U.S. patent application number 15/910970 was filed with the patent office on 2018-07-05 for hvac controller.
The applicant listed for this patent is Honeywell International Inc.. Invention is credited to Michael Hoppe, Patrick Hudson, Daniel Murr.
Application Number | 20180187912 15/910970 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55791699 |
Filed Date | 2018-07-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20180187912 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hoppe; Michael ; et
al. |
July 5, 2018 |
HVAC CONTROLLER
Abstract
A user interface for an HVAC controller includes an electronic
display and a proximity sensor for sensing a position of a user
relative to the electronic display. A display controller is
operably coupled to the electronic display and the proximity sensor
and is configured to display one or more display elements on the
electronic display. In some embodiments, a location of one or more
of the display elements on the electronic display may be based, at
least in part, on the position of the user sensed by the proximity
sensor. In some embodiments, a size of one or more of the display
elements on the electronic display may be based, at least in part,
on the position of the user sensed by the proximity sensor.
Inventors: |
Hoppe; Michael; (Minnetonka,
MN) ; Murr; Daniel; (Mounds View, MN) ;
Hudson; Patrick; (Elk River, MN) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Honeywell International Inc. |
Morris Plains |
NJ |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
55791699 |
Appl. No.: |
15/910970 |
Filed: |
March 2, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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14521276 |
Oct 22, 2014 |
9939167 |
|
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15910970 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
F24F 2120/12 20180101;
F24F 2120/10 20180101; F24F 11/30 20180101; F24F 11/52
20180101 |
International
Class: |
F24F 11/30 20180101
F24F011/30 |
Claims
1. A Heating, Ventilating and Cooling (HVAC) controller,
comprising: a control module configured to be mounted to a wall,
wherein the control module is housed by a control module housing
that has a back side that is configured to face the wall when the
control module is mounted to the wall, a front side opposite the
back side, a top side, a bottom side, a left side and a right side;
and an Organic Light Emitting Diode (OLED) display operatively
coupled to the control module for displaying HVAC information on
the OLED display, the OLED display projecting upward and away from
the top side of the control module housing.
2. The HVAC controller of claim 1, wherein the OLED display is a
touch screen display.
3. The HVAC controller of claim 1, wherein the OLED display has a
top side opposite the control module, a left side and a right side,
and wherein the OLED display is frameless along the top side and
along at least a majority of the left side and the right side of
the OLED display.
4. The HVAC controller of claim 1, wherein the OLED display has a
top side opposite the control module, a left side and a right side,
and wherein at least a majority of the left side of the OLED
display is not covered by the control module housing.
5. The HVAC controller of claim 1, wherein the OLED display has a
top side opposite the control module, a left side and a right side,
and wherein at least a majority of the right side of the OLED
display is not covered by the control module housing.
6. The HVAC controller of claim 1, wherein the OLED display has a
top side opposite the control module, a left side and a right side,
and wherein at least a majority of the right side and a majority of
the left side of the OLED display are not covered by the control
module housing.
7. The HVAC controller of claim 1, wherein the OLED display is at
least translucent.
8. The HVAC controller of claim 1, wherein the OLED display
comprises a visible portion that is visible to a user, and wherein
all of the visible portion is positioned above the top side of the
control module housing.
9. The HVAC controller of claim 1, wherein the HVAC information
comprises one or more of scheduling information, an equipment
status, an operating mode, a fan status, a current temperature, and
a temperature set point.
10. The HVAC controller of claim 1, wherein the control module
comprises: a temperature sensor; and a wireless interface.
11. The HVAC controller of claim 10, wherein the control module
further comprises one or more wiring terminals for electrically
connecting to one or more control wires that extend through the
wall to an HVAC system and carry one or more control signals
between the control module and the HVAC system.
12. The HVAC controller of claim 10, wherein the control module
further comprises an occupancy sensor.
13. The HVAC controller of claim 10, wherein the control module
further comprises a battery.
14. The HVAC controller of claim 1, wherein the OLED display is
spaced from the wall where the OLED display projects upward and
away from the top side of the control module housing of the control
module.
15. The HVAC controller of claim 14, wherein the OLED display bends
inward toward the wall as the OLED display continues to project
upward and away from the top side of the control module housing of
the control module.
16. A Heating, Ventilating and Cooling (HVAC) controller,
comprising: a control module configured to be mounted to a wall,
wherein the control module is housed by a control module housing;
and a display operatively coupled to the control module for
displaying HVAC information on the OLED display, the OLED display
is anchored to the control module and is cantilevered away from the
control module housing.
17. The HVAC controller of claim 16, wherein the display is spaced
from the wall where the display is anchored to the control
module.
18. The HVAC controller of claim 16, wherein at least part of the
display is at least translucent.
19. The HVAC controller of claim 16, wherein the HVAC information
comprises one or more of scheduling information, an equipment
status, an operating mode, a fan status, a current temperature, and
a temperature set point.
20. A building controller comprising: an electronic display; a
housing configured to be secured to a wall with the electronic
display extending upwardly from the housing such that the
electronic display is only coupled to the housing along a lower
portion of the electronic display; and a controller disposed within
the housing and operably coupled with the electronic display, the
controller configured to display one or more building control
parameters on the electronic display.
Description
[0001] This is a continuation of co-pending U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 14/521,276, filed Oct. 22, 2014, which is incorporated
herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Building controllers are often used to control building
systems such as building security, building automation and building
heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning (HVAC) systems. As an
example, HVAC systems typically include an HVAC controller that
controls various HVAC components of the HVAC system in order to
affect and/or control one or more environmental conditions within
the building. Improvements in the hardware, the user experience,
and the functionality of such systems are desirable.
SUMMARY
[0003] This disclosure relates to methods and apparatus for
controlling a building system. The disclosure also relates to
improvements in hardware, user experience, and functionality of a
building controller such as an HVAC controller.
[0004] In an illustrative but non-limiting example, the disclosure
describes a user interface for a building controller. In some
embodiments, the building controller may be an HVAC controller. The
user interface includes an electronic display and a proximity
sensor for sensing a position of a user relative to the electronic
display. A display controller is operably coupled to the electronic
display and the proximity sensor and is configured to display one
or more display elements on the electronic display. In some
embodiments, a location of one or more of the display elements on
the electronic display may be based, at least in part, on the
position of the user sensed by the proximity sensor. In some
embodiments, a size of one or more of the display elements on the
electronic display may be based, at least in part, on the position
of the user sensed by the proximity sensor.
[0005] In another illustrative but non-limiting example, the
disclosure describes a user interface for a building controller
that in some instances, may be an HVAC controller. The user
interface includes a flexible electronic display and a control
module that is operably coupled to the flexible electronic display
and that is configured to display one or more display elements of a
graphical user interface on the flexible electronic display. The
control module is operatively connected to the flexible electronic
display and is configured to hold a portion of the flexible
electronic display immediately adjacent the control module in a
first profile. The flexible electronic display transitions to a
second profile away from the control module, wherein the second
profile is different from the first profile.
[0006] In another illustrative but non-limiting example, the
disclosure describes a user interface assembly for an HVAC
controller. The user interface assembly includes a flexible
electronic display and a display controller that is operably
coupled to the flexible electronic display. The display controller
is configured to display one or more display elements on the
electronic display. The user interface assembly is configured to be
flexed to assume a shape of a curved surface in the field, and then
mounted to the curved surface.
[0007] In another illustrative but non-limiting example, the
disclosure describes a method for installing an HVAC control
device. The HVAC control device may be flexed to a desired shape in
the field and then mounted to a mounting surface such that the HVAC
control device maintains the desired shape after being mounted.
[0008] In another illustrative but non-limiting example, the
disclosure describes a user interface for an HVAC controller having
a viewing side and a mounting side. The user interface includes a
color electronic display and a display controller that is
operatively coupled to the color electronic display and is
positioned behind the color electronic display toward the mounting
side of the user interface. A color sensor operatively coupled to
the display controller faces the mounting side of the user
interface for sensing a color. The display controller is configured
to display a background color on the color electronic display and
one or more display elements and is configured to change the
background color displayed on the color electronic display to match
or substantially matches the color sensed by the color sensor.
[0009] The preceding summary is provided to facilitate an
understanding of some of the innovative features unique to the
present disclosure and is not intended to be a full description. A
full appreciation of the disclosure can be gained by taking the
entire specification, claims, drawings, and abstract as a
whole.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0010] The disclosure may be more completely understood in
consideration of the following detailed description in connection
with the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0011] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an illustrative
system including an HVAC system and a HVAC controller;
[0012] FIG. 2 is a schematic block diagram of the HVAC controller
of FIG. 1;
[0013] FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of the HVAC controller
of FIG. 2;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of an illustrative HVAC
controller mounted on a curved surface;
[0015] FIG. 5 is an illustration of a screen displayable on the
HVAC controller of FIG. 4;
[0016] FIG. 6 is an illustration of a screen displayable on the
HVAC controller of FIG. 4;
[0017] FIG. 7 is an illustration of a screen displayable on the
HVAC controller of FIG. 4;
[0018] FIG. 8 is an illustration of a screen displayable on an
illustrative HVAC controller;
[0019] FIG. 9 is an illustration of a screen displayable on the
HVAC controller of FIG. 8;
[0020] FIG. 10 is a schematic illustration of an illustrative HVAC
controller;
[0021] FIG. 11 is a schematic illustration of an illustrative HVAC
controller;
[0022] FIG. 12 is a schematic top illustration of an illustrative
HVAC controller;
[0023] FIG. 13 is a schematic illustration of an illustrative HVAC
controller;
[0024] FIG. 14 is a schematic illustration of a back portion of an
illustrative HVAC controller;
[0025] FIG. 15 is an illustration of a screen displayable on an
HVAC controller; and
[0026] FIG. 16 is an illustration of a screen displayable on the
HVAC controller of FIG. 15.
[0027] While the disclosure is amenable to various modifications
and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of
example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should
be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the
disclosure to the particular embodiments described. On the
contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents,
and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the
disclosure.
DESCRIPTION
[0028] The following description should be read with reference to
the drawings wherein like reference numerals indicate like elements
within a group of figures having the same figure number like
reference numeral will not necessarily indicate like elements
across different figure numbers. The drawings, which are not
necessarily to scale, are not intended to limit the scope of the
disclosure. In some of the figures, elements not believed necessary
to an understanding of relationships among illustrated components
may have been omitted for clarity.
[0029] All numbers are herein assumed to be modified by the term
"about." The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes
all numbers subsumed within that range (e.g., 1 to 5 includes 1,
1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, and 5).
[0030] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the
singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include the plural referents
unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. As used in this
specification and the appended claims, the term "or" is generally
employed in its sense including "and/or" unless the content clearly
dictates otherwise.
[0031] It is noted that references in the specification to "an
embodiment", "some embodiments", "other embodiments", "an
illustrative embodiment", etc., indicate that the embodiment
described may include a particular feature, structure, or
characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include
the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover,
such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment.
Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is
described in connection with an embodiment, it is contemplated that
the feature, structure, or characteristic may be applied to other
embodiments whether or not explicitly described unless clearly
stated to the contrary.
[0032] Within this disclosure, the terms "thermostat",
"programmable thermostat", "WiFi enabled thermostat", "HVAC
controller", and "device" may refer to an HVAC controller when the
context makes clear that reference to the thermostat as a whole is
intended. Although reference is made to a programmable thermostat
in portions of the description that follows, it should be
appreciated that each of those descriptions may apply to a
programmable thermostat which may be expressly WiFi enabled even
when the feature or features described do not expressly mention or
require a communication link such as a WiFi connection. It will
also be appreciated that reference herein to an HVAC controller is
illustrative only, as a building controller may also be a building
security controller or a building automation system controller,
instead of (or in addition to) being an HVAC controller.
[0033] FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a system 10 that
includes an HVAC system 12 and an HVAC controller 14. It will be
appreciated that the HVAC system 12 may include a variety of
different HVAC equipment such as heating equipment, cooling
equipment and ventilation equipment. Illustrative but non-limiting
examples of such equipment include furnaces, boilers, heat pumps,
air conditioners, ventilation fans, air exchangers, humidifiers and
dehumidifiers and the like. The HVAC controller 14 may be
configured to monitor conditions within a building and send control
signals to the HVAC system 12 in order to regulate air temperature
and other conditions within the building. The HVAC controller 14
may represent a single controller, or may include two or more
distinct controllers that may be centrally located or spaced apart
within the building. An illustrative but non-limiting example of
spaced apart controllers is a centrally located zone controller
that is operatively coupled to a plurality of zone thermostats
located in each zone. In some embodiments, the HVAC controller 14
may be a programmable or non-programmable thermostat.
[0034] FIG. 2 shows that an illustrative HVAC controller 14 that
includes a user interface 16 and a controller 18. The user
interface 16 may be configured to display information for the user
as well as to solicit and obtain information from the user. In some
embodiments, the controller 18 may be configured to operate in
accordance with an algorithm that regulates operation of the HVAC
controller 14 and thus controls or at least partially controls one
or more components of the HVAC system 12.
[0035] The HVAC controller 14 may, for example, operate in
accordance with a control algorithm that provides temperature set
point changes, humidity set point changes, schedule changes, start
and end time changes, window frost protection setting changes,
operating mode changes, and/or the like. At least a portion of the
control algorithm may be stored locally in the memory of the HVAC
controller 14 and, in some cases, may be received from an external
web service. The control algorithm (or portion thereof) stored
locally in the memory of the HVAC controller 14 may in some cases
be periodically updated in accordance with a predetermined schedule
(e.g. once every 24 hours, 48 hours, 72 hours, weekly, monthly,
etc.), updated in response to any changes to the control algorithm
(e.g. set point change) made by a user, and/or updated in response
to a user's request. The updates to the control algorithm or
portion of the control algorithm (e.g. set points, schedules, etc.)
stored in the memory may be received from an external web service.
In some cases, the control algorithm may include settings such as
set points. In some cases, at least part of the control algorithm
may be stored and executed remotely, such as at an external web
service.
[0036] In some cases, the HVAC controller 14 may operate according
to a first operating mode having a first temperature set point, a
second operating mode having a second temperature set point, a
third operating mode having a third temperature set point, and/or
the like. In some cases, the first operating mode may correspond to
an occupied mode and the second operating mode may correspond to an
unoccupied mode. In some cases, the third operating mode may
correspond to a holiday or vacation mode wherein the building or
structure in which the HVAC system is located is expected to be
unoccupied for an extended period of time. In other cases, the
third operating mode may correspond to a sleep mode wherein the
building occupants are either asleep or inactive for a period of
time. These are just some examples. It will be understood that the
HVAC controller 14 may be capable of operating in additional modes
as necessary or desired. The number of operating modes and the
operating parameter settings associated with each of the operating
modes may be established locally through the user interface 16,
through a remote user device (e.g. user's cell phone) and/or
through an external web service and delivered to the HVAC
controller 14 where they may be stored in memory.
[0037] In some cases, the HVAC controller 14 may operate according
to one or more predetermined operating parameter settings
associated with a user profile for an individual user. The user
profile may be stored in the memory of the HVAC controller 14
and/or may be hosted by an external web service and stored on an
external web server. The user profile may include one or more
user-selected settings for one or more operating modes that may be
designated by the user. For example, the HVAC controller 14 may
operate according to a first operating mode having a first
temperature set point associated with a first user profile, a
second operating mode having a second temperature set point
associated with the first user profile, a third operating mode
having a third temperature set point associated with the first user
profile, and/or the like. In some cases, the first operating mode
may correspond to an occupied mode, the second operating mode may
correspond to an unoccupied mode, and the third operating mode may
correspond to a vacation or extended away mode wherein the building
or structure in which the HVAC system 12 is located may be
unoccupied for an extended period of time. In some cases, multiple
user profiles may be associated with the HVAC controller 14.
[0038] In some cases, the HVAC controller 14 may be programmed to
execute a guided set-up routine that may guide a user through
configuring the HVAC controller 14 to control one or more HVAC
components of their particular HVAC system. In some cases, the user
may have limited knowledge about the particular HVAC system
configuration. The guided set-up routine may be configured to guide
a user through set-up of the HVAC controller 14 without requiring
detailed knowledge of the particular HVAC system and/or without
requiring the user to consult a technical manual or guide. Further
details pertaining to the programming and use of the illustrative
HVAC controller 14 may be found in U.S. Provisional Application
Ser. No. 61/914,877, filed Dec. 11, 2013, which is incorporated
herein by reference in its entirety.
[0039] While the HVAC controller 14 is described with respect to a
particular embodiment of HVAC controller 14, it will be appreciated
that this description is illustrative only, as an HVAC controller
14 may take a variety of different physical shapes and
configurations, and can include or exclude any variety of
programming features.
[0040] The user interface 16 may provide a user of the HVAC
controller 14 with information pertaining to the status, operation
and/or programming of the HVAC system. The user interface 16 may
include one or more displays that are configured to provide
information to the user. The user interface 16 may also include,
for example, one or more touch screens, buttons, switches and/or
knobs that enable a user to provide input to the HVAC controller
14. This sometimes includes HVAC programming information as
described above. The user interface 16 can include any particular
hardware or software that enables information to be displayed to
the user and/or solicited or received from the user.
[0041] FIG. 3 provides additional information describing the
illustrative HVAC controller 14. As illustrated, the user interface
16 may be seen as including a display 20 and a display controller
22 that is operably coupled with the display 20 such that the
display controller 22 may control the content and/or appearance of
information displayed on the display 20. In some embodiments, for
example, the display 20 may display one or more pieces of
information pertaining to the operation of the HVAC system 12.
Illustrative but non-limiting examples include current sensed
temperatures, temperature set points, programming information and
the like. In some embodiments, the display 20 includes a touch
screen that can not only display information but can also solicit
and receive information.
[0042] In some embodiments, as illustrated, the HVAC controller 14
may include a proximity sensor 24. If present, the proximity sensor
24 may be configured to determine, for example, when a user is
approaching the HVAC controller 14, and to wake up the HVAC
controller 14 and/or the user interface 16 of the HVAC controller
14 before the individual reaches the HVAC controller 14. As a
result, when the user reaches the HVAC controller 14, the HVAC
controller 14 is already awake and ready to display and/or solicit
information from the user. In some embodiments, as will be
discussed with respect to subsequent Figures, the proximity sensor
24 may be configured to determine if the user is approaching from
the left or the right, for example. In some embodiments, the
proximity sensor 24 may be configured to determine if the user is
relatively tall or relatively short (or in a wheelchair, for
example).
[0043] The proximity sensor 24 is shown operably coupled with the
user interface 16 such that the display controller 22 may alter how
information is displayed on the display 20 based at least in part
on input from the proximity sensor 24. For example, if the
proximity sensor 24 determines that a user is relatively tall, the
display controller 22 may instruct the display 20 to display at
least certain information at a relatively higher position on the
display 20. Conversely, if the proximity sensor 24 determines that
the user is relatively short, such as a child or someone in a
wheelchair, the display controller 22 may instruct the display 20
to display at least certain information at a relatively lower
position on the display 20. In some embodiments, if the proximity
sensor 24 determines that the user is off to a side (either left
side or right side) of the HVAC controller 14, the display
controller 22 may instruct the display 20 to display at least
certain information at a lateral position that is relatively closer
to the user. For example, move information to the left side if the
user is on the left side, and move information to the right side if
the user is on the right side.
[0044] In some instances, the proximity sensor 24 can be configured
to detect the presence of a person near the HVAC controller 14. In
some cases, the proximity sensor 24 may operate by detecting any
desired or useful energy band within the electromagnetic spectrum.
An energy band may be considered as referring to energy within a
particular frequency or wavelength range. In some embodiments, the
proximity sensor 24 may be sensitive to the infrared (IR) portion
of the electromagnetic spectrum and thus may be considered as being
an IR proximity sensor. In some embodiments, the proximity sensor
24 may be a CCD or other imaging sensor.
[0045] In some embodiments, the proximity sensor 24 may be a
passive infrared sensor (PIR). In some cases, the sensor may detect
thermal radiation of human body (e.g. wavelength of 5-15
micrometers--infrared [IR] band), and convert it to a change of
crystal capacitance, a pulse, and/or some other electrical signal
that is indicative of the magnitude of detected IR radiation. In
some cases, the proximity sensor 24 may include two separate
detectors on a sensor die, each laterally spaced from the other.
Having two spaced sensors may help detect lateral motion across the
field of view of the proximity sensor 24. While IR sensors are
disclosed here as one example, it is contemplated that any suitable
sensor may be used, as desired.
[0046] In some embodiments, the HVAC controller 14 may utilize
wireless technology in detecting the presence and/or motion of an
individual relative to the HVAC controller 14. For example, if an
individual is wearing a wireless-enabled device, the HVAC
controller 14 may include two or more spaced apart radios that are
in communication with the wireless-enabled device. In another
example, the proximity sensor 24 may include radar, in which
electromagnetic waves are emitted and then the timing of their
return can be analyzed to determine if something is moving towards
or away from the HVAC controller 14.
[0047] In some instances, the HVAC controller 14 may wake up in
response to detecting an individual moving towards the HVAC
controller 14. In some cases, waking up the HVAC controller 14
includes energizing a display screen so that the approaching
individual can read information displayed on the display screen
without having to first interact with the HVAC controller 14. In
some instances, the HVAC controller 14 may be configured to wake up
when the individual is within a threshold distance of 4 feet (or
less) from the HVAC controller 14. In some cases, the threshold
distance may be a programmable parameter.
[0048] With reference once again to FIG. 3, in some embodiments the
HVAC controller 14 may include a color sensor 26. In some
embodiments, the HVAC controller 14 may include a viewing, or front
side, and an opposing mounting, or back side. The color sensor 26,
which may take any desired form, such as a digital camera pixel or
pixels, may face the mounting side of the HVAC controller 14 such
that the color sensor 26 may detect a color of a surrounding
environment. For example, in some cases the color sensor 26 may
detect a color of a wall to which the HVAC controller 14 is
mounted. The color sensor 26 is operably coupled to the user
interface such that the display controller 22 can instruct the
display 20, or at least a portion of the display 20, to alter its
background color to emulate the detected wall color. As a result,
the HVAC controller 14 may be less noticeable on the wall. In some
embodiments, the display 20 may instead display a background color
that is complementary to the detected wall color, or is perhaps an
attractive accent color relative to the detected wall color.
[0049] In some embodiments, the HVAC controller 14 or at least a
portion thereof may be configured to be mounted to a curved
surface. FIG. 4 illustrates an HVAC controller 28 that is mounted
to a curved surface 30. The curved surface 30 may, for example, be
the side of a support pillar or other decorative feature within a
building. In some embodiments, the curved surface 30 may be a
curved drywall or plaster surface within a building. The HVAC
controller 28, which may include the features and elements
described with respect to the HVAC controller 14, may include
additional components such as an electronics bezel, not shown in
FIG. 4.
[0050] The HVAC controller 28 may include a flexible display 32,
such as a flexible LED display or a flexible LCD display. In some
embodiments, the flexible display 32 may include or is otherwise
formed from a flexible AMOLED (active-matrix organic light emitting
diode) display. In some cases, the flexible display 32 is
transparent (except for the displayed information). In some
embodiments, the flexible display 32 functions as a touch screen
electronic display. It will be appreciated that the flexible
display 32 may be configure to display any variety of information,
including but not limited to scheduling information, equipment
status, operating mode (HEAT, COOL, OFF), fan status (ON, OFF,
AUTO), current temperature, temperature set points, other ambient
conditions, and the like. FIGS. 5 through 7 provide illustrative
examples of how the display controller 22 may alter the information
displayed on the flexible display 32, depending on the user
position relative to the flexible display 32 as detected by the
proximity sensor 24. For illustration purposes, FIGS. 5 through 7
illustrate a sensed temperature value 34 and a temperature set
point value 36, both of which are shown as being at 72 degrees.
However, it will be appreciated that any number of informational
values may be displayed.
[0051] In FIG. 5, the sensed temperature value 34 and the
temperature set point value 36 are shown roughly in a center of the
flexible display 32. This may correspond to the proximity sensor 24
determining that the user's eyes are at least roughly directly in
front of the HVAC controller 28. In some embodiments, "directly" in
front of the HVAC controller 28 may refer to a position that can
vary from exactly in front of the HVAC controller 28 (a position in
which the user's eyes likely transects a line extending
perpendicularly from the center of the flexible display 32 of the
HVAC controller 28) to a position in which the user is up to about
30 degrees, 20 degrees, 10 degrees or less, of either side of said
perpendicular line.
[0052] In some embodiments, the display controller 22 is configured
to display one or more display elements at a more rightward
location on the flexible display 32 (when facing the flexible
display 32) when the proximity sensor 24 senses a user at a more
rightward position than when the proximity sensor 24 senses a user
at a more leftward position relative to the flexible display 32. To
illustrate, FIG. 6 shows the sensed temperature value 34 and the
temperature set point value 36 displayed toward a left hand side of
the flexible display 32, corresponding to the proximity sensor 24
determining that the user is on the left hand side (when facing the
flexible display 32) of the HVAC controller 28. Similarly, FIG. 7
shows the sensed temperature value 34 and the temperature set point
value 36 displayed toward a right hand side of the flexible display
32, corresponding to the proximity sensor 24 determining that the
user is on the right hand side of the HVAC controller 28. In some
embodiments, the display controller 22 adjusts the position of
whatever is being displayed in real time or near real time with
respect to a current sensed user position.
[0053] In some embodiments, the display controller 22 may be
configured to display two or more display elements (such as the
illustrated sensed temperature value 34 and the temperature set
point value 36) with a particular positional relationship between
the two or more display elements. Even if the display controller 22
moves where the two or more display elements are displayed, such as
to the left side or to the right side, in some embodiments the
positional relationship may be maintained. To illustrate, in FIGS.
5-7, the relative spacing and positioning between the sensed
temperature value 34 and the temperature set point value 36 remain
constant. As illustrated, the distance between the two displayed
values remains constant, and the relative position (sensed
temperature value 34 on the left, temperature set point value 36 on
the right) remains constant. It will be appreciated that these
spatial relationships may exist between any desired combinations of
display elements.
[0054] In FIGS. 4 through 7, the flexible display 32 is seen as
curving from side to side, in a horizontal direction, with no or
essentially no curvature up or down, in a vertical direction. In
this, reference to horizontal and vertical merely refer to the
illustrated orientation and are not intended to be limiting in any
fashion. FIGS. 8 and 9 illustrate an HVAC controller 38 that curves
in a vertical direction while not curving in a horizontal
direction. An illustrative application of an HVAC controller 38
curved in this fashion may, for example, be an HVAC controller that
is configured to fit into or onto the front edge of a built in
shelving unit, or perhaps the curved edge of a bar. In another
illustrative application, the HVAC controller 38 may be mounted on
a flat wall, and may curve out into the space.
[0055] In FIG. 8, the sensed temperature value 34 and the
temperature set point value 36 are displayed in an upper portion of
the flexible display 32, corresponding to a situation in which the
proximity sensor 24 detects a relatively tall user, and/or a
situation in which the HVAC controller 38 is mounted at a vertical
position that is lower than might commonly be expected. In FIG. 9,
the sensed temperature value 34 and the temperature set point value
36 are displayed in a lower portion of the flexible display 32,
corresponding to a situation in which the proximity sensor 24
detects a relatively shorter user, or a user in a chair or
wheelchair, and/or a situation in which the HVAC controller 38 is
mounted at a vertical position that is higher than might commonly
be expected. In some cases, esthetic and/or other concerns may
dictated a higher than usual or lower than usual mounting position
for the HVAC controller 38.
[0056] FIG. 10 illustrates an HVAC controller 40 that includes a
control module 42 and a flexible display 44. The control module 42
may include the electronic circuitry that forms much of the HVAC
controller 40, apart from the flexible display 44. For example, the
control module 42 may include a rigid housing 46 that houses one or
more of a display controller 60 such as the display controller 22,
a temperature sensor 62, a wireless interface 64 and a battery 66.
In some embodiments, the control module 42 may be configured to
accommodate and electrically connect to two or more control wires
that extend to the HVAC system 12 and carry control signals from
the HVAC controller 40 to the HVAC system 12.
[0057] In some embodiments, the flexible display 44 may be
considered as being rectangular in shape, with a left edge 48, a
right edge 50, a top edge 52 and a bottom edge 54. In some
embodiments, as shown in FIG. 10, the control module 42 is
positioned along the left edge 48 of the flexible display 44. In
some cases, the control module 42 may be positioned along the right
edge 50. In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 11, the control
module 42 may be positioned along the bottom edge 54. In some
cases, the control module 42 may be positioned along the top edge
52.
[0058] FIG. 12 is a top view of the HVAC controller 40 of FIG. 10,
illustrating the relationship between the control module 42 and the
flexible display 44. In some embodiments, the flexible display 44
may be considered as including a first profile 70 immediately
adjacent the control module 42 and transitioning to a second,
different, profile 72 away from the control module 42. In some
embodiments, the first profile 70 is substantially planar while the
second profile 72 is substantially non-planar. The second profile
72 may be considered as being concave or convex. In some
embodiments, the second profile 72 may be factory-determined and
created. In some embodiments, the second profile 72 may be formed
in the field, to fit a desired mounting surface.
[0059] In some embodiments, the flexible display 44 may be
configured such that it can be curved into a desired shape and the
flexible display 44 will retain the desired shape. In some
embodiments, the flexible display 44 is too flexible, and cannot by
itself retain a desired shape. In some embodiments, as shown in
FIG. 13, the HVAC controller 40 may include a first shapeable bar
74 and a second shapeable bar 76, shown in phantom from the front
of the HVAC controller 40. The shapeable bars 74, 76 may be formed
of a metal or similar material that can be bent or curved into a
desired shape and will retain the desired shape. The flexible
display 44 may be secured to the shapeable bars 74, 76. While two
shapeable bars 74, 76 are illustrated, it will be appreciated that
any desired number may be employed.
[0060] In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 14, the HVAC
controller 40 may include a first adhesive pad 78 and a second
adhesive pad 80 that may be secured to the back of the flexible
display 44 and then secured to a curved mounting shape in order to
preserve a desired curvature of the flexible display 44. While two
adhesive pads 78, 80 are illustrated, it will be appreciated that
any desired number may be employed.
[0061] In some embodiments, with reference to FIG. 3, and as
illustrated in FIGS. 5-9, the display controller 22 may display
particular display elements in a particular position on the display
20 based upon where the proximity sensor 24 determines the user to
be relative to the HVAC controller 14. In some embodiments, the
displayer controller 22 may instead display one or more display
elements in a different size, depending on user position. For
example, FIG. 15 shows a display 82 displaying the sensed
temperature value 34 and the temperature set point value 36 in a
particular font size. In FIG. 16, however, the display 82 shows the
sensed temperature value 34 and the temperature set point value 36
in a particular font size that is larger than that shown in FIG.
15. FIG. 16 corresponds to the user being detected at a relatively
larger distance from the HVAC controller 14, so the display
elements are displayed in a larger font for ease of reading.
[0062] It will be appreciated that features illustrated in distinct
Figures may be combined into a particular HVAC controller. For
example, any of the curved displays shown in FIGS. 4 through 9 and
15-16 may include a control module such as those shown in FIGS. 10
through 14, or may include the shapeable bars 74, 76 and/or
adhesive pads 78, 80 shown in FIGS. 13 and 14.
[0063] It should be understood that this disclosure is, in many
respects, only illustrative. Changes may be made in details,
particularly in matters of shape, size, and arrangement of steps
without exceeding the scope of the disclosure. This may include, to
the extent that it is appropriate, the use of any of the features
of one example embodiment in other example embodiments. The scope
is, of course, defined in the language in which the appended claims
are expressed.
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