HVAC graphical user interface with visual obscurity and methods of use thereof
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Solution Overview
Problem
Advanced HVAC thermostats become cumbersome for users due to numerous configuration settings, especially when managing multiple occupancy periods, leading to tedious, time-consuming, and error-prone tasks.
Innovation Solution
A touch-responsive HVAC control device with a flexible scheduling interface that employs variable opacity regions to differentiate between occupied and unoccupied modes, allowing users to easily manage temperature setpoints and occupancy overrides through intuitive visual cues and controls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If advanced features and configuration settings are added to the thermostat, then the functionality and control capability are improved, but the user interface complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The user interface is segmented into multiple operational modes (occupied mode and unoccupied mode) that are automatically detected and switched between. This segmentation allows the full functionality to be available when needed while presenting a simplified interface during automatic operation, resolving the contradiction between advanced features and ease of use.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermostat dynamically adjusts the displayed interface based on the detected occupancy state. When in occupied mode, the full control interface is presented; when in unoccupied mode, the interface automatically simplifies by grayening out unnecessary controls. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to provide advanced functionality when needed while maintaining simplicity during automatic operation.
2Measurement precision
If multiple occupancy periods are managed with discrete user inputs, then the scheduling precision is improved, but the time required for configuration and operational efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The thermostat performs self-service by automatically detecting occupancy changes and adjusting temperature setpoints according to the programmed schedule without requiring user intervention. The system monitors occupancy sensors and automatically transitions between occupied and unoccupied modes, eliminating the need for users to manually configure each occupancy period while maintaining precise scheduling.
Solution Approach 2:
The user performs preliminary action by once programming the occupancy schedule and temperature preferences. After this initial configuration, the system automatically executes the scheduling precision requirements without requiring repeated user inputs for each occupancy period, significantly reducing configuration time while maintaining scheduling accuracy.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the control interface remains fully accessible, then the user can access all features at any time, but the visual complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the user interface are assigned different visual qualities based on the current occupancy state. When in unoccupied mode, specific control regions are grayened out to indicate they are not currently actionable, while other regions remain fully visible and interactive. This local differentiation reduces visual complexity without eliminating accessibility, as users can still access all features when needed by switching to occupied mode.
Data Source
AI summary
An HVAC controller operable in an occupied mode and an unoccupied mode and includes a touch-responsive display. The controller displays an informational region having non-interactive user interface elements, a control region having interactive user-interface elements and an override region having an occupied status display and an occupancy override control having an override state and a non-override state. The visual properties of the variable opacity region is manipulated to guide the user during use of the HVAC controller.