Abstract: Methods and systems facilitate network communications between a wireless network-connected thermostat and a cloud-based management server in a manner that promotes reduced power usage and extended service life of an energy-storage device of the thermostat, while at the same time accomplishing timely data transfer between the thermostat and the cloud-based management server for suitable and time-appropriate control of an HVAC system. The thermostat further comprises powering circuitry configured to: extract electrical power from one or more HVAC control wires in a manner that does not require a “common” wire; supply electrical power for thermostat operation; recharge the energy-storage device (if needed) using any surplus extracted power; and discharge the energy-storage device to assist in supplying electrical power for thermostat operation during intervals in which the extracted power alone is insufficient for thermostat operation.

Abstract: A thermostat includes a plurality of HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) wire connectors for receiving a plurality of HVAC control wires corresponding to an HVAC system. The thermostat also includes a thermostat processing and control circuit operative to at least partially control the operation of the HVAC system and a powering circuit coupled to the HVAC wire connectors and configured to provide an electrical load power to the thermostat processing and control circuit. The thermostat includes circuitry and methods for maximizing efficiency of energy harvested from the HVAC system connected to the thermostat, and depending on which system is connected to the thermostat, different power schemes can be implemented in order to obtain power from the HVAC system.

Abstract: A simplified UI mode is provided for computing devices, where complex user interface elements are replaced with simpler ones. In one embodiment, content, functions, and/or other selectable items on the home screen or panel(s) of the device are assembled into a one-dimensional list. In some cases, the simplified UI mode can be configured to receive a parsing gesture (e.g., downward drag gesture or a three-finger tap) that causes an item of the list to be aurally presented to the user, and a selection gesture (e.g., release of the drag gesture or a two-finger tap) to select the last aurally presented item. The simplified UI mode may be used in conjunction with a screen protector configured with tactile aid(s) configured to facilitate use of the device by a vision-impaired user. In one case, one of the tactile aids of the screen protector indicates how to activate the simplified user interface mode.

Abstract: A simplified UI mode is provided for computing devices, where complex user interface elements are replaced with simpler ones. In one embodiment, content, functions, and/or other selectable items on the home screen or panel(s) of the device are assembled into a one-dimensional list. In some cases, the simplified UI mode can be configured to receive a parsing gesture (e.g., downward drag gesture or a three-finger tap) that causes an item of the list to be aurally presented to the user, and a selection gesture (e.g., release of the drag gesture or a two-finger tap) to select the last aurally presented item. The simplified UI mode may be used in conjunction with a screen protector configured with tactile aid(s) configured to facilitate use of the device by a vision-impaired user. In one case, one of the tactile aids of the screen protector indicates how to activate the simplified user interface mode.

Abstract: A thermostat includes a plurality of HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) wire connectors for receiving a plurality of HVAC control wires corresponding to an HVAC system. The thermostat also includes a thermostat processing and control circuit operative to at least partially control the operation of the HVAC system and a powering circuit coupled to the HVAC wire connectors and configured to provide an electrical load power to the thermostat processing and control circuit. The thermostat includes circuitry and methods for maximizing efficiency of energy harvested from the HVAC system connected to the thermostat, and depending on which system is connected to the thermostat, different power schemes can be implemented in order to obtain power from the HVAC system.

Abstract: A method may include operating a switching circuit in an on state and an off state to actuate a flow of electrical power through a load when switched to the on state; monitoring an electrical property associated with the switching circuit; receiving an enable signal from a processor to power the load; providing a drive signal to the switching circuit to switch to the on state and power the load; determining if an electrical anomaly is present based on the monitored electrical properties; causing the switching circuit to switch to the off state if an electrical anomaly is detected; providing a fault signal to the processor; determining while the switching circuit is off, if the electrical anomaly has been corrected; and after the anomaly has been corrected, causing the switching circuit to switch to the on state.

Abstract: A thermostat is described that includes a rechargeable battery, a graphical user interface and a wireless network communication capabilities. During installation, in cases where the rechargeable battery is below a first threshold, the installation procedure is limited so as to avoid energy intensive installation steps which may not be supported by the low battery level. An example of an installation step that is avoided due to low battery level is set up of wireless communication. According to some embodiments, if the battery level is very low during initial installation, the installation process is halted while the battery is charged. An indication such as a flashing LED may be displayed so as to indicate to the user that the battery is being charged.

Abstract: Systems for ensuring an audible alarm circuit sounds at a minimum magnitude of loudness are provided. Different circuitry embodiments discussed herein are each capable of assisting the audible alarm circuit in maintaining a minimum loudness threshold. Audible alarm circuit operation optimization can be achieved using embodiments that fall within anyone of four general categories: compensation networks, direct drive, dynamic tuning, and microphone feedback based dynamic tuning. Use of such circuitry can increase production yields by compensating for manufacturing variations of alarm components and aging characteristics of the components.

Abstract: A method of harvesting power from a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system using an HVAC controller may include harvesting power from the HVAC system and measuring an electrical characteristic of the HVAC controller. The electrical characteristic may indicate whether the power harvested from the HVAC system is high enough to risk interfering with a normal operation of the HVAC system. The method may also include increasing the power harvested from the HVAC system until the electrical characteristic indicates that the HVAC controller is at risk of interfering with the normal operation of the HVAC system.

Abstract: A method may include operating a switching circuit in an on state and an off state to actuate a flow of electrical power through a load when switched to the on state; monitoring an electrical property associated with the switching circuit; receiving an enable signal from a processor to power the load; providing a drive signal to the switching circuit to switch to the on state and power the load; determining if an electrical anomaly is present based on the monitored electrical properties; causing the switching circuit to switch to the off state if an electrical anomaly is detected; providing a fault signal to the processor; determining while the switching circuit is off, if the electrical anomaly has been corrected; and after the anomaly has been corrected, causing the switching circuit to switch to the on state.

Abstract: Methods and systems facilitate network communications between a wireless network-connected thermostat and a cloud-based management server in a manner that promotes reduced power usage and extended service life of an energy-storage device of the thermostat, while at the same time accomplishing timely data transfer between the thermostat and the cloud-based management server for suitable and time-appropriate control of an HVAC system. The thermostat further comprises powering circuitry configured to: extract electrical power from one or more HVAC control wires in a manner that does not require a “common” wire; supply electrical power for thermostat operation; recharge the energy-storage device (if needed) using any surplus extracted power; and discharge the energy-storage device to assist in supplying electrical power for thermostat operation during intervals in which the extracted power alone is insufficient for thermostat operation.

Abstract: Hazard detection systems according to embodiments described herein are operative to provide failsafe safety detection features and user interface features using circuit topology and power budgeting methods that minimize power consumption. The safety detection features can monitor environmental conditions (e.g., smoke, heat, humidity, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, radon, and other noxious gasses) in the vicinity of the hazard detection system associated and alarm occupants when an environmental condition exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: Hazard detection systems according to embodiments described herein are operative to provide failsafe safety detection features and user interface features using circuit topology and power budgeting methods that minimize power consumption. The safety detection features can monitor environmental conditions (e.g., smoke, heat, humidity, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, radon, and other noxious gasses) in the vicinity of the hazard detection system associated and alarm occupants when an environmental condition exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A thermostat includes a plurality of HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) wire connectors including a connection to at least one call relay wire. The thermostat may also include a powering circuit, including a rechargeable battery, which is configured to provide electrical power to the thermostat by power stealing from a selected call relay wire. The power stealing may comprise an active power stealing mode, in which power is taken from the same selected call relay wire that is used to call for an HVAC function, and an inactive power stealing mode in which, in which no active call is being made. The powering circuit may be configured to substantially suspend (or at least reduce the level of) power stealing for at least a first time period following each transition of the thermostat from between operating states.

Abstract: A method of automated sensing of an electrical anomaly associated with a thermostat may include switching a switching circuit within the thermostat to an on state. The switching circuit may be configured to activate an HVAC function when switched to the on state. The method may also include monitoring one or more electrical properties associated with the switching circuit. The method may additionally include determining if an electrical anomaly is associated with the switching circuit based at least in part on the monitored one or more electrical properties. The method may further include switching the switching circuit to an off state if an electrical anomaly is detected.

Abstract: Apparatus, systems, methods, and related computer program products for handling temperature variation with optoelectronic components of a hazard detection system are described herein. A power characteristic of an optoelectronic component of the hazard detection system may be used to determine a temperature of an environment of the hazard detection system. A power characteristic of an optoelectronic component of the hazard detection system may be used to determine a smoke condition of an environment of the hazard detection system. Optoelectronic components of the hazard detection system may be optically coupled to determine a smoke condition of an environment of the hazard detection system. Multiple optoelectronics of the hazard detection system may be operative to detect forward scatter and back scatter of one or more types of light to determine a characteristic of a hazard particle.

Abstract: Systems for ensuring an audible alarm circuit sounds at a minimum magnitude of loudness are provided. Different circuitry embodiments discussed herein are each capable of assisting the audible alarm circuit in maintaining a minimum loudness threshold. Audible alarm circuit operation optimization can be achieved using embodiments that fall within anyone of four general categories: compensation networks, direct drive, dynamic tuning, and microphone feedback based dynamic tuning. Use of such circuitry can increase production yields by compensating for manufacturing variations of alarm components and aging characteristics of the components.

Abstract: Systems and methods for interfacing a hazard detection device with a control panel system via a dongle are provided. The dongle may be configured to alternate between drawing first and second amounts of power from the control panel system in response to the hazard detection device alternating between operating in a normal mode when no hazard is detected and an alarm mode when a hazard is detected. The hazard detection device may operate independently of any characteristics of the control panel system. For example, the hazard detection device may operate without drawing any power from the control panel system. Therefore, the dongle may allow for various types of hazard detection devices to interface with a common two-line power control system.

Abstract: Methods and systems facilitate network communications between a wireless network-connected thermostat and a cloud-based management server in a manner that promotes reduced power usage and extended service life of a energy-storage device of the thermostat, while at the same time accomplishing timely data transfer between the thermostat and the cloud-based management server for suitable and time-appropriate control of an HVAC system. The thermostat further comprises powering circuitry configured to: extract electrical power from one or more HVAC control wires in a manner that does not require a “common” wire; supply electrical power for thermostat operation; recharge the energy-storage device (if needed) using any surplus extracted power; and discharge the energy-storage device to assist in supplying electrical power for thermostat operation during intervals in which the extracted power alone is insufficient for thermostat operation.

Abstract: A thermostat for controlling an HVAC system in an enclosure may include a passive infrared sensor, an active infrared sensor, and an electronic display having a first mode and a second mode. The thermostat may also include one or more processors programmed to change a setpoint temperature of the thermostat to an energy-saving temperature upon detection of a non-occupancy condition for the enclosure. The processor(s) may detect the non-occupancy condition based at least in part on readings received from the passive infrared sensor. The processor(s) may also be programmed to change the electronic display from the first mode to the second mode upon detection of a person approaching the thermostat. The processor(s) may detect a person approaching the thermostat based at least in part on readings received from the active infrared sensor.