Thermostat Lock Levels for Secure Yet Flexible Feature Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic thermostats with keyboard lock features often restrict access too thoroughly, causing inconvenience to authorized users who need to adjust settings temporarily, such as in public areas where users know how to use the thermostat properly but are unable to make adjustments without unlocking and relocking the keyboard.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a programmable lock level system that allows administrators to configure access levels, enabling general users to access specific features without a security sequence while restricting critical settings, with multiple lock levels determining the availability of features and allowing administrators to change lock levels only with a security sequence.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the keyboard is locked to prevent unauthorized changes, then security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates because authorized users cannot make temporary adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the keyboard lock functionality into multiple lock levels (e.g., lock level 1, lock level 2, etc.), where each level restricts access to different sets of features. This allows authorized users to access certain features at higher lock levels without requiring full unlocking, thus maintaining security while improving ease of operation for routine adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by allowing different features to have different access restrictions based on their sensitivity. Critical features remain locked at all levels, while non-critical features become accessible at higher lock levels, enabling localized access control that balances security with user convenience.
2Reliability
If the keyboard is locked to prevent accidental changes, then reliability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates because users cannot adjust settings for different scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic adaptability by allowing the thermostat to operate in different modes (locked state and unlocked state) that can be switched based on user needs. The system dynamically adjusts its accessibility characteristics while maintaining reliable protection for critical settings through the multi-level lock structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the keyboard lock system universal by designing it to serve multiple functions: preventing unauthorized changes, preventing accidental changes, and enabling authorized temporary adjustments. The multi-level lock structure provides a unified solution that addresses all these requirements simultaneously.
3Reliability
If full access is restricted to administrators only, then security is improved, but productivity deteriorates because general users require external assistance for adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-service by allowing general users to independently access and adjust non-critical features at higher lock levels without requiring administrator intervention or external assistance. This maintains security for critical settings while improving productivity for routine adjustments.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides apparatuses and methods for restricting access to a control unit in an environmental system based on a lock level. The control unit (e.g., a thermostat) is configured with a selected lock level, where each lock level is mapped to an associated set of features. A user is able to access any of the features from the associated set of features without entering a security sequence. Also, a feature parameter may be restricted in accordance with the activated lock level. The control unit may be reconfigured with a different lock level by an administrator only when a security sequence is entered. Also, features may be mapped by an administrator to a set of features when the control unit is operating in the locked state. When the control unit is operating in the unlocked state, all supported features can be accessed by a user.