Patents by Inventor Frank E. Astier

Frank E. Astier has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11549706
    Abstract: Methods for controlling temperature in a conditioned enclosure such as a dwelling are described that include an “auto-away” and/or “auto-arrival” feature for detecting unexpected absences which provide opportunities for significant energy savings through automatic adjustment of the setpoint temperature. According to some preferred embodiments, when no occupancy has been detected for a minimum time interval, an “auto-away” feature triggers a changes of the state of the enclosure, and the actual operating setpoint temperature is changed to a predetermined energy-saving away-state temperature, regardless of the setpoint temperature indicated by the normal thermostat schedule. The purpose of the “auto away” feature is to avoid unnecessary heating or cooling when there are no occupants present to actually experience or enjoy the comfort settings of the schedule, thereby saving energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: Google LLC
    Inventors: Yoky Matsuoka, Frank E. Astier, Rangoli Sharan, Anthony Michael Fadell
  • Patent number: 11359831
    Abstract: A method includes a system that operates according to a control schedule; detects events that indicate occupancy; stores a record of the events that indicate occupancy in one or more memory devices; and enters an auto-away state. A determination to enter the auto-away state may be based at least in part on a length of a time interval during which no events that indicate occupancy were detected and the stored record of the events that indicate occupancy. The system may also detect a pattern of instances where the auto-away state is entered over a plurality of days and adjusts the control schedule based at least in part on the pattern of instances where the auto-away state is entered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2022
    Assignee: Google LLC
    Inventors: Yoky Matsuoka, Evan J. Fisher, Mark Malhotra, Mark D. Stefanski, Rangoli Sharan, Frank E. Astier
  • Patent number: 11334034
    Abstract: A user-friendly programmable thermostat is described that includes receiving an immediate-control input to change set point temperature, controlling temperature according to the set point temperature for a predetermined time interval, and then automatically resetting the set point temperature upon the ending of the predetermined time interval such that the user is urged to make further immediate-control inputs. A schedule for the programmable thermostat is automatically generated based on the immediate-control inputs. Methods are also described for receiving user input relating to the user's preference regarding automatically generating a schedule, and determining whether or not to automatically adopt an automatically generated schedule based on the received user input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: Google LLC
    Inventors: Yoky Matsuoka, Frank E. Astier, Rangoli Sharan, David Sloo, Anthony M. Fadell
  • Publication number: 20200318844
    Abstract: A method includes a system that operates according to a control schedule; detects events that indicate occupancy; stores a record of the events that indicate occupancy in one or more memory devices; and enters an auto-away state. A determination to enter the auto-away state may be based at least in part on a length of a time interval during which no events that indicate occupancy were detected and the stored record of the events that indicate occupancy. The system may also detect a pattern of instances where the auto-away state is entered over a plurality of days and adjusts the control schedule based at least in part on the pattern of instances where the auto-away state is entered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2020
    Publication date: October 8, 2020
    Applicant: Google LLC
    Inventors: Yoky Matsuoka, Evan J. Fisher, Mark Malhotra, Mark D. Stefanski, Rangoli Sharan, Frank E. Astier
  • Patent number: 10690369
    Abstract: A method includes operating a controller according to a control schedule; detecting events that indicate occupancy; storing a record of the events that indicate occupancy in one or more memory devices; and causing the controller to enter an auto-away state. A determination that the controller should enter the auto-away state may be based at least in part on a length of a time interval during which no events that indicate occupancy were detected; and the stored record of the events that indicate occupancy. The method also includes detecting a pattern of instances where the controller enters the auto-away state over a plurality of days; and adjusting the control schedule based at least in part on the pattern of instances where the controller enters the auto-away state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: Google LLC
    Inventors: Yoky Matsuoka, Evan J. Fisher, Mark Malhotra, Mark D. Stefanski, Rangoli Sharan, Frank E. Astier
  • Publication number: 20200191424
    Abstract: Methods for controlling temperature in a conditioned enclosure such as a dwelling are described that include an “auto-away” and/or “auto-arrival” feature for detecting unexpected absences which provide opportunities for significant energy savings through automatic adjustment of the setpoint temperature. According to some preferred embodiments, when no occupancy has been detected for a minimum time interval, an “auto-away” feature triggers a changes of the state of the enclosure, and the actual operating setpoint temperature is changed to a predetermined energy-saving away-state temperature, regardless of the setpoint temperature indicated by the normal thermostat schedule. The purpose of the “auto away” feature is to avoid unnecessary heating or cooling when there are no occupants present to actually experience or enjoy the comfort settings of the schedule, thereby saving energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2020
    Publication date: June 18, 2020
    Applicant: Google LLC
    Inventors: Yoky Matsuoka, Frank E. Astier, Rangoli Sharan, Anthony Michael Fadell
  • Patent number: 10619876
    Abstract: A device includes a memory configured to store a preexisting schedule and one or more processors configured to perform operations including controlling a temperature within an enclosure according to a first setpoint, wherein the first setpoint is from the preexisting schedule and represents a temperature for when the enclosure is occupied. The operations also include accessing occupancy data indicating occupancy within the enclosure and automatically changing the first setpoint to a second setpoint upon expiration of a predetermined time interval during which no occupancy has been detected. The second setpoint requires less energy to maintain than the first setpoint, and the predetermined time interval is modified based at least in part on received manual settings that indicate occupancy following the changing to the second setpoint.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: Google LLC
    Inventors: Yoky Matsuoka, Frank E. Astier, Rangoli Sharan, Anthony Michael Fadell
  • Publication number: 20180299163
    Abstract: A method includes operating a controller according to a control schedule; detecting events that indicate occupancy; storing a record of the events that indicate occupancy in one or more memory devices; and causing the controller to enter an auto-away state. A determination that the controller should enter the auto-away state may be based at least in part on a length of a time interval during which no events that indicate occupancy were detected; and the stored record of the events that indicate occupancy. The method also includes detecting a pattern of instances where the controller enters the auto-away state over a plurality of days; and adjusting the control schedule based at least in part on the pattern of instances where the controller enters the auto-away state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2018
    Publication date: October 18, 2018
    Applicant: Google LLC
    Inventors: Yoky Matsuoka, Evan J. Fisher, Mark Malhotra, Mark D. Stefanski, Rangoli Sharan, Frank E. Astier
  • Publication number: 20170292731
    Abstract: Methods for controlling temperature in a conditioned enclosure such as a dwelling are described that include an “auto-away” and/or “auto-arrival” feature for detecting unexpected absences which provide opportunities for significant energy savings through automatic adjustment of the setpoint temperature. According to some preferred embodiments, when no occupancy has been detected for a minimum time interval, an “auto-away” feature triggers a changes of the state of the enclosure, and the actual operating setpoint temperature is changed to a predetermined energy-saving away-state temperature, regardless of the setpoint temperature indicated by the normal thermostat schedule. The purpose of the “auto away” feature is to avoid unnecessary heating or cooling when there are no occupants present to actually experience or enjoy the comfort settings of the schedule, thereby saving energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2017
    Publication date: October 12, 2017
    Applicant: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Yoky Matsuoka, Frank E. Astier, Rangoli Sharan, Anthony Michael Fadell
  • Patent number: 9709290
    Abstract: Methods for controlling temperature in a conditioned enclosure such as a dwelling are described that include an “auto-away” and/or “auto-arrival” feature for detecting unexpected absences which provide opportunities for significant energy savings through automatic adjustment of the setpoint temperature. According to some preferred embodiments, when no occupancy has been detected for a minimum time interval, an “auto-away” feature triggers a changes of the state of the enclosure, and the actual operating setpoint temperature is changed to a predetermined energy-saving away-state temperature, regardless of the setpoint temperature indicated by the normal thermostat schedule. The purpose of the “auto away” feature is to avoid unnecessary heating or cooling when there are no occupants present to actually experience or enjoy the comfort settings of the schedule, thereby saving energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2017
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Yoky Matsuoka, Frank E. Astier, Rangoli Sharan, Anthony Michael Fadell
  • Publication number: 20160169547
    Abstract: A user-friendly programmable thermostat is described that includes receiving an immediate-control input to change set point temperature, controlling temperature according to the set point temperature for a predetermined time interval, and then automatically resetting the set point temperature upon the ending of the predetermined time interval such that the user is urged to make further immediate-control inputs. A schedule for the programmable thermostat is automatically generated based on the immediate-control inputs. Methods are also described for receiving user input relating to the user's preference regarding automatically generating a schedule, and determining whether or not to automatically adopt an automatically generated schedule based on the received user input.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2016
    Publication date: June 16, 2016
    Inventors: Yoky Matsuoka, Frank E. Astier, Rangoli Sharan, David Sloo, Anthony M. Fadell
  • Patent number: 9298196
    Abstract: A user-friendly programmable thermostat is described that includes receiving an immediate-control input to change set point temperature, controlling temperature according to the set point temperature for a predetermined time interval, and then automatically resetting the set point temperature upon the ending of the predetermined time interval such that the user is urged to make further immediate-control inputs. A schedule for the programmable thermostat is automatically generated based on the immediate-control inputs. Methods are also described for receiving user input relating to the user's preference regarding automatically generating a schedule, and determining whether or not to automatically adopt an automatically generated schedule based on the received user input.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Yoky Matsuoka, Frank E. Astier, Rangoli Sharan, David Sloo, Anthony Michael Fadell
  • Patent number: 9189751
    Abstract: The current application is directed to intelligent controllers that use sensor output and electronically stored information, including one or more of electronically stored rules, parameters, and instructions, to determine whether or not one or more types of entities are present within an area, volume, or environment monitored by the intelligent controllers. The intelligent controllers select operational modes and modify control schedules with respect to the presence and absence of the one or more entities. The intelligent controllers employ feedback information to continuously adjust the electronically stored parameters and rules in order to minimize the number of incorrect inferences with respect to the presence or absence of the one or more entities and in order to maximize the efficiency by which various types of systems controlled by the intelligent controllers carry out selected operational modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2015
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Yoky Matsuoka, Evan J. Fisher, Mark Malhotra, Mark D. Stefanski, Rangoli Sharan, Frank E. Astier
  • Publication number: 20150142180
    Abstract: Methods for controlling temperature in a conditioned enclosure such as a dwelling are described that include an “auto-away” and/or “auto-arrival” feature for detecting unexpected absences which provide opportunities for significant energy savings through automatic adjustment of the setpoint temperature. According to some preferred embodiments, when no occupancy has been detected for a minimum time interval, an “auto-away” feature triggers a changes of the state of the enclosure, and the actual operating setpoint temperature is changed to a predetermined energy-saving away-state temperature, regardless of the setpoint temperature indicated by the normal thermostat schedule. The purpose of the “auto away” feature is to avoid unnecessary heating or cooling when there are no occupants present to actually experience or enjoy the comfort settings of the schedule, thereby saving energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2015
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: GOOGLE INC.
    Inventors: YOKY MATSUOKA, Frank E. Astier, Rangoli Sharan, Anthony Michael Fadell
  • Patent number: 8950686
    Abstract: Methods for controlling temperature in a conditioned enclosure such as a dwelling are described that include an “auto-away” and/or “auto-arrival” feature for detecting unexpected absences which provide opportunities for significant energy savings through automatic adjustment of the setpoint temperature. According to some preferred embodiments, when no occupancy has been detected for a minimum time interval, an “auto-away” feature triggers a changes of the state of the enclosure, and the actual operating setpoint temperature is changed to a predetermined energy-saving away-state temperature, regardless of the setpoint temperature indicated by the normal thermostat schedule. The purpose of the “auto away” feature is to avoid unnecessary heating or cooling when there are no occupants present to actually experience or enjoy the comfort settings of the schedule, thereby saving energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Yoky Matsuoka, Frank E. Astier, Rangoli Sharan, Anthony Michael Fadell
  • Publication number: 20140101082
    Abstract: The current application is directed to intelligent controllers that use sensor output and electronically stored information, including one or more of electronically stored rules, parameters, and instructions, to determine whether or not one or more types of entities are present within an area, volume, or environment monitored by the intelligent controllers. The intelligent controllers select operational modes and modify control schedules with respect to the presence and absence of the one or more entities. The intelligent controllers employ feedback information to continuously adjust the electronically stored parameters and rules in order to minimize the number of incorrect inferences with respect to the presence or absence of the one or more entities and in order to maximize the efficiency by which various types of systems controlled by the intelligent controllers carry out selected operational modes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Publication date: April 10, 2014
    Applicant: NEST LABS, INC.
    Inventors: Yoky Matsuoka, Evan J. Fisher, Mark Malhotra, Mark D. Stefanski, Rangoli Sharan, Frank E. Astier
  • Patent number: 8630741
    Abstract: The current application is directed to intelligent controllers that use sensor output and electronically stored information, including one or more of electronically stored rules, parameters, and instructions, to determine whether or not one or more types of entities are present within an area, volume, or environment monitored by the intelligent controllers. The intelligent controllers select operational modes and modify control schedules with respect to the presence and absence of the one or more entities. The intelligent controllers employ feedback information to continuously adjust the electronically stored parameters and rules in order to minimize the number of incorrect inferences with respect to the presence or absence of the one or more entities and in order to maximize the efficiency by which various types of systems controlled by the intelligent controllers carry out selected operational modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Nest Labs, Inc.
    Inventors: Yoky Matsuoka, Evan J. Fisher, Mark Malhotra, Mark D. Stefanski, Rangoli Sharan, Frank E. Astier
  • Patent number: 8447711
    Abstract: A hierarchical temporal memory (HTM) based system may be provided as a software platform. The software platform includes: a runtime engine arranged to run an HTM network; a first interface accessible by a set of tools to configure, design, modify, train, debug, and/or deploy the HTM network; and a second interface accessible to extend a functionality of the runtime engine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2013
    Assignee: Numenta, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey C. Hawkins, Subutai Ahmad, Dileep George, Frank E. Astier, Ronald Marianetti, II
  • Patent number: 8407166
    Abstract: A temporal pooler for a Hierarchical Temporal Memory network is provided. The temporal pooler is capable of storing information about sequences of co-occurrences in a higher-order Markov chain by splitting a co-occurrence into a plurality of sub-occurrences. Each split sub-occurrence may be part of a distinct sequence of co-occurrences. The temporal pooler receives the probability of spatial co-occurrences in training patterns and tallies counts or frequency of transitions from one sub-occurrence to another sub-occurrence in a connectivity matrix. The connectivity matrix is then processed to generate temporal statistics data. The temporal statistics data is provided to an inference engine to perform inference or prediction on input patterns. By storing information related to a higher-order Markov model, the temporal statistics data more accurately reflects long temporal sequences of co-occurrences in the training patterns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Numenta, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey C. Hawkins, Dileep George, Charles Curry, Frank E. Astier, Anosh Raj, Robert G. Jaros
  • Patent number: 8285667
    Abstract: A hierarchy of computing modules is configured to learn a cause of input data sensed over space and time, and is further configured to determine a cause of novel sensed input data dependent on the learned cause. At least one of the computing modules has a sequence learner module configured to associate sequences of input data received by the computing module to a set of causes previously learned in the hierarchy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Numenta, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert G. Jaros, Dileep George, Jeffrey C. Hawkins, Frank E. Astier