System and method for controlling an environment

Abstract

A system for controlling an environment of a controlled space includes a thermostat coupled to an HVAC system. The thermostat is configured to manipulate the HVAC unit to manage the environment within the controlled space. The system further includes a device configured to be detected by the thermostat. The thermostat includes user preferences associated with a person possessing the device, and manipulates the HVAC system to control the environment of the controlled space based on the user preferences.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A system for controlling an environment of a controlled space, the system comprising:
 a thermostat coupled to an HVAC system, the thermostat being configured to manipulate the HVAC unit to manage the environment within the controlled space; and   a device configured to be detected by the thermostat,   wherein the thermostat includes user preferences associated with a person possessing the device, and manipulates the HVAC system to control the environment of the controlled space based on the user preferences.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a control unit coupled to the thermostat. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the thermostat includes a reader unit configured to detect the device. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein the device is an RFID tag and the reader unit is a transceiver unit configured to detect the RFID tag. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 4 , wherein the RFID tag is passive, semi-passive, or active. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 4 , wherein the RFID tag is attached or connected to a key ring, necklace, or key chain. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein the device is a mobile device and the reader unit is configured to detect the mobile device. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 7 , wherein the mobile device includes a global positioning system. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 7 , wherein the mobile device includes a mobile phone, handheld device or computer. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the controlled space includes multiple zones, and wherein the system further comprises multiple devices, each device being configured to manipulate the HVAC system through the thermostat to control the environment of a respective zone. 
     
     
         11 . A method of controlling a HVAC system of a controlled space, the method comprising:
 providing a device configured to be detected by a thermostat, the thermostat being configured to store user preferences associated with a person possessing the device; and   manipulating the HVAC system by the thermostat when the device is located at or near the controlled space.   
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the thermostat includes a reader unit configured to detect the device. 
     
     
         13 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the device is an RFID tag and the reader unit is configured to detect the RFID tag. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the RFID tag is passive, semi-passive, or active. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the RFID tag is attached or connected to a key ring, necklace, or key chain. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the device is a mobile device and the reader unit is configured to detect the mobile device. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the mobile device includes a global positioning system. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 16 , wherein the mobile device includes a mobile phone, handheld device or computer. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein the reader unit is a transceiver. 
     
     
         20 . The method of  claim 11 , wherein the controlled space includes multiple zones, and wherein the method further comprises providing multiple devices, each device being configured to manipulate the HVAC system by the thermostat to control the environment of a respective zone.