HVAC Controller Scheduling Setup Using Segmented User Interface

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Users of HVAC systems often face overwhelming complexity when setting up their controllers due to numerous settings and options, making it difficult to choose appropriate configurations.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a methodical sequence of information displays on user interfaces, allowing users to select scheduling options through a series of screens, including location-based and time-based scheduling, facilitated by non-transitory computer-readable media and wireless mobile devices, guiding users through the setup process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple scheduling options and settings are provided in the HVAC controller, then the system offers greater functionality and adaptability, but the user interface becomes more complex and overwhelming for users

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescheduling optionsVSAvoiduser interface

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the scheduling setup process into multiple distinct procedures (first scheduling setup procedure, second scheduling setup procedure, etc.), each presented on separate screens. This divides the complex configuration task into manageable steps, allowing users to focus on one scheduling option at a time rather than being overwhelmed by all options simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a temporal dimension to the user interface by using a sequence of screens that guide users through different scheduling procedures. Instead of presenting all options on a single screen, the system transitions users through multiple screens in a methodical sequence, adding the dimension of time/sequence to the interaction model.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Manufacturing precision

If comprehensive scheduling procedures are implemented, then the system provides more precise control over HVAC operations, but the setup time and user effort increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescheduling controlVSAvoidsetup time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent presents multiple scheduling setup procedures in advance, with each procedure pre-configured for a specific scheduling approach (location-based, time-based, etc.). Users can select from these pre-prepared procedures rather than configuring everything from scratch, reducing setup time while maintaining comprehensive control options.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adapts the setup process based on user selections. When users choose a specific scheduling procedure, the system adjusts subsequent screens and options to match that procedure, presenting only relevant configuration steps rather than all possible settings, thereby reducing setup time for the chosen path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10302322B2Triage of initial schedule setup for an HVAC controller

Publication Date: 2019.05.28 RESIDEO LLC

AI summary

An HVAC controller may be configured to control at least part of an HVAC system in accordance with any one of several different scheduling options, such as a location-based scheduling option and time-based scheduling option. In some cases, a user may be guided through several different scheduling options in a methodical, easy to understand sequence of information displays.