Abstract: The invention relates to a method for automatically achieving outbound broadband connectivity to a remote server including the steps of sending a message to the remote server, waiting for an inbound connection request, setting an inbound method of connectivity if an inbound connection request is received, sending an outbound poll if the inbound connection request is not received, setting an outbound method of connectivity, and retrying to connect via the inbound or the outbound method until either of the inbound or outbound methods successfully connects to the remote server

Abstract: A device and a method for controlling a display make use of a virtual display buffer that acts as an intermediary between data input and display output. The data stored in the virtual display buffer is in a generic, readable first format. A display software driver translates the data stored in the virtual display buffer to a second format usable by a hardware display driver to control a specific display device.

Abstract: A thermostat includes a display and an illumination device that is configurable to illuminate the display in a partial illumination mode and a full illumination mode. In the partial illumination mode the illumination device generates a light intensity sufficient to review the settings of the thermostat without generating heat of a sufficient amount to disrupt thermostat measurements. The full illuminated condition is actuated upon interaction with the thermostat. Once interaction with the thermostat is completed the illumination device thermostat returns to the partially illuminated condition.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the operation of an air conditioning system and a plurality of auxiliary devices, with both the air conditioning system and the auxiliary devices being adapted to operate in a setback condition. The auxiliary devices are operated in a setback condition in response to the operation of the setback operation of the air conditioning system such that, generally, the auxiliary devices are operated in a setback condition when the air conditioning system is operating in a non-setback condition and vice versa so as to thereby achieve load balancing. In addition, the auxiliary devices can, at the same time, be operated in the setback mode on the basis of duty cycle.

Abstract: A thermostat is operative to note the current temperature at time of entering into a setback of one or more previously established setpoints. The thermostat is also operative to note any newly defined setpoints. The thermostat also notes whether the setback is to occur in a heating or cooling mode of operation. The thermostat maintains a record of the aforementioned entry conditions mount of time the thermostat participates in a requested setback. The thermostat also preferably notes one or more setpoints and sensed temperature occurring at the end of an implemented setback as well as the ending heating or cooling mode of operation. A record of temperature conditions, mode of operation and elapsed time for each setback is stored for retrieval by a remotely located entity in communication with the thermostat. The entity is usually an energy provider. This record is available for retrieval at any time, including a time when the thermostat is presently implementing a setback.

Abstract: A thermostat is operative to note the current temperature at time of entering into a setback of one or more previously established setpoints. The thermostat is also operative to note any newly defined setpoints. The thermostat also notes whether the setback is to occur in a heating or cooling mode of operation. The thermostat maintains a record of the aforementioned entry conditions as well as the amount of time the thermostat participates in a requested setback. The thermostat also preferably notes one or more setpoints and sensed temperature occurring at the end of an implemented setback as well as the ending heating or cooling mode of operation. A record of temperature conditions, mode of operation and elapsed time for each setback is stored for retrieval by a remotely located entity in communication with the thermostat. This entity is usually an energy provider. This record is available for retrieval at any time, including a time when the thermostat is presently implementing a setback.

Abstract: A thermostat receives requests to enter into setback modes of operation whereby at least one setpoint normally used by the thermostat is changed. The thermostat is operative to compute the integral of change in setpoint temperature over time during each setback mode of operation. The thermostat is also operative to maintain a running total of such computed integrals of change in setpoint temperature over time in order to respond to any request for such computed integrals. The thermostat is furthermore operative to set the total of such computed integrals of change in setpoint temperature over time equal to zero in response to a request to clear the total of such computed integrals of change in setpoint temperature over time.

Abstract: A thermostat receives requests to enter into setback modes of operation whereby at least one setpoint normally used by the thermostat is changed. The thermostat is operative to compute the integral of change in setpoint temperature over time during each setback mode of operation. The thermostat is also operative to maintain a running total of such computed integrals of change in setpoint temperature over time in order to respond to any request for such computed integrals. The thermostat is furthermore operative to set the total of such computed integrals of change in setpoint temperature over time equal to zero in response to a request to clear the total of such computed integrals of change in setpoint temperature over time.

Abstract: A thermostat receives requests to enter into setback modes of operation whereby at least one setpoint normally used by the thermostat is to be changed at a stipulated start time for each setback mode of operation. The thermostat is operative to enter into a requested setback mode of operation at a time following the requested start time in the event there has been a delay in receiving the request to enter into a setback mode of operation. The thermostat is furthermore operative to track the time that elapses during each setback mode of operation and to report the total accumulated time that has elapsed in response to a request to do so. The thermostat is furthermore operative to set the total accumulated time to zero in response to a request to initialize the total accumulated time.

Abstract: A thermostat receives requests to enter into setback modes of operation whereby at least one set point normally used by the thermostat is changed. The thermostat is operative to compute the time that elapses during each setback mode of operation. The thermostat is also operative to maintain a running total of such computed times in order to respond to any request for the total accumulated time that has elapsed in the setback modes of operation. This includes computing, if necessary, the amount of time that has elapsed in a setback mode of operation occurring during a request for the total accumulated time. The thermostat is furthermore operative to set the total accumulated time to zero in response to a request to initialize the total accumulated time.

Abstract: A thermostat receives setpoint information from a system in communication with the thermostat. The thermostat is operative to modify any locally entered setpoints by a predefined amount dictated by the setpoint information received from the system in communication with the thermostat. The thermostat is preferably operative to continually display the time remaining during which it will be under the control of the system in communication with the thermostat. This affords an occupant of the room viewing the displayed time with an opportunity to elect to either continue or to override the control by the system in communication with the thermostat at any time.

Abstract: An improved method of operation for a microprocessor-based controller wherein a frequency limited counter can be used to generate low frequency PWM signals having on and/or off periods that exceed the period of the microprocessor's free-running counter. The improved method of operation involves comparing the requested PWM period (on or off) to the counter period, and determining if multiple counter periods are required to generate the requested PWM period. If multiple counter periods are required, the controller configures the PWM output port to maintain its current logic level until the requested period has timed out. In this way, the microprocessor can accurately generate the requested low frequency PWM output signals without requiring any hardware modifications.