Flexible scheduling HVAC graphical user interface and methods of use thereof
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Solution Overview
Problem
Advanced HVAC thermostats become cumbersome for users due to the need for multiple discrete inputs to manage temperature setpoints across various occupancy periods, leading to a tedious, time-consuming, and error-prone process, especially when managing multiple thermostats.
Innovation Solution
A touch-responsive HVAC control device with a flexible scheduling interface that displays a grid representing 24-hour periods, allowing users to easily add, delete, or modify occupancy periods through intuitive touch gestures and buttons, with options to commit changes to multiple thermostats with a single action.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple discrete user inputs are required to manage temperature setpoints across occupancy periods, then the thermostat provides precise control over HVAC systems, but the user interface becomes cumbersome and time-consuming to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple discrete input operations into a single sweeping gesture operation. Users can adjust temperature setpoints across multiple occupancy periods by performing one continuous sweeping motion across the display, rather than individually configuring each period. This combining of operations maintains precise temperature control while dramatically reducing the number of steps required.
Solution Approach 2:
The sweeping gesture interface serves multiple functions simultaneously: it allows users to add new occupancy periods, delete existing periods, modify temperature setpoints, and adjust timing all through a single type of interaction. This multi-functional approach simplifies the user interface while maintaining comprehensive control capabilities.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple discrete user inputs are required for each occupancy period, then individual period configuration is precise, but managing multiple thermostats becomes tedious and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables users to manage multiple thermostats simultaneously through a single sweeping gesture operation. The interface allows selection of multiple thermostat devices, and a single sweeping action applies configuration changes across all selected thermostats, maintaining precise occupancy period configuration while dramatically improving management efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows users to pre-select multiple thermostats before performing the sweeping gesture operation. This preliminary selection prepares the system to apply changes across multiple devices simultaneously, reducing the need to repeat configuration steps for each thermostat individually.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional interfaces require separate inputs for each occupancy period, then detailed scheduling control is achieved, but the complexity of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical or button-based input mechanisms with a touch-sensitive display that responds to sweeping gestures. This substitution allows for complex scheduling operations to be performed through intuitive visual interactions rather than navigating through multiple menus and buttons, maintaining scheduling flexibility while reducing perceived interface complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface transitions from one-dimensional button presses to two-dimensional sweeping gestures across the display screen. This dimensional change allows users to convey multiple parameters (time, temperature, duration) through a single continuous motion, reducing the number of separate inputs required while maintaining detailed scheduling control.
Data Source
AI summary
An HVAC controller includes a touch-responsive display and a scheduling grid having one or more rows representing a 24 hour period of a day-of-week. A user selects an operation to be performed such as adding or deleting a scheduled event, such as a period of occupancy or non-occupancy. A visual representation of the available operations and the temporal regions subject to the available operations is presented. A user may then select the desired region on which to perform the operation, the operation is visually represented on the touch-responsive display, and the user indicates whether the operation should be saved or discarded. The operation may be applied to additional remote HVAC devices in a single operation.