HVAC Schedule Touchscreen UI for Constrained Time and Temperature Edits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Designing a remote user interface for programmable thermostats on space-limited devices like smartphones is challenging due to difficulties in making simple programming changes and obtaining information for comfort and energy efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A method involving interactive and graphical user interfaces on small format touch-screen devices to display and modify HVAC setpoints, using touch motions to adjust temperature or time, with constraints to prevent accidental changes and indicators for user input analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a remote user interface is provided on a smartphone or space-limited touch screen device, then users can access and modify HVAC settings remotely, but the limited screen space makes it difficult and confusing to make programming changes and obtain useful information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the traditional one-dimensional linear schedule display into a two-dimensional graphical plot where the x-axis represents time and the y-axis represents temperature. This dimensional transformation allows multiple setpoints to be displayed simultaneously in a compact space, enabling users to view and adjust multiple temperature-time combinations without requiring excessive vertical or horizontal screen real estate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the HVAC schedule into individual setpoint icons that can be independently manipulated. Each setpoint is represented as a discrete graphical element that users can select, move, and adjust separately. This segmentation allows complex programming tasks to be broken down into simple, intuitive actions on a limited screen.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple setpoints are displayed in a compact format, then information fits on the screen, but it becomes difficult for users to distinguish between temperature and time adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different visual properties to different aspects of the setpoint icons. The position of icons along the x-axis represents time, while position along the y-axis represents temperature. When users interact with the icons, the system provides localized feedback through visual indicators that highlight which parameter (time or temperature) is currently selected for adjustment, making it easy to distinguish between the two types of changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements immediate visual feedback when users interact with setpoint icons. When a user touches or hovers over an icon, the system displays visual indicators showing which parameter will be adjusted and by how much. This feedback mechanism helps users confirm their intent before making changes, reducing errors and improving usability.
Data Source
AI summary
A novel small format touch screen user interface for displaying, adding and editing program setpoints is described. When editing a setpoint the user's input is constrained such that the user can only alter one parameter (either time or temperature). As soon as the user begins to drag a setpoint icon in either a horizontal (i.e. adjusting time), or vertical (i.e. adjusting temperature), the other parameter is constrained. Additionally, the disclosed user interface includes displaying information as to how the setpoint was most recently added or adjusted. For example the display can be used to indicate whether a setpoint was added or adjusted (1) on the thermostat itself; (2) by an automated learning algorithm; (3) by a user on a web client; or (4) by a user using a mobile client (such as a smart phone or tablet PC). Further, the name of the particular device is also displayed if known.