Economizer Controller UI Auto-Population for Sensor Recognition

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Solution Overview

Problem

Economizer controller systems face challenges in automatically adapting user interfaces based on varying system configurations and control types, leading to inefficient menu structure updates and user experience.

Innovation Solution

Implementing an automatic system configuration determination routine in the controller firmware that periodically checks connected sensors, determines the appropriate control type, and repopulates the user interface menu structure accordingly, enabling plug and play recognition with automatic user interface population.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual configuration is used for each sensor setup, then the menu structure can be precisely tailored to the control type, but the complexity of installation and user setup time increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of installationVSAvoidsetup time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The controller automatically detects connected sensors and configures the menu structure without user intervention. The system performs self-configuration by identifying sensor types and populating appropriate menu items, eliminating the need for manual setup while maintaining precise tailoring to the control type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The controller pre-configures the menu structure based on detected sensor connections before user interaction. By performing the configuration action automatically upon sensor detection, the system prepares the interface in advance, saving user time and effort during installation and setup.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed menu structure is used, then the user interface remains simple and consistent, but it cannot adapt to different system configurations and control types

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to system configurationVSAvoidmenu structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The menu structure transitions from a static fixed design to a dynamic adaptive interface. The controller continuously monitors sensor connections and automatically reconfigures the menu structure to match the detected control type, allowing the interface to adapt its complexity and content based on the specific system configuration while maintaining consistency within each configuration state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS11334097B2Economizer controller plug and play system recognition with automatic user interface population

Publication Date: 2022.05.17 HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC

AI summary

An economizer controller system having a plug and play recognition approach with an automatic user interface population mechanism. A check may be made for sensors connected to the controller. The control type of the sensors may be determined. The menu structure may be repopulated based on the control type. The user interface may then be updated. This approach may be repeated as needed.