Thermostat Wireless Pairing for Hospitality Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermostats in hospitality environments lack enhanced convenience and safety features, failing to provide an easy-to-use and reliable platform for guests, which is crucial for improving the overall experience.
Innovation Solution
A computer-based thermostat system with multiple wireless transceivers, a processor, and memory that enables pairing with interactive devices for virtual remote control functionality and integration into a geolocation and safety network, allowing for seamless control of amenities and enhanced safety features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a thermostat provides basic temperature control functionality, then it maintains simple device structure, but it lacks enhanced convenience and safety features for hospitality environments
Solution Approach 1:
The thermostat is designed to perform multiple functions beyond basic temperature control, including wireless communication with guest devices, geolocation tracking, safety monitoring, and integration with hotel safety networks. This multi-functionality allows a single device to serve both climate control and safety/convenience purposes in hospitality environments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a wireless communication intermediary layer between the thermostat and guest devices (smartphones, tablets). This intermediary enables pairing and data exchange without direct physical connection, allowing the thermostat to access device identifiers and provide services while maintaining system architecture simplicity
2Ease of operation
If a thermostat integrates wireless transceivers and geolocation capabilities, then it provides enhanced convenience and safety, but it increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The thermostat automatically performs device pairing by detecting wireless devices in proximity and establishing connections without requiring manual configuration by guests. The system self-manages the pairing process, including storing device identifiers and maintaining connection states, which simplifies the user experience despite the underlying complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The thermostat pre-establishes pairing relationships with guest devices before they are needed for control functions. By proactively detecting and pairing with devices when they enter the room or are first introduced to the system, the thermostat ensures readiness for immediate use without requiring setup actions at the moment of need
3Adaptability or versatility
If a thermostat establishes pairing with guest devices for remote control, then it enables virtual remote control functionality, but it requires additional processing and memory resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and stores only the essential pairing information (device identifiers, connection states) in the thermostat's memory, separating this data from the full device functionality. This extraction approach allows the thermostat to maintain multiple pairings with guest devices without storing complete device profiles, reducing memory requirements while preserving remote control capability
Data Source
AI summary
A thermostat and system and method for use of the same are disclosed. In one embodiment, multiple wireless transceivers are located within a housing, which also interconnectively includes a processor and memory. To improve convenience, the thermostat may establish a pairing with a proximate wireless-enabled interactive programmable device having a display. Virtual remote control functionality for various amenities may then be provided. To improve safety, the thermostat may be incorporated into a geolocation and safety network.