Networked Touch-Screen Thermostat for User-Specific Information Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thermostats lack the network interface and processing capacity to obtain and display user-specific information from external sources, making it cumbersome for users to access and control climate control systems efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A programmable touch-screen thermostat with a network interface for establishing an Internet connection and a microprocessor to receive and display user-specified information from a remote service provider, allowing for temperature set point adjustments and displaying weather forecasts and other relevant data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a thermostat is equipped with a network interface and processing capacity to obtain information from external sources, then the thermostat can display user-specific information and improve convenience, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs an intermediary device (such as a remote server or web service) that handles the complex information retrieval and processing tasks. The thermostat itself remains relatively simple, acting as a display terminal that receives pre-processed information from the intermediary, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The thermostat is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as a traditional climate control device and as an information display terminal. By integrating web browsing capabilities and information display functions into the thermostat, it becomes a universal device that can perform multiple functions without requiring separate dedicated devices
2Area of stationary object
If the display screen size is increased to show more information, then more area is available for displaying additional information, but the placement of control buttons becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical control buttons with a touch-sensitive display interface. This substitution allows the entire display surface to be utilized for information display while maintaining ease of operation through touch input, eliminating the need to physically allocate space for buttons around the display
3Loss of information
If the thermostat requests information from external sources, then user-specific information can be obtained, but the user must tediously enter a series of inputs to request specific information
Solution Approach 1:
The thermostat automatically retrieves and displays information relevant to the user without requiring manual input requests. The system autonomously connects to external sources, retrieves weather forecasts, news, and other user-specific information, and displays it automatically, thereby eliminating the time users would spend entering requests
Data Source
AI summary
A thermostat for controlling a climate control system is provided that comprises a network interface for establishing an Internet connection with a website of a remote service provider, and a microprocessor for controlling the operation of a climate control system. The microprocessor is in communication with the network interface for establishing an Internet connection and receiving user-specified information from a remote service provider that maintains a user-profile of information requested by the user. The thermostat further comprises a display device responsive to the microprocessor for displaying user-specified information received via the network controller from the remote service provider.