Occupancy tracking using user device detection

An occupancy tracking method, comprising:

• establishing a network connection with an access point;
• identifying a plurality of devices that are connected to the access point over a predetermined time period;
• populating entries in a device log for the plurality of devices, wherein each entry comprises:
• a timestamp;
• a device identifier;
• and
• a device classification;
• determining a presence value for each entry in the device log, wherein the presence value indicates an amount of time that a device was present during the predetermined time period;
• comparing each entry in the device log to a presence threshold value, wherein the presence threshold value indicates a maximum amount of time for a device to be classified as a user device;
• identifying one or more entries that are associated with a presence value that is less than the presence threshold value;
• associating the one or more identified entries with a user device classification;
• identifying one or more clusters for the one or more identified entries that are associated with a user device classification, wherein a cluster identifies one or more devices that are present within a space at the same time;
• determining a number of clusters that are identified;
• determining a predicted occupancy level based on the number of clusters that are identified, wherein the predicted occupancy level is equal to the number of clusters that are identified;
• and
• controlling a Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system based on the predicted occupancy level, wherein the HVAC system is configured to control a temperature of the space.

An occupancy tracking system, comprising:

• a Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) system, wherein the HVAC system is configured to control a temperature of a space;
• an access point configured to transmit data to a thermostat;
• and
• the thermostat in signal communication with the HVAC system and the access point, configured to:
• establish a network connection with the access point;
• identify a plurality of devices that are connected to the access point over a predetermined time period;
• populate entries in a device log for the plurality of devices, wherein each entry comprises:
• a timestamp;
• a device identifier;
• and
• a device classification;
• determine a presence value for each entry in the device log, wherein the presence value indicates an amount of time that a device was present during the predetermined time period;
• compare each entry in the device log to a presence threshold value, wherein the presence threshold value indicates a maximum amount of time for a device to be classified as a user device;
• identify one or more entries that are associated with a presence value that is less than the presence threshold value;
• associate the one or more identified entries with a user device classification;
• identify one or more clusters for the one or more identified entries that are associated with a user device classification, wherein a cluster identifies one or more devices that are present within the space at the same time;
• determine a number of clusters that are identified;
• determine a predicted occupancy level based on the number of clusters that are identified, wherein the predicted occupancy level is equal to the number of clusters that are identified;
• and
• control the HVAC system based on the predicted occupancy level.