PTAC Temporary Authentication Code for Secure Mobile HVAC Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing technologies face challenges in allowing users to control Packaged Terminal Air Conditioners (PTACs) or other room HVAC appliances through mobile devices, especially in scenarios where Internet connectivity is limited or non-existent, while also ensuring that access is restricted to authorized users only.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a temporary authentication code system, where a PTAC or room HVAC appliance generates and presents a temporary code to the user, allowing them to authenticate their mobile device for control purposes. This code is valid for a limited duration and automatically changes, ensuring that unauthorized access is prevented once the user's stay ends.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cloud-based authentication services are implemented to enable remote control of HVAC devices, then user convenience and accessibility are improved, but infrastructure cost and system complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a temporary authentication code as an intermediary mechanism that mediates between the user's mobile device and the HVAC appliance. This code-based intermediary eliminates the need for complex cloud infrastructure by providing a simple, self-contained authentication method that works through direct device-to-device communication or local display verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the authentication function from the complex cloud-based system and implements it locally within the HVAC appliance itself. By taking out the authentication logic from the cloud infrastructure and embedding it directly in the appliance, the system achieves remote control capability without requiring extensive external infrastructure support.
2Ease of operation
If permanent authentication is provided to allow users to control HVAC appliances, then user convenience is improved, but security risks and unauthorized access increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic authentication where the authentication code is temporary and automatically expires after a predetermined period. This dynamic approach contrasts with static permanent authentication, allowing the system to automatically revoke access when the code expires, thereby preventing unauthorized access while maintaining user convenience during the valid period.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses temporary authentication codes that are valid only for a limited time period, analogous to disposable security measures. These short-living authentication credentials provide security by automatically becoming invalid after use or expiration, preventing long-term unauthorized access while maintaining ease of operation for legitimate users during their authorized period.
3Device complexity
If basic control interfaces are used in PTAC appliances, then device cost and complexity are reduced, but user control capability and functionality are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal control interface that can operate in multiple modes: basic local button control for simple operations, and extended remote control via mobile devices for comprehensive functionality. This multi-functional approach allows the same basic appliance interface to serve both simple and complex control needs, enhancing adaptability without increasing physical device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A Package Terminal Air Conditioner (PTAC) or other room Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) appliance may present a temporary authentication code to a user staying in a room in which the room HVAC appliance is installed to enable the user to authenticate his or her mobile device and control the room HVAC appliance during their stay. The temporary authentication code is valid for a limited duration, such that a user previously authenticated to the room HVAC appliance loses authentication, and is required to re-authenticate with a new temporary authentication code when the prior temporary authentication code has expired. As such, a user lacking physical access to the room HVAC appliance, such as after the user's stay has ended, is no longer able to access the room HVAC appliance.