CN106165348A - For environmental Kuznets Curves and the method for monitoring - Google Patents

Abstract

Provide environmental Kuznets Curves and monitoring method.By a network reception electronic communication from multiple environmental Kuznets Curves and monitoring device, this electronic communication includes selecting climate controlling operator scheme to change the environment in specific appointment, and each in plurality of environmental Kuznets Curves and monitoring device includes one or more climate control subsystem of the environment in changing appointment region.The selection of climate controlling operator scheme is associated with in multiple environmental Kuznets Curves and monitoring device and climate control parameter.Initiate the operation of specific climate control subsystem of in multiple environmental Kuznets Curves and monitoring device with the environment changing in specific appointment region based on climate control parameter.The use parameter of operation based on specific climate control subsystem is received by network.Can generate, based on using parameter, the charging message being associated with user, and charging message can be transferred to charge system, wherein charging message causes the charge to user account.

Description

Method for environmental control and monitoring

related application

This application claims priority to US Patent Application No. 14/250540, filed April 11, 2014, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

technical field

The present disclosure relates generally to device management, and more particularly to managing networked environmental control devices.

Background technique

Environmental controls are useful for creating a comfortable indoor environment. Environmental control can be used in homes or in commercial establishments such as hotel rooms, office cubicles or cruise ship staterooms. Various devices, such as air purifiers, humidifiers, and fragrance diffusers, can be employed in environmental control systems, and data related to the use of these devices can be useful for optimizing environmental control.

Environmental control may also include monitoring user actions to determine what types of relevant user actions are taken within the monitored environment and when such actions are performed. Combined with data related to the use of various devices, data related to user actions can be used to further optimize environmental control. Therefore, it would be advantageous to manage data obtained from various sources for more effective environmental control and monitoring systems.

Contents of the invention

Methods, apparatus and computer readable media for environmental control and monitoring are provided. According to an embodiment, an electronic communication is received over a network from one of a plurality of environmental control and monitoring devices, the electronic communication comprising selecting a climate control mode of operation to alter the environment within a particular designated area, wherein each of the plurality of environmental control and monitoring devices One includes one or more climate control subsystems for changing the environment in a designated area. A selection of a climate control mode of operation is associated with one of a plurality of environmental control and monitoring devices and a climate control parameter. Operation of a particular climate control subsystem of one of the plurality of environmental control and monitoring devices is initiated to alter an environment within a particular designated area based on a climate control parameter. A usage parameter based on operation of a particular climate control subsystem is received over a network. The usage parameter may indicate one of consumable resource level or filter status. A billing message associated with the user is generated based on the usage parameters and transmitted to the billing system, wherein the billing message results in a charge to the user's account. A selection of a climate control mode of operation is received from one of a user device or a remote device controller over a network.

According to an embodiment, a selection of a climate control mode of operation may be received from a networked device. The networked device may include one of a washing machine, clothes dryer, refrigerator, HVAC unit, air purifier, humidifier, or scent diffuser, and may be located in one of a hotel room, cruise ship stateroom, or office.

According to an embodiment, access may be provided to stored user profiles. Selection of a climate control mode of operation may be associated with a stored user profile, and a climate control subsystem may be selected for activation based on the stored user profile.

According to an embodiment, access may be provided to one or more records of previously selected climate control modes of operation, and a climate control subsystem may be selected for activation based on one of the previously selected climate control modes of operation.

According to an embodiment, one or more of the climate control subsystems may alter the environment within a specified area within a specified range based on a climate control parameter.

According to an embodiment, an interface may be initiated between the climate control subsystem and an external device operable to be activated based on a climate control parameter to alter the environment within a designated area.

These and other advantages of the present invention will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art by reference to the following detailed description and accompanying drawings.

Description of drawings

Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating a networked environment for environmental control and monitoring according to an embodiment;

2 is a diagram illustrating a table of diagnostic codes that may be used for environmental control and monitoring according to an embodiment;

Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating a web portal interface display for environmental control and monitoring according to an embodiment;

Figure 4 is another diagram illustrating a web portal interface display for environmental control and monitoring according to an embodiment;

Figure 5 is another diagram illustrating a web portal interface display for environmental control and monitoring according to an embodiment;

Figure 6 is another diagram illustrating a web portal interface display for environmental control and monitoring according to an embodiment;

Figure 7 is a flow chart illustrating environmental control and monitoring according to an embodiment; and

8 is a high level block diagram of an exemplary computer that can be used to remotely manage environmental control and monitoring equipment.

detailed description

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a networked environment for environmental control and monitoring according to an embodiment. For example, network 100 may be accessed through an interface of environmental control and monitoring device manager 102 to communicate with one or more remote locations, such as remote locations 104, 106, and 108. It should be noted that the environmental control and monitoring device manager 102 may communicate with more or fewer remote locations, and references herein to remote locations may refer to physical locations or network locations. Additionally, references herein to a remote location may refer to any of remote locations 104 , 106 , and 108 .

Remote locations 104, 106, and 108 include one or more environmental control and monitoring devices (also referred to herein as "devices" or singularly "devices" or "ECM devices"). For example, remote location 104 includes environmental control and monitoring devices 110-A, 110-B, and 110-C; remote location 106 includes environmental control and monitoring devices 110-D, 110-E, and 110-F; and remote location 108 includes environmental Control and monitor devices 110-G, 110-H and 110-I. It should be noted that the environmental control and monitoring device 110 mentioned here may refer to any one of the environmental control and monitoring devices 110-A-110-I.

Environmental control and monitoring device manager 102 may be used to manage one or more environmental control and monitoring devices 110 . In one embodiment, the environmental control and monitoring device manager 102 can track usage, monitor maintenance status, receive data, and control the environmental control and monitoring device 110 remotely. For example, environmental control and monitoring device manager 102 may receive notifications via network 100 regarding the usage or operating status of one or more environmental control and monitoring devices 110 . In one embodiment, the one or more environmental control and monitoring devices 110 are network-enabled devices for environmental control and monitoring of indoor areas, such as room heaters and coolers (i.e., HVAC units), air cleaners, Humidifiers or scented devices. Additional examples of environmental control and monitoring devices 110 may include furnaces, smoke detectors, and carbon monoxide detectors. In other embodiments, environmental control and monitoring devices 110 may include washing machines, clothes dryers, refrigerators, and other devices that may be used in a home environment or a commercial environment.

The exemplary environmental control and monitoring device 110 includes a networking module 112 . For example, environmental control and monitoring device 110-A includes networking module 112-A, environmental control and monitoring device 110-B includes networking module 112-B, environmental control and monitoring device 110-C includes networking module 112-C, and so on. It should be noted that the networking module mentioned here may refer to any one of the networking modules 112-A-112-I.

Networking module 112 may be a cellular data module capable of data communication with environmental control and monitoring device manager 102 , such as over network 100 . Each networking module 112 may include a printed circuit board (PCB) with a unique identifier that may be associated with the corresponding environmental control and monitoring device 110 . For example, the unique identifier may be a network serial number, such as a CDMA Mobile Equipment Identifier (MEID). Those skilled in the art should note that the networking module 112 and the environmental control and monitoring device 110 can use various wired (for example, USB, Firewire, LAN, etc.) or wireless (for example, CDMA, GSM, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, etc.) Any one of the formats communicates with the network 100. Additionally, the networking module 112 can be controlled externally from the environmental control and monitoring device 110, such as at a remote device with a wired or wireless connection to the network 100 and a short-range protocol connection (e.g., wired, Bluetooth infrared, near field communication, infrared, etc.). device) to communicate with and control the environmental control and monitoring device 110.

In one embodiment, the unique identifier may be used to remotely manage the associated environmental control and monitoring device 110 . For example, the unique identifier associated with environmental control and monitoring device 110 may be associated with other data (such as setting environmental control and monitoring device 110 country, city, hotel and room number) record together. The unique identifiers and other data associated with environmental control and monitoring devices 110 may then be received by environmental control and monitoring device manager 102 and passed to environmental control and monitoring device manager database 114 (also referred to herein as database 114) to Storage takes place via a direct connection or via the network 100 . In one embodiment, the information may be received by the environmental control and monitoring device manager 102 and cross-referenced with a unique identifier associated with a particular environmental control and monitoring device 110 . Environmental control and monitoring device manager 102 may then store information in database 114 related to the particular environmental control and monitoring device 110 . Alternatively, environmental control and monitoring device manager 102 may receive information (e.g., information associated with a unique identifier) from third-party manager 116 and cross-reference that information, such as via network 100 or a direct connection as a check The commands that are part of the routine are transmitted to the third party manager 116 .

Information may be stored at database 114 in any of a variety of ways. For example, passing information through a stock keeping unit (SKU) scanner or similar handheld device. Those skilled in the art should also note that data may be entered into the database 114 using standard techniques such as barcodes, RFID, and 3D video scanning. Alternatively, database 114 may receive unique identifiers and other data related to environmental control and monitoring devices 110 directly from network 100 , such as by operating a web-enabled application running within network 100 .

In some embodiments, the environmental control and monitoring device manager database 114 will not only store incoming information from each environmental control and monitoring device, but also interact with the environmental control and monitoring device and be able to run functions that can clean up redundant data. This purge may be scheduled such that database 114 may purge data after a predetermined number of megabytes or at a predetermined time.

One exemplary type of environmental control and monitoring device 110 that can be managed remotely may incorporate one or more of an air purifier, humidifier, or fragrance device. Such a combined function environmental control and monitoring device 110 may include various consumables that must be replaced due to normal use. Examples of consumables used by the combined function environmental control and monitoring device 110 may include water, filters, fragrances, demineralization tablets, charcoal filters, or other filter types that may be used in water/wet or typically Any other consumables that can be used in environmental control equipment. For example, the combined function environmental control and monitoring device 110 may include a humidifier with a water tank rated for an approximate runtime (eg, 8-10 hours) without refilling. The combined function environmental control and monitoring device 110 may also include a HEPA-type air cleaner, which removes airborne particles and pollutants from the room through a filter (eg, odor-absorbing carbon media).

In one embodiment, environmental control and monitoring device 110 may include an interface (eg, a sensor or display) for input/output (I/O) to interact with a user and one or more sensors to monitor user habits. For example, environmental control and monitoring device 110 may monitor data based on user habits or while the user is performing certain tasks (eg, doing laundry or cooking). The monitoring data can then be used by environmental control and monitoring devices 110 to generate behavioral records. The environmental control and monitoring device 110 may then generate a device action (ie, an electronic notification) for transmission to the environmental control and monitoring device manager 102 . For example, environmental control and monitoring device 110 may generate device actions based on behavioral records.

In one embodiment, device actions may include status information about environmental control and monitoring devices 110 that are malfunctioning, not responding, or reporting error conditions. For example, environmental control and monitoring device 110 may transmit a device action that includes a notification that a stove light goes off. Device actions may also include notifications that the environmental control and monitoring device 110 is functioning normally or performing exceptionally well. Examples of events that may trigger device actions from the device include customer service events, maintenance events, billing program events, and events related to sales information. In one embodiment, the events that will trigger device actions may be defined by the organization of the hosting environment control and monitoring device manager 102 .

Device actions may also be generated by environmental control and monitoring device 110 in response to user input (eg, to activate a function of the device) or any other user interaction. An example of user interaction may be opening a device cover, eg for monitoring or refilling consumables. Alternatively, user input may be communicated to environmental control and monitoring device 110 via remote controller 118, which may be co-located with environmental control and monitoring device 110 (e.g., at the location currently managed by environmental control and monitoring device 110 environment) or at a location remote from the environmental control and monitoring device 110.

In one embodiment, a device action may be associated with one or more user actions monitored by the environmental control and monitoring device 110 . For example, user actions may be monitored, including observed patterns of use of the environmental control and monitoring device 110, observed times the user wakes up or the number of times the user leaves or returns to the location of the environmental control and monitoring device 110, and may include in device actions this kind of information. Additionally, a device action may include a record of one or more previous device actions. As such, as described in detail below, correlations may be made based on records of previous device actions to determine administrative actions.

In another embodiment, a device action may include a device code (eg, identifying a particular device or type of device), and a management action may be based at least in part on the device code. For example, one or more device actions may be received from a plurality of environmental control and monitoring devices 110 . In this case, the device action may be determined to be associated with the specific environmental control and monitoring device 110 based on the specific environmental control and monitoring device 110's unique identifier (eg, serial number or device ID). The transmitted management action may then include a unique identifier for the particular environmental control and monitoring device 110 . For example, a management action may include a unique identifier used to communicate a command that causes a particular environmental control and monitoring device 110 to perform an operation.

One or more device actions associated with a particular environmental control and monitoring device 110 may also be stored, such as in database 114, based on the unique identifier. Currently received or previously stored device actions associated with a particular environmental control and monitoring device 110 may then be displayed, such as at the user interface of the environmental control and monitoring device manager 102 . In some embodiments, environmental control and monitoring device manager database 114 may store device codes for environmental control and monitoring devices 110 including network location information (eg, information about remote locations 104, 106, or 108). In addition, monitoring device manager database 114 may store additional information about environmental control and monitoring devices 110 , including user identification information associated with a particular environmental control and monitoring device 110 . As such, environmental control and monitoring device manager 102 may employ the device code of environmental control and monitoring device 110 to generate billing messages associated with the user. For example, billing messages may be based on usage parameters received from particular environmental control and monitoring devices 110 . Environmental control and monitoring device manager 102 may then transmit a billing message to billing system 120, where the billing message may result in a charge to the user account.

Messages associated with device actions can also be coded to report specific device errors or alarms. For example, a device action may include a diagnostic code associated with a need to replace a consumable (eg, water or a non-working light bulb) in the environmental control and monitoring device 110 . 2 is a diagram illustrating a table of diagnostic codes that may be used to remotely manage environmental control and monitoring devices according to an embodiment. For example, the diagnostic (action) code 200 may be a two-digit code (e.g., 00, 01, 40, etc.) or may be converted to other An alphanumeric string corresponding to the description 202 of the detected event. In one embodiment, one or more diagnostic codes 200 may be associated with a priority 204 or an estimated or actual timing period 206 of interest. Certain diagnostic codes 200 may also be associated with display requests 208 (eg, at a web portal interface) or other actions 210 (eg, email messages, etc.). It should be noted that in some embodiments, environmental control and monitoring device 110 may encode diagnostic codes using other schemes. For example, a four-digit string can be used for a diagnostic code.

In one embodiment, each occurrence of an event may be associated with an action code. As such, when a device action including an action code is received by environmental control and monitoring device manager 102, information associated with the action code may be collected, sorted, and analyzed by environmental control and monitoring device manager 102 to determine a management action.

In some embodiments, a web portal interface may be provided for administrators to access the environmental control and monitoring device manager 102 . For example, a web portal interface can display device actions (and associated action codes). The web portal interface can also organize and display information about device actions in various formats. In one embodiment, the web portal interface may be defined based on the user's administrative status. For example, a user with administrator status (eg, a hotel manager) can view current or previous device actions received from any particular environmental control and monitoring device. However, a user with a more limited administrator status (eg, a hotel concierge) can only view device actions received from selected environmental control and monitoring devices. As such, where the web portal interface may be accessed by different types of users, each type of user may have a different level of information access and the ability to view, change, and run functions and view reports online.

In one embodiment, the various user roles may include master administrator, billing administrator, service administrator, hotel administrator, and area administrator. For example, a web portal interface associated with a master administrator account (e.g., an entity providing environmental control and monitoring for advanced management of a device manager) may allow a user to view all incoming device actions, modify permissions and access, run master level reports and information needed to manipulate accounting and other functions. Billing administrators have access to personal accounts and available information. Service administrators can utilize tools to repair and update equipment and check the status of error reports, and hotel administrators can view and run basic reports.

Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating a web portal interface display for remotely managing environmental control and monitoring devices according to an embodiment. For example, web portal interface 300 may display a graph 302 showing a graph representing one or more usage parameters (e.g., usage of humidifiers, purifiers, and various scent diffusers) and one or more environmental control and monitoring devices 110 graph. The web portal interface 300 also includes selector buttons for various alternative arrangements of information including (hotel) chain activity 304 , location activity 306 , and device error 308 . Additional selector buttons include buttons for obtaining device reports 310 , user data 312 , and help and support 314 .

4 is another diagram illustrating a web portal interface display for remotely managing environmental control and monitoring devices according to an embodiment. For example, the web portal interface 400 may display an equipment status report 402 listing the equipment status of a particular environmental control and monitoring equipment 110 by serial number 406, specific location 408, room number 410, days of service 412, and time of use 414. Describe 404. In one embodiment, an alert indicia 416 may be displayed to call attention to a particular device action with respect to the device.

Figure 5 is another diagram illustrating a web portal interface display for remotely managing environmental control and monitoring devices according to an embodiment. For example, web portal interface 500 may display one or more pie charts 502 showing device performance and one or more associated usage summaries 504 , such as a summary of usage over a selected time period.

6 is another diagram illustrating a web portal interface display for remotely managing environmental control and monitoring devices according to an embodiment. For example, web portal interface 600 may display map 602 indicating the current location of a device or devices reporting a selected status within a selected area. As such, map 602 may be displayed as an area map, including information such as which devices have the highest usage and lowest usage (eg, for sales purposes). For example, an administrator at web portal interface 600 may select an area of map 602 to update device firmware or settings within the selected area.

In some embodiments, the data stored at database 114 may be collected and sold to parties interested in purchasing it, such as sales companies or organizations interested in usage data related to environmental control and monitoring equipment. For example, data collected regarding the usage and performance of environmental control and monitoring equipment may be analyzed to generate information that may be useful for improving future generations or versions of environmental control and monitoring equipment. Raw or analyzed data can also be shared with manufacturers of environmental control and monitoring equipment. For example, data received from equipment can be utilized to improve equipment by reducing production costs, reducing time to market, and increasing profitability. Additionally, data collected from devices may be shared with third parties (eg, hotels) for their internal use or for sale to their customers.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a flow chart for environmental control and monitoring according to an embodiment. Referring back to FIG. 1 , environmental control and monitoring equipment 110 (e.g., networked appliances such as washers, dryers, refrigerators, HVAC units, air purifiers, humidifiers, or fragrance diffusers) may communicate with the environmental control and monitoring devices through the network 100. The device manager 102 communicates. The environmental control and monitoring device 110 may be located at a remote location (such as a hotel room, cruise ship stateroom, or office), and may include a networking module 112 or a networking module (e.g., Wi-Fi, GPS, or combination of other similar modules).

Environmental control and monitoring device 110 may periodically transmit data, such as status information, to environmental control and monitoring device manager 102 . For example, environmental control and monitoring device 110 may transmit device actions at regular intervals (eg, 1-24 times per day or more). In addition, the environmental control and monitoring device 110 may transmit information related to a specific event, such as a guest's request to use the device (e.g., selecting a climate control mode of operation) or an alarm condition of the device, or instantaneously (e.g., without any triggering prerequisites)) connected one or more devices.

As such, at 700, the environmental control and monitoring device manager 102 receives electronic communications (e.g., device actions) from one of the plurality of environmental control and monitoring devices 110 over the network 100, including selecting a climate control mode of operation to change a particular specified environment in the area. As discussed above with respect to FIG. 1 , each of the plurality of environmental control and monitoring devices 110 may include one or more climate control subsystems for changing climate conditions within a designated area (such as at a remote location 104, 106, or 108). environment of. The selection of the climate control mode of operation may also be received by environmental control and monitoring device manager 102 over network 100 from a user device or a remote device controller, such as remote controller 118 . Additionally, environmental control and monitoring device manager 102 may receive a selection of a climate control mode of operation by interfacing with environmental control and monitoring device 110 , such as through networking module 112 .

At 702 , the environmental control and monitoring device manager 102 associates the selection of the climate control mode of operation with the climate control parameter and one of the plurality of environmental control and monitoring devices 110 . For example, environmental control and monitoring device manager 102 may associate the selection of the climate control mode of operation with environmental control and monitoring device 110 by accessing a memory providing stored user profiles, such as database 114 . The environmental control and monitoring device manager 102 may then associate the selection of the climate control mode of operation with the stored user profile from memory and select the climate control subsystem for activation based on the stored user profile.

In another example, the environmental control and monitoring device manager 102 may access a memory (such as the database 114 ) that provides stored records of previously selected climate control modes of operation, and select a climate control mode based on the previously selected climate control mode of operation. The subsystem is activated.

At 704, a management action is determined by the environmental control and monitoring device manager 102 based at least on the received selection of the climate control mode of operation. Determining a management action may include determining a command to perform operation of the environmental control and monitoring equipment communicating the selected climate control mode of operation. Administrative actions may include commands to record status information, usage information, or other information useful to maintain proper operation of the environmental control and monitoring devices that transmit received device actions. Administrative actions may also include commands to transmit authorization information, software updates, or other messages to environmental control and monitoring devices. For example, a first administrative action may activate a billing room code and transmit a command to a hotel billing system (eg, billing system 120 ). Once the billing system 120 receives the billing room code and authorizes the charge, the environmental control and monitoring device manager 102 can determine a second administrative action to unlock the device for use by the guest.

At 706, the environmental control and monitoring device manager 102 initiates (e.g., through transmitted electronic commands) the operation of a particular climate control subsystem of one of the plurality of environmental control and monitoring devices 110 based on the climate control parameters to change the specified environment in the area. The climate control subsystem may alter the environment within a specified region within a specified range based on the climate control parameters. For example, the climate control parameter may be a preferred temperature of 75 degrees Fahrenheit and the climate control subsystem may vary within a specified area (e.g., a hotel room) based on ±2 degrees Fahrenheit (i.e., a determined tolerance) of the 75 degree Fahrenheit climate control parameter environment of.

The environmental control and monitoring device manager 102 may also initiate an interface between the climate control subsystem and external devices to change the environment within a specified area within a specified range based on climate control parameters. For example, an external device such as a room thermostat may change the environment within a designated area in response to being activated (eg, wirelessly) by the climate control subsystem of the environment control and monitoring device 110 based on the climate control parameters.

For example, in a hotel environment, the environmental control and monitoring device manager 102 may receive climate control parameters indicating that a guest wants to use the environmental control and monitoring device 110 . In such a case, environmental control and monitoring device manager 102 may initiate operation of a particular climate control subsystem of a particular environmental control and monitoring device 110 through one or more management actions. In one embodiment, a third-party manager 126 (eg, a hotel guest management system) may store guest access information to allow, change, or limit a guest's ability to activate environmental control and monitoring devices 110 . For example, environmental control and monitoring equipment manager 102 may receive guest access information from a hotel guest management system (eg, by transmitting the command as part of a check routine). Environmental control and monitoring device manager 102 may then transmit the guest access information for display at environmental control and monitoring device 110 (eg, within the room associated with the guest access information). The environmental control and monitoring device 110 may also be allowed to access the hotel guest management system through the environmental control and monitoring device manager 102 and the network 100 for selected guest access information.

At 708 , usage parameters based on operation of the particular climate control subsystem are received by the environmental control and monitoring device manager 102 over the network. The usage parameter may indicate one of consumable resource level, filter status, or other usage type information. For example, if the environmental control and monitoring device 110 is a networked device, such as a humidifier or a fragrance diffuser, then for a particular instance, the usage parameter may indicate the amount of energy consumed by the networked device during operation resulting from activation of the networked device by the climate control subsystem. The amount of water or fragrance (for example, perfume).

At 710, a billing message associated with the user is generated by the environmental control and monitoring device manager 102 based on the usage parameters. The billing message is transmitted to the billing system 120, where at 712 the billing message results in a charge to the user account. For example, a billing message may result in a charge to an account associated with the user profile.

As such, an environmental control and monitoring system is disclosed. The environmental control and monitoring system allows electronic communications to be received over a network from one of a plurality of environmental control and monitoring devices, the electronic communication including selection of a climate control mode of operation to alter the environment within a particular designated area. Selection of a climate control mode of operation may be associated with climate control parameters and specific environmental control and monitoring equipment. Operation of a particular climate control subsystem of a particular environmental control and monitoring device may be initiated to alter the environment within a particular designated area based on climate control parameters.

Additionally, the environmental control and monitoring system allows the receipt of usage parameters over a network based on the operation of a particular climate control subsystem. A billing message associated with the user can be generated based on the usage parameters, and the billing message can be transmitted to the billing system, where the billing message results in a charge to the user's account.

The systems, apparatus and methods described herein may be implemented using digital circuitry or using one or more computers utilizing well known computer processors, memory units, storage devices, computer software and other components. Typically, computers include a processor for executing instructions and one or more memories for storing instructions and data. The computer may also include or be coupled to one or more mass storage devices, such as one or more magnetic disks, internal and removable disks, magneto-optical disks, optical disks, and the like.

The systems, apparatus, and methods described herein can be used within a web-based cloud computing system. In such a network-based cloud computing system, a server or another processor connected to the network communicates with one or more client computers over the network. For example, a client computer can communicate with a server through a web browser application that is resident on or running on the client computer. Client computers can store data on the server and access data over the network. A client computer may transmit a request for data or a request for an online service to a server over a network. A server can perform requested services and provide data to one or more client computers. The server may also transmit data suitable for causing the client computer to perform specified functions (eg, perform calculations, display specified data on a screen, etc.). Certain steps of the methods described herein (including one or more of the steps of FIG. 7 ) may be performed by a server or another processor in a network-based cloud computing system. Certain steps of the methods described herein (including one or more of the steps of FIG. 7 ) can be performed by a client computer in a network-based cloud computing system. Certain steps of the methods described herein (including one or more of the steps of FIG. 7 ) can be performed in any combination by a server and/or client computer in a network-based cloud computing system.

The systems, apparatus and methods described herein can be implemented using a computer program product tangibly embodied in an information carrier (e.g., in a non-transitory machine-readable storage device) for execution by a programmable processor; and can be implemented using One or more computer programs executable by such a processor implement the method steps described herein (including one or more of the steps of FIG. 7 ). A computer program is a set of computer program instructions that can be used, directly or indirectly, in a computer to perform a certain activity or bring about a certain result. A computer program may be written in any form of programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages, and may be deployed in any form, including as a stand-alone program or as a module, component, subroutine, or other unit suitable for use in a computing environment .

A high-level block diagram of an exemplary computer that may be used to implement the systems, apparatus, and methods described herein is illustrated in FIG. 8 . Computer 800 includes a processor 810 operatively coupled to a data storage device 820 and a memory 830 . Processor 810 controls the overall operation of computer 800 by executing computer program instructions that define such operations. The computer program instructions may be stored in data storage device 820 or other computer-readable medium and loaded into memory 830 when execution of the computer program instructions is desired. Accordingly, the method steps of FIG. 7 may be defined by computer program instructions stored in memory 830 and/or data storage device 820 and controlled by processor 810 executing the computer program instructions. For example, computer program instructions may be implemented as computer executable code programmed by a person skilled in the art to perform the algorithm defined by the method steps of FIG. 7 . Accordingly, by executing computer program instructions, the processor 810 executes the algorithm defined by the method steps of FIG. 7 . Computer 800 also includes one or more network interfaces 840 for communicating with other devices over a network. Computer 800 also includes one or more input/output devices 850 (eg, display, keyboard, mouse, speakers, buttons, etc.) that enable user interaction with computer 800 .

Processor 810 may include both general and special purpose microprocessors, and may be the sole processor of computer 800 or one of multiple processors of computer 800 . For example, processor 810 may include one or more central processing units (CPUs). Processor 810, data storage device 820, and/or memory 830 may include one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) and/or one or more field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), composed of one or more application-specific integrated circuits ( ASIC) and/or one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) complement or incorporate one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICs) and/or one or more field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs).

Data storage 820 and memory 830 each include tangible, non-transitory computer-readable storage media. Data storage device 820 and memory 830 may each include high-speed random access memory, such as dynamic random access memory (DRAM), static random access memory (SRAM), double data rate synchronous dynamic random access memory (DDR RAM) or other random access solid-state memory devices, and may include non-volatile memory, such as one or more magnetic disk storage devices (such as internal hard disks and removable disks, magneto-optical disk storage devices, optical disk storage devices, flash memory devices, Semiconductor memory devices), such as Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EPROM), Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory (EEPROM), Compact Disk Read-Only Memory (CD-ROM), Digital Versatile Disc Read-Only Memory (DVD- ROM) disk or other non-volatile solid-state storage devices.

Input/output devices 850 may include peripheral devices such as printers, scanners, display screens, and the like. For example, input/output devices 850 may include display devices (such as cathode ray tube (CRT), plasma, or liquid crystal display (LCD) monitors), keyboards, and pointing devices (such as a mouse or a trackball to provide input to the computer 800).

Any or all of the systems and apparatus discussed herein, including environmental control and monitoring device manager 102 and database 114 , can be implemented using a computer, such as computer 800 . Those skilled in the art should note that the environmental control and monitoring device manager 102 can be implemented using standard technologies, including software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof.

Those skilled in the art will also appreciate that actual computer or computer system implementations may have other structures and may include other components as well, and that Figure 8 is a high-level representation of some of the components of such a computer for illustrative purposes.

It is to be understood that the above detailed description is illustrative and exemplary in every respect and not restrictive, and the scope of the invention disclosed herein will be determined not by the specific implementation, but by the patent law. Claims shall be determined by the full scope of permissible interpretation. It should be understood that the embodiments shown and described herein are only illustrative of the principles of the invention and that various modifications can be effected by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention. Various other feature combinations can be implemented by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention.

Claims (20)

1. An environmental control and monitoring system comprising: a plurality of environmental control and monitoring devices at one or more remote locations, each of the plurality of environmental control and monitoring devices including one or more climate control subsystems for altering the environment within a designated area; billing system; and an environmental control and monitoring device manager in electronic communication with the plurality of environmental control and monitoring devices, the environmental control and monitoring device manager being adapted to: Receive a selection of climate control modes of operation over the network to alter the environment in a particular designated area; associating the selection of the climate control mode of operation with a climate control parameter and a particular environmental control and monitoring device of the plurality of environmental control and monitoring devices; initiating operation of a particular climate control subsystem of said particular environmental control and monitoring device to alter the environment within said particular designated area based on said climate control parameter; receiving usage parameters over a network based on operation of the particular climate control subsystem; generating a billing message associated with the user based on the usage parameters; and The billing message is transmitted to the billing system, wherein the billing message causes a charge to the user's account. 2. The system of claim 1, wherein the selection of the climate control mode of operation is received over a network from one of a user device or a remote device controller. 3. The system of claim 1, wherein the environmental control and monitoring device manager is further adapted to interface with a networked device to receive selection of the climate control mode of operation. 4. The system of claim 3, wherein the networked device includes one of a washing machine, clothes dryer, refrigerator, HVAC unit, air purifier, humidifier, or fragrance diffuser. 5. The system of claim 3, wherein the networked device is located in one of a hotel room, a cruise ship stateroom, or an office. 6. The system of claim 1, wherein the environmental control and monitoring device manager is further adapted to: accessing memory that provides stored user profiles; associating the selection of the climate control mode of operation with a stored user profile; and The climate control subsystem is selected for activation based on the stored user profile. 7. The system of claim 1, wherein the environmental control and monitoring device manager is further adapted to: accessing a memory providing one or more records of previously selected climate control modes of operation; and The climate control subsystem is selected for activation based on one of the previously selected climate control modes of operation. 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the climate control subsystem alters the environment within a specified area within a specified range based on the climate control parameter. 9. The system of claim 1, wherein the environmental control and monitoring device manager is further adapted to initiate an interface between the climate control subsystem and an external device operable to A control parameter is activated, thereby changing the environment within the designated area. 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the usage parameter indicates one of a consumable resource level or a filter status. 11. A method for environmental control and monitoring, the method comprising: receiving an electronic communication including a selection of a climate control mode of operation over a network from one of a plurality of environmental control and monitoring devices, wherein the plurality of environmental control and monitoring devices each of which includes one or more climate control subsystems for modifying the environment within a designated area; associating selection of the climate control mode of operation with the one of the plurality of environmental control and monitoring devices and a climate control parameter; initiating operation of a particular climate control subsystem of said one of said plurality of environmental control and monitoring devices to alter the environment within said particular designated area based on said climate control parameters; receiving usage parameters over a network based on operation of the particular climate control subsystem; generating a billing message associated with the user based on the usage parameters; and The charging message is transmitted to a charging system, wherein the charging message causes a charge to the user's account. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the selection of the climate control mode of operation is received over a network from one of a user device or a remote device controller. 13. The method of claim 11, wherein the selection of the climate control mode of operation is received from a networked device. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the networked device includes one of a washing machine, clothes dryer, refrigerator, HVAC unit, air cleaner, humidifier, or fragrance diffuser. 15. The method of claim 13, wherein the networked device is located in one of a hotel room, a cruise ship stateroom, or an office. 16. The method of claim 11, further comprising: accessing memory that provides stored user profiles; associating the selection of the climate control mode of operation with a stored user profile; and The climate control subsystem is selected for activation based on the stored user profile. 17. The method of claim 11, further comprising: accessing a memory providing one or more records of previously selected climate control modes of operation; and The climate control subsystem is selected for activation based on one of the previously selected climate control modes of operation. 18. The method of claim 11, wherein the climate control subsystem alters the environment within a specified area within a specified range based on the climate control parameter. 19. The method of claim 11, wherein the environmental control and monitoring device manager is further adapted to initiate an interface between the climate control subsystem and an external device operable to A control parameter is activated, thereby changing the environment within the designated area. 20. The method of claim 11, wherein the usage parameter indicates one of a consumable resource level or a filter status.