Abstract: Tools and techniques are described to modify a defined space state depending on number of users in the space and/or preferences of users in the space. In some embodiments, users entering or leaving a space are noticed by network systems. A controller then modifies resources in the space to account for the greater or lesser load. In other cases, the network system notices that a specific user has entered a building. This user may have preferences stored in the system which the building control system then responds to by changing state of a device that controls physical state within the space.

Abstract: The present invention teaches methods of performing appliance itemization based on consumption data, including: receiving at a processor the data; determining if the data includes active signals and/or inactive signals; upon detection of an active signal: detecting and estimating active water heating consumption and lighting consumption; upon detection of an inactive signal: detecting and estimating passive water heating consumption, refrigerator consumption; and detecting vacation mode.

Abstract: A refrigerator for providing an item guide service using artificial intelligence includes an output unit, a sensing unit configured to acquire user identification information for identifying a user, a memory configured to store a collaborative filtering model for determining an item to be used by the user, and a processor configured to recognize the user based on the acquired user identification information, predict an item to be used by the recognized user using the collaborative filtering model and output item identification information for identifying the predicted item through the output unit.

Abstract: A device for determining a temperature in a passenger compartment of a vehicle comprising a sensor unit for detecting infra-red radiation and a temperature determining unit. The temperature determining unit may be configured so as, in dependence upon the measurement data provided by the sensor unit, to determine a surface temperature of a predetermined object located in the vehicle passenger compartment and, from the determined surface temperature of the object using a first functional relationship, to determine an air temperature in the vehicle passenger compartment. The temperature determining unit may be configured as an alternative or in addition thereto so as, in dependence upon the measurement data provided by the sensor unit, to determine a surface temperature for at least one passenger compartment occupant, and from the determined surface temperature using a second functional relationship to determine a measurement for the level of personal comfort.

Abstract: A system includes: a receiving unit configured to wirelessly receive a modulated electromagnetic signal leaked by a mains power line, the mains power line carrying a modulated alternating current signal, a demodulator configured to demodulate the modulated electromagnetic signal and extract one or more data signals from the demodulated electromagnetic signal, a processor configured to generate control data based on the one or more data signals, a control unit configured to control one or more actuators based on the control data, a processor configured to generate control data for controlling one or more actuators, and a modulator configured to modulate an alternating current signal of a mains power line using the generated control data to create a modulated alternating current signal, thereby causing the mains power line to leak a modulated electromagnetic signal comprising the control data that is wirelessly detectable.

Abstract: A building management system comprises building equipment operable to affect a physical state or condition of a building. The building management system includes a system manager coupled to the building equipment via a system bus, the system manager comprising a schedule manager configured to control a first operation schedule of the building equipment. Combined schedules are configured to be controlled by the schedule manager. The combined schedules are configured to control both a first setpoint of the building equipment and first operation schedule of the building equipment. A client device is configured to communicate with the schedule manager to modify the first operation schedule of the building equipment to include the first schedule object.

Abstract: An air conditioner and a control method thereof are provided. The air conditioner includes a sensor portion including at least one sensor, a controller including at least one control portion to control a function of the air conditioner, and at least one processor operatively connected to the sensor and the controller. The at least one processor is configured to obtain an airflow speed and indoor environmental data by the sensor portion while the air conditioner is operating, generate a first algorithm by applying the obtained airflow speed, the indoor environmental data, and pre-stored reference data to a second algorithm, and control operation of the air conditioner based on the generated first algorithm.

Abstract: There is provided with a moving body control apparatus. An image capturing unit captures a periphery of a moving body through a transmitting portion. A heater is capable of heating the transmitting portion. An air-conditioning unit switches an air-conditioning state in the moving body between an inside air circulation state and an outside air introduction state. A control unit controls the heater. An ambient temperature detection unit detects an ambient temperature. The control unit starts the operation of the heater when the ambient temperature is not more than a predetermined temperature threshold. The predetermined temperature threshold of the case in which the air-conditioning state is set to the inside air circulation state is higher than the predetermined temperature threshold in the case in which the air-conditioning state is set to the outside air introduction state.

Abstract: The present application provides a gas alarm replacement warning method and device, and an electronic apparatus including the device. The method is applied to a gas alarm including a gas-sensitive element. The method includes: collecting signal data of the gas alarm; analyzing the current use state of the gas alarm based on the signal data; determining a dynamic model of the expected service life of the gas alarm according to the current use state, and calculating the expected use duration of the gas alarm; determining whether the actual use duration of the gas alarm is greater than the expected use duration; and if so, outputting a replacement prompt signal. Therefore, based on the expected service life of the gas alarm, when the use duration of the gas alarm approaches the expected service life, a replacement prompt signal is issued to solve the problem of untimely replacement of the gas alarm and ensure the safety of indoor gas use.

Abstract: For monitoring an HVAC system (1), HVAC data reporting messages are received and stored in a cloud-based computer system (4). Each HVAC data reporting message includes one or more operation data values included by an HVAC controller (22) of the HVAC system (1). The cloud-based computer system (4) generates (S73) remote diagnoses for a particular HVAC device, using a plurality of HVAC reporting messages received from a plurality of the HVAC controllers (22) from one or more HVAC systems (1). Each remote diagnosis is generated (S73) by using more than one operational data value, included in HVAC reporting messages received (S71) received from HVAC controllers (22) of more than one HVAC systems (1) and/or from at least two different types of operational data values. A diagnosis message which includes a remote diagnosis is transmitted to a diagnosis processing system for the particular HVAC device.

Abstract: Certain aspects of the present disclosure relate to a system including a first active control device, comprising: a flow control element; one or more sensors; a network interface configured to connect to a mesh network; a memory comprising computer-executable instructions; and a processor configured to: execute the computer-executable instructions; receive local sensor data from the one or more sensors; receive remote sensor data from a remote sensing device; control a position of the flow control element based on one or more of the local sensor data or the remote sensor data; store the local sensor data and remote sensor data in the memory; and transmit the local sensor data and the remote sensor data to a second active control device via the mesh network.

Abstract: A switch for switching a function setting of an air conditioner and a memory that stores therein a setting value of the function setting are provided. The setting value stored in the memory is rewritable according to an instruction from a remote controller. The function setting of the air conditioner is defined by the setting value stored in the memory. Regarding functions set in the air conditioner, priority as to whether to give priority to setting with the switch or to validate setting with the remote controller is switched for each function according to setting from the remote controller.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a technology for Sensor Networks, Machine to Machine (M2M), Machine Type Communication (MTC), and Internet of Things (IoT). The present disclosure may be used for an intelligent service (smart home, smart building, smart city, smart car or connected car, health care, digital education, retail business, security and safety-related service, etc.) that is based on the above technologies.

Abstract: An HVAC controller is configured to receive signals from a plurality of sensors positioned in different spaces. The HVAC controller includes a controller that is configured to display one or more screens on a user interface that include a home screen including a selectable display element that indicates a number of the plurality of sensors that are currently being used by the controller in controlling the HVAC system. Upon selection of the selectable display element, the controller displays a sensor priority screen that includes a plurality of graphic constructs that each identify a building space and a current temperature for that building space. The controller is configured to control the HVAC system in accordance with the current temperature reported by each of the number of the plurality of sensors that are currently being used by the controller in controlling the HVAC system.

Abstract: A method for interacting with a building management system (BMS) using intelligent software agents. The method includes receiving a user request from a multi-input device configured to accept vocal and textual inputs, and contextualizing the user request for a space and/or place and a corresponding user. The method further includes constructing a user skill level from the user request, and activating a customized BMS optimization process, the customized BMS optimization process determined by the intelligent software agents from the user skill level, the user request, and the space and/or place.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for vehicle HVAC control are disclosed. A disclosed example apparatus includes a portable device interface of a vehicle, the portable device interface to be communicatively coupled with a portable device, a heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) control system of the vehicle, where the HVAC control system is to be communicatively coupled to the portable device interface. The example apparatus also includes a processor to control the HVAC control system based on signals received at the portable device interface from the portable device.

Abstract: An electronic thermostat replaces an electro-mechanical thermostat and is located in a different location from the blower motor it controls. The electronic thermostat controls the blower motor on the same wires from which the thermostat receives power. The safe, low voltage power supply that powers the electronic thermostat is located at the blower motor location and is housed in the Blower Motor Module (BMM). This configuration has the advantage that it removes a bulky and space consuming component from the thermostat, the A/C transformer. This also reduces the amount of power (heat) dissipated by the electronic thermostat power supply, thus reducing a source of potential temperature measurement inaccuracies. Also, removing the 120 VAC power from the thermostat and replacing it with an isolated low voltage source increases safety.

Abstract: The present disclosure discloses an air conditioner driving device, and the air conditioner driving device comprises a sensing unit and a processing unit, wherein the sensing unit at least comprises a microwave sensing module; the sensing unit is at least used for sensing whether any human activity exists within the action range based on microwave sensing according to a certain microwave sensing cycle, and periodically outputting a sensing signal to the processing unit; and the processing unit is used for processing the sensing signal, so that the driving device can adaptively control the turn-on and turn-off of the air conditioner and adaptively regulate the working power of the air conditioner. Based on this, a dynamic intelligent air conditioner driving device without a user's turn-on and turn-off action and based on environmental state sensing is realized.

Abstract: This disclosure describes methods and apparatus for hygiene monitoring in chain restaurants and grocery superstores. Four sub-systems are introduced to take care of different aspects of hygiene in restaurants. One sub-system uses contactless and in-contact temperature sensors installed on appliances to constantly monitor the temperature of working appliances to be in pre-defined range and use an Internet of Things gateways to transmit the data to remote control unit. The system generate an alert or report if the temperature of the appliances falls beyond the predefined range for more than a specific period of time. Another sub-system use a combination of temperature, humidity, UV and gas detectors to monitor the environment to be unsuitable for growth of fungus and bacteria and alert in case of exposure to harmful material and sun radiation. This sub-system also use an Internet of Things gateways to transmit the data to remote control unit.

Abstract: A vehicle occupant comfort system, comprises a processor that stores computer executable components stored in memory. A plurality of sensors sense ambient conditions associated with exterior and interior conditions of a vehicle. A context component infers or determines context of an occupant of the vehicle. A comfort model component implicitly and explicitly trained on occupant comfort related data analyzes information from the plurality of sensors and context component. A comfort controller adjusts environmental conditions of a passenger compartment of the vehicle based at least in part on output of the comfort model component.

Abstract: A vehicle occupant comfort system, comprises a processor that stores computer executable components stored in memory. A plurality of sensors sense ambient conditions associated with exterior and interior conditions of a vehicle. A context component infers or determines context of an occupant of the vehicle. A comfort model component implicitly and explicitly trained on occupant comfort related data analyzes information from the plurality of sensors and context component. A comfort controller adjusts environmental conditions of a passenger compartment of the vehicle based at least in part on output of the comfort model component.

Abstract: A method for consigning a function of an electrical device includes: a) receiving a request to consign a function implemented by a sub-assembly of the electrical device, the request being transmitted by a client terminal connected to the control unit via a short-range communication link; b) generating a digital key including a unique identifier; c) storing one copy of the generated key in a memory of the control unit and sending another copy of the generated key to the client terminal that transmitted the request; d) consigning the function so as to prevent this function of the device from being used by the control unit as long as the consignation is active.

Abstract: Methods and systems for humidity monitoring and adjustment are described herein. Data from at least one external sensor system is received by a computing device. The external sensor system determines at least one of outdoor air temperature and outdoor air humidity. Data from at least one internal sensor system is received by the computing device. The internal sensor system determines at least one of indoor air temperature and indoor air humidity. A dew point for an indoor environment is calculated based upon the data from the external sensor system and data from the internal sensor system. A graphical indication of an indoor environment climate may be displayed based upon the calculated dew point. Access openings, such as windows, may be opened or closed to change the humidity of the indoor environment.

Abstract: A data logger (1) for logging values of a physical environment parameter (T) as a function of time (t) includes a sampling subsystem (2), which acquires sample values (21) of the physical environment parameter (T) at sampling moments which are separated by sample intervals, an encoding subsystem (3) which defines data records representing groups of one sample value (21) or a number of successive sample values (21) with variations which meet a first stability criterion, each data record including first identifiable bits (b10-b00) defining a representative value (Trep) for the samples values (21) of the corresponding group and second identifiable bits (b15-b12) indicating the number of samples in the corresponding group and a flag bit (b11) indicating the use of either the first or second interval length, and a memory subsystem (4) for storing the sequence of defined data records into a memory (7).

Abstract: A smart gateway device for providing communications between multiple networks associated with a building management system (BMS). The device includes a first network interface circuit in communication with a first network associated with a building management system (BMS). The device further includes a second network interface circuit in communication with a second network associated with a subsystem of the BMS, wherein the second network is not compatible with the first network. The second network interface circuit is configured to detect a physical device associated with the second network, and to receive a data packet associated with the physical device. The data packet is transmitted to the first network interface circuit. The first network interface circuit is configured to receive the data packet and to generate a virtual device based on the received data packet. The virtual device is configured to represent the physical device on the first network.

Abstract: An air blowing device and an air blowing system reduces a region where a person cannot be recognized in a space provided with the air blower, and achieves control of the air blower in view of a person in a larger range in the space. The air blower includes: a first sensor configured to detect a position of a human in a first human detection range; a receiver configured to receive a detection result of a second sensor transmitted from a transmitter of a sensor-mounted device, the sensor-mounted device including the second sensor configured to detect a position of a human in a second human detection range; and a controller configured to perform air blowing control when the first sensor does not detect a human in the first human detection range and the second sensor detects a human in the second human detection range.

Abstract: Systems and methods for managing auto start of a vehicle during an auto-stop condition may include determining an operational status of a vehicle climate control system; receiving a target air outlet temperature from the vehicle climate control system; receiving data indicating a state of a heated seat of the vehicle; and inhibiting a start-vehicle command to restart the vehicle because of a cabin heating requirement when the data indicates that the heated seat of the vehicle is activated.

Abstract: An asynchronous wireless data transmission system includes a wireless sensor and a data recipient device. The wireless sensor includes a measurement device configured to collect a plurality of samples of a measured variable at a plurality of different sampling times, a transmission generator configured to generate a compressed data object containing the plurality of samples of the measured variable, and a wireless radio configured to transmit the compressed data object at a transmission time asynchronous with at least one of the sampling times. The data recipient device includes an object decompressor configured to extract the plurality of samples of the measured variable from the compressed data object.

Abstract: A refrigerator storage system is described. The refrigerator storage system comprises a display having a home screen and a processor coupled to the display. The processor is configured to display at least one widget that provides an operation on the display, wherein the at least one widget comprises an interface portion providing direct access to a feature of the widget, wherein the direct access to the feature of the widget is provided from the home screen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a refrigerator controlling freshness on the basis of context awareness and artificial intelligence, a server, a portable device, and a method for controlling freshness.

Abstract: In order to improve the operational reliability of a refrigerant compressor system that includes a first refrigerant line that conducts expanded refrigerant, a second refrigerant line that conducts compressed refrigerant, at least one refrigerant compressor that is arranged between the first and the second refrigerant line and is driven by a motor, and a control unit for operating the refrigerant compressor system, it is proposed that the control unit should have a first central processing unit and at least one input/output unit for control variables that communicates with the first central processing unit, and that there should be associated with the first central processing unit a second central processing unit which, in the event of a failure of the first central processing unit, takes over the control functions for the purpose of controlling the refrigerant compressor system.

Abstract: A multi-thermostat temperature control system and related methods include thermostats spaced about respective conditioning zones in conditioned spaces. The control system includes a thermostat controller configured to store a temperature setpoint value for each of the thermostats in an operating schedule. The thermostat controller is also configured to transmit a first control signal to the conditioning units to control an operation of the conditioning units to maintain a temperature of the conditioned spaces at a first respective temperature setpoint value and to receive offset values for respective ones of the thermostats wherein the one or more offset values are determined to counter the temperature effects of a local heat load in the conditioned spaces proximate an associated thermostat.

Abstract: Provided are a method and device for controlling an air conditioner. The method comprises: acquiring a current indoor temperature in an air conditioner control region and an initial user-set temperature of the air conditioner; and adjusting the initial user-set temperature when an indoor temperature is detected to meet a preset condition, energy consumption corresponding to the adjusted set temperature being lower than energy consumption corresponding to the initial user-set temperature. The method reduces power consumption of the air conditioner while ensuring that the temperature of the air conditioner is basically in line with expectations.

Abstract: A coolant control system for a vehicle, including: a coolant control valve including a radiator valve; an actuator connected to the coolant control valve; and a control unit. Upon shutdown of the vehicle: the control unit is arranged to generate a control signal based upon a prediction of an ambient temperature and transmit the control signal to the actuator; and the actuator is arranged to receive the control signal and rotate a portion of the radiator valve according to the control signal.

Abstract: Presently disclosed is a fault condition management system of a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. The system includes a controller having a user interface with a display and a lockout status indicator. The controller is configured to determine that the HVAC system is in a plurality of fault conditions and to individually present, on the display of the user interface, a respective fault code corresponding to each respective fault condition of the plurality of fault conditions in a repeating loop. Each respective fault code is presented for a fault code presentation duration followed by a rest duration. The controller is configured to control illumination of the lockout status indicator during the fault code presentation duration of each respective fault code to indicate a respective lockout status of the corresponding respective fault condition.

Abstract: A thermostat includes a front housing, a rear housing interoperably coupled to the front housing, at least one sensor integrated with the front housing, a display integrated with the front housing, and processing circuitry interoperably coupled to the at least one sensor and the display. The display is a touch-screen display and is configured to demonstrate a user-interface screen. The user-interface screen comprises a horseshoe-shaped temperature scale, a heat set-point control, and a cool set-point control. The heat set-point control and the cool set-point control are positioned on the horseshoe-shaped temperature scale. The horseshoe-shaped temperature scale can be adjusted by dragging at least one of the heat set-point control and the cool set-point control along circumferential edges of the horseshoe-shaped temperature scale.

Abstract: A controller apparatus for controlling IoT devices has a rotation disk, a rotation detection circuit, a control circuit, a wireless circuit, a circuit board and a housing. The rotation disk has a rotating shaft in an inner surface of the rotation disk for generating a rotation operation, where the rotation operation is either a clockwise rotation or a counterclockwise rotation. The rotation detection circuit is used for detecting the rotation operation of the rotating shaft. The control circuit retrieves the rotation operation from the rotation detection circuit, and generates a control instruction according to the rotation operation to the wireless circuit to control a corresponding external device.

Abstract: A method for setting a thermal comfort state of at least one user of a vehicle, wherein, at a starting time, at least one actual state variable of the user is detected by at least one device for detecting the at least one state variable and a starting comfort state of the user is determined depending on the at least one actual state variable, wherein a target comfort state is determined, wherein at least one target state variable is determined depending on the target comfort state, wherein at least one vehicle-end device for changing the state variable is controlled so that a deviation in the actual state variable from the target state variable is minimized when the target comfort state deviates from the starting comfort state, wherein the at least one state variable is detected by a device carried by the user for detecting the at least one state variable.

Abstract: An indoor positioning energy-saving lighting device has a central processing module, a light source control module, a motion sensing module, a communication module, and an indoor positioning module. The light source control module, the motion sensing module, the communication module, and the indoor positioning module are electrically connected to the central processing module. The motion sensing module continuously sends out an identification code and a turn-on message. The motion sensing module senses a movement of an object or the communication module receives the light-on message, the light source control module controls the light source to illuminate, and the indoor positioning module is used to memorize the location information of other indoor positioning energy-saving lighting devices and position information of an external gyroscope received by the communication module.

Abstract: Various arrangements for monitoring and controlling operation of a HVAC system are provided. Battery-operated temperature monitoring devices may be situated within the structure and connected with a network. A user command may be received that includes a selection of at least one of the battery-operated temperature monitoring devices. An offset may be calculated based on an evaluation of a first temperature reading of the selected battery-operated temperature monitoring device relative to a second temperature reading of the thermostat. The offset may be overridden when an override condition is present.

Abstract: An air conditioning operation analysis device includes: an air conditioning operation data acquirer that acquires air conditioning operation data of at least one air conditioner installed in a room, a room information acquirer that acquires room information indicating a configuration of the room, an environmental information data acquirer that acquires environmental information data from at least one sensor arranged in the room, and an outputter that outputs heat load data that is calculated based on the acquired air conditioning operation data, the acquired room information, and the acquired environmental information data.

Abstract: A method for obtaining a water amount for a humidifier, includes: obtaining a target humidification parameter for a space to be humidified; determining a water amount required for the humidifier to reach the target humidification parameter; and outputting a notifying message, the notifying message carrying the determined water amount.

Abstract: 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.

Abstract: Electricity wasting due to an unnecessary operation is prevented and the usability is improved. A multi air conditioner includes an outdoor unit, a first indoor unit and a second indoor unit. The first indoor unit and the second indoor unit are connected to the outdoor unit and are respectively disposed in different rooms. When the first indoor unit is operated based on a first operating mode, if an operation start instruction based on a second operating mode which is different from the first operating mode is sent to the second indoor unit from a remote controller without using an internet (S5: YES, S7: NO), the first indoor unit becomes an operation stop state and the second indoor unit starts an operation based on the second operating mode on condition that the last instruction to the first indoor unit is sent from a smart phone via the internet (S9: YES) (S12).

Abstract: A securing assembly which can present and secure a tablet computer for example in a door of a refrigerator includes a receiving space for securing a display of the computer. At least one limiting opening and at least one slot are defined in one of the securing assembly or the display, the other one comprises at least one limiting post and at least one latch. The at least one limiting post is latched to the at least one limiting opening, the at least one latch is latched to the at least one slot, thereby securing the display to the securing assembly in a first direction. A refrigerator employing the securing assembly is also provided.

Abstract: Example systems have a defrost system that can receive a first RF signal at a first frequency to defrost a load. An air treatment device can receive a second RF signal at a second frequency and perform an air treatment process. An RF signal source has a power output, and a switching arrangement selectively electrically connects the defrost system and the first air treatment device to the power output of the RF signal source. A controller can electrically connect one of the defrost system and the first air treatment device to the power output of the RF signal source. When the defrost system is electrically connected, the RF signal source outputs the first RF signal at the first frequency, and when the first air treatment device is electrically connected, the RF signal source outputs the second RF signal at the second frequency.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling the air temperature of a building using a control plan based on a target time. The system includes a controller which may be connected to a number of indoor and outdoor heating ventilation and air-conditioning units. The system may include a thermostat. The system may also operate without a thermostat. The method includes determining a control plan to reach a desired temperature in a target time. The method also includes updating the plan by comparing the actual time to reach the desired temperature with the target time.

Abstract: At least one embodiment may provide a remote server that can determine occurrence of an abnormal condition in a power transmission system without using a threshold value in advance. There may be provided a remote server that receives operating and non-operating information of a working unit, information on a working date, information on a traveling speed, and information on a load factor of an engine, respectively from a combine harvester. The remote server calculates for each predetermined period an average of the engine load factor while the traveling speed is at or above a predetermined traveling speed with all working units in non-operation. If the average during a predetermined period is in a status of a predetermined difference from the average up to the predetermined period, the remote server determines that a moving power transmission mechanism of a traveling system of the combine harvester is in an abnormal condition.

Abstract: A zone control panel that is easy and intuitive to use and to program. In some embodiments, a zone control panel may be configured to have an easy to use, single level menu structure with, for example, a configuration mode and/or a checkout mode. The configuration mode may, if present, include a number of menu screens sometimes without any sub-menu levels. Likewise, the checkout mode may, if present, include a number of menu screens sometimes without any sub-menu levels. A mode selector may be provided to select a particular mode, after which, the menu screens that correspond to the selected mode may be sequentially displayed to the user. Other features and aspects are also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for managing energy consumption in multi-room facilities are provided. In particular, intelligent mechanisms for determining a location of a mobile device associated with a room and then for managing energy settings, especially setback controls, of that room are provided. Some logic for implementing these mechanisms may be provided in a mobile device and in-room device, such as a motion detector, thermostat, HVAC controller, door, lock, television, set top box, etc.