effect these variables have on the user are saved and stored so that the correct combination of variables is used to produce the desired environment for different users. 
     The system and method of the present invention easily integrates the foregoing systems, components and methodologies as well as additional and different technologies for achieving a controlled environment in personal space  102  that provides a desired user experience. 
     Referring to the block diagram of  FIG. 2 , tent  104  is represented as being attached to user station  106 . As previously discussed, tent  104  may also enclose all or a portion of user station  106 . The tent  104  provides a barrier, separating the outside world from the inner controlled environment of space  102 . Tent  104  may be any shape conducive to attaching to or covering all or a portion of user station  106 . For example, the overall shape may resemble a dome, a cube, a pyramid or any other shape. In at least one embodiment, the tent  104  is attached to an upper mechanism, such as a boom, which forms the upper limit of the tent, from there the tent  104  extends downward toward the user station  106 . In additional examples, the tent  104  may simply rest on or near the user station  106 . As depicted in  FIG. 2 , the user station  106  and the tent  104  meet at an outer edge of the user station  106 . In additional examples however, the tent  104  may be larger or smaller than the user station  106 . The tent  104  may also be constructed in any form to allow for it to create an inner volume used as the controlled environment of personal space  102 . The tent  104  may include internal or external supports. 
     The material of tent  104  may also be made of any suitable fabric, including natural and synthetic materials. There may be points along the inside of the tent  104  to which various other components of the system  100  can attach. There also may be similar attachment points on the outside of the tent  104 . For example, in one possible embodiment, a sensor  114  may attach to the tent  104 . The tent  104  may include a door (not shown). The door, for example, may be a flap cut in the fabric, the flap being open or closed to allow for ingress or egress. The flap may, for example, use a zipper to allow it to be opened or closed. However, many other methods facilitating ingress and egress are possible. In other embodiments the tent  104  may be raised or lowered to allow the user to enter or exit space  102 , and therefore not include a door. 
     The exterior of the enclosure, tent  104 , may be any color. There may be fittings, sensors  114  or environmental units  116  located either on the outside of the tent  104  or extending from the outside to the inside of the tent  104 . For example, an air inlet and output source, or port, may traverse the tent wall material. Such an air inlet and output could be connected to the environmental units  116 . There may also be a port which allows air to exit tent  104 . 
     As previously discussed with reference to  FIG. 1 , the system  100  includes user station  106 . User station  106  is preferable the area where the user sits, lays, stands, or otherwise is positioned in personal space  102  inside the tent  104 . The user station  106  may suitable for use by non-humans, including pets. For example, a veterinarian may utilize system  100  to accommodate recovering pets after a medical procedure. User station  106  may have additional functionalities, such as massage, movement, flexibility, heat control, etc. The user station  106  may be integrated into the tent  104  or tent  104  may be adapted to an existing user station  106 . The user station  106  may also include sensors  114  for use in individualizing the user&#39;s experience within space  102 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 2 , control system  108  receives and sends data and related instructions to and from various components in system  100 . The control system  108  includes main controller  110 , which may be a computer or microprocessor controlled device, although other examples may achieve the same or similar results using different components. The main controller  110  may utilize logic from specific programming to adjust outputs to the various environmental units  116  by using various inputs and user modified inputs. The main controller  110  may receive information or data from, for example, a manual or external controller  120 , external sensors  122 , internal (inside the tent  104 ) sensors  124 , human feedback sensors  126 , a manual controller  128  inside the tent  104 , or any other device capable of sending information, instructions, data or other signals. The main controller  110  may also output information, instructions, data or other signals to, for example, a sound/noise device  128 , lighting  130 , and the environmental units  116 . The environmental units  116  may control, for example, temperature, humidity, air movement, air filtration, air management, recirculation, etc. Inputs and outputs may be used in numerous ways to affect a range of changes. For example, an input may lead to calculation and or activation of or by the microcontroller (main control unit  110 ), which then in response leads to an output from the main controller  110  which leads to desired change in the environment in space  102 . Another example includes a temperature sensor sending temperature information back to the main controller  110 , the main controller  110  then references the current temperature against a stored or manually set optimal temperature, the main controller  110  then sends a request to the environmental units  116  (Command (on/off, wattage signals) to heat unit) to raise temperature in space  102  to achieve this desired temperature. Energy management and system stability logic in main controller  110  software will influence output signals (on/off/%/wattage) to the various system elements. 
     In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, system  100  may include external sensors  122 . The external sensors  122  may be any sensor(s) located outside of the tent  104 . For example, a temperature sensor may be located outside of the tent  104 . An additional, non-limiting example includes a noise sensor. The external sensors  122  may be connected to the main controller  110  such that data/signals flow from the sensor  122  to the main controller  110  and from the main controller  110  to the sensor  122 . Many different types of sensors  122  may be incorporated into the system  100 . The possibilities are not to be limited to only those listed in this disclosure and it is to be understood that any type of sensor used internally may also have an external variant. There may also be more than one of the same type of sensor. For example, there may be multiple external temperature sensors. These external sensors provide useful information to the main controller  110 . For example, if the temperature outside the tent  104  is very high compared to the temperature inside space  102 , the main controller  110  will instruct the environmental units  116  to work harder in order to maintain the temperature inside the tent  104 . An external sensor  122 , which senses external noises, then transmits that data to the main controller  110 , which then allows for a noise canceling process in space  102  based on those external noises, via sound/noise source  130  in tent  104 . 
     In accordance with yet further aspects of the present invention, system  100  may also include internal sensors  124 . The internal sensors  124  include any sensor located inside tent  104 . The sensors  124  are electrically coupled to the main controller  110 . These sensors  124  may include, as non-limiting examples, human feedback sensors  126 , sound and noise sensors  128 , lighting sensors, oxygen sensors, CO2 sensors, CO sensors, thermal sensors or any other type of sensor which assists in detecting and thereby providing the desired environment in space  102  for the user. Human feedback sensors  126 , for example, can monitor the user, and her/his/its reaction to certain stimuli. Multiple sensors  124  may act together in order to provide useful information. For example, the noise and human feedback sensors can provide information to determine whether certain noises affect the user. 
     In accordance with still further embodiments, the system  100  may also include an external/manual controller  120 . In some configurations the system  100  automatically achieves a user&#39;s desired environment in space  102 . However, a user may desire a different environment at any given time. In order to achieve this altered environment in space  102 , the user can make use of at least the external manual controller  120 . The external manual controller  120  is electrically coupled, including wirelessly, to the main controller  110 . This allows user inputs to be detected by the main controller  110  which can then process the request and send information to other components which facilitate the change in the environment of space  102 . For example, a user profile may suggest she/he/it prefers a temperature of 68 degrees. However, on a specific day, the user may want to manually set the environment to 70 degrees and can do so by adjusting this setting on the manual controller  120 . When the increased temperature is selected, the data is sent to the main controller  110  which in turn sends a request to the environmental units  116  to increase the temperature. The user may adjust any number of settings in an integrated fashion by using the manual external controller  120 . By way of example, the external manual controller  120  may be mounted on a wall, to the boom to which the tent  104  is attached, or may be a mobile device. There may also be more than one external controller  120 . For example there may be one external manual controller  120  mounted to the wall and the user may be using their smart device as a second external manual controller. In this example, the smart device is capable of being moved around, including inside the tent, while continuing to communicate with the main controller  110 , for example, wirelessly via an application on the smart device. The manual controller  120  itself may take any number of forms, including switches, nobs, touch screens, other digital read outs, or any other type of display and adjustment mechanisms giving the user manual control over the environment. The user can also select from different settings, for example, nap, study, and sleep, each of which may correspond to a pre-set environmental setting. 
     The system  100 , in accordance with a further embodiment, may include an internal manual controller  128 . In accordance with a previously described embodiment, the internal manual controller  128  is similar in function to the external manual controller  120 , in that it allows the user to adjust the environment in space  102  manually in an integrated fashion while inside tent  104 . The internal manual controller  128  may be a controller mounted inside the tent  104 . For example a control panel, optionally comprising a touch screen with options displayed on it. The internal manual controller may also be a user&#39;s smart device or an application there on. Other alternatives are available. The manual internal controller  128  is capable of connecting to the main controller  110  either by a physical connection or wirelessly. This allows the user to adjust the environment of space  102  from inside the tent  102 . The user may also select from different settings, for example, nap, study, and sleep. 
     The system  100  may include human feedback sensors  126 . While sensors  126  are labeled as human, it is to be understood that such sensors are biological sensors and that they may be sensors suitable for non-human life, such as pets and other animals. The human feedback sensors  126  allow the system  100  to sense the user&#39;s condition and learn about the user&#39;s responses to various stimuli, automatically adjust the environment of space  102  based on the user&#39;s sensed condition, and more. There may be one or more human feedback sensors  128 . The human feedback sensors  128  are electrically coupled to the main controller  110 . Non-limiting examples include thermal sensors, motion sensors, body scanners, video sensors, heart beat sensors, EKG, EEG, etc. 
     The system  100  may also include a sound sensor and/or source  130 . The sound sensor and/or source  130  may be one device or separate devices. Regardless of their orientation, the sensor and/or source  130  is electrically coupled to the main controller  110 . In one embodiment the sound sensor and source  130  is one device capable of both sensing and playing sounds. The device may also be capable of sound cancellation. In another example, the user may choose to play music through the sound source  130 . In another example, the user profile may indicate they sleep most optimally when soothing tones are played at a specific volume. Those tones are produced by the sound source  130 . There may be one or more sound sources or sensors  130  inside the tent  104 . It is to be understood that, as used herein, the term “electrically coupled” includes wired and wireless coupling. 
     The system may also include one or more lights  132  inside the tent. In some embodiments the light  132  is electrically coupled to the main controller  110  and therefore capable of being automatically or manually controlled. Any type of light  132  may be used. For example, in some embodiments the light  132  may be capable of multiple colors, or true RGB color range. In additional embodiments, only white light is used. The light  132  also may be adjustable in intensity, in addition to color. For example, a user profile for sleep may slowly dim the lights  132  inside the tent  104 , and then bring the intensity back up as the user gets closer to the time they are supposed to awaken. This is simply one example of many possible examples using the lights  132 . The light  132  may also, optionally, be manually controlled from inside the tent  104 . For example the light  132  may include intensity and/or an on-off switch. 
     The system  100  may also include a visual display  134 . Display  134  may be located inside the tent  104  and be capable of displaying any type of image. For example it may be capable of displaying movies or still images. In addition, the display  134  may be capable of displaying information from the main controller  110 , including current conditions, messages, etc. The display  134  may also be configured to show text messages, or any other message the user desires. 
     In accordance with further aspects of the present invention, system  100  includes environmental units  116 . The environmental units  116  are capable of adjusting the environment of space  102  inside the tent  104 . To that end, the environmental units  116  are electrically coupled to the main controller  110 . The environmental units  116  are capable of, by way of a non-limiting example, air handling. In one example, the environmental units  116  comprises an inlet and outlet, allowing air to enter and leave the system  100 , as well as an air output and an air recovery which lead to and from the tent  104 . In this example this allows the environmental units  116  to retrieve air from the external environment, treat it to the desired specifications, and send it into the tent  104 . At the same time, air is pulled from the tent  104 , and exhausted out of the system  100 . In this example, the system  100  works to achieve or maintain whatever internal environment the user desires in space  102 . In other examples air may be taken from the tent  104 , conditioned appropriately, and returned to the tent  104  without being exhausted. As a non-limiting example, the environmental units  116  are capable of adjusting temperature, humidity, air movement, air filtration, air management, level of recirculation, smell, etc. Any of these may be adjusted individually by a user by utilizing the main controller  110 . The environmental units  116  may also work automatically, in association with the main controller  110 , and other sensors attached thereto. 
     Turning to  FIG. 3 , a block diagram represents one possible embodiment of the present invention corresponding to a layout of components and how they may be interconnected to facilitate in the integrated operation of system  100  and method  200 / 200 A ( FIGS. 5 and 6 ). Feedback sensors  140  receive, or sense, information about the controlled environment in space  102 . For example the current temperature of the controlled environment may be sensed. The feedback sensors  140  also receive data from the environmental units  116 . The feedback sensors  140  then send their sensed data to the main controller  110 . The main controller  110  processes that data and determines the appropriate response. That response is sent to the environmental units  116 . The main controller  110  may also receive a request from a manual/programming input (control module  112 ). For example, a pre-set could be triggered by the user entering the tent  104 , in which case the main controller  110  relies on a pre-set input, and in turn sends information to the environmental units  116  to achieve those presets, for example humidity percentage. 
     The environmental units  116  receive requests from the main controller  110  corresponding to environment changes desired for the controlled environment in space  102 . By way of example, the feedback sensors  140  sense that the current temperature in the controlled environment of space  102  is 70 degrees. That information is sent to the main controller  110 . The main controller  110  references the 70 degree sensed temperature against either a previously programmed temperature, or a manually inputted temperature. Any disparity between the desired temperature and the sensed temperature triggers a request to the environmental units  116 . The environmental units  116  will then respond by conditioning the air in accordance with the main controller  110  request and supply conditioned air into the controlled environment of space  102 . In the current example, the program could call for 68 degrees, the main controller  110  would request colder air be sent from the environmental units  116  to the controlled environment, the environmental units  116  would send that air until the feedback sensor reads 68 degrees, at which time it will halt the process. As in all other examples and description herein, the arrows are representative only, and data, signals and other information is capable of traveling in either direction. 
     Turning next to  FIG. 4  a block diagram representatively illustrates the layout of, and inputs and outputs associated with, the main controller  110 . As illustrated, the main controller  110  may receive data, signals, information, instructions, etc. (collectively data) from, for example, the environmental feedback sensors  140 , human feedback sensors  126 , imbedded software or standard pre-sets  142 , manual controller  120 / 128 , or external applications  146  on a smart device  144 . The main controller  110  may also send data to these devices. As illustrated, the main controller  110  may send data to the following units, or to the unit capable of achieving the following: heating, cooling, video, messages, humidification, de-humidification, noise abatement, sound, lighting, air movement, air filtration, air treatment  148 . As in other examples, the data arrows in the figures are representative only, and data may be capable of traveling in either direction. 
       FIG. 5  illustrates a process  200  for providing a controlled environment according to an embodiment of the present invention. Process  200  is initiated at START block  202 . The controlled space ( 102 ) is monitored at step  204  and the exterior space is monitored at step  206 . The output of blocks  204  and  206  are inputted and read at step  208 . The step of determining whether environmental conditions (within space  102 ) are met occurs at step  210 . If environmental conditions are not met (NO), adjustments to the monitored inputs are made at step  212  and the step  210  is repeated. If the conditions are met at step  210  (YES), the process returns to step  204  and continues to monitor the controlled space ( 102 ). The process  200  preferable also includes systems learning capability at step  214 . 
       FIG. 6  illustrates a process  200 A for providing a controlled environment according to another embodiment of the present invention. Process  200 A is initiated at START block  202 A. The controlled space ( 102 ) is monitored at step  204 A and the exterior space is monitored at step  206 A. The output of monitoring blocks  204 A and  206 A are inputted and read at step  208 A. The step of determining whether environmental conditions (within space  102 ) are met occurs at step  210 A. If conditions are not met (NO), adjustments to the monitored inputs are made at step  212 A and system enters learning step  214 A. An output from step  214 A is returned to step  210 A where process  200 A determines if environmental conditions are met. Another output for the learning step  214 A is applied to step  216  in which process  200 A creates a new option for use by the process  200 A. If step  210 A determines environmental conditions have been met (YES), the process  200 A returns to step  204 A to continue monitoring the controlled space ( 102 ) at step  204 A. 
     In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described with reference to specific exemplary embodiments. Various modifications and changes may be made, however, without departing from the scope of the present invention as set forth in the claims. The specification and figures are illustrative, not restrictive, and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention. 
     For example, the steps recited in any method or process claims may be executed in any order and are not limited to the specific order presented in the claims. Additionally, the components and/or elements recited in any apparatus claims may be assembled or otherwise operationally configured in a variety of permutations and are accordingly not limited to the specific configuration recited in the claims. 
     Benefits, other advantages, and solutions to problems have been described above with regard to particular embodiments. Any benefit, advantage, solution to problem, or any element that may cause any particular benefit, advantage, or solution to occur or to become more pronounced are not to be construed as critical, required, or essential features or components of any or all the claims. 
     The terms “comprise”, “comprises”, “comprising”, “having”, “including”, “includes” or any variations of such terms, are intended to reference a non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, composition or apparatus that comprises a list of elements does not include only those elements recited, but may also include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, composition or apparatus. Other combinations and/or modifications of the above-described structures, arrangements, applications, proportions, elements, materials, or components used in the practice of the present invention, in addition to those not specifically recited, may be varied or otherwise particularly adapted to specific environments, manufacturing specifications, design parameters, or other operating requirements without departing from the general principles of the same.