Honeywell Faces Lawsuit for Allegedly Stealing Allure Energy’s Technology for Lyric Thermostats
Honeywell’s Lyric Thermostat is at the center of Allure Energy’s Patent infringement lawsuit.
Allure Energy Eversense vs. Honeywell Lyric Geofencing Thermostats
Allure says Honeywell chose not to partner with the patent holder and instead launched Lyric, “incorporating key aspects of Allure Energy’s patented technology.”
The thermostat maker further alleges that Honeywell is “advertising itself as the only thermostat to use geofencing technology to track smartphones – a false claim, according to the lawsuit, that serves to damage Allure Energy and unfairly promote Honeywell’s product.”
Allure seeks an injunction to preclude Honeywell from further breaches and to stop its “false advertising.” Damages and other remedies also are being sought.
About the Patents
Allure has been awarded 21 patents related to learning thermostats and proximity detection, with another 34 patents pending.
At issue in this case are these two patents:
#8,626,344 “Energy Management System and Method” (filed July 20, 2010, issued Jan. 7, 2014)
According to an aspect of the disclosure, an energy management apparatus for a home energy management system and method includes a processor operable to manage energy use at a site. The processor is configured to convert an incoming message received from a wireless energy network into XML enabled output data and format an outgoing message to be output to the wireless energy network using XML enabled input data. A communication interface is configured to enable access to a communication device having access to the wireless energy network, wherein the communication interface is further configured to detect the outgoing message formatted by the processor to be output using the wireless energy network; configure the outgoing message to a message bus format, detect the incoming message received from the wireless energy network, and convert the incoming message from the message bus format to access the incoming network device data.
#8,457,797 “Energy Management System and Method” (Filed Sept. 29, 2010; issued June 4, 2013)
According to an aspect of the disclosure, a system and method includes a network device disposed at a first site, wherein the network device is capable of being altered, and a network device disposed at a second site, wherein the network device is also capable of being altered. A proximity detection module is configured to initiate altering an operating condition of each of the network devices in response to a proximity detection of a location reporting device associated with each of the sites.
The patents describe apps stored on multiple mobile devices that can be configured individually to “alter a network device” at the premises, say, a thermostat. Each user (defined by his or her mobile device) has a unique identity, and a processor determines-based on each user’s habits, preferences and location-how and when to adjust the temperature.
Allure doesn’t stop there, though. The patent seems to suggest that the proximity functionality of its invention would apply quite broadly to any home automation device, not just thermostats:
“For purposes of this disclosure, an energy management system, network device, or any combination thereof can include any instrumentality or aggregate of instrumentalities operable to compute, classify, process, transmit, receive, retrieve, originate, switch, store, display, manifest, detect, record, reproduce, handle, or utilize any form of information, intelligence, or data for business, scientific, control, entertainment, or other purposes. For example, an energy management system, network device, or any combination thereof can include any co
mbination of a personal computer, a PDA, a consumer electronic device, a media device, a smart phone, a cellular or mobile phone, a smart utility meter, an advanced metering infrastructure, a smart energy device, an energy display device, a home automation controller, an energy hub, a smart energy gateway, a set-top box, a digital media subscriber system, a cable modem, a fiber optic enabled communications device, a media gateway, a home media management system, a network server or storage device, an energy substation, a vehicle charging station, a renewable energy production device, a renewable energy control device, an energy storage management system, a smart appliance, an HVAC system, a water pump, a heat pump, a hot water heater, a thermostat, an energy controller, an irrigation system, a lighting system, an alarm system, a smart power outlet, an energy detection device, a power measurement device, a power measurement unit (PMU), an air handler, a wireless air damper, a humidity control system, a heat and motion sensing device, a smart power outlet, a switch router, wireless router, or other network communication device, or any other suitable device or system, and can vary in size, shape, performance, functionality, and price.”
If Allure prevails in this case, its patents might also disrupt one of the biggest trends in smart devices today: proximity-detection for launching home automation events.
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About the Author
Julie Jacobson
Julie Jacobson, recipient of the 2014 CEA TechHome Leadership Award, is co-founder of EH Publishing, producer of CE Pro, Electronic House, Commercial Integrator, Security Sales and other leading technology publications. She currently spends most of her time writing for CE Pro in the areas of home automation, security, networked A/V and the business of home systems integration.
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