HVAC Thermostat LED Array Interface for Intuitive Setpoint Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing HVAC system user interfaces lack intuitive and enhanced visual feedback for temperature setpoint adjustments, making it difficult for users to efficiently control temperature settings.
Innovation Solution
A user interface with a set of indicator lights and touch-sensitive buttons that provide visual representation of temperature adjustments by associating the current setpoint value with the activation of LED lights, offering various combinations of colors and brightness levels to enhance the resolution of the setpoint scale.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If a traditional user interface with basic display is used, then the device complexity is low, but the visual feedback for temperature setpoint adjustments is insufficient and not intuitive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a series of LED indicator lights that change color or illumination state to represent different temperature setpoint levels. Each LED corresponds to a specific temperature range, providing intuitive visual feedback about the current setpoint and potential adjustments without requiring complex digital displays or text interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The temperature setpoint range is divided into discrete segments, each represented by a separate LED indicator. This segmentation allows the system to convey temperature information in manageable visual units, making it easier for users to understand and adjust settings while keeping the interface relatively simple.
2Measurement precision
If more detailed visual feedback is provided through multiple indicator lights, then the measurement precision of temperature setpoint is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple LED indicators are used to represent different temperature setpoint levels, with each LED's illumination state corresponding to a specific temperature range. This provides enhanced resolution for temperature selection while maintaining a simple visual interface that doesn't require complex processing or display technology.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional digital display to a multi-dimensional visual representation using spatial arrangement of LED lights. The LEDs are positioned to indicate different temperature levels, adding a spatial dimension to the interface that enhances precision without requiring complex software or high-resolution screens.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides an intuitive and enhanced visual feedback mechanism, simplifying the operation of HVAC systems by allowing users to intuitively adjust temperature settings through a clear and intuitive visual representation.
Implementation Method 1
The display device includes a user interface having a set of indicator lights... configuring the output of the set of indicator lights to provide a visual representation... associating the current setpoint value with activation of at least one of the indicator light
Data Source
AI summary
A building device includes a plurality of sensors, a display device, and a control circuit. The display device includes a user interface having a set of indicator lights. The display device further includes a plurality of touch-sensitive buttons configured to receive a user input. The control circuit is configured to receive configuration information relating to a preset setpoint value, a maximum setpoint value, and a minimum setpoint value. The control circuit is further configured to receive a user input relating to a temperature adjustment for increasing a current setpoint value or decreasing the current setpoint value. The control circuit is further configured to configure an output of the set of indicator lights to provide a visual representation of the temperature adjustment by associating the current setpoint value with activation of at least one of the indicator light of the set.