Remote Thermostat Interface for Easy Multi-Home Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
The widespread adoption of intelligent network-connected thermostats is hindered by complex installation processes, user interface challenges, and the need for advanced technical knowledge, as well as the requirement for robust and scalable data communication methods that are compatible with existing network infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
A user interface method for interacting with and managing network-connected thermostats through a thermostat management system, featuring a user-friendly interface that allows easy installation, configuration, and remote control, utilizing a cloud-based system for data management and support, with auto-pairing and passcode pairing options for secure association with user accounts, and compatibility with conventional routers and networks.
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 setup difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The thermostat performs self-provisioning by automatically detecting network parameters, generating certificates, and registering with remote servers without requiring user configuration. The system autonomously completes installation tasks including network discovery, security credential exchange, and service registration, thereby reducing installation complexity while maintaining advanced energy-saving capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The thermostat pre-configures security credentials, generates cryptographic certificates, and establishes network connections before actual use. By performing these complex setup actions in advance automatically, the system eliminates the need for users to configure security settings or network parameters, thus resolving the contradiction between advanced functionality and ease of installation
2Adaptability or versatility
If thermostats are equipped with network connectivity for remote access and weather data, then remote control capability and energy optimization are improved, but device complexity and configuration difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The thermostat autonomously configures network connectivity by automatically discovering available networks, selecting optimal connections, and provisioning remote access services without user intervention. The system self-manages weather service subscriptions and remote device pairings, thereby providing versatile remote control capabilities while maintaining ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-establishes network connections, configures remote access protocols, and pre-subscribes to weather services before the user needs these features. By performing these complex configuration tasks in advance automatically, the thermostat makes remote control and weather-based optimization immediately available without requiring users to navigate complex setup procedures
3Productivity
If cloud-based management systems are implemented for thermostat provisioning, then scalability and support capabilities are improved, but data communication complexity and network infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
A cloud-based management server acts as an intermediary between thermostats and users, handling complex data communication protocols, security certificate verification, and device registration. This intermediary absorbs the communication complexity, allowing individual thermostats to scale without requiring users to understand or configure complex network protocols, thereby achieving scalability while managing data communication complexity at the server level
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects of the present invention provide user interface methods for interacting with and managing network-connected thermostats through a thermostat management system. The user interface method identifies a primary enclosure associated with a thermostat management account with the remaining enclosures deemed secondary enclosures. The user interface displays the primary enclosure using a primary enclosure selection appearing in a foreground area of the user interface as a house and adjacent to thermostat selections representing each of the network-connected thermostats installed in the primary enclosure. In a background area of the user interface, a primary weather visual incorporates images of various weather patterns reflecting both a weather pattern in the vicinity of the primary enclosure and an approximate time of day at the geographic location of the primary enclosure. Secondary enclosure selections are visually deemphasized on the user interface when compared with the primary enclosure selection displayed on the user interface.