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).
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Patent number: 11549706Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 27, 2020Date of Patent: January 10, 2023Assignee: Google LLCInventors: Yoky Matsuoka, Frank E. Astier, Rangoli Sharan, Anthony Michael Fadell
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Patent number: 11359831Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 22, 2020Date of Patent: June 14, 2022Assignee: Google LLCInventors: Yoky Matsuoka, Evan J. Fisher, Mark Malhotra, Mark D. Stefanski, Rangoli Sharan, Frank E. Astier
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Patent number: 11334034Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 22, 2016Date of Patent: May 17, 2022Assignee: Google LLCInventors: Yoky Matsuoka, Frank E. Astier, Rangoli Sharan, David Sloo, Anthony M. Fadell
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Publication number: 20200318844Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 22, 2020Publication date: October 8, 2020Applicant: Google LLCInventors: Yoky Matsuoka, Evan J. Fisher, Mark Malhotra, Mark D. Stefanski, Rangoli Sharan, Frank E. Astier
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Patent number: 10690369Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 22, 2018Date of Patent: June 23, 2020Assignee: Google LLCInventors: Yoky Matsuoka, Evan J. Fisher, Mark Malhotra, Mark D. Stefanski, Rangoli Sharan, Frank E. Astier
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Publication number: 20200191424Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 27, 2020Publication date: June 18, 2020Applicant: Google LLCInventors: Yoky Matsuoka, Frank E. Astier, Rangoli Sharan, Anthony Michael Fadell
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Patent number: 10619876Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 26, 2017Date of Patent: April 14, 2020Assignee: Google LLCInventors: Yoky Matsuoka, Frank E. Astier, Rangoli Sharan, Anthony Michael Fadell
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Publication number: 20180299163Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 22, 2018Publication date: October 18, 2018Applicant: Google LLCInventors: Yoky Matsuoka, Evan J. Fisher, Mark Malhotra, Mark D. Stefanski, Rangoli Sharan, Frank E. Astier
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Publication number: 20170292731Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 26, 2017Publication date: October 12, 2017Applicant: Google Inc.Inventors: Yoky Matsuoka, Frank E. Astier, Rangoli Sharan, Anthony Michael Fadell
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Patent number: 9709290Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 20, 2015Date of Patent: July 18, 2017Assignee: Google Inc.Inventors: Yoky Matsuoka, Frank E. Astier, Rangoli Sharan, Anthony Michael Fadell
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Publication number: 20160169547Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2016Publication date: June 16, 2016Inventors: Yoky Matsuoka, Frank E. Astier, Rangoli Sharan, David Sloo, Anthony M. Fadell
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Patent number: 9298196Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 19, 2012Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Assignee: Google Inc.Inventors: Yoky Matsuoka, Frank E. Astier, Rangoli Sharan, David Sloo, Anthony Michael Fadell
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Patent number: 9189751Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 6, 2013Date of Patent: November 17, 2015Assignee: Google Inc.Inventors: Yoky Matsuoka, Evan J. Fisher, Mark Malhotra, Mark D. Stefanski, Rangoli Sharan, Frank E. Astier
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Publication number: 20150142180Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 20, 2015Publication date: May 21, 2015Applicant: GOOGLE INC.Inventors: YOKY MATSUOKA, Frank E. Astier, Rangoli Sharan, Anthony Michael Fadell
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Patent number: 8950686Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 21, 2011Date of Patent: February 10, 2015Assignee: Google Inc.Inventors: Yoky Matsuoka, Frank E. Astier, Rangoli Sharan, Anthony Michael Fadell
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Publication number: 20140101082Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 6, 2013Publication date: April 10, 2014Applicant: NEST LABS, INC.Inventors: Yoky Matsuoka, Evan J. Fisher, Mark Malhotra, Mark D. Stefanski, Rangoli Sharan, Frank E. Astier
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Patent number: 8630741Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 30, 2012Date of Patent: January 14, 2014Assignee: Nest Labs, Inc.Inventors: Yoky Matsuoka, Evan J. Fisher, Mark Malhotra, Mark D. Stefanski, Rangoli Sharan, Frank E. Astier
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Patent number: 8447711Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 14, 2008Date of Patent: May 21, 2013Assignee: Numenta, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey C. Hawkins, Subutai Ahmad, Dileep George, Frank E. Astier, Ronald Marianetti, II
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Patent number: 8407166Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 12, 2009Date of Patent: March 26, 2013Assignee: Numenta, Inc.Inventors: Jeffrey C. Hawkins, Dileep George, Charles Curry, Frank E. Astier, Anosh Raj, Robert G. Jaros
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Patent number: 8285667Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 9, 2009Date of Patent: October 9, 2012Assignee: Numenta, Inc.Inventors: Robert G. Jaros, Dileep George, Jeffrey C. Hawkins, Frank E. Astier