Mountable touch thermostat using transparent screen technology
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for thermostats and building controls with enhanced integrated functionality, including NFC capability, transparent displays, Fire/Security/Emergency messaging, custom messaging, and location-based security, to improve user interaction and energy efficiency in HVAC systems.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an HVAC control system featuring a processor with memory, network connection, and a transparent touch screen display connected to various sensors, including temperature, humidity, CO2, CO, smoke, and biometric sensors, with NFC or RFID integration for occupancy tracking and authorization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional thermostat design is used, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but the functionality is limited and aesthetics are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The thermostat is designed to perform multiple functions including temperature control, NFC communication, RFID reader capabilities, biometric authentication, and integration with building management systems. This multi-functionality approach allows a single device to replace multiple separate systems, achieving versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines previously separate components (display screen, sensors, communication modules, processing units) into a single integrated thermostat housing. The control bar merges temperature controls, NFC antenna, and sensor arrays into one unified interface, reducing the number of separate devices needed.
2Illumination intensity
If a transparent display is used, then aesthetics and visibility are improved, but the display complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The thermostat employs a transparent display technology that allows the screen to remain visually permeable while displaying information. The display can change its optical properties to show content when needed while maintaining transparency when not in use, achieving aesthetic goals without excessive manufacturing complexity.
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors are integrated, then measurement capabilities and control precision are improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The thermostat integrates multiple sensor types (temperature, humidity, CO2, CO, smoke, ambient light, biometric sensors) into a single device that serves both HVAC control and building safety functions. This multi-functional sensor integration allows one device to replace multiple separate monitoring systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The control bar serves as a unified housing that combines temperature sensors, humidity sensors, gas detection sensors, and biometric authentication sensors into a single integrated component, reducing the number of separate devices needed for environmental monitoring.
4Ease of operation
If NFC and RFID circuits are added, then user interaction and security features are improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermostat incorporates NFC and RFID communication circuits that enable multiple interaction modes including contactless payment, device pairing, access control, and authentication. These circuits serve multiple user interaction functions without requiring separate dedicated systems for each capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A thermostat includes a transparent touch screen display, wherein the matter behind the display is visible in the non-active display portions and a control bar connected to one side of the transparent touch screen display. The control bar includes a housing, processing circuitry operably connected to the transparent touch screen display and configured to monitor and control building equipment, and a temperature sensor operably connected to the processing circuitry.