Thermostat with user interface features
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional thermostats lack advanced occupancy detection and adaptive control capabilities, leading to inefficient heating and cooling systems that do not optimize energy usage based on actual occupancy patterns.
Innovation Solution
A smart thermostat with a touch-sensitive interface and processing circuit that detects touch-based inputs, allows customizable button locations, and integrates with occupancy sensors and near-field communication (NFC) for adaptive control, enabling it to adjust heating and cooling based on user presence and preferences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional thermostats use fixed button layouts, then manufacturing is simple, but user adaptability and ease of operation are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic user interface where button locations can be customized by users through drag-and-drop functionality. The touch-sensitive display allows buttons to be repositioned to different locations on the screen, enabling the interface to adapt to user preferences while maintaining a consistent visual appearance. This resolves the contradiction by making the thermostat adaptable without complicating manufacturing, as the customization is achieved through software rather than hardware changes.
2Ease of operation
If thermostats use touch-sensitive interfaces without visual markers, then the design is sleek and modern, but user operation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs visual markers on the touch-sensitive display that change appearance based on their state. Buttons are displayed with distinct visual characteristics such as color changes, brightness variations, or graphical indicators to show which areas are interactive. This helps users easily identify button locations and operational states without adding physical complexity to the device, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device simplicity.
3Productivity
If thermostats operate without occupancy detection, then energy consumption is lower, but HVAC efficiency and comfort optimization are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates occupancy sensors that detect the presence or absence of occupants in advance, allowing the thermostat to proactively adjust temperature settings before occupants arrive or leave. By using preliminary occupancy detection, the system optimizes HVAC efficiency and energy savings without requiring continuous high-power operation, as sensors can operate in lower-power modes and only trigger adjustments when occupancy changes are detected.
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 enables energy-efficient operation by anticipating occupancy and adjusting temperature settings, reducing energy consumption when unoccupied and optimizing comfort when occupied, thereby enhancing user convenience and energy savings.
Implementation Method 1
a touch-sensitive interface configured to receive touch-based inputs
Data Source
AI summary
A thermostat for a building space includes an electronic display, a frame, a touch sensitive interface, and a processing circuit. The touch-sensitive interface has a first portion that overlays the electronic display and a second portion that overlays the frame. The touch-sensitive interface is configured to receive touch-based input via both the first portion and the second portion. The processing circuit is configured to define one or more locations within the second portion that correspond to touch-sensitive buttons. The locations of the touch-sensitive buttons are customizable and can be changed by a user. The thermostat further including at least one of a sticker and a skin that covers at least part of the second portion and visually marks the locations of the touch-sensitive buttons.