Graphical user interface system for a thermal comfort controller

Abstract

A graphical user interface system for a thermal comfort controller. The user interface system has a central processing unit coupled to a memory and a touch sensitive display unit. The memory stores a temperature schedule data structure and perhaps a temperature history data structure. The temperature schedule data structure is made up of at least one set-point. The temperature history data structure is made up of at least one Actual-Temperature-Point. The display presents the set-points and / or the Actual-Temperature-Points. One representation of the display is a graphical step-function. The user uses a finger or stylus to program the set-points by pointing and dragging a portion of the step-function.

Description

[0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 453,027, filed Jun. 3, 2003, entitled “GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE SYSTEM FOR A THERMAL COMFORT CONTROLLER” which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 673,633, filed Oct. 26, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,509,354, entitled, “GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE SYSTEM FOR A THERMAL COMFORT CONTROLLER”.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] The present invention relates to thermostats and other thermal comfort controllers and particularly to a graphical user interface for such thermal comfort controllers. [0003] Current thermal comfort controllers, or thermostats, have a limited user interface which typically includes a number of data input buttons and a small display. Hereinafter, the term thermostat will be used to reference a general comfort control device and is not to be limiting in any way. For example, in addition to traditional thermostats, the present such control device could be a humidistat or us...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0008] This invention can be regarded as a graphical user interface system for thermal comfort controllers. In some embodiments, the user interface system is mounted on the wall as part of a thermostat. In other embodiments, the user interface system is a hand held computing unit which interfaces with a thermostat located elsewhere. The user interface system includes a central processing unit, a memory and a display with a touch-sensitive screen used for input. The memory stores at least one temperature schedule. The temperature schedule has at least one set-point, which associates a desired temperature to a desired time. The display graphically represents the temperature schedule and allows the user to easily and intuitively program the temperature schedule. The temperature schedule may be displayed as a step-function graph, as a listing of set-points, or as a clock and temperature control (such as a dial). In some embodiments, the display can also graphically represent the actual temperature history compared to the desired temperature schedule. In other embodiments, the temperature schedule can be displayed and changed in other graphical ways, such as with slider or scroll bar controls.

[0009] Several objects and advantages of the present invention include: the temperature schedule is more easily programmed than in past user interfaces; the step-function or other display is more informative and intuitive; historical data can be displayed to the user; and multiple schedules can be programmed.

Problems solved by technology

Current thermal comfort controllers, or thermostats, have a limited user interface which typically includes a number of data input buttons and a small display.

As is well known, thermostats often have setback capabilities which involves a programmed temperature schedule.

Such a schedule of lower temperatures during off-peak hours saves energy costs.

It is well known that users have difficulty using the current form of a user interface for thermostats because such an interface is not intuitive and is somewhat complicated to use.

Another limitation of the current user interfaces for thermostats is that once programmed, the temperature schedule cannot be easily reviewed.

Although the user can, with difficulty, determine the temperature schedule that is programmed into the controller, the user cannot determine how closely this temperature schedule was followed.

At present, the user has no way of viewing this information and no way of correlating the temperature schedule with actual house temperatures.

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