Graphical User Interface for Automated Schedule Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for configuring schedules lack user-friendly graphical user interfaces (GUIs) for managing and synchronizing control operations across various devices, such as thermostats, lights, and appliances, making it difficult to efficiently manage automated settings and operations.
Innovation Solution
A graphical user interface (GUI) is developed for configuring automated schedules on computing devices, allowing users to select and define schedule periods with parameters like start time, next period start time, upper and lower thresholds, enabling synchronization of control operations across devices such as thermostats, lights, and appliances, with features like period management, editing, and adjustment controls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a graphical user interface (GUI) is developed for configuring automated schedules, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The GUI is segmented into distinct functional areas including a schedule period interface for defining time periods, a start time interface for setting specific times, and parameter selection areas for thresholds and durations. This segmentation allows users to configure complex schedules through simple, isolated interactions rather than overwhelming them with all controls simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The GUI acts as an intermediary layer between the user and the underlying schedule configuration system. It provides visual representations of schedule periods, thresholds, and timing parameters, translating complex configuration data into intuitive graphical elements that users can manipulate without understanding the underlying system complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple schedule parameters are allowed for configuration, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the GUI provide different levels and types of parameter configuration. The schedule period interface handles temporal parameters (start time, duration, next period start time), while separate controls manage threshold parameters (upper and lower thresholds). This local differentiation allows comprehensive adaptability while organizing complexity into manageable, context-specific sections.
Solution Approach 2:
The GUI dynamically adapts its displayed parameters and controls based on the selected schedule period and current configuration state. Relevant parameters are presented and edited in context, with the interface updating to reflect changes in real-time, allowing users to configure multiple parameters without being overwhelmed by static displays of all possible options.
3Productivity
If synchronization of control operations is enabled across devices, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The schedule configuration system is designed to synchronize control operations across multiple device types including thermostats, lights, sensors, appliances, garage door openers, water valves, pool equipment, and relays. The same GUI interface and schedule parameters can control diverse devices, providing universal functionality that improves productivity without requiring separate configuration systems for each device type.
Data Source
AI summary
A control device includes a graphical user interface for an automated schedule. The automated schedule may include multiple schedule periods. Schedule parameters may be adjusted by selecting a portion of one of the schedule periods, for example, on a touchscreen display. The control device may be a thermostat to control temperature in a building.