Wireless Thermostat Provisioning via Image Capture

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Solution Overview

Problem

Homeowners face difficulties in provisioning new wireless-capable devices, such as thermostats, for communication with existing home networks, especially when these devices lack a user interface for data entry.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating provisioning components like cameras and NFC interfaces in wireless-capable devices that allow them to receive network profiles through image capture or near-field communication from user devices, enabling connection to wireless networks without a wired connection or user interface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If wireless-capable devices lack a user interface for data entry, then device simplicity and ease of installation are improved, but the ability to provision network profiles and configuration data deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of installationVSAvoidprovisioning capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses an intermediary device (such as a smartphone or computer) to transfer network profile data to the wireless-capable device. The intermediary captures an image containing network profile information and transmits it wirelessly to the target device, thereby eliminating the need for a user interface on the target device while still enabling complete provisioning capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical/physical system of wired connections and manual data entry with an optical system. By using image capture (camera) to receive network profile data, the system substitutes physical interaction with optical detection, enabling provisioning without buttons, keyboards, or displays on the target device.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If wireless-capable devices use wired connections for provisioning, then reliable data transfer is improved, but installation convenience and wireless compatibility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata transfer reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical wired connection system with an optical wireless system. Instead of using physical cables to transfer network profile data, the system uses image capture followed by wireless transmission, achieving both reliability and wireless convenience simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary device that bridges the gap between reliable data capture and wireless transmission. The intermediary captures the image data reliably and then transmits it wirelessly to the target device, decoupling the reliability requirement from the wireless requirement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If manual data entry processes are used for provisioning, then user control and configuration accuracy are improved, but provisioning time and user effort deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration accuracyVSAvoidprovisioning time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual data entry with automated image capture and processing. The camera captures network profile information automatically, and the system processes the image data without requiring manual typing or configuration, thereby maintaining accuracy while dramatically reducing time and effort.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service provisioning where the device automatically receives and processes network profile data through image capture. The target device and intermediary work together autonomously to complete provisioning without requiring manual user intervention for data entry or configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables secure and efficient provisioning of wireless-capable devices to wireless networks, providing instant feedback on successful connections and eliminating the need for cumbersome data entry processes, while allowing remote management of energy usage through user accounts.

Implementation Method 1

capturing an image or near field communication (NFC) transmission generated by a user device and extracting information including at least a network profile of the wireless network from the image or transmission

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectImage capture: Photography

Implementation Method 2

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNear field communication: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS9531440B2Provisioning a wireless-capable device for a wireless network

Publication Date: 2016.12.27 COPELAND COMFORT CONTROL LP

AI summary

Disclosed are exemplary embodiments of apparatus and methods for provisioning a wireless-capable device for a wireless network. In an exemplary embodiment, a wireless-capable device, e.g., a thermostat, generally includes provisioning component(s) configured to receive from, and without a wired connection to, a wireless user device at least a network profile for provisioning the wireless-capable device for a wireless network. The provisioning components have no capability to receive the network profile through the wireless network. The provisioning component(s) are further configured to provide information for provisioning control of the wireless-capable device to a user account accessible through the wireless network.