System, method and apparatus for identifying manual inputs to and adaptive programming of a thermostat

Abstract

Systems and methods are disclosed for incorporating manual changes to the setpoint for a thermostatic controller into long-term programming of the thermostatic controller. For example, one or more of the exemplary systems compares the actual setpoint at a given time for the thermostatic controller to an expected setpoint for the thermostatic controller in light of the scheduled programming. A determination is then made as to whether the actual setpoint and the expected setpoint are the same or different. Furthermore, a manual change to the actual setpoint for the thermostatic controller is compared to previously recorded setpoint data for the thermostatic controller. At least one rule is then applied for the interpretation of the manual change in light of the previously recorded setpoint data.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method for detecting manual changes to the setpoint for a thermostatic controller comprising:
 comparing the actual setpoint at a given time for said thermostatic controller to the expected setpoint for said thermostatic controller in light of the scheduled programming of said thermostatic controller for said given time; and   determining whether said actual setpoint and said expected setpoint are the same or different.