Controller interface with menu schedule override
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing programmable controllers for HVAC systems and other applications require cumbersome and complex processes for temporary schedule overrides, often leading to manual adjustments that disable energy-saving benefits.
Innovation Solution
A simplified user interface that provides multiple schedule override choices, allowing users to temporarily modify schedules with ease by accepting user responses at a later time, using a chosen time interval, which can include comfort or energy-saving overrides.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional programmable controller interface is used for schedule overrides, then the controller can maintain programmed schedules, but the interface becomes cumbersome and complex requiring multiple steps to establish temporary overrides
Solution Approach 1:
The interface is segmented into distinct functional areas: a schedule display portion showing the programmed schedule, and an override input portion allowing temporary modifications. This segmentation allows users to easily distinguish between normal schedule operation and override functions, simplifying the user experience while maintaining schedule integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller is pre-programmed with default schedule settings that automatically apply. When users need temporary overrides, they can simply input their desired changes without navigating through multiple configuration menus. The system preliminarily prepares the override mechanism to activate immediately upon user input, reducing the number of steps required.
2Ease of operation
If users manually adjust the controller to override schedules, then temporary modifications can be made, but the normal programmed schedule is disabled and energy saving benefits are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The interface dynamically switches between displaying the programmed schedule and accepting override inputs based on user interaction. The system maintains the programmed schedule as the default active state, and only temporarily suspends it during the brief period when an override is being entered. After the override period expires or is cancelled, the system automatically returns to the energy-saving programmed schedule.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller automatically manages the transition between programmed schedule and temporary override without requiring users to manually disable or re-enable schedules. The system self-services by automatically restoring the programmed schedule after the override period, ensuring energy-saving benefits are maintained without additional user intervention.
3Manufacturing precision
If a complex multi-step interface is used for schedule overrides, then precise control can be achieved, but the time and complexity associated with temporary modifications increase
Solution Approach 1:
The override functionality is extracted as a separate, dedicated interface portion distinct from the main schedule programming menus. This extraction allows users to access override capabilities directly without navigating through multiple programming levels, significantly reducing the time required to implement temporary schedule changes while maintaining precise control over the override parameters.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of modifying a programmable schedule for a controller and a controller are disclosed having a user interface. The method includes the steps of providing, simultaneously or sequentially, two or more schedule override choices to a user via the user interface, accepting a selection of one of the two or more schedule override choices from the user via the user interface, and modifying temporarily the schedule based on the user responses provided by the user interface.