US20210400034A1 - Thermostat with a plurality of ranked levels of access control - Google Patents
Thermostat with a plurality of ranked levels of access control Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20210400034A1 US20210400034A1 US17/337,112 US202117337112A US2021400034A1 US 20210400034 A1 US20210400034 A1 US 20210400034A1 US 202117337112 A US202117337112 A US 202117337112A US 2021400034 A1 US2021400034 A1 US 2021400034A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- functions
- thermostat
- tier
- user interface
- screen
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Pending
Links
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 claims abstract description 35
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 claims description 22
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 claims description 5
- 230000002618 waking effect Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 14
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 7
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 5
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 description 3
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 3
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000004378 air conditioning Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000003750 conditioning effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000013459 approach Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000005540 biological transmission Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000000903 blocking effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000003139 buffering effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001627 detrimental effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012544 monitoring process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000001902 propagating effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012552 review Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000009423 ventilation Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
- H04L63/00—Network architectures or network communication protocols for network security
- H04L63/08—Network architectures or network communication protocols for network security for authentication of entities
- H04L63/083—Network architectures or network communication protocols for network security for authentication of entities using passwords
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F21/00—Security arrangements for protecting computers, components thereof, programs or data against unauthorised activity
- G06F21/60—Protecting data
- G06F21/62—Protecting access to data via a platform, e.g. using keys or access control rules
- G06F21/629—Protecting access to data via a platform, e.g. using keys or access control rules to features or functions of an application
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
- H04L63/00—Network architectures or network communication protocols for network security
- H04L63/10—Network architectures or network communication protocols for network security for controlling access to devices or network resources
- H04L63/102—Entity profiles
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04L—TRANSMISSION OF DIGITAL INFORMATION, e.g. TELEGRAPHIC COMMUNICATION
- H04L63/00—Network architectures or network communication protocols for network security
- H04L63/10—Network architectures or network communication protocols for network security for controlling access to devices or network resources
- H04L63/105—Multiple levels of security
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F11/00—Control or safety arrangements
- F24F11/50—Control or safety arrangements characterised by user interfaces or communication
- F24F11/52—Indication arrangements, e.g. displays
- F24F11/523—Indication arrangements, e.g. displays for displaying temperature data
Definitions
- the disclosure relates generally to thermostats and more particularly to user interfaces of thermostats.
- HVAC Heating, Ventilating and/or Air Conditioning
- Example HVAC systems include air conditioners, rooftop units, air handling units, humidifiers, dehumidifiers, heat pumps, furnaces, boilers, dampers and ductwork, and various combinations thereof.
- Thermostats are used to help control an HVAC system in response to feedback from various sensors that measure temperature, pressure, humidity and/or other parameters.
- Thermostats usually include a user interface for enabling users to monitor air conditions, check the operating status of the HVAC system, changing thermostat settings and configure the thermostat.
- thermostats require a user to enter a passcode in order to access certain thermostat functions and settings.
- a system installer or technician might be required to enter a passcode for accessing normally restricted HVAC configuration settings that if set improperly could damage the HVAC equipment. Requiring the use of a passcode can help prevent less skilled end users from making detrimental changes to their system.
- the present disclosure generally pertains to a system and method for configuring an HVAC thermostat by providing multiple users of varying rank with different levels of permission to access different sets of thermostat functions.
- the thermostat distinguishes users by the passcodes they enter.
- a cascade hierarchy enables multiple levels of higher ranking users to limit the function accessibility of lower ranking users.
- higher ranking users determine which home screen is presented to users that do not enter a passcode
- a method for controlling access to a plurality of functions of a thermostat includes a user interface of the thermostat providing access to a basic set of functions of the plurality of functions without receiving a passcode via the thermostat's user interface.
- the user interface provides a lower tier set of functions of the thermostat in response to the user interface receiving a lower tier passcode.
- the user interface provides an upper tier set of functions of the thermostat in response to the user interface receiving an upper tier passcode.
- the lower tier set of functions of the thermostat includes the basic set of functions plus one or more other functions.
- the upper tier set of functions of the thermostat includes the basic set of functions, the lower tier set of functions plus one or more other functions.
- the HVAC system is provided with control signals that are based at least partially on one or more thermostat settings set by one or more of the plurality of functions of the thermostat.
- a thermostat in some examples of the disclosure, includes a housing that houses a user interface and a controller having a plurality of functions.
- the controller is operatively coupled to the user interface.
- the controller is configured to have the user interface provide access to a basic set of functions of the plurality of functions without the user interface receiving a passcode.
- the user interface provides a lower tier set of functions of the plurality of functions in response to receiving a lower tier passcode.
- the user interface provides an upper tier set of functions of the plurality of functions in response to receiving an upper tier passcode.
- the lower tier set of functions of the thermostat includes the basic set of functions plus one or more other functions.
- the upper tier set of functions of the thermostat includes the basic set of functions, the lower tier set of functions plus one or more other functions.
- the HVAC system is provided with control signals that are based at least partially on one or more thermostat settings set by one or more of the plurality of functions of the thermostat.
- Some examples of the disclosure include a non-transitory computer readable medium having stored thereon software instructions that, when executed by a processor of a thermostat, cause the processor to provide access to a basic set of functions of a plurality of functions of the thermostat.
- the access to the basic set of functions is provided through a user interface of the thermostat without the user interface receiving a passcode.
- the user interface provides a lower tier set of functions of the thermostat in response to the user interface receiving a lower tier passcode.
- the user interface provides an upper tier set of functions of the thermostat in response to the user interface receiving an upper tier passcode.
- the lower tier set of functions of the thermostat includes one or more functions not part of the basic set of functions.
- the upper tier set of functions of the thermostat includes one or more functions not part of the basic set of functions and the lower tier set of functions.
- the HVAC system is provided with control signals that are based at least partially on one or more thermostat settings set by one or more of the plurality of functions of the thermostat.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an example HVAC system controlled by an example thermostat that responds to users of varying rank;
- FIG. 2 is a view of one example screen of the thermostat
- FIG. 3 is a view of another example screen of the thermostat
- FIG. 4 is a view of another example screen of the thermostat
- FIG. 5 is a view of another example screen of the thermostat
- FIG. 6 is a view of another example screen of the thermostat.
- FIG. 7 is a view of another example screen of the thermostat.
- FIG. 8 is a view of another example screen of the thermostat.
- FIG. 9 is a view of another example screen of the thermostat.
- FIG. 10 is a view of another example screen of the thermostat.
- FIG. 12 is a view of another example screen of the thermostat.
- FIG. 13 is a view of another example screen of the thermostat.
- FIG. 14 is a view of another example screen of the thermostat.
- FIG. 15 is a view of another example screen of the thermostat.
- FIG. 16 is a view of another example screen of the thermostat.
- FIG. 17 is a view of another example screen of the thermostat.
- FIG. 18 is a view of another example screen of the thermostat.
- FIG. 19 is a view of another example screen of the thermostat.
- FIG. 20 is a view of another example screen of the thermostat.
- FIG. 21 is a view of another example screen of the thermostat.
- FIG. 22 is a view of another example screen of the thermostat.
- FIG. 23 is a view of another example screen of the thermostat.
- FIG. 24 is a view of another example screen of the thermostat.
- FIG. 25 is a view of another example screen of the thermostat.
- FIG. 26 is a view of another example screen of the thermostat.
- FIG. 28 is a view of another example screen of the thermostat.
- FIG. 29 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an example relationship of some example thermostat screens.
- FIG. 30 is a schematic block diagram illustrating another example relationship of some example thermostat screens.
- FIG. 31 is a flow diagram illustrating various example method steps associated with some example thermostats.
- FIG. 32 is a flow diagram illustrating various example method steps associated with some example thermostats
- FIG. 33 is a flow diagram illustrating various example method steps associated with some example thermostats.
- FIG. 34 is a flow diagram illustrating various example method steps associated with some example thermostats.
- FIG. 35 is a flow diagram illustrating various example method steps associated with some example thermostats.
- Some example users include a top tier user (e.g., a thermostat installer), an intermediate upper user (e.g., a store owner or a building manager), a lower tier user (e.g., a department supervisor or an employee), and a bottom tier user (e.g., a visitor or a shopper).
- a top tier user e.g., a thermostat installer
- an intermediate upper user e.g., a store owner or a building manager
- a lower tier user e.g., a department supervisor or an employee
- a bottom tier user e.g., a visitor or a shopper
- a top tier user has access to all of the thermostat functions (e.g., specifying and assigning passcodes, specifying thermostat functions available to lower ranking users, adjusting the temperature setpoint, setting upper and lower temperature setpoint limits, switching between heating and cooling modes, overriding operation of the HVAC system, configuring the HVAC system, etc.).
- an intermediate upper user has access to fewer thermostat functions (e.g., specifying thermostat functions available to lower ranking users, heat/cool scheduling, adjusting the temperature setpoint, setting upper and lower temperature setpoint limits, etc.).
- an intermediate lower user has access to even fewer thermostat functions (e.g., adjusting the temperature setpoint).
- a bottom tier user has the least access to thermostat functions (e.g., being able to merely view the thermostat's display of the actual room temperature, waking the thermostat from a sleep state to display the actual room temperature or a limited home screen).
- thermostat function refers to anything the thermostat is capable of doing to help monitor the operation of an HVAC system, to help monitor conditions associated with the HVAC system, to help control the operation an HVAC system, and/or to assist a user in operating the thermostat.
- Some example thermostat functions include displaying a temperature of a comfort zone, displaying the relative humidity of the comfort zone, displaying the outdoor temperature or humidity, displaying a target temperature, enabling a user to adjust the target temperature, displaying the concentration of CO 2 , indicating whether the HVAC system is in a heating or cooling mode, enabling a user to switch the HVAC system between the heating and cooling mode, configuring the thermostat, enabling a user to enter a passcode, enabling one user to allow or deny another user's access to one or more thermostat functions, enabling one user to specify or change another user's access to certain thermostat functions, enabling a user to specify a temperature conditioning schedule, enabling a user to specify which information is to be displayed on the thermostat, enabling a user to specify which information is not to be displayed on
- FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating one example of a thermostat 30 controlling an example HVAC system 32 used for conditioning the air in a comfort zone 34 .
- HVAC stands for heating, ventilating and air conditioning.
- HVAC system refers to one or more devices for affecting the temperature, humidity and/or ventilation of a comfort zone. Some examples of such devices include an air conditioner, a rooftop unit, an air handling unit, a heat pump, a furnace, a boiler, a heat exchanger, an evaporator, a condenser, a blower, a compressor, a damper, an expansion valve, and various combinations thereof.
- the term, “comfort zone,” refers to any designated room, area or space within one or more buildings.
- thermostat refers to any electronic device for monitoring and/or controlling an HVAC system, wherein the electronic device includes a user interface 36 .
- user interface 36 include a touchscreen, a keyboard, a dial, one or more buttons, a display screen, a card reader, and various combinations thereof.
- control signals 38 are conveyed between thermostat 30 and HVAC system 32 .
- Arrows 40 represent feedback conveyed to thermostat 30 from one or more sensors associated with HVAC system 32 or comfort zone 34 .
- Arrows 42 represent communication between thermostat 30 and a plurality of users 44 (e.g., one or more of a top tier user 44 a , an intermediate upper user 44 b , an intermediate lower user 44 c , a bottom tier user 44 d , and various combinations thereof).
- FIG. 1 happens to show thermostat 30 displaying just one of many possible screen displays. Examples of other possibly displayed screens include screens 2 - 28 , shown in FIGS. 2-28 , respectively.
- screens 2 - 20 are used for assisting top tier user 44 a , and sometimes other users 44 , in configuring thermostat 30 as it relates to HVAC system 32 and users 44 .
- Screens 21 - 28 ( FIGS. 21-28 ), in some examples, are used during normal operation of HVAC system 32 .
- FIG. 29 shows the relationship of screens 2 - 20 during system configuration
- FIG. 30 shows the relationship of screens 21 - 28 during normal operation.
- thermostat 30 may begin with screen 2 . Of the various options displayed in screen 2 , top tier user 44 a may select a Configure button 46 , which leads to thermostat 30 displaying screen 3 . In screen 3 , top tier user 44 a may select a User Management option 48 , which leads to thermostat 30 displaying screen 4 .
- top tier user 44 a may select one or more checkboxes 50 (e.g., checkbox 50 a , 50 b , 50 c and/or 50 d ) to designate which one or more users 44 are applicable.
- checkbox 50 a is checked by default because certainly at least one user 44 should be set up to use thermostat 30 .
- top tier user 44 a can select any combination of additional checkboxes 50 b , 50 c and 50 d .
- Some example combinations include screens 5 , 6 , 7 and 8 ; which are shown in FIGS. 5, 6, 7 and 8 , respectively.
- top tier user 44 a can then set things up individually for all four users 44 a - d .
- top tier user 44 a may select the lowermost greater-than sign 52 a in screen 5 , which leads to screen 9 ( FIG. 9 ).
- Selecting a Passcode option 54 in screen 9 leads to screen 10 .
- top tier user 44 a specifies a desired top tier passcode 56 by entering it into a textbox 58 .
- top tier user 44 a After setting up top tier user 44 a , as just described, top tier user 44 a might return to screen 5 to begin setting up another user 44 , such as intermediate upper user 44 b (Advanced User). In screen 5 , top tier user 44 a can select another greater-than sign 52 b (corresponding to intermediate upper user 44 b ), which leads to screen 11 ( FIG. 11 ). Selecting a Passcode option 60 in screen 11 leads to screen 12 . In screen 12 , top tier user 44 a specifies a desired upper tier passcode 62 for intermediate upper user 44 b by entering upper tier passcode 62 into a textbox 64 . Top tier user 44 a needs to tell intermediate upper user 44 b what the upper tier passcode 62 is, so intermediate upper user 44 b can later use it to access certain thermostat functions.
- intermediate upper user 44 b Advanced User
- the selectively lockable thermostat functions 70 shown in FIG. 13 are just some examples. Other examples of thermostat 30 have more selectively lockable thermostat functions 70 than those shown in FIG. 13 , and other examples have less.
- Some additional selectively lockable thermostat functions 70 may include a function to set which of a plurality of home screens are made available to select by the basic set of functions, a function to set the predetermined range of set point values, and a function to set which of the plurality of functions of the thermostat are part of the lower tier set of functions.
- screen 13 provides a set of icons 86 that emulate sliding on/off switches. Icons 86 enable top tier user 44 a to individually lock or unlock the selectively lockable thermostat functions 70 to respectively disallow or allow the intermediate upper user's use of those functions. This completes the process of setting up the intermediate upper user 44 b.
- top tier user 44 a can navigate back to screen 5 using less-than symbols 88 and 90 in the upper left hand corners of screens 13 and 11 , respectively.
- top tier user 44 a can begin the set up of intermediate lower user 44 c by selecting a greater-than symbol 52 c corresponding to intermediate lower user 44 c (Basic User). This leads to screen 14 , which displays three options: a Passcode option 92 , a Permission option 94 , and a View Type option 96 .
- Selecting Passcode option 92 in screen 14 leads to screen 15 .
- top tier user 44 a specifies a desired lower tier passcode 98 for intermediate lower user 44 c by entering lower tier passcode 98 into a textbox 100 .
- Selecting Permission option 94 in screen 14 leads to screen 16 .
- Screen 16 displays a plurality of selectively lockable thermostat functions 102 that top tier user 44 a can choose to make available to intermediate lower user 44 c .
- Some examples of selectively lockable thermostat functions 102 include an Alert Management option 104 enabling the use of an Alert button 106 in screen 2 to send out a notification or an alert signal pertaining to a problem with HVAC system 32 , a Temperature Unit option 108 for enabling intermediate lower user 44 c to use a Units button 110 in screen 2 to switch between units of Fahrenheit and Centigrade, a Schedule option 112 for intermediate lower user 44 c to set or change the HVAC system's schedule via Schedule button 78 in screen 2 , a Basic Configuration option 114 for enabling Configuration button 46 in screen 2 to utilize certain options in screen 3 , and a Permission Management option 116 to enable the use of User Management button 48 in screen 3 .
- the selectively lockable thermostat functions 102 shown in FIG. 16 are just some examples. Other examples of thermostat 30 have more selectively lockable thermostat functions 102 than those shown in FIG. 16 , and other examples have less. Some additional selectively lockable thermostat functions 102 may include a function for waking up the user interface of the thermostat from a sleep state to view a home screen, a function for changing a home screen that is displayed on the user interface of the thermostat, and a function to change a temperature set point of the thermostat to a set point value within a predetermined range of set point values.
- screen 16 provides a set of icons 118 that emulate sliding on/off switches. Icons 118 enable top tier user 44 a to individually lock or unlock the selectively lockable thermostat functions 102 to respectively disallow or allow the intermediate lower user's use of those functions. Once top tier user 44 a completes this part of the process (Permission option 94 ), top tier user 44 a can return to screen 14 to select View Type option 96 .
- Selecting View Type option 96 in screen 14 takes top tier user 44 a to screen 17 ( FIG. 17 ).
- top tier user 44 a can select between a Standard View button 120 or a Simplified View button 122 .
- Buttons 120 and 122 determine which home screen thermostat 30 will display for intermediate lower user 44 c (Basic User). This completes the process of setting up intermediate lower user 44 c.
- top tier user 44 a can navigate back to screen 5 using less-than symbols 124 and 126 in the upper left hand corners of screens 17 and 14 , respectively. Once in screen 5 , top tier user 44 a can begin the set up of bottom tier user 44 d by selecting a greater-than symbol 52 a corresponding to bottom tier user 44 d . This leads to screen 18 , which displays a Permission option 128 and a View Type option 130 .
- Selecting Permission option 128 in screen 18 leads to screen 19 .
- screen 19 only provides one selectively lockable thermostat function 132 that top tier user 44 a can choose to make available to bottom tier user 44 d .
- the selectively lockable thermostat function 132 is an Override option to enable bottom tier user 44 d to override certain features of thermostat 30 and/or HVAC system 32 via override button 74 in screen 2 ( FIG. 2 ).
- the selectively lockable thermostat function 132 shown in FIG. 19 is just one example. Other examples of thermostat 30 have more selectively lockable thermostat functions than the one shown in FIG. 19 , and other examples have none.
- Icon 134 enables top tier user 44 a to lock or unlock Override option 132 to respectively disallow or allow the bottom tier user's use of this function. Once top tier user 44 a completes this part of the process (Permission option 128 ), top tier user 44 a can use screen 18 to select View Type option 130 .
- Selecting View Type option 130 in screen 18 takes top tier user 44 a to screen 20 ( FIG. 20 ).
- top tier user 44 a can select between a Standard View button 136 or a simplified View button 138 .
- Buttons 120 and 122 determine which home screen thermostat 30 will display for bottom tier user 44 d . In some examples, this completes the process of setting up bottom tier user 44 d . Since users 44 a , 44 b and 44 c have already been set up as well, top tier user 44 a can navigate back to screen 2 ( FIG. 2 ) to place thermostat 30 in a certain operating configuration for controlling HVAC system 32 .
- the thermostat's actual operating configuration depends on which combination of User Management choices top tier user 44 a selected in screen 4 ( FIG. 4 ). Some example possible combinations are displayed in screens 4 , 5 , 6 , 7 and 8 ; which are shown in FIGS. 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 ; respectively. Screen 4 is the default selection.
- thermostat 30 may display a multipage group of screens 21 ( FIG. 21 ).
- the group of screens 21 may include a current conditions page 140 , an indoor temperature page 144 , and functions page 2 .
- current conditions page 140 may display various information about the indoor and outdoor air conditions.
- indoor temperature page 142 may display additional information about the HVAC system's operating mode, the setpoint temperature, and the actual temperature.
- indoor temperature page 142 may also include icons 144 for adjusting the setpoint temperature.
- functions page 2 is substantially the same as screen 2 ( FIG. 2 ).
- Some examples of multipage group of screen 21 may include a page selection icon 146 for switching among pages 140 , 142 and 2 .
- thermostat 30 When thermostat 30 is set up in the default configuration, as shown in FIG. 4 , any user 44 can access and use the multipage group of screen 21 , and generally all users 44 are treated as a top tier user 44 a . In some examples, the only way thermostat 30 can distinguish one user 44 from another is based on which passcode, if any, has been entered. For instance, thermostat 30 may consider bottom tier user 44 d as being top tier user 44 a if bottom tier user 44 d enters top tier passcode 56 . So, in the default configuration ( FIG. 4 ), if any user 44 selects Configure button 46 in functions page 2 of FIG. 21 (same as in screen 2 of FIG. 2 ), thermostat 30 switches to screen 3 ( FIG. 3 ).
- any user 44 can exercise the options in screen 3 , including the User Management option 48 .
- User Management option 48 leads to screen 4 where thermostat 30 can be reconfigured to limit access of certain users 44 b , 44 c , and/or 44 d.
- thermostat 30 may display multipage group of screens 21 , which in this particular configuration is accessible to any user 44 .
- Configure button 46 in functions page 2 of FIG. 21 (same as in screen 2 of FIG. 2 )
- thermostat 30 displays screen 23 ( FIG. 23 ).
- options listed in screen 23 are inaccessible until a user 44 (e.g., top tier user 44 a ) enters the correct top tier passcode 56 in screen 24 .
- Screen 24 appears when a user 44 selects an unlock icon 148 in screen 23 .
- user 44 is given access to the options shown in screen 3 . From there, a user 44 is able to navigate forward to screen 4 where thermostat 30 can be reconfigured.
- thermostat 30 may display either multipage group of screens 21 or an alternate multipage group of screens 22 .
- the choice of multipage group of screens 21 and 22 and the accessibility to the functions on those screens is determined by the options chosen earlier in screens 13 , 16 and 17 during the initial or prior configuration process.
- a user's choice in screen 17 determines whether thermostat 30 displays multipage group of screens 21 (standard view button 120 ) or multipage group of screens 22 (simplified view button 122 ).
- Multipage group of screens 21 includes indoor temperature page 142 showing the Standard view (left side option in screen 17 ).
- Multipage group of screens 22 includes an alternate indoor temperature page 150 showing the Simplified view (right side option in screen 17 ).
- thermostat 30 Once thermostat 30 is set up in the configuration shown in screen 7 ( FIGS. 7 and 30 ), any user 44 can approach and use thermostat 30 without entering a passcode, wherein user 44 will have access to multipage group of screens 21 or 22 , depending on the previous selection made in screen 17 . Access to various thermostat functions, however, will be limited by the selections that were made earlier in screen 16 .
- intermediate upper user 44 b wants access to more functionality, intermediate upper user 44 b can select Configure button 46 in screens 21 or 22 . This leads to screen 25 where intermediate upper user 44 b can then enter upper tier passcode 62 . In response to entering upper tier passcode 66 , intermediate upper user 44 b is presented with multipage group of screens 22 but with access to additional functionality as specified earlier in screen 13 .
- thermostat 30 When thermostat 30 is set up in the configuration shown in screen 5 ( FIGS. 5 and 30 ), thermostat 30 may display either one of two basic home screens 26 or 27 ( FIGS. 26 and 27 ), depending on which of home screen 26 or 27 was selected earlier in screens 18 , 19 and 20 .
- home screen 26 displays the setpoint temperature and actual room temperature but may not enable any user 44 to adjust the setpoint in screen 26 alone. To do so, in some examples, would require user 44 to select an unlock icon 152 , which would invite user 44 to enter lower tier passcode 98 , upper tier passcode 62 or top tier passcode 56 via screen 28 , 25 or 24 .
- intermediate upper user 44 b is presented with multipage group of screen 22 but with access to additional functionality as specified earlier in screen 13 .
- home screen 27 is displayed.
- Home screen 27 is presented if top tier user 44 a , upper tier user 44 b or lower tier user 44 c chose that option in screen 20 .
- home screen 27 provides user 44 d with a control to adjust the setpoint temperature but only within predefined limits, e.g., plus or minus three degrees.
- home screen 27 displays neither the setpoint temperature nor the actual room temperature. If user 44 wants access to more thermostat functionality, user 44 , in some examples, may select unlock icon 152 , which would invite user 44 to enter lower tier passcode 98 , upper tier passcode 62 or top tier passcode 56 via screen 28 , 25 or 24 .
- intermediate upper user 44 b is presented with multipage group of screen 22 but with access to additional functionality as specified earlier in screen 13 .
- intermediate lower user 44 c is presented with either multipage group of screen 21 or 22 , depending on the selections made earlier in screen 17 .
- FIG. 31 is a flow diagram illustrating some example steps of an example method for assisting at least one user 44 in using thermostat 30 for controlling HVAC system 32 .
- blocks 154 , 156 , 158 , 160 , 162 and 164 may be performed by thermostat 30 and/or user 44 .
- FIG. 32 is a flow diagram illustrating some example steps of an example method for assisting at least one user 44 in using thermostat 30 for controlling HVAC system 32 .
- blocks 166 , 168 , 170 , 172 , 174 and 176 may be performed by thermostat 30 and/or user 44 .
- FIG. 33 is a flow diagram illustrating some example steps of an example method for assisting at least one user 44 in using thermostat 30 for controlling HVAC system 32 .
- blocks 178 , 180 , 182 , 184 , 186 , 188 , 190 and 192 may be performed by thermostat 30 and/or user 44 .
- FIG. 34 is a flow diagram illustrating some example steps of an example method for assisting at least one user 44 in using thermostat 30 for controlling HVAC system 32 .
- blocks 194 , 196 , 198 , 200 , 202 , 204 and 206 may be performed by thermostat 30 and/or user 44 .
- FIG. 35 is a flow diagram illustrating some example steps of an example method for controlling access to a plurality of functions of thermostat 30 .
- blocks 210 , 212 , 214 , 216 , 218 and 220 may be performed by thermostat 30 and/or user 44 .
- thermostat 30 may include a housing 222 that includes user interface 36 , a controller 224 , and a non-transitory computer readable medium 208 that contains instructions or program codes that when executed by thermostat 30 causes thermostat 30 to perform one or more of the method steps shown in FIGS. 31-35 .
- computer readable medium refers to any device for storing information for any duration (e.g., for extended time periods, permanently, for brief instances, for temporarily buffering, for caching of the information, etc).
- program code refers to executable instructions (e.g., computer readable instruction, machine readable instructions, software, etc.).
- non-transitory computer readable medium is specifically defined to include any type of computer readable storage device and/or storage disk and to exclude propagating signals and to exclude transmission media.
Abstract
Description
- This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/042,450, filed Jun. 22, 2020, which is hereby incorporated by reference.
- The disclosure relates generally to thermostats and more particularly to user interfaces of thermostats.
- Heating, Ventilating and/or Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems condition the air of homes, buildings and facilities. Example HVAC systems include air conditioners, rooftop units, air handling units, humidifiers, dehumidifiers, heat pumps, furnaces, boilers, dampers and ductwork, and various combinations thereof. Thermostats are used to help control an HVAC system in response to feedback from various sensors that measure temperature, pressure, humidity and/or other parameters. Thermostats usually include a user interface for enabling users to monitor air conditions, check the operating status of the HVAC system, changing thermostat settings and configure the thermostat.
- Some thermostats require a user to enter a passcode in order to access certain thermostat functions and settings. A system installer or technician, for example, might be required to enter a passcode for accessing normally restricted HVAC configuration settings that if set improperly could damage the HVAC equipment. Requiring the use of a passcode can help prevent less skilled end users from making detrimental changes to their system.
- The present disclosure generally pertains to a system and method for configuring an HVAC thermostat by providing multiple users of varying rank with different levels of permission to access different sets of thermostat functions. The thermostat distinguishes users by the passcodes they enter. In some examples, a cascade hierarchy enables multiple levels of higher ranking users to limit the function accessibility of lower ranking users. In some examples, higher ranking users determine which home screen is presented to users that do not enter a passcode
- In some examples of the disclosure, a method for controlling access to a plurality of functions of a thermostat includes a user interface of the thermostat providing access to a basic set of functions of the plurality of functions without receiving a passcode via the thermostat's user interface. The user interface provides a lower tier set of functions of the thermostat in response to the user interface receiving a lower tier passcode. The user interface provides an upper tier set of functions of the thermostat in response to the user interface receiving an upper tier passcode. The lower tier set of functions of the thermostat includes the basic set of functions plus one or more other functions. The upper tier set of functions of the thermostat includes the basic set of functions, the lower tier set of functions plus one or more other functions. The HVAC system is provided with control signals that are based at least partially on one or more thermostat settings set by one or more of the plurality of functions of the thermostat.
- In some examples of the disclosure, a thermostat includes a housing that houses a user interface and a controller having a plurality of functions. The controller is operatively coupled to the user interface. The controller is configured to have the user interface provide access to a basic set of functions of the plurality of functions without the user interface receiving a passcode. The user interface provides a lower tier set of functions of the plurality of functions in response to receiving a lower tier passcode. The user interface provides an upper tier set of functions of the plurality of functions in response to receiving an upper tier passcode. The lower tier set of functions of the thermostat includes the basic set of functions plus one or more other functions. The upper tier set of functions of the thermostat includes the basic set of functions, the lower tier set of functions plus one or more other functions. The HVAC system is provided with control signals that are based at least partially on one or more thermostat settings set by one or more of the plurality of functions of the thermostat.
- Some examples of the disclosure include a non-transitory computer readable medium having stored thereon software instructions that, when executed by a processor of a thermostat, cause the processor to provide access to a basic set of functions of a plurality of functions of the thermostat. The access to the basic set of functions is provided through a user interface of the thermostat without the user interface receiving a passcode. The user interface provides a lower tier set of functions of the thermostat in response to the user interface receiving a lower tier passcode. The user interface provides an upper tier set of functions of the thermostat in response to the user interface receiving an upper tier passcode. The lower tier set of functions of the thermostat includes one or more functions not part of the basic set of functions. The upper tier set of functions of the thermostat includes one or more functions not part of the basic set of functions and the lower tier set of functions. The HVAC system is provided with control signals that are based at least partially on one or more thermostat settings set by one or more of the plurality of functions of the thermostat.
- The preceding summary is provided to facilitate an understanding of some of the features of the present disclosure and is not intended to be a full description. A full appreciation of the disclosure can be gained by taking the entire specification, claims, drawings and abstract as a whole.
- The disclosure may be more completely understood in consideration of the following description of various illustrative embodiments of the disclosure in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:
-
FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an example HVAC system controlled by an example thermostat that responds to users of varying rank; -
FIG. 2 is a view of one example screen of the thermostat; -
FIG. 3 is a view of another example screen of the thermostat; -
FIG. 4 is a view of another example screen of the thermostat; -
FIG. 5 is a view of another example screen of the thermostat; -
FIG. 6 is a view of another example screen of the thermostat; -
FIG. 7 is a view of another example screen of the thermostat; -
FIG. 8 is a view of another example screen of the thermostat; -
FIG. 9 is a view of another example screen of the thermostat; -
FIG. 10 is a view of another example screen of the thermostat; -
FIG. 12 is a view of another example screen of the thermostat; -
FIG. 13 is a view of another example screen of the thermostat; -
FIG. 14 is a view of another example screen of the thermostat; -
FIG. 15 is a view of another example screen of the thermostat; -
FIG. 16 is a view of another example screen of the thermostat; -
FIG. 17 is a view of another example screen of the thermostat; -
FIG. 18 is a view of another example screen of the thermostat; -
FIG. 19 is a view of another example screen of the thermostat; -
FIG. 20 is a view of another example screen of the thermostat; -
FIG. 21 is a view of another example screen of the thermostat; -
FIG. 22 is a view of another example screen of the thermostat; -
FIG. 23 is a view of another example screen of the thermostat; -
FIG. 24 is a view of another example screen of the thermostat; -
FIG. 25 is a view of another example screen of the thermostat; -
FIG. 26 is a view of another example screen of the thermostat; -
FIG. 27 is a view of another example screen of the thermostat; -
FIG. 28 is a view of another example screen of the thermostat; -
FIG. 29 is a schematic block diagram illustrating an example relationship of some example thermostat screens; -
FIG. 30 is a schematic block diagram illustrating another example relationship of some example thermostat screens; -
FIG. 31 is a flow diagram illustrating various example method steps associated with some example thermostats; -
FIG. 32 is a flow diagram illustrating various example method steps associated with some example thermostats; -
FIG. 33 is a flow diagram illustrating various example method steps associated with some example thermostats; -
FIG. 34 is a flow diagram illustrating various example method steps associated with some example thermostats; and -
FIG. 35 is a flow diagram illustrating various example method steps associated with some example thermostats. - While the disclosure is amendable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the disclosure to the particular illustrative embodiments described herein. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure.
- The following description should be read with reference to the drawings wherein like reference numerals indicate like elements throughout the several views. The description and drawings show several examples that are meant to be illustrative of the disclosure.
- In some examples, the disclosure pertains to a method for assisting a plurality of users in using a thermostat that controls an HVAC system. The users are classified in a rank or hierarchy to provide higher ranking users with access to more thermostat functions than lower ranking users. A user's rank, and thus the user's function accessibility, is based on which passcode a user enters into the thermostat, so different passcodes identify users of different rank. The term, “passcode,” refers to a string of letters, numbers and/or symbols used for gaining access to one or more thermostat functions of a thermostat. Some example users, arranged in order of descending rank, include a top tier user (e.g., a thermostat installer), an intermediate upper user (e.g., a store owner or a building manager), a lower tier user (e.g., a department supervisor or an employee), and a bottom tier user (e.g., a visitor or a shopper).
- In some examples, a top tier user has access to all of the thermostat functions (e.g., specifying and assigning passcodes, specifying thermostat functions available to lower ranking users, adjusting the temperature setpoint, setting upper and lower temperature setpoint limits, switching between heating and cooling modes, overriding operation of the HVAC system, configuring the HVAC system, etc.). In some examples, an intermediate upper user has access to fewer thermostat functions (e.g., specifying thermostat functions available to lower ranking users, heat/cool scheduling, adjusting the temperature setpoint, setting upper and lower temperature setpoint limits, etc.). In some examples, an intermediate lower user has access to even fewer thermostat functions (e.g., adjusting the temperature setpoint). In some examples, a bottom tier user has the least access to thermostat functions (e.g., being able to merely view the thermostat's display of the actual room temperature, waking the thermostat from a sleep state to display the actual room temperature or a limited home screen).
- The term, “thermostat function,” refers to anything the thermostat is capable of doing to help monitor the operation of an HVAC system, to help monitor conditions associated with the HVAC system, to help control the operation an HVAC system, and/or to assist a user in operating the thermostat. Some example thermostat functions include displaying a temperature of a comfort zone, displaying the relative humidity of the comfort zone, displaying the outdoor temperature or humidity, displaying a target temperature, enabling a user to adjust the target temperature, displaying the concentration of CO2, indicating whether the HVAC system is in a heating or cooling mode, enabling a user to switch the HVAC system between the heating and cooling mode, configuring the thermostat, enabling a user to enter a passcode, enabling one user to allow or deny another user's access to one or more thermostat functions, enabling one user to specify or change another user's access to certain thermostat functions, enabling a user to specify a temperature conditioning schedule, enabling a user to specify which information is to be displayed on the thermostat, enabling a user to specify which information is not to be displayed on the thermostat, enabling certain screen displays, blocking certain screen displays, unblocking certain screens in response to the user entering a correct passcode, and limiting a user's access in response to the user entering an incorrect passcode. The term, “function accessibility,” is a measure of a user's degree of permission to use various thermostat functions.
-
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating one example of athermostat 30 controlling anexample HVAC system 32 used for conditioning the air in acomfort zone 34. HVAC stands for heating, ventilating and air conditioning. The term, “HVAC system,” refers to one or more devices for affecting the temperature, humidity and/or ventilation of a comfort zone. Some examples of such devices include an air conditioner, a rooftop unit, an air handling unit, a heat pump, a furnace, a boiler, a heat exchanger, an evaporator, a condenser, a blower, a compressor, a damper, an expansion valve, and various combinations thereof. The term, “comfort zone,” refers to any designated room, area or space within one or more buildings. The term, “thermostat,” refers to any electronic device for monitoring and/or controlling an HVAC system, wherein the electronic device includes auser interface 36. Some examples ofuser interface 36 include a touchscreen, a keyboard, a dial, one or more buttons, a display screen, a card reader, and various combinations thereof. - In the illustrated example, control signals 38 are conveyed between
thermostat 30 andHVAC system 32.Arrows 40 represent feedback conveyed tothermostat 30 from one or more sensors associated withHVAC system 32 orcomfort zone 34.Arrows 42 represent communication betweenthermostat 30 and a plurality of users 44 (e.g., one or more of atop tier user 44 a, an intermediateupper user 44 b, an intermediatelower user 44 c, abottom tier user 44 d, and various combinations thereof).FIG. 1 happens to showthermostat 30 displaying just one of many possible screen displays. Examples of other possibly displayed screens include screens 2-28, shown inFIGS. 2-28 , respectively. - In some examples, screens 2-20 (
FIGS. 2-20 ) are used for assistingtop tier user 44 a, and sometimesother users 44, in configuringthermostat 30 as it relates toHVAC system 32 andusers 44. Screens 21-28 (FIGS. 21-28 ), in some examples, are used during normal operation ofHVAC system 32. In some examples,FIG. 29 shows the relationship of screens 2-20 during system configuration, whileFIG. 30 shows the relationship of screens 21-28 during normal operation. - One example sequence of configuring
thermostat 30 may begin withscreen 2. Of the various options displayed inscreen 2,top tier user 44 a may select aConfigure button 46, which leads tothermostat 30 displayingscreen 3. Inscreen 3,top tier user 44 a may select aUser Management option 48, which leads tothermostat 30 displayingscreen 4. - In
screen 4,top tier user 44 a may select one or more checkboxes 50 (e.g.,checkbox more users 44 are applicable. In some examples,checkbox 50 a is checked by default because certainly at least oneuser 44 should be set up to usethermostat 30. In addition todefault checkbox 50 a,top tier user 44 a can select any combination ofadditional checkboxes screens FIGS. 5, 6, 7 and 8 , respectively.Screen 5 shows an example wheretop tier user 44 a selectedcheckboxes top tier user 44 a, intermediateupper user 44 b, intermediatelower user 44 c andbottom tier user 44 d will all be set up to usethermostat 30.Screen 6 shows an example wherecheckboxes users Screen 7 shows an example wherecheckboxes users Screen 8 shows an example wherecheckboxes users - In the example shown in
FIG. 5 , where all fourcheckboxes 50 a-d have been selected,top tier user 44 a can then set things up individually for all fourusers 44 a-d. To begin,top tier user 44 a may select the lowermost greater-thansign 52 a inscreen 5, which leads to screen 9 (FIG. 9 ). Selecting aPasscode option 54 inscreen 9 leads toscreen 10. Inscreen 10,top tier user 44 a specifies a desiredtop tier passcode 56 by entering it into atextbox 58. - After setting up
top tier user 44 a, as just described,top tier user 44 a might return toscreen 5 to begin setting up anotheruser 44, such as intermediateupper user 44 b (Advanced User). Inscreen 5,top tier user 44 a can select another greater-thansign 52 b (corresponding to intermediateupper user 44 b), which leads to screen 11 (FIG. 11 ). Selecting aPasscode option 60 inscreen 11 leads toscreen 12. Inscreen 12,top tier user 44 a specifies a desiredupper tier passcode 62 for intermediateupper user 44 b by enteringupper tier passcode 62 into atextbox 64.Top tier user 44 a needs to tell intermediateupper user 44 b what theupper tier passcode 62 is, so intermediateupper user 44 b can later use it to access certain thermostat functions. - After
top tier user 44 a specifies and entersupper tier passcode 64,top tier user 44 a can return toscreen 11 by selecting a less-thansign 66 in the upper left corner ofscreen 12. Once back atscreen 11,top tier user 44 a can select aPermission option 68, which leads toscreen 13.Screen 13 displays a plurality of selectively lockable thermostat functions 70 that can be made available to intermediateupper user 44 b. Some examples of selectively lockable thermostat functions 70 include anOverride 72 for enabling intermediateupper user 44 b to override certain features ofthermostat 30 and/orHVAC system 32 via anoverride button 74 in screen 2 (FIG. 2 ), a Schedule Changes 76 for intermediateupper user 44 b to set or change the HVAC system's schedule via aSchedule button 78 inscreen 2, aBasic Configuration 80 for enablingConfiguration button 46 inscreen 2 to utilize certain options inscreen 3, and aSystem Status 82 enabling aSystem Status button 84 inscreen 3 to display diagnostics and other information pertaining toHVAC system 32. The selectively lockable thermostat functions 70 shown inFIG. 13 are just some examples. Other examples ofthermostat 30 have more selectively lockable thermostat functions 70 than those shown inFIG. 13 , and other examples have less. Some additional selectively lockable thermostat functions 70 may include a function to set which of a plurality of home screens are made available to select by the basic set of functions, a function to set the predetermined range of set point values, and a function to set which of the plurality of functions of the thermostat are part of the lower tier set of functions. In some examples,screen 13 provides a set oficons 86 that emulate sliding on/off switches.Icons 86 enabletop tier user 44 a to individually lock or unlock the selectively lockable thermostat functions 70 to respectively disallow or allow the intermediate upper user's use of those functions. This completes the process of setting up the intermediateupper user 44 b. - Next,
top tier user 44 a can navigate back toscreen 5 using less-thansymbols screens screen 5,top tier user 44 a can begin the set up of intermediatelower user 44 c by selecting a greater-thansymbol 52 c corresponding to intermediatelower user 44 c (Basic User). This leads toscreen 14, which displays three options: aPasscode option 92, aPermission option 94, and aView Type option 96. - Selecting
Passcode option 92 inscreen 14 leads toscreen 15. Inscreen 15,top tier user 44 a specifies a desiredlower tier passcode 98 for intermediatelower user 44 c by enteringlower tier passcode 98 into atextbox 100. Someone, of course, needs to tell intermediatelower user 44 c what thelower tier passcode 98 is, so intermediatelower user 44 c can later use it to access certain thermostat functions. - Selecting
Permission option 94 inscreen 14 leads toscreen 16.Screen 16 displays a plurality of selectively lockable thermostat functions 102 thattop tier user 44 a can choose to make available to intermediatelower user 44 c. Some examples of selectively lockable thermostat functions 102 include anAlert Management option 104 enabling the use of anAlert button 106 inscreen 2 to send out a notification or an alert signal pertaining to a problem withHVAC system 32, aTemperature Unit option 108 for enabling intermediatelower user 44 c to use aUnits button 110 inscreen 2 to switch between units of Fahrenheit and Centigrade, aSchedule option 112 for intermediatelower user 44 c to set or change the HVAC system's schedule viaSchedule button 78 inscreen 2, aBasic Configuration option 114 for enablingConfiguration button 46 inscreen 2 to utilize certain options inscreen 3, and aPermission Management option 116 to enable the use ofUser Management button 48 inscreen 3. The selectively lockable thermostat functions 102 shown inFIG. 16 are just some examples. Other examples ofthermostat 30 have more selectively lockable thermostat functions 102 than those shown inFIG. 16 , and other examples have less. Some additional selectively lockable thermostat functions 102 may include a function for waking up the user interface of the thermostat from a sleep state to view a home screen, a function for changing a home screen that is displayed on the user interface of the thermostat, and a function to change a temperature set point of the thermostat to a set point value within a predetermined range of set point values. - In some examples,
screen 16 provides a set oficons 118 that emulate sliding on/off switches.Icons 118 enabletop tier user 44 a to individually lock or unlock the selectively lockable thermostat functions 102 to respectively disallow or allow the intermediate lower user's use of those functions. Oncetop tier user 44 a completes this part of the process (Permission option 94),top tier user 44 a can return toscreen 14 to selectView Type option 96. - Selecting
View Type option 96 inscreen 14 takestop tier user 44 a to screen 17 (FIG. 17 ). Inscreen 17,top tier user 44 a can select between aStandard View button 120 or aSimplified View button 122.Buttons home screen thermostat 30 will display for intermediatelower user 44 c (Basic User). This completes the process of setting up intermediatelower user 44 c. - Next,
top tier user 44 a can navigate back toscreen 5 using less-thansymbols screens screen 5,top tier user 44 a can begin the set up ofbottom tier user 44 d by selecting a greater-thansymbol 52 a corresponding tobottom tier user 44 d. This leads toscreen 18, which displays aPermission option 128 and aView Type option 130. - Selecting
Permission option 128 inscreen 18 leads toscreen 19. In some examples,screen 19 only provides one selectivelylockable thermostat function 132 thattop tier user 44 a can choose to make available tobottom tier user 44 d. In the illustrated example, the selectivelylockable thermostat function 132 is an Override option to enablebottom tier user 44 d to override certain features ofthermostat 30 and/orHVAC system 32 viaoverride button 74 in screen 2 (FIG. 2 ). The selectivelylockable thermostat function 132 shown inFIG. 19 is just one example. Other examples ofthermostat 30 have more selectively lockable thermostat functions than the one shown inFIG. 19 , and other examples have none.Icon 134 enablestop tier user 44 a to lock or unlockOverride option 132 to respectively disallow or allow the bottom tier user's use of this function. Oncetop tier user 44 a completes this part of the process (Permission option 128),top tier user 44 a can usescreen 18 to selectView Type option 130. - Selecting
View Type option 130 inscreen 18 takestop tier user 44 a to screen 20 (FIG. 20 ). Inscreen 20,top tier user 44 a can select between aStandard View button 136 or asimplified View button 138.Buttons home screen thermostat 30 will display forbottom tier user 44 d. In some examples, this completes the process of setting upbottom tier user 44 d. Sinceusers top tier user 44 a can navigate back to screen 2 (FIG. 2 ) to placethermostat 30 in a certain operating configuration for controllingHVAC system 32. - The thermostat's actual operating configuration (
FIG. 30 ) depends on which combination of User Management choicestop tier user 44 a selected in screen 4 (FIG. 4 ). Some example possible combinations are displayed inscreens FIGS. 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 ; respectively.Screen 4 is the default selection. - When
thermostat 30 operates in the default configuration, as shown in screen 4 (FIGS. 4 and 30 ),thermostat 30 may display a multipage group of screens 21 (FIG. 21 ). In some examples, the group ofscreens 21 may include acurrent conditions page 140, anindoor temperature page 144, and functionspage 2. In some examples,current conditions page 140 may display various information about the indoor and outdoor air conditions. In some examples,indoor temperature page 142 may display additional information about the HVAC system's operating mode, the setpoint temperature, and the actual temperature. In some examples,indoor temperature page 142 may also includeicons 144 for adjusting the setpoint temperature. In some examples, functionspage 2 is substantially the same as screen 2 (FIG. 2 ). Some examples of multipage group ofscreen 21 may include apage selection icon 146 for switching amongpages - When
thermostat 30 is set up in the default configuration, as shown inFIG. 4 , anyuser 44 can access and use the multipage group ofscreen 21, and generally allusers 44 are treated as atop tier user 44 a. In some examples, theonly way thermostat 30 can distinguish oneuser 44 from another is based on which passcode, if any, has been entered. For instance,thermostat 30 may considerbottom tier user 44 d as beingtop tier user 44 a ifbottom tier user 44 d enterstop tier passcode 56. So, in the default configuration (FIG. 4 ), if anyuser 44 selectsConfigure button 46 infunctions page 2 ofFIG. 21 (same as inscreen 2 ofFIG. 2 ),thermostat 30 switches to screen 3 (FIG. 3 ). While in the default configuration, anyuser 44 can exercise the options inscreen 3, including theUser Management option 48. As mentioned earlier,User Management option 48 leads toscreen 4 wherethermostat 30 can be reconfigured to limit access ofcertain users - When
thermostat 30 is set up in the configuration shown in screen 8 (FIGS. 8 and 30 ),thermostat 30 may display multipage group ofscreens 21, which in this particular configuration is accessible to anyuser 44. If a user selectsConfigure button 46 infunctions page 2 ofFIG. 21 (same as inscreen 2 ofFIG. 2 ),thermostat 30 displays screen 23 (FIG. 23 ). While operating in the configuration shown inscreen 8, options listed inscreen 23 are inaccessible until a user 44 (e.g.,top tier user 44 a) enters the correcttop tier passcode 56 inscreen 24.Screen 24 appears when auser 44 selects anunlock icon 148 inscreen 23. Upon entering the correcttop tier passcode 56, as specified earlier inscreen 10,user 44 is given access to the options shown inscreen 3. From there, auser 44 is able to navigate forward toscreen 4 wherethermostat 30 can be reconfigured. - When
thermostat 30 is set up in the configuration shown in screen 7 (FIGS. 7 and 30 ),thermostat 30 may display either multipage group ofscreens 21 or an alternate multipage group ofscreens 22. The choice of multipage group ofscreens screens screen 17, for instance, determines whetherthermostat 30 displays multipage group of screens 21 (standard view button 120) or multipage group of screens 22 (simplified view button 122). Multipage group ofscreens 21 includesindoor temperature page 142 showing the Standard view (left side option in screen 17). Multipage group ofscreens 22 includes an alternateindoor temperature page 150 showing the Simplified view (right side option in screen 17). - Once
thermostat 30 is set up in the configuration shown in screen 7 (FIGS. 7 and 30 ), anyuser 44 can approach and usethermostat 30 without entering a passcode, whereinuser 44 will have access to multipage group ofscreens screen 17. Access to various thermostat functions, however, will be limited by the selections that were made earlier inscreen 16. - If intermediate
upper user 44 b wants access to more functionality, intermediateupper user 44 b can selectConfigure button 46 inscreens upper user 44 b can then enterupper tier passcode 62. In response to enteringupper tier passcode 66, intermediateupper user 44 b is presented with multipage group ofscreens 22 but with access to additional functionality as specified earlier inscreen 13. - When
thermostat 30 is set up in the configuration shown in screen 5 (FIGS. 5 and 30 ),thermostat 30 may display either one of twobasic home screens 26 or 27 (FIGS. 26 and 27 ), depending on which ofhome screen screens home screen 26 displays the setpoint temperature and actual room temperature but may not enable anyuser 44 to adjust the setpoint inscreen 26 alone. To do so, in some examples, would requireuser 44 to select anunlock icon 152, which would inviteuser 44 to enterlower tier passcode 98,upper tier passcode 62 ortop tier passcode 56 viascreen upper tier passcode 62 inscreen 25, intermediateupper user 44 b is presented with multipage group ofscreen 22 but with access to additional functionality as specified earlier inscreen 13. - In some examples, instead of
home screen 26 being presented touser 44,home screen 27 is displayed.Home screen 27 is presented iftop tier user 44 a,upper tier user 44 b orlower tier user 44 c chose that option inscreen 20. In some examples,home screen 27 providesuser 44 d with a control to adjust the setpoint temperature but only within predefined limits, e.g., plus or minus three degrees. In some examples,home screen 27 displays neither the setpoint temperature nor the actual room temperature. Ifuser 44 wants access to more thermostat functionality,user 44, in some examples, may selectunlock icon 152, which would inviteuser 44 to enterlower tier passcode 98,upper tier passcode 62 ortop tier passcode 56 viascreen - In response to entering
upper tier passcode 62 inscreen 25, intermediateupper user 44 b is presented with multipage group ofscreen 22 but with access to additional functionality as specified earlier inscreen 13. Alternatively, ifuser 44 enterslower tier passcode 98 inscreen 28, intermediatelower user 44 c is presented with either multipage group ofscreen screen 17. -
FIG. 31 is a flow diagram illustrating some example steps of an example method for assisting at least oneuser 44 in usingthermostat 30 for controllingHVAC system 32. In some examples, blocks 154, 156, 158, 160, 162 and 164 may be performed bythermostat 30 and/oruser 44. -
FIG. 32 is a flow diagram illustrating some example steps of an example method for assisting at least oneuser 44 in usingthermostat 30 for controllingHVAC system 32. In some examples, blocks 166, 168, 170, 172, 174 and 176 may be performed bythermostat 30 and/oruser 44. -
FIG. 33 is a flow diagram illustrating some example steps of an example method for assisting at least oneuser 44 in usingthermostat 30 for controllingHVAC system 32. In some examples, blocks 178, 180, 182, 184, 186, 188, 190 and 192 may be performed bythermostat 30 and/oruser 44. -
FIG. 34 is a flow diagram illustrating some example steps of an example method for assisting at least oneuser 44 in usingthermostat 30 for controllingHVAC system 32. In some examples, blocks 194, 196, 198, 200, 202, 204 and 206 may be performed bythermostat 30 and/oruser 44. -
FIG. 35 is a flow diagram illustrating some example steps of an example method for controlling access to a plurality of functions ofthermostat 30. In some examples, blocks 210, 212, 214, 216, 218 and 220 may be performed bythermostat 30 and/oruser 44. - In some examples,
thermostat 30 may include ahousing 222 that includesuser interface 36, acontroller 224, and a non-transitory computerreadable medium 208 that contains instructions or program codes that when executed bythermostat 30 causesthermostat 30 to perform one or more of the method steps shown inFIGS. 31-35 . The term, “computer readable medium” refers to any device for storing information for any duration (e.g., for extended time periods, permanently, for brief instances, for temporarily buffering, for caching of the information, etc). The term, “program code” refers to executable instructions (e.g., computer readable instruction, machine readable instructions, software, etc.). The term, “non-transitory computer readable medium” is specifically defined to include any type of computer readable storage device and/or storage disk and to exclude propagating signals and to exclude transmission media. - The disclosure should not be considered limited to the particular examples described above. Various modifications, equivalent processes, as well as numerous structures to which the disclosure can be applicable will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art upon review of the instant specification.
Claims (20)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US17/337,112 US20210400034A1 (en) | 2020-06-22 | 2021-06-02 | Thermostat with a plurality of ranked levels of access control |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US202063042450P | 2020-06-22 | 2020-06-22 | |
US17/337,112 US20210400034A1 (en) | 2020-06-22 | 2021-06-02 | Thermostat with a plurality of ranked levels of access control |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20210400034A1 true US20210400034A1 (en) | 2021-12-23 |
Family
ID=79022183
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US17/337,112 Pending US20210400034A1 (en) | 2020-06-22 | 2021-06-02 | Thermostat with a plurality of ranked levels of access control |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US20210400034A1 (en) |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20230032735A1 (en) * | 2021-07-30 | 2023-02-02 | Johnson Controls Tyco IP Holdings LLP | Next generation touchless building controls |
USD1001147S1 (en) * | 2020-02-07 | 2023-10-10 | Honeywell International Inc. | Building controller display screen with a graphical user interface for displaying a home screen |
USD1006044S1 (en) * | 2019-12-12 | 2023-11-28 | Honeywell International Inc. | Display screen with graphical user interface for a building controller |
Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20090089886A1 (en) * | 2007-10-02 | 2009-04-02 | Computime, Ltd. | Adjustable Feature Access for a Controlled Environmental System |
US20120084734A1 (en) * | 2010-10-04 | 2012-04-05 | Microsoft Corporation | Multiple-access-level lock screen |
US20180288213A1 (en) * | 2012-10-04 | 2018-10-04 | Bernt Erik Bjontegard | Multi-level control, variable access, multi-user contextual intelligent communication platform |
-
2021
- 2021-06-02 US US17/337,112 patent/US20210400034A1/en active Pending
Patent Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20090089886A1 (en) * | 2007-10-02 | 2009-04-02 | Computime, Ltd. | Adjustable Feature Access for a Controlled Environmental System |
US20120084734A1 (en) * | 2010-10-04 | 2012-04-05 | Microsoft Corporation | Multiple-access-level lock screen |
US20180288213A1 (en) * | 2012-10-04 | 2018-10-04 | Bernt Erik Bjontegard | Multi-level control, variable access, multi-user contextual intelligent communication platform |
Cited By (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
USD1006044S1 (en) * | 2019-12-12 | 2023-11-28 | Honeywell International Inc. | Display screen with graphical user interface for a building controller |
USD1001147S1 (en) * | 2020-02-07 | 2023-10-10 | Honeywell International Inc. | Building controller display screen with a graphical user interface for displaying a home screen |
US20230032735A1 (en) * | 2021-07-30 | 2023-02-02 | Johnson Controls Tyco IP Holdings LLP | Next generation touchless building controls |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20210400034A1 (en) | Thermostat with a plurality of ranked levels of access control | |
US8020780B2 (en) | Thermostatic control system having a configurable lock | |
US10094585B2 (en) | Auto test for delta T diagnostics in an HVAC system | |
EP2241837B1 (en) | System of use for a user interface dashboard of a heating, ventilation and air conditioning network | |
US10705549B2 (en) | Controller interface with menu schedule override | |
US8621881B2 (en) | System and method for heat pump oriented zone control | |
US8615326B2 (en) | System and method of use for a user interface dashboard of a heating, ventilation and air conditioning network | |
US7775448B2 (en) | System and method for heat pump oriented zone control | |
KR101591886B1 (en) | Air-conditioner system | |
US8655490B2 (en) | System and method of use for a user interface dashboard of a heating, ventilation and air conditioning network | |
US8744629B2 (en) | System and method of use for a user interface dashboard of a heating, ventilation and air conditioning network | |
US9268345B2 (en) | System and method of use for a user interface dashboard of a heating, ventilation and air conditioning network | |
US8876013B2 (en) | HVAC controller that selectively replaces operating information on a display with system status information | |
US8442693B2 (en) | System and method of use for a user interface dashboard of a heating, ventilation and air conditioning network | |
US7789317B2 (en) | System and method for heat pump oriented zone control | |
US20130087628A1 (en) | Thermostat with remote access feature | |
US20140041846A1 (en) | Hvac system with multiple equipment interface modules | |
KR102113840B1 (en) | Air conditioner and method | |
US20050156052A1 (en) | Fresh air ventilation control methods and systems | |
US20100107074A1 (en) | System and method of use for a user interface dashboard of a heating, ventilation and air conditioning network | |
US20160025369A1 (en) | Air conditioning system | |
US20130151016A1 (en) | Heating, ventilation and air conditioning system user interface having a one-touch away feature and method of operation thereof | |
EP2031318A1 (en) | Air conditioning system with operation restriction of local controller via remote controller and authentication unit | |
US10344995B2 (en) | HVAC system controller configuration | |
KR102206462B1 (en) | Air conditioner and method |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC., NORTH CAROLINA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:ZHANG, JI;DI, ZHIGUO;ZHAO, YIDAN;AND OTHERS;SIGNING DATES FROM 20210401 TO 20210510;REEL/FRAME:056424/0867 |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: DOCKETED NEW CASE - READY FOR EXAMINATION |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: NON FINAL ACTION MAILED |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: RESPONSE TO NON-FINAL OFFICE ACTION ENTERED AND FORWARDED TO EXAMINER |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: FINAL REJECTION MAILED |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: RESPONSE AFTER FINAL ACTION FORWARDED TO EXAMINER |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: DOCKETED NEW CASE - READY FOR EXAMINATION |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: NON FINAL ACTION MAILED |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: RESPONSE TO NON-FINAL OFFICE ACTION ENTERED AND FORWARDED TO EXAMINER |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: FINAL REJECTION MAILED |