SAFE SANDBOX MODE FOR A HOME DEVICE
A system configured to control a HVAC system may include an electronic device having a user input interface configured to receive a guest input from a guest user, the guest input including identifying information relating to the guest user. The electronic device may also include a processor configured to determine a level of access of the guest user based on the identifying information and on an input from a primary user. The level of access of the guest user may determine the guest user's ability to adjust a setting of the HVAC system via the electronic device. The processor is also configured to initiate a guest mode of operation where the guest user is able to make a setting adjustment to the HVAC system via the electronic device in place of an established setting adjustment schedule of the primary user in accordance with the determined level of access.
1 .- 29 . (canceled)
30 . A system configured to control a heating, ventilation, or air conditioning (HVAC) system, the system comprising:
an electronic device, comprising:
a user input interface configured to receive a guest input from a guest user; and
a processor configured to:
in response to receipt of the guest user input, communicate a prompt to a primary user to request a level of permission to grant the guest user access to the HVAC system;
receive a response specifying the level of permission from the primary user; and
alter a state of the HVAC system based on the specified level of permission and the guest input.
31 . The system of claim 30 , wherein the level of permission comprises an allowance of guest access to the HVAC system and a denial of guest access to the HVAC system.
32 . The system of claim 30 , wherein the guest input is an adjustment to a temperature setting of the HVAC system.
33 . The system of claim 30 , wherein the level of permission comprises an access level for the guest user.
34 . The system of claim 30 , wherein the guest input is a request to import preference settings from an account associated with the guest user.
35 . The system of claim 34 , wherein when the level of permission allows the preferences settings from the account associated with the guest user, primary user settings or schedules are overridden by the preference settings from the account associated with the guest user.
36 . The system of claim 30 , wherein the processor is further configured to identify the guest user input as a request that does not require permission from the primary user.
37 . The system of claim 30 , wherein the communication of the prompt and receipt of the response are processed to provide real-time authorization to alter the state of the HVAC system.
38 . A method for thermostatically controlling a heating, ventilation, or air conditioning (HVAC) system in a home, the method comprising:
via a thermostat system configured to effect control over the HVAC system:
receiving, via a user input interface, a guest input from a guest user; and
in response to receipt of the guest user input, communicating a prompt to a primary user to request a level of permission to grant the guest user control access to the HVAC system;
receiving a response specifying the level of permission from the primary user; and
altering a state of the HVAC system based on the specified level of permission and the guest input.
39 . The method of claim 38 , wherein the level of permission comprises an allowance of guest access to the HVAC system and a denial of guest access to the HVAC system.
40 . The method of claim 38 , wherein the guest input is an adjustment to a temperature setting of the HVAC system.
41 . The method of claim 38 , wherein the level of permission comprises an access level for the guest user.
42 . The method of claim 38 , wherein the guest input is a request to import preference settings from an account associated with the guest user.
43 . The method of claim 42 , wherein when the level of permission allows the preferences settings from the account associated with the guest user, primary user settings or schedules are overridden by the preference settings from the account associated with the guest user.
44 . The method of claim 38 , further comprising:
identifying the guest user input as a request that does not require permission from the primary user; and
implementing the guest user input when it is identified a request that does not require permission from the primary user.
45 . The method of claim 38 , wherein the communicating the prompt and receiving the response are processed to provide real-time authorization to alter the state of the HVAC system.
46 . A first system configured to control operation of a second system associated with a structure, the first system comprising:
an electronic device, comprising:
a user input interface configured to receive inputs from a user to control operation of the second system; and
a processor configured to:
enable a guest mode of operation in which inputs received via the user input are considered guest user inputs from a guest user and not from a primary user;
in response to receipt of a guest user input, communicate a prompt to the primary user to request real-time authorization to control the second system;
receive a response comprising at least one of approval and denial to control the second system is permitted; and
alter a state of the second system based on the response and the guest user input.
47 . The first system of claim 46 , wherein the second system is a heating, ventilation, or air conditioning (HVAC) system.
48 . The first system of claim 46 , wherein the second system is an electronic door lock.
49 . The first system of claim 46 , wherein the prompt is communicated via text, email, or notification.