User interface displays for refrigeration and / or hvacr applications

Abstract

Disclosed are exemplary user interfaces for controllers configured for controlling operation of refrigeration applications (e.g., an industrial refrigeration applications, ventilated refrigeration units, etc.) and / or HVACR applications, etc. In an exemplary embodiments, the user interface comprises a display including a main data communication field and an additional data communication field alongside and / or adjacent to the main data communication field. The user interface is configured to be operable for simultaneously displaying: data in the main data communication field of the display; and additional data in the additional data communication field of the display while maintaining unaltered dimensions and / or without requiring reductions in dimensional size of the data being displayed in the main data communication field.

Description

Docket No. 15984W-OOOOQ2-WO-POAUSER INTERFACE DISPLAYS FOR REFRIGERATION AND / OR HVACR APPLICATIONSCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims priority to and the benefit of Italian Patent Application No. 102024000021484 filed September 27, 2024, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure relates to user interface displays for refrigeration and / or HVACR applications.BACKGROUND

[0003] This section provides background information related to the present disclosure which is not necessarily prior art.

[0004] In a typical refrigeration or HVACR system, a refrigeration control maintains the temperature of a space using a cooling unit. Generally, the control is a regulating device that performs actions in response to temperature sensed for the space next to which the control is installed so that the temperature of the space is maintained near a desired setpoint. The desired setpoint may be entered via the control’s user interface.DRAWINGS

[0005] The drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only of selected example embodiments and not all possible implementations, and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.

[0006] FIG. 1 is a front view of a controller including a user interface display according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0007] FIG. 2 is another front view of the controller from FIG. 1 while displaying examples of a temperature setting of -12.3 °C, a 62% relative humidity and icons of a snowflake for active cooling mode and a leaf for energy savings mode.

[0008] FIG. 3 is another front view of the controller shown in FIG. 1 while simultaneously displaying an example temperature setting of -12.3 °C, a status description of bLE indicating that Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) is on, and six keys that are illuminated for the user when the user touches the surface of the user interface display.Docket No. 15984W-OOOOQ2-WO-POA

[0009] FIG. 4 illustratively identifies first, second, and third display areas of a controller including a user interface display according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, a large up to 3 digit display (e.g., temperature setting, etc.) is displayable in the first display area and additional information (e.g., relative humidity, local time, MEnU SEt, pressure, speed of the fans, etc.) is simultaneously displayable in the second and third display areas.

[0010] FIG. 5 is a front view of the controller shown in FIG. 4 with the user interface display fully illuminated.

[0011] FIG. 6 is a front view of a user interface display when fully illuminated according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 7 is a front view of the user interface display shown fully illuminated and with reverse contrast relative to FIG. 6.

[0013] FIG. 8 is a front view of the user interface display from FIG. 6 shown in a normal view while displaying an example temperature setting of -4.3 °C and an example notification MEnU SEt indicating that the controller is in a menu setting operation.

[0014] FIG. 9 illustratively identifies first, second, and third display areas of the user interface display shown in FIG. 8, wherein a large up to 3 digit display (e.g., temperature setting of - 4.3 °C, etc.) is displayable in the first display area and additional information is displayable in the second and third display areas (e.g., MEnU SEt, etc.).

[0015] FIG. 10 is a front view of the user interface display from FIG. 6 shown in a normal view while displaying an example temperature setting of -12.3 °C and example icons of a snowflake for active cooling mode and a lightbulb for turning ON / OFF the lighting.

[0016] FIG. 11 is a front view of the user interface display from FIG. 10 while also simultaneously displaying six keys that are illuminated for the user when the user touches the surface of the user interface display.

[0017] FIG. 12 is a front view of the user interface display from FIG. 10 while also simultaneously displaying additional information (e.g., a local time of 14:36, etc.).

[0018] FIG. 13 is a front view of the user interface display from FIG. 6 shown in a normal view while displaying an example temperature setting of 3.2 °C, example icons of a snowflake for active cooling mode and a leaf for energy savings mode, and an example barometric pressure of 25 bAr.

[0019] FIG. 14 is a front view of the user interface display from FIG. 6 shown in a normal view while displaying an example temperature setting of -2.5 °C, example icons of a snowflake for active cooling mode and a leaf for energy savings mode, and an example speed of the fans 60% SP.Docket No. 15984W-OOOOQ2-WO-POA

[0020] FIG. 15 is a front view of the user interface display from FIG. 6 shown in a normal view while displaying a blinking ALARM status with high visibility.

[0021] FIG. 16 illustratively identifies first, second, and third display areas of a user interface display of a controller according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown, a large up to 3 digit display (e.g., temperature setting, etc.) is displayable in the first display area and additional information (e.g., relative humidity, local time, MEnU SEt, pressure, speed of the fans, etc.) is simultaneously displayable in the second and third display areas.

[0022] FIG. 17 is another front view of the controller shown in FIG. 16 along with example features that may be displayed in the different display areas of the user interface display shown in FIG. 16.

[0023] FIG. 18 is a front upper perspective view of the controller shown in FIG. 16.

[0024] FIG. 19 is a back upper perspective view of the controller shown in FIG. 16.

[0025] FIG. 20 is a front lower perspective view of the controller shown in FIG. 16.

[0026] FIG. 21 is a back lower perspective view of the controller shown in FIG. 16.

[0027] FIG. 22 provides example dimensions in millimeters (mm) and inches for an exemplary controller according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 23 provides example dimensions in millimeters (mm) and inches for an exemplary panel cut-out in which the exemplary controller shown in FIG. 22 may be installed according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 24 includes a table illustrating examples of user interface buttons and describing their functions for a controller according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. The user interface buttons shown in FIG. 24 are provided for purpose of illustration only as other exemplary embodiments may include a controller having one or more different user interface buttons than what is illustrated in FIG. 24.

[0030] FIGS. 25 and 26 include tables illustrating user interface icons and providing descriptions, modes, and their functions for a controller according to exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. The user interface icons shown in FIGS. 25 and 26 are provided for purpose of illustration only as other exemplary embodiments may include a controller having one or more different user interface icons than what is illustrated in FIGS. 25 and 26.

[0031] Corresponding reference numerals may indicate corresponding (though not necessarily identical) parts throughout the several views of the drawings.DETAILED DESCRIPTIONDocket No. 15984W-OOOOQ2-WO-POA

[0032] Example embodiments will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0033] Disclosed are exemplary user interfaces (e.g., human machine interfaces (HMIs), capacitive user interfaces with touch screen buttons or keys, etc.) including displays (e.g., interactive touch screen display, liquid crystal display vertical alignment type (LCD VA), thin film transistor (TFT) display, non-TFT display, etc.) for refrigeration applications and / or HVACR applications, etc. Also disclosed exemplary controllers including user interface displays, which controllers are configured for controlling operation of refrigeration applications (e.g., an industrial refrigeration applications, medium or low temperature ventilated refrigeration units, etc.) and / or HVACR applications, etc.

[0034] In exemplary embodiments, the user interface (UI) includes a display having a relatively small form factor. The display includes a main data communication field (e.g., first display area, etc.) and an additional data communication field (e.g., second and third display areas, etc.). The display is configured such that the additional data communication field does not penalize digit dimensions or require reduction of the dimensions of the data (e.g., digits, alphanumeric characters, icons, icons, etc.) being displayed in the main communication field. Accordingly, the user interface display is operable for displaying the additional data in the additional data communication field while maintaining unaltered dimensions of the data and without requiring reductions in the dimensional size of the data displayed in the main data communication field.

[0035] The additional data communication field is not limited to displaying a single row of data (e.g., digits, alphanumeric characters, icons, icons, etc.) as the user interface display may be configured such that more than one row of data is displayable in the additional data communication field. In exemplary embodiments, the user interface display is configured such that the additional data communication field is operable for displaying two rows of data that can be used to communicate both a numerical value and an associated description / unit of measurement. Status descriptions (e.g., NFC ON, BLE ON, Menu Set, etc.), timing, calendar, etc. can also be displayed simultaneously via the additional data communication field of the user interface display. The additional data communication field may be used to display various additional data including compressor speed %, condenser fan speed %, evaporator fan speed %, time and date / calendar, pressure, relative humidity %, rotation of all applicable informations, temperature probes, filling level of tank; % of heating / cooling demand, super heat, communication NFC and / or BLE, % valve opening, count down or delay to next action (defrost or schedule HVACR), etc.

[0036] Exemplary embodiments disclosed herein thus provide a way of communicating additional data that widens the variety of information available to be shown, without being limitedDocket No. 15984W-OOOOQ2-WO-POA to a single row, and with the ability to associate a descriptor to the value shown. Exemplary embodiments disclosed herein also enable the possibility to cycle the information without the risk of creating confusion in the reader because the description of what is shown is clear and always present (e.g., the descriptor is simultaneously displayed alongside or adjacent the displayed value, etc.). And the additional data is displayable by the user interface display without limiting or requiring reduced dimensional size of the data (e.g., large up to 3 digit temperature setting with a decimal, etc.) displayed in the main data communication field.

[0037] Exemplary embodiments also advantageously widen the application field of non- TFT (thin-film-transistor) displays by allowing less-complex technology to be used instead of requiring the implementation of a TFT display to achieve a similar result.

[0038] The organization of the display’s main and additional data communication fields allows for the simultaneous display of different first and second values in the respective main or first data communication field and the additional or second data communication field. A first value (e.g., large up to 3 digit temperature setting with a decimal, etc.) may be displayed in the main or first data communication field while a different second value (e.g., local time, menu set, pressure, speed of the fans, relative humidity, etc.) is simultaneously displayed with a descriptor of the different second value in the additional or second data communication field. The descriptor would thus provide a description of the different second value than the common unit of measurement (e.g. , degrees Celsius, etc.) for the first value. This ability thus opens the possibility for improved input or entry of particular values and / or an improved interaction during the navigation of a menu on the user interface. For example, the user interface display may allow for the visualization of the code of a parameter while simultaneously displaying or showing in the secondary data communication field or display area the family / group of parameters it is part of. As another example, the user interface display may allow for the visualization of the value of the parameter during its modification while simultaneously displaying or showing the parameter name and the group / family in the secondary data communication field.

[0039] The user interfaces, displays, and controllers disclosed herein may provide one or more (but not necessarily any or all) of the following advantages. As compared to a display of a conventional controller having a same overall form factor or size, the user interface display disclosed herein has an increased overall display size for displaying significantly larger main digits (e.g., up to 39 millimeters in height, etc.) along with the ability to display or hide keys and display additional information (e.g., relative humidity, pressure, menu set, local time, speed of the fans, etc.). Additional advantages realizable with exemplary embodiments disclosed herein include a larger quantity of information that is manageable in a single display with the same dimensions as a conventionalDocket No. 15984W-OOOOQ2-WO-POA controller display. The user interface displays disclosed herein may also enable a technologically non-complex implementation and application of use. The user interface displays disclosed herein may provide a user with more information at the same time or more comprehensive information without requiring radical, complicated changes to the display technology, such as requiring the use of a thin film transistor liquid crystal display (TFT LCD).

[0040] With reference to the figures, FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 illustrates a controller 100 including a user interface display 104 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. In this exemplary embodiment, the controller 100 comprises a capacitive user interface including touch screen buttons or keys and configured such that the entire display area of the display 104 is usable for user interaction with the controller 100. The display 104 is configured to have specific areas and to enable or disable functions, browse through screens and operational modes and modify the configuration of the controller. By way of example, the controller 100 may comprise a microprocessor-based controller suitable for applications on medium or low temperature ventilated refrigeration units.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 1, the user interface display 104 includes a main data communication field 108 (e.g., first display area, etc.) and an additional data communication field 112 (e.g., second and third display areas, etc.). A large up to up to 3 digit display with decimal point (e.g. , temperature setting, etc. ) is displayable in the main data communication field 108 and additional information (e.g., relative humidity, local time, MEnU SEt, pressure, speed of the fans, bLE, etc.) is simultaneously displayable in the additional data communication field 112.

[0042] In this illustrated embodiment, the additional data communication field 112 is horizontally alongside, adjacent, and to the right of the main data communication field 108. The additional data communication field 112 is operable for displaying two horizontal rows of data that can be used to communicate both a numerical value (e.g., 60, 62, 25, etc.) and an associated description / unit of measurement (e.g., %SP for speed of the fans percentage, %rh for relative humidity percentage, bAr for pressure, etc.). In this example shown in FIG. 1, the additional data communication field 112 is displaying the numerical value 60 in the top row and %SP in the bottom row vertically below or underneath the numerical value of 60, to thereby indicate 60% fan speed. Status descriptions (e.g., Near Field Communication (NFC) on, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) on, Menu Set, etc.), timing, calendar, etc. can also be displayed simultaneously via the additional data communication field 112 of the user interface display 104.

[0043] FIG. 2 illustrates the controller 100 while the display 104 is displaying examples of a temperature setting of -12.3 °C, a 62% relative humidity, and icons of a snowflake for active cooling mode and a leaf for energy savings mode. FIG. 3 illustrates the controller 100 while theDocket No. 15984W-OOOOQ2-WO-POA display 104 is simultaneously displaying an example temperature setting of -12.3 °C, a status description of bLE indicating that Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) is on, and six keys that are illuminated for the user when the user touches the surface of the user interface display. As examples and not restrictions, the six keys may enable the user to manage or control ON / OFF lighting via the key with the lightbulb icon, start a manual defrost via the key with the i snowflake above rain icon, ON / OFF power via the key with the power on / off icon, increase / decrease temperature setting or other displayed value and navigate the parameter map via the keys with the up / down arrows, and settings via the keys with the cog icon. During the normal view as shown in FIG. 2, the six keys are not illuminated by the user interface display 104 as there is no need for the six keys to be visible to the user.

[0044] FIG. 4 illustratively identifies first, second, and third display areas of a user interface display 204 of a controller 200 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 4, a large up to up to 3 digit display (e.g., temperature setting, etc.) is displayable in the first display area of a main data communication field 208 and additional information (e.g., relative humidity, local time, MEnU SEt, pressure, speed of the fans, etc.) is simultaneously displayable in the second and third display areas of an additional data communication field 212. FIG. 5 illustrates the controller 200 with the user interface display 204 fully illuminated.

[0045] FIG. 6 illustrates a user interface display 304 when fully illuminated according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 illustrates the user interface display 304 shown fully illuminated and with reverse contrast relative to FIG. 6. FIG. 8 illustrates the user interface display 3-4 shown in a normal view while displaying an example temperature setting of - 4.3 °C and an example notification MEnU SEt indicating that the controller is in a menu setting operation.

[0046] FIG. 9 illustratively identifies first, second, and third display areas of the user interface display 304. A large up to up to 3 digit display (e.g., temperature setting of -4.3 °C, etc.) is displayed in the first display area of the main data communication field and additional information is displayable in the second and third display areas (e.g., MEnU SEt, etc.) of the additional data communication field.

[0047] FIG. 10 illustrates the user interface display 304 in a normal view while displaying an example temperature setting of -12.3 °C and example icons of a snowflake for active cooling mode and a lightbulb for turning ON / OFF the lighting. FIG. 11 illustrates the user interface display 304 simultaneously displaying six keys that are illuminated for the user when the user touches the surface of the user interface display. The six keys enable the user to manage or control ON / OFF lighting via the key with the lightbulb icon, defrost via the key with the i snowflake above rain icon, ON / OFFDocket No. 15984W-OOOOQ2-WO-POA power via the key with the power on / off icon, increase / decrease temperature setting via the keys with the up / down arrows, and settings via the keys with the cog icon. During the normal view as shown in FIG. 10, the six keys are not illuminated by the controller display as there is no need for the six keys to be visible to the user.

[0048] FIG. 12 illustrates the user interface display 304 while simultaneously displaying additional information (e.g., a local time of 14:36, etc.). FIG. 13 illustrates the user interface display 304 in a normal view while displaying an example temperature setting of 3.2 °C, example icons of a snowflake for active cooling mode and a leaf for energy savings mode, and an example barometric pressure of 25 bAr. FIG. 14 illustrates the user interface display 304 in a normal view while displaying an example temperature setting of -2.5 °C, example icons of a snowflake for active cooling mode and a leaf for energy savings mode, and an example speed of the fans 60% SP. FIG. 15 illustrates the user interface display 304 in a normal view while displaying a blinking ALARM status with high visibility.

[0049] FIGS. 16-21 illustrate a controller 400 including a user interface display 404 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 16 illustratively identifies first, second, and third display areas of a user interface display 404 of a controller 400 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. 16, a large up to up to 3 digit display (e.g., temperature setting, etc.) is displayable in the first display area of a main data communication field 408 and additional information (e.g., relative humidity, local time, MEnU SEt, pressure, speed of the fans, etc.) is simultaneously displayable in the second and third display areas of an additional data communication field 412.

[0050] FIG. 22 illustrate a controller 500 including a user interface display 504 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 22 provides example dimensions in millimeters (mm) for the exemplary controller 500. As shown in FIG. 22, the front facia of this exemplary controller 500 has a width of 111.4 mm [4.386 inches] and height of 76.4 mm [3.008 inches]. The depth of the controller case or housing 516 (e.g., self-extinguishing polycarbonate, etc.) is 40.4 mm [1.590 inches]. In some exemplary embodiments, a power transformer (TRF) (shown in broken lines in FIG. 22) is along a back of the housing 516, which increases the maximum depth of the controller 500 to 48.7 mm.. Also shown in FIG. 22 are brackets 520, 524 that are respectively usable for mounting the controller 500 to a metal panel or plastic panel. As shown in FIG. 23, the controller 500 is preferably mounted on a vertical panel within a 107.6 mm [4.236 inches] x 72.6 mm [2.858 inches] generally rectangular hole or panel cut-out having round comers with a 3 mm [.118 inch] radius of curvature. The dimensions provided in this paragraph and FIGS. 22 and 23 areDocket No. 15984W-OOOOQ2-WO-POA examples only as the controller 500 may be configured differently (e.g., smaller or larger, etc.) in other exemplary embodiments.

[0051] The temperature settings of -2.5 °C (FIGS. 1 and 14), -12.3 °C (FIGS. 2, 3, 10, 11, 12, and 22), -4.3 °C (FIGS. 4, 8, 9, and 16), 3.2 °C (FIG. 7), and 3.2 °C (FIG. 13) are examples only of large up to 3 digit temperature settings that may be displayed in the main data communication field or first display area of the user interface display. Likewise, the local time 14:36 (FIG. 12), MEnU SEt (FIGS. 4, 8, 9, and 16), pressure 25 bAr (FIG. 13), speed of the fans 60% SP (FIGS. 1 and 14), and relative humidity 62 %rh (FIG. 2), and bLE (FIG. 3) are also examples only of additional information that may be displayed in the additional data communication field or second and third display areas of the user interface display.

[0052] Disclosed are exemplary user interfaces for controllers configured for controlling operation of refrigeration applications (e.g., an industrial refrigeration applications, ventilated refrigeration units, etc.) and / or HVACR applications, etc. In an exemplary embodiments, the user interface comprises a display including a main data communication field and an additional data communication field alongside and / or adjacent to the main data communication field. The user interface is configured to be operable for simultaneously displaying: data in the main data communication field of the display; and additional data in the additional data communication field of the display while maintaining unaltered dimensions and / or without requiring reductions in dimensional size of the data being displayed in the main data communication field.

[0053] In exemplary embodiments, the user interface is configured such that multiple rows of data are displayable in the additional data communication field whereby the display is operable for: simultaneously displaying both a numerical value in at least one row of the additional data communication field and an associated description or unit of measurement for the numerical value in at least one other row of the additional data communication field; and displaying a description of controller status, local time, and / or calendar across two or more rows of the additional data communication field.

[0054] In exemplary embodiments, the main data communication field includes a first display area operable for displaying an up to three digit temperature setting with a decimal point. And the additional data communication field includes second and third display areas operable for simultaneously displaying both a numerical value in the second display area and an associated description or unit of measurement for the numerical value in the third display area.

[0055] In exemplary embodiments, the user interface is configured to be operable for displaying an up to three digit temperature setting with a decimal point in the main data communication field of the display while also simultaneously displaying: a different controllerDocket No. 15984W-OOOOQ2-WO-POA setting and an associated description or unit of measurement for the different controller setting in the additional data communication field of the display; or a description of controller status, local time, and / or calendar in the additional data communication field of the display. The height of the up to three digit temperature setting displayed in the main data communication field of the display may be larger than a height of the different controller setting displayed in the additional data communication field of the display. The different controller setting may include relative humidity, pressure, and / or fan speed. The description of controller status may include Near Field Communication (NFC) on, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) on, and / or Menu Set.

[0056] In exemplary embodiments, the user interface is configured such that: the main data communication field and the additional data communication field are simultaneously usable while navigating a menu on the user interface; and / or visualization of the code of a parameter is displayable in the main data communication field while simultaneously displaying the parameter’s family / group of parameters in the additional data communication field; and / or visualization of the value of a parameter being modified is displayable in the main data communication field while simultaneously displaying the parameter’s name and / or the parameter’s family / group of parameters in the additional data communication field.

[0057] In exemplary embodiments, the user interface is configured to be operable such that multiple touch screen keys or buttons are illuminated on the display when a user touches a surface of the display, the multiple touch screen keys or buttons are usable for user interaction with the controller including to enable or disable functions, browse through screens and operational modes, and / or modify the configuration of the controller.

[0058] In exemplary embodiments, the user interface comprises a capacitive user interface including touch screen buttons and configured such that the entire display area of the display is usable for user interaction with the controller to enable or disable functions, browse through screens and operational modes, and / or modify the configuration of the controller.

[0059] In exemplary embodiments, the display comprises a non-TFT (thin film transistor) display.

[0060] In exemplary embodiments, a microprocessor-based controller is configured for controlling operation of a ventilated refrigeration unit(s). The microprocessor-based controller includes a user interface and display as disclosed herein and up to six relay outputs to control compressor, fans, light, defrost, and auxiliary outputs.

[0061] In exemplary embodiments, a controller includes a user interface and display as disclosed herein. The controller has a width of about 111.4 millimeters and a height of about 76.4Docket No. 15984W-OOOOQ2-WO-POA millimeters. And the user interface is configured such that the display is operable for displaying digits and / or other data up to about 39 millimeters in height in the main data communication field.

[0062] Also disclosed are exemplary methods of displaying data on a display of a user interface of a controller configured for controlling operation of a refrigeration application and / or HVACR application. In exemplary embodiments, the method comprises displaying data in a main data communication field of the display; and simultaneously displaying additional data in an additional data communication field of the display while maintaining unaltered dimensions and / or without requiring reductions in dimensional size of the data being displayed in the main data communication field, wherein the additional data communication field is alongside and / or adjacent to the main data communication field.

[0063] In exemplary embodiments, the method includes displaying an up to three digit temperature setting with a decimal point in the main data communication field of the display while also simultaneously displaying: a different controller setting and an associated description or unit of measurement for the different controller setting in the additional data communication field of the display; or a description of controller status, local time, and / or calendar in the additional data communication field of the display. The height of the up to three digit temperature setting displayed in the main data communication field of the display may be larger than a height of the different controller setting displayed in the additional data communication field of the display. The different controller setting may include relative humidity, pressure, and / or fan speed. The description of controller status may include Near Field Communication (NFC) on, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) on, and / or Menu Set.

[0064] In exemplary embodiments, the method includes displaying the code of a parameter in the main data communication field while simultaneously displaying the parameter’s family / group of parameters in the additional data communication field; and / or display the value of a parameter being modified in the main data communication field while simultaneously displaying the parameter’s name and / or the parameter’s family / group of parameters in the additional data communication field; and / or simultaneously using the main data communication field and the additional data communication field while navigating a menu on the user interface.

[0065] Example embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope to those who are skilled in the art. Numerous specific details are set forth such as examples of specific components, devices, and methods, to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that specific details need not be employed, that example embodiments may be embodied in many different forms, and that neither should be construed to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some exampleDocket No. 15984W-OOOOQ2-WO-POA embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail. In addition, advantages and improvements that may be achieved with one or more exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are provided for purpose of illustration only and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure, as exemplary embodiments disclosed herein may provide all or none of the above mentioned advantages and improvements and still fall within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0066] Specific dimensions, specific materials, and / or specific shapes disclosed herein are example in nature and do not limit the scope of the present disclosure. The disclosure herein of particular values and particular ranges of values for given parameters are not exclusive of other values and ranges of values that may be useful in one or more of the examples disclosed herein. Moreover, it is envisioned that any two particular values for a specific parameter stated herein may define the endpoints of a range of values that may be suitable for the given parameter (z.e., the disclosure of a first value and a second value for a given parameter can be interpreted as disclosing that any value between the first and second values could also be employed for the given parameter). For example, if Parameter X is exemplified herein to have value A and also exemplified to have value Z, it is envisioned that parameter X may have a range of values from about A to about Z. Similarly, it is envisioned that disclosure of two or more ranges of values for a parameter (whether such ranges are nested, overlapping or distinct) subsume all possible combination of ranges for the value that might be claimed using endpoints of the disclosed ranges. For example, if parameter X is exemplified herein to have values in the range of 1 - 10, or 2 - 9, or 3 - 8, it is also envisioned that Parameter X may have other ranges of values including 1 - 9, 1 - 8, 1 - 3, 1 - 2, 2 - 10, 2 - 8, 2 - 3, 3 - 10, and 3 - 9.

[0067] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular example embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. For example, when permissive phrases, such as “may comprise”, “may include”, and the like, are used herein, at least one embodiment comprises or includes the feature(s). As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “including,” and “having,” are inclusive and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. The method steps, processes, and operations described herein are not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance in the particular order discussed or illustrated, unless specifically identified as an order of performance. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.Docket No. 15984W-OOOOQ2-WO-POA

[0068] When an element or layer is referred to as being “on”, “engaged to”, “connected to” or “coupled to” another element or layer, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element or layer, or intervening elements or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,” “directly engaged to”, “directly connected to” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.). As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0069] The term “about” when applied to values indicates that the calculation or the measurement allows some slight imprecision in the value (with some approach to exactness in the value; approximately or reasonably close to the value; nearly). If, for some reason, the imprecision provided by “about” is not otherwise understood in the art with this ordinary meaning, then “about” as used herein indicates at least variations that may arise from ordinary methods of measuring or using such parameters. For example, the terms “generally”, “about”, and “substantially” may be used herein to mean within manufacturing tolerances. Or for example, the term “about” as used herein when modifying a quantity of an ingredient or reactant of the invention or employed refers to variation in the numerical quantity that can happen through typical measuring and handling procedures used, for example, when making concentrates or solutions in the real world through inadvertent error in these procedures; through differences in the manufacture, source, or purity of the ingredients employed to make the compositions or carry out the methods; and the like. The term “about” also encompasses amounts that differ due to different equilibrium conditions for a composition resulting from a particular initial mixture. Whether or not modified by the term “about”, equivalents to the quantities are included.

[0070] Although the terms first, second, third, etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Terms such as “first,” “second,” and other numerical terms when used herein do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the example embodiments.

[0071] Spatially relative terms, such as “inner,” “outer,” “beneath”, “below”, “lower”, “above”, “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element orDocket No. 15984W-000002-WO-PQA feature’s relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” other elements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elements or features. Thus, the example term “below” can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

[0072] The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure. Individual elements, intended or stated uses, or features of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, where applicable, are interchangeable and can be used in a selected embodiment, even if not specifically shown or described. The same may also be varied in many ways. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the disclosure, and all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the disclosure.

Claims

Docket No. 15984W-OOOOQ2-WO-POACLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A user interface for a controller configured for controlling operation of a refrigeration application and / or HVACR application, the user interface comprising a display including a main data communication field and an additional data communication field alongside and / or adjacent to the main data communication field, wherein the user interface is configured to be operable for simultaneously displaying: data in the main data communication field of the display; and additional data in the additional data communication field of the display while maintaining unaltered dimensions and / or without requiring reductions in dimensional size of the data being displayed in the main data communication field.

2. The user interface of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the user interface is configured such that multiple rows of data are displayable in the additional data communication field whereby the display is operable for: simultaneously displaying both a numerical value in at least one row of the additional data communication field and an associated description or unit of measurement for the numerical value in at least one other row of the additional data communication field; and displaying a description of controller status, local time, and / or calendar across two or more rows of the additional data communication field.

3. The user interface of any one of the preceding claims, wherein: the main data communication field includes a first display area operable for displaying an up to three digit temperature setting with a decimal point; and the additional data communication field includes second and third display areas operable for simultaneously displaying both a numerical value in the second display area and an associated description or unit of measurement for the numerical value in the third display area.

4. The user interface of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the user interface is configured to be operable for displaying an up to three digit temperature setting with a decimal point in the main data communication field of the display while also simultaneously displaying: a different controller setting and an associated description or unit of measurement for the different controller setting in the additional data communication field of the display; orDocket No. 15984W-OOOOQ2-WO-POA a description of controller status, local time, and / or calendar in the additional data communication field of the display.

5. The user interface of claim 4, wherein the user interface is configured such that a height of the up to three digit temperature setting displayed in the main data communication field of the display is larger than a height of the different controller setting displayed in the additional data communication field of the display.

6. The user interface of claim 4 or 5, wherein: the different controller setting includes relative humidity, pressure, and / or fan speed; and the description of controller status includes Near Field Communication (NFC) on, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) on, and / or Menu Set.

7. The user interface of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the user interface is configured such that: the main data communication field and the additional data communication field are simultaneously usable while navigating a menu on the user interface; and / or visualization of the code of a parameter is displayable in the main data communication field while simultaneously displaying the parameter’s family / group of parameters in the additional data communication field; and / or visualization of the value of a parameter being modified is displayable in the main data communication field while simultaneously displaying the parameter’s name and / or the parameter’s family / group of parameters in the additional data communication field.

8. The user interface of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the user interface is configured to be operable such that multiple touch screen keys or buttons are illuminated on the display when a user touches a surface of the display, the multiple touch screen keys or buttons are usable for user interaction with the controller including to enable or disable functions, browse through screens and operational modes, and / or modify the configuration of the controller.

9. The user interface of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the user interface comprises a capacitive user interface including touch screen buttons and configured such that the entire display area of the display is usable for user interaction with the controller to enable or disableDocket No. 15984W-OOOOQ2-WO-POA functions, browse through screens and operational modes, and / or modify the configuration of the controller.

10. The user interface of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the display comprises a non-TFT (thin film transistor) display.

11. A microprocessor-based controller configured for controlling operation of a ventilated refrigeration unit(s), the microprocessor-based controller comprising the user interface of any one of the preceding claims and up to six relay outputs to control compressor, fans, light, defrost, and auxiliary outputs.

12. A controller comprising the user interface of any one of claims 1-10, wherein: the controller has a width of about 111.4 millimeters and a height of about 76.4 millimeters; and the user interface is configured such that the display is operable for displaying digits and / or other data up to about 39 millimeters in height in the main data communication field.

13. A method of displaying data on a display of a user interface of a controller configured for controlling operation of a refrigeration application and / or HVACR application, the method comprising: displaying data in a main data communication field of the display; and simultaneously displaying additional data in an additional data communication field of the display while maintaining unaltered dimensions and / or without requiring reductions in dimensional size of the data being displayed in the main data communication field, wherein the additional data communication field is alongside and / or adjacent to the main data communication field.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the method includes displaying an up to three digit temperature setting with a decimal point in the main data communication field of the display while also simultaneously displaying: a different controller setting and an associated description or unit of measurement for the different controller setting in the additional data communication field of the display; or a description of controller status, local time, and / or calendar in the additional data communication field of the display; wherein:Docket No. 15984W-000002-WO-PQA a height of the up to three digit temperature setting displayed in the main data communication field of the display is larger than a height of the different controller setting displayed in the additional data communication field of the display; and / or the different controller setting includes relative humidity, pressure, and / or fan speed; and / or the description of controller status includes Near Field Communication (NFC) on,Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) on, and / or Menu Set.

15. The method of claim 13 or 14, wherein the method includes: displaying the code of a parameter in the main data communication field while simultaneously displaying the parameter’s family / group of parameters in the additional data communication field; and / or display the value of a parameter being modified in the main data communication field while simultaneously displaying the parameter’s name and / or the parameter’s family / group of parameters in the additional data communication field; and / or simultaneously using the main data communication field and the additional data communication field while navigating a menu on the user interface.

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