A computer-implemented method and system is provided. The system manipulates load curves corresponding to time-variant energy demand and consumption of a built environment. The system analyzes a first, second, third, fourth and a fifth set of data. The first set of data is associated with energy consuming devices. The second set of data is associated with an occupancy behavior of users. The third set of data is associated with energy storage and supply means. The fourth set of data is associated with environmental sensors. The fifth set of data is associated with energy pricing models. The system executes control routines for controlling peak loading conditions associated with the built environment. The system manipulates an optimized operating state of the energy consuming devices. The system integrates the energy storage and supply means for optimal reduction of the peak level of energy demand concentrated over the limited period of time.

Embodiments disclosed herein provide systems, methods, and computer-readable media to remotely actuate a user interface of a computing device. In a particular embodiment, a method includes receiving actuation information for a targeted portion of the user interface and determining control signals for a piezoelectric grid. The control signals direct application of electricity to the piezoelectric grid to deform the piezoelectric grid for actuation of the targeted portion of the user interface. The method further includes transferring the control signals to the piezoelectric grid.

A system for remote diagnostic analysis of a heating, ventilation and air condition (HVAC) system is provided. The system includes a thermostat in operable communication with at least one peripheral component of the HVAC system and configured to receive information relating to the at least one peripheral component, and a server in operable communication with the thermostat for receiving and analyzing the information. The server causes the at least one peripheral component to conduct a diagnostic test and analyzes the test result to perform a root cause analysis of a system malfunction.

The present disclosure provides a computer-implemented method for prioritizing one or more instructional control strategies to reduce time-variant energy demand of a built environment associated with renewable energy sources. The computer-implemented method includes collection of a first set of statistical data, fetching of a second set of statistical data, accumulation of a third set of statistical data, reception of a fourth set of statistical data and gathering of fifth set of statistical data. Further, the computer-implemented method includes parsing and comparison of the first set of statistical data, the second set of statistical data, the third set of statistical data, the fourth set of statistical data and the fifth set of statistical data. In addition, the computer-implemented method includes identification and prioritization of one or more instructional control strategies to reduce the time-variant energy demand associated with the built environment.

An information processing apparatus for controlling display on a user interface includes an acquisition unit, and a display control unit. The acquisition unit acquires information including an operated state indicating a state regarding an operation performed on each of a plurality of apparatuses, and an operating state indicating a state regarding an operating status of each of the plurality of apparatuses. The display control unit controls display of the information regarding an apparatus identified from among the plurality of apparatuses on the user interface, based on the information including the operated state and the operating state acquired by the acquisition unit.

A computer-facilitated method and a computerized system for providing optimization or improvement measures for one or more buildings are disclosed. Based on asset data regarding the building and on corresponding performance data, improvement measures related to a consumable resource in the one or more buildings are determined using a computer system configured for analyzing the asset data and the respective corresponding performance data based on internal and/or external key performance indicators and rules provided by a database.

A test system is includes a management server which is configured to provide predefined test instructions, a monitoring system, and at least one execution entity. The monitoring system is configured to convert test instructions provided by the management server into operating instructions for setting a test configuration on a control unit of a system using predefined assignment logic. The at least one execution entity is configured to set the test configuration on the control unit of the system on the basis of operating instructions transmitted by the monitoring system to the at least one execution entity.

Embodiments disclosed herein provide systems, methods, and computer-readable media to facilitate testing user-selectable functions on a user interface of a computing device, wherein a piezoelectric grid comprising piezoelectric material that deforms upon application of electricity is installed onto a surface of the user interface of the computing device. In a particular embodiment, a method provides generating a control mapping of areas of the piezoelectric grid to locations on the user interface of the computing device. The method further provides receiving test instructions comprising actuation information for a targeted portion of the user interface of the computing device. The method further provides processing the test instructions and the control mapping to determine control signals for the piezoelectric grid to implement the test instructions, and transmitting the control signals to the piezoelectric grid to actuate the targeted portion of the user interface of the computing device.

A computer-implemented method and system is provided. The system manipulates load curves corresponding to time-variant energy demand and consumption of a built environment. The system analyzes a first, second, third, fourth and a fifth set of data. The first set of data is associated with energy consuming devices. The second set of data is associated with an occupancy behavior of users. The third set of data is associated with energy storage and supply means. The fourth set of data is associated with environmental sensors. The fifth set of data is associated with energy pricing models. The system executes control routines for controlling peak loading conditions associated with the built environment. The system manipulates an optimized operating state of the energy consuming devices. The system integrates the energy storage and supply means for optimal reduction of the peak level of energy demand concentrated over the limited period of time.

The present invention concerns sensor apparatus (1) for an article comprising a unique apparatus identifier and an in-use sensor, the in-use sensor determining whether the apparatus is in an in-use or a dormant condition. The in-use sensor comprises a light sensor for measuring light falling on the apparatus and one or more accelerometers for measuring orientation and vibration of the apparatus, wherein an in-use condition is determined from reviewing whether measurements from the light sensor and one or more accelerometers exceed threshold values.