Network architecture, computer system and/or server, circuit, device, apparatus, method, and computer program and control mechanism for managing power consumption and workload in computer system and data and information servers. Further provides power and energy consumption and workload management and control systems and architectures for high-density and modular multi-server computer systems that maintain performance while conserving energy and method for power management and workload management. Dynamic server power management and optional dynamic workload management for multi-server environments is provided by aspects of the invention. Modular network devices and integrated server system, including modular servers, management units, switches and switching fabrics, modular power supplies and modular fans and a special backplane architecture are provided as well as dynamically reconfigurable multi-purpose modules and servers. Backplane architecture, structure, and method that has no active components and separate power supply lines and protection to provide high reliability in server environment.

System, method, and architecture for dynamic server power management and dynamic workload management for multi-server environment

Various systems and method related to home automation systems are presented. A service robot system may be present that includes a service robot that autonomously moves within a structure to perform a household task. The service robot system may include a wireless communication interface, wherein the service robot system is configured to transmit, via the wireless communication interface, an indication of robot activity indicative of the service robot moving within the structure. Such a home automation system may also include a home security system that includes one or more motion sensors that detect motion within a structure. The home security system may be configured to distinguish intrusion activity (e.g., a burglar) from robot activity based at least in part on the indication of robot activity.

Devices, methods, and associated information processing for security in a smart-sensored home

A thermostat for controlling an HVAC system is described, the thermostat having a user interface that is visually pleasing, approachable, and easy to use while also providing ready access to, and intuitive navigation within, a menuing system capable of receiving a variety of different types of user settings and/or control parameters. For some embodiments, the thermostat comprises a housing, a ring-shaped user-interface component configured to track a rotational input motion of a user, a processing system configured to identify a setpoint temperature value based on the tracked rotational input motion, and an electronic display coupled to the processing system. An interactive thermostat menuing system is accessible to the user by an inward pressing of the ring-shaped user interface component. User navigation within the interactive thermostat menuing system is achievable by virtue of respective rotational input motions and inward pressings of the ring-shaped user interface component.

Thermostat user interface

System, architecture, and method for logical server and other network devices in a dynamically configurable multi-server network environment

A controller equipped with a user interface having multiple-day programming capabilities, including methods of programming such devices, are disclosed The user interface may include one or more menus or screens that can be used to program a schedule for one or more selected days during the week An illustrative method of programming the controller may include the steps of entering a scheduling routine, selecting multiple days for schedule modification, changing the schedule parameters for one or more periods during the selected days, and then exiting the scheduling routine

Controller interface with multiple day programming

Systems and methods for the auxiliary stage control of multistage thermostats are disclosed. An illustrative multistage thermostat for a multistaged HVAC system installed within a building or structure can include a processor having a control algorithm adapted to operate the thermostat in either a normal mode for achieving rapid temperature changes within the building or structure or an economy mode for conserving energy usage. In the economy mode of operation, the thermostat can be configured to determine a target time for achieving a temperature setpoint by either delaying or suppressing activation of the system's auxiliary stage. The target time can be adjusted in part based on the past usage characteristics of the auxiliary stage, the behavior of the user, and/or the progress of the primary stage in achieving the setpoint change without operating the auxiliary stage.

Auxiliary stage control of multistage thermostats

A distributed environmental/load control system comprising a thermostat operable to supply signals indicative of sensed and desired values of a parameter in an environmentally controlled space to a first controller operable to control condition changing equipment for regulating the parameter, the signals being transmitted over a communications link between the thermostat and first controller. A second controller which is operable to control a plurality of loads in accordance with predetermined criteria to limit energy consumed by the loads is connected to the communications link through an interface device operable to process the signals produced by the thermostat in response to instructions furnished by the second controller and to supply the processed signals to the first controller.

Distributed environmental/load control system

A comfort control system for controlling the comfort level in a building includes a comfort control unit and a remote control unit. The remote control unit communicates with the comfort control unit from a remote location. In one illustrative embodiment, the remote control unit includes a temperature sensor for sensing an ambient air temperature near the remote control unit, and a measure related to the sensed temperature may be communicated to the comfort control unit. A detection block may be included in the remote control unit for detecting when the ambient air temperature sensed by the temperature sensor in the remote control unit is likely to be influenced by a user or other undesirable condition. The comfort control unit may take this into account when controlling the comfort control system of the building.

HVAC remote control unit and methods of operation

A system, apparatus, and method are directed to wireless association between a controller and a wireless node. In an example embodiment, a wireless node transmits association request data including unique identification (ID) data for the wireless node. A controller receives the association request data and, in response, assigns and sends association ID data to the wireless node using the unique ID with the association ID data to identify the wireless node as the intended recipient of the association ID data. The controller also stores the association ID data for use in sending wireless signals (e.g., messages) to the wireless node. The wireless node receives and stores the association ID data as a function of the unique ID, thereby associating the wireless node with the controller.

Wireless association approach and arrangement therefor

An air conditioning system furnishing temperature conditioned air to a plurality of zones each of which has its own zone damper controlled by its own space thermostat. The system has an air discharge temperature sensor downstream of the temperature conditioning heat exchanger which is connected to a microprocessor controller for controlling a plurality of stages of temperature conditioning apparatus such as heating or cooling apparatus and a damper motor control for controlling the entry of outdoor air into the system. A reset thermal comfort sensor located in a representative zone or area is connected to the microprocessor controller for varying the controlled temperature of the supplied discharge air by operating the outdoor air damper motor and the multi-stage temperature conditioning apparatus to maintain the best use of outdoor air for cooling and the most efficient operation of refrigeration cooling apparatus by ensuring maximum air delivery to the heat exchangers during the operation of the mechanical cooling apparatus.

Kenneth B. Kidder

Papers

Auxiliary stage control of multistage thermostats

Distributed environmental/load control system

HVAC remote control unit and methods of operation

Wireless association approach and arrangement therefor

Microprocessor discharge temperature air controller for multi-stage heating and/or cooling apparatus and outdoor air usage controller