U.S. patent application number 14/015384 was filed with the patent office on 2014-07-24 for user interface screens for zoned hvac systems, a controller employing the screens and a method of operating a zoned hvac system.
This patent application is currently assigned to Lennox Industries Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Lennox Industries Inc.. Invention is credited to Daniel Castillo, Jay Charavda, Robert Anthony DiFulgentiz, III, Kyle Golden, Thomas Gerard Pavlak.
Application Number | 20140207291 14/015384 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 49998083 |
Filed Date | 2014-07-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20140207291 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Golden; Kyle ; et
al. |
July 24, 2014 |
USER INTERFACE SCREENS FOR ZONED HVAC SYSTEMS, A CONTROLLER
EMPLOYING THE SCREENS AND A METHOD OF OPERATING A ZONED HVAC
SYSTEM
Abstract
A controller for a zoned HVAC system and interface screens for
controlling a zoned HVAC system are disclosed herein. In one
embodiment, the controller includes: (1) a processor configured to
direct operation of the HVAC system according to operating data for
zones thereof and (2) a display configured to provide a zone
dashboard screen including a zone information area for each of the
zones, wherein each the zone information area has a defined shape
and is configured to provide operating data for a single one of the
zones and receive a user input that selects the single one of the
zones for the processor to control.
Inventors: |
Golden; Kyle; (Richardson,
TX) ; Castillo; Daniel; (Carrollton, TX) ;
Charavda; Jay; (Carrollton, TX) ; Pavlak; Thomas
Gerard; (Commerce Township, MI) ; DiFulgentiz, III;
Robert Anthony; (Richardson, TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Lennox Industries Inc. |
Richardson |
TX |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Lennox Industries Inc.
Richardson
TX
|
Family ID: |
49998083 |
Appl. No.: |
14/015384 |
Filed: |
August 30, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61754932 |
Jan 21, 2013 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
700/277 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24F 11/30 20180101;
G05D 23/1934 20130101; G05D 23/1902 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
700/277 |
International
Class: |
F24F 11/00 20060101
F24F011/00 |
Claims
1. A controller for a zoned HVAC system, comprising: a processor
configured to direct operation of said HVAC system according to
operating data for zones thereof; and a display configured to
provide a zone dashboard screen including a zone information area
for each of said zones, wherein each said zone information area has
a defined shape and is configured to provide operating data for a
single one of said zones and receive a user input that selects said
single one of said zones for said processor to control.
2. The controller as recited in claim 1 wherein said processor is
further configured to direct said display to provide a home page
screen for said single zone in response to receiving said user
input, said home page screen configured to receive inputs for
adjusting at least some of said operating data for said single
zone.
3. The controller as recited in claim 2 wherein said home page
screen is configured to receive an input for an away mode directed
only to said single zone.
4. The controller as recited in claim 3 wherein said operating data
includes heating and cooling set points and said processor is
configured to direct operation of said single zone based on said
heating and cooling set points and a status of said away mode.
5. The controller as recited in claim 2 wherein said home page
screen is further configured to receive a scrolling input and said
processor is configured to direct said display to provide a home
page screen for another one of said zones in response to said home
page screen.
6. The controller as recited in claim 1 wherein said zone dashboard
screen indicates which of said zones is in an away mode.
7. The controller as recited in claim 1 wherein said zone dashboard
screen includes a unique zone identifier that corresponds to said
zone information area.
8. The controller as recited in claim 1 wherein said controller is
a thermostat of said HVAC system.
9. The controller as recited in claim 1 wherein said controller is
a non-HVAC component configured to be wirelessly coupled to a
control unit of said HVAC system.
10. The controller as recited in claim 2 wherein said home page
screen further includes a zone dashboard invoker configured to
receive a user input to display said zone dashboard screen, said
processor configured to direct said display to provide said zone
dashboard screen in response to activation of said zone dashboard
invoker via said user input.
11. A computer program product having a series of operating
instruction stored on a non-transitory computer readable medium
that directs operation of a processor when initiated thereby to
provide interface screens on a display for interacting with a zoned
HVAC system, said interface screens including a zone dashboard
screen comprising: zone information areas for zones of said HVAC
system, wherein each one of said zone information areas has a
defined shape, is configured to provide operating data therein for
a single one of said zones and is configured to receive a user
input invoking a home page screen for said single one of said
zones.
12. The computer program product as recited in claim 11 wherein
said interface screens further comprise home page screens including
said home page screen, wherein each of said home page screens is
configured to receive inputs for adjusting at least some of said
operating data for said single zone.
13. The computer program product as recited in claim 11 wherein
said zone dashboard screen further includes an away mode indicator
for said each one of said zones.
14. The computer program product as recited in claim 11 wherein
said zone dashboard screen includes a unique zone identifier that
corresponds to said zone information area.
15. The computer program product as recited in claim 11 wherein
each of said home page screens includes current environmental data
for said corresponding zone.
16. The computer program product as recited in claim 12 wherein
each of said home page screens includes a cooling set point
indicator and a heating set point indicator that visually provides
cooling and heating set points for said corresponding zone.
17. The computer program product as recited in claim 15 wherein
each of said home page screens includes a set point changer
configured to increase or decrease said cooling and heating set
points in response to user input.
18. The computer program product as recited in claim 11 wherein
each of said home page screens includes zone status indicators and
outdoor environmental data.
19. The computer program product as recited in claim 11 wherein
each of said home page screens includes a zone dashboard invoker
and is configured to receive a scrolling input that invokes a home
page screen for another one of said zones.
20. A graphical user interface for a zoned HVAC system, comprising:
zone identifiers that textually identify different zones of said
zoned HVAC system; and zone information areas for said zones of
said zoned HVAC system, wherein each one of said zone information
areas has a defined shape, is configured to provide operating data
therein for a single one of said zones and is configured to receive
a user input invoking a home page screen for said single one of
said zones.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Application Ser. No. 61/754,932, filed by Charavda, et al., on Jan.
21, 2013, entitled "USER INTERFACE SCREENS AND CONTROLLER FOR HVAC
SYSTEM," commonly assigned with this application and incorporated
herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] This application is directed, in general, to heating,
ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems and, more
specifically, to zoned HVAC systems.
BACKGROUND
[0003] HVAC systems are used to regulate environmental condition
within an enclosed space. Typically, HVAC systems have a
circulation fan that pulls air from the enclosed space through
ducts and pushes the air back into the enclosed space through
additional ducts after conditioning the air (e.g., heating,
cooling, humidifying or dehumidifying the air). To direct
operations of HVAC components including a circulation fan, each
HVAC system includes at least one HVAC controller. Some HVAC
systems are zoned systems wherein a HVAC controller can direct the
flow of conditioned air for each of the zones of the HVAC
system.
SUMMARY
[0004] In one aspect, the disclosure provides a controller for a
zoned HVAC system. In one embodiment, the controller includes: (1)
a processor configured to direct operation of the HVAC system
according to operating data for zones thereof and (2) a display
configured to provide a zone dashboard screen including a zone
information area for each of the zones, wherein each the zone
information area has a defined shape and is configured to provide
operating data for a single one of the zones and receive a user
input that selects the single one of the zones for the processor to
control.
[0005] In another aspect, a computer program product having a
series of operating instruction stored on a non-transitory computer
readable medium that directs operation of a processor when
initiated thereby to provide interface screens on a display for
interacting with a zoned HVAC system is disclosed. In one
embodiment, the interface screens include a zone dashboard screen
having zone information areas for zones of the HVAC system, wherein
each one of the zone information areas has a defined shape, is
configured to provide operating data therein for a single one of
the zones and is configured to receive a user input invoking a home
page screen for the single one of the zones.
[0006] In yet another aspect, a graphical user interface for a
zoned HVAC system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the graphical
user interface includes: (1) zone identifiers that textually
identify different zones of the zoned HVAC system and (2) zone
information areas for the zones of the zoned HVAC system, wherein
each one of the zone information areas has a defined shape, is
configured to provide operating data therein for a single one of
the zones and is configured to receive a user input invoking a home
page screen for the single one of the zones.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
[0007] Reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0008] FIG. 1 is a high-level block diagram of an embodiment of a
HVAC system constructed according to the principles of the
disclosure;
[0009] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a controller
constructed according to the principles of the disclosure;
[0010] FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a first embodiment of a
zone dashboard screen constructed according to the principles of
the disclosure;
[0011] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a second embodiment of a
zone dashboard screen constructed according to the principles of
the disclosure;
[0012] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a first embodiment of a
zone home page screen constructed according to the principles of
the disclosure;
[0013] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a second embodiment of a
zone home page screen constructed according to the principles of
the disclosure;
[0014] FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a third embodiment of a
zone home page screen constructed according to the principles of
the disclosure; and
[0015] FIG. 8 illustrates a flow diagram of an embodiment of a
method of operating a zoned HVAC system carried out according to
the principles of the disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0016] Controlling and coordinating each of the individual zones of
a zoned HVAC system can be cumbersome. This disclosure provides
user interface screens that allow a user to view the settings for
multiple zones of a zoned HVAC system on a single screen. The
single user interface screen, referred to herein as a zone
dashboard screen, also allows a user to select one of the displayed
zones to obtain further information and control thereof.
[0017] As such, the disclosure also provides interface screens,
disclosed herein as zone home page screens, which are directed to a
single one of the multiple zones selectable from the zone dashboard
screen. From the zone home page screens, a user can view the
current environmental indoor and outdoor information for that zone,
the operating set points for the zone and the operating status for
the zone. Additionally, a user can change the operating set points
for the zone.
[0018] The disclosed interface zoning screens allow a user to
advantageously monitor and modify the temperature and set points
for each individual zone of a zoned HVAC system. Instead of a menu
driven system, the zoning interface screens are designed according
to an application paradigm that is used in such non-HVAC devices as
smart phones and tablets. For example, from a home page in a zoned
HVAC system, a user can view the current temperature of the zones
of the zoned HVAC system by simply scrolling left or right. If the
user would like to see all of the zones at once, the user can
invoke the zone dashboard screen. From the zone dashboard screen,
the user can view the current temperature, cool to set point and
heat to set point for each of the zones of a zoned HVAC system. The
interface zoning screens can be employed by or on HVAC components
such as a thermostat, an environmental sensor, a zone controller,
etc. Additionally, the interface zoning screens can be employed in
mobile non-HVAC devices. A mobile non-HVAC device as used herein is
a device having a primary function that is not associated with HVAC
systems. For example, non-HVAC devices include mobile computing
devices that are configured to interact with zoned HVAC systems.
Mobile computing devices can be mobile telephones (including smart
phones), tablets, game devices, etc., that include at least one
processor, memory and display. One skilled in the art will also
understand that the mobile computing devices disclosed herein
include other components that are typically included in such
devices including a power supply, communications interface,
etc.
[0019] The disclosed features and schemes provide an improved
interface mechanism for informing users and receiving inputs to
change operating parameters for each of the various zones of a
zoned HVAC system. The interface zoning screens allow a user to
make changes to the various zones that are saved or stored
immediately from the perspective of the user. As such, a user can
make changes that are stored in real time and ready for
implementation. Additionally, each of the interface zoning screens
provide a similar look and feel regardless of the implementation
such that a user is familiar with the operation thereof whether
employed directly on a HVAC controller or employed on a non-HVAC
device. Turning now to the figures that provide illustrated
embodiments of the features.
[0020] FIG. 1 is a high-level block diagram of an embodiment of a
HVAC system 100, constructed according to the principles of the
disclosure. The HVAC system 100 is a networked HVAC system
configured to condition air within an enclosed space, such as a
house, an office building, a warehouse, etc. The HVAC system 100
includes multiple components with a single one of some of the
components in FIG. 1 being represented. One skilled in the art will
understand that multiple of the same components can be included.
One skilled in the art will also understand the HVAC system 100 can
include other components that are not illustrated but typically
included with an HVAC system.
[0021] The HVAC system 100 is a zoned system. As such, multiple
comfort sensors 160 and dampers 185 are denoted. The HVAC system
100 also includes a circulation fan 110, a furnace 120, typically
associated with the circulation fan 110, and a refrigerant
evaporator coil 130, also typically associated with the circulation
fan 110. The circulation fan 110, furnace 120, and refrigerant
evaporator coil 130 are collectively referred to as the "indoor
unit." This embodiment of the system 100 also includes a compressor
140 and an associated condenser coil 142, which are typically
referred to as the "outdoor unit" 144. The compressor 140 and
associated condenser coil 142 are typically connected to an
associated evaporator coil 130 by a refrigerant line 146.
[0022] The circulation fan 110, sometimes referred to as a blower,
can operate at different capacities, i.e., motor speeds, to
circulate air through the multiple zones of the HVAC system 100,
whereby the circulated air is conditioned and supplied to the
conditioned enclosed space. The circulation fan 110 moves the air
at a certain capacity according to a blower volume that is often
expressed in terms of cubic feet per minute, or CFM of the
circulating fan 110.
[0023] The control unit 150 is configured to control the
circulation fan 110, the furnace 120 and/or the compressor 140 to
regulate the temperature of the enclosed space. The control unit
150 may be an integrated controller or a distributed controller
that directs operation of the HVAC system 100. The control unit 150
may include an interface to receive thermostat calls, blower
control signals, and blower volumes for various zones and operating
modes of the HVAC system. A thermostat call as used herein is based
on an environmental setting such as a temperature or a humidity.
The thermostat calls include, for example, heating demands, cooling
demands and dehumidifying demands. A thermostat call can be
generated by, for example, a thermostat or a comfort sensor.
[0024] The control unit 150 includes a processor, such as a
microprocessor, that is configured to direct operation of the HVAC
system 100 according to operating parameters for the various zones
of the HVAC system. The operating parameters for a particular zone
include a heating set point and a cooling set point for that zone.
The heating and cooling set points for each of the zones can be
received via a corresponding zone home page screen. FIG. 5
illustrates an embodiment of a zone home page screen that can be
employed to receive operating parameters that are used by the
processor. The control unit 150 also includes a memory section
having a series of operating instructions stored therein that
direct the operation of the control unit 150 (e.g., the processor)
when initiated thereby. The series of operating instructions may
represent algorithms that are used to generate the interface
screens disclosed herein.
[0025] The HVAC system 100 also includes comfort sensors 160 that
may be associated with the control unit 150, zones of the HVAC
system 100 and also optionally associated with a display 170. The
comfort sensors 160 provide current information, environmental
data, about environmental conditions within the zones of the
enclosed space, such as temperature, humidity and air quality to
the control unit 150 and display 170.
[0026] The display 170 is configured to provide a visual interface
between a user and the HVAC system 100 including a zone dashboard
screen and home page screens. In some embodiments, the display 170
also provides additional functions such as operational, diagnostic
and status messages. In some embodiments, the display 170 is a
thermostat for the HVAC system 100. In other embodiments, the
display 170 is associated with a controller of the HVAC system 100,
such as the control unit 150. Herein, the term "user" will be used
to refer collectively to any of an installer, a tester, a user, an
operator, a repairman, etc., unless clarity is served by greater
specificity.
[0027] The zone controller 180 is configured to manage the movement
of conditioned air to the designated zones of the enclosed space.
Each of the designated zones include at least one demand unit, such
as the furnace 120, and at least one user interface, such as a
thermostat or a comfort sensor. The zone controlled HVAC system 100
allows a user to independently control the environment in the
designated zones employing the zone dashboard screen and the zone
home page screen disclosed herein. The zone controller 180 operates
electronic dampers 185 to control air flow to the zones of the
enclosed space. The zone controller 180 generates a blower control
signal to request a blower volume for the circulation fan 110. The
zone controller 180 can be configured to provide the functionality
of a conventional controller for delivering conditioned air to
designated zones of a conditioned space. Additionally, the zone
controller 180 can be configured to provide the zoning interface
screens disclosed herein. Harmony III.TM. Zone Control System
available from Lennox Industries, Inc. of Richardson, Tex., is an
example of a zoning system that employs a zone controller to manage
the distribution of conditioned air to designated zones.
[0028] A data bus 190, which in the illustrated embodiment is a
serial bus, couples the various components of the HVAC system 100
together such that data may be communicated therebetween or
thereamong. The data bus 190 may be advantageously employed to
convey one or more alarm messages or one or more diagnostic
messages. In some embodiments, the connections therebetween are
through a wired-connection. A conventional cable and contacts may
be used to couple the various components together. In some
embodiments, a wireless connection may also be employed to provide
at least some of the connections. As such, components of the zoned
HVAC system 100 can be configured for wireless communication, such
as via a wireless local area network (WLAN).
[0029] In different embodiments, the control unit 150, the display
170 and the zone controller 180 can be a HVAC controller. As such,
either one of the control unit 150, the display 170 or the zone
controller 180 can be configured to perform all or a portion of the
features described herein. FIG. 2 provides additional information
of an embodiment of a controller that can be used to interface with
a zoned HVAC system. In some embodiments, a non-HVAC device can
communicate with a HVAC controller to monitor and modify at least
some of the operating parameters of the zones of a zoned HVAC
system. Non-HVAC device 155 represents such a device that
communicates with the control unit 150 via a conventional wireless
connection 157, such as a WLAN.
[0030] FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of an embodiment of a
controller 200 constructed according to the principles of the
disclosure. The controller 200 is configured to provide an
interface between a user and a zoned HVAC system allowing the user
to direct operations of the zoned HVAC system and receive
information therefrom. The controller 200 can be a device or a
portion of a device that is a component of a zoned HVAC system. For
example, in different embodiments, the controller 200 can be a
control unit, a zone controller or a thermostat of a zoned HVAC
system. In other embodiments, the controller 200 is a non-HVAC
device that is used to interface with a zoned HVAC system. In one
embodiment, the controller 200 is wirelessly coupled to a HVAC
controller of a zoned HVAC system.
[0031] The controller 200 includes an interface 210, a processor
220, a memory 230 and a user display 240. Additionally, the
controller 200 may comprise additional components typically
included within a controller, such as a power supply or power
port.
[0032] In one embodiment, each of the components in the controller
200 is operatively coupled to each other via conventional means to
communicate information. While all of the components can be
contained in one enclosure, in some embodiments, some of these
components may be located outside the enclosure while being
operatively coupled to other components. Also in some embodiments,
a zoned HVAC system has multiple controllers based on the structure
or the number of zones of the enclosed space in which the HVAC
system is applied.
[0033] The interface 210 is a communications interface that is
configured to connect to a HVAC device and communicate
therebetween. The interface 210 can communicate via a data bus,
such as data bus 190 in FIG. 1. For example, the controller 200 can
be the zone controller 180 of FIG. 1 and communicate with at least
one of the dampers 185 via data bus 190. In another embodiment, the
controller 200 can be a non-HVAC device such as the non-HVAC device
155 of FIG. 1. In one embodiment, the interface 210 communicates
via a wireless connection such as via a WLAN. For example, the
controller 200 can be a non-HVAC device that communicates with the
control unit 150 via the wireless connection 157. In this
embodiment, the control unit 150 can then communicate via the data
bus 190 to direct the operation on a HVAC device per received
instructions from the controller 200. In some embodiments, the
controller 200 is configured to communicate with HVAC controllers
from multiple zoned HVAC systems. For example, interface 210 can be
configured in some embodiments to communicate with a HVAC
controller of an upstairs zoned HVAC system and a HVAC controller
of a downstairs zoned HVAC system. The interface 210 can be a
conventional communications interface whether employing a wireless
or wired communication path.
[0034] In one embodiment, the interface 210 is configured to
receive environmental data such as temperature, humidity and etc.
from sensors, such as comfort sensors, located throughout the
enclosed space and transmit control signals that represent
instructions to perform services to the respective HVAC components.
In one embodiment, the environmental data and control signals are
communicated via a data bus such as the data bus 190 of FIG. 1. In
some embodiments, a wireless connection such as a WLAN is also used
to communicate with the zoned HVAC system.
[0035] The processor 220 of the controller 200 directs the
operation of the controller 200 and instructs other HVAC components
based on programming data. The programming data includes operation
parameters (e.g., temperature setpoints, system modes, fan modes)
for each of the zones of the zoned HVAC system. The programming
data can be input via the display 240 employing home page screens
for the various zones. The processor 220 may be a conventional
processor such as a microprocessor. In one embodiment, the
processor 220 is a processor of a mobile computing device,
including a mobile communication device such as a smartphone.
[0036] The memory 230 may be a conventional memory typically
located within the controller that is constructed to store the
programming data. The memory 230 may store operating instructions
to direct the operation of the processor 220 when initiated
thereby. The operating instructions can correspond to algorithms
that provide the functionality of the zoning interface screens
disclosed herein.
[0037] The display 240 is configured to allow interaction with a
user by visually providing information to a user and receiving user
inputs. In one embodiment, the display 240 can provide a zone
dashboard screen and a home page screen for the different zones.
The zone dashboard screen includes zone information areas that
provide operating data for corresponding zones and receive user
inputs that select a single one of the zones for the processor to
direct operations thereof. The operating data includes operating
parameters such as heating and cooling sets points and also
environmental data such as the current temperature. Each home page
screen is configured to receive inputs for adjusting at least some
of the operating data for a corresponding single zone.
[0038] For example, a user can change the set points for the
different zones by employing a set point changer of a zone home
page screen. The set point changer and other input areas of the
disclosed interface screens initiate an action when activated. In
some embodiments, the input areas can be activated when touched or
pressed. In other embodiments a user input device, such as a
keypad, touchpad, stylus pen, etc., can be used to activate an
input area such as the set point changer. Activation of the input
areas of the zoning interface screens can be determined based on
the type of display in which the graphical user interface screens
are employed.
[0039] In addition to the zoning interface screens disclosed
herein, the display 240 can provide other screens such as
operational, diagnostic and status message screens.
[0040] FIG. 3 illustrates a view of an embodiment of a zone
dashboard screen 300 constructed according to the principles of the
disclosure. The zone dashboard screen 300 is a graphical user
interface screen configured to allow a user to view the current
temperature and set points for each zone of a corresponding HVAC
system.
[0041] The zone dashboard screen 300 includes zone information
areas, collectively designated 310, and zone identifiers,
collectively designated 320, that uniquely correspond to one of the
zone information areas. Each of the zone information areas 310 has
a defined shape, is configured to provide operating data for a
single zone and is configured to receive a user input that selects
the single zone to be controlled by a processor. In FIG. 3, the
zone information areas 300 each have the same defined shape of a
squircle. Consider for example zone information area 312 that has
been designated as a representative of the zone information areas
310. Included within the defined shape is a cooling set point 313,
a heating set point 314 and a current temperature of the zone 315.
In one embodiment, the cooling set point 313 and the heating set
point 314 are presented in particular colors that correspond to
cooling or heating. In some embodiments, the cooling set point 313
is in blue and the heating set point 314 is in red. Each of the
zones can be individually controlled and can be set to different
modes including: Heat Only, Cool only, Heat or Cool and Off. If a
zone is configured to Heat only, only the heating set point will be
shown for that zone. If it is configured to cool only, only the
cooling set point will be shown. If it is configured to heat or
cool, both the heat and cool set points will be shown. If it is
configured to off--then no set points will be shown. As indicated
by the corresponding one of the zone identifiers specifically
denoted as 322, zone information area 312 is for the kitchen of the
enclosed space. Since both the cooling set point 313 and the
heating set point 314 are shown, the kitchen zone is set to the
heat of cool mode. Other ones of the zone identifiers 320 denote a
media room zone, a kids room zone and a master bedroom zone. The
zone dashboard screen 300 is configured to allow a user to enter
the name for each of the zones and rename the zones. In one
embodiment, the zone identifiers 320 can be activated by touch to
allow a user to enter a name or rename a zone.
[0042] The zone dashboard screen 300 also includes an instructional
area 330 and an exit area 340. The instructional area 330 includes
directions for operating or interfacing with the zone dashboard
screen 300. The exit area 340 is configured to close or exit-out-of
the zone dashboard screen 300 in response to a user input thereat.
In some embodiments, after exiting out of the zone dashboard screen
a HOME screen, such as a thermostat HOME screen is presented. The
zone dashboard screen 300 is also configured to indicate which of
the various zones of the HVAC system is in an away mode. Away
indicators are associated with each particular zone to visually
indicate that the particular zone has been placed in an away mode.
Away indicators 350, 354, are specifically identified in the zone
dashboard screen 300. Away indicator 350 corresponds to zone
information area for the media room and away indicator 354
corresponds to zone information area for the master bedroom. Zone
dashboard screen 300 also includes a screen title 360 that
describes the information provided.
[0043] FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a second embodiment of a
zone dashboard interface screen 400 constructed according to the
principles of the disclosure. As with the zone dashboard screen
300, the zone dashboard interface screen 400 includes zone
information areas, zone identifiers, and an instructional area. The
zone dashboard screen 400 is specifically formatted for a non-HVAC
device including a smart phone, such as an iPhone.RTM. by Apple
Inc., of Cupertino Calif. One skilled in the art will understand
that the zone dashboard screen 400 can also be employed with or
formatted for other type of mobile computing devices.
[0044] The zone dashboard interface page screen 400 includes a
systems initiator 401 that is used to invoke an HVAC system
selection menu. The HVAC system selection menu allows a user to
select a particular HVAC system. The zone dashboard screen 400
includes a system identifier 410 that indicates which particular
zoned HVAC system is being presented. In FIG. 4, the system
identifier indicates that the zone dashboard screen 400 is
presently directed to a zoned HVAC system denoted as the "Upstair
Zones."
[0045] The zoning information areas of the zone dashboard screen
400 are denoted 420, 430, 440 and 450. The corresponding zoning
identifiers are denoted 422, 432, 442 and 452, respectively. As
with the zoning information areas 310 of FIG. 3, each of the zoning
information areas 420, 430, 440 and 450 include operating data. The
operating data of zoning information area 430 is specifically
denoted as a representation of each of the zoning information areas
420, 430, 440 and 450. The operating data of zoning information
area 450 includes the operating set point parameters cooling set
point 453 and a heating set point 455, and also current temperature
457. The corresponding zoning identifier 452 indicates the zoning
information area 450 is for the kitchen.
[0046] As with the zone dashboard screen 300, the zone dashboard
screen 400 is also configured to indicate which of the various
zones of the zone HVAC system is in an away mode. Associated with
the zoning information area 430 is an away mode indicator 460 that
operates as the away indicators 350, 354, of FIG. 3.
[0047] The zone dashboard screen 400 also includes an instructional
area 470 and an exit area 480. The instructional area 470 includes
directions for operating or interfacing with the zone dashboard
screen 400. The exit area 480 is configured to close or exit-out-of
the zone dashboard screen 400 in response to a user input thereat.
Unlike the exit area 340 of FIG. 3, the exit area 480 employs the
inherent functionality of the display of a non-HVAC device such as
a smartphone and is operated by dragging the "arrow" located in the
exit area 480. In some embodiments, after exiting from the zone
dashboard screen 400 the HOME screen for a mobile HVAC application
on a particular device, such as the smartphone, is provided.
[0048] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a first embodiment of a
zone home page screen 500 constructed according to the principles
of the disclosure. The zone home page screen 500 is the home page
screen for a single zone of an HVAC system. The zone home page
screen 500 is configured to receive inputs for adjusting at least
some of the operating data for the single zone. In one embodiment,
the zone home page screen 500 is configured to be employed by a
HVAC device, such as an HVAC controller. In some embodiments, the
home page interface screen is employed on a thermostat of an HVAC
system.
[0049] The zone home page screen 500 provides environmental data
for inside the selected zone and outside of the enclosed space. For
indoor, the zone home page screen 500 provides the current indoor
temperature and humidity. For outside, the zone home page screen
500 provides the current outdoor temperature and a forecast for the
geographic area that includes the installed location of the zoned
HVAC system. The home page screen 500 presents the above noted
environmental data using text identified in FIG. 5 as indoor
temperature text 505, indoor humidity text 510, outdoor temperature
text 520 and forecast text 525. The zone home page screen 500 also
includes a visual forecast area 530 that visually represents the
daily forecast for the geographic area. The visual forecast area
530, along with other informational areas of the zone home page
screen 500, has a defined shape that is a squircle. The forecast
information, both visual and textual, can be received from an
outside source, such as a weather channel or weather website, via
conventional means.
[0050] The zone home page screen 500 is also configured to allow a
user to change the set points for heating and cooling in the zone.
Thus, the zone home page screen 500 includes cooling set point area
540, a heating set point area 545 and a set point changer 550. The
set point changer 550 is used to increase or decrease a set point
for both heating and cooling. In one embodiment, the set point
changer 550 is provided, e.g., illuminated, in response to the
cooling set point area 540 or the heating set point area 545 being
activated. Thereafter, the user can increase or decrease the
applicable set point via the up and down arrows. The zone home page
screen 500 is configured to receive a user input to select which
one of the set points is to be modified using the set point changer
550. Selection of either set point can be performed when a set
point area is touched. For example, a user can touch the cooling
set point area 540 to change the current set point of 72 degrees,
which is illustrated in the cooling set point area 540. With the
cooling set point area 540 selected, the set point changer 550 can
then be used to increase or decrease the current 72 degree cool-to
temperature by touching the up or down arrows of the set point
changer 550. In some embodiments, the zone home page screen 500
identifies if one of the set point areas are presently activated
for modification. In one embodiment, identifying is by increasing
the illumination of at least the text of the selected set point
area.
[0051] Continuing the above example, the zone home page screen 500
can then be used to set the heat-to temperature for the zone by
receiving an input that selects the heating set point, e.g.,
touching the heating set point area 545, and then receiving inputs
to modify the heating set point via the set point changer 550.
[0052] Accordingly, modifying the set points can be performed by
touching the designated areas of the set point changer 550 to
increase or decrease the respective set points. In some
embodiments, the set points increment or decrement at predetermined
values, such as one degree, and can scroll through multiple values
when an up or down arrow is continuously activated, e.g.,
continuously pressed.
[0053] The zone home page screen 500 also includes a system mode
area 560 and a fan mode area 565 that textually indicate the
current mode of the zone HVAC system and the operating mode of the
HVAC system fan, respectively. In FIG. 5, the system mode area 560
indicates the zoned HVAC system is in a heat or cool mode. Other
operating modes can include humidifying and dehumidifying, heat
only, cool only, heat or cool and program mode. In some
embodiments, each of the various zones of a zoned HVAC system can
be controlled by its own program schedule. As such, in at least one
embodiment the zone home page screen 500 is configured to indicate
if a particular zone is being controlled via a program schedule.
The fan mode area 565 indicates that the fan of the zoned HVAC
system is currently off. Other operating modes for the fan can
include automatic and on.
[0054] The zone home page screen 500 also includes an away mode
invoker 570, a dashboard invoker 580 and zone page scrollers 590.
The away mode invoker 555 is configured to receive an input, e.g.,
be touched, to invoke the away mode for the particular zone.
Accordingly, the zone home page screen 500 is configured to allow a
user to set an away mode for a single zone of a zoned HVAC system.
As discussed with respect to FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, zone dashboard
screens are configured to indicate which zones of a zoned HVAC
system have been set in the away mode.
[0055] The dashboard invoker 580 is configured to display the zone
dashboard screen for the HVAC system in response to receiving a
user input. Accordingly, the dashboard invoker 580 is configured to
launch the zone dashboard screen that visually provides or shows
all of the available zones that can be controlled from the
particular controller, e.g., a thermostat, upon which the zone home
page screen 500 is being displayed. For the home page screen 500,
the dashboard invoker 580 serves the dual purpose of indicating the
particular zone that is controlled via the zone home page screen
500. In FIG. 5, the particular zone is the "master bedroom." As
such, when the portion of the zone home page screen 500 that
includes "master bedroom" is touched, a processor associated with
the zone home page screen 500 provides the zone dashboard screen
for the zone HVAC system in response to activation of the zone
dashboard invoker 580.
[0056] The zone page scrollers 590 are configured to initiate
changing to a different zone home page screen for another zone of
the zoned HVAC system. The zone page scrollers 590 can be used to
move forward or backward to the next or preceding home page screen.
The position of the present zone home page screen 500 with respect
to other screens associated with the HVAC system is reflected in
the position indicator 595. The zone home page screen 500 also
includes a feature invoker 597 that is configured to receive user
input to initiate a FEATURES screen wherein a user can access HVAC
parameters and settings, including thermostat parameters and
settings.
[0057] The zone home page screen 500 does not include a designated
"save" button. Instead, changes to the HVAC zone system are stored
or saved when input by the user. As such, changes are stored
immediately from the perspective of the user.
[0058] FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a second embodiment of a
zone home page screen 600 constructed according to the principles
of the disclosure. The zone home page screen 600 includes the
functionality of the zone home page screen 500 presented in a
format for a non-HVAC device. The zone home page screen 600 is
configured for a smart phone such as an iPhone. Since the zone home
page screen 600 is configured for a non-HVAC device, the zone home
page screen 600 is used to interact with a HVAC controller of a
zoned HVAC system to monitor and modify the operating parameters of
the multiple zones of a zoned HVAC system.
[0059] The zone home page screen 600 includes a systems initiator
601 that is used to invoke an HVAC system selection menu. The HVAC
system selection menu, which can also appear when a user logs into
a HVAC mobile application on the non-HVAC device, allows a user to
select a particular HVAC system, which could be zoned or non-zoned,
to control employing the zone home page screen 600. Accordingly,
the non-HVAC device in which the zone home page screen 600 is
employed is configured to communicate with at least one HVAC
controller of each of the zoned HVAC systems that can be selected.
The HVAC systems can be within a single enclosed space or even in
different enclosed spaces.
[0060] The zone home page screen 600 includes a system identifier
603 and a zone identifier 605 to identify the present zoned HVAC
system and the zone of that zoned HVAC system that is presently
being addressed, e.g., selected via the HVAC system selection menu.
In FIG. 6, the current system is the "Upstairs Zones" and the
current zone thereof is the "Living Room." The zone home page
screen 600 provides environmental data for inside the selected zone
using text identified in FIG. 6 as indoor temperature text 605 and
text with graphics with indoor humidity condition 610.
[0061] The zone home page screen 600 is configured to allow a user
to change the set points for heating and cooling in the living room
zone. Thus, the zone home page screen 500 includes a cooling set
point area 640 and a heating set point area 645. In this
embodiment, the respective set points are changed by the user
dragging a finger across the temperatures to scroll through until
selecting a set point. Accordingly, the zone home page screen 600
employs the touchscreen functionality of "scrolling" that is
inherent and well known in devices such as an iPhone.
[0062] The zone home page screen 600 also includes a system mode
area 660 and a fan mode area 665 that textually indicate the
current mode of the zoned HVAC system and the operating mode of the
zoned HVAC system fan, respectively. The system mode area 660 can
show the currently selected program schedule if the HVAC system is
running in program mode. The system mode area 660 and the fan mode
area 665 include drop down menus that allow a user to select a
particular mode of operation for the denoted zone. Accordingly, a
user can employ the zone home page screen 600 to control all of
their zones, in all of their HVAC systems, in all of their homes,
offices, buildings, etc. In FIG. 6, the system mode area 660
indicates the zoned HVAC system is in a heat or cool mode and the
fan mode area 665 indicates that the fan of the zoned HVAC system
is set at automatic. An existing operation mode 662 textually and
graphically indicates the current operation of the zoned HVAC
system with respect to the noted zone, i.e., the Living Room.
[0063] The zone home page screen 600 also includes an away mode
invoker 670 and a dashboard invoker 680. In this embodiment,
scrolling to other home page screens for different zones is
achieved by the user dragging their finger across the screen as
typically used when scrolling through pages of a smart phone. The
position of the current zone home page screen 500 with respect to
other screens associated with the zoned HVAC system is reflected in
the position indicator 685. The position indicator 685 illustrates
that the Living Room home page screen is the first of four home
page screens of the Upstairs Zones.
[0064] The away mode invoker 655 is configured to receive an input,
e.g., be touched, to invoke the away mode for the particular zone.
The dashboard invoker 680 is configured to display the zone
dashboard screen for the HVAC system in response to receiving a
user input, i.e., being dragged across the screen or being
touched.
[0065] FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a third embodiment of a
home page interface screen 700 constructed according to the
principles of the disclosure. The zone home page screen 700
includes the functionality of the zone home page screen 500 and can
also be employed for monitoring and modifying the operating
parameters for multiple zoned HVAC systems. As such, the zone home
page screen 700 includes a system identifier 710 and a zone
identifier 720.
[0066] The zone home page screen 700 is configured for a non-HVAC
device, such as an iPad.RTM. by Apple Inc. Since the zone home page
screen 700 is configured for a non-HVAC device, the zone home page
screen 700 is used to interact with a HVAC controller of a zoned
HVAC system to monitor and modify the operating parameters of the
multiple zones of a zoned HVAC system. The zone home page screen
700 can be used for multiple zoned systems within a single enclosed
space or even in different enclosed spaces. Accordingly, the
non-HVAC device upon which the zone home page screen 700 is
employed is configured to communicate with at least one HVAC
controller of each of the zoned HVAC systems. Common components of
the zone home page screen 700 with the zone home page screen 500
are denoted by the same element numbers.
[0067] The zone home page screen 700 includes a dashboard invoker
730 that is configured to display the zone dashboard screen for the
HVAC system in response to receiving a user input. Unlike the
dashboard invoker 580, the dashboard invoker 730 does not serve the
dual purpose of indicating the particular zone that is being
controlled. Instead, the zone identifier 720 is used for this
purpose.
[0068] Additionally, the zone home page screen 700 does not include
zone page scrollers as employed in the zone home page screen 500.
Instead, the zone home page screen 700 employs the inherent
scrolling function of the display upon which the zone home page
screen 700 is employed. As with the zone home page screen 500, the
zone home page screen 700 is also configured to provide a set point
changer, such as set point changer 550, when one of the set point
areas activated.
[0069] FIG. 8 illustrates a flow diagram of an embodiment of a
method 800 of operating a zoned HVAC system carried out according
to the principles of the disclosure. At least some of the steps of
the method 800 may be carried out by a processor in response to
user inputs received via the various interface screens disclosed
herein. The method 800 or at least a portion thereof may be
implemented as a computer program product stored on a
non-transitory computer readable medium. The method 800 begins in a
step 805.
[0070] In a step 810 an input is received to select a particular
zone of the zoned HVAC system. The input can be received employing
a zone dashboard screen that is provided via a display associated
with a controller. The controller can be a HVAC controller or a
non-HVAC device that communicates with a HVAC controller.
[0071] In a step 820, a home page screen of the selected zone is
provided. The home page screen is provided via the display and can
employ the same shapes to define information or action areas as
those used in the zone dashboard screen. In one embodiment, the
defined shapes are squircles.
[0072] A set point for operating the selected zone is changed in
response to receiving a user input via the home page screen in a
step 830. In a step 840, the zone dashboard screen is provided in
response to receiving a user input via the home page screen. The
zone dashboard screen can be provided via the display. From the
zone dashboard screen another zone can be selected. The method ends
in a step 850.
[0073] The above-described apparatuses, methods or interface
screens may be embodied in, provide by or performed by various
conventional digital data processors, microprocessors or computing
devices, wherein these devices are programmed or store executable
programs of sequences of software instructions to perform one or
more of the steps of a method or provide an interface screen. The
software instructions of such programs may be encoded in
machine-executable form on conventional digital data storage media
that is non-transitory, e.g., magnetic or optical disks,
random-access memory (RAM), magnetic hard disks, flash memories,
and/or read-only memory (ROM), to enable various types of digital
data processors or computing devices to perform one, multiple or
all of the steps of one or more of the above-described methods or
to provide one of the described interface screens. Additionally, an
apparatus, such as control unit or a non-HVAC device, may be
designed to include the necessary circuitry, programming or
computer program product to perform each step of a method disclosed
herein or provide a single user interface as disclosed.
[0074] Portions of disclosed embodiments may relate to computer
storage products with a non-transitory computer-readable medium
that have program code thereon for performing various
computer-implemented operations that embody a part of an apparatus,
system, carry out the steps of a method set forth herein or provide
a user interface screen as disclosed. Non-transitory used herein
refers to all computer-readable media except for transitory,
propagating signals. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable
media include, but are not limited to: magnetic media such as hard
disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tape; optical media such as
CD-ROM disks; magneto-optical media such as floptical disks; and
hardware devices that are specially configured to store and execute
program code, such as ROM and RAM devices. Examples of program code
include both machine code, such as produced by a compiler, and
files containing higher level code that may be executed by the
computer using an interpreter.
[0075] Those skilled in the art to which this application relates
will appreciate that other and further additions, deletions,
substitutions and modifications may be made to the described
embodiments.
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