Thermostat Master Control for Multi-User Setpoint Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thermostats lack the ability to effectively manage and integrate multiple temperature setpoints from various users in a building, leading to inefficiencies in heating and cooling operations, as they often rely on a single master setpoint or require manual intervention, which can result in discomfort and increased energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
A thermostat system with a communication interface and processing circuit that determines a master or non-master temperature setpoint based on user input, operating modes (average or voting), and user presence, allowing for weighted averaging or voting to select the optimal setpoint, thereby enabling efficient temperature control across a building space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a single master setpoint is used to control the thermostat, then the device complexity is reduced and operation is simplified, but the adaptability to different user needs and preferences deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the user base into different roles (master users and non-master users) with distinct permission levels. Master users can modify setpoints and system settings, while non-master users can view and provide input through their devices. This segmentation allows the system to maintain clear operational hierarchy while accommodating multiple user preferences through structured input collection and processing.
2Device complexity
If manual intervention is required for setpoint selection, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity of temperature control operations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements self-service functionality by automatically collecting setpoint inputs from multiple user devices, processing these inputs according to predefined rules (such as averaging or voting mechanisms), and generating optimized temperature control decisions without requiring manual intervention from operators. This automation maintains relatively simple device architecture while significantly improving operational productivity through intelligent algorithms that process user inputs and determine optimal setpoints.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple user inputs are integrated without a master control structure, then the adaptability to user needs is improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of managing user inputs increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing layer that receives inputs from multiple user devices and translates them into standardized setpoint commands. This intermediary layer implements logic such as weighted averaging, voting mechanisms, or priority-based selection to reconcile conflicting user inputs. By acting as a mediator between diverse user inputs and the HVAC control system, this layer manages complexity while preserving the adaptability to accommodate multiple user preferences.
4Reliability
If a master device authentication system is implemented, then the authority structure and control reliability are improved, but the ease of operation for non-master users deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by providing different operational capabilities to different user groups based on their roles. Master users receive full access to setpoint modification and system control functions, while non-master users are provided with simplified interfaces for viewing current settings and submitting preference inputs. This differentiated access structure maintains reliable authority hierarchies while ensuring that non-master users can still interact with the system in meaningful ways appropriate to their roles.
Data Source
AI summary
A thermostat for a building space includes a communication interface and a processing circuit. The communications interface is configured to communicate with one or more user devices and a master device. The processing circuit is configured to determine a master temperature setpoint based on input received from the master device via the communications interface and determine a non-master temperature setpoint based on input received from the one or more user devices via the communications interface. The processing circuit is configured to select one of the master temperature setpoint and the non-master temperature setpoint based on an operating mode of the thermostat. Based on the selected temperature setpoint, the processing circuit is configured to generate and provide control signals for building equipment. The control signals cause the building equipment to control an ambient temperature of the building space to the selected setpoint.