Patents by Inventor Timo A. Bruck

Timo A. Bruck 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).

  • Publication number: 20160018127
    Abstract: A system including a thermostat user interface for a network-connected thermostat is described. The system includes a thermostat including a frustum-shaped shell body having a circular cross-section and a circular rotatable ring, which is user rotatable for adjusting a setting of the thermostat. The system further includes a client application that is operable on a touch-screen device separate from the thermostat, that displays a graphical representation of a circular dial, that detects a user-input motion proximate the graphical representation, that determines a user-selected setpoint temperature value based on the user-input motion, that displays a numerical representation of the user-selected setpoint temperature value, and that wirelessly transmits to the thermostat data representative of the user-selected setpoint temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2015
    Publication date: January 21, 2016
    Applicant: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Alastair R. Gourlay, Timo Bruck, Anthony M. Fadell, Matthew L. Rogers, David Sloo, Michael Plitkins, Shigefumi Honjo, John B. Filson, Michael J. Matas, Fred Bould, Brian Huppi
  • Patent number: 9222693
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described for interactively and graphically interfacing with a user on an HVAC system controlled by a thermostat. The user interface is implemented on a touch screen display on a remote wirelessly connected device such as smartphone or a tablet PC. The interface displays a screen that mimics the display on the thermostat including allowing one or more input methods that are analogous to input methods used on the thermostat. Touch screen gestures such as touch and drag, touch and hold and tapping are used in an intuitive way. The user experience is enhanced by allowing large-scale changes while reducing the risk of sudden unintended changes. The control signals are judiciously tailored to protect the HVAC equipment from unwarranted over-controlling, reduce unnecessary network traffic, and prevent the waste of energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: GOOGLE INC.
    Inventors: Alastair R. Gourlay, Timo A. Bruck
  • Patent number: 9175871
    Abstract: A system including a thermostat user interface for a network-connected thermostat is described. The system includes a thermostat including a frustum-shaped shell body having a circular cross-section and a circular rotatable ring, which is user rotatable for adjusting a setting of the thermostat. The system further includes a client application that is operable on a touch-screen device separate from the thermostat, that displays a graphical representation of a circular dial, that detects a user-input motion proximate the graphical representation, that determines a user-selected setpoint temperature value based on the user-input motion, that displays a numerical representation of the user-selected setpoint temperature value, and that wirelessly transmits to the thermostat data representative of the user-selected setpoint temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Alastair R. Gourlay, Timo Bruck, Anthony M. Fadell, Matthew L. Rogers, David Sloo, Michael Plitkins, Shigefumi Honjo, John B. Filson, Michael J. Matas, Fred Bould, Brian Huppi
  • Publication number: 20150256563
    Abstract: A method for establishing a pairing between a smart-home device and an online account may include instantiating an application on a computing device and receiving a first code from a central server. The application may receive a second code from printed material associated with the smart-home device. The smart-home device may broadcast a first communication protocol, and the application may join the first mutation protocol. The application can be authenticated by the smart-home device using the second code, and the application can receive an identity of a second communication protocol from a user. The application can then transmit the identity of the second communication protocol to the smart-home device. The smart-home device can use the second mutation protocol to access the Internet and transmit the first code to the central server, where the central server can use the first code in completing the pairing process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2015
    Publication date: September 10, 2015
    Applicant: GOOGLE INC.
    Inventors: Sophie Le Guen, David Sloo, Anthony M. Fadell, Matthew L. Rogers, Shigefumi Honjo, Jay Logue, Grant Erickson, Nicholas Webb, Jeffrey A. Boyd, James B. Simister, Jesse W. Boettcher, Timo A. Bruck, Kevin Coppock, Shiney Rossi
  • Patent number: 9049567
    Abstract: A method for establishing a pairing between a hazard detector and an online account may include instantiating an application on a mobile computing device and receiving a first code from a central server. The application may receive a second code from printed material associated with the hazard detector. The hazard detector may broadcast a Wi-Fi access point, and the application may join the Wi-Fi access point. The application can be authenticated by the hazard detector using the second code, and the application can receive an identity of a home Wi-Fi network from a user. The application can then transmit the identity of the home Wi-Fi network to the hazard detector. The hazard detector can use the home Wi-Fi network to access the Internet and transmit the first code to the central server, where the central server can use the first code in completing the pairing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2015
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Sophie Le Guen, David Sloo, Anthony M. Fadell, Matthew L. Rogers, Shigefumi Honjo, Jay Logue, Grant Erickson, Nick Webb, Jeffrey A. Boyd, James B. Simister, Jesse W. Boettcher, Timo A. Bruck, Kevin Coppock, Shiney Rossi
  • Publication number: 20150097682
    Abstract: System for displaying hazard events and adjusting hazard detector settings on a mobile device includes a user interface executed on the mobile device, a hazard detector, and a computer server system communicatively coupled to the mobile device and hazard detector. The hazard detector generates hazard events indicating detection of smoke or carbon monoxide. The hazard events are transmitted to the computer server system and then to the mobile device. User interface displays the hazard events in an event group. User interface receives an adjusted value for a setting of the hazard detector and transmits the adjusted value to the computer server system. The computer server system determines that the adjusted value corresponds to the hazard detector, receives a check-in event from the hazard detector, and transmits the adjusted value to the hazard detector in response to receiving the check-in event. The hazard detector applies the adjusted value to the setting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: GOOGLE INC.
    Inventors: Shiney Rossi, Timo A. Bruck, David Sloo, Jesse W. Boettcher, Jeffrey A. Boyd, James B. Simister
  • Publication number: 20150100618
    Abstract: A method for establishing a pairing between a hazard detector and an online account may include instantiating an application on a mobile computing device and receiving a first code from a central server. The application may receive a second code from printed material associated with the hazard detector. The hazard detector may broadcast a Wi-Fi access point, and the application may join the Wi-Fi access point. The application can be authenticated by the hazard detector using the second code, and the application can receive an identity of a home Wi-Fi network from a user. The application can then transmit the identity of the home Wi-Fi network to the hazard detector. The hazard detector can use the home Wi-Fi network to access the Internet and transmit the first code to the central server, where the central server can use the first code in completing the pairing process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Sophie Le Guen, David Sloo, Anthony M. Fadell, Matthew L. Rogers, Shigefumi Honjo, Jay Logue, Grant Erickson, Nick Webb, Jeffrey A. Boyd, James B. Simister, Jesse W. Boettcher, Timo A. Bruck, Kevin Coppock, Shiney Rossi
  • Publication number: 20150097688
    Abstract: System for displaying hazard events and adjusting hazard detector settings on a mobile device includes a user interface executed on the mobile device, a hazard detector, and a computer server system communicatively coupled to the mobile device and hazard detector. The hazard detector generates hazard events indicating detection of smoke or carbon monoxide. The hazard events are transmitted to the computer server system and then to the mobile device. User interface displays the hazard events in an event group. User interface receives an adjusted value for a setting of the hazard detector and transmits the adjusted value to the computer server system. The computer server system determines that the adjusted value corresponds to the hazard detector, receives a check-in event from the hazard detector, and transmits the adjusted value to the hazard detector in response to receiving the check-in event. The hazard detector applies the adjusted value to the setting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2014
    Publication date: April 9, 2015
    Applicant: GOOGLE INC.
    Inventors: Timo A. Bruck, Shiney Rossi, David Sloo, Jeffrey A. Boyd
  • Publication number: 20150058779
    Abstract: A novel small format touch screen user interface for displaying, adding and editing program setpoints is described. When editing a setpoint the user's input is constrained such that the user can only alter one parameter (either time or temperature). As soon as the user begins to drag a setpoint icon in either a horizontal (i.e. adjusting time), or vertical (i.e. adjusting temperature), the other parameter is constrained. Additionally, the disclosed user interface includes displaying information as to how the setpoint was most recently added or adjusted. For example the display can be used to indicate whether a setpoint was added or adjusted (1) on the thermostat itself; (2) by an automated learning algorithm; (3) by a user on a web client; or (4) by a user using a mobile client (such as a smart phone or tablet PC). Further, the name of the particular device is also displayed if known.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2014
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Inventors: Timo A. Bruck, David Sloo, Clemens M. Knieper
  • Publication number: 20150051741
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described for interactively, graphically displaying and reporting performance information to a user of an HVAC system controlled by a self-programming network-connected thermostat. The information is made on a remote display device such as a smartphone, tablet computer or other computer, and includes a graphical daily or monthly summary each of several days or months respectively. In response to a user selection of a day, detailed performance information is graphically displayed that can include an indication of HVAC activity on a timeline, the number of hours of HVAC activity, as well as one or more symbols on a timeline indicating setpoint changes, and when a setpoint was changed due to non-occupancy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2013
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Inventors: Timo A. Bruck, Evan J. Fisher, James B. Simister, Yoky Matsuoka, David Sloo, Clemens M. Knieper, Anthony Michael Fadell, Matthew Lee Rogers, Michael Plitkins, Mark Malhotra
  • Publication number: 20140365019
    Abstract: A system including a thermostat user interface for a network-connected thermostat is described. The system includes a thermostat including a frustum-shaped shell body having a circular cross-section and a circular rotatable ring, which is user rotatable for adjusting a setting of the thermostat. The system further includes a client application that is operable on a touch-screen device separate from the thermostat, that displays a graphical representation of a circular dial, that detects a user-input motion proximate the graphical representation, that determines a user-selected setpoint temperature value based on the user-input motion, that displays a numerical representation of the user-selected setpoint temperature value, and that wirelessly transmits to the thermostat data representative of the user-selected setpoint temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2014
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Applicant: GOOGLE INC.
    Inventors: Alastair R. Gourlay, Timo Bruck, Anthony M. Fadell, Matthew L. Rogers, David Sloo, Michael Plitkins, Shigefumi Honjo, John B. Filson, Michael J. Matas, Fred Bould, Brian Huppi
  • Patent number: 8893032
    Abstract: A novel small format touch screen user interface for displaying, adding and editing program setpoints is described. When editing a setpoint the user's input is constrained such that the user can only alter one parameter (either time or temperature). As soon as the user begins to drag a setpoint icon in either a horizontal (i.e. adjusting time), or vertical (i.e. adjusting temperature), the other parameter is constrained. Additionally, the disclosed user interface includes displaying information as to how the setpoint was most recently added or adjusted. For example the display can be used to indicate whether a setpoint was added or adjusted (1) on the thermostat itself; (2) by an automated learning algorithm; (3) by a user on a web client; or (4) by a user using a mobile client (such as a smart phone or tablet PC). Further, the name of the particular device is also displayed if known.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2014
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Timo A. Bruck, David Sloo, Clemens M. Knieper
  • Publication number: 20140319232
    Abstract: Systems and methods are described for interactively and graphically interfacing with a user on an HVAC system controlled by a thermostat. The user interface is implemented on a touch screen display on a remote wirelessly connected device such as smartphone or a tablet PC. The interface displays a screen that mimics the display on the thermostat including allowing one or more input methods that are analogous to input methods used on the thermostat. Touch screen gestures such as touch and drag, touch and hold and tapping are used in an intuitive way. The user experience is enhanced by allowing large-scale changes while reducing the risk of sudden unintended changes. The control signals are judiciously tailored to protect the HVAC equipment from unwarranted over-controlling, reduce unnecessary network traffic, and prevent the waste of energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2013
    Publication date: October 30, 2014
    Inventors: Alastair R. GOURLAY, Timo A. BRUCK
  • Patent number: D697526
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Nest Labs, Inc.
    Inventors: Timo A. Bruck, Clemens Knieper
  • Patent number: D697930
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: Nest Labs, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Crabtree, David Sloo, Timo A. Bruck, Michael J. Matas
  • Patent number: D701869
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: Nest Labs, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Matas, David Sloo, Thomas Crabtree, Timo A. Bruck
  • Patent number: D707245
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: Nest Labs, Inc.
    Inventors: Timo A. Bruck, David Sloo, Clemens M. Knieper
  • Patent number: D709898
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Nest Labs, Inc.
    Inventors: David Sloo, Timo A. Bruck, James B. Simister, Fred Bould
  • Patent number: D712920
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Nest Labs, Inc.
    Inventors: David Sloo, Alastair R. Gourlay, Timo A. Bruck, James B. Simister
  • Patent number: D742898
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: GOOGLE INC.
    Inventors: Michael James Matas, David Sloo, Thomas Crabtree, Timo Bruck