Abstract: A new system and associated methods are disclosed for minimize a thermostat hardware to reduce its cost, while allowing the user to regulate temperature based on information from one or more external door/window sensors, motion sensors and temperature sensors coupled indirectly to the thermostat through an Internet service. From anywhere with Internet access, the user can specify various types of algorithms to be carried out on the Internet service through a scripting language, including turning off HVAC function when a door or window sensor detects opening, turning on HVAC when a motion sensor detects motion, and controlling the thermostat based on temperature reading from the same motion sensor that last detected motion or human presence. With a prior art thermostat, user often has to press the temperature setting button multiple times until the temperature setting is raised above or lowered below current temperature to turn on heat or cooling HVAC functions.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for giving audible warning to a user when one or more accompanying person, animal or personal item is physically more than a predetermined distance away from the user, have a master tag and one or more slave tags, wherein said master tag is wirelessly coupled to each one of said slave tags, said master tag and said slave tag being capable of being conveniently carried by a person or being attached to an animal or a personal item.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for giving audible warning to a user when one or more accompanying person, animal or personal item is physically more than a predetermined distance away from the user, have a master tag and one or more slave tags, wherein said master tag is wirelessly coupled to each one of said slave tags, said master tag and said slave tag being capable of being conveniently carried by a person or being attached to an animal or a personal item.