User type access HVAC control system
First Claim
1. A method, comprising a synchronization sequence including:
- reading a base time from an internal clock at a first time and saving the base time;
measuring an elapsed time interval, from the first time to a second time, by counting an external clock using a frequency counter; and
thenresetting the internal clock to the base time plus the elapsed time.
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Abstract
Systems and methods are described for synchronizing an HVAC control system. A method, includes: a synchronization sequence including: reading a base time from an internal clock at a first time and saving the base time; measuring an elapsed time interval, from the first time to a second time, by counting an external clock using a frequency counter; and then resetting the internal clock to the base time plus the elapsed time regulating user access to an interactive user interface of a programmable thermostat, each user identified by a personal identification number associated with a user type, wherein each personal identification number is recognized by the programmable thermostat as belonging to an access level and users identified as building owners or maintenance personnel are granted further system access.
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Citations
29 Claims
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1. A method, comprising a synchronization sequence including:
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reading a base time from an internal clock at a first time and saving the base time; measuring an elapsed time interval, from the first time to a second time, by counting an external clock using a frequency counter; and
thenresetting the internal clock to the base time plus the elapsed time. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. An apparatus, comprising:
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an internal clock; an external clock; and a microcontroller coupled to the internal clock and the external clock, the microcontroller including a frequency counter, wherein the microcontroller reads a base time from the internal clock at a first time and saves the base time, wherein the microcontroller measures an elapsed time interval, from the first time to a second time, using the frequency counter, and wherein the microcontroller resets the internal clock to the base time plus the elapsed time. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25)
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26. A method, comprising:
- providing a heating ventilation and air conditioning control system including a programmable digital thermostat with an on board memory;
issuing personal identification numbers to each of a plurality of system users;
associating each of the plurality of system users with at least one of a plurality of user types;
storing the personal identification numbers in a first data structure in the on board memory; and
linking each one of a plurality of entries in the first data structure by reference to at least one of a plurality of entries in a second data structure in the on board memory, the second data structure including a list of user types; andrestricting access to HVAC system controls including regulating user access to an interactive user interface display of the programmable digital thermostat, wherein all the personal identification numbers associated with each user type are presented with access to all HVAC control system access level privileges associated with each user type and each user is presented with all privileges associated with all of their user types, characterized by their personal identification number. - View Dependent Claims (27, 28, 29)
- providing a heating ventilation and air conditioning control system including a programmable digital thermostat with an on board memory;
Specification