US20210223950A1 - Hvac graphical user interface with visual obscurity and methods of use thereof - Google Patents
Hvac graphical user interface with visual obscurity and methods of use thereof Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20210223950A1 US20210223950A1 US17/226,708 US202117226708A US2021223950A1 US 20210223950 A1 US20210223950 A1 US 20210223950A1 US 202117226708 A US202117226708 A US 202117226708A US 2021223950 A1 US2021223950 A1 US 2021223950A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- hvac
- user
- operational settings
- additional
- controllers
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims description 39
- 230000000007 visual effect Effects 0.000 title abstract description 15
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 claims description 13
- 238000004378 air conditioning Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000009423 ventilation Methods 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000002452 interceptive effect Effects 0.000 abstract description 4
- 238000012217 deletion Methods 0.000 description 16
- 230000037430 deletion Effects 0.000 description 16
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 15
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 9
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 description 8
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 description 8
- 238000004891 communication Methods 0.000 description 6
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 description 5
- 230000009471 action Effects 0.000 description 4
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 description 4
- 230000003247 decreasing effect Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000007704 transition Effects 0.000 description 3
- ATUOYWHBWRKTHZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N Propane Chemical compound CCC ATUOYWHBWRKTHZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 238000013475 authorization Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000001413 cellular effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000004590 computer program Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000012790 confirmation Methods 0.000 description 2
- 238000010276 construction Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000003993 interaction Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000003949 liquefied natural gas Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000011664 signaling Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000003213 activating effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000004913 activation Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000004397 blinking Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000003086 colorant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000002485 combustion reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000006835 compression Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007906 compression Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000006837 decompression Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005516 engineering process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007613 environmental effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 210000003811 finger Anatomy 0.000 description 1
- 239000000446 fuel Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000009434 installation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- QSHDDOUJBYECFT-UHFFFAOYSA-N mercury Chemical compound [Hg] QSHDDOUJBYECFT-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910052753 mercury Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000010813 municipal solid waste Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000006855 networking Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000001294 propane Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000003507 refrigerant Substances 0.000 description 1
- 230000003252 repetitive effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000010079 rubber tapping Methods 0.000 description 1
- 239000004065 semiconductor Substances 0.000 description 1
- 239000007787 solid Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000006467 substitution reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
- 210000003813 thumb Anatomy 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
- G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
- G06F3/048—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI]
- G06F3/0484—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] for the control of specific functions or operations, e.g. selecting or manipulating an object, an image or a displayed text element, setting a parameter value or selecting a range
- G06F3/04847—Interaction techniques to control parameter settings, e.g. interaction with sliders or dials
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
- G05B—CONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS
- G05B19/00—Programme-control systems
- G05B19/02—Programme-control systems electric
- G05B19/04—Programme control other than numerical control, i.e. in sequence controllers or logic controllers
- G05B19/042—Programme control other than numerical control, i.e. in sequence controllers or logic controllers using digital processors
-
- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
- F24F—AIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
- F24F11/00—Control or safety arrangements
- F24F11/50—Control or safety arrangements characterised by user interfaces or communication
- F24F11/52—Indication arrangements, e.g. displays
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
- G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
- G06F3/048—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI]
- G06F3/0481—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] based on specific properties of the displayed interaction object or a metaphor-based environment, e.g. interaction with desktop elements like windows or icons, or assisted by a cursor's changing behaviour or appearance
- G06F3/0482—Interaction with lists of selectable items, e.g. menus
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F3/00—Input arrangements for transferring data to be processed into a form capable of being handled by the computer; Output arrangements for transferring data from processing unit to output unit, e.g. interface arrangements
- G06F3/01—Input arrangements or combined input and output arrangements for interaction between user and computer
- G06F3/048—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI]
- G06F3/0487—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] using specific features provided by the input device, e.g. functions controlled by the rotation of a mouse with dual sensing arrangements, or of the nature of the input device, e.g. tap gestures based on pressure sensed by a digitiser
- G06F3/0488—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] using specific features provided by the input device, e.g. functions controlled by the rotation of a mouse with dual sensing arrangements, or of the nature of the input device, e.g. tap gestures based on pressure sensed by a digitiser using a touch-screen or digitiser, e.g. input of commands through traced gestures
- G06F3/04886—Interaction techniques based on graphical user interfaces [GUI] using specific features provided by the input device, e.g. functions controlled by the rotation of a mouse with dual sensing arrangements, or of the nature of the input device, e.g. tap gestures based on pressure sensed by a digitiser using a touch-screen or digitiser, e.g. input of commands through traced gestures by partitioning the display area of the touch-screen or the surface of the digitising tablet into independently controllable areas, e.g. virtual keyboards or menus
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
- G05B—CONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS
- G05B2219/00—Program-control systems
- G05B2219/20—Pc systems
- G05B2219/26—Pc applications
- G05B2219/2614—HVAC, heating, ventillation, climate control
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
- G05B—CONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS
- G05B2219/00—Program-control systems
- G05B2219/30—Nc systems
- G05B2219/36—Nc in input of data, input key till input tape
- G05B2219/36168—Touchscreen
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F2203/00—Indexing scheme relating to G06F3/00 - G06F3/048
- G06F2203/048—Indexing scheme relating to G06F3/048
- G06F2203/04804—Transparency, e.g. transparent or translucent windows
Definitions
- HVAC heating, ventilation, and air conditioning
- HVAC systems are often controlled by a thermostat or controller that is mounted on a wall and enables occupants to set the desired temperature in the building.
- the thermostat In summer months, the thermostat can be placed in a cooling mode to operate air conditioning equipment, while in the winter months the thermostat can be placed in a heating mode to operate heating equipment, for example an oil- or gas-fired furnace, an electric heater, or a heat pump.
- Thermostats range in complexity from basic electromechanical round dial models that employ bimetallic strips and mercury switches, to computerized devices which employ a range of sensor and touch screen technologies to provide convenience features such as heating/cooling profiles which control temperature based on a schedule, building occupancy, and other criteria.
- Computerized thermostats and controllers may include remote control capability enabling a user to manage the thermostat remotely from a smart phone, tablet, or computer using a mobile application or web portal.
- Such advanced thermostats may have drawbacks. As more and more features are added, the user may become overwhelmed by the available options and configuration settings. For example, it may be inconvenient for a user to manage the temperature setpoint of multiple occupancy periods that occur over the course of a day or a week because the number of discrete user inputs required to adjust a single occupancy period must be repeated for every other occupancy period to be adjusted. In cases where a user needs to manage multiple thermostats with multiple periods, the task quickly becomes tedious, time-consuming, and error-prone.
- thermostat which addresses the above shortcomings would be a welcome advance.
- the present disclosure is directed to a method of facilitating user interaction with an HVAC control device having a touch-responsive display and operable in an occupied mode and an unoccupied mode.
- the method includes displaying an informational region comprising non-interactive user interface elements, displaying a control region comprising interactive user-interface elements, displaying an override region comprising an occupied status display and an occupancy override control having an override state and a non-override state, and displaying a variable opacity region comprising the informational region and the control region.
- variable opacity region when the HVAC control device is operating in an occupied mode the variable opacity region is displayed with a first predefined opacity and when the HVAC control device is operating in an unoccupied mode the variable opacity region is displayed with a second predefined opacity.
- control region includes a temperature setpoint increase control and a temperature setpoint decrease control. In some embodiments, the control region is inactive when the HVAC control device is operating in an unoccupied mode.
- the method includes receiving, at the occupancy override control, a user input switching the occupancy override control from the non-override state to the override state, displaying the variable opacity region with a first predefined opacity, and activating the control region.
- the method includes receiving, at the occupancy override control, a user input switching the occupancy override control from the override state to the non-override state, displaying the variable opacity region with a second predefined opacity, and deactivating the control region.
- the method includes visually highlighting the override region when the variable opacity region is displayed with a first predefined opacity.
- a method of operating an HVAC control device having a touch-responsive display screen and scheduled occupancy states and non-occupancy states includes defining a portion of the display screen having setpoint change control panel, defining a portion of the display screen having an occupancy control panel, and detecting a transition of scheduled occupancy state. If it is detected that the occupancy state has transitioned to a non-occupied state, a visual opacity effect is applied to the portion of the screen having the setpoint change control panel, and, in some embodiments, a visual highlighting effect is applied to the occupancy control panel. In some embodiments, the opacity effect is applied to all portions of the screen except the occupancy change control panel.
- the method further includes disabling the setpoint change control panel when occupancy state has transitioned to a non-occupied state.
- the method further includes enabling the setpoint change control panel when occupancy state has transitioned to an occupied state. In some embodiments, the method further includes receiving a user input enabling an occupancy override mode and removing the visual opacity effect from the setpoint change control panel. In some embodiments, a visual highlighting effect is removed from the occupancy control panel.
- the method further includes receiving a user input disabling an occupancy override mode and applying the visual opacity effect to the setpoint change control panel. In some embodiments, a visual highlighting effect is applied to the occupancy control panel.
- the present disclosure is directed to an HVAC system that includes a thermostat or a system hub that performs a method of operation as described herein.
- FIG. 1 illustrates an HVAC system having a thermostat with a flexible scheduling user interface in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure
- FIGS. 2-8 illustrate a flexible scheduling user interface for adding events to an HVAC thermostat in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure
- FIGS. 9-13 illustrate a flexible scheduling user interface for deleting events from an HVAC thermostat in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure
- FIGS. 14-17 illustrate a start- and end-time grid of a flexible scheduling user interface for modifying events in an HVAC thermostat in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure
- FIGS. 18-19 illustrate a flexible user interface of an HVAC thermostat that includes regions of varying opacity in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure
- FIG. 20 illustrates a method of operating a flexible scheduling thermostat responsive to timed occupancy override status and occupancy status
- FIGS. 21-27 illustrate a remote flexible scheduling user interface for use with one or more HVAC thermostats that facilitates control of multiple thermostats with a single action
- FIGS. 28-29 illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a flexible scheduling user interface for adding and deleting events to an HVAC thermostat in accordance with the present disclosure.
- exemplary is used herein to mean “serving as a non-limiting example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments.
- example may be used interchangeably with the term “exemplary.”
- any element of the present disclosure may consist of any combination of databases or components at a single location or at multiple locations, wherein each database or system includes any of various suitable security features, such as firewalls, access codes, authentication, encryption, de-encryption, compression, decompression, and/or the like.
- security features such as firewalls, access codes, authentication, encryption, de-encryption, compression, decompression, and/or the like.
- steps recited herein may be executed in any order and are not limited to the order presented.
- two or more steps or actions recited herein may be performed concurrently.
- touch as used to indicate a user selection of a user interface element and/or button are understood to be non-limiting, and include other user interface activation techniques such as, without limitation, clicking, tapping, speech input, and the like.
- HVAC system 1 having a thermostat 10 with a flexible scheduling user interface
- Thermostat 10 includes in operative communication, processor 11 , touchscreen 12 , memory 13 , data interface 14 , user interface controller 15 , HVAC interface 16 , and one or more sensors 17 .
- Sensor(s) 17 may include a temperature sensor, humidity sensor, light sensor, proximity sensor and/or a motion sensor.
- HVAC interface 16 is configured to communicatively couple thermostat 10 with HVAC equipment 20 .
- HVAC equipment 20 may include, without limitation, an outdoor unit 21 , an indoor unit 22 , and/or a furnace 23 .
- HVAC equipment 20 includes components typically associated with residential installations, the present disclosure is not so limited, and may be used with commercial HVAC components such as chiller plants, water-source heat pumps, and variable refrigerant flow devices.
- Data interface 14 is configured to communicably couple thermostat 10 with other devices, such as one or more additional thermostats 10 , a remote device 27 such as a smart phone, tablet computer, notebook, or desktop computer, and/or cloud services 26 which may include one or more remote servers.
- Data interface 14 may be configured to communicate using any suitable wireless communication protocol, such as without limitation, any variant of IEEE 802.11 (commonly known as WiFi), variants of IEEE 802.15 wireless personal area networking such as Bluetooth® and ZigBee®, and other wireless standards such as Z-Wave®.
- Data interface 14 may be additionally or alternatively be configured to communicate using a wired protocol using dedicated data lines (e.g., Ethernet) or via powerline communication links using, for example, IEEE 1901, X10® and/or Insteon® protocol.
- Data interface 14 may be additionally or alternatively be configured to communicate using a cellular mobile network using, for example and without limitation, a GSM protocol (3G, 4G, LTE etc.), a CDMA protocol (EV-DO, SV-DO, etc.), and so forth.
- data interface 14 is configured to act as a WiFi hot-spot or wired router to enable thermostat 10 to provide internet access via the cellular data network to other internet-enabled devices within the building, such as computers, notebooks, mobile devices, streaming media devices, security devices, appliances, and so forth.
- HVAC interface 16 may be configured to communicate between thermostat 10 and HVAC equipment 20 using any communications protocol suitable for use with HVAC equipment 20 .
- HVAC interface 16 may include a 24V switched circuit interface which operates with well-known HVAC color-coded wiring schemes (Rc, Rh, C, Y, W, Y2, W2, G, E, O, V, etc.).
- HVAC interface 16 may include a digital signaling interface such as, without limitation, CAN bus, RS-485, ComfortLink IITM, climateTalkTM, and the like.
- HVAC interface 16 may operate using both 24V switched circuits and digital signaling protocols to flexibly accommodate any combination of HVAC equipment. In some embodiments, any of the functions of data interface 14 may be performed by HVAC interface 16 , and vice versa. In embodiments, HVAC interface 16 may be incorporated within data interface 14 .
- Thermostat 10 is configured for communication with one or more remote devices 27 , cloud services 26 , and or other thermostats 10 via network 26 (which may include a LAN and/or the public internet).
- network 26 which may include a LAN and/or the public internet.
- outdoor unit 21 and indoor unit 22 may be configured as a split HVAC system wherein outdoor unit 21 is configured as an air conditioner or heat pump unit, and indoor unit 22 is configured as an air handling unit. In other embodiments, outdoor unit 21 and indoor unit 22 may be included within a common enclosure. In some embodiments, outdoor unit 21 and/or indoor unit 22 may include an auxiliary heater 28 for use when a heat pump alone is insufficient to meet the heating demand of the building or temperature-controlled space. HVAC equipment 20 may include a furnace 23 configured for heating the building via combustion of heating oil (typically, No. 2 heating oil), liquid propane (LP), or other fuel such as liquefied natural gas (LNG), that is stored on-site.
- heating oil typically, No. 2 heating oil
- LP liquid propane
- LNG liquefied natural gas
- Thermostat 10 includes user interface controller 15 which in combination with touchscreen 12 implements one or more embodiments of a flexible scheduling thermostat user interface as described herein.
- user interface controller 15 may take the form of an entirely software embodiment, an entirely hardware embodiment, or an embodiment combining both software and hardware.
- Embodiments may take the form of a computer program product on any suitable non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having computer-readable program code embodied in the storage medium. Any suitable computer-readable storage medium may be utilized, including semiconductor storage devices, e.g., mask ROM, EEPROM, flash memory, USB thumb drives, and the like.
- Computer program instructions embodying the present disclosure may be stored in a computer-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce an article of manufacture, including instruction means, that implement the functions described herein.
- User interface 100 includes a scheduling grid 114 consisting of one row 109 for each day of the week, each row representing a 24 hour timeline of that day.
- a column of day buttons 101 is arranged vertically down the left side of user interface 100 that are each associated with a corresponding row 109 .
- Each of the rows 109 may include occupied periods 110 and unoccupied periods 112 scheduled for each day.
- An occupied period 110 may denote, for example, that the thermostat 10 will operate in accordance with an occupied environmental profile during that event.
- a 24-hour timeline header 104 Arranged horizontally above the rows 109 is a 24-hour timeline header 104 that includes a series of hour markers 111 that, in the present example embodiment, indicate the hours of the day in two-hour intervals.
- a set of time adjustment controls is arranged at the right side of user interface 100 .
- a start time adjustment control 102 includes a pair of buttons 102 a and 102 b for increasing and decreasing, respectively, the start time of one or more selected events.
- An end time adjustment control 103 includes a pair of buttons 103 a and 103 b for increasing and decreasing, respectively, the end time of one or more selected events.
- Start time adjustment control 102 includes a start time display 102 c and end time adjustment control 103 includes an end time display 103 c .
- a set of command buttons is situated along the bottom of user interface 100 that includes an add button 106 , a delete button 107 , a disable schedule button 105 , and a back button 108 .
- Occupied periods 110 and unoccupied periods 112 are distinguished visually by the use of different colors or shading and/or by the use of text labels or graphic icons.
- occupied periods 110 are presented in a color that is different from that of unoccupied periods 112 .
- occupied regions 110 may include a text label, e.g., “Occupied.”
- a user has a choice of using one of two different gestures to enter add mode to allow the addition of an event to the thermostat 10 schedule.
- a user may touch the add button 106 .
- the user may enter add mode by using the second method of touching any unscheduled period 112 (as demonstrated in the drawings by the “touch” symbol T).
- user interface 100 is transitioned from display mode to add mode.
- Addition of events e.g., occupancy periods
- addition buttons 120 which, as seen in the present example embodiment, are represented by a plus sign within a circle.
- a cancel button 123 and a save button 124 are presented in place of disable schedule button 105 and back button 108 , respectively, and add button 106 and delete button 107 are disabled (greyed out).
- an addition button 120 is placed in each unoccupied period, in the following manner: an addition button 120 is placed to the left of an occupied period; an addition button 120 is placed to the right of an occupied period; each addition button 120 is centered within the unoccupied period in which it is placed and/or is centered between occupancy period when placed in an unoccupied period between two occupancy period.
- the active area of the addition button 120 may include the area within the button itself, and/or may extend to include the region defined by the unoccupied period in which the addition button 120 is placed.
- the user touches the active area of the addition button 120 in the unoccupied period in which the new event is to be created. For example, a user touches the unoccupied region 121 , which in this example is the entirety of Saturday.
- new occupancy period 122 is created in the desired region.
- new occupancy period 122 has an initial (default) duration of three hours. In those instances where the desired unoccupied period is less than three hours, the initial duration of new occupancy period 122 is decreased to fit the time within the desired unoccupied region.
- new occupancy period 122 becomes the active selection which, in turn, enables a user to adjust the start and/or end time thereof using start time adjustment control 102 and/or end time adjustment control 103 .
- the user has three choices. The user may continue to add events by repeating the above process (e.g., touching another unoccupied period); the user may touch save button 124 to save the newly-added period(s); or the user may touch cancel button 123 to discard any changes and return the schedule to its prior state. If the save button 124 is used, user interface 100 returns to the display configuration showing the newly-added period(s) ( FIG. 6 .) If cancel button 123 is used, user interface 100 returns to the display configuration showing the prior set of period(s) ( FIG. 2 .)
- the disclosed user interface 100 supports the creation of multiple periods in a given day.
- user interface 100 is in add mode and a user has added four additional occupancy periods 125 on Saturday.
- user interface 100 places additional add buttons 120 in each unoccupied period (e.g., between occupied periods), in the manner described above.
- a minimum unoccupied period may be enforced between occupied periods.
- the minimum unoccupied period is 30 minutes.
- the number of occupancy periods permitted on a given day may be limited.
- a “maximum number of periods” error message 126 is presented on user interface 100 when an attempt to exceed the maximum daily event limit occurs.
- the maximum number of periods permitted on a given day is six events.
- FIGS. 9-13 a flexible scheduling user interface 200 for deleting events from HVAC thermostat 10 is shown.
- User interface 200 includes day buttons 201 , rows 209 , timeline header 204 , hour markers 211 , time adjustment controls 202 , 203 and may display occupied events 210 and unoccupied events 212 as described above.
- a user touches delete button 207 to cause user interface 200 to transition from a display mode ( FIG. 9 ) to a delete mode ( FIG. 10 ).
- Delete mode is indicated by the substitution of the “Occupied” label(s) on occupied event(s) 210 by a deletion icon 230 , which in the present example is a trash can icon.
- the “Occupied” text label may be substituted with a different text label, for example, “Delete This Event” or the like.
- cancel button 223 and save button 224 are presented in place of disable schedule button 205 and back button 208 , respectively, and add button 206 and delete button 307 are disabled (greyed out).
- the user touches the deletion icon 230 of the period to be deleted as shown in FIG. 11 .
- the user may simply touch anywhere within the period to be deleted.
- the deleted period is removed from user interface 200 ( FIG. 12 ).
- the user may continue to delete additional periods in the described matter.
- the user may confirm the deletions by touching save button 224 which deletes the selected events and returns user interface 200 to the display mode ( FIG. 9 ) where the add button 206 and delete button 207 are re-activated and the disable schedule button 205 and back button 208 return to their original state.
- cancel button 223 is touched, which restores any deleted periods to the state immediately preceding delete mode, and returns user interface 200 to display mode.
- FIGS. 14-17 another aspect of the present disclosure is shown that exemplifies a flexible scheduling user interface 300 for modifying events 310 of HVAC thermostat 10 .
- User interface 300 includes a scheduling grid 314 consisting of one row 309 for each day of the week, each row representing a 24 hour timeline of that day.
- T a region within the event 310 to be modified as shown in FIG. 14 .
- the touched event is selected for editing as highlighted by a change in color or other graphic property (e.g., change in background pattern, blinking, animation, etc.).
- the user may adjust the start and/or end time thereof using start time adjustment control 302 and/or end time adjustment control 303 .
- start time adjustment control 302 touches the down-arrow of start time adjustment control 302 to change the start time of event 310 from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m.
- the visible alignment grid 331 enables the user to quickly visually perceive the time period of the event and how it aligns to the 24 hour banner 304 and other individual period(s).
- the vertical lines of the alignment grid 331 align with the 24 hour header 304 by hourly increments, allowing the user to quickly match the event period to the desired hour, without having to confirm the start and end time(s) by needing to move the user's hand away from start time adjustment control 302 and/or end time adjustment control 303 to read start time display 302 c and/or end time display 303 c.
- the user has three choices.
- the user may continue to modify events by repeating the above process (e.g., touching a region within another event and adjusting start/end times); the user may touch save button 324 to save the modified event(s); or the user may touch cancel button 323 to discard the modifications and return the schedule to its prior state.
- the save button 324 is used, user interface 300 returns to the display configuration showing the newly-added event(s) ( FIG. 17 .)
- cancel button 323 is used, user interface 300 returns to the display configuration showing the prior set of event(s) ( FIG. 14 .)
- thermostat 10 may be operated in a restricted mode where user interactions are limited or disallowed altogether. For example, during a scheduled unoccupied mode, user restrictions may be imposed on thermostat 10 which prevent the user from changing the occupancy schedule, setpoints, etc. In certain cases, however, it may be desirable to allow the user to make certain adjustments. For example, when thermostat 10 is operating in a scheduled mode, a user restriction prevents the user from adjusting the setpoint (e.g., change the temperature setting) unless an override option, referred to as a timed occupancy override (TOV) option, is enabled.
- TOV timed occupancy override
- a novice user who, during a scheduled period, wishes to make a setpoint adjustment, might attempt to change setpoints directly without enabling TOV, or, may not have authorization to enable TOV. Since the user fails to recognize that TOV must be enabled to properly adjust thermostat 10 , the user may end up causing improper or inadvertent changes to setpoint, scheduled events, and/or other settings as the user attempts to work around the perceived difficulty.
- user interface 400 that permits a user to adjust setpoints when a user restriction is imposed and timed occupancy override (TOV) option is enabled by guiding the user toward available and appropriate settings and reducing or eliminating the likelihood that an inappropriate setting is changed.
- TOV timed occupancy override
- FIG. 18 shows a user interface 400 that includes a header region 411 that includes informational displays such as date, time, and signal strength, current temperature display 410 , HVAC system status display 414 , outdoor temperature display 415 (when outdoor temperature is available) and indoor relative humidity display 416 .
- User interface 400 also includes setpoint up/down buttons 402 and 403 , respectively, and a lower control region 413 that includes menu button 405 , system mode button 406 , and fan mode button 407 .
- the current scheduling mode e.g., occupied or unoccupied, is displayed in timed occupancy override control 404 . Note that in FIG. 18 , no user restrictions are imposed (e.g., thermostat 10 is not in unoccupied schedule mode) and all controls, particularly the setpoint up/down buttons 402 and 403 , are available to the user.
- user interface 400 is illustrated with a user restriction imposed (e.g., unoccupied schedule mode).
- a predefined opacity region 420 is overlaid on all portions of user interface 400 excluding the region defined by timed occupancy override (TOV) control 401 and occupancy panel 404 .
- the opacity region 420 may include a representation of the underlying user interface elements using any one or more of a reduced contrast, a reduced brightness, a distinct or subdued coloration, or any other suitable visual attribute suggestive of reduced importance.
- the region defined by TOV control 401 and occupancy panel 404 remains unchanged, or alternatively, may be presented with any one or more of an increased contrast, increased brightness, a distinct or intensified coloration, or any other suitable visual attribute suggestive of increased importance.
- the opacity region 420 assists the user to properly navigate user interface 400 by enabling the user to quickly identify the TOV control 401 , by suggesting to the user to utilize the TOV control 401 to adjust setpoint, and by indicating to the user that other controls that are available are of less significance when compared to TOV control 401 and/or occupancy panel 404 .
- one or more controls overlaid by opacity region 420 remain active to enable the user to continue to perform operations, such as, for example, navigating to other screens. However, thermostat 10 will still continue to follow access restrictions rules while the predefined screen opacity 420 is active, and will continue to display all system-related notifications and status displays (time, temperature, etc.) while predefined screen opacity 420 is active.
- a method 500 by which user interface 400 responds to TOV and occupancy status during scheduled operation is detailed in FIG. 20 .
- scheduled operation is enabled.
- a scheduled event occurs, e.g., a transition from occupied status to unoccupied status, or vice versa.
- the occupancy status is evaluated. If unoccupied, the process continues at block 520 where the opacity region 420 is applied to user interface 400 , and proceeds to block 530 where the TOV control 401 and/or occupancy panel 404 is highlighted. The process then waits at block 535 to receive the next user input.
- the process continues at block 540 where the opacity region 420 is removed from user interface 400 , and proceeds to block 570 where TOV state is evaluated. If TOV is disabled, block 545 is performed where TOV control 401 and/or occupancy panel 404 is unhighlighted. If in block 570 it is determined that TOV is enabled, block 545 is bypassed. Processing then continues at block 550 where setpoint adjustments 402 , 403 are enabled allowing the user to adjust the setpoint as desired, and the process continues at block 535 to receive the next user input.
- a user may have authorization to enable or disable timed occupancy override (TOV) mode. If so authorized, the user may at step 565 enable TOV mode, causing the process to proceed from block 540 as described above. Alternatively, the user may at step 560 cancel TOV mode, causing the process to proceed from block 520 as described above.
- TOV timed occupancy override
- User interface 600 includes a scheduling grid 614 consisting of one row 609 for each day of the week, each row representing a 24 hour timeline of that day.
- a column of day buttons 601 is arranged vertically down the left side of user interface 600 that are each associated with a corresponding row 609 .
- Each of the rows 609 may include event (occupied) regions 610 and non-event (unoccupied) regions 612 scheduled for each day.
- a start time indicator 604 a is presented proximate to the left (start) edge of an occupancy period
- an end time indicator 604 b is presented proximate to the right (end) edge of an occupancy period.
- User interface 600 includes add period button 606 , remove (e.g., delete) period button 607 , cancel button 623 , and apply (e.g., save) button 624 .
- user interface 600 and user interface 650 are adapted for use with a touchscreen device such as a smart phone or tablet computer, however, user interface 600 and user interface 650 may be advantageously utilized with thermostat 10 , a desktop computer, a notebook computer, and so forth.
- a user may add an occupied period by touching the add period button 606 and touching the region in which the new occupied period is to be created. To delete an occupied period, the user may touch the occupied period to be deleted and touch the remove button 607 .
- the user may touch the desired occupied period 610 and touch/drag the left edge leftward to decrease the start time (e.g., the event will start earlier) or touch/drag the left edge rightward to increase the start time (e.g., the event will end later).
- the start time indicator 604 a and/or the end time indicator 604 b is updated as the user drags the start or end time of the period, respectively, to provide the user with immediate visual confirmation of the adjustment.
- the user may continue to add, remove, or modify events by repeating the above-described steps.
- the user may touch apply button 624 to save the changes; or the user may touch cancel button 623 to discard any changes and return the schedule to its prior state.
- save button 624 is used, user interface 600 presents a pop-up dialog box 630 that ask the user whether the changes should be applied to additional thermostats. Additionally, the underlying non-dialog box portion 620 of user interface 600 is temporarily shaded to draw the user's attention to pop-up dialog box 630 . If the user chooses “no” the changes are saved to a the original targeted thermostat and user interface 600 returns to a home screen 649 ( FIG. 27 ).
- Thermostat selection box 640 includes a list of thermostat identifiers 642 that represent one or more additional thermostats.
- a check box 646 is positioned proximate to each thermostat identifier 642 to enable the user to select, or deselect, additional thermostats to which the changed schedule is to be saved.
- the list of thermostat identifiers may be arranged in one or more groups 641 . Member thermostats of each group may be hidden or revealed by touching an expansion button 645 associated with each group.
- a group check box 647 is positioned proximate to each group name, which enables a user to select, or deselect, all member of the group in a single step, while still enabling a user to select or deselect individual thermostat members of the group, as desired.
- specific thermostats may be unselectable (grayed out). For example, any non-communicating thermostats will not be selectable, and/or any thermostats on which the scheduling feature is disabled will not be selectable.
- the user may choose to apply or cancel the changes.
- the apply button 624 is touched, the schedule changes are communicated to the selected thermostats (including the original thermostat which was edited, above).
- the changes are communicated to cloud services 26 , which, in turn pushes the changes to the selected thermostats.
- cloud services 26 may optionally queue and store changes destined for thermostats which may be offline or unreachable until such time such thermostats are again online or reachable.
- an acknowledgement is sent from cloud service 26 to user interface 600 to confirm the changes were successfully transmitted to the selected thermostats.
- FIGS. 24-26 show a flexible scheduling user interface 650 that enables a user to specify heating and cooling setpoints for both occupied and unoccupied modes, to one or more HVAC thermostats 10 , in a single action.
- User interface 650 includes occupied heating control 652 , occupied cooling control 654 , unoccupied heating control 656 , and unoccupied cooling control 658 .
- User interface 650 further includes cancel button 673 , and apply (e.g., save) button 674 .
- the user may adjust the desired setpoint by touching the up or down arrow of the appropriate control. Once the user has completed the desired inputs, the user may touch apply button 674 to save the changes; or the user may touch cancel button 673 to discard any changes and return the schedule to its prior state.
- user interface 650 presents a pop-up dialog box 680 that asks the user whether the changes should be applied to additional thermostats. Additionally, the underlying non-dialog box portion 670 of user interface 650 is temporarily shaded to draw the user's attention to pop-up dialog box 680 . If the user chooses “no” the changes are saved to the originally targeted thermostat and user interface 650 returns to a home screen 649 ( FIG. 27 ). If the user chooses “yes” to save to additional thermostats, a pop-up thermostat selection box 690 is presented as shown in FIG. 26 . The user may then proceed to select additional thermostats in the manner described above.
- FIGS. 28-29 illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a flexible scheduling user interface for adding and deleting events to HVAC thermostat 10 .
- user interface 700 is in add mode in which it is possible to add periods as indicated by the presentation of one or more addition buttons 720 , which, as seen in the present example embodiment, are represented by a white plus sign within a blue circle.
- One or more occupied periods 710 may be displayed as rectangular horizontal regions arranged in rows, each row corresponding to a day-of-week ( 701 ). Each occupied period 710 may optionally include a start time indicator 704 and an end time indicator 705 .
- a cancel button 723 and a save button 724 are presented, and done button 742 and undo button 743 may be presented.
- an addition button 720 is placed in each unoccupied period 712 as described above.
- the active area of addition button(s) 720 may include the area within the button itself, and/or may extend to include the region defined by the unoccupied period 712 in which addition button 720 is placed.
- the user touches the active area of the addition button 720 in the unoccupied period 712 in which the new event is to be created.
- a user may adjust the start and/or end time by a click-drag gesture (using a pointing device such as a mouse) or touch-drag gesture (using a finger and a touch-responsive display panel) to move the start or end time to the desired position.
- the corresponding start time indicator 704 or end time indicator 705 is updated concurrently with the user's adjustment gesture to provide visual feedback and confirmation that the desired time is correctly set.
- the user may then confirm the last change by touching done button 742 , or revert the change by touching undo button 743 . If the user is satisfied with all changes, apply button 724 is used to apply all changes made during the present add mode to the thermostat 10 schedule. Otherwise, the user may choose cancel button 723 to discard all changes made during the present add mode, with no changes made to the thermostat 10 schedule.
- User interface 700 includes “save as” button 740 which enables the user to store the current schedule in a collection of schedule presets. The enables a user to quickly and easily recall a saved schedule using load button 741 and apply it to a first thermostat 10 at a later time, or to another thermostat 10 , without the need to re-enter the entire schedule.
- saved schedules may be shared among users using any suitable communications protocol, such as email, SMS or MMS messaging, a social media post and the like, using any suitable encoding such as, for example, HTML, XML, JSON, and so forth.
- FIG. 29 shows a user interface 750 in delete mode in which it is possible to delete periods as indicated by the presentation of one or more deletion buttons 770 , which, as seen in the present example embodiment, are represented by a white minus sign within a solid red circle.
- One or more occupied periods 760 are displayed as rectangular horizontal regions arranged in rows as described above with respect to user interface 700 .
- a deletion button 770 is placed in each occupied period 760 as described above.
- the active area of deletion button(s) 770 may include the area within deletion button 770 itself, and/or may extend to include the region defined by the occupied period 760 in which deletion button 770 is placed.
- the user touches the active area of the deletion button 720 in the occupied period 710 to be deleted. The user may then confirm the last deletion by touching done button 792 , or revert the deletion by touching undo button 793 . If the user is satisfied with all deletions, apply button 744 is used to apply all deletions made during the present delete mode to the thermostat 10 schedule. Otherwise, the user may choose cancel button 773 to discard all deletion made during the present delete mode, with no changes made to the thermostat 10 schedule.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
- Human Computer Interaction (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Air Conditioning Control Device (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- The present disclosure is directed to a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) thermostat, and in particular, to an HVAC thermostat that provides a flexible user interface that enables a user to manage scheduling options through the use of visual opacity overlays.
- HVAC systems are often controlled by a thermostat or controller that is mounted on a wall and enables occupants to set the desired temperature in the building. In summer months, the thermostat can be placed in a cooling mode to operate air conditioning equipment, while in the winter months the thermostat can be placed in a heating mode to operate heating equipment, for example an oil- or gas-fired furnace, an electric heater, or a heat pump.
- Thermostats range in complexity from basic electromechanical round dial models that employ bimetallic strips and mercury switches, to computerized devices which employ a range of sensor and touch screen technologies to provide convenience features such as heating/cooling profiles which control temperature based on a schedule, building occupancy, and other criteria. Computerized thermostats and controllers may include remote control capability enabling a user to manage the thermostat remotely from a smart phone, tablet, or computer using a mobile application or web portal.
- Such advanced thermostats may have drawbacks. As more and more features are added, the user may become overwhelmed by the available options and configuration settings. For example, it may be inconvenient for a user to manage the temperature setpoint of multiple occupancy periods that occur over the course of a day or a week because the number of discrete user inputs required to adjust a single occupancy period must be repeated for every other occupancy period to be adjusted. In cases where a user needs to manage multiple thermostats with multiple periods, the task quickly becomes tedious, time-consuming, and error-prone.
- A thermostat which addresses the above shortcomings would be a welcome advance.
- In one aspect, the present disclosure is directed to a method of facilitating user interaction with an HVAC control device having a touch-responsive display and operable in an occupied mode and an unoccupied mode. In an exemplary embodiment the method includes displaying an informational region comprising non-interactive user interface elements, displaying a control region comprising interactive user-interface elements, displaying an override region comprising an occupied status display and an occupancy override control having an override state and a non-override state, and displaying a variable opacity region comprising the informational region and the control region.
- In some embodiments, when the HVAC control device is operating in an occupied mode the variable opacity region is displayed with a first predefined opacity and when the HVAC control device is operating in an unoccupied mode the variable opacity region is displayed with a second predefined opacity. In some embodiments, the control region includes a temperature setpoint increase control and a temperature setpoint decrease control. In some embodiments, the control region is inactive when the HVAC control device is operating in an unoccupied mode.
- In some embodiments, the method includes receiving, at the occupancy override control, a user input switching the occupancy override control from the non-override state to the override state, displaying the variable opacity region with a first predefined opacity, and activating the control region.
- In some embodiments, the method includes receiving, at the occupancy override control, a user input switching the occupancy override control from the override state to the non-override state, displaying the variable opacity region with a second predefined opacity, and deactivating the control region.
- In some embodiments the method includes visually highlighting the override region when the variable opacity region is displayed with a first predefined opacity.
- In yet another exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure, a method of operating an HVAC control device having a touch-responsive display screen and scheduled occupancy states and non-occupancy states includes defining a portion of the display screen having setpoint change control panel, defining a portion of the display screen having an occupancy control panel, and detecting a transition of scheduled occupancy state. If it is detected that the occupancy state has transitioned to a non-occupied state, a visual opacity effect is applied to the portion of the screen having the setpoint change control panel, and, in some embodiments, a visual highlighting effect is applied to the occupancy control panel. In some embodiments, the opacity effect is applied to all portions of the screen except the occupancy change control panel. If it is detected that the occupancy state has transitioned to an occupied state, the visual opacity effect is removed from the setpoint change control panel, and the visual highlighting effect is removed from the occupancy control panel. In some embodiments, the method further includes disabling the setpoint change control panel when occupancy state has transitioned to a non-occupied state.
- In some embodiments, the method further includes enabling the setpoint change control panel when occupancy state has transitioned to an occupied state. In some embodiments, the method further includes receiving a user input enabling an occupancy override mode and removing the visual opacity effect from the setpoint change control panel. In some embodiments, a visual highlighting effect is removed from the occupancy control panel.
- In some embodiments, the method further includes receiving a user input disabling an occupancy override mode and applying the visual opacity effect to the setpoint change control panel. In some embodiments, a visual highlighting effect is applied to the occupancy control panel.
- In another aspect the present disclosure is directed to an HVAC system that includes a thermostat or a system hub that performs a method of operation as described herein.
- Various embodiments of the disclosed system and method are described herein with reference to the drawings wherein:
-
FIG. 1 illustrates an HVAC system having a thermostat with a flexible scheduling user interface in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; -
FIGS. 2-8 illustrate a flexible scheduling user interface for adding events to an HVAC thermostat in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; -
FIGS. 9-13 illustrate a flexible scheduling user interface for deleting events from an HVAC thermostat in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; -
FIGS. 14-17 illustrate a start- and end-time grid of a flexible scheduling user interface for modifying events in an HVAC thermostat in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; -
FIGS. 18-19 illustrate a flexible user interface of an HVAC thermostat that includes regions of varying opacity in accordance with an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure; -
FIG. 20 illustrates a method of operating a flexible scheduling thermostat responsive to timed occupancy override status and occupancy status; -
FIGS. 21-27 illustrate a remote flexible scheduling user interface for use with one or more HVAC thermostats that facilitates control of multiple thermostats with a single action; and -
FIGS. 28-29 illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a flexible scheduling user interface for adding and deleting events to an HVAC thermostat in accordance with the present disclosure. - The various aspects of the present disclosure mentioned above are described in further detail with reference to the aforementioned figures and the following detailed description of exemplary embodiments.
- Particular illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure are described hereinbelow with reference to the accompanying drawings; however, the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the disclosure, which may be embodied in various forms. Well-known functions or constructions and repetitive matter are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the present disclosure in unnecessary or redundant detail. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present disclosure in any appropriately detailed structure. In this description, as well as in the drawings, like-referenced numbers represent elements which may perform the same, similar, or equivalent functions. The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as a non-limiting example, instance, or illustration.” Any embodiment described herein as “exemplary” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. The word “example” may be used interchangeably with the term “exemplary.”
- Aspects of the present disclosure are described herein in terms of functional block components and various processing steps. It should be appreciated that such functional blocks configured to perform the specified functions may be embodied in mechanical devices, electromechanical devices, analog circuitry, digital circuitry, and/or modules embodied in a computer. For example, the present disclosure may employ various discrete components, integrated circuit components (e.g., memory elements, processing elements, logic elements, look-up tables, and the like) which may carry out a variety of functions, whether independently, in cooperation with one or more other components, and/or under the control of one or more processors or other control devices. It should be appreciated that the particular implementations described herein are illustrative of the disclosure and its best mode and are not intended to otherwise limit the scope of the present disclosure in any way. One skilled in the art will also appreciate that, for security reasons, any element of the present disclosure may consist of any combination of databases or components at a single location or at multiple locations, wherein each database or system includes any of various suitable security features, such as firewalls, access codes, authentication, encryption, de-encryption, compression, decompression, and/or the like. It should be understood that the steps recited herein may be executed in any order and are not limited to the order presented. Moreover, two or more steps or actions recited herein may be performed concurrently. In the discussion contained herein, the terms “touch” as used to indicate a user selection of a user interface element and/or button are understood to be non-limiting, and include other user interface activation techniques such as, without limitation, clicking, tapping, speech input, and the like.
- In more detail, and with reference to
FIG. 1 , an example embodiment of anHVAC system 1 having athermostat 10 with a flexible scheduling user interface is shown. Thermostat 10 includes in operative communication,processor 11,touchscreen 12,memory 13,data interface 14, user interface controller 15,HVAC interface 16, and one ormore sensors 17. Sensor(s) 17 may include a temperature sensor, humidity sensor, light sensor, proximity sensor and/or a motion sensor.HVAC interface 16 is configured to communicatively couplethermostat 10 with HVAC equipment 20. HVAC equipment 20 may include, without limitation, anoutdoor unit 21, an indoor unit 22, and/or afurnace 23. While in the example embodiment HVAC equipment 20 includes components typically associated with residential installations, the present disclosure is not so limited, and may be used with commercial HVAC components such as chiller plants, water-source heat pumps, and variable refrigerant flow devices.Data interface 14 is configured to communicablycouple thermostat 10 with other devices, such as one or moreadditional thermostats 10, aremote device 27 such as a smart phone, tablet computer, notebook, or desktop computer, and/orcloud services 26 which may include one or more remote servers. -
Data interface 14 may be configured to communicate using any suitable wireless communication protocol, such as without limitation, any variant of IEEE 802.11 (commonly known as WiFi), variants of IEEE 802.15 wireless personal area networking such as Bluetooth® and ZigBee®, and other wireless standards such as Z-Wave®.Data interface 14 may be additionally or alternatively be configured to communicate using a wired protocol using dedicated data lines (e.g., Ethernet) or via powerline communication links using, for example, IEEE 1901, X10® and/or Insteon® protocol. -
Data interface 14 may be additionally or alternatively be configured to communicate using a cellular mobile network using, for example and without limitation, a GSM protocol (3G, 4G, LTE etc.), a CDMA protocol (EV-DO, SV-DO, etc.), and so forth. In embodiments,data interface 14 is configured to act as a WiFi hot-spot or wired router to enablethermostat 10 to provide internet access via the cellular data network to other internet-enabled devices within the building, such as computers, notebooks, mobile devices, streaming media devices, security devices, appliances, and so forth. -
HVAC interface 16 may be configured to communicate betweenthermostat 10 and HVAC equipment 20 using any communications protocol suitable for use with HVAC equipment 20. For example, and without limitation, whereindoor unit 21, outdoor unit 22, and/orfurnace 23 employ single- or dual-speed motors,HVAC interface 16 may include a 24V switched circuit interface which operates with well-known HVAC color-coded wiring schemes (Rc, Rh, C, Y, W, Y2, W2, G, E, O, V, etc.). Whereindoor unit 21 and/or outdoor unit 22 employ variable-speed motors,HVAC interface 16 may include a digital signaling interface such as, without limitation, CAN bus, RS-485, ComfortLink II™, ClimateTalk™, and the like. In embodiments,HVAC interface 16 may operate using both 24V switched circuits and digital signaling protocols to flexibly accommodate any combination of HVAC equipment. In some embodiments, any of the functions ofdata interface 14 may be performed byHVAC interface 16, and vice versa. In embodiments,HVAC interface 16 may be incorporated withindata interface 14. -
Thermostat 10 is configured for communication with one or moreremote devices 27,cloud services 26, and orother thermostats 10 via network 26 (which may include a LAN and/or the public internet). - In some embodiments,
outdoor unit 21 and indoor unit 22 may be configured as a split HVAC system whereinoutdoor unit 21 is configured as an air conditioner or heat pump unit, and indoor unit 22 is configured as an air handling unit. In other embodiments,outdoor unit 21 and indoor unit 22 may be included within a common enclosure. In some embodiments,outdoor unit 21 and/or indoor unit 22 may include an auxiliary heater 28 for use when a heat pump alone is insufficient to meet the heating demand of the building or temperature-controlled space. HVAC equipment 20 may include afurnace 23 configured for heating the building via combustion of heating oil (typically, No. 2 heating oil), liquid propane (LP), or other fuel such as liquefied natural gas (LNG), that is stored on-site. -
Thermostat 10 includes user interface controller 15 which in combination withtouchscreen 12 implements one or more embodiments of a flexible scheduling thermostat user interface as described herein. As will be appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, aspects of the present disclosure, including but not limited to user interface controller 15, may take the form of an entirely software embodiment, an entirely hardware embodiment, or an embodiment combining both software and hardware. Embodiments may take the form of a computer program product on any suitable non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having computer-readable program code embodied in the storage medium. Any suitable computer-readable storage medium may be utilized, including semiconductor storage devices, e.g., mask ROM, EEPROM, flash memory, USB thumb drives, and the like. Computer program instructions embodying the present disclosure may be stored in a computer-readable memory that can direct a computer or other programmable data processing apparatus to function in a particular manner, such that the instructions stored in the computer-readable memory produce an article of manufacture, including instruction means, that implement the functions described herein. - Referring now to
FIGS. 2-8 , a flexiblescheduling user interface 100 for adding events toHVAC thermostat 10 is shown. InFIG. 2 , user interface is in a display configuration.User interface 100 includes ascheduling grid 114 consisting of onerow 109 for each day of the week, each row representing a 24 hour timeline of that day. A column ofday buttons 101 is arranged vertically down the left side ofuser interface 100 that are each associated with acorresponding row 109. Each of therows 109 may includeoccupied periods 110 andunoccupied periods 112 scheduled for each day. Anoccupied period 110 may denote, for example, that thethermostat 10 will operate in accordance with an occupied environmental profile during that event. Arranged horizontally above therows 109 is a 24-hour timeline header 104 that includes a series ofhour markers 111 that, in the present example embodiment, indicate the hours of the day in two-hour intervals. A set of time adjustment controls is arranged at the right side ofuser interface 100. A starttime adjustment control 102 includes a pair ofbuttons time adjustment control 103 includes a pair ofbuttons time adjustment control 102 includes astart time display 102 c and endtime adjustment control 103 includes anend time display 103 c. A set of command buttons is situated along the bottom ofuser interface 100 that includes anadd button 106, adelete button 107, a disableschedule button 105, and aback button 108. -
Occupied periods 110 andunoccupied periods 112 are distinguished visually by the use of different colors or shading and/or by the use of text labels or graphic icons. In the present example embodiment,occupied periods 110 are presented in a color that is different from that ofunoccupied periods 112. Additionally,occupied regions 110 may include a text label, e.g., “Occupied.” - To add period, a user has a choice of using one of two different gestures to enter add mode to allow the addition of an event to the
thermostat 10 schedule. To enter add mode using the first method, a user may touch theadd button 106. Alternatively, the user may enter add mode by using the second method of touching any unscheduled period 112 (as demonstrated in the drawings by the “touch” symbol T). - Turning to
FIG. 3 ,user interface 100 is transitioned from display mode to add mode. Addition of events (e.g., occupancy periods) is now possible as indicated by the presentation of one ormore addition buttons 120, which, as seen in the present example embodiment, are represented by a plus sign within a circle. Additionally, a cancelbutton 123 and asave button 124 are presented in place of disableschedule button 105 andback button 108, respectively, and addbutton 106 and deletebutton 107 are disabled (greyed out). Upon entry into edit mode, anaddition button 120 is placed in each unoccupied period, in the following manner: anaddition button 120 is placed to the left of an occupied period; anaddition button 120 is placed to the right of an occupied period; eachaddition button 120 is centered within the unoccupied period in which it is placed and/or is centered between occupancy period when placed in an unoccupied period between two occupancy period. The active area of theaddition button 120 may include the area within the button itself, and/or may extend to include the region defined by the unoccupied period in which theaddition button 120 is placed. As shown inFIG. 4 , to add an event, the user touches the active area of theaddition button 120 in the unoccupied period in which the new event is to be created. For example, a user touches theunoccupied region 121, which in this example is the entirety of Saturday. - With reference now to
FIG. 5 , once the user touches the desired unoccupied period in which to create the new occupied period, anew occupancy period 122 is created in the desired region. In the present example embodiment,new occupancy period 122 has an initial (default) duration of three hours. In those instances where the desired unoccupied period is less than three hours, the initial duration ofnew occupancy period 122 is decreased to fit the time within the desired unoccupied region. - With continued reference to
FIG. 6 , oncenew occupancy period 122 is created, it becomes the active selection which, in turn, enables a user to adjust the start and/or end time thereof using starttime adjustment control 102 and/or endtime adjustment control 103. Once a user is satisfied with the settings ofnew event 122, the user has three choices. The user may continue to add events by repeating the above process (e.g., touching another unoccupied period); the user may touch savebutton 124 to save the newly-added period(s); or the user may touch cancelbutton 123 to discard any changes and return the schedule to its prior state. If thesave button 124 is used,user interface 100 returns to the display configuration showing the newly-added period(s) (FIG. 6 .) If cancelbutton 123 is used,user interface 100 returns to the display configuration showing the prior set of period(s) (FIG. 2 .) - Continuing with the
FIG. 5 example, the discloseduser interface 100 supports the creation of multiple periods in a given day. As shown inFIG. 7 ,user interface 100 is in add mode and a user has added fouradditional occupancy periods 125 on Saturday. While in add mode and upon the creation of a new period,user interface 100 places additional addbuttons 120 in each unoccupied period (e.g., between occupied periods), in the manner described above. In some embodiments, a minimum unoccupied period may be enforced between occupied periods. In some embodiments, the minimum unoccupied period is 30 minutes. In some embodiments, the number of occupancy periods permitted on a given day may be limited. As shown in theFIG. 8 example, a “maximum number of periods”error message 126 is presented onuser interface 100 when an attempt to exceed the maximum daily event limit occurs. In some embodiments, the maximum number of periods permitted on a given day is six events. - In
FIGS. 9-13 a flexiblescheduling user interface 200 for deleting events fromHVAC thermostat 10 is shown.User interface 200 includesday buttons 201,rows 209,timeline header 204,hour markers 211, time adjustment controls 202, 203 and may displayoccupied events 210 andunoccupied events 212 as described above. To enter delete mode, a user touches deletebutton 207 to causeuser interface 200 to transition from a display mode (FIG. 9 ) to a delete mode (FIG. 10 ). Delete mode is indicated by the substitution of the “Occupied” label(s) on occupied event(s) 210 by adeletion icon 230, which in the present example is a trash can icon. In other embodiments, the “Occupied” text label may be substituted with a different text label, for example, “Delete This Event” or the like. Additionally, whenuser interface 200 is in delete mode, cancelbutton 223 and savebutton 224 are presented in place of disableschedule button 205 andback button 208, respectively, and addbutton 206 and deletebutton 307 are disabled (greyed out). - To delete an event, the user touches the
deletion icon 230 of the period to be deleted as shown inFIG. 11 . In some embodiments, the user may simply touch anywhere within the period to be deleted. In response, the deleted period is removed from user interface 200 (FIG. 12 ). The user may continue to delete additional periods in the described matter. Once the user is satisfied with the deletions, the user may confirm the deletions by touching savebutton 224 which deletes the selected events and returnsuser interface 200 to the display mode (FIG. 9 ) where theadd button 206 and deletebutton 207 are re-activated and the disableschedule button 205 andback button 208 return to their original state. Alternatively, if the user does not wish to confirm the deletions, cancelbutton 223 is touched, which restores any deleted periods to the state immediately preceding delete mode, and returnsuser interface 200 to display mode. - In
FIGS. 14-17 another aspect of the present disclosure is shown that exemplifies a flexiblescheduling user interface 300 for modifyingevents 310 ofHVAC thermostat 10.User interface 300 includes ascheduling grid 314 consisting of onerow 309 for each day of the week, each row representing a 24 hour timeline of that day. To enter modify mode, the user touches (T) a region within theevent 310 to be modified as shown inFIG. 14 . Upon touching the desiredevent 310, the touched event is selected for editing as highlighted by a change in color or other graphic property (e.g., change in background pattern, blinking, animation, etc.). Substantially concurrently therewith, a series of vertical time alignment lines become visible onscheduling grid 314 to create avisible alignment grid 331, the disableschedule button 305 andback button 308 are replaced by cancelbutton 323 and savebutton 324, respectively, and theadd button 306 and deletebutton 307 are deactivated (unhighlighted, grayed-out etc.) as shown inFIG. 15 . - To adjust the start and end time(s) of the selected event, the user may adjust the start and/or end time thereof using start
time adjustment control 302 and/or endtime adjustment control 303. In the example embodiment shown inFIGS. 14-16 , the user touches the down-arrow of starttime adjustment control 302 to change the start time ofevent 310 from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 a.m. Advantageously, thevisible alignment grid 331 enables the user to quickly visually perceive the time period of the event and how it aligns to the 24hour banner 304 and other individual period(s). The vertical lines of thealignment grid 331 align with the 24hour header 304 by hourly increments, allowing the user to quickly match the event period to the desired hour, without having to confirm the start and end time(s) by needing to move the user's hand away from starttime adjustment control 302 and/or endtime adjustment control 303 to read starttime display 302 c and/or endtime display 303 c. - Once a user is satisfied with the modified settings of
event 310, the user has three choices. The user may continue to modify events by repeating the above process (e.g., touching a region within another event and adjusting start/end times); the user may touch savebutton 324 to save the modified event(s); or the user may touch cancelbutton 323 to discard the modifications and return the schedule to its prior state. If thesave button 324 is used,user interface 300 returns to the display configuration showing the newly-added event(s) (FIG. 17 .) If cancelbutton 323 is used,user interface 300 returns to the display configuration showing the prior set of event(s) (FIG. 14 .) - In another aspect of the present disclosure,
thermostat 10 may be operated in a restricted mode where user interactions are limited or disallowed altogether. For example, during a scheduled unoccupied mode, user restrictions may be imposed onthermostat 10 which prevent the user from changing the occupancy schedule, setpoints, etc. In certain cases, however, it may be desirable to allow the user to make certain adjustments. For example, whenthermostat 10 is operating in a scheduled mode, a user restriction prevents the user from adjusting the setpoint (e.g., change the temperature setting) unless an override option, referred to as a timed occupancy override (TOV) option, is enabled. In prior art systems, a novice user who, during a scheduled period, wishes to make a setpoint adjustment, might attempt to change setpoints directly without enabling TOV, or, may not have authorization to enable TOV. Since the user fails to recognize that TOV must be enabled to properly adjustthermostat 10, the user may end up causing improper or inadvertent changes to setpoint, scheduled events, and/or other settings as the user attempts to work around the perceived difficulty. - Turning now to
FIGS. 18-19 , these shortcomings are addressed byuser interface 400 that permits a user to adjust setpoints when a user restriction is imposed and timed occupancy override (TOV) option is enabled by guiding the user toward available and appropriate settings and reducing or eliminating the likelihood that an inappropriate setting is changed. -
FIG. 18 shows auser interface 400 that includes aheader region 411 that includes informational displays such as date, time, and signal strength,current temperature display 410, HVACsystem status display 414, outdoor temperature display 415 (when outdoor temperature is available) and indoorrelative humidity display 416.User interface 400 also includes setpoint up/downbuttons lower control region 413 that includesmenu button 405,system mode button 406, andfan mode button 407. The current scheduling mode, e.g., occupied or unoccupied, is displayed in timedoccupancy override control 404. Note that inFIG. 18 , no user restrictions are imposed (e.g.,thermostat 10 is not in unoccupied schedule mode) and all controls, particularly the setpoint up/downbuttons - In
FIG. 19 ,user interface 400 is illustrated with a user restriction imposed (e.g., unoccupied schedule mode). In this mode, apredefined opacity region 420 is overlaid on all portions ofuser interface 400 excluding the region defined by timed occupancy override (TOV)control 401 andoccupancy panel 404. Theopacity region 420 may include a representation of the underlying user interface elements using any one or more of a reduced contrast, a reduced brightness, a distinct or subdued coloration, or any other suitable visual attribute suggestive of reduced importance. The region defined byTOV control 401 andoccupancy panel 404 remains unchanged, or alternatively, may be presented with any one or more of an increased contrast, increased brightness, a distinct or intensified coloration, or any other suitable visual attribute suggestive of increased importance. Theopacity region 420 assists the user to properly navigateuser interface 400 by enabling the user to quickly identify theTOV control 401, by suggesting to the user to utilize theTOV control 401 to adjust setpoint, and by indicating to the user that other controls that are available are of less significance when compared toTOV control 401 and/oroccupancy panel 404. In some embodiments, one or more controls overlaid byopacity region 420 remain active to enable the user to continue to perform operations, such as, for example, navigating to other screens. However,thermostat 10 will still continue to follow access restrictions rules while thepredefined screen opacity 420 is active, and will continue to display all system-related notifications and status displays (time, temperature, etc.) whilepredefined screen opacity 420 is active. - A
method 500 by whichuser interface 400 responds to TOV and occupancy status during scheduled operation is detailed inFIG. 20 . Atblock 505, scheduled operation is enabled. Atblock 510, a scheduled event occurs, e.g., a transition from occupied status to unoccupied status, or vice versa. Atblock 515, the occupancy status is evaluated. If unoccupied, the process continues atblock 520 where theopacity region 420 is applied touser interface 400, and proceeds to block 530 where theTOV control 401 and/oroccupancy panel 404 is highlighted. The process then waits atblock 535 to receive the next user input. - If, at
block 515, the occupancy status is determined to be occupied, the process continues atblock 540 where theopacity region 420 is removed fromuser interface 400, and proceeds to block 570 where TOV state is evaluated. If TOV is disabled, block 545 is performed whereTOV control 401 and/oroccupancy panel 404 is unhighlighted. If inblock 570 it is determined that TOV is enabled, block 545 is bypassed. Processing then continues atblock 550 wheresetpoint adjustments block 535 to receive the next user input. - A user may have authorization to enable or disable timed occupancy override (TOV) mode. If so authorized, the user may at
step 565 enable TOV mode, causing the process to proceed fromblock 540 as described above. Alternatively, the user may atstep 560 cancel TOV mode, causing the process to proceed fromblock 520 as described above. - With attention now to
FIGS. 21-23 , flexiblescheduling user interface 600 that can send event settings to one ormore HVAC thermostats 10 in a single action is shown.User interface 600 includes ascheduling grid 614 consisting of onerow 609 for each day of the week, each row representing a 24 hour timeline of that day. A column ofday buttons 601 is arranged vertically down the left side ofuser interface 600 that are each associated with acorresponding row 609. Each of therows 609 may include event (occupied)regions 610 and non-event (unoccupied)regions 612 scheduled for each day. Astart time indicator 604 a is presented proximate to the left (start) edge of an occupancy period, and anend time indicator 604 b is presented proximate to the right (end) edge of an occupancy period.User interface 600 includes addperiod button 606, remove (e.g., delete)period button 607, cancelbutton 623, and apply (e.g., save)button 624. Preferably,user interface 600 and user interface 650 (discussed below) are adapted for use with a touchscreen device such as a smart phone or tablet computer, however,user interface 600 anduser interface 650 may be advantageously utilized withthermostat 10, a desktop computer, a notebook computer, and so forth. In use, a user may add an occupied period by touching theadd period button 606 and touching the region in which the new occupied period is to be created. To delete an occupied period, the user may touch the occupied period to be deleted and touch theremove button 607. - To modify the start or end time of an occupied period, the user may touch the desired
occupied period 610 and touch/drag the left edge leftward to decrease the start time (e.g., the event will start earlier) or touch/drag the left edge rightward to increase the start time (e.g., the event will end later). In some embodiments, thestart time indicator 604 a and/or theend time indicator 604 b is updated as the user drags the start or end time of the period, respectively, to provide the user with immediate visual confirmation of the adjustment. - The user may continue to add, remove, or modify events by repeating the above-described steps. Once the user has completed the desired inputs, the user may touch apply
button 624 to save the changes; or the user may touch cancelbutton 623 to discard any changes and return the schedule to its prior state. If thesave button 624 is used,user interface 600 presents a pop-updialog box 630 that ask the user whether the changes should be applied to additional thermostats. Additionally, the underlyingnon-dialog box portion 620 ofuser interface 600 is temporarily shaded to draw the user's attention to pop-updialog box 630. If the user chooses “no” the changes are saved to a the original targeted thermostat anduser interface 600 returns to a home screen 649 (FIG. 27 ). If the user chooses “yes” to save to additional thermostats, a pop-upthermostat selection box 640 is presented.Thermostat selection box 640 includes a list ofthermostat identifiers 642 that represent one or more additional thermostats. Acheck box 646 is positioned proximate to eachthermostat identifier 642 to enable the user to select, or deselect, additional thermostats to which the changed schedule is to be saved. The list of thermostat identifiers may be arranged in one ormore groups 641. Member thermostats of each group may be hidden or revealed by touching anexpansion button 645 associated with each group. A group check box 647 is positioned proximate to each group name, which enables a user to select, or deselect, all member of the group in a single step, while still enabling a user to select or deselect individual thermostat members of the group, as desired. In the list of thermostats, specific thermostats may be unselectable (grayed out). For example, any non-communicating thermostats will not be selectable, and/or any thermostats on which the scheduling feature is disabled will not be selectable. - After the user has completed selecting the destination thermostats, the user may choose to apply or cancel the changes. If the apply
button 624 is touched, the schedule changes are communicated to the selected thermostats (including the original thermostat which was edited, above). In embodiments, the changes are communicated to cloudservices 26, which, in turn pushes the changes to the selected thermostats. Advantageously,cloud services 26 may optionally queue and store changes destined for thermostats which may be offline or unreachable until such time such thermostats are again online or reachable. In embodiments, an acknowledgement is sent fromcloud service 26 touser interface 600 to confirm the changes were successfully transmitted to the selected thermostats. -
FIGS. 24-26 show a flexiblescheduling user interface 650 that enables a user to specify heating and cooling setpoints for both occupied and unoccupied modes, to one ormore HVAC thermostats 10, in a single action.User interface 650 includes occupiedheating control 652, occupiedcooling control 654,unoccupied heating control 656, andunoccupied cooling control 658.User interface 650 further includes cancelbutton 673, and apply (e.g., save)button 674. In use, the user may adjust the desired setpoint by touching the up or down arrow of the appropriate control. Once the user has completed the desired inputs, the user may touch applybutton 674 to save the changes; or the user may touch cancelbutton 673 to discard any changes and return the schedule to its prior state. If the applybutton 674 is touched,user interface 650 presents a pop-updialog box 680 that asks the user whether the changes should be applied to additional thermostats. Additionally, the underlyingnon-dialog box portion 670 ofuser interface 650 is temporarily shaded to draw the user's attention to pop-updialog box 680. If the user chooses “no” the changes are saved to the originally targeted thermostat anduser interface 650 returns to a home screen 649 (FIG. 27 ). If the user chooses “yes” to save to additional thermostats, a pop-upthermostat selection box 690 is presented as shown inFIG. 26 . The user may then proceed to select additional thermostats in the manner described above. -
FIGS. 28-29 illustrate another exemplary embodiment of a flexible scheduling user interface for adding and deleting events toHVAC thermostat 10. InFIG. 28 ,user interface 700 is in add mode in which it is possible to add periods as indicated by the presentation of one ormore addition buttons 720, which, as seen in the present example embodiment, are represented by a white plus sign within a blue circle. One or moreoccupied periods 710 may be displayed as rectangular horizontal regions arranged in rows, each row corresponding to a day-of-week (701). Eachoccupied period 710 may optionally include astart time indicator 704 and anend time indicator 705. Additionally, a cancelbutton 723 and asave button 724 are presented, and donebutton 742 and undobutton 743 may be presented. Upon entry into addmode user interface 700, anaddition button 720 is placed in eachunoccupied period 712 as described above. The active area of addition button(s) 720 may include the area within the button itself, and/or may extend to include the region defined by theunoccupied period 712 in whichaddition button 720 is placed. - To add an occupancy period, event, the user touches the active area of the
addition button 720 in theunoccupied period 712 in which the new event is to be created. Once thenew occupancy period 710 is created, a user may adjust the start and/or end time by a click-drag gesture (using a pointing device such as a mouse) or touch-drag gesture (using a finger and a touch-responsive display panel) to move the start or end time to the desired position. Optionally, the correspondingstart time indicator 704 or endtime indicator 705 is updated concurrently with the user's adjustment gesture to provide visual feedback and confirmation that the desired time is correctly set. The user may then confirm the last change by touching donebutton 742, or revert the change by touching undobutton 743. If the user is satisfied with all changes, applybutton 724 is used to apply all changes made during the present add mode to thethermostat 10 schedule. Otherwise, the user may choose cancelbutton 723 to discard all changes made during the present add mode, with no changes made to thethermostat 10 schedule. -
User interface 700 includes “save as”button 740 which enables the user to store the current schedule in a collection of schedule presets. The enables a user to quickly and easily recall a saved schedule usingload button 741 and apply it to afirst thermostat 10 at a later time, or to anotherthermostat 10, without the need to re-enter the entire schedule. In embodiment, saved schedules may be shared among users using any suitable communications protocol, such as email, SMS or MMS messaging, a social media post and the like, using any suitable encoding such as, for example, HTML, XML, JSON, and so forth. -
FIG. 29 shows auser interface 750 in delete mode in which it is possible to delete periods as indicated by the presentation of one ormore deletion buttons 770, which, as seen in the present example embodiment, are represented by a white minus sign within a solid red circle. One or moreoccupied periods 760 are displayed as rectangular horizontal regions arranged in rows as described above with respect touser interface 700. Upon entry into deletemode user interface 750, adeletion button 770 is placed in eachoccupied period 760 as described above. The active area of deletion button(s) 770 may include the area withindeletion button 770 itself, and/or may extend to include the region defined by theoccupied period 760 in whichdeletion button 770 is placed. - To delete an occupancy period, event, the user touches the active area of the
deletion button 720 in theoccupied period 710 to be deleted. The user may then confirm the last deletion by touching donebutton 792, or revert the deletion by touching undobutton 793. If the user is satisfied with all deletions, apply button 744 is used to apply all deletions made during the present delete mode to thethermostat 10 schedule. Otherwise, the user may choose cancelbutton 773 to discard all deletion made during the present delete mode, with no changes made to thethermostat 10 schedule. - Particular embodiments of the present disclosure have been described herein, however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely examples of the disclosure, which may be embodied in various forms. Well-known functions or constructions are not described in detail to avoid obscuring the present disclosure in unnecessary detail. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present disclosure in any appropriately detailed structure.
Claims (21)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US17/226,708 US20210223950A1 (en) | 2018-10-31 | 2021-04-09 | Hvac graphical user interface with visual obscurity and methods of use thereof |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US16/176,619 US10990261B2 (en) | 2018-10-31 | 2018-10-31 | HVAC graphical user interface with visual obscurity and methods of use thereof |
US17/226,708 US20210223950A1 (en) | 2018-10-31 | 2021-04-09 | Hvac graphical user interface with visual obscurity and methods of use thereof |
Related Parent Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US16/176,619 Continuation US10990261B2 (en) | 2018-10-31 | 2018-10-31 | HVAC graphical user interface with visual obscurity and methods of use thereof |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20210223950A1 true US20210223950A1 (en) | 2021-07-22 |
Family
ID=70327051
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US16/176,619 Active 2038-12-20 US10990261B2 (en) | 2018-10-31 | 2018-10-31 | HVAC graphical user interface with visual obscurity and methods of use thereof |
US17/226,708 Abandoned US20210223950A1 (en) | 2018-10-31 | 2021-04-09 | Hvac graphical user interface with visual obscurity and methods of use thereof |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US16/176,619 Active 2038-12-20 US10990261B2 (en) | 2018-10-31 | 2018-10-31 | HVAC graphical user interface with visual obscurity and methods of use thereof |
Country Status (1)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US10990261B2 (en) |
Families Citing this family (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US10761704B2 (en) * | 2014-06-16 | 2020-09-01 | Braeburn Systems Llc | Graphical highlight for programming a control |
USD847827S1 (en) * | 2017-03-20 | 2019-05-07 | MTL Ventures LLC | Display screen with animated graphical user interface |
USD847826S1 (en) * | 2017-03-20 | 2019-05-07 | MTL Ventures LLC | Display screen with animated graphical user interface |
CN111752443B (en) * | 2019-03-28 | 2024-07-23 | 华为技术有限公司 | Method, related device and system for controlling page of display equipment |
USD934910S1 (en) * | 2019-05-22 | 2021-11-02 | Shanghai Dalong Technology Co., Ltd. | Portion of a monitor displayed with animated graphical user interface |
USD954069S1 (en) * | 2019-09-09 | 2022-06-07 | Byton North America Corporation | Display screen or portion thereof with a graphical user interface |
USD931304S1 (en) * | 2019-12-30 | 2021-09-21 | Nutanix, Inc. | Display panel or portion thereof with a graphical user interface |
CN113110768B (en) * | 2021-03-24 | 2022-10-18 | 东风柳州汽车有限公司 | Automobile instrument interface display processing method and device and storage medium |
Citations (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20040135817A1 (en) * | 2003-01-14 | 2004-07-15 | Daughtery Joey L. | Interface for selecting and performing operations on objects |
US20120221956A1 (en) * | 2007-08-27 | 2012-08-30 | Honeywell International Inc. | Remote hvac control with a customizable overview display |
US20120284603A1 (en) * | 2011-05-05 | 2012-11-08 | General Electric Company | Systems and methods for online physician documentation and notes |
US20130090767A1 (en) * | 2011-10-07 | 2013-04-11 | Nest Labs, Inc. | Methods and graphical user interfaces for reporting performance information for an hvac system controlled by a self-programming network-connected thermostat |
US20150369508A1 (en) * | 2014-06-24 | 2015-12-24 | Howard Rosen | Method and Apparatus Providing Safety Improvement for Thermostat Devices That Provide Remote Control Features |
US20170054571A1 (en) * | 2008-08-11 | 2017-02-23 | Jim KITCHEN | Integrated cloud system for premises automation |
US20180038606A1 (en) * | 2016-08-02 | 2018-02-08 | Emerson Electric Co. | Multi-thermostat management and control system |
Family Cites Families (62)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US7036559B2 (en) | 2003-07-08 | 2006-05-02 | Daniel Stanimirovic | Fully articulated and comprehensive air and fluid distribution, metering, and control method and apparatus for primary movers, heat exchangers, and terminal flow devices |
US7083109B2 (en) | 2003-08-18 | 2006-08-01 | Honeywell International Inc. | Thermostat having modulated and non-modulated provisions |
US7222800B2 (en) | 2003-08-18 | 2007-05-29 | Honeywell International Inc. | Controller customization management system |
US7055759B2 (en) | 2003-08-18 | 2006-06-06 | Honeywell International Inc. | PDA configuration of thermostats |
US6851621B1 (en) | 2003-08-18 | 2005-02-08 | Honeywell International Inc. | PDA diagnosis of thermostats |
GB0321305D0 (en) | 2003-09-11 | 2003-10-15 | Univ Reading The | Controlling an environment's characteristics using occupant feedback |
US10444964B2 (en) | 2007-06-12 | 2019-10-15 | Icontrol Networks, Inc. | Control system user interface |
US20060265489A1 (en) | 2005-02-01 | 2006-11-23 | Moore James F | Disaster management using an enhanced syndication platform |
US8347088B2 (en) | 2005-02-01 | 2013-01-01 | Newsilike Media Group, Inc | Security systems and methods for use with structured and unstructured data |
US8200700B2 (en) | 2005-02-01 | 2012-06-12 | Newsilike Media Group, Inc | Systems and methods for use of structured and unstructured distributed data |
US20130104251A1 (en) | 2005-02-01 | 2013-04-25 | Newsilike Media Group, Inc. | Security systems and methods for use with structured and unstructured data |
US7848765B2 (en) | 2005-05-27 | 2010-12-07 | Where, Inc. | Location-based services |
US8099178B2 (en) | 2005-08-22 | 2012-01-17 | Trane International Inc. | Building automation system facilitating user customization |
US7904186B2 (en) | 2005-08-22 | 2011-03-08 | Trane International, Inc. | Building automation system facilitating user customization |
US8024054B2 (en) | 2005-08-22 | 2011-09-20 | Trane International, Inc. | Building automation system facilitating user customization |
US8572516B1 (en) * | 2005-08-24 | 2013-10-29 | Jpmorgan Chase Bank, N.A. | System and method for controlling a screen saver |
US8863018B2 (en) | 2007-01-29 | 2014-10-14 | Johnson Controls Technology Company | System and method for filter creation and use for building automation systems |
US8826165B2 (en) | 2008-09-15 | 2014-09-02 | Johnson Controls Technology Company | System status user interfaces |
US8788097B2 (en) | 2009-06-22 | 2014-07-22 | Johnson Controls Technology Company | Systems and methods for using rule-based fault detection in a building management system |
US9753455B2 (en) | 2009-06-22 | 2017-09-05 | Johnson Controls Technology Company | Building management system with fault analysis |
US8473852B2 (en) | 2009-07-31 | 2013-06-25 | Siemens Corporation | Virtual world building operations center |
US9838255B2 (en) | 2009-08-21 | 2017-12-05 | Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. | Mobile demand response energy management system with proximity control |
US8498749B2 (en) | 2009-08-21 | 2013-07-30 | Allure Energy, Inc. | Method for zone based energy management system with scalable map interface |
US20110078746A1 (en) * | 2009-09-30 | 2011-03-31 | Rovi Technologies Corporation | Systems and methods for displaying a blocking overlay in a video |
US8645495B2 (en) | 2009-11-12 | 2014-02-04 | Bank Of America Corporation | Facility maintenance and management system |
US8335593B2 (en) | 2009-11-12 | 2012-12-18 | Bank Of America Corporation | Power-using device monitor |
US8556188B2 (en) | 2010-05-26 | 2013-10-15 | Ecofactor, Inc. | System and method for using a mobile electronic device to optimize an energy management system |
US20120031984A1 (en) | 2010-08-03 | 2012-02-09 | Massachusetts Institute Of Technology | Personalized Building Comfort Control |
US8606374B2 (en) | 2010-09-14 | 2013-12-10 | Nest Labs, Inc. | Thermodynamic modeling for enclosures |
US8918219B2 (en) | 2010-11-19 | 2014-12-23 | Google Inc. | User friendly interface for control unit |
US9104211B2 (en) | 2010-11-19 | 2015-08-11 | Google Inc. | Temperature controller with model-based time to target calculation and display |
US10241527B2 (en) * | 2010-11-19 | 2019-03-26 | Google Llc | Thermostat graphical user interface |
US9092039B2 (en) | 2010-11-19 | 2015-07-28 | Google Inc. | HVAC controller with user-friendly installation features with wire insertion detection |
US10346275B2 (en) | 2010-11-19 | 2019-07-09 | Google Llc | Attributing causation for energy usage and setpoint changes with a network-connected thermostat |
US9003816B2 (en) | 2010-11-19 | 2015-04-14 | Google Inc. | HVAC controller with user-friendly installation features facilitating both do-it-yourself and professional installation scenarios |
US9459018B2 (en) | 2010-11-19 | 2016-10-04 | Google Inc. | Systems and methods for energy-efficient control of an energy-consuming system |
US9075419B2 (en) | 2010-11-19 | 2015-07-07 | Google Inc. | Systems and methods for a graphical user interface of a controller for an energy-consuming system having spatially related discrete display elements |
US8850348B2 (en) | 2010-12-31 | 2014-09-30 | Google Inc. | Dynamic device-associated feedback indicative of responsible device usage |
US8924218B2 (en) | 2010-11-29 | 2014-12-30 | Greg L. Corpier | Automated personal assistance system |
WO2012092622A2 (en) | 2010-12-31 | 2012-07-05 | Nest Labs, Inc. | Inhibiting deleterious control coupling in an enclosure having multiple hvac regions |
US9429334B2 (en) | 2011-10-07 | 2016-08-30 | Lennox Industries Inc. | HVAC personal comfort control |
US8893032B2 (en) | 2012-03-29 | 2014-11-18 | Google Inc. | User interfaces for HVAC schedule display and modification on smartphone or other space-limited touchscreen device |
US9939824B2 (en) | 2011-10-07 | 2018-04-10 | Honeywell International Inc. | Thermostat with remote access feature |
CA3044757C (en) | 2011-10-21 | 2021-11-09 | Google Llc | User-friendly, network connected learning thermostat and related systems and methods |
US8452457B2 (en) | 2011-10-21 | 2013-05-28 | Nest Labs, Inc. | Intelligent controller providing time to target state |
US9002523B2 (en) | 2011-12-14 | 2015-04-07 | Honeywell International Inc. | HVAC controller with diagnostic alerts |
US10747243B2 (en) | 2011-12-14 | 2020-08-18 | Ademco Inc. | HVAC controller with HVAC system failure detection |
US20130345882A1 (en) * | 2011-12-22 | 2013-12-26 | Steven David Dushane | Programmable environmental comfort controller |
EP2798787B1 (en) | 2011-12-28 | 2018-10-24 | Lutron Electronics Co., Inc. | Load control system having independently-controlled units responsive to a broadcast controller |
US20130201316A1 (en) | 2012-01-09 | 2013-08-08 | May Patents Ltd. | System and method for server based control |
US9091453B2 (en) | 2012-03-29 | 2015-07-28 | Google Inc. | Enclosure cooling using early compressor turn-off with extended fan operation |
US10048706B2 (en) | 2012-06-14 | 2018-08-14 | Ecofactor, Inc. | System and method for optimizing use of individual HVAC units in multi-unit chiller-based systems |
US9569804B2 (en) | 2012-08-27 | 2017-02-14 | Gridium, Inc. | Systems and methods for energy consumption and energy demand management |
US9520252B2 (en) | 2012-09-21 | 2016-12-13 | Google Inc. | Adaptable hazard detector mounting plate |
US8554376B1 (en) | 2012-09-30 | 2013-10-08 | Nest Labs, Inc | Intelligent controller for an environmental control system |
US10135629B2 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2018-11-20 | Lutron Electronics Co., Inc. | Load control device user interface and database management using near field communication (NFC) |
US20140277765A1 (en) | 2013-03-15 | 2014-09-18 | University Of Southern California | Human-building interaction framework for personalized comfort driven system operations in buildings |
US9049567B2 (en) | 2013-10-07 | 2015-06-02 | Google Inc. | Hazard detection unit facilitating user-friendly setup experience |
US20150127170A1 (en) | 2013-11-04 | 2015-05-07 | Honeywell International Inc. | Remote contractor system with site specific energy audit capability |
US10454783B2 (en) | 2014-02-05 | 2019-10-22 | Apple Inc. | Accessory management system using environment model |
US10559045B2 (en) * | 2015-09-11 | 2020-02-11 | Johnson Controls Technology Company | Thermostat with occupancy detection based on load of HVAC equipment |
US9702582B2 (en) * | 2015-10-12 | 2017-07-11 | Ikorongo Technology, LLC | Connected thermostat for controlling a climate system based on a desired usage profile in comparison to other connected thermostats controlling other climate systems |
-
2018
- 2018-10-31 US US16/176,619 patent/US10990261B2/en active Active
-
2021
- 2021-04-09 US US17/226,708 patent/US20210223950A1/en not_active Abandoned
Patent Citations (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20040135817A1 (en) * | 2003-01-14 | 2004-07-15 | Daughtery Joey L. | Interface for selecting and performing operations on objects |
US20120221956A1 (en) * | 2007-08-27 | 2012-08-30 | Honeywell International Inc. | Remote hvac control with a customizable overview display |
US20170054571A1 (en) * | 2008-08-11 | 2017-02-23 | Jim KITCHEN | Integrated cloud system for premises automation |
US20120284603A1 (en) * | 2011-05-05 | 2012-11-08 | General Electric Company | Systems and methods for online physician documentation and notes |
US20130090767A1 (en) * | 2011-10-07 | 2013-04-11 | Nest Labs, Inc. | Methods and graphical user interfaces for reporting performance information for an hvac system controlled by a self-programming network-connected thermostat |
US20150369508A1 (en) * | 2014-06-24 | 2015-12-24 | Howard Rosen | Method and Apparatus Providing Safety Improvement for Thermostat Devices That Provide Remote Control Features |
US20180038606A1 (en) * | 2016-08-02 | 2018-02-08 | Emerson Electric Co. | Multi-thermostat management and control system |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US20200133471A1 (en) | 2020-04-30 |
US10990261B2 (en) | 2021-04-27 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20210223950A1 (en) | Hvac graphical user interface with visual obscurity and methods of use thereof | |
CN104515262B (en) | Heating, ventilation and/or air conditioning controller with function | |
US10761704B2 (en) | Graphical highlight for programming a control | |
US7274972B2 (en) | Programmable controller with saving changes indication | |
US11015827B2 (en) | User interface for boost control of an environmental control system | |
US10430056B2 (en) | Quick edit system for programming a thermostat | |
US8387891B1 (en) | Programmable thermostat time/temperature display and method | |
US20150033136A1 (en) | Method for controlling information apparatus and computer-readable recording medium | |
CN104515259B (en) | Heat, divulge information and/or air conditioning controller with function | |
RU2611994C2 (en) | Method and apparatus for creating and modifying graphical schedules | |
US20120131504A1 (en) | Thermostat graphical user interface | |
KR20150038980A (en) | heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning controller | |
CN104515260B (en) | Heating, ventilation and/or air conditioning controller with function | |
CA2678828A1 (en) | Hvac controller user interfaces | |
US10900687B2 (en) | Flexible scheduling HVAC graphical user interface and methods of use thereof | |
US10344995B2 (en) | HVAC system controller configuration | |
EP2482152B1 (en) | Method for use in installing a home automation system, computer medium and computer program | |
JP2014102567A (en) | Control system | |
KR20150043702A (en) | heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning controller | |
KR20150038976A (en) | heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning controller | |
EP3151102A1 (en) | System and method for controlling a function of an apparatus | |
US20230258359A1 (en) | Control Application for a System of Networked Air Filtering Appliances | |
US11687059B2 (en) | Application with flexible control loops for programming a building controller | |
JP2003303228A (en) | Method of setting schedule for facility and equipment management system, and facility and equipment management system | |
Tran | Creating a User Interface For Home Automation |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: TRANE INTERNATIONAL INC., NORTH CAROLINA Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:SREENIVASAN, SRIRAM;BRINK, JAMES;KLOEPPNER, RICK;AND OTHERS;SIGNING DATES FROM 20181031 TO 20181106;REEL/FRAME:055880/0012 |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: APPLICATION DISPATCHED FROM PREEXAM, NOT YET DOCKETED |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: DOCKETED NEW CASE - READY FOR EXAMINATION |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: NON FINAL ACTION MAILED |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: NON FINAL ACTION MAILED |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: FINAL REJECTION MAILED |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |