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: 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: 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 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: 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: 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: 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: 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.

Abstract: Environmental condition controller and method for controlling an environmental condition in an area of a building. The controller stores a predictive model generated by a neural network training engine, and a previously calculated environmental condition adjustment value (yn?1). The controller receives an environmental condition target value (xref), and an environmental condition measured value (x). The controller recursively calculates an environmental condition adjustment value (yn) by executing a neural network inference engine using the predictive model for inferring the environmental condition adjustment value (yn) based on the previously calculated environmental condition adjustment value (yn?1), the environmental condition target value (xref), the environmental condition measured value (x), and an adaptive proportionality value (k). The controller also generates and transmits a command based on the environmental condition adjustment value (yn).

Abstract: Methods, devices, and computer-readable media for providing integrative comfort a structure are described herein. One method includes determining a comfort preference associated with a user of a mobile device, the comfort preference including a plurality of aspects of physical comfort, storing the comfort preference in a memory, and modifying a respective operation of a plurality of connected devices in a portion of a structure to provide the comfort preference in the portion of the structure responsive to a distance between the mobile device and the portion of the structure being less than a particular threshold.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for conservation and efficient use of energy through controlling and monitoring of devices, the system comprising at least one structure, wherein the structure comprises at least one zone, wherein the zone comprises at least one sensor configured to capture ambient data; at least one device; and at least one processing controller connected to the sensor and the device, the processing controller configured to receive the ambient data from the sensor and operating parameters from the device; a user module configured to receive input parameters from a plurality of users; an admin module configured to provide pre-defined parameters for operating the device adapted in the zone of the structure and manage and view the device adapted in the zone of the structure; a central processing module, connected to the structure, the user module, and the admin module through wired and/or wireless connection, the central processing module configured to process the data received from the p

Abstract: An autonomous vehicle including a sensor system that outputs a sensor signal indicative of a condition of the autonomous vehicle. The vehicle also includes a communication system including a speaker. Based upon a profile of the passenger, the autonomous vehicle can determine that support is to be provided audibly to the passenger when the support is provided to the passenger. Moreover, the autonomous vehicle can detect occurrence of an event that has been identified as potentially causing discomfort to the passenger based upon the sensor signal output by the sensor system. Responsive to detecting the occurrence of the event, and in accordance with the profile of the passenger, the autonomous vehicle can cause the speaker to output an audible support message. Content of the audible support message is based on the detected event, and the audible support message solicits feedback from the passenger of the autonomous vehicle.

Abstract: An HVAC controller may be programmed to execute a guided set up routine that may guide a user through configuring the thermostat to control a particular HVAC system configuration based, at least in part, on which wires from the HVAC system are connected to terminals of the HVAC controller. The guided set-up routine may be accessible through a user interface provided at a remote device that a user may utilize to interact with the HVAC controller from a remote location.

Abstract: A thermostat for a building space. The thermostat includes a communications interface and a processing circuit. The communications interface is configured to engage in bidirectional communications with heating, ventilation, or air conditioning (HVAC) equipment and to receive an indication of a current heating or cooling load from the HVAC equipment. The processing circuit is configured to determine an occupancy of the building space based on the indication of the current heating or cooling load received from the HVAC equipment. The processing circuit is further configured to operate the HVAC equipment based on the determined occupancy of the building space.

Abstract: An automatic driving assistance device includes an information acquirer configured to acquire information on a state of a cabin of a vehicle capable of automatic driving and a modifier configured to modify traveling characteristics in automatic driving according to the state of the cabin of the vehicle.

Abstract: An air conditioner is provided that may include a plurality of units including an outdoor unit and an indoor unit, the plurality of units being distributed at a plurality of layers or levels or stories in a building; and a controller configured to monitor and control the plurality of units. The controller and the plurality of units may include a communication unit configured to transmit/receive data in a wireless communication unit, respectively, and the communication unit may transmit/receive the data using a sub-giga band frequency. The plurality of units may transmit/receive data in a wireless communication scheme so that an indoor unit and an indoor unit, and an indoor unit and an outdoor unit may directly communicate with each other in a wireless scheme, and the indoor unit may directly communicate with the controller.

Abstract: A system, method, and battery control module for detecting negative contactor status of a battery, such as a high voltage vehicle battery, is disclosed. The method includes applying a constant current to a bipolar transistor element having a base, an emitter, and a collector, wherein the base is electrically connected to a first resistor and an analog-to-digital converter, the collector being electrically connected to a second resistor and a diode. A collected current is delivered by the collector, and the method includes injecting the collected current through the second resistor and the diode and into a negative contactor of a battery. The method also includes determining a resistance across the negative contactor of the battery. The system may include a battery having a negative contactor, the negative contactor having a switch side, and a battery control module in communication with the battery.

Abstract: A climate control system is operated by receiving climate information from climate control input devices at one or more plugin modules. The climate information is communicated from the plugin modules to a main control unit, which determines operating instructions for climate output devices and air inlets. When it is detected that the main control unit is not operational, the control system switches to a standby control unit if so equipped. The climate information is then communicated from the plugin modules to the standby control unit. The standby control unit determines operating instructions for the climate output devices and air inlets based on the climate information. When it is detected that the standby control unit is also not operational, the plugin modules switch to an autonomous mode such that operating instructions for the climate output devices and air inlets are determined by the plugin modules.

Abstract: A controller for a rooftop air handling unit includes control logic configured to generate a control signal for the HVAC device using values for one or more variables monitored by the controller. The controller includes an equipment model that links specific instances of data objects to the variables used by the control logic and a view definition that identifies one or more of the data objects. The controller includes a web server configured to dynamically generate a web portal that includes one or more of the data objects identified by the view definition. The controller includes a communications interface that provides the web portal to a client device.

Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems for personalizing interaction with a structure are described herein. One method includes determining a comfort preference associated with a user of a mobile device corresponding to a particular location with respect to a structure, storing the comfort preference in a memory, and modifying an operation of at least one device in the structure to provide the comfort preference responsive to a distance between the mobile device and the particular location being less than a particular threshold.

Abstract: A building control system that uses geofencing in conjunction with a time-based schedule when control one or more building systems. In one example, geofencing may be used to determine if the building is occupied or unoccupied. If the building is determined to be unoccupied via geofencing, the building controller may control to an unoccupied setpoint. If the building is determined to be occupied via geofencing, the HVAC controller may control in accordance with a time-based schedule.