HVAC Thermostat Interface With Spatial Menus for Energy Saving
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing HVAC thermostats face challenges in providing an intuitive and user-friendly interface that allows for easy access to energy-saving features and comfort maintenance, often overwhelming users with complex controls and lacking confidence in automatic energy-saving capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A graphical user interface for HVAC systems featuring a menu of discrete display elements that appear spatially related, allowing for intuitive navigation and easy access to energy-saving features, with a processor-driven interface that provides animated transitions and feedback on energy usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If programmable thermostats with multiple settings and controls are provided, then energy-saving capabilities are improved, but device complexity increases making users intimidated and unable to use the features
Solution Approach 1:
The graphical user interface segments controls into discrete, spatially-related display elements organized in a hierarchical structure. This segmentation breaks down complex energy-saving features into manageable, intuitively navigable components that users can access step-by-step without being overwhelmed by the entire system at once.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial dimension to the user interface by arranging display elements in a visual hierarchy that represents logical hierarchical levels. This dimensional organization transforms abstract control relationships into intuitive spatial relationships, allowing users to navigate complex features through natural visual perception rather than memorizing control layouts.
2Ease of operation
If simple non-programmable thermostats are used, then ease of operation is improved, but energy-saving opportunities are lost due to lack of automatic control
Solution Approach 1:
The thermostat system provides self-service through automatic energy-saving control based on the visual hierarchy displayed to users. The system autonomously manages energy-saving profiles and temperature adjustments while maintaining an interface that appears simple to users, eliminating the need for manual programming while preserving energy-saving capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The graphical user interface provides visual feedback through the hierarchical arrangement of display elements, showing users the current state of energy-saving features and automatic controls. This feedback mechanism builds user confidence in the automatic control system while maintaining interface simplicity.
3Ease of operation
If manufacturer default profiles are used, then ease of operation is maintained, but energy-saving effectiveness is reduced due to one-size-fits-all approach
Solution Approach 1:
The visual hierarchy of the graphical user interface is dynamic and adaptive, allowing the system to transition from default manufacturer profiles to customized energy-saving profiles based on user interaction. The hierarchical structure enables smooth adaptation from simple default operation to personalized energy optimization without requiring users to navigate complex programming interfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
Devices and methods are provided for generating and/or displaying a graphical user interface used to control an energy-consuming system, such as a heating, ventilation, or air conditioning (HVAC) system. Such an electronic device may include, for example, a processor that generates the graphical user interface and an electronic display that displays the graphical user interface. The graphical user interface may include a menu formed from discrete display elements that, owing to the way in which the discrete display elements are shifted into and out of view on the screen, appear to be spatially related to one another.