Dial-Based Schedule Programming for Multi-Zone Controllers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current programmable controllers for devices like HVAC systems are complex and inefficient, requiring multiple schedules for different times of day and zones, which can be confusing and prone to errors, especially in mechanical timers, and digital controllers often have cumbersome interfaces that deter users from programming multi-day and multi-zone schedules effectively.
Innovation Solution
A graphical user interface (GUI) with a dial-based scheduling system that allows users to interactively select time periods on a touch-sensitive or mouse-operable display, enabling easy programming of multiple schedules and zones, with features like color coding for cost awareness and remote access via web or mobile devices, and the ability to receive schedules via text messages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate schedules are programmed for different days and zones, then scheduling precision and control capability are improved, but programming complexity and user interface difficulty increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The programming interface is segmented into modular components: day selection, zone selection, time period selection, and parameter setting. Each segment can be configured independently and then combined, allowing users to build complex schedules from simple, manageable units rather than programming all parameters at once.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface employs nested selection screens where users first select days, then zones, then time periods, and finally parameters. Each selection level is contained within the previous one, creating a hierarchical structure that guides users through the programming process in a logical sequence, reducing cognitive load.
2Productivity
If detailed time scheduling is implemented with multiple time periods, then energy efficiency and cost optimization are improved, but programming time and interface complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides pre-configured time period templates and default scheduling patterns that users can select without programming each time period from scratch. Common scheduling scenarios are prepared in advance, allowing users to quickly implement energy-efficient schedules by selecting and customizing pre-built options rather than creating everything anew.
Solution Approach 2:
Users can copy existing time period configurations and scheduling patterns to multiple days or zones, and replicate successful schedules across different contexts. This allows rapid deployment of energy-efficient schedules across multiple areas without repeating the programming effort for each individual schedule.
3Ease of operation
If mechanical timers with physical pins are used, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability and accuracy deteriorate due to wear and breaking parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical timer components (physical pins, rotating dials, mechanical switches) with electronic equivalents (digital displays, touchscreen interfaces, electronic memory). This substitution eliminates wear and tear associated with mechanical parts while maintaining ease of operation through intuitive graphical interfaces and soft buttons that provide the same user experience without the reliability issues of mechanical components.
4Productivity
If digital controllers with copy features are used, then programming efficiency is improved, but interface complexity increases with multiple steps required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the copy function with the selection interface, allowing users to copy schedules by simply selecting the source and destination without navigating through separate copy menus or multiple confirmation screens. The copy operation is integrated directly into the scheduling workflow, combining what were previously separate actions (selecting to copy, specifying destination, confirming) into a unified, streamlined process.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a user interface system and method for programming a schedule of a programmable device. The system comprises processor means and a display unit coupled to the processor means, whereby the processor means is configured to provide a graphical display on the display unit for displaying a time select region for programming at least one time period for the schedule. The time select region is displayed on the display unit as a dial (350) divided into a plurality of segments and each segment represents a period of time in a day, such as fifteen minutes, for an operating parameter, such as a temperature setting for the device. The time select region is interactively operable (354) to enable a user to select one or more segments (351) on the dial to correspond to a selected time period for the schedule. The present invention is directed to a user interface system and method that allows adjustment of multiple schedules in an easy and efficient manner allowing a user to easily view and switch between schedules.