Access controlled thermostat system
US6644557B1 · kind B1 · utility
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 25, 2002 |
| Grant date | Nov 11, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 25, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF24F2221/38
- WIPO fieldThermal processes and apparatus
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A system for a user to control a thermostat temperature setting includes a master code by which an operator gains access to the system to set the parameters by which the general user can access the system and change the temperature setting. The general user gains access by keying in a password, which may be permanent or temporary, manipulating a key in a lock mechanism, or by providing a biometric reading through a biometric reading device. The biometric readings can include one or more characteristics including thumb print, finger print, retinal scan, iris scan, and facial image. The operator with the master code enables or disables the various means of access for the general user, and can also schedule automatic thermostat adjustments at various times and dates.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.