Thermostat Wireless Communication Feedback Using Visual Signaling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing thermostat devices face reliability issues with wireless communication paths, particularly in maintaining stable connections over varying distances, which can lead to programming faults and inefficient energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating light emitting signaling means, such as LEDs, to confirm the establishment of a wireless communication path between the thermostat device and external devices like smartphones or tablets, providing users with visual feedback on connection status and allowing for reliable programming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wireless communication path is used for programming thermostat device, then programming convenience is improved, but communication reliability deteriorates due to distance and connection stability issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a visual feedback mechanism using a light-emitting indicator that provides real-time information about wireless communication status. The indicator displays different states (e.g., connected vs. disconnected) to help users understand the connection quality, enabling them to adjust their position or troubleshooting actions accordingly. This feedback loop resolves the contradiction by making communication reliability visible and actionable while maintaining wireless programming convenience.
2Use of energy by moving object
If external device is placed far from thermostat device to maintain low energy consumption, then energy usage is reduced, but data transmission reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The visual indicator provides continuous feedback about connection quality, allowing users to optimize their distance from the thermostat device. Users can position themselves at an optimal distance that balances energy consumption with reliable data transmission, rather than being forced to choose between extreme proximity (high energy use) or extreme distance (unreliable communication).
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/physical connection verification with optical signaling. Instead of requiring physical contact or complex connection protocols to verify communication status, the system uses light-emitting indicators to communicate connection state, enabling users to quickly assess and adjust their position without consuming additional energy.
3Device complexity
If wireless communication connection status is only indicated via external device, then device complexity is reduced, but user awareness of connection status deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a light-emitting indicator as an intermediary element that translates internal communication status into visible external information. This intermediary component provides direct visual feedback about connection quality without requiring users to interpret complex data or navigate through device interfaces, thus preventing information loss while adding minimal complexity.
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
Ensures reliable data transmission and programming by visually indicating a stable communication link, reducing user errors and energy consumption while maintaining a user-friendly interface.
Implementation Method 1
said signaling means are light emitting means
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
A thermostat device (1) is described comprising a housing (2), communication means (6) of a wireless communication path and signaling means. When using such a thermostat device it is intended to minimize the risk of a pure wireless communication path. To this end the communication means (6) are operatively connected to said signaling means (7) to activate said signaling means (7) in case said communication means (6) indicate that said communication path has been established.