Network-Connected Thermostat Pairing Using Shared Address Matching
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The widespread adoption of intelligent network-connected thermostats is hindered by complex installation processes, user interface challenges, and the need for sophisticated technical expertise, which discourages individuals and businesses from implementing energy-efficient HVAC control systems.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for securely and automatically pairing a wirelessly communicating thermostat with a user account on a cloud-based management system, using an intuitive user interface to simplify the installation and configuration process, including automatic association based on network address matching and providing a manual assistance process for complex scenarios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If intelligent network-connected thermostats are deployed with advanced HVAC control capabilities, then energy efficiency and comfort control are improved, but installation complexity and user configuration difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The thermostat automatically performs network discovery, authentication, and configuration without requiring user input. The device self-configures by detecting available networks, selecting appropriate ones, and establishing connections autonomously, eliminating the need for users to manually configure network settings while maintaining advanced energy-saving capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-configures network authentication credentials and connection parameters before the thermostat needs to connect. Network credentials are stored in advance, and the thermostat is pre-programmed with discovery protocols, allowing it to immediately connect to networks without requiring users to perform configuration steps during installation
2Adaptability or versatility
If network connectivity features are added to thermostats for remote access and weather data, then functionality and user control are improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to technical expertise requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The thermostat autonomously performs network discovery, authentication, and configuration without requiring user input. The device self-configures by detecting available networks, selecting appropriate ones, and establishing connections autonomously, eliminating the need for users to manually configure network settings while maintaining advanced energy-saving capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
A cloud-based authentication server acts as an intermediary between the thermostat and the network infrastructure. The server handles complex authentication protocols, credential verification, and network registration, shielding users from technical complexity while enabling secure remote access and weather data integration
3Productivity
If automated pairing systems are implemented using network address matching, then installation speed and user effort are improved, but reliability may worsen in complex network scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
A cloud-based authentication server acts as an intermediary between the thermostat and the network infrastructure. The server handles complex authentication protocols, credential verification, and network registration, shielding users from technical complexity while enabling secure remote access and weather data integration
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the authentication server monitors the pairing process and can intervene if automated matching fails. The server receives status information from the thermostat, verifies network conditions, and can provide corrective instructions or alternative authentication methods, ensuring reliable pairing even in complex network environments
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 4A~4B
AI summary
A computer-implemented method of configuring a thermostat for communication with a computer device over a network connection, comprising configuring the thermostat on a private network using a network interface controller associated with the thermostat providing network connectivity between the thermostat and a thermostat management system on a public network, wherein the private network includes a router connected to the public network and provides the thermostat with access to the public network. The method further comprises sending thermostat metadata that includes a public network address associated with the thermostat over the private network to the thermostat management system on the public network for registration in a thermostat registration pool used for pairing, wherein the public network address included in the thermostat metadata is shared by the router with other devices when sending communications from the private network to the public network on behalf of the thermostat and other devices on the private network. The method further comprises pairing the thermostat registered in the thermostat registration pool to a thermostat management account on the thermostat management system when it is determined that the thermostat is on same private network as the computer device accessing the thermostat management account, wherein pairing the thermostat to the thermostat management account allows the thermostat management account to communicate with the thermostat through over the public network through the thermostat management system.