U.S. patent application number 11/743001 was filed with the patent office on 2008-10-16 for thermal comfort controller with touch screen display.
This patent application is currently assigned to HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.. Invention is credited to John B. Amundson, Gabriel A. Bergman, Heidi J. Finch, Brent D. Vick.
Application Number | 20080256475 11/743001 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 34620454 |
Filed Date | 2008-10-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080256475 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Amundson; John B. ; et
al. |
October 16, 2008 |
Thermal Comfort controller with Touch Screen Display
Abstract
A programmable controller such as an HVAC controller that
provides a confirmation message to a user indicating that a
parameter that has been modified by the user has been or will be
saved. Such a confirmation message may help assure a user that
their program modifications have been accepted and/or saved by the
controller, thereby reducing the anxiety some users feet when
programming such controllers.
Inventors: |
Amundson; John B.;
(Plymouth, MN) ; Vick; Brent D.; (Minnetonka,
MN) ; Bergman; Gabriel A.; (St Louis Park, MN)
; Finch; Heidi J.; (Champlin, MN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
101 COLUMBIA ROAD, P O BOX 2245
MORRISTOWN
NJ
07962-2245
US
|
Assignee: |
HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL
INC.
Morristown
NJ
|
Family ID: |
34620454 |
Appl. No.: |
11/743001 |
Filed: |
May 1, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10726174 |
Dec 2, 2003 |
7274972 |
|
|
11743001 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
715/772 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24F 11/30 20180101;
G05D 23/1904 20130101; G05B 19/0426 20130101; G05B 2219/23178
20130101; G05B 2219/23472 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
715/772 |
International
Class: |
G06F 3/048 20060101
G06F003/048 |
Claims
1-20. (canceled)
21. A thermal comfort controller comprising: a touch screen
display; a memory for storing a programmable schedule, wherein the
programmable schedule includes: two or more days or groups of days,
two or more periods for each of the two or more days or groups of
days; a set-point for each of the two or more periods, wherein each
set-point includes a set-point time and a set-point temperature; a
controller coupled to the memory and the touch screen display, the
controller configured to control one or more parts of an HVAC
system in accordance with the programmable schedule, the controller
further configured to display on the touch screen display: a first
touch region for selecting a particular day or group of days of the
programmable schedule; a first period select touch region defined
as a button for selecting a first period of the two or more periods
of the programmable schedule; a second period select touch region
defined as a button for selecting a second period of the two or
more periods of the programmable schedule, wherein the controller
deselects the first period when the second period is selected, and
deselects the second period when the first period is selected; a
set-point time display region for displaying the set-point time of
the set-point that corresponds to the selected day or group of days
and the selected first or second period; a set-point temperature
display region for displaying the set-point temperature of the
set-point that corresponds to the selected day or group of days and
the selected first or second period; a first up button and a first
down button for adjusting the set-point time that is displayed in
the set-point time display region; and a second up button and a
second down button for adjusting the set-point temperature that is
displayed in the set-point temperature display region.
22. The thermal comfort controller of claim 21, wherein the first
up button and the first down button, when touched by a user, adjust
the set-point time that is displayed in the set-point time display
region.
23. The thermal comfort controller of claim 22, wherein the first
up button, when touched by the user, adjusts the set-point time
ahead.
24. The thermal comfort controller of claim 23, wherein the first
down button, when touched by the user, adjusts the set-point time
back.
25. The thermal comfort controller of claim 21, wherein the second
up button and the second down button, when touched by a user,
adjust the set-point temperature that is displayed in the set-point
temperature display region.
26. The thermal comfort controller of claim 25, wherein the second
up button, when touched by the user, adjusts the set-point
temperature up.
27. The thermal comfort controller of claim 26, wherein the second
down button, when touched by the user, adjusts the set-point
temperature down.
28. A thermal comfort controller comprising: a touch screen
display; a memory for storing a programmable schedule, wherein the
programmable schedule includes: two or more days or groups of days,
two or more periods for each of the two or more days or groups of
days; a set-point for each of the two or more periods, wherein each
set-point includes a set-point time, a set-point heat temperature
and a set-point cool temperature; a controller coupled to the
memory and the touch screen display, the controller configured to
control one or more parts of an HVAC system in accordance with the
programmable schedule, the controller further configured to display
on the touch screen display: a first touch region for selecting a
particular day or group of days of the programmable schedule; a
first period select touch region defined as a button for selecting
a first period of the two or more periods of the programmable
schedule; a second period select touch region defined as a button
for selecting a second period of the two or more periods of the
programmable schedule, wherein the controller deselects the first
period when the second period is selected, and deselects the second
period when the first period is selected; a set-point time display
region for displaying the set-point time of the set-point that
corresponds to the selected day or group of days and the selected
first or second period; a set-point heat temperature display region
for displaying the set-point heat temperature of the set-point that
corresponds to the selected day or group of days and the selected
first or second period; a set-point cool temperature display region
for displaying the set-point cool temperature of the set-point that
corresponds to the selected day or group of days and the selected
first or second period; a first up button and a first down button
for adjusting the set-point time that is displayed in the set-point
time display region; a second up button and a second down button
for adjusting the set-point heat temperature that is displayed in
the set-point heat temperature display region; and a third up
button and a third down button for adjusting the set-point cool
temperature that is displayed in the set-point cool temperature
display region.
29. The thermal comfort controller of claim 28, wherein the first
up button and the first down button, when touched by a user, adjust
the set-point time that is displayed in the set-point time display
region.
30. The thermal comfort controller of claim 29, wherein the first
up button, when touched by the user, adjusts the set-point time
ahead.
31. The thermal comfort controller of claim 30, wherein the first
down button, when touched by the user, adjusts the set-point time
back.
32. The thermal comfort controller of claim 29, wherein the second
up button and the second down button, when touched by a user,
adjust the set-point heat temperature that is displayed in the
set-point heat temperature display region.
33. The thermal comfort controller of claim 32, wherein the second
up button, when touched by the user, adjusts the set-point heat
temperature up.
34. The thermal comfort controller of claim 33, wherein the second
down button, when touched by the user, adjusts the set-point heat
temperature down.
35. The thermal comfort controller of claim 34, wherein the third
up button and the third down button, when touched by a user, adjust
the set-point cool temperature that is displayed in the set-point
cool temperature display region.
36. The thermal comfort controller of claim 35, wherein the third
up button, when touched by the user, adjusts the set-point cool
temperature up.
37. The thermal comfort controller of claim 36, wherein the third
down button, when touched by the user, adjusts the set-point cool
temperature down.
38. A thermal comfort controller comprising: a touch screen
display; a memory for storing a programmable schedule, wherein the
programmable schedule includes: two or more days or groups of days,
each of the two or more days or groups of days including a wake
period, a leave period, a return period and a sleep period; a
set-point for each of the wake period, the leave period, the return
period and the sleep period, wherein each set-point includes a
set-point time, a set-point heat temperature and a set-point cool
temperature; a controller coupled to the memory and the touch
screen display, the controller configured to control one or more
parts of an HVAC system in accordance with the programmable
schedule, the controller further configured to display on the touch
screen display: a first touch region for selecting a particular day
or group of days of the programmable schedule; a wake period select
touch region defined as a button that, which touched, selects the
wake period of the programmable schedule; a leave period select
touch region defined as a button that, which touched, selects the
leave period of the programmable schedule; a return period select
touch region defined as a button that, which touched, selects the
return period of the programmable schedule; a sleep period select
touch region defined as a button that, which touched, selects the
sleep period of the programmable schedule; wherein the controller
is configured to only allow one of the wake period, the leave
period, the return period and the sleep period to be selected at
any given time, and wherein the controller provides an indication
on the touch screen display that indicates which of the wake
period, the leave period, the return period and the sleep period is
currently selected; a set-point time display region for displaying
the set-point time of the set-point that corresponds to the
selected day or group of days and the selected wake period, leave
period, return period or sleep period; a set-point heat temperature
display region for displaying the set-point heat temperature of the
set-point that corresponds to the selected day or group of days and
the selected wake period, leave period, return period or sleep
period; a set-point cool temperature display region for displaying
the set-point cool temperature of the set-point that corresponds to
the selected day or group of days and the selected wake period,
leave period, return period or sleep period; a first up button and
a first down button positioned adjacent to the set-point time
display region for adjusting the set-point time; a second up button
and a second down button positioned adjacent the set-point heat
temperature display region for adjusting the set-point heat
temperature; and a third up button and a third down button
positioned adjacent the set-point cool temperature display region
for adjusting the set-point cool temperature.
39. The thermal comfort controller of claim 38, wherein the
controller is configured to display on the touch screen display a
fan button, that when touched, changes a fan setting.
40. The thermal comfort controller of claim 38, wherein the
controller is configured to display on the touch screen display an
editing complete button, that when touched, exits an editing mode
and saves any changes made.
Description
[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser.
No. 10/726,174, filed Dec. 2, 2003.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present invention relates generally to the field of
programmable controllers for homes and/or buildings and their
related grounds. More specifically, the present invention relates
to such controllers that permit a user to modify a parameter, such
as a scheduling parameter, of the controller.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Controllers are used on a wide variety of devices and
systems for controlling various functions in homes and/or buildings
and their related grounds. Some controllers have schedule
programming that modifies device parameters such as set points as a
function of date and/or time. Some such device or system
controllers that utilize schedule programming for controlling
various functions in homes and/or buildings and their related
grounds include, for example, HVAC controllers, water heater
controllers, water softener controllers, security system
controllers, lawn sprinkler controllers, and lighting system
controllers.
[0004] HVAC controllers, for example, are employed to monitor and,
if necessary, control various environmental conditions within a
home, office, or other enclosed space. Such devices are useful, for
example, in regulating any number of environmental conditions with
a particular space including for example, temperature, humidity,
venting, air quality, etc. The controller may include a
microprocessor that interacts with other components in the system.
For example, in many modem thermostats for use in the home, a
controller unit equipped with temperature and humidity sensing
capabilities may be provided to interact with a heater, blower,
flue vent, air compressor, humidifier and/or other components, to
control the temperature and humidity levels at various locations
within the home. A sensor located within the controller unit and/or
one or more remote sensors may be employed to sense when the
temperature or humidity reaches a certain threshold level, causing
the controller unit to send a signal to activate or deactivate one
or more component in the system.
[0005] The controller may be equipped with an interface that allows
the user to monitor and adjust the environmental conditions at one
or more locations within the building. With more modern designs,
the interface typically includes a liquid crystal display (LCD)
panel inset within a housing that contains the microprocessor as
well as other components of the controller. In some designs, the
interface may permit the user to program the controller to activate
on a certain schedule determined by the user. For example, the
interface may include a separate menu routine that permits the user
to change the temperature at one or more times during a particular
day. Once the settings for that day have been programmed, the user
can then repeat the process to change the settings for the other
remaining days.
[0006] It has been found that many users find programming their
programmable controllers to be confusing, time consuming and often
complex. As a result, many users do simply not use the programmable
scheduling capabilities of their controllers, and instead run in a
constant temperature mode where the potential energy savings of an
appropriate energy saving schedule are not realized. One difficulty
is that some users, when attempting to review the programmed
schedule, are unsure if they are inadvertently changing the
schedule. Likewise, some users, when attempting to program the
schedule, are unsure if their changes are accepted by the
controller. Accordingly, there is an ongoing need in the art to
decrease the confusion often associated with programming a
programmable controller.
SUMMARY
[0007] Generally, the present invention relates to an interface for
a programmable controller that permits a user to modify a
parameter, such as a scheduling parameter, and provide an
indication to the user that the modified parameter has been
accepted and/or saved.
[0008] In an illustrative embodiment, a programmable controller is
provided with a user interface. The programmable controller may by
any type of programmable controller including, for example, an HVAC
controller, a security system controller, a lawn sprinkler
controller, a lighting system controller, or any other programmable
controller, depending on the application. The user is allowed to
modify one or more parameters of the programmable controller. Once
modified, the programmable controller may provide an indication to
the user that the change or changes have been accepted and/or
saved. The indication may be a visible, audible, or any other
suitable indication, as desired. Such an indication may help assure
a user that their program modifications have been accepted and/or
saved by the controller, thereby reducing the anxiety some users
feel when programming such controllers.
[0009] The above summary of the present invention is not intended
to describe each disclosed embodiment or every implementation of
the present invention. The Figures, Detailed Description and
Examples which follow more particularly exemplify these
embodiments.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0010] The invention may be more completely understood in
consideration of the following detailed description of various
embodiments of the invention in connection with the accompanying
drawings, in which:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a programmable controller in
accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a schematic drawing of an illustrative interface
of a programmable controller in accordance with the present
invention;
[0013] FIG. 3 is a schematic drawing of another illustrative
interface of a programmable controller in accordance with the
present invention;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram showing an illustrative method that
may be implemented by the programmable controller of FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram showing an illustrative HVAC method
that may be implemented by the programmable controller of FIG.
1;
[0016] FIG. 6 is a flow diagram showing another illustrative HVAC
method that may be implemented by the programmable controller of
FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 7 is a flow diagram showing another illustrative HVAC
method that may be implemented by the programmable controller of
FIG. 1;
[0018] FIG. 8 is a flow diagram showing another illustrative HVAC
method that may be implemented by the programmable controller of
FIG. 1;
[0019] FIG. 9 is a flow diagram showing yet another illustrative
HVAC method that may be implemented by the programmable controller
of FIG. 1;
[0020] FIGS. 10-18 are schematic drawings of an HVAC controller,
corresponding to the illustrative method of FIG. 9;
[0021] FIG. 19 is a flow diagram showing yet another illustrative
HVAC method that may be implemented by the programmable controller
of FIG. 1; and
[0022] FIGS. 20-27 are schematic drawings of an HVAC controller,
corresponding to the illustrative method of FIG. 19.
[0023] While the invention is amenable to various modifications and
alternative forms, specifies thereof have been shown by way of
example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should
be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the
invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary,
the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and
alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] The following description should be read with reference to
the drawings, in which like elements in different drawings are
numbered in like fashion. The drawings, which are not necessarily
to scale, depict selected embodiments and are not intended to limit
the scope of the invention. Although examples of construction,
dimensions, and materials are illustrated for the various elements,
those skilled in the art will recognize that many of the examples
provided have suitable alternatives that may be utilized.
[0025] Generally, the present invention relates to simplified
interfaces for controllers having programming capabilities. These
controllers can be used in a variety of systems such as, for
example, HVAC systems, sprinkler systems, security systems,
lighting systems, and the like. Many of the Figures depict HVAC
controllers. While the present invention is not so limited, an
appreciation of various aspects of the invention will be gained
through a discussion of the examples provided below.
[0026] Referring now to FIG. 1, which shows a programmable
controller 10 in accordance with one illustrative embodiment of the
present invention. Controller 10 includes a control module 12 that
is configured to monitor and control any variety of device or
system 14. Controller 10 also includes a user interface 16 that is
configured to provide communication between control module 12 and a
user. User interface 16 can be used to communicate status of device
or system 14 to the user, and/or accept input from the user.
Examples of inputs that can be received from the user include
changes to one or more program parameters 38, such as schedule
parameters, of the control module 12.
[0027] User interface 16 can take a wide variety of different
forms. User interface 16 can include one or more of an
alpha-numeric display, a graphical display, and/or a key pad having
one or more keys or buttons. In some embodiments, User interface 16
can include a touch screen. FIG. 2 illustrates an HVAC controller
18 that includes a housing 20 and a touch screen 22. Touch screen
22 can be used both to display appropriate information to the user
as well as accept information from the user, as desired.
[0028] In other embodiments, user interface 16 can include a
display screen and one or more buttons. FIG. 3 illustrates an
illustrative HVAC controller 24 that includes a housing 26 and a
display 28. Display 28 can be an LED display, an LCD display, or
any other suitable display format discernible to the human eye.
HVAC controller 24 also includes buttons 30 that can be used for
selecting one or more parameters, as will be discussed in greater
detail below. HVAC controller 24 also includes an up button 32,
which can be used for increasing the value of a selected parameter,
and a down button 34 that can be used for decreasing the value of a
selected parameter.
[0029] With reference to FIG. 1, control module 12 includes a
memory block 36 that can store the value of one or more parameters
38. Memory block 36 also may store the program 40 that controls the
operations of controller 10 and hence the operations of device or
system 14.
[0030] When controller 10 is an HVAC controller, program 40 can
include instructions to turn HVAC equipment 14 on or off based on a
timed schedule. The timed schedule can be configured to provide for
continuous control throughout the day, or the timed schedule can be
configured to provide for several time periods each day. Each time
period can have a different set of set points. In some embodiments,
the timed schedule can include four periods that correspond to, for
example in residential use, when a user is likely to wake up in the
morning, leave for work, return from work, and go to sleep. These
periods are often referred to as the WAKE, LEAVE, RETURN, and SLEEP
periods.
[0031] Program 40 can include provisions to accommodate these or
other time periods. Each of the starting times and temperature set
points, i.e. parameters 38, for each time period can be placed into
memory within memory block 36. Once programmed, these parameters 38
can remain unchanged. In some situations, it is desirable for the
user to be able to change one or more of these parameters 38.
[0032] As such, control module 12 may include a modifying block 42,
an indicating block 44 and a saving block 46. Modifying block 42
can include circuitry or software that permits a user to make
changes to one or more of the parameters 38. Indicating block 44
includes circuitry or software that permits, in conjunction with
saving block 46, controller 10 to communicate to the user that the
user's changes to parameters 38 have been or will be saved.
Illustrative interactions between modifying block 42, indicating
block 44 and saving block 46 are further illustrated below with
respect to, for example, FIG. 4 through FIG. 8.
[0033] FIG. 4 is a flow diagram showing an illustrative method that
may be implemented by the programmable controller FIG. 1. At block
48, a user is permitted to enter one or more parameters and/or
parameter modifications via the user interface 16 (see FIG. 1).
Block 50 determines if any parameters were added or modified. If no
parameters were added or modified, control passes to block 54,
representing normal operation of the controller 10 (see FIG. 1).
However, if one or more parameters were added or changed, control
passes to display block 52.
[0034] At display block 52, the controller 10 (see FIG. 1) provides
confirmation to the user that the changes made to parameters 38
(see FIG. 1) have been or will be saved. In some embodiments, the
changes can be saved prior to providing confirmation to the user.
In other embodiments, the changes can be saved after or
substantially simultaneously with providing confirmation to the
user.
[0035] The step of providing confirmation to the user can take a
variety of forms. Indicating block 44 of FIG. 1 can provide a text
message to the user, through user interface 16 (see FIG. 1). The
text message can simply read "changes saved", or something similar.
Alternatively, indicating block 44 (see FIG. 1) can provide an
audio message, a graphical message or icon, or any other suitable
confirmation message, as desired.
[0036] FIG. 5 is a flow diagram showing an illustrative method that
may be implemented by the programmable controller of FIG. 1. In
this illustrative flow diagram, the controller 10 (see FIG. 1) is
an HVAC controller such as a programmable thermostat. At block 56,
a user is permitted to edit the HVAC set points and/or schedule.
This can encompass entering new values for one or more of
parameters 38 (see FIG. 1) through user interface 16 (see FIG. 1).
If no changed values are detected at decision block 58, control
passes to block 62, representing normal operation of the HVAC
controller 10 (see FIG. 1). However, if changed values are detected
at decision block 58, control passes to display block 60.
[0037] At display block 50, the HVAC controller 10 (see FIG. 1)
provides confirmation to the user that the changes made to
parameters 38 (see FIG. 1) are saved. In some cases, one or more
set points and/or schedule parameters are changed for only certain
days of the week. In such cases, the HVAC controller 10 (see FIG.
1) may also provide a notification of which days were modified.
Indicating block 44 (see FIG. 1) can provide a text message or any
other suitable message to the user, through user interface 16 (see
FIG. 1).
[0038] As discussed above with respect to FIG. 4, a confirmatory
message can be provided before, after, or simultaneously with
saving block 46 (see FIG. 1) actually saving changes to parameters
38 (see FIG. 1). FIGS. 6 and 7 explicitly describe processes in
which the changes are saved after providing a confirmatory message
(FIG. 6) or prior to providing the message (FIG. 7).
[0039] In FIG. 6, a user is allowed to modify one or more
parameters at block 64. Once the changes have been entered by the
user, control passes to block 66, at which time indicating block 44
(see FIG. 1) provides an indication that the modified parameter (or
parameters) will be saved. The modified parameter or parameters are
subsequently saved at block 68. In the illustrative embodiment,
control then passes to block 70, at which time normal HVAC
operation may resume.
[0040] In FIG. 7, a user is allowed to modify one or more
parameters at block 72. Once the changes have been entered, control
passes to block 74, at which time saving block 46 (see FIG. 1)
saves the modified parameter or parameters. Control passes to block
76, at which time indicating block 44 (see FIG. 1) provides an
indication that the modified parameter or parameters have been
saved. In the illustrative embodiment, control then passes to block
78, at which normal HVAC operation may resume.
[0041] With respect to FIG. 8, a flow diagram is shown that
illustrates an embodiment in which an HVAC controller 10 (see FIG.
1) displays a plurality of parameters from which a user can choose
to modify. At display block 80, a plurality of parameters are
displayed by user interface 16 (see FIG. 1). Control passes to
block 82, where the user is allowed to select one or more of the
parameters to be modified. Control passes to block 84, where the
user is allowed to enter new values for the one or more selected
parameters. Control then passes to display block 86, where
indicating block 44 (FIG. 1) provides confirmation that the
modified parameters have been or will be saved. The modified
parameters are also saved to memory, as shown at block 87. In some
embodiments, the changes can be saved prior to providing
confirmation to the user. In other embodiments, the changes can be
saved after or substantially simultaneously with providing
confirmation to the user. In the illustrative embodiment, control
is then passed to block 88, which represents normal HVAC
operation.
[0042] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a step-by-step process of
updating one or more parameters in accordance with an illustrated
embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 10-18 are schematic
drawings of an HVAC controller, corresponding to the illustrative
method of FIG. 9. It should be noted that FIGS. 10-18 illustrate an
HVAC controller having particular icons displayed in particular
locations. It is important to note that these positions are merely
illustrative and are not intended to be limiting in any manner or
fashion.
[0043] FIG. 10 illustrates a thermostat 90 having a housing 20 and
a touch screen 22. Touch screen 22 can display information to the
user as well as accept inputs from the user. The user can make
selections by touching appropriate portions of touch screen 22, as
will be described in greater detail below.
[0044] As illustrated, touch screen 22 emulates a number of buttons
commonly found on thermostats. Along the left side of touch screen,
a fan selection icon 92 and a system icon 94 permit a user to
select from a variety of fan and heating options. For example, the
user can scroll through fan ON, fan AUTO and fan CIRC, which will
cause HVAC equipment 14 to run a fan continuously, only when the
system is actively heating or cooling, or on a predetermined
schedule, respectively. Similarly, the user can scroll through
emergency HEAT, HEAT, or COOL by employing system icon 94.
[0045] In the illustrated embodiment, touch screen 22 includes
several button icons along the bottom of touch screen 22. Each
button icon emulates a button as might be found on a thermostat
lacking a touch screen. The button icons include a SCHED icon 96, a
HOLD icon 98, a CLOCK icon 100, a SCREEN icon 102 and a MORE button
104. SCHED icon 96 will be discussed in greater detail below.
[0046] HOLD icon 98 can be selected by the user if it is desired to
override any existing programming and instead hold HVAC equipment
14 at a particular temperature without cycling through any time
periods that may otherwise be programmed into program 40 (FIG. 1).
For example, if a user is home for the day, he or she can use HOLD
icon 98 to maintain the temperature setting of the WAKE period
throughout the day, rather than cycling through the customary LEAVE
and RETURN periods.
[0047] Touch screen 22 also displays a temperature value 106 that
provides the user with the present temperature within their
environment, as well as a temperature setting 108. Temperature
setting 108 displays the temperature set point that HVAC controller
10 is presently following. Touch screen 22 includes a text message
110, which informs the user that HVAC controller 10 is following
its programmed schedule.
[0048] Temperature setting 108 can be used to set a temporary
temperature set point using HOLD icon 98 described above. Touch
screen 22 includes an UP icon 112 and a DOWN icon 114. The user can
raise the temperature set point by selecting UP icon 112 and can
reduce the temperature set point by selecting DOWN icon 114. In the
illustrative embodiment, subsequently selecting the HOLD icon 98
will instruct HVAC controller 10 to maintain the temporary
temperature set point. In some embodiments, HVAC controller 10 can
ask the user to specify a time period to maintain the temporary
temperature set point, if desired.
[0049] HVAC controller 10 includes software code or circuitry that
functions as a clock, in order to accurately maintain program 40.
CLOCK icon 100 can be used to set or adjust the time held by HVAC
controller 10. Upon initial installation and setup of HVAC
controller 10, it may be necessary to enter or update the time
setting. In some embodiments, it may be necessary to change the
time setting to accommodate entering or departing Daylight Savings
Time (DST). In other embodiments, HVAC controller 10 can
automatically adapt to Daylight Savings Time. In some embodiments,
HVAC controller 10 can be in radio communication with a standard
time reference source, if desired.
[0050] Touch screen 22 can display the present time at TIME icon
116. As illustrated, the time is displayed using a 12 hour clock,
with an AM or PM notation. In some embodiments, the time can be
displayed using a 24 hour military clock, if desired.
[0051] Touch screen 22 also includes a SCREEN icon 104 that can be
used to temporarily disable touch screen 22 from accepting any user
inputs so that the surface of touch screen 22 can be wiped off or
otherwise cleaned. MORE icon 106 permits a user to access
additional features of HVAC controller 10, such as scheduling
reminders for filter replacement, setting operational parameters
for a UV lamp, and the like. In some embodiments, touch screen 22
can include an OUTDOOR icon 118 that displays the outside ambient
temperature.
[0052] FIG. 9 illustrates a step-by-step process for modifying a
number of parameters 38 (see FIG. 1) in accordance with an
illustrative embodiment of the present invention. Prior to
beginning an editing process, the thermostat 90 can appear as shown
in FIG. 10. With reference to FIG. 9, a user can initiate an edit
mode, as indicated at block 120. In some embodiments, the edit mode
can be reached by selecting the SCHED icon 96 (FIG. 10). As a
result, touch screen 22 may display the edit mode as illustrated in
FIG. 11 and as indicated at block 122 of FIG. 9.
[0053] FIG. 11 shows thermostat 90 in an initial edit mode.
Initially, touch screen 22 displays the current temperature set
points as well as the present day of the week and the present time.
The days of the week are shown across the top of touch screen 22,
and are referenced as MON icon 124, TUE icon 126, WED icon 128, THU
icon 130, FRI icon 132, SAT icon 134 and SUN icon 136. As
illustrated, the present day of the week is Wednesday, as indicated
by the checkmark 138 present on WED icon 128. In other embodiments,
the present day of the week may be presented in other ways, such as
having WED icon 128 blink, or be displayed in bold, or as a
different color or shade.
[0054] Touch screen 22 displays a HEAT icon 140 that indicates the
temperature set point for heating operations and a COOL icon 142
that indicates the temperature set point for cooling operations.
HVAC controller 10 (see FIG. 1) can instruct HVAC equipment 14 (see
FIG. 1) to heat or cool as appropriate, in accordance with the
input given to HVAC controller via SYSTEM icon 94 (FIG. 10).
[0055] In FIG. 11, touch screen 22 includes several button icons
across the bottom of touch screen 22. In the illustrated
embodiment, these button icons include a DONE icon 144, an EDIT
icon 146, a WAKE icon 148, a LEAVE icon 150, a RETURN icon 152, a
SLEEP icon 154, and a CANCEL icon 156. Each of the icons will be
described in greater detail below. CANCEL icon 156 permits the user
to cancel any entered changes.
[0056] With reference to FIG. 9, a user can select which days of
the week he or she wish to edit, as indicated at block 158. Control
passes to display block 160, which corresponds to the thermostat 90
as illustrated in FIG. 12. In FIG. 12, the MON icon 124, TUE icon
126, WED icon 128, THU icon 130, FRI icon 132, SAT icon 134 and SUN
icon 136 are each displayed, along with a message icon 162 that
informs the user that multiple days can be selected. The particular
message being displayed by message icon 162 can be any appropriate
message and is not limited to the illustrated message.
[0057] In the illustrative embodiment, the user can select one or
more days to edit by simply touching touch screen 22 proximate the
appropriate days of the week icons. In the process of selecting the
one or more days to edit, touch screen 22 can provide a display as
illustrated in FIG. 13. In the illustrated embodiment, the user has
selected Monday, Wednesday and Friday for editing, as noted by
checkmark 164 present on each of MON icon 124, WED icon 128, and
FRI icon 132. In some embodiments, the user will recognize that he
or she is in the edit mode, as EDIT icon 146 (as seen in FIG. 11)
will be blanked or grayed out (as seen in FIG. 13), and also by the
presence of the UP button 112 and DOWN button 114, as well as the
absence of an EDIT button.
[0058] At this point, the user is in a position to select a time
period for modification, followed by modifying one or more of the
start time, heating temperature set point and cooling temperature
set point for the selected time period. Touch screen 22 displays
HEAT icon 140, which displays the heating temperature set point, as
well as UP icon 164 and DOWN icon 166. UP icon 164 and DOWN icon
166 can be used to raise or lower the heating temperature set point
displayed by HEAT icon 140. Similarly, touch screen 22 displays
COOL icon 142, which displays the cooling temperature set point. UP
icon 168 and DOWN icon 170 can be used by the user to raise or
lower the cooling temperature set point displayed by COOL icon
142.
[0059] Touch screen 22 displays TIME SET POINT icon 172, which can
be used to display the starting point of any selected time period.
As with TIME icon 116 that displays current time, TIME SET POINT
icon 172 can display time either using a 12 hour clock and an AM/PM
designation, or a 24 hour military style clock. The starting time
for any selected time period can be adjusted up or down using UP
icon 174 and DOWN icon 176. In some embodiments, touch screen 22
can display a CANCEL PERIOD icon 178, which enables a user to
switch to editing a different time period.
[0060] For illustrative purposes and with reference to FIG. 9, the
user can then select the WAKE period for editing at block 180. As
illustrated in FIG. 14, the user has elected to modify one or more
of the start time, the heating set point and the cooling set point
for the WAKE period. In the illustration, the user has set the
starting time for the WAKE period at 5:30 AM by appropriately
touching UP icon 174 and DOWN icon 176. The heating set point
temperature has been adjusted to 68.degree. F. by appropriately
touching UP icon 164 and DOWN icon 166 while the cooling set point
temperature has been adjusted to 76.degree. F. by appropriately
touching UP icon 168 and DOWN icon 170. As illustrated,
temperatures are shown in degrees Fahrenheit, but degrees Celsius
can also be used. Each of the starting time, heating set point
temperature and cooling set point temperature, whether modified or
not, are displayed by TIME SET POINT icon 172, HEAT icon 140 and
COOL icon 142, respectively, as outlined at block 182 of FIG.
9.
[0061] In some embodiments, the icon representing the selected time
period can be modified to remind the user which time period has
been selected. In particular embodiments, the text present on the
icon can blink. As shown in FIG. 14, WAKE icon 148 is blinking,
hence the (temporary) absence of the word "WAKE" on WAKE icon 148.
In other embodiments, the entire WAKE icon 148 could blink, be
bolded, be presented in a different color or shading pattern, or be
designated in any other suitable way. In other embodiments, each of
the non-selected time periods could be grayed or blanked out.
[0062] The user can select another time period for modification. In
the illustrated example, as shown in FIG. 15 and as indicated at
block 184 (FIG. 9), the user has elected to modify the LEAVE time
period. This can be indicated, as seen in FIG. 15, by having the
word "LEAVE" blink on LEAVE icon 150.
[0063] In the illustration, the user has set the starting time for
the LEAVE period at 7:30 AM by appropriately touching UP icon 174
and DOWN icon 176. The heating set point temperature has been
adjusted to 64.degree. F. by appropriately touching UP icon 164 and
DOWN icon 166 while the cooling set point temperature has been
adjusted to 84.degree. F. by appropriately touching UP icon 168 and
DOWN icon 170. Each of the starting time, heating set point
temperature and cooling set point temperature, whether modified or
not, may be displayed by TIME SET POINT icon 172, HEAT icon 140 and
COOL icon 142, respectively, as outlined at block 186 of FIG.
9.
[0064] The user can select another time period for modification. In
the illustrated example, as shown in FIG. 16 and as indicated at
block 188 (FIG. 9), the user has elected to modify the RETURN time
period. This can be indicated, as seen in FIG. 16, by having the
word "RETURN" blink on RETURN icon 152.
[0065] In the illustration, the user has set the starting time for
the RETURN period at 5:30 PM by appropriately touching UP icon 174
and DOWN icon 176. The heating set point temperature has been
adjusted to 68.degree. F. by appropriately touching UP icon 164 and
DOWN icon 166 while the cooling set point temperature has been
adjusted to 76.degree. F. by appropriately touching UP icon 168 and
DOWN icon 170. Each of the starting time, heating set point
temperature and cooling set point temperature, whether modified or
not, may be displayed by TIME SET POINT icon 172, HEAT icon 140 and
COOL icon 142, respectively, as indicated at block 190 of FIG.
9.
[0066] The user can select another time period for modification. In
the illustrated example, as shown in FIG. 17 and as indicated at
block 192 (FIG. 9), the user has elected to modify the SLEEP time
period. This can be indicated, as seen in FIG. 17, by having the
word "SLEEP" blink on SLEEP icon 154.
[0067] In the illustration, the user has set the starting time for
the SLEEP period at 10:30 PM by appropriately touching UP icon 174
and DOWN icon 176. The heating set point temperature has been
adjusted to 64.degree. F. by appropriately touching UP icon 164 and
DOWN icon 166 while the cooling set point temperature has been
adjusted to 80.degree. F. by appropriately touching UP icon 168 and
DOWN icon 170. Each of the starting time, heating set point
temperature and cooling set point temperature, whether modified or
not, may be displayed by TIME SET POINT icon 172, HEAT icon 140 and
COOL icon 142, respectively, as indicated at block 194 of FIG.
9.
[0068] Once the user has completed modifying each of the desired
time periods, he or she can indicate that they are done by touching
DONE icon 144 (FIG. 17). Control may then be passed to block 196
(FIG. 9). As illustrated in FIG. 18, HVAC controller 10 provides
the user with confirmation that the changes are or will be saved.
The modified parameters are also saved to memory, as shown at block
197. In some embodiments, the confirmation can be provided prior to
actually saving the changes to memory. In other embodiments, the
confirmation can be provided simultaneously with or after the
changes are actually saved. The confirmation message can be aural
or visual, as desired. As shown in FIG. 18, and in the illustrative
embodiment, the confirmation message can be a text message such as
"SAVING CHANGES", as displayed by CONFIRMATION MESSAGE icon 198. In
other embodiments, the confirmation message may be a graphical
message or icon, or any other suitable indicator that indicates to
the user that the changes have been or will be saved.
[0069] In some embodiments, as illustrated for example in FIG. 18,
some of the display icons not necessary to a particular task can be
completely removed, or can be grayed or blacked out. As shown, a
number of icons have been completely removed while other icons,
such as the time period icons, are blanked out or are presented in
outline form only. A number of display permutations are permissible
within the invention.
[0070] The confirmation message can be presented by CONFIRMATION
MESSAGE icon 198 alone. In some embodiments, one or more of the
modified parameters can be displayed along with CONFIRMATION
MESSAGE icon 198. For example, touch screen 22 can display MODIFIED
PARAMETER icon 200. As illustrated, MODIFIED PARAMETER icon 200
displays the particular days of the week that were modified by the
user. In other embodiments, MODIFIED PARAMETER icon 200 can display
one or more of the modified parameters such as time and temperature
set points, if desired.
[0071] Once the confirmation message has been displayed for an
appropriate period of time, thermostat 90 can return to normal
operation, as referenced at block 197 of FIG. 9. In some
illustrative embodiments, the confirmation message can be displayed
for a period of at least 1 second, at least 5 seconds, at least 10
seconds, or any other suitable time period, as desired.
[0072] FIGS. 9-18 illustrated a particular illustrative embodiment
in which thermostat 90 included touch screen 22, which was used for
the interaction between thermostat 90 and the user. In other
embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 19-27, a thermostat having a
display and one or more key buttons can be used.
[0073] FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an illustrative
step-by-step process of updating one or more parameters in
accordance with another embodiment of the invention. FIGS. 20-27
are non-limiting schematic illustrations of an HVAC controller
configured as a residential or commercial thermostat, demonstrating
the process steps outlined in FIG. 19. It should be noted that
FIGS. 20-27 illustrate an HVAC controller having particular icons
and buttons displayed in particular locations. It is important to
note that these positions are merely illustrative and are not
intended to be limiting in any manner or fashion.
[0074] FIG. 20 displays a thermostat 202 having a housing 204 and a
display 206. Display 206 can be any suitable display such as an LED
display, an LCD display, or any other suitable display. Thermostat
202 includes a button 208, a button 210 and a button 212 that can
be assigned to various parameters or functions, depending on, for
example, whether thermostat 202 is in an operating mode or an
editing mode. Display 206 includes a BUTTON 208 icon 214
corresponding to the assigned use of button 208, a BUTTON 210 icon
216 corresponding to the assigned use of button 210 and a BUTTON
212 icon 218 corresponding to the assigned use of button 212. UP
button 220 and DOWN button 222 can be used to adjust the value of a
parameter up or down as appropriate.
[0075] FIG. 20 illustrates thermostat 202 in an editing mode. As a
result, button 208 is assigned to SYSTEM AND FAN (as indicated by
BUTTON 208 icon), button 210 is assigned to SCHEDULE (as indicated
by BUTTON 210 icon), and button 212 is assigned to CLOCK AND MORE
(as indicated by BUTTON 212 icon). Button 208, which is assigned to
SYSTEM AND FAN, can be used to permit a user to select from a
variety of fan and heating options. For example, the user can
scroll through fan ON, fan AUTO and fan CIRC, which will cause HVAC
equipment 14 to run a fan continuously, only when the system is
actively heating or cooling, or on a predetermined schedule,
respectively. The user can also scroll through options such as
emergency HEAT, HEAT, or COOL.
[0076] Button 210, which is assigned to SCHEDULE, can be used for
modifying one or more of the parameters governing program 40 (FIG.
1), as will be described in greater detail below. Button 212, which
is assigned to CLOCK AND MORE, can be used for modifying time
settings, maintenance issues and the like.
[0077] Display 206 includes a DAY icon 224 that indicates the
current day of the week, and a TIME icon 226 that indicates the
current time. TEMPERATURE icon 228 indicates the current
temperature while TEMPERATURE SET POINT icon 230 indicates the
current temperature set point. As illustrated, it is 11:30 AM on
Wednesday, and the current temperature and temperature set point
are both 62.degree. F. Display 206 includes a FAN icon 232 that
indicates fan status and a SYSTEM icon 234 that indicates system
status. As illustrated, the fan is on auto and the system is in
heating mode.
[0078] Turning now to FIG. 19, a user can enter the edit mode as
outlined at block 236 by hitting button 210, which as indicated in
FIG. 20 is presently assigned (as indicated by BUTTON 210 icon) to
SCHEDULE. Thermostat 202 enters and displays an edit mode, as
referenced at display block 238 of FIG. 19, which produces the
screen shown in FIG. 21. In edit mode, button 208 is assigned to GO
BACK, button 210 is assigned to EDIT, and button 212 is assigned to
VIEW, as illustrated by BUTTON 208 icon, BUTTON 210 icon, and
BUTTON 212 icon, respectively.
[0079] In the edit mode, the user is able to select one or more
days for editing, as referenced by block 240 of FIG. 19. Display
206 displays LIST OF DAYS 242. By a combination of button 210
(assigned to EDIT), UP button 220 and DOWN button 222, one or more
days can be selected for editing. When a particular day is
highlighted in LIST OF DAYS 242, hitting button 212 (assigned to
VIEW) causes thermostat 202 to display the time and temperatures
set points for that particular day. GO BACK refers to back tracking
to a previous step.
[0080] During the process of selecting days to edit from LIST OF
DAYS 242, button 208 is assigned to SELECT DAY, button 210 is
assigned to NEXT STEP and button 212 is assigned to CANCEL, as
evidenced by BUTTON 208 icon, BUTTON 210 icon, and BUTTON 212 icon,
respectively, of FIG. 22.
[0081] In the illustrated embodiment shown in FIG. 22, Monday,
Wednesday and Friday have been selected for editing, and as
referenced at block 246 of FIG. 19. In particular, LIST OF DAYS 242
includes checkmarks 244 next to each of Monday, Wednesday and
Friday. In other embodiments, the selected days can be indicated in
any number of ways, such as having the selected days blink, be
bolded, be presented in a different color, shading, or font, or by
using any other suitable designation.
[0082] Once the days have been selected, the user can proceed to
the next step by hitting button 210. FIG. 23 illustrates thermostat
202 ready for the user to select a particular time period for
editing. In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 23, thermostat
202 defaults to initially editing the WAKE period as referenced at
block 250 of FIG. 19.
[0083] Display 206 now displays SELECTED DAYS icon 248, which shows
which days were selected and are now being edited. As illustrated,
the non-selected days are removed from the display and a checkmark
accompanies each selected day. In other embodiments, each of the
days of the week can be displayed, with the selected days being
bolded, blinking, or presented in a different color, shading or
font, or by using any other suitable designation
[0084] Display 206 of FIG. 23 includes TIME PERIOD icon 252, which
provides an indication to the user of which time period has been
selected for editing. As illustrated, the selected "Wake" time
period can be blinking, as evidenced by the absence of the wake
time period in FIG. 23. In other embodiments, the selected time
period can be bolded or presented in a different color, shading or
font, or by using any other suitable designation. In some
embodiments, only the selected time period is presented, while the
remaining time periods are blanked or grayed out.
[0085] With respect to FIG. 19, display 206 displays the initial
WAKE period parameters prior to editing as referenced at block 254.
Display 206 includes TIME icon 256 that displays the initial
starting time for the WAKE period. Display 206 also includes
TEMPERATURE icon 258 and SYSTEM icon 234. As illustrated, the WAKE
period is scheduled to begin at 6:00 AM, and the temperature set
point (in heating mode) is 70.degree. F. At this point, hitting
button 210 (assigned to NEXT STEP) permits the user to enter
modifications to the WAKE period.
[0086] Block 262 of FIG. 19 references editing the start time of
the WAKE period. FIG. 24 shows that the start time has been changed
to 5:30 AM, by appropriately hitting UP button 220 and DOWN button
222. TIME icon 206 displays the new time setting, as referenced at
block 264 of FIG. 19.
[0087] By hitting button 210, assigned to NEXT STEP as referenced
by BUTTON icon 216, the user is able to next modify the heating
temperature set point as referenced by block 266 of FIG. 19. As
illustrated in FIG. 25, the heating temperature set point has been
changed to 68.degree. F. by appropriately hitting UP button 220 and
DOWN button 222. TEMPERATURE icon 258 displays the new temperature
setting, as referenced at block 268 of FIG. 19.
[0088] By hitting button 210, still assigned to NEXT STEP as
referenced by BUTTON icon 216, the user is able to next modify the
cooling temperature set point as referenced by block 270 of FIG.
19. As illustrated in FIG. 26, the cooling temperature set point
has been changed to 76.degree. F. by appropriately hitting UP
button 220 and DOWN button 222. TEMPERATURE icon 258 displays the
new temperature setting, as referenced at block 272 of FIG. 19.
[0089] After the user has finished modifying each of the time and
temperature set points for the WAKE period, he or she can inform
thermostat 202 that he or she is finished entering changes for that
period. It should be noted that each of remaining time periods
LEAVE, RETURN and SLEEP can be modified in much the same way,
although not explicitly shown in the Figures.
[0090] The step of notifying thermostat 202 that the user is done
entering changes can in some embodiments be achieved by hitting
button 212, which as indicated by BUTTON icon 216 is assigned to
DONE. After hitting button 212, as referenced at block 273 of FIG.
19, control may be passed to display block 274. At display block
274, thermostat 202 may provide a confirmation message that the
changes have been or will be saved, as illustrated in FIG. 27. The
modified parameters are also saved to memory, as shown at block
275. In some embodiments, the changes can be saved prior to
providing confirmation to the user. In other embodiments, the
changes can be saved after or substantially simultaneously with
providing confirmation to the user.
[0091] FIG. 27 shows that display 206 can include MESSAGE icon 276,
which is configured to provide a message confirming that the
changes have been or will be saved. In the illustrated embodiment,
MESSAGE icon 276 provides a simple text message such as "SAVED". In
other embodiments, MESSAGE icon 276 can provide other text
messages, other visual indications, an aural confirmation message,
or any other suitable confirmation message to the user. Once
MESSAGE icon 276 has provided the confirmation message for an
appropriate period of time, and in the illustrative embodiment,
thermostat 202 can return to its customary operation at referenced
at block 276 of FIG. 19.
[0092] In FIG. 27, many of the display icons not necessary to this
step have been either completely removed or at least partially
blanked out or grayed out. A variety of display permutations are
contemplated, and thus the invention is not to be limited to the
particular display characteristics shown.
[0093] The invention should not be considered limited to the
particular examples described above, but rather should be
understood to cover all aspects of the invention as set out in the
attached claims. Various modifications, equivalent processes, as
well as numerous structures to which the invention can be
applicable will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art
upon review of the instant specification.
* * * * *