U.S. patent application number 12/560228 was filed with the patent office on 2010-03-18 for hvac controller user interfaces.
This patent application is currently assigned to Johnson Controls Technology Company. Invention is credited to Mimoun Abaraw, Bradley A. Beers, Grant E. Camichael, Gregory Ralph Harrod, Jeremiah M. Horn, Amanda L. Slavens.
Application Number | 20100070089 12/560228 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42007923 |
Filed Date | 2010-03-18 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100070089 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Harrod; Gregory Ralph ; et
al. |
March 18, 2010 |
HVAC CONTROLLER USER INTERFACES
Abstract
Controllers for controlling heating, ventilating, air
conditioning, and cooling (HVAC) systems are provided. The
controllers include graphical user interfaces for user adjustment
of system settings. In certain embodiments, the graphical user
interfaces may include slide bars for adjusting temperature set
points. In certain embodiments, the graphical user interfaces may
include selectable calendars for adjusting program schedules for
the HVAC systems. In certain embodiments, the graphical user
interfaces may include screens for adjusting a nightlight feature
of the controller.
Inventors: |
Harrod; Gregory Ralph;
(Wichita, KS) ; Beers; Bradley A.; (Dorr, MI)
; Camichael; Grant E.; (Grand Rapids, MI) ;
Slavens; Amanda L.; (Guthrie, OK) ; Horn; Jeremiah
M.; (Derby, KS) ; Abaraw; Mimoun; (Wichita,
KS) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Johnson Controls, Inc.;c/o Fletcher Yoder PC
P.O. Box 692289
Houston
TX
77269
US
|
Assignee: |
Johnson Controls Technology
Company
Holland
MI
|
Family ID: |
42007923 |
Appl. No.: |
12/560228 |
Filed: |
September 15, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61097133 |
Sep 15, 2008 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
700/277 ;
700/278 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24F 11/30 20180101;
G05B 19/042 20130101; G06F 8/34 20130101; F24F 11/52 20180101 |
Class at
Publication: |
700/277 ;
700/278 |
International
Class: |
G05B 15/00 20060101
G05B015/00 |
Claims
1. A control device comprising: a communication interface suitable
for operable connection to a heating, ventilating, air
conditioning, or cooling system; a display capable of displaying a
graphical element defining a range of temperature set points for
the heating, ventilating, air conditioning, or cooling system, and
a moveable feature disposed on the graphical element; a graphical
user interface capable of receiving a user input that moves the
moveable feature on the graphical element to select a temperature
set point from the range of temperature set points; and a processor
capable of operating the heating, ventilating, air conditioning, or
cooling system based on the selected temperature set point.
2. The control device of claim 1, wherein the graphical element
comprises a slide bar, and wherein the moveable feature comprises a
slider.
3. The control device of claim 1, wherein the display comprises a
touch screen for sensing the user input.
4. The control device of claim 1, wherein the graphical user
interface comprises a screen for selecting a zone controlled by the
control device and wherein the processor is capable of applying the
selected temperature set point to the selected zone independent of
other zones controlled by the control device.
5. The control device of claim 1, wherein the graphical user
interface comprises a screen for selecting a schedule event
controlled by the control device, and wherein the processor is
capable of applying the selected temperature set point to the
selected schedule event independent of other schedule events
controlled by the control device.
6. A control device comprising: a communication interface suitable
for operable connection to a heating, ventilating, air
conditioning, or cooling system; a display capable of displaying a
slide bar defining a range of temperature set points for the
heating, ventilating, air conditioning, or cooling system, a first
moveable feature disposed on the slide bar for selecting a cooling
mode temperature set point, and a second moveable feature disposed
on the slide bar for selecting a heating mode temperature set
point; a graphical user interface capable of receiving a first user
input that moves the first moveable feature on the slide bar to
select the cooling mode temperature set point and a second user
input that moves the second moveable feature on the slide bar to
select the heating mode temperature set point; and a processor
capable of applying the selected heating mode temperature set point
and the selected cooling mode temperature set point to the heating,
ventilating, air conditioning, or cooling system.
7. The control device of claim 6, wherein the graphical user
interface comprises a screen for selecting a zone controlled by the
control device and wherein the processor is capable of applying the
selected temperature set points to the selected zone independent of
other zones controlled by the control device.
8. The control device of claim 6, wherein the graphical user
interface comprises a screen for selecting a schedule event
controlled by the control device, and wherein the processor is
capable of applying the selected temperature set points to the
selected schedule event independent of other schedule events
controlled by the control device.
9. A control device comprising: a communication interface suitable
for operable connection to a heating, ventilating, air
conditioning, or cooling system; a display capable of displaying a
calendar with graphical elements for assigning an operating
schedule to a period shown on the calendar; a graphical user
interface capable of receiving a user input that selects one or
more of the graphical elements to assign the operating schedule to
the period shown on the calendar; and a processor capable of
operating the heating, ventilating, air conditioning or cooling
system in accordance with the operating schedule during the
assigned period.
10. The control device of claim 9, wherein the display comprises a
touch screen for sensing the user input.
11. The control device of claim 9, wherein the graphical elements
comprise a first graphical element defining the beginning of the
time period and a second graphical element defining the end of the
period, and wherein the user input comprises dragging the first
graphical element and the second graphical element to dates shown
on the calendar.
12. The control device of claim 9, wherein the graphical elements
represent years, seasons, days, or months, or a combination
thereof.
13. The control device of claim 9, wherein the graphical user
interface is capable of receiving another user input that defines
the operating schedule for the heating, ventilating, air
conditioning, or cooling system.
14. The control device of claim 9, wherein the graphical user
interface is capable of receiving another user input that selects
the operating schedule from a plurality of displayed operating
schedules.
15. The control device of claim 9, wherein the communication
interface is capable of receiving a text message that assigns the
operating schedule to the period shown on the calendar.
16. A control device comprising: a communication interface suitable
for operable connection to a heating, ventilating, air
conditioning, or cooling system; a display with a backlight and
capable of displaying user selectable graphical elements for
assigning a schedule that adjusts an intensity of the backlight for
a set period; a graphical user interface capable of receiving a
user input that selects the set period via the selectable graphical
elements; and a processor capable of operating the backlight at the
adjusted intensity for the set period and capable of operating the
heating, ventilating, air conditioning, or cooling system through
the communication interface.
17. The control device of claim 16, wherein the display comprises a
touch screen for sensing the user input.
18. The control device of claim 16, wherein the graphical user
interface comprises a virtual slide bar for selecting the reduced
intensity.
19. The control device of claim 18, wherein the display is capable
of displaying a slide bar defining a range of intensity settings
and capable of displaying a movable feature disposed on the slide
bar, and wherein the graphical user interface is capable of
receiving another user input that moves the moveable feature along
the slide bar to select the reduced intensity.
20. The control device of claim 16, wherein the graphical user
interface comprises another selectable graphical element for
selectively enabling the schedule.
21. A method, comprising: receiving an adjusted set point for a
heating, ventilating, air conditioning, or cooling system;
determining whether the adjusted set point exceeds an over
adjustment threshold; operating the heating, ventilating, air
conditioning, or cooling system based on the adjusted set point in
response to determining that the adjusted set point does not exceed
the over adjustment threshold.
22. The method of claim 21, wherein determining whether the
adjusted set point exceeds an over adjustment threshold comprises
determining the difference between the adjusted set point and a
current set point.
23. The method of claim 21, wherein determining whether the
adjusted set point exceeds an over adjustment threshold comprises
determining a set point adjustment frequency.
24. The method of claim 21, wherein the adjusted set point
comprises a temperature set point or a humidity set point.
25. A control device comprising: a communication interface suitable
for operable connection to a heating, ventilating, air
conditioning, or cooling system; a graphical user interface
comprising user selectable graphical elements for producing a
virtual representation of a physical environment conditioned by the
heating, ventilating, air conditioning, or cooling system; and a
display capable of displaying the virtual representation.
26. The control device of claim 25, wherein the graphical user
interface is capable of receiving a user input adjusting zones of
the physical environment through the virtual representation and
comprising a processor capable of operating the heating,
ventilating, air conditioning, or cooling system based on the
adjusted zones.
27. A control device comprising: a communication interface suitable
for operable connection to a heating, ventilating, air
conditioning, or cooling system; a graphical user interface
comprising a user selectable graphical element for enabling a rapid
heating and/or rapid cooling mode; and a processor capable of
overriding a current temperature setting to operate the heating,
ventilating, air conditioning, or cooling system at a maximum
capacity in response to selection of the user selectable graphical
element.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority from and the benefit of
U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/097,133, entitled
"CONTROLLER AND ASSOCIATED USER INTERFACE FOR CLIMATE CONDITIONING
SYSTEM", filed Sep. 15, 2008, which is hereby incorporated by
reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The invention relates generally to heating, ventilating, air
conditioning, and refrigeration systems, and controllers for
configuring these systems.
[0003] A wide range of applications exist for heating, ventilating,
and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. For example, residential,
light commercial, commercial, and industrial systems are used to
control temperatures and air quality in residences and buildings.
Such systems often are dedicated to either heating or cooling,
although systems are common that perform both of these functions.
Very generally, these systems operate by implementing a thermal
cycle in which fluids are heated and cooled to provide the desired
temperature in a controlled space, typically the inside of a
residence or building. Similar systems are used for vehicle heating
and cooling, and as well as for general refrigeration.
[0004] Residential systems generally include an indoor unit, such
as an air handler or a furnace, and an outdoor unit, such as a heat
pump or an air conditioner. A system controller, such as a
thermostat, may be connected to control circuits within the indoor
and outdoor units to control operation of the HVAC system. A user
may adjust operating parameters of the HVAC system, such as the
temperature of a heated or cooled space, through a user interface.
However, in certain applications, the user interface may not allow
for adjustment of more complex parameters. Further, a user may not
understand how to adjust all but the simplest system parameters or
how the components of the HVAC system function together.
SUMMARY
[0005] The present invention relates to a control device that
includes a communication interface suitable for operable connection
to a heating, ventilating, air conditioning, or cooling system and
a display capable of displaying a graphical element defining a
range of temperature set points for the heating, ventilating, air
conditioning, or cooling system, and a moveable feature disposed on
the graphical element. The control device also includes a graphical
user interface capable of receiving a user input that moves the
moveable feature on the graphical element to select a temperature
set point from the range of temperature set points and a processor
capable of operating the heating, ventilating, air conditioning, or
cooling system based on the selected temperature set point.
[0006] The present invention also relates to a control device that
includes a communication interface suitable for operable connection
to a heating, ventilating, air conditioning, or cooling system. The
control device also includes a display capable of displaying a
slide bar defining a range of temperature set points for the
heating, ventilating, air conditioning, or cooling system, a first
moveable feature disposed on the slide bar for selecting a cooling
mode temperature set point, and a second moveable feature disposed
on the slide bar for selecting a heating mode temperature set
point. The control device further includes a graphical user
interface capable of receiving a first user input that moves the
first moveable feature on the slide bar to select the cooling mode
temperature set point and a second user input that moves the second
moveable feature on the slide bar to select the heating mode
temperature set point. The control device further includes a
processor capable of applying the selected heating mode temperature
set point and the selected cooling mode temperature set point to
the heating, ventilating, air conditioning, or cooling system.
[0007] The present invention further relates to a control device
that includes a communication interface suitable for operable
connection to a heating, ventilating, air conditioning, or cooling
system, and a display capable of displaying a calendar with
graphical elements for assigning an operating schedule to a period
shown on the calendar. The control device also includes a graphical
user interface capable of receiving a user input that selects one
or more of the graphical elements to assign the operating schedule
to the period shown on the calendar, and a processor capable of
operating the heating, ventilating, air conditioning or cooling
system in accordance with the operating schedule during the
assigned period.
[0008] The present invention further relates to a control device
that includes a communication interface suitable for operable
connection to a heating, ventilating, air conditioning, or cooling
system, and a display with a backlight and capable of displaying
user selectable graphical elements for assigning a schedule that
adjusts an intensity of the backlight for a set period. The control
device also includes a graphical user interface capable of
receiving a user input that selects the set period via the
selectable graphical elements, and a processor capable of operating
the backlight at the adjusted intensity for the set period and
capable of operating the heating, ventilating, air conditioning, or
cooling system through the communication interface.
[0009] The present invention further relates to a method that
includes receiving an adjusted set point for a heating,
ventilating, air conditioning, or cooling system, determining
whether the adjusted set point exceeds an over adjustment
threshold, and operating the heating, ventilating, air
conditioning, or cooling system based on the adjusted set point in
response to determining that the adjusted set point does not exceed
the over adjustment threshold.
[0010] The present invention further relates to a control device
including a communication interface suitable for operable
connection to a heating, ventilating, air conditioning, or cooling
system, a graphical user interface comprising user selectable
graphical elements for producing a virtual representation of a
physical environment conditioned by the heating, ventilating, air
conditioning, or cooling system, and a display capable of
displaying the virtual representation.
[0011] The present invention further relates to a control device
including a communication interface suitable for operable
connection to a heating, ventilating, air conditioning, or cooling
system, a graphical user interface comprising a user selectable
graphical element for enabling a rapid heating and/or rapid cooling
mode, and a processor capable of overriding a current temperature
setting to operate the heating, ventilating, air conditioning, or
cooling system at a maximum capacity in response to selection of
the user selectable graphical element.
DRAWINGS
[0012] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a
commercial or industrial HVAC system that employs system
controllers with user interfaces.
[0013] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a
residential HVAC system that employs system controllers with user
interfaces.
[0014] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a system
controller for an HVAC system.
[0015] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an embodiment of an HVAC system
that employs a system controller.
[0016] FIG. 5 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a system
controller.
[0017] FIG. 6 is a view of a screen of the controller of FIG.
5.
[0018] FIG. 7 a view of a menu screen of the controller of FIG.
5.
[0019] FIG. 8 is a view of a screen of the controller of FIG. 5 for
adjusting schedules.
[0020] FIG. 9 is a view of another screen of the controller of FIG.
5 for adjusting schedules.
[0021] FIG. 10 is a view of another screen of the controller of
FIG. 5 for adjusting schedules.
[0022] FIG. 11 is a view of a screen of the controller of FIG. 5
for adjusting schedule events.
[0023] FIG. 12 is a view of another screen of the controller of
FIG. 5 for adjusting schedule events.
[0024] FIG. 13 is a view of a screen of the controller of FIG. 5
for adjusting temperature set points.
[0025] FIG. 14 is a view of another screen of the controller of
FIG. 5 for adjusting schedules.
[0026] FIG. 15 is a view of a screen of the controller of FIG. 5
for adjusting humidity set points.
[0027] FIG. 16 is a view of a screen of the controller of FIG. 5
for viewing schedules.
[0028] FIG. 17 is a view of a screen of the controller of FIG. 5
for assigning schedules to periods.
[0029] FIG. 18 is a view of a screen of the controller of FIG. 5
for assigning schedules to zones.
[0030] FIG. 19 is a view of a home screen of the controller of FIG.
5.
[0031] FIG. 20 is a view of a screen of the controller of FIG. 5
for adjusting schedules.
[0032] FIG. 21 is a view of a calendar screen of the controller of
FIG. 5 for adjusting schedules.
[0033] FIG. 22 is a view of another calendar screen of the
controller of FIG. 5.
[0034] FIG. 23 is a view of a settings menu screen of the
controller of FIG. 5.
[0035] FIG. 24 is a view of a screen of the controller of FIG. 5
for adjusting a nightlight feature.
[0036] FIG. 25 is a view of a screen of the controller of FIG. 5
for adjusting temperature set points.
[0037] FIG. 26 is a view of the screen of FIG. 25 after adjustment
of temperature set points.
[0038] FIG. 27 is another view of the screen of FIG. 25 after
adjustment of temperature set points.
[0039] FIG. 28 is a view of another embodiment of a screen of the
controller of FIG. 5 for adjusting a temperature set point.
[0040] FIG. 29 is a flow chart depicting a method for adjusting a
temperature set point.
[0041] FIG. 30 is a flow chart depicting another method for
adjusting a temperature set point.
[0042] FIG. 31 is a view of a screen of the controller of FIG. 5
for adjusting a display language.
[0043] FIG. 32 is a view of another screen of the controller of
FIG. 5 for adjusting a display language.
[0044] FIG. 33 is a schematic diagram depicting a method for voice
control of the controller of FIG. 5.
[0045] FIG. 34 is a schematic diagram depicting a method for
external device control of the controller of FIG. 5.
[0046] FIG. 35 is a view of a screen of the controller of FIG. 5
depicting an advertisement.
[0047] FIG. 36 is a view of a screen of the controller of FIG. 5
for purchasing accessories.
[0048] FIG. 37 is a view of a screen of the controller of FIG. 5
for customizing the display.
[0049] FIG. 38 is a view of another screen of the controller of
FIG. 5 for customizing the display.
[0050] FIG. 39 is a view of a screen of the controller of FIG. 5
for entering data.
[0051] FIG. 40 is a view of a screen of the controller of FIG. 5
for adjusting the display of screens.
[0052] FIG. 41 is a view of the screen of FIG. 40 after adjustment
of the screen display.
[0053] FIG. 42 is a view of a screen of the controller of FIG. 5
for adjusting zones.
[0054] FIG. 43 is a view of another screen of the controller of
FIG. 5 for adjusting zones.
[0055] FIG. 44 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
controller of FIG. 5, which includes a stylus.
[0056] FIG. 45 is a top view of the controller of FIG. 5 mounted
within a wall.
[0057] FIG. 46 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the
controller of FIG. 5 with a removable display.
[0058] FIG. 47 is a side view of an embodiment of the controller of
FIG. 5 with a faceplate.
[0059] FIG. 48 is a front view of the controller of FIG. 47.
[0060] FIG. 49 is a top view of another embodiment of the
controller of FIG. 5 with a radio frequency transmitter and
receiver.
[0061] FIG. 50 is a front view of another embodiment the controller
of FIG. 5 with a motion sensor.
[0062] FIG. 51 is a top view of the controller of FIG. 50.
[0063] FIG. 52 is another top view of the controller of FIG.
50.
[0064] FIG. 53 is a view of a screen of the controller of FIG. 5
for adjusting a temperature set point.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0065] The present disclosure is directed to controllers with
graphical user interfaces that facilitate programming of the
controller and/or HVAC system. The user interfaces may be intuitive
and interactive to facilitate user adjustment of HVAC system
settings. In certain embodiments, the user interfaces may include
moveable graphical elements for adjusting temperature set points
and/or intensity of the backlight. Further, the user interfaces may
include an interactive calendar for adjusting operating schedules
for the HVAC system. Moreover, the user interfaces may facilitate
control of the HVAC system through external devices and/or voice
control.
[0066] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary application, in this case an
HVAC system for building environmental management, that may employ
one or more system controllers with user interfaces. A building 10
is cooled by a system that includes a chiller 12 and a boiler 14.
As shown, chiller 12 is disposed on the roof of building 10 and
boiler 14 is located in the basement; however, the chiller and
boiler may be located in other equipment rooms or areas next to the
building. Chiller 12 is an air cooled or water cooled device that
implements a refrigeration cycle to cool water. Chiller 12 may be a
stand-alone unit or may be part of a single package unit containing
other equipment, such as a blower and/or integrated air handler.
Boiler 14 is a closed vessel that includes a furnace to heat water.
The water from chiller 12 and boiler 14 is circulated through
building 10 by water conduits 16. Water conduits 16 are routed to
air handlers 18, located on individual floors and within sections
of building 10.
[0067] Air handlers 18 are coupled to ductwork 20 that is adapted
to distribute air between the air handlers and may receive air from
an outside intake (not shown). Air handlers 18 include heat
exchangers that circulate cold water from chiller 12 and hot water
from boiler 14 to provide heated or cooled air. Fans, within air
handlers 18, draw air through the heat exchangers and direct the
conditioned air to environments within building 10, such as rooms,
apartments, or offices, to maintain the environments at a
designated temperature. A controller 22, shown here as including a
thermostat, may be used to designate the temperature of the
conditioned air. Controller 22 also may be used to control the flow
of air through and from air handlers 18 and to diagnose mechanical
or electrical problems with the air handlers 18. Other devices may,
of course, be included in the system, such as control valves that
regulate the flow of water and pressure and/or temperature
transducers or switches that sense the temperatures and pressures
of the water, the air, and so forth. Moreover, the control device
may communicate with computer systems that are integrated with or
separate from other building control or monitoring systems, and
even systems that are remote from the building.
[0068] FIG. 2 illustrates a residential heating and cooling system.
The residential heating and cooling system may provide heated and
cooled air to a residential structure, as well as provide outside
air for ventilation and provide improved indoor air quality (IAQ)
through devices such as ultraviolet lights and air filters. In
general, a residence 24 may include refrigerant conduits 26 that
operatively couple an indoor unit 28 to an outdoor unit 30. Indoor
unit 28 may be positioned in a utility room, an attic, a basement,
and so forth. Outdoor unit 30 is typically situated adjacent to a
side of residence 24 and is covered by a shroud to protect the
system components and to prevent leaves and other contaminants from
entering the unit. Refrigerant conduits 26 transfer refrigerant
between indoor unit 28 and outdoor unit 30, typically transferring
primarily liquid refrigerant in one direction and primarily
vaporized refrigerant in an opposite direction.
[0069] When the system shown in FIG. 2 is operating as an air
conditioner, a heat exchanger 32 in outdoor unit 30 serves as a
condenser for re-condensing vaporized refrigerant flowing from
indoor unit 28 to outdoor unit 30 via one of the refrigerant
conduits 26. In these applications, a heat exchanger 34 of the
indoor unit functions as an evaporator. Specifically, heat
exchanger 34 receives liquid refrigerant (which may be expanded by
an expansion device, not shown) and evaporates the refrigerant
before returning it to outdoor unit 30.
[0070] Outdoor unit 30 draws environmental air through heat
exchanger 32 using a fan 36 and expels the air above the outdoor
unit. When operating as an air conditioner, the air is heated by
heat exchanger 32 within outdoor unit 30 and exits the unit at a
temperature higher than it entered. Indoor unit 28 includes a
blower or fan 38 that directs air through indoor heat exchanger 34,
where the air is cooled when the system is operating in air
conditioning mode, and then circulates the air through ductwork 40
that directs the air to the residence 24. The overall system
operates to maintain a desired temperature as set by a system
controller 22 (FIG. 1). When the temperature sensed inside the
residence is higher than the set point on the thermostat (plus a
small amount), the air conditioner may become operative to
refrigerate additional air for circulation through the residence.
When the temperature reaches the set point (minus a small amount),
the unit may stop the refrigeration cycle temporarily.
[0071] When the unit in FIG. 2 operates as a heat pump, the roles
of heat exchangers 32 and 34 are reversed. That is, heat exchanger
32 of outdoor unit 30 will serve as an evaporator to evaporate
refrigerant and thereby cool air entering outdoor unit 30 as the
air passes over outdoor heat exchanger 32. Indoor heat exchanger 34
will receive a stream of air blown over it and will heat the air by
condensing the refrigerant.
[0072] FIG. 3 is a front view of controller 22, shown here as
including a digital programmable thermostat. In other embodiments,
the controller may be any suitable temperature controller. The
controller 22 may be used to control one or more indoor and/or
outdoor units. Controller 22 is protected by an enclosure 42 that
protects the interior components from physical damage and shields
them from environmental hazards such as dust and electromagnetic
interference. The enclosure may be formed from any suitable
material such as plastic, metal, or a composite material. A display
44 is mounted within enclosure 42 and may be used to display
various images and text generated by the device. The display may be
any type of display such as a liquid crystal display, a light
emitting diode display, an organic light emitting diode display, or
other suitable display and may be capable of displaying text
strings and/or high-resolution color graphics. Additionally, the
display includes a touch-sensitive element, such as a touch screen
45.
[0073] Touch screen 45 may receive input from a user's or object's
touch and may send the information to a processor within the
controller 22, which may interpret the touch event and perform a
corresponding action. According to certain embodiments, the touch
screen may employ resistive touch screen technology. However, in
other embodiments, the touch screen may employ any suitable type of
touch screen technology, such as capacitive, infrared, surface
acoustic wave, electromagnetic, or near field imaging. Furthermore,
touch screen 45 may employ single point or multipoint sensing.
[0074] Display 44 may be used to display a graphical user interface
(GUI) 46 that allows a user to interact with the controller. GUI 46
may include various layers, windows, screens, templates, elements,
or other components that may be displayed in all, or a portion, of
display 44. Generally, GUI 46 may include textual and graphical
elements that represent applications and functions of controller
22. For example, user GUI 46 may include status indicators 48 that
display the status of the system and/or the environment. For
example, an indicator 48B may display the operational mode (i.e.,
heating or cooling) and the temperature set point, an indicator 48C
may display the current temperature and humidity, and an indicator
48D may display the weather conditions, among others. In another
example, indicators 40E and 40F may display the humidity control
status and the fan speed, respectively. In certain embodiments, the
status indicators 48 also may include one or more brand indicators
48A that display information identifying the brand of controller
22.
[0075] GUI 46 also may include graphical elements 50 that may
represent icons, buttons, sliders, menu bars, and the like.
Graphical elements 50 may be selected by a user through the touch
screen. For example, graphical elements 50A may be selected to
increase or decrease the temperature set point. In another example,
graphical elements 50B and 50C may be selected to change the system
mode between heating and cooling. A graphical element 50D also may
be selected by a user to display screens with menus and/or submenus
for adjusting system settings and/or operation parameters of the
HVAC system. Further, a graphical element 50E may notify a user
that maintenance is required and may be selected to obtain
maintenance information. As may be appreciated, the types and
functionality of the graphical elements may vary depending on
system functionality, system settings, and system equipment, among
others. Further, in certain embodiments, controller 22 may include
physical inputs, such as buttons, wheels, knobs, or the like, for
receiving user input instead of, in addition to, or in combination
with graphical elements 50.
[0076] FIG. 4 is a block diagram of an HVAC system 52 that includes
controller 22, indoor unit 28 functioning as an air handler, and
outdoor unit 30 functioning as a heat pump. Refrigerant flows
through system 52 within a closed refrigeration loop 54 between
outdoor unit 30 and indoor unit 28. The refrigerant may be any
fluid that absorbs and extracts heat. For example, the refrigerant
may be hydrofluorocarbon (HFC) based R-410A, R-407C, or R-134a.
HVAC system 52 also includes an auxiliary heat system 56 that may
be used to provide additional heating. For example, auxiliary heat
system 56 may include a gas furnace, a fossil fuel furnace, an
electric heat system, or the like.
[0077] The operation of indoor and outdoor units 28 and 30 is
controlled by control circuits 58 and 60, respectively. Further,
the operation of auxiliary heat system 56 is controlled by a
control circuit 62. Control circuits 58, 60, and 62 may execute
hardware or software control algorithms to govern operations of
HVAC system 52. According to certain embodiments, the control
circuits may include one or more microprocessors, analog to digital
converters, non-volatile memories, and interface boards. In certain
embodiments, the control circuits may be fitted with or coupled to
auxiliary control boards that allow conventional 24 VAC wiring to
be controlled through serial communications. Further, in certain
embodiments, the control circuits may be controlled through a
wireless network.
[0078] Control circuits 58, 60, and 62 may receive control signals
from controller 22 and transmit the signals to equipment located
within indoor unit 28, outdoor unit 30, and auxiliary heat system
54. For example, outdoor control circuit 60 may route control
signals to a motor 64 that powers fan 66 and to a motor 68 that
powers a compressor 70. Indoor control circuit 58 may route control
signals to a motor 72 that powers fan 38. Indoor control circuit 58
also may route control circuits to equipment included within an
Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) system 74. For example, IAQ system 74 may
include one or more air cleaners, UV air purifiers, humidifiers,
and/or ventilators, among others. The control circuits also may
transmit control signals to other types of equipment such as valves
76 and 78, sensors, and switches.
[0079] Controller 22 may operate to control the overall heating and
cooling provided by indoor unit 28, outdoor unit 30, and auxiliary
heat system 54. Indoor and outdoor units 28 and 30 include heat
exchangers 34 and 32 that function either as an evaporator or a
condenser depending on the heat pump operation mode. For example,
when HVAC system 52 is operating in cooling (or "AC") mode, outside
heat exchanger 32 functions as a condenser, releasing heat to the
outside air, while inside heat exchanger 34 functions as an
evaporator, absorbing heat from the inside air. When HVAC system 52
is operating in heating mode, outside heat exchanger 32 functions
as an evaporator, absorbing heat from the outside air, while inside
heat exchanger 34 functions as a condenser, releasing heat to the
inside air. A reversing valve (not shown) may be positioned on
closed loop 54 to control the direction of refrigerant flow and
thereby to switch the heat pump between heating mode and cooling
mode.
[0080] HVAC system 52 also includes two metering devices 76 and 78
for decreasing the pressure and temperature of the refrigerant
before it enters the evaporator. The metering devices also regulate
the refrigerant flow entering the evaporator so that the amount of
refrigerant entering the evaporator equals, or approximately
equals, the amount of refrigerant exiting the evaporator. The
metering device used depends on the heat pump operation mode. For
example, when HVAC system 52 is operating in cooling mode,
refrigerant bypasses metering device 76 and flows through metering
device 78 before entering inside heat exchanger 34, which acts as
an evaporator. In another example, when HVAC system 52 is operating
in heating mode, refrigerant bypasses metering device 78 and flows
through metering device 76 before entering outside heat exchanger
32, which acts as an evaporator. According to other exemplary
embodiments, a single metering device may be used for both heating
mode and cooling mode.
[0081] The refrigerant enters the evaporator, which is outside heat
exchanger 32 in heating mode and inside heat exchanger 34 in
cooling mode, as a low temperature and pressure liquid. Some vapor
refrigerant also may be present as a result of the expansion
process that occurs in metering device 76 and 78. The refrigerant
flows through tubes in the evaporator and absorbs heat from the air
changing the refrigerant into a vapor. In cooling mode, the indoor
air flowing across the multichannel tubes also may be dehumidified.
The moisture from the air may condense on the outer surface of the
multichannel tubes and consequently be removed from the air.
[0082] After exiting the evaporator, the refrigerant flows into
compressor 70. Compressor 70 decreases the volume of the
refrigerant vapor, thereby, increasing the temperature and pressure
of the vapor. The compressor may be any suitable compressor such as
a screw compressor, reciprocating compressor, rotary compressor,
swing link compressor, scroll compressor, or turbine
compressor.
[0083] From compressor 70, the increased temperature and pressure
vapor refrigerant flows into a condenser, the location of which is
determined by the heat pump mode. In cooling mode, the refrigerant
flows into outside heat exchanger 32 (acting as a condenser). Fan
36, which is powered by motor 64, draws air across the tubes
containing refrigerant vapor. According to certain exemplary
embodiments, the fan may be replaced by a pump that draws fluid
across the multichannel tubes. The heat from the refrigerant is
transferred to the outside air causing the refrigerant to condense
into a liquid. In heating mode, the refrigerant flows into inside
heat exchanger 34 (acting as a condenser). Fan 38, which is powered
by motor 72, draws air across the tubes containing refrigerant
vapor. The heat from the refrigerant is transferred to the inside
air causing the refrigerant to condense into a liquid.
[0084] After exiting the condenser, the refrigerant flows through
the metering device (76 in heating mode and 78 in cooling mode) and
returns to the evaporator (outside heat exchanger 32 in heating
mode and inside heat exchanger 34 in cooling mode) where the
process begins again.
[0085] In both heating and cooling modes, motor 68 drives
compressor 70 and circulates refrigerant through reversible
refrigeration/heating loop 54. The motor may receive power either
directly from an AC or DC power source or from a variable speed
drive (VSD). The motor may be a switched reluctance (SR) motor, an
induction motor, an electronically commutated permanent magnet
motor (ECM), or any other suitable motor type.
[0086] The operation of motor 68 is controlled by control circuit
60. Control circuit 46 may receive control signals from controller
22. In certain embodiments, controller 22 may receive information
from a sensor 76 that measures the ambient indoor air temperature
and a sensor 78 that measures indoor humidity. Controller 22 then
compares the air temperature to the temperature set point (which
may be input by a user) and engages compressor motor 68 and fan
motors 64 and 72 to run the cooling system if the air temperature
is above the temperature set point. In heating mode, controller 22
compares the air temperature from sensor 76 to the temperature set
point and engages motors 64, 68, and 72 to run the heating system
if the air temperature is below the temperature set point.
According to certain embodiments, sensors 76 and 78 may be located
within and/or may be an integral part of controller 22. However, in
other embodiments, sensors 76 and 78 may be external devices
connected to controller 22, for example, through a wired or
wireless connection.
[0087] Control circuit 60 and controller 22 also may initiate a
defrost cycle when the system is operating in heating mode. When
the outdoor temperature approaches freezing, moisture in the
outside air that is directed over outside heat exchanger 32 may
condense and freeze on the coil. Controller 22 may receive
information from one or more sensors 80 that measure the outside
air temperature and, in certain embodiments, the temperature of
outside heat exchanger 32. These sensors provide temperature
information to the control circuit 60 which determines when to
initiate a defrost cycle.
[0088] Controller 22 also may use temperature information from
outdoor temperature sensor 80 to determine when to enable the
auxiliary heating system 54. For example, if controller 22 receives
a signal from temperature sensor 80 indicating that the outdoor
temperature has dropped below a certain set point, controller 22
may disable operation of indoor unit 28 and outdoor unit 30 and
enable auxiliary heating system 54. In certain embodiments, HVAC
system 52 also may include a sensor 81 that senses the level of
fuel within a fuel source for auxiliary heating system 54. For
example, auxiliary heating system 54 may be a furnace that uses
fuel from a propane tank. In this example, sensor 81 may measure
the level of fuel within the propane tank and may provide this
information to controller 22. Controller 22 may then determine when
to operate auxiliary heating system 54, based at least in part on
the fuel information provided by sensor 81. For example, if the
fuel level is low, controller 22 may operate indoor and outdoor
units 28 and 30 for heating, rather than operating auxiliary
heating system 54. Further, in certain embodiments, depending on
the outdoor temperature, among other factors, controller 22 may
operate the auxiliary heating system 54 in conjunction with indoor
unit 28 and outdoor unit 30.
[0089] FIG. 5 is a simplified block diagram illustrating various
components and features of controller 22 in accordance with one
embodiment. The block diagram includes display 36 discussed above
with respect to FIG. 3, as well as many other components. As noted
above with respect to FIG. 4, the controller 22 may be used to
control operation of an HVAC system with one or more indoor and
outdoor units, such as indoor unit 28, outdoor unit 30, and
auxiliary heating system 54. In certain embodiments, each of the
units may include a control circuit communicatively coupled to the
controller. However, in other embodiments, only some of the units
may include control circuits, and the units without control
circuits may be wired to and controlled by control circuits within
the other units and/or by the controller. Further, the controller
may be employed to control a system with only one unit. For
example, an HVAC system may provide only heating using an indoor
unit such as a furnace. No outdoor unit may be included and no
refrigerant may be involved.
[0090] The operation of controller 22 may be controlled by a
processor 82 that provides the processing capability for the
controller. In certain embodiments, the processor 82 may include
one or more microprocessors, instruction set processors, graphics
processors, and/or related chip sets. Processor 82 may cooperate
with a memory 84 that stores executable and/or machine-readable
code, data, and instructions for processor 82. For example, the
memory 84 may store look up tables and/or algorithms for GUI 46
(FIG. 3). Memory 84 also may store protocol information and
instructions for allowing communication between controller 22 and
connected units. The memory may include volatile memory such as
random access memory and/or non-volatile memory such as read only
memory, flash memory, a hard drive, or any other suitable optical,
magnetic, or solid-state computer readable media, as well as a
combination thereof.
[0091] Memory 72 also may store components of GUI 46 (FIG. 3), such
as graphical elements, screens, and templates, that may be shown on
display 44. A controller 86 may provide the infrastructure for
exchanging data between processor 82 and display 44. According to
certain embodiments, controller 86 may be an integrated circuit.
Further, controller 86 may exist as a separate component or be
integrated into display 44 or processor 82. According to exemplary
embodiments, controller 86 may govern operation of display 44 and
may process graphics and text for display on display 44. Further,
controller 86 may process touch events received through the touch
screen of display 44.
[0092] Display 44 may display screens of GUI 48 prompting a user to
enter a user input 88 through touch screen 45. User input 88 may
include a value specifying properties of the HVAC system. For
example, a screen may prompt a user to select one of the graphical
elements 50 to adjust a temperature set point or to determine the
heating or cooling mode. In another example, display 44 may display
setup screens prompting a user to input a schedule for the HVAC
system.
[0093] User input 88 also may be received through an input/output
(I/O) port 90. The I/O port may be a serial port, USB port, media
card port, IEEE-1394 port, network interface, or other suitable
interface configured to receive input from an external device. For
example, the I/O port may be a USB port for connecting to a USB
drive or flash drive. In certain embodiments, the I/O port may be a
wireless interface for connecting to a computer, cell phone, or
personal navigation device over a wireless network, such as an IEEE
802.11x wireless network. Moreover, in certain embodiments, screens
of GUI 46 may be transmitted through I/O port 90 to an external
device, such as a cell phone or computer, to facilitate control of
controller 22 through the external device.
[0094] A communication interface 92 may transmit information
received through I/O port 90 to processor 82. In certain
embodiments, communication interface 92 may process data prior to
transmitting the data to processor 82. Communication interface 92
also may provide an infrastructure for communicating information
from I/O port 90 and processor 82 to the indoor and outdoor units
28, 30, 54, 74 (FIG. 4) within the HVAC system. In certain
embodiments, the communication interface may be a serial
communication interface including one or more protocols for
transmitting and/or receiving communication packets containing
control signals. For example, the communication interface may
employ one or more protocols such as Modbus, BACnet, DNET, or
PROFIBUS (Process Field Bus). In certain embodiments, the
communication interface may include a Controller Area Network (CAN)
chip for communicating with the indoor and outdoor units, with the
auxiliary heating system, and/or with external devices. According
to exemplary embodiments, communication interface 92 may employ
packet switching to route communication packets to the indoor and
outdoor units and to the auxiliary heating system. Further, in
certain embodiments, communication interface 92 may communicate
with external servers, devices, and/or systems. For example,
communication interface 92 may connect through a network to a
weather information provider to obtain weather forecast and/or real
time information.
[0095] FIG. 6 depicts a screen 94 of GUI 46 for displaying
operating information for HVAC system 52. According to certain
embodiments, controller 22 may display screen 94 as a default
screen when controller 22 is in standby mode. A user may touch a
portion of screen 94 to display the main screen as shown in FIG. 3.
Screen 94 may show images 96, such as a picture of a residence with
an indicator 98 displaying the current interior temperature. Images
96 may be shown on a background 97, which in, certain embodiments,
may include a brand identifier, such as a watermark 102. Watermark
102 may be used to display graphical images that reflect the brand
of the equipment installed in HVAC system 52. For example, a brand
identifier may be entered by an installer through GUI 46. In
another example, controller 22 may receive a signal through
communication interface 92 (FIG. 5) that specifies the brand
identifier. In certain embodiments, controller 22 may retrieve
brand identifier information by reading a variable stored in the
memory associated with one of the units 28, 30, and 54 (FIG. 4).
Controller 22 may then retrieve a watermark 102 corresponding to
the brand identifier, for example, using lookup tables stored in
memory 84 (FIG. 5). Screen 94 may also include an indicator 100
that displays the outdoor temperature.
[0096] According to certain embodiments, images 96 also may include
customized images, such as screen savers, backgrounds, wallpaper,
or photos that may be stored within memory 84 (FIG. 5) of
controller 22. For example, a homeowner may upload a photo
slideshow to be displayed as images 96 on controller 22. Further,
the images maybe be may be transferred into memory 84 through
communication interface 92 (FIG. 5) or through I/O port 90, for
example, through a media device, such as a jump drive, memory card,
or the like.
[0097] The controller 22 may display screens facilitating user
customization of backgrounds 97 and images 96. For example, a user
may select a color for background 97 that is similar to the color
of the wall controller 22 is mounted on to allow controller 22 to
blend in with the wall. In another example, a user may select
display options, such as a color palette, display theme, or font
size and style, among others. Further, in certain embodiments,
controller 22 may alter the display of background 97 and/or images
96 based at least in part on the operational mode of controller 22.
For instance, if HVAC system 52 is operating in a heating mode, the
color palette may change to warm reddish tones. Similarly, if HVAC
system 52 is operating in a cooling mode, the background and/or
images 96 may include a color scheme in cool blue tones. In certain
embodiments, the color scheme may be used to inform the user of the
current operational mode of HVAC system 52. Further, some
psychological benefits also may be gained where the user may
perceive that the temperature is actually warmer or cooler when
they observe the display of reddish or bluish tones. In certain
embodiments, this may result in reduced energy costs. Controller 22
may also display various themes associated with background 97 and
images 96. For example, themes may include seasonal themes, such as
fall, spring, summer, winter, or holiday related themes, that may
be selected by a user to correspond to different times of the year.
For example, during the holidays, a user may wish to display a
holiday theme to fit in with home decorations.
[0098] FIG. 7 depicts a menu screen 104 of GUI 46 for viewing,
changing, or initially entering settings of HVAC system 52. In
certain embodiments, screen 104 may be displayed by selecting
graphical element 50D from the home screen shown in FIG. 3. Screen
104 includes graphical elements 106, 108, 110, 112, 114, 116, 118,
120, and 122 that may be selected by a user through touch screen 45
to display various screens and submenus of GUI 46 for adjusting
settings and/or operating parameters. For example, a user may
select graphical element 122 to view submenus for adjusting
operating schedules for HVAC system 52. In another example, a user
may select one of the graphical elements 108, 110, 112, 114, 116,
118, and 120 to display a menu for adjusting fan settings, humidity
settings, general settings, dealer information, or system
utilities. A user may select graphical element 120 to view a screen
that may facilitate cleaning of display 44. Further a user may
select one of graphical elements 106 to view other screens of GUI
48, such as a help screen and a password or PIN screen.
[0099] A graphical element 126 may be selected to adjust settings
for zones within HVAC system 52. For example, HVAC system 52 may
include electrically controlled dampers that are independently
controlled by controller 22 to adjust the airflow to different
areas, or zones, within the building. The zones may allow HVAC
system 52 to maintain different environmental conditions, such as
temperature, humidity, or airflow, within different areas of the
building. In certain embodiments, each zone may have a slave
controller that communicates with controller 22. Further, in other
embodiments, each zone may be controlled by controller 22 with each
zone having separate temperature and/or humidity sensors. Further,
a graphical element 124 may be selected to enable emergency
heating. For example, graphical element 124 may be selected to
override current system settings and provide emergency heat using
auxiliary heating system 54. Menu screen 104 also includes a
graphical element 107 that may be selected to close the menu screen
and return to the home screen shown in FIG. 3.
[0100] FIG. 8 depicts a screen 128 that may be used to create or
edit operating schedules for HVAC system 52. For example, screen
128 may be displayed in response selection of graphical element 122
(FIG. 7). Screen 128 includes a window 132 that may display
schedules available for editing. Graphical elements 134 and 136 may
be selected to scroll through and select the schedules shown within
window 132. After a schedule has been selected, a graphical element
138 may be selected to view the details of that schedule. A
graphical element 140 may be selected to edit the schedules, and a
graphical element 142 may be selected to copy the selected
schedule. Screen 128 also includes a graphical element 144 that may
be selected to delete the selected schedule, and a graphical
element 146 that may be selected to import or export the schedule,
for example, to an external device connected to controller 22
through communication interface 92 (FIG. 5). In certain
embodiments, the schedule may also be assigned to periods, such as
days, weeks, months, seasons, or years, using graphical element 148
to assign the selected schedule to dates on a calendar. Further, a
new schedule may be created by selecting graphical element 150.
Screen 128 also includes a graphical element 151 that may be
selected to return to the home screen, for example, screen 104 as
shown in FIG. 7.
[0101] FIG. 9 depicts a screen 152 that may be used to create a new
operating schedule. For example, a user may select graphical
element 150 of screen 128 in FIG. 8 to display screen 152. Screen
152 includes tabs 154, 156, 158, 160, 162, and 164 that may be
selected to enter and/or adjust settings for the new schedule. In
certain embodiments, a user may select one of the tabs 154, 156,
158, 160, 162 to view a screen corresponding to the selected tab.
As shown, the "NAME" tab 154 has been selected and includes a
window 170 that displays the current name of the schedule, in the
case, "Schedule 1." A graphical element 172 may be selected to edit
the name of the schedule, for example, using a key pad that may be
displayed on touch screen 45 in response to selection of graphical
element 172. Screen 152 also includes a graphical element 174 that
may be used to cancel the creation of a new schedule and return to
the home screen. After a schedule has been named, a user may select
graphical element 176 to save the new schedule and exit to the home
screen. However, if a user wishes to enter additional parameters
for the new schedule, a user may select graphical element 178 to
proceed to the next tab, as shown in FIG. 10.
[0102] FIG. 10 depicts a screen 179 that prompts a user to enter
schedule information. Specifically, screen 179 includes
instructions 180 prompting a user to select days of the week for
the schedule. The days of the week may be selected by selecting
corresponding graphical elements 182. In certain embodiments, the
schedule may include default settings with values that comply with
the Energy Star energy efficiency guidelines set by the
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of
Energy. After a user has selected a day to edit through graphical
element 182, a user may select graphical element 178 to edit the
operating schedule for that day.
[0103] FIG. 11 depicts a screen 184 for assigning schedule events
to the selected day. Screen 184 includes graphical elements 186
that may be selected to specify the number of events for that day.
As shown, four events have been selected and, therefore, screen 184
includes four graphical elements 188 that correspond to each of the
events. However, in other embodiments, if a user has selected two
events, for example, only two of the graphical elements 188 may be
shown on screen 184. A user may select one of the graphical
elements 188 and them may use graphical element 190 to specify a
start time for the selected event. For example, a user may select
arrows 192 to increase or decrease the start time, which is shown
in a window 194 of graphical element 190. After a user has adjusted
the start times, a user may select graphical element 196 to return
to the previous screen shown in FIG. 10 or may select graphical
element 178 to advance to the next tab as shown in FIG. 12.
[0104] FIG. 12 depicts a screen 198 for entering heating and/or
cooling temperatures for each of the events. Each of the events has
a corresponding graphical element 200 that may be selected to
adjust the heating or cooling temperature set points. In certain
embodiments, the cooling temperature set point may be shown in one
color while the heating temperature set point is shown in another
color. For example, the temperature 70.degree. may be shown in red
to indicate that it is the heating temperature set point while the
temperature 73.degree. may be shown in blue to indicate that is it
the cooling temperature set point. Further, in certain embodiments
where only a heating or cooling system may be employed, only the
heating or cooling temperature set point may be shown on graphical
elements 200. After a user has selected an event to edit, a user
may select graphical element 178 to display a screen 202 (FIG. 13)
for editing the selected event.
[0105] FIG. 13 depicts a screen 202 with graphical elements, such
as slide bars 204A and 204B that may be employed to adjust the
heating or cooling temperature set points for the selected schedule
event. In certain embodiments, each slide bar 204A and B may be a
different color to facilitate user identification of the slide bar
corresponding to the heating temperature set point and the slide
bar corresponding to the cooling temperature set point. For
example, slide bar 204A may be used to adjust the heating
temperature set point and may be shown in red, while slide bar 204B
may be used to adjust the cooling temperature set point and may be
shown in blue. Further, in certain embodiments, a graphic, such as
a snowflake, may be shown on slide bar 204B to indicate cooling
while another graphic, such as a heating coil, may be shown on
slide bar 204A to indicate heating. The graphics may facilitate
intuitive identification of which slide bar corresponds to heating
temperature set point and the cooling temperature set point.
[0106] Each slide bar 204A and 204B includes a set of indicators
206, 208, 210, and 212 that show the maximum and minimum
temperature set points that may be selected. Each slide bar 204A
and 204B generally represents an incremental range of temperatures
that may be selected within the maximum and minimum temperature
ranges, as shown by indicators 206, 208, 210, and 212. For example,
the incremental temperature values may be spaced in one degree
temperature increments along slide bars 204 and 204B. According to
certain embodiments, controller 22 may determine the maximum and
minimum temperatures based on factors such as the equipment models
included within HVAC system 52, the operating efficiency of HVAC
system 52, the operating mode (i.e., heating, cooling, high
cooling, low cooling, high heating, low heating, auxiliary heat,
etc.), the thermal loading of the home, the geographical location,
structural characteristics of the home, user preferences based on
comfort selections, efficiency settings, or the like, and installer
and/or factory settings. In certain embodiments, tables and/or
algorithms correlating HVAC system conditions to maximum and
minimum temperature settings may be stored within memory 84 (FIG.
5). Further, in certain embodiments, the maximum and minimum
temperature values may be received through communication interface
92 and/or I/O port 90, as shown in FIG. 5.
[0107] Each slide bar 204A and 204B includes a moveable feature,
such as a slider 214A or 214B that may be moved along slide bar
204A or 204B to adjust the temperature set point. Each slider 214A
and 214B may include an indicator 215A and 215B that displays the
current temperature set point. A user may touch and drag sliders
214A and 214B along the corresponding slide bars 204A and 204B
until the desired set point is selected. In addition to sliders
214A and 214B, a user may select graphical elements 216A, 216B,
218A, and 218B to increase or decrease the temperature set point.
In response to selection of graphical elements 216 or 218, the
corresponding slider 214A or 214B may move accordingly to reflect
the adjusted temperature setting. For example, in response to
selection of graphical element 216A or 216B, controller 22 may move
slider 214A or 214B to the right to increase the temperature
setting by one increment, for example, one degree. In response to
selection of graphical element 218A or 218B, controller 22 may move
slider 214A or 214B to the left to decrease the temperature by one
increment.
[0108] As sliders 214A and 214B are moved, either through sliding
or selection of graphical elements 216 and 218, indicators 215 may
be updated to correspond to the new temperature set point. Upon
selection of a new set point, a user may select graphical elements
174 and 220 to cancel or to apply the new set point to the
schedule. Specifically, a user may select graphical element 174 to
cancel the changes and return to the prior set points. However, if
a user would like to implement the new set points, the user may
select graphical element 220 to apply the new temperature set
points.
[0109] In response to selection of graphical element 220,
controller 22 may determine the temperature corresponding to the
selected set point. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, controller 22
may receive the touch event information that moves sliders 214A and
215B from touch screen 45 and may correlate the movement on slide
bars 204A and 204B to the temperature value displayed by indicators
215A and 215B. Controller 22 may store the new set point in a
corresponding control registry of controller 22. Further, in
certain embodiments, the controller may send the registry values to
control circuits 58, 60, or 62 for backup storage.
[0110] In other embodiments, the shape, style, design, graphics,
and the like of the graphical elements and/or the moveable features
may vary. As shown in FIG. 13, the incremental temperature ranges
that may be selected are shown on slide bars 204A and 204B.
However, in other embodiments, the graphical elements representing
the incremental temperature ranges may vary. For example, in
certain embodiments, the incremental temperature ranges may be
shown on virtual thermometers with sliders that may moved along the
thermometers to adjust the temperature set points. In another
example, the incremental temperature ranges may be displayed on a
dial with moveable hands that a user may slide around the dial to
adjust the temperature set points.
[0111] FIG. 14 depicts a screen 222 for adjusting fan settings for
the selected schedule. Screen 222 includes graphical elements 224
that may be selected to adjust fan settings for each event of the
selected schedule. For example, a user may choose between an
automatic fan mode where the HVAC system automatically varies the
airflow based on the state of the equipment and a continuous fan
mode where the HVAC system operates the indoor fan continuously or
at set intervals regardless of the state of equipment. In certain
embodiments, graphical elements 224 may include indicators 225
identifying the current fan settings. After a user has adjusted the
fan mode for each of the events, a user may select graphical
element 178 to proceed to the next screen to adjust humidity
values.
[0112] As shown in FIG. 15, a screen 226 may be used to select
humidity set points for the heating and cooling modes. Screen 226
includes graphical elements 228 and 230 that may be selected to
adjust the humidity values for the heating and cooling modes,
respectively. An indicator 232 may be displayed adjacent to
graphical elements 228 and 230 to indicate the selected mode. For
example, as shown in FIG. 15, the heating graphical element 228 has
been selected. Screen 226 also includes graphical elements 234 and
236 that may be selected to selectively enable an automatic
humidity mode or a manual humidity mode. For example, in automatic
mode, controller 22 may determine the humidity set point based on
operating parameters on the HVAC system 52, such as the temperature
set point, the outside temperature, and/or the outside humidity
among others. However, in manual mode, controller 22 may operate
HVAC system 52 to in accordance with a humidity set point selected
by a user.
[0113] In manual mode, a user may select the desired humidity level
from a range of humidity values displayed on a slide bar 238.
Specifically, slide bar 238 includes indicators 240 and 242 that
display the minimum and maximum humidity set points, respectively.
In certain embodiments, the maximum and minimum humidity set points
may be set by the factory or by an installer based on performance
capabilities the particular equipment installed in the HVAC system.
Further, in certain embodiments, controller 22 may determine the
maximum and minimum humidity set points based on factors such as
the equipment models included within HVAC system 52, the operating
efficiency of HVAC system 52, the operating mode, and installer
and/or factory settings. In certain embodiments, tables and/or
algorithms correlating HVAC conditions to maximum and minimum
humidity set points may be stored within memory 84 (FIG. 5).
Further, in certain embodiments, the maximum and minimum humidity
set points may be received through a communication interface 92
and/or through I/O port 90, as shown in FIG. 5.
[0114] Slide bar 238 includes a slider 244 that may be moved along
slide bar 238 to adjust the humidity set point. Slider 244 may
include an indicator 245 that displays the current humidity set
point. A user may touch and drag slider 244 along slide bar 238
until the desired set point is selected. In addition to slider 244,
a user may select graphical elements 246 and 248 to increase or
decrease the humidity setting. In response to selection of
graphical element 246 or 248, slider 244 may move accordingly to
reflect the adjusted humidity setting. As slider 244 is moved,
either through slider 244 or selection of graphical elements 246
and 248, indicator 245 may be updated to correspond to the new
humidity set point. Upon selection of a new set point, a user may
select graphical element 178 to apply the new setting.
[0115] After a user has created a schedule, or adjusted a schedule,
as described above with respect to FIGS. 8-15, a user may view a
summary of the schedules. For example, controller 22 may display a
screen 250 in response to selection of graphical element 138 (FIG.
8). Screen 250 includes graphical elements 252 that may be selected
to view the scheduled for the corresponding day of the week. In
response to selection of one of the graphical elements 252, a
window 254 describing the schedule for that day of the week may be
shown on screen 250. After a user has viewed the schedule, a user
may select graphical element 262 to close the schedule viewer and
return to the main scheduling screen 128 shown in FIG. 8.
[0116] As depicted in FIG. 17, a user may apply the schedules to
periods shown on a calendar. For example a user may select
graphical element 148 (FIG. 8) to display a screen 264 for
assigning a schedule to periods shown on a calendar. Screen 264
includes a window 266 that shows calendar months and seasons that
may be selected for a schedule. In other embodiments, window 266
may show calendar days, weeks, or the like. To assign a schedule to
a certain period, a user may use the arrow graphical elements 134
and 136 to scroll thorough and select one of the schedules shown in
window 132. After a schedule has been selected, a user may select a
graphical element 270 to assign the schedule to a corresponding
season such as winter, spring, summer, and/or fall. Further, a user
may select a graphical element 268 to assign the selected schedule
to the entire year. Moreover, a user may select a graphical element
272 to assign the selected schedule to a corresponding month. In
certain embodiments, upon selection of graphical elements 272,
individual days within a month may be selected. After a user has
assigned the schedule to the desired periods, a user may select
graphical element 274 to return to the main scheduling screen 128
(FIG. 8).
[0117] As shown in FIG. 18, a user may also apply the schedules to
different zones managed by the HVAC system. For example, a user may
select graphical element 126, as shown in FIG. 7, to display a
screen 276 for managing zones of HVAC system 52. HVAC system 52 may
include separate HVAC zones for rooms within the house, such as the
living room, kitchen, bedrooms, dining room, and/or den. Screen 276
includes graphical elements 278 that correspond to each of the
zones within the HVAC system. A user may select a schedule using
graphical elements 134 and then may select graphical elements 278
assign the selected schedule to specific zones. After a user has
assigned zones to a schedule, a user may select a graphical element
220 to apply the new zone settings and return to a main screen of
controller 22.
[0118] FIG. 19 depicts another embodiment of a main menu screen 279
that may be used to navigate through menus of GUI 46. In certain
embodiments, screen 279 may serve as a dashboard display to
facilitate controlling HVAC system 52. Further, background 97 of
screen 279 may be customized as described above with respect to
FIG. 6. Screen 279 includes indicators 48E and 48F that may display
status information for HVAC system 52. For example, indicator 48E
may display an icon indicating that humidity control is on. In
certain embodiments, indicator 48 may show an image of a droplet
appearing on screen 279 to indicate that HVAC system 52 is
operating in a humidifying mode and may show an image of a droplet
fading from screen 279 to indicate the HVAC system 52 is operating
in a dehumidifying mode. Indicator 48F may display a fan icon
indicating that the fan is operating in automatic mode. In certain
embodiments, indicator 48F may show an image of a fan spinning at a
speed that represents the current fan setting.
[0119] Screen 279 also includes graphical elements 50F and 50G that
display information about the status of HVAC system 52. For
example, graphical element 50F displays a snowflake icon with text
indicating that the cooling system is off. However, in other
embodiments, when the cooling system is operational the snowflake
icon may appear along with an indicator displaying a current
percentage of cooling capacity. In another example, graphical
elements 50G a heating icon with text indicating the current
temperature set point for the heating mode. Further, graphical
elements 50F and 50G may be animated to indicate the current level
of heating and cooling being performed. For example, graphical
elements 50F and 50G may pulse and/or glow when the HVAC system 52
is actively heating or cooling. Moreover, the frequency of the
pulse may be linked to the level of heating or cooling (i.e., to
indicate whether the system is operating in a first stage or a
second stage, or to show a modulation rate).
[0120] Screen 279 also includes graphical elements 283, 284, and
286 that may be employed to view screens and/or menus for changing
operating parameters of HVAC system 52. For example, graphical
element 283 may be selected to return to standby screen 94 as shown
in FIG. 6. Graphical element 284 may be selected to override the
current temperature settings as discussed below with respect to
FIG. 53. Graphical element 286 may be selected to override the
current schedule as discussed below with respect to FIG. 20.
[0121] FIG. 20 depicts a screen 288 that may be employed to
implement a schedule override. For example, screen 288 may be
displayed in response to selection of graphical element 286 as
shown in FIG. 19. Screen 288 includes graphical elements 290
corresponding to each of the scheduled events for the current day.
An indicator 291 appears over the current event. A graphical
element 292 may be selected to view the schedule corresponding to
that event. Further, a graphical element 294 may be selected to set
a vacation schedule that overrides the currently programmed
schedule.
[0122] As shown in FIG. 21, a screen 296 may be displayed to
implement a vacation schedule. Screen 296 includes graphical
elements 298 and 300 that may be selected to scroll through
calendar months 302. After selecting a desired month, graphical
elements 304 and 306 may be selected and dragged to corresponding
days on calendar 302 to set a vacation schedule. In other
embodiments, a start date and an end date may be selected or days
may be touched by a user to highlight those days as vacation days.
Once days are selected, a schedule may be applied to the selected
vacation days to designate operating parameters, such as
temperature set points, humidity set points, airflow settings, and
the like for the selected vacation days. In certain embodiments,
the vacation schedule may be configured as described above with
respect to FIGS. 8-15. A user may then select graphical element 308
to save the vacation schedule.
[0123] A user also may user calendar 302 to identify special days,
such as birthdays, holidays, anniversaries, or the like. As shown
in FIG. 22, a screen 310 may display a calendar 302 with the
current day 312 highlighted. A scroll bar 314 may be shown on a
portion on screen 310 and may display icons 316 corresponding to
certain holidays, such as birthdays, anniversaries, or the like. In
certain embodiments, a user may select an icon 316 and drag that
icon to a corresponding date 318 on the calendar. After identifying
a special day on the calendar, a user may select buttons 320 to set
alerts for those days. For example, a user may select a button 320
to display dashboard animation on a screen, such as screen 279
(FIG. 19) of controller 22 on the special day. In another example,
a user may set a reminder that is displayed on a controller screen
on the designated day. A user may select graphical element 308 to
save the special day designations.
[0124] In certain embodiments, a user may select a different
operating schedule for a special day. For example, controller 22
may display a screen on the special day to enable the user to
specify an atypical set point for that day. For example, on the
afternoon of a child's birthday party, a user may adjust the set
point to five degrees cooler than normal to accommodate guests that
may be present for the party. In another example, a heating
temperature set point may be adjusted to increase at an earlier
time to accommodate an early morning gathering.
[0125] GUI 46 also may facilitate customization of the backlight
settings for controller 22 as shown in FIGS. 23 and 24. For
example, through a settings screen 322, which may be accessed by
selection of graphical element 108 shown in FIG. 7, a user may
select a graphical element 328 for configuring the backlight.
Screen 322 also may include other graphical element 326, 327, 330,
332, 334, 336, and 338 for viewing and adjusting various settings
of controller 22. Screen 332 also includes a graphical element 340
that may be selected to return to a main screen.
[0126] As shown in FIG. 24, in response to selection of graphical
element 328, controller 22 may display a screen 342 for adjusting
display settings. For example, the display settings may be adjusted
to enable a nightlight feature of controller 22. Specifically,
screen 42 includes graphical elements 344 and 346 that may be
selected to turn the nightlight feature on and off, respectively.
After a user has enabled the nightlight feature, for example,
through selection of graphical element 344, a slide bar 348 may be
employed set the display brightness. Slide bar 348 includes
indicators 350 and 352 displaying the maximum and minimum
brightness, respectively. Slide bar 348 also includes a slider 354
that may be selected and dragged by a user along the slide bar 348
to set the brightness for the nightlight feature. An indicator 355
may be shown on slider 354 to display the current brightness value.
Further, graphical elements 356 and 358 may also be selected to
increase or decrease the brightness.
[0127] Screen 342 also includes graphical elements 360 and 362 that
may be selected to set the time the nightlight is turned on and
off. For example, graphical element 360 may be selected to set the
time that the nightlight turns on and graphical element 362 may be
selected to set the time that the nightlight turns off. After a
user has selected graphical element 360 or 362, a user may select
the arrows 364 to increase or decrease the time. Similarly, a user
may select graphical element 362 to set the time the nightlight
turns off. After setting the night light brightness and time
period, a user may select graphical element 274 to return to the
main screen. Further, in certain embodiments, a user may assign the
nightlight feature to one or more operating schedules for HVAC
system 52. For example, a user may program the times and intensity
for the nightlight feature as part of the "Sleep" event shown in
FIG. 16. Through an operating schedule, a user may set separate
nightlight times and intensities for different days of the week.
For example, a user may have the nightlight turn on at an earlier
time on school days to accommodate a child's earlier bedtime.
Further, controller 22 may automatically disable or enable the
nightlight feature when certain schedules are selected. For
example, when a user enables a vacation schedule as described above
with respect to FIGS. 21 and 22, controller 22 may disable the
nightlight feature to save energy.
[0128] FIGS. 25-28 depict screens of GUI 46 that may be employed to
modify temperature set points when HVAC system 52 is in an Auto
Changeover mode. In Auto Changeover mode, HVAC system 52 may
automatically switch from heating operation to cooling operation
based at least in part on the current room temperature and the
temperature set point. As shown in FIG. 25, a screen 366 may be
displayed on controller 22 that allows a user to adjust the
temperature set points for the cooling and heating modes when the
system is in an Auto Changeover mode.
[0129] Screen 366 includes an indicator 368 that displays the zone
currently being controlled by controller 22. Screen 366 also
includes indicators 48D, 48E, 48F, and 48G that display status
information about HVAC system 52. A slide bar 370 includes separate
sliders 372 and 374 that may be moved independently from one
another along slide bar 370 to adjust the heating and cooling set
points. Specifically, a user may touch and drag slider 372 along
slide bar 370 to adjust the heating set point, and a user may touch
and drag slider 374 along slide bar 370 to adjust the cooling set
point. Each slider 372 and 374 includes an indicator 375 and 376
that may display the current temperature set point. Slide bar 370
also includes indicators 377 and 378 that represent the maximum and
minimum temperature set points, respectively. Further, slide bar
370 includes off positions 382 and 384, which may disable the
heating and cooling modes. For example, a user may touch and drag
slider 374 to off position 382 to turn off the cooling mode, and a
user may touch and drag slider 372 to off position 384 to turn of
the heating mode.
[0130] Between sliders 372 and 374 is a deadband section 380.
Deadband section 380 represents a temperature range where neither
heating nor cooling may occur. According to certain embodiments,
deadband section 380 may prevent HVAC system 52 from switching
between the heating and cooling modes too rapidly and/or
frequently. Slide bar 370 and sliders 372 and 374 may allow a user
to visualize the size of deadband section 380. Further, in certain
embodiments, slide bar 370 may allow a user to increase the size of
deadband section 380 as shown in FIG. 26. In certain embodiments,
the slide bar 370 may facilitate visualization between the heating
and cooling set points, which in certain embodiments may allow the
user to maximize the size of deadband section 380, which may result
in more efficient heating and cooling.
[0131] As shown in FIG. 26, a user has adjusted slider 374 to the
right to increase the cooling temperature set point and has
adjusted slider 372 to the left to decrease the heating temperature
set point. These adjustments have increased the size of deadband
section 380. To the right of slider 374 is the cooling region 388
which may be shown in a different color or shading, such as blue,
to show that cooling may occur within this region. To the left of
slider 372 is the heating region 386, which may be shown in a color
such as red to show that heating may occur within this region. The
deadband section 380 may be shown in a neutral color such as gray
that indicates to the user that no heating or cooling may occur
when the temperature falls within this section. The deadband
section 380 may represent an efficient operating range because no
heating or cooling may occur within this range.
[0132] Further, in certain embodiments, screen 366 and slide bar
370 may facilitate understanding of how HVAC system 52 operates.
For example, controller 22 may prevent a user from adjusting the
slider 372 to a higher set point than the current set point of
slider 374. In certain embodiments, if a user attempts to move
slider 372 to far to the right to overlap with slider 374,
controller 22 may move the cooling set point to the right to
maintain a minimum deadband between slider 372 and 374.
[0133] FIG. 27 depicts screen 366 after a user has moved slider 372
to the off position 384 to disable the heating mode. As noted
above, a user may move one or both sliders 372 and 374 to their
respective off positions 382 and 384 to disable heating mode,
cooling mode, or both. Further, in certain embodiments, a user may
tap a respective off position 382 or 384 to turn off the heating or
cooling mode. In certain embodiments, when a heating or cooling
mode is off, the respective off position 382 or 384 may display a
color corresponding to the system such as blue or red, to indicate
that the respective mode has been disabled. When an off position
382 and 384 is tapped, controller 22 may display the respective
slider 372 or 374 and may display a suggested set point to assist a
user in enabling the heating or cooling mode.
[0134] FIG. 28 depicts another embodiment of a screen 390 that may
be used to adjust a temperature set point for a heating mode or a
cooling mode. Screen 390 includes a slide bar 392 with a slider 394
that may be used to adjust a heating or cooling temperature set
point. An indicator 396 on slider 394 displays the current
temperature set point. Further, as a user moves slider 394 along
slide bar 392, another indicator 398 may appear above the slide bar
392 to allow the user to see the current temperature set point.
[0135] Slide bar 392 also includes indicators 400 and 402.
Specifically, indicator 400 indicates when the cooling mode has
been enabled, for example, by lighting up or by changing color.
Indicator 402 may indicate when the heating mode has been enabled,
for example, by lighting up or changing color. As shown, HVAC
system 52 is currently operating in a cooling mode. An indicator
404 may appear below indicator 400 to provide information relating
to the cooling capacity. For example, as shown, indicator 404
alerts a user that the cooling system is currently operating at 62%
of the cooling capacity. When HVAC system 52 is operating in the
heating mode, a similar indicator (not shown) may appear below
graphical element 402. As shown, no indicator appears below
graphical element 402 indicating that the heating mode is off.
However, in other embodiments, when the heating mode is off, an
indicator may appear below graphical element 402 indicating that
the heating capacity is at 0%.
[0136] In addition to facilitating user adjustment of temperature
set points, controller 22 may notify a user when over-adjustment of
a temperature set point has been attempted. For example, as shown
in FIGS. 29 and 30, controller 22 may monitor the amount of set
point adjustment and/or the frequency of set point adjustments to
reduce "slamming" and/or over adjustment. For example, slamming may
occur when a user reduces the set point to the maximum allowed
temperature in an attempt to rapidly cool or heat the environment.
However, slamming may result in inefficient heating or cooling as
the system may overcorrect and require additional heating or
cooling to compensate for the large temperature change.
[0137] FIG. 29 depicts a method 406 of detecting over adjustment of
a temperature set point. Method 406 may begin by receiving (block
408) a temperature set point adjustment. For example, a user may
adjust a temperature set point by moving a slide bar as described
above with respect to FIG. 13. Upon receiving a set point
adjustment, controller 22 may determine (block 410) whether the
adjustment exceeds a predetermined threshold. For example,
controller 22 may compare the new temperature set point to the
previous temperature set point to determine the amount of change in
the temperature set point.
[0138] Controller 22 may then determine whether the change in the
temperature set point exceeds a predetermined threshold. For
example, memory 84 (FIG. 5) may store one or more predetermined
thresholds levels. In certain embodiments, the threshold levels may
depend on factors such as the current temperature, the operating
mode of HVAC system 52, or the outside temperature, among others.
If controller 22 determines that the amount is less than the value
stored in memory, controller 22 may adjust (block 412) the
temperature set point. However, if controller 22 determines that
the adjustment exceeds the threshold level, controller 22 may
display (block 414) a notification. For example, controller 22 may
display a notification on display 44 (FIG. 5) that informs the user
of the large temperature change. For example, controller 22 may
display a message explaining that changing the temperature set
point by this amount could cause the user to be too cold or too
warm in a few moments. In another example, controller 22 may
display a notification informing the user that the large adjustment
could reduce the efficiency and/or damage the HVAC system.
Controller 22 may then request verification from the user prior to
adjusting the temperature set point by an amount that exceeds the
predetermined threshold. Controller 22 also may display a
notification suggesting a smaller change in the temperature set
point or suggesting changing the temperature set point by such a
large amount for only a short period of time.
[0139] FIG. 30 depicts a method 416 for monitoring the frequency of
set point adjustments, which may be implemented by controller 22 in
addition to, or instead of, monitoring the amount of change in the
temperature set point. Method 416 may begin by receiving (block
418) a temperature set point adjustment. Controller 22 may then
determine (block 420) whether the current adjustment causes the
adjustment frequency to exceed a predetermined threshold. For
example, memory 84 may store adjustment frequencies specifying the
number of set point adjustments that may be made in set periods of
time. In certain embodiments, controller 22 may track the number of
adjustments within multiple time periods. For example, controller
22 may check for multiple frequencies, such as a certain number of
adjustments within an hour and a certain number of adjustments
within a fifteen-minute period. Further, the adjustment frequencies
may depend on factors such as the current temperature, the
operating mode of HVAC system 52, or the outside temperature, among
others.
[0140] If the adjustment frequency is less than the predetermined
threshold, controller 22 may then adjust (block 422) the set point.
However, if the adjustment causes the frequency to exceed the
predetermined threshold, controller 22 may display (block 424) a
notification on touch screen 45. For example, controller 22 may
display a message explaining that system efficiency and comfort are
maximized when the temperature set point is not frequently
adjusted. In another example, controller 22 may display a message
indicating how many times the set point has been adjusted within a
certain period. Further, controller 22 may suggest waiting a
certain time period before implementing the set point adjustment.
Moreover, in certain embodiments, controller 22 may ignore the set
point adjustment if the adjustment causes the frequency to exceed
the predetermined threshold. In certain embodiments, controller 22
may ignore set point adjustments that are too frequent to optimize
energy efficiency, performance, or equipment life, among others.
Controller 22 may also request user verification prior to making
the set point adjustment.
[0141] Although method 406 (FIG. 29) and method 416 (FIG. 30) are
described above with respect to temperature set points. The methods
also may be implemented for adjustments of other operating
parameters, such as humidity set points, fan settings, or the like.
Further, in certain embodiments, methods 406 and 416 may
automatically override adjustment by the user to maximize system
efficiency and comfort and protect HVAC system 52.
[0142] GUI 46 also may facilitate user interaction with controller
22. For example, as shown in FIGS. 31 and 32, GUI 46 may include
components that enable intuitive selection of the display language.
As shown in FIG. 31, a graphical element 426 may be displayed on a
screen, such as screen 279 (FIG. 19). Graphical element 426 may
include graphics that may enable a user to recognize the icon as a
language selection icon regardless of the user's native language.
Further, in other embodiments, graphical controller 22 may display
graphical element 426 in response to detecting connection of an
external device through communication interface 92 or I/O port 90
(FIG. 5). For example, a service technician may connect a
troubleshooting device through I/O port 90, and in response to
detecting connection of the device, controller 22 may display
graphical element 426 on display 44. Moreover, in other
embodiments, graphical element 426 may be selected through a
setting screen 322 as described above with respect to FIG. 23. A
user, such as a technician, may select graphical element 426 to
change the language shown by GUI 46.
[0143] In response to selection of graphical element 426,
controller 22 may display a window 428 as shown in FIG. 32. Window
428 may facilitate selection of a language for GUI 46.
Specifically, window 428 includes selection bars 430 that may be
selected by a user through touch screen 45 to select a
corresponding language, such as English, Spanish, or French, among
others. Window 428 also includes graphical element 432 that may be
selected to set the duration of the language selection. For
example, a graphical element 432 may be selected to switch the
language from English to Spanish for a fifteen minute period. The
selection of the period may allow the user, such as a service
technician, to change the language to facilitate service of
controller 22 and then the language automatically may switch back
without requiring the technician to return the language to the
previous state. The temporary option for a change in the display
language may promote efficiency during service calls and/or may
ensure that controller 22 is not left displaying a language foreign
to the homeowner after completion of a service call.
[0144] Window 428 also includes graphical elements 434 and 436 that
may be selected to cancel or apply the language selection. For
example, a user may select graphical element 434 to cancel the
language selection and to return to the previous setting. A user
may select graphical element 436 to apply the new language setting.
In response to selection of graphical element 436, controller 22
may apply the language setting to GUI 46. For example, controller
46 may change the screen of GUI 46 to show text in the
corresponding language. According to certain embodiments, memory 84
may store screens corresponding to each of the languages that may
be selected. Controller 22 may select the appropriate set of
screens for the selected language and may display these screens
through GUI 46.
[0145] GUI 46 also may facilitate voice control of controller 22 as
shown in FIG. 33. Controller 22 may include an audio feature 438
such as a speaker and microphone disposed in enclosure 42 of
controller 22. In these embodiments, processor 82 (FIG. 5) may
include a voice-processing feature that enables controller 22 to
receive and/or transmit voice communications with a user 440. The
voice-processing feature may include control circuitry, hardware,
and/or software that enable voice communications between controller
22 and user 440.
[0146] To initiate voice control, a user 440 may transmit a voice
enable command 442 to controller 22. For example, user 440 may
speak a command such as, "voice control" that may be recognized
through audio feature 438. Controller 22 may process the voice
command and display an indicator 444 that shows that voice control
has been enabled. Controller 22 may then wait to receive a voice
command from user 440. For example, user 440 may transmit a voice
command 446 to controller 22 that changes a temperature set point
of HVAC system 52. In other embodiments, voice commands may be used
to control fan speed, adjust humidity, hold a certain temperature
for a set time period, or to perform maintenance functions, such as
downloading fault codes to an external device.
[0147] Controller 22 may then process the command and transmit a
verification request 448 through speaker 438 to user 440. For
example, a verification request may be audibly produced by
controller 438 that may say, "request received to change
temperature set point to 72 degrees, say yes to confirm, no to
deny." User 440 may then transmit the requested verification 450 to
controller 22. For example, the user may say "yes" to confirm the
command. In response to receiving verification 450, controller 22
may process the command. For example, as shown in FIG. 33,
controller 22 may change the temperature set point to 72 degrees.
Controller 22 may then display a window 452 indicating that the
command has been completed. In certain embodiments, controller 22
may display various screens of GUI 46 that list voice commands that
a user may transmit to controller 22. Further, in certain
embodiments, instead of, or in addition to, displaying a window
452, controller 22 may emit an audible verification notifying a
user that the command has been completed. For example, as shown in
FIG. 33, controller 22 may emit an audible notification that says,
"set point changed."
[0148] FIG. 34 depicts an embodiment where controller 22 may by
controlled through an external device 454. External device 454 may
be connected to controller 22 through I/O port 90 and/or
communication interface 92 as shown in FIG. 5. External device 454
may be a portable electronic device, such as a cell phone, personal
data assistant (PDA), computer, personal navigation device, or the
like. In certain embodiments, external device 454 may be connected
to controller 22 through a wireless network connection, or a
personal area network connection (PAN), such as a Bluetooth
connection.
[0149] Controller 22 may display one or more screens 456 of GUI 46
for communicating with controller 22 via external device 54. For
example, screen 456 may include a window 458 that indicates when an
external device has been connected. Further, screen 456 may display
a window 460 for entering data 462 from external device 454. As
data 462 is received by the controller 22 from external device 454,
data 462 may be displayed within window 460. In certain
embodiments, data may be entered through a keypad or other data
entry device of external device 454. Data 462 may then be
transmitted to controller 22 through communication interface 92
(FIG. 5). Further, in certain embodiments, data may be transmitted
using a short messaging service (SMS), an enhanced messaging
service (EMS), a multimedia messaging service (MMS), instant
messaging, mobile instant messaging, and/or email, for example.
[0150] In certain embodiments, controller 22 may transmit
corresponding user interface information 464 to be displayed on
external device 454 to facilitate entry of data 462 through
external device 454. In certain embodiments, user interface info
464 may include screens that may be displayed on external device
454 to facilitate entry of data for controller 22. Communication
through external device 454 may allow a user to quickly enter data
in a data entry format that the user may be familiar with, for
example, a keyboard, or a cell-phone keypad. In certain
embodiments, external device 454 may be used to control parameters,
such as a temperature set point, relative humidity set point, fan
speed, or vacation settings, through external device 454. For
example, a user may return from vacation earlier than expected and
may communicate with controller 22 over external device 454 while
the user is traveling home from the airport. In certain
embodiments, communication by external device 454 may enable a
longer-range communication, for example, through a wide area
network (WAN).
[0151] As shown in FIG. 35, controller 22 also may communicate with
external servers through communication interface 92. For example,
controller 22 may receive advertisements through communication
interface 92. As shown in FIG. 35, controller 22 may present a
screen 466 that includes an advertising message 468. For example,
controller 22 may display an advertising message 368 at lunch time
that includes a coupon for a nearby restaurant. In another example,
advertising message 468 may be based at least in part on indoor or
outdoor temperature conditions. For example, when the outdoor
temperature is high, advertising for ice cream may be displayed. In
another example, when controller 22 determines that the scheduled
program is transitioning from a nighttime event to a daytime event,
a coffee advertisement may be displayed. Further, in other
embodiments, controller 22 may present advertising messages 468
sponsored by the equipment manufacturer, installing dealer,
servicing dealer, or the like that include discounts on equipment,
maintenance parts, or system upgrades for HVAC system 52.
[0152] As shown in FIG. 36, controller 22 also may be used to
display a screen 470 that may display opportunities to purchase
software or other products for HVAC system 52. For example, screen
470 may display software upgrades 472 such as themes or skin
components that may change the look and feel of GUI 46. In another
example, software upgrades 472 may include software applications
that may be purchased to enhance features of HVAC system 52. For
example, software applications may include a photo screensaver that
may allow a user to upload and store photographs within memory 84
of controller 22 for display on controller 22. In another example,
an application may include an energy use tracker that charts a
user's energy from year to year.
[0153] Upon selection of a type of software upgrade 472 (i.e.,
themes, applications, skins, etc.), screen 470 may display windows
474 describing the available software upgrades. Windows 474 may
include graphical elements 476 that may be selected to select the
corresponding software upgrade for purchase. A user may then select
a graphical element 478 to purchase the selected software. A user
also may select a graphical element 480 to cancel the
transaction.
[0154] Upon selection of graphical element 478, a user may be
directed to a screen that facilitates payment for the software
upgrades 472. For example, GUI 46 may display a screen for entering
credit card information. In certain embodiments, the payment
information may be transmitted to the software provided through
communication interface 92 (FIG. 5). In certain embodiments, the
software upgrades may already be installed on controller 22, for
example, stored within memory 84 and unlocked upon purchase.
Further, in certain embodiments, software upgrades may be made
through a local dealer who may send unlock codes to controller 22
through communication interface 92.
[0155] As shown in FIGS. 37 and 38, GUI 46 also may include screens
for customizing the layout of GUI 46. For example, a user may
access a screen 482 that allows a user to customize screen layouts.
Screen 482 may display a window 484 of screen layout options that
may be selected using arrows 134. After a user has selected a
screen layout, a user may mark selection boxes 486 corresponding to
functions that may be displayed on the selected screen layout. For
example, a user may select a dashboard layout within window 484 and
then may select functions 486 corresponding to graphical elements
that may be shown on the dashboard screen. Screen 484 also includes
graphical elements 488 and 490 that may be selected to cancel the
changes or to save the changes. In response to selection of
graphical element 490, controller 22 may store the changes within
memory 84 (FIG. 5). Further, in certain embodiments, upon selection
of graphical element 490 a user may be prompted to enter a name for
the configuration so that configurations for multiple users may be
stored by controller 22. Screen 482 also may include a graphical
element 492 that may be selected to restore the default settings.
Further, a user may select graphical element 494 to change the
location of the functions and/or graphical elements on the selected
screen.
[0156] As shown in FIG. 38, in response to selection of graphical
element 494, controller 22 may display a screen 496 that shows the
selected screen with graphical elements and indicators that may be
moved to a new location on the screen. For example, a user may
touch and drag graphical elements 283, 284, and 286 and indicators
48E and 48F to different areas of screen 496. After a user has
moved the graphical elements and indicators to the desired
locations, a user may select graphical element 490 to save the
changes.
[0157] FIG. 39 depicts a screen 498 of GUI 46 that may facilitate
entry of information into controller 22. For example, screen 498
may be used to enter dealer information, for example, by selection
of graphical element 116 shown in FIG. 7. Screen 498 includes a
window 500 that displays data entry fields 501. A user may select
the data entry field to enter data for that field. Further, a user
may scroll through data entry fields 501 using a slide bar 502.
After a user has selected a data entry field 501, a user may enter
information through a slide bar 504.
[0158] Slide bar 504 includes a slider 506 that may be moved along
slide bar 504 to select alphabetical and/or numerical values. An
indicator 508 is shown within slider 506 to indicate the current
alphanumeric value selected on slider 506. A toggle button 507 may
be selected to change slide bar 504 between alphabetical values and
numerical values. In certain embodiments, a user may enter
information by tapping slider 506 after it shows the desired
alphanumeric value. The information may then be shown as entered
information 510 within window 500. Screen 498 also includes a
spacebar 512, a return key 514 and a delete key 516 that may
facilitate entry of alphanumeric information through touch screen
45. Slide bar 504 may facilitate the entry of alphanumeric
information by allowing a large number of values to be entered in a
limited screen size. Further, in certain embodiments, additional
toggle keys 507 may be includes to display symbols or the like on
slide bar 504.
[0159] FIGS. 40 and 41 depict screens of controller 22 that may
facilitate the scaling of fonts and/or graphics. For example, as
shown in FIG. 40, controller 22 may display a screen 518 that is
similar to the dashboard screen shown in FIG. 3. However, screen
518 may include an additional graphical element 520 that may be
selected by a user to scale the size of objects displayed on the
screen. In response to selection of graphical element 520,
controller 22 may display a window 522 with a slide bar 524 for
scaling the text and/or graphics. Slide bar 524 may include a
slider 526 that may be slid along slide bar 524 by a user to
increase or decrease the size of the text and graphics. Window 522
may display indicators 528 and 530 that display the maximum and
minimum sizes.
[0160] After a user has adjusted the scale by moving slider 526, a
user may select graphical element 532 to scale the text and
graphics to the selected size. For example, as shown in FIG. 41,
controller 22 may display a screen 534 that includes portions of
previous screen 518 that have been increased in size. For example,
the time is now shown in a larger font. Further, the outside
temperature indicator 48D has been increased in size. The menu
graphical element 50 has also been increased in size. Further, a
graphical element 536 displays the current cooling set point along
with enlarged graphical elements 538 that may be selected to
increase or decrease the cooling set point.
[0161] Controller 22 also may automatically adjust the text
displayed to allow the same information to be displayed in the same
area but with a larger font. For example, humidity indicator 540
has been truncated to "HUM" to allow a larger font size to be used.
Further, in other embodiments, text may be replaced with a
graphical representation of the text to facilitate displaying the
same information in a larger size. Additionally, content deemed
less critical may be manually or automatically removed to
accommodate the larger display. For example, the maintenance alert
50E has been removed but may be accessed through graphical element
50D in a submenu. In certain embodiments, scaling of font size may
allow users with vision limitations to comfortably read the
display.
[0162] FIGS. 42 and 43 depict screens of GUI 46 that may facilitate
user understanding of zones within HVAC system 52. In certain
embodiments, controller 22 may display individual zones in a
continuous fashion so that the entire floor plan, or desired
portion thereof, of a building can be recognizable and identified
by the user. As shown in FIG. 42, a user, such as an installer, may
create a visual and/or virtual representation of zones within HVAC
system 52 through a screen 542. In certain embodiments, screen 542
may be displayed in response to selection of graphical element 126,
as shown in FIG. 7. Screen 542 includes a graphical element 546
that may be selected to edit the layout of zones within HVAC system
52. For example, a line defined by end points 548 may be selected
on touch screen 45 and dragged to move or edit the size. In certain
embodiments, an installer may create a visual representation of the
homeowner's floor plan. Screen 542 also includes a window 550 with
selectable elements 552 that may be dragged onto the layout 544.
Selectable elements 552 may represent physical elements included
inside or outside of the residence. For example, selectable
elements 552 may include windows, doors, trees, cabinets, vents,
swimming pools, or the like that may be added to layout 544.
[0163] Screen 542 also includes a graphical element 554 that may be
selected to customize the look of the layout 544. For example, in
response to selection of graphical element 554, controller 22 may
display a screen for assigning different colors to sections of
layout 544. In certain embodiments, a user may select colors that
correspond to wall colors of the rooms represented in layout 544.
In another example, a user may be able to name each of the rooms
and/or each of the zones. Further, through graphical element 554 an
installer may be able to adjust a schedule and/or temperature set
points for each of the zones. Moreover, in certain embodiments, a
user may select areas of layout 544 to assign those areas to
different operating zones of HVAC system 52. For example, in
response to user selection of a zone for an area of layout 544,
controller 22 may assign the electronic dampers for the selected
area to the selected zone. In this manner, a user may determine
which areas of layout 544 correspond to each zone by selecting
areas of layout 544. After installer has made the desired changes,
an installer may select graphical element 490 to save the
changes.
[0164] As show in FIG. 43, a user may view a screen 556 of GUI 46
to view the status of zones within zone layout 544. Screen 556
shows zone layout 544 with indicators 558 indicating the status of
each zone. For example, as shown, indicators 558 include the
temperature set point, the humidity set point, and the zone
identifier, such as the name of the zone (i.e. kitchen, bedroom,
living room, etc.) or a number corresponding to the zone. A user
may select a zone to display a window 560 with information
describing the settings for the selected zone. For example, window
560 may indicate whether the selected zone is being heated or
cooled, and may include the temperature set point. Further, in
certain embodiments, selecting a zone may display additional
information about the zone, such as the current temperature, the
fan speed, or other factors. Once a zone has been selected, a user
may adjust a set point, such as a temperature set point, for the
selected zone using graphical elements 562. After the appropriate
changes have been made, a user may select graphical element 490 to
save the changes.
[0165] As shown in FIG. 44, controller 22 may include a stylus 564
that may be used to operate touch screen 45. For example, a stylus
may facilitate more precise selection of smaller areas of touch
screen 45. Stylus 564 may be used to select portions of touch
screen 45. Enclosure 42 of controller 22 may include a portion 566
with a receptacle 568 for storing stylus 564. In certain
embodiments, stylus 564 may be stored within receptacle 568 of
enclosure 42 when not in use. Further, receptacle 568 may be
spring-loaded or may include a lock and releases mechanism that
facilitates insertion and withdrawal of stylus 564.
[0166] FIG. 45 depicts an embodiment of controller 22 mounted flush
within a wall 570 using a trim plate 572. Trim plate 572 may allow
controller 22 to be mounted into a wall cavity so that the
controller does not protrude from wall 570. In certain embodiments,
controller 22 may be designed to snap into trim plate 572 so no
tools are required for installation. Further, trim plate 572 may
include an electrical connection 573 that couples controller 22 to
a junction box 572 through a connector, such as a cable 576.
Junction box 574 may be located within the space between walls 570
and may accommodate various modules 578 for upgrading controller
22. The use of an electrical connection junction box 574 may allow
modules 578 to be added to controller 22 without increasing the
depth of controller 22.
[0167] FIG. 46 depicts an embodiment of controller 22 where display
44 may be detached from a base 580 of controller 22. Base 580 may
be mounted within a relatively permanent location, such as the wall
of a home. However, a user, such as a technician, may wish to
transport the display 44 of controller 22 to another location in
the home to facilitate troubleshooting and/or service. For example,
a technician may wish to transport display 44 to one of the units
of HVAC system 52. Accordingly, display 44 may be detached from
base 580 to allow a user to change settings for controller 22 from
areas away from base 580.
[0168] When display 44 is mounted on base 580, electrical
connectors 582 and 584 may operably couple display 44 to base 580.
For example, base 580 may include electrical connector 582, which
couples to corresponding electrical connector 584 of display 44.
Base 580 also includes communication interface 92 (FIG. 5) which
may allow display 44 to communicate with base 580 when display 44
is detached from base 580. For example, display 44 may include
another communication interface 586 that allows communication with
communication interface 92 of base 580. According to certain
embodiments, communication interface 586 may include a wireless
network communication interface that enables wireless communication
between display 44 and base 580. In certain embodiments, display 44
may include a power supply and control circuitry that enables
functionality of display 44 while detached from base 580.
[0169] Display 44 also may be designed to attach to a cradle or
dock 588 that may provide a portable power source. Further, in
certain embodiments, cradle 588 may serve as a docking station
where display 44 may be coupled through media ports for memory
upgrades, data downloads, or uploads, etc. Cradle 588 may include
an electrical connector 590 that couples to electrical connector
584 to enable communication between display 44 and cradle 588.
[0170] FIGS. 47 and 48 illustrate accessory devices that may be
used with controller 22 to enhance the appearance and/or to protect
controller 22. For example, a face plate 592 may be disposed over
controller 22 to protect the display when it is detached from a
base portion, as discussed above with respect to FIG. 46. In
certain embodiments, faceplate 592 may provide improved grip or
texturing to reduce the risk of dropping controller 22. Further, in
certain embodiments faceplate 592 may be constructed of cushioning
material, such as rubber. As shown in FIG. 47, faceplate 592 may
snap to or cling to a surface of controller 22. Further, in certain
embodiments, faceplate 592 may be used to alter the color or look
of controller 22, for example, to blend in with the wall of a home.
In another example, faceplate 592 may allow a user to customize the
appearance of controller 22. For example, a user may select a
faceplate 592 that displays the logo of a sports team.
[0171] FIG. 48 is a front view of controller 22 depicting faceplate
592 attached to controller 22. Faceplate 592 may include a window
594 that allows display 44 to be accessed through faceplate
592.
[0172] FIGS. 49-52 depict embodiments of controller 22 that may
include sensors for detecting conditions outside of enclosure 42 of
controller 22. For example, as shown in FIG. 49, controller 22 may
include a transmitter 596 and a receiver 598. According to certain
embodiments, transmitter 596 may be a radio frequency transmitter
and receiver 598 may be a radio frequency receiver. However, in
other embodiments, any suitable transmitters and receivers may be
employed. Transmitter 596 may transmit signals 600 to an object or
surface, such as a wall 602, opposite from controller 22. Signals
600 may bounce off wall 602 and return to controller 22 through
receiver 598. According to certain embodiments, signals 600 may
allow controller 22 to measure the temperature of wall 602. For
example, controller 22 may be mounted flush with wall 570, and,
therefore, controller 22 may receive limited airflow through
enclosure 42, which may impede measurement of the inside
temperature using a temperature sensor included within enclosure
42. Accordingly, transmitter 596 and receiver 598 may be used to
emit signals 600 for measuring the temperature. Further, in other
embodiments, transmitter 596 and receiver 598 may be used to
measure other parameters, such as humidity. Moreover, in certain
embodiments, transmitter 596 and receiver 598 may be replaced by
another type of sensor, such as infrared sensor.
[0173] As shown in FIGS. 50-52, transmitter 596 and receiver 598
may be used to detect motion in front of controller 22.
Specifically, transmitter 596 and receiver 598 may be included
within a motion sensor 604 that detects the presence of a person in
front of controller 22. In certain embodiments, controller 22 may
process data from motion sensor 604 to adjust a sensed temperature
to account for the body heat of a person standing in front of
controller 22. Further, in certain embodiments, motion sensor 604
may include a proximity sensor, thermal sensor, or the like.
[0174] As shown in FIGS. 51 and 52, motion sensor 604 may be used
to determine whether a person is walking by controller 22 or coming
toward controller 22. For example, as shown in FIG. 51, motion
sensor 604 may transmit and receive signals 600 to receive motion
data. Motion sensor 604 may process the motion data, for example,
via processor 82 (FIG. 5) to determine whether a person is moving
in a direction 608 parallel to controller 22, as shown in FIG. 51,
or whether a person is moving in a direction 610 toward controller
22, as shown in FIG. 52. In certain embodiments, controller 22 may
exit a standby mode upon detecting that a person is approaching as
shown in FIG. 52. For example, controller 22 may transition from
standby screen 94 (FIG. 6) to a home screen, such as the screen
shown in FIG. 3, upon detecting that a person is approaching.
Further, in certain embodiments, controller 22 may exit a standby
mode based on the amount of time a person is present in front of
controller 22.
[0175] Motion sensor 64 also may facilitate motion-based control of
controller 22 by detecting and processing motion patterns. For
example, memory 84 may store motion-based commands that may be
received through motion sensor 64. In one embodiment, a user may
wave a hand upward to increase a set point and may wave a hand
downward to decrease a set point. In another example, a user may
rotate a hand to adjust fan speed. In certain embodiments,
motion-based control may be enabled by selecting a graphical
element of GUI 46, for example, through a settings menu. In certain
embodiments, motion sensor 64 also may be employed to restrict
access to controller 22. For example, motion sensor 64 may be used
to detect the height of a user. Controller 22 may then compare the
detected height to a minimum height stored within memory 84, and
may only allow a user to interact with controller 22 if the user is
above a minimum height. In another example, controller 22 may allow
access to only some of the control features if a use is below the
minimum height. According to certain embodiments, motion sensor 64
may allow homeowners to restrict a child's access to controller 22.
Further, in certain embodiments where controller 22 may be
controlled by an external device such as a cell phone or a remote,
motion sensor 64 may ensure that an unauthorized user is not
attempting to change settings with the external device.
[0176] FIG. 53 depicts a screen 612 that may be employed to
override a current temperature set point. For example, a user may
select graphical element 284 from screen 279 as shown in FIG. 19 to
display screen 612. The temperature override feature may allow a
user to specify a temperature set point, regardless of the current
heating or cooling mode, and controller 22 may then switch to the
appropriate mode for cooling or heating the residence to the
specified set point. In this manner, a user may not need to set
separate heating and cooling temperature set points as described
above with respect to FIG. 13.
[0177] Screen 612 includes indicator 98 that displays the current
temperature and also includes slide bar 614 that represents a range
of incremental temperature set points that may be adjusted by a
user. Indicators 616 and 618 display the maximum and minimum
temperature set points. In certain embodiments, the maximum and
minimum humidity set points may be set by the factory or by an
installer based on performance capabilities the particular
equipment installed in the HVAC system. Further, in certain
embodiments, controller 22 may determine the maximum and minimum
temperature set points based on factors such as the equipment
models included within HVAC system 52, the operating efficiency of
HVAC system 52, the operating mode, and installer and/or factory
settings. In certain embodiments, tables and/or algorithms
correlating HVAC conditions to maximum and minimum temperature set
points may be stored within memory 84 (FIG. 5). Further, in certain
embodiments, the maximum and minimum temperature set points may be
received through a communication interface 92 and/or through I/O
port 90, as shown in FIG. 5.
[0178] Slide bar 614 includes a slider 620 that may be moved along
slide bar 614 to adjust the temperature set point. Slider 620 may
include an indicator 622 that displays the current temperature set
point. A user may touch and drag slider 620 along slide bar 614
until the desired set point is selected. In addition to slider 620,
a user may select graphical elements 624 and 626 to increase or
decrease the temperature setting. In response to selection of
graphical element 624 or 626, slider 620 may move accordingly to
reflect the adjusted temperature setting. As slider 620 is moved,
either through dragging slider 620 or selection of graphical
elements 624 and 626, indicator 622 may be updated to correspond to
the new temperature set point.
[0179] Upon receiving a new temperature set point, controller 22
may compare the new set point to the current temperature to
determine whether a heating mode or a cooling mode should be
enabled. For example, if the new temperature set point is higher
than the current temperature, controller 22 may enable or increase
heating. In another example, if the new temperature set point is
lower than the current temperature, controller 22 may enable or
increase cooling.
[0180] Screen 612 also includes graphical elements 628 and 630 that
may be selected to enable rapid cooling or rapid heating,
respectively. For example, after coming in from outdoors in the
winter, a user may select graphical element 630 to increase the
heat until a user warms up. When one of the graphical elements 628
or 630 is selected, controller 22 may operate HVAC system 52 at
full capacity regardless of the current temperature set points. In
certain embodiments, controller 22 may operate HVAC system 52 in
rapid heating or cooling mode for a predetermined period of time,
such as 10, 30 or 60 minutes, among others. The predetermined
period may be set by an installer or at the factory or may be set
by a user and stored within memory 84 (FIG. 5). Further, in certain
embodiments, screen 612 may include another graphical element (not
shown) that may be selected to cancel the rapid heating or
cooling.
[0181] In general, the user interface components depicted in FIGS.
6-53 may facilitate user control of HVAC system 52 through
controller 22. As may be appreciated, the relative sizes, shapes,
colors, layouts, and configurations of the user interface
components, graphical elements, screens, windows, menus, and the
like, shown herein may vary depending on system functionality, user
preferences, and/or system equipment, among others.
[0182] While only certain features and embodiments of the invention
have been illustrated and described, many modifications and changes
may occur to those skilled in the art (e.g., variations in sizes,
dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various
elements, values of parameters (e.g., temperatures, pressures,
etc.), mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors,
orientations, etc.) without materially departing from the novel
teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited in the
claims. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be
varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. It is,
therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended
to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true
spirit of the invention. Furthermore, in an effort to provide a
concise description of the exemplary embodiments, all features of
an actual implementation may not have been described (i.e., those
unrelated to the presently contemplated best mode of carrying out
the invention, or those unrelated to enabling the claimed
invention). It should be appreciated that in the development of any
such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design
project, numerous implementation specific decisions may be made.
Such a development effort might be complex and time consuming, but
would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication,
and manufacture for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of
this disclosure, without undue experimentation.
* * * * *