US20080256475A1 - Thermal Comfort controller with Touch Screen Display - Google Patents

Thermal Comfort controller with Touch Screen Display Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20080256475A1
US20080256475A1 US11/743,001 US74300107A US2008256475A1 US 20080256475 A1 US20080256475 A1 US 20080256475A1 US 74300107 A US74300107 A US 74300107A US 2008256475 A1 US2008256475 A1 US 2008256475A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
point
period
button
controller
user
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Abandoned
Application number
US11/743,001
Inventor
John B. Amundson
Brent D. Vick
Gabriel A. Bergman
Heidi J. Finch
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Honeywell International Inc
Original Assignee
Honeywell International Inc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Family has litigation
First worldwide family litigation filed litigation Critical https://patents.darts-ip.com/?family=34620454&utm_source=google_patent&utm_medium=platform_link&utm_campaign=public_patent_search&patent=US20080256475(A1) "Global patent litigation dataset” by Darts-ip is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Application filed by Honeywell International Inc filed Critical Honeywell International Inc
Priority to US11/743,001 priority Critical patent/US20080256475A1/en
Publication of US20080256475A1 publication Critical patent/US20080256475A1/en
Abandoned legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24FAIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F11/00Control or safety arrangements
    • F24F11/30Control or safety arrangements for purposes related to the operation of the system, e.g. for safety or monitoring
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24FAIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F11/00Control or safety arrangements
    • F24F11/50Control or safety arrangements characterised by user interfaces or communication
    • F24F11/52Indication arrangements, e.g. displays
    • F24F11/523Indication arrangements, e.g. displays for displaying temperature data
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24FAIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F11/00Control or safety arrangements
    • F24F11/50Control or safety arrangements characterised by user interfaces or communication
    • F24F11/56Remote control
    • F24F11/59Remote control for presetting
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24FAIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F11/00Control or safety arrangements
    • F24F11/50Control or safety arrangements characterised by user interfaces or communication
    • F24F11/61Control or safety arrangements characterised by user interfaces or communication using timers
    • FMECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24FAIR-CONDITIONING; AIR-HUMIDIFICATION; VENTILATION; USE OF AIR CURRENTS FOR SCREENING
    • F24F11/00Control or safety arrangements
    • F24F11/62Control or safety arrangements characterised by the type of control or by internal processing, e.g. using fuzzy logic, adaptive control or estimation of values
    • F24F11/63Electronic processing
    • GPHYSICS
    • G05CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05BCONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS
    • G05B19/00Programme-control systems
    • G05B19/02Programme-control systems electric
    • G05B19/04Programme control other than numerical control, i.e. in sequence controllers or logic controllers
    • G05B19/042Programme control other than numerical control, i.e. in sequence controllers or logic controllers using digital processors
    • G05B19/0426Programming the control sequence
    • GPHYSICS
    • G05CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05DSYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING OR REGULATING NON-ELECTRIC VARIABLES
    • G05D23/00Control of temperature
    • G05D23/19Control of temperature characterised by the use of electric means
    • G05D23/1902Control of temperature characterised by the use of electric means characterised by the use of a variable reference value
    • G05D23/1904Control of temperature characterised by the use of electric means characterised by the use of a variable reference value variable in time
    • GPHYSICS
    • G05CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05BCONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS
    • G05B2219/00Program-control systems
    • G05B2219/20Pc systems
    • G05B2219/23Pc programming
    • G05B2219/23178Display status of currently selected controlled devices
    • GPHYSICS
    • G05CONTROLLING; REGULATING
    • G05BCONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS
    • G05B2219/00Program-control systems
    • G05B2219/20Pc systems
    • G05B2219/23Pc programming
    • G05B2219/23472Confirmation of user for the selection of a program setting

Definitions

  • the present invention relates generally to the field of programmable controllers for homes and/or buildings and their related grounds. More specifically, the present invention relates to such controllers that permit a user to modify a parameter, such as a scheduling parameter, of the controller.
  • Controllers are used on a wide variety of devices and systems for controlling various functions in homes and/or buildings and their related grounds. Some controllers have schedule programming that modifies device parameters such as set points as a function of date and/or time. Some such device or system controllers that utilize schedule programming for controlling various functions in homes and/or buildings and their related grounds include, for example, HVAC controllers, water heater controllers, water softener controllers, security system controllers, lawn sprinkler controllers, and lighting system controllers.
  • HVAC controllers are employed to monitor and, if necessary, control various environmental conditions within a home, office, or other enclosed space. Such devices are useful, for example, in regulating any number of environmental conditions with a particular space including for example, temperature, humidity, venting, air quality, etc.
  • the controller may include a microprocessor that interacts with other components in the system.
  • a controller unit equipped with temperature and humidity sensing capabilities may be provided to interact with a heater, blower, flue vent, air compressor, humidifier and/or other components, to control the temperature and humidity levels at various locations within the home.
  • a sensor located within the controller unit and/or one or more remote sensors may be employed to sense when the temperature or humidity reaches a certain threshold level, causing the controller unit to send a signal to activate or deactivate one or more component in the system.
  • the controller may be equipped with an interface that allows the user to monitor and adjust the environmental conditions at one or more locations within the building.
  • the interface typically includes a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel inset within a housing that contains the microprocessor as well as other components of the controller.
  • the interface may permit the user to program the controller to activate on a certain schedule determined by the user.
  • the interface may include a separate menu routine that permits the user to change the temperature at one or more times during a particular day. Once the settings for that day have been programmed, the user can then repeat the process to change the settings for the other remaining days.
  • the present invention relates to an interface for a programmable controller that permits a user to modify a parameter, such as a scheduling parameter, and provide an indication to the user that the modified parameter has been accepted and/or saved.
  • a parameter such as a scheduling parameter
  • a programmable controller is provided with a user interface.
  • the programmable controller may by any type of programmable controller including, for example, an HVAC controller, a security system controller, a lawn sprinkler controller, a lighting system controller, or any other programmable controller, depending on the application.
  • the user is allowed to modify one or more parameters of the programmable controller. Once modified, the programmable controller may provide an indication to the user that the change or changes have been accepted and/or saved.
  • the indication may be a visible, audible, or any other suitable indication, as desired. Such an indication may help assure a user that their program modifications have been accepted and/or saved by the controller, thereby reducing the anxiety some users feel when programming such controllers.
  • FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a programmable controller in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic drawing of an illustrative interface of a programmable controller in accordance with the present invention
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic drawing of another illustrative interface of a programmable controller in accordance with the present invention.
  • FIG. 4 is a flow diagram showing an illustrative method that may be implemented by the programmable controller of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 5 is a flow diagram showing an illustrative HVAC method that may be implemented by the programmable controller of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 6 is a flow diagram showing another illustrative HVAC method that may be implemented by the programmable controller of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 7 is a flow diagram showing another illustrative HVAC method that may be implemented by the programmable controller of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 8 is a flow diagram showing another illustrative HVAC method that may be implemented by the programmable controller of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIG. 9 is a flow diagram showing yet another illustrative HVAC method that may be implemented by the programmable controller of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIGS. 10-18 are schematic drawings of an HVAC controller, corresponding to the illustrative method of FIG. 9 ;
  • FIG. 19 is a flow diagram showing yet another illustrative HVAC method that may be implemented by the programmable controller of FIG. 1 ;
  • FIGS. 20-27 are schematic drawings of an HVAC controller, corresponding to the illustrative method of FIG. 19 .
  • the present invention relates to simplified interfaces for controllers having programming capabilities. These controllers can be used in a variety of systems such as, for example, HVAC systems, sprinkler systems, security systems, lighting systems, and the like. Many of the Figures depict HVAC controllers. While the present invention is not so limited, an appreciation of various aspects of the invention will be gained through a discussion of the examples provided below.
  • Controller 10 includes a control module 12 that is configured to monitor and control any variety of device or system 14 .
  • Controller 10 also includes a user interface 16 that is configured to provide communication between control module 12 and a user.
  • User interface 16 can be used to communicate status of device or system 14 to the user, and/or accept input from the user. Examples of inputs that can be received from the user include changes to one or more program parameters 38 , such as schedule parameters, of the control module 12 .
  • User interface 16 can take a wide variety of different forms.
  • User interface 16 can include one or more of an alpha-numeric display, a graphical display, and/or a key pad having one or more keys or buttons.
  • User interface 16 can include a touch screen.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates an HVAC controller 18 that includes a housing 20 and a touch screen 22 .
  • Touch screen 22 can be used both to display appropriate information to the user as well as accept information from the user, as desired.
  • user interface 16 can include a display screen and one or more buttons.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates an illustrative HVAC controller 24 that includes a housing 26 and a display 28 .
  • Display 28 can be an LED display, an LCD display, or any other suitable display format discernible to the human eye.
  • HVAC controller 24 also includes buttons 30 that can be used for selecting one or more parameters, as will be discussed in greater detail below.
  • HVAC controller 24 also includes an up button 32 , which can be used for increasing the value of a selected parameter, and a down button 34 that can be used for decreasing the value of a selected parameter.
  • control module 12 includes a memory block 36 that can store the value of one or more parameters 38 .
  • Memory block 36 also may store the program 40 that controls the operations of controller 10 and hence the operations of device or system 14 .
  • program 40 can include instructions to turn HVAC equipment 14 on or off based on a timed schedule.
  • the timed schedule can be configured to provide for continuous control throughout the day, or the timed schedule can be configured to provide for several time periods each day. Each time period can have a different set of set points.
  • the timed schedule can include four periods that correspond to, for example in residential use, when a user is likely to wake up in the morning, leave for work, return from work, and go to sleep. These periods are often referred to as the WAKE, LEAVE, RETURN, and SLEEP periods.
  • Program 40 can include provisions to accommodate these or other time periods.
  • Each of the starting times and temperature set points, i.e. parameters 38 for each time period can be placed into memory within memory block 36 . Once programmed, these parameters 38 can remain unchanged. In some situations, it is desirable for the user to be able to change one or more of these parameters 38 .
  • control module 12 may include a modifying block 42 , an indicating block 44 and a saving block 46 .
  • Modifying block 42 can include circuitry or software that permits a user to make changes to one or more of the parameters 38 .
  • Indicating block 44 includes circuitry or software that permits, in conjunction with saving block 46 , controller 10 to communicate to the user that the user's changes to parameters 38 have been or will be saved. Illustrative interactions between modifying block 42 , indicating block 44 and saving block 46 are further illustrated below with respect to, for example, FIG. 4 through FIG. 8 .
  • FIG. 4 is a flow diagram showing an illustrative method that may be implemented by the programmable controller FIG. 1 .
  • a user is permitted to enter one or more parameters and/or parameter modifications via the user interface 16 (see FIG. 1 ).
  • Block 50 determines if any parameters were added or modified. If no parameters were added or modified, control passes to block 54 , representing normal operation of the controller 10 (see FIG. 1 ). However, if one or more parameters were added or changed, control passes to display block 52 .
  • the controller 10 provides confirmation to the user that the changes made to parameters 38 (see FIG. 1 ) have been or will be saved.
  • the changes can be saved prior to providing confirmation to the user.
  • the changes can be saved after or substantially simultaneously with providing confirmation to the user.
  • the step of providing confirmation to the user can take a variety of forms.
  • Indicating block 44 of FIG. 1 can provide a text message to the user, through user interface 16 (see FIG. 1 ).
  • the text message can simply read “changes saved”, or something similar.
  • indicating block 44 can provide an audio message, a graphical message or icon, or any other suitable confirmation message, as desired.
  • FIG. 5 is a flow diagram showing an illustrative method that may be implemented by the programmable controller of FIG. 1 .
  • the controller 10 (see FIG. 1 ) is an HVAC controller such as a programmable thermostat.
  • a user is permitted to edit the HVAC set points and/or schedule. This can encompass entering new values for one or more of parameters 38 (see FIG. 1 ) through user interface 16 (see FIG. 1 ). If no changed values are detected at decision block 58 , control passes to block 62 , representing normal operation of the HVAC controller 10 (see FIG. 1 ). However, if changed values are detected at decision block 58 , control passes to display block 60 .
  • the HVAC controller 10 provides confirmation to the user that the changes made to parameters 38 (see FIG. 1 ) are saved. In some cases, one or more set points and/or schedule parameters are changed for only certain days of the week. In such cases, the HVAC controller 10 (see FIG. 1 ) may also provide a notification of which days were modified. Indicating block 44 (see FIG. 1 ) can provide a text message or any other suitable message to the user, through user interface 16 (see FIG. 1 ).
  • a confirmatory message can be provided before, after, or simultaneously with saving block 46 (see FIG. 1 ) actually saving changes to parameters 38 (see FIG. 1 ).
  • FIGS. 6 and 7 explicitly describe processes in which the changes are saved after providing a confirmatory message ( FIG. 6 ) or prior to providing the message ( FIG. 7 ).
  • a user is allowed to modify one or more parameters at block 64 .
  • control passes to block 66 , at which time indicating block 44 (see FIG. 1 ) provides an indication that the modified parameter (or parameters) will be saved.
  • the modified parameter or parameters are subsequently saved at block 68 .
  • control then passes to block 70 , at which time normal HVAC operation may resume.
  • a user is allowed to modify one or more parameters at block 72 .
  • control passes to block 74 , at which time saving block 46 (see FIG. 1 ) saves the modified parameter or parameters.
  • Control passes to block 76 , at which time indicating block 44 (see FIG. 1 ) provides an indication that the modified parameter or parameters have been saved.
  • control then passes to block 78 , at which normal HVAC operation may resume.
  • FIG. 8 a flow diagram is shown that illustrates an embodiment in which an HVAC controller 10 (see FIG. 1 ) displays a plurality of parameters from which a user can choose to modify.
  • a plurality of parameters are displayed by user interface 16 (see FIG. 1 ).
  • Control passes to block 82 , where the user is allowed to select one or more of the parameters to be modified.
  • Control passes to block 84 , where the user is allowed to enter new values for the one or more selected parameters.
  • Control passes to display block 86 , where indicating block 44 ( FIG. 1 ) provides confirmation that the modified parameters have been or will be saved.
  • the modified parameters are also saved to memory, as shown at block 87 .
  • control is then passed to block 88 , which represents normal HVAC operation.
  • FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a step-by-step process of updating one or more parameters in accordance with an illustrated embodiment of the present invention.
  • FIGS. 10-18 are schematic drawings of an HVAC controller, corresponding to the illustrative method of FIG. 9 . It should be noted that FIGS. 10-18 illustrate an HVAC controller having particular icons displayed in particular locations. It is important to note that these positions are merely illustrative and are not intended to be limiting in any manner or fashion.
  • FIG. 10 illustrates a thermostat 90 having a housing 20 and a touch screen 22 .
  • Touch screen 22 can display information to the user as well as accept inputs from the user. The user can make selections by touching appropriate portions of touch screen 22 , as will be described in greater detail below.
  • touch screen 22 emulates a number of buttons commonly found on thermostats.
  • a fan selection icon 92 and a system icon 94 permit a user to select from a variety of fan and heating options. For example, the user can scroll through fan ON, fan AUTO and fan CIRC, which will cause HVAC equipment 14 to run a fan continuously, only when the system is actively heating or cooling, or on a predetermined schedule, respectively.
  • the user can scroll through emergency HEAT, HEAT, or COOL by employing system icon 94 .
  • touch screen 22 includes several button icons along the bottom of touch screen 22 .
  • Each button icon emulates a button as might be found on a thermostat lacking a touch screen.
  • the button icons include a SCHED icon 96 , a HOLD icon 98 , a CLOCK icon 100 , a SCREEN icon 102 and a MORE button 104 .
  • SCHED icon 96 will be discussed in greater detail below.
  • HOLD icon 98 can be selected by the user if it is desired to override any existing programming and instead hold HVAC equipment 14 at a particular temperature without cycling through any time periods that may otherwise be programmed into program 40 ( FIG. 1 ). For example, if a user is home for the day, he or she can use HOLD icon 98 to maintain the temperature setting of the WAKE period throughout the day, rather than cycling through the customary LEAVE and RETURN periods.
  • Touch screen 22 also displays a temperature value 106 that provides the user with the present temperature within their environment, as well as a temperature setting 108 . Temperature setting 108 displays the temperature set point that HVAC controller 10 is presently following. Touch screen 22 includes a text message 110 , which informs the user that HVAC controller 10 is following its programmed schedule.
  • Temperature setting 108 can be used to set a temporary temperature set point using HOLD icon 98 described above.
  • Touch screen 22 includes an UP icon 112 and a DOWN icon 114 .
  • the user can raise the temperature set point by selecting UP icon 112 and can reduce the temperature set point by selecting DOWN icon 114 .
  • subsequently selecting the HOLD icon 98 will instruct HVAC controller 10 to maintain the temporary temperature set point.
  • HVAC controller 10 can ask the user to specify a time period to maintain the temporary temperature set point, if desired.
  • HVAC controller 10 includes software code or circuitry that functions as a clock, in order to accurately maintain program 40 .
  • CLOCK icon 100 can be used to set or adjust the time held by HVAC controller 10 .
  • Upon initial installation and setup of HVAC controller 10 it may be necessary to enter or update the time setting. In some embodiments, it may be necessary to change the time setting to accommodate entering or departing Daylight Savings Time (DST). In other embodiments, HVAC controller 10 can automatically adapt to Daylight Savings Time.
  • HVAC controller 10 can be in radio communication with a standard time reference source, if desired.
  • Touch screen 22 can display the present time at TIME icon 116 . As illustrated, the time is displayed using a 12 hour clock, with an AM or PM notation. In some embodiments, the time can be displayed using a 24 hour military clock, if desired.
  • Touch screen 22 also includes a SCREEN icon 104 that can be used to temporarily disable touch screen 22 from accepting any user inputs so that the surface of touch screen 22 can be wiped off or otherwise cleaned.
  • MORE icon 106 permits a user to access additional features of HVAC controller 10 , such as scheduling reminders for filter replacement, setting operational parameters for a UV lamp, and the like.
  • touch screen 22 can include an OUTDOOR icon 118 that displays the outside ambient temperature.
  • FIG. 9 illustrates a step-by-step process for modifying a number of parameters 38 (see FIG. 1 ) in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention.
  • the thermostat 90 Prior to beginning an editing process, the thermostat 90 can appear as shown in FIG. 10 .
  • a user can initiate an edit mode, as indicated at block 120 .
  • the edit mode can be reached by selecting the SCHED icon 96 ( FIG. 10 ).
  • touch screen 22 may display the edit mode as illustrated in FIG. 11 and as indicated at block 122 of FIG. 9 .
  • FIG. 11 shows thermostat 90 in an initial edit mode.
  • touch screen 22 displays the current temperature set points as well as the present day of the week and the present time.
  • the days of the week are shown across the top of touch screen 22 , and are referenced as MON icon 124 , TUE icon 126 , WED icon 128 , THU icon 130 , FRI icon 132 , SAT icon 134 and SUN icon 136 .
  • the present day of the week is Wednesday, as indicated by the checkmark 138 present on WED icon 128 .
  • the present day of the week may be presented in other ways, such as having WED icon 128 blink, or be displayed in bold, or as a different color or shade.
  • Touch screen 22 displays a HEAT icon 140 that indicates the temperature set point for heating operations and a COOL icon 142 that indicates the temperature set point for cooling operations.
  • HVAC controller 10 can instruct HVAC equipment 14 (see FIG. 1 ) to heat or cool as appropriate, in accordance with the input given to HVAC controller via SYSTEM icon 94 ( FIG. 10 ).
  • touch screen 22 includes several button icons across the bottom of touch screen 22 .
  • these button icons include a DONE icon 144 , an EDIT icon 146 , a WAKE icon 148 , a LEAVE icon 150 , a RETURN icon 152 , a SLEEP icon 154 , and a CANCEL icon 156 .
  • Each of the icons will be described in greater detail below.
  • CANCEL icon 156 permits the user to cancel any entered changes.
  • a user can select which days of the week he or she wish to edit, as indicated at block 158 .
  • Control passes to display block 160 , which corresponds to the thermostat 90 as illustrated in FIG. 12 .
  • the MON icon 124 , TUE icon 126 , WED icon 128 , THU icon 130 , FRI icon 132 , SAT icon 134 and SUN icon 136 are each displayed, along with a message icon 162 that informs the user that multiple days can be selected.
  • the particular message being displayed by message icon 162 can be any appropriate message and is not limited to the illustrated message.
  • the user can select one or more days to edit by simply touching touch screen 22 proximate the appropriate days of the week icons.
  • touch screen 22 can provide a display as illustrated in FIG. 13 .
  • the user has selected Monday, Wednesday and Friday for editing, as noted by checkmark 164 present on each of MON icon 124 , WED icon 128 , and FRI icon 132 .
  • the user will recognize that he or she is in the edit mode, as EDIT icon 146 (as seen in FIG. 11 ) will be blanked or grayed out (as seen in FIG. 13 ), and also by the presence of the UP button 112 and DOWN button 114 , as well as the absence of an EDIT button.
  • Touch screen 22 displays HEAT icon 140 , which displays the heating temperature set point, as well as UP icon 164 and DOWN icon 166 .
  • UP icon 164 and DOWN icon 166 can be used to raise or lower the heating temperature set point displayed by HEAT icon 140 .
  • touch screen 22 displays COOL icon 142 , which displays the cooling temperature set point.
  • UP icon 168 and DOWN icon 170 can be used by the user to raise or lower the cooling temperature set point displayed by COOL icon 142 .
  • Touch screen 22 displays TIME SET POINT icon 172 , which can be used to display the starting point of any selected time period. As with TIME icon 116 that displays current time, TIME SET POINT icon 172 can display time either using a 12 hour clock and an AM/PM designation, or a 24 hour military style clock. The starting time for any selected time period can be adjusted up or down using UP icon 174 and DOWN icon 176 . In some embodiments, touch screen 22 can display a CANCEL PERIOD icon 178 , which enables a user to switch to editing a different time period.
  • the user can then select the WAKE period for editing at block 180 .
  • the user has elected to modify one or more of the start time, the heating set point and the cooling set point for the WAKE period.
  • the user has set the starting time for the WAKE period at 5:30 AM by appropriately touching UP icon 174 and DOWN icon 176 .
  • the heating set point temperature has been adjusted to 68° F. by appropriately touching UP icon 164 and DOWN icon 166 while the cooling set point temperature has been adjusted to 76° F. by appropriately touching UP icon 168 and DOWN icon 170 .
  • temperatures are shown in degrees Fahrenheit, but degrees Celsius can also be used.
  • Each of the starting time, heating set point temperature and cooling set point temperature, whether modified or not, are displayed by TIME SET POINT icon 172 , HEAT icon 140 and COOL icon 142 , respectively, as outlined at block 182 of FIG. 9 .
  • the icon representing the selected time period can be modified to remind the user which time period has been selected.
  • the text present on the icon can blink.
  • WAKE icon 148 is blinking, hence the (temporary) absence of the word “WAKE” on WAKE icon 148 .
  • the entire WAKE icon 148 could blink, be bolded, be presented in a different color or shading pattern, or be designated in any other suitable way.
  • each of the non-selected time periods could be grayed or blanked out.
  • the user can select another time period for modification.
  • the user has elected to modify the LEAVE time period. This can be indicated, as seen in FIG. 15 , by having the word “LEAVE” blink on LEAVE icon 150 .
  • the user has set the starting time for the LEAVE period at 7:30 AM by appropriately touching UP icon 174 and DOWN icon 176 .
  • the heating set point temperature has been adjusted to 64° F. by appropriately touching UP icon 164 and DOWN icon 166 while the cooling set point temperature has been adjusted to 84° F. by appropriately touching UP icon 168 and DOWN icon 170 .
  • Each of the starting time, heating set point temperature and cooling set point temperature, whether modified or not, may be displayed by TIME SET POINT icon 172 , HEAT icon 140 and COOL icon 142 , respectively, as outlined at block 186 of FIG. 9 .
  • the user can select another time period for modification.
  • the user has elected to modify the RETURN time period. This can be indicated, as seen in FIG. 16 , by having the word “RETURN” blink on RETURN icon 152 .
  • the user has set the starting time for the RETURN period at 5:30 PM by appropriately touching UP icon 174 and DOWN icon 176 .
  • the heating set point temperature has been adjusted to 68° F. by appropriately touching UP icon 164 and DOWN icon 166 while the cooling set point temperature has been adjusted to 76° F. by appropriately touching UP icon 168 and DOWN icon 170 .
  • Each of the starting time, heating set point temperature and cooling set point temperature, whether modified or not, may be displayed by TIME SET POINT icon 172 , HEAT icon 140 and COOL icon 142 , respectively, as indicated at block 190 of FIG. 9 .
  • the user can select another time period for modification.
  • the user has elected to modify the SLEEP time period. This can be indicated, as seen in FIG. 17 , by having the word “SLEEP” blink on SLEEP icon 154 .
  • the user has set the starting time for the SLEEP period at 10:30 PM by appropriately touching UP icon 174 and DOWN icon 176 .
  • the heating set point temperature has been adjusted to 64° F. by appropriately touching UP icon 164 and DOWN icon 166 while the cooling set point temperature has been adjusted to 80° F. by appropriately touching UP icon 168 and DOWN icon 170 .
  • Each of the starting time, heating set point temperature and cooling set point temperature, whether modified or not, may be displayed by TIME SET POINT icon 172 , HEAT icon 140 and COOL icon 142 , respectively, as indicated at block 194 of FIG. 9 .
  • HVAC controller 10 provides the user with confirmation that the changes are or will be saved.
  • the modified parameters are also saved to memory, as shown at block 197 .
  • the confirmation can be provided prior to actually saving the changes to memory.
  • the confirmation can be provided simultaneously with or after the changes are actually saved.
  • the confirmation message can be aural or visual, as desired. As shown in FIG.
  • the confirmation message can be a text message such as “SAVING CHANGES”, as displayed by CONFIRMATION MESSAGE icon 198 .
  • the confirmation message may be a graphical message or icon, or any other suitable indicator that indicates to the user that the changes have been or will be saved.
  • some of the display icons not necessary to a particular task can be completely removed, or can be grayed or blacked out. As shown, a number of icons have been completely removed while other icons, such as the time period icons, are blanked out or are presented in outline form only. A number of display permutations are permissible within the invention.
  • the confirmation message can be presented by CONFIRMATION MESSAGE icon 198 alone.
  • one or more of the modified parameters can be displayed along with CONFIRMATION MESSAGE icon 198 .
  • touch screen 22 can display MODIFIED PARAMETER icon 200 .
  • MODIFIED PARAMETER icon 200 displays the particular days of the week that were modified by the user.
  • MODIFIED PARAMETER icon 200 can display one or more of the modified parameters such as time and temperature set points, if desired.
  • thermostat 90 can return to normal operation, as referenced at block 197 of FIG. 9 .
  • the confirmation message can be displayed for a period of at least 1 second, at least 5 seconds, at least 10 seconds, or any other suitable time period, as desired.
  • FIGS. 9-18 illustrated a particular illustrative embodiment in which thermostat 90 included touch screen 22 , which was used for the interaction between thermostat 90 and the user.
  • a thermostat having a display and one or more key buttons can be used.
  • FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an illustrative step-by-step process of updating one or more parameters in accordance with another embodiment of the invention.
  • FIGS. 20-27 are non-limiting schematic illustrations of an HVAC controller configured as a residential or commercial thermostat, demonstrating the process steps outlined in FIG. 19 . It should be noted that FIGS. 20-27 illustrate an HVAC controller having particular icons and buttons displayed in particular locations. It is important to note that these positions are merely illustrative and are not intended to be limiting in any manner or fashion.
  • FIG. 20 displays a thermostat 202 having a housing 204 and a display 206 .
  • Display 206 can be any suitable display such as an LED display, an LCD display, or any other suitable display.
  • Thermostat 202 includes a button 208 , a button 210 and a button 212 that can be assigned to various parameters or functions, depending on, for example, whether thermostat 202 is in an operating mode or an editing mode.
  • Display 206 includes a BUTTON 208 icon 214 corresponding to the assigned use of button 208 , a BUTTON 210 icon 216 corresponding to the assigned use of button 210 and a BUTTON 212 icon 218 corresponding to the assigned use of button 212 .
  • UP button 220 and DOWN button 222 can be used to adjust the value of a parameter up or down as appropriate.
  • FIG. 20 illustrates thermostat 202 in an editing mode.
  • button 208 is assigned to SYSTEM AND FAN (as indicated by BUTTON 208 icon)
  • button 210 is assigned to SCHEDULE (as indicated by BUTTON 210 icon)
  • button 212 is assigned to CLOCK AND MORE (as indicated by BUTTON 212 icon).
  • Button 208 which is assigned to SYSTEM AND FAN, can be used to permit a user to select from a variety of fan and heating options. For example, the user can scroll through fan ON, fan AUTO and fan CIRC, which will cause HVAC equipment 14 to run a fan continuously, only when the system is actively heating or cooling, or on a predetermined schedule, respectively. The user can also scroll through options such as emergency HEAT, HEAT, or COOL.
  • Button 210 which is assigned to SCHEDULE, can be used for modifying one or more of the parameters governing program 40 ( FIG. 1 ), as will be described in greater detail below.
  • Button 212 which is assigned to CLOCK AND MORE, can be used for modifying time settings, maintenance issues and the like.
  • Display 206 includes a DAY icon 224 that indicates the current day of the week, and a TIME icon 226 that indicates the current time.
  • TEMPERATURE icon 228 indicates the current temperature while TEMPERATURE SET POINT icon 230 indicates the current temperature set point. As illustrated, it is 11:30 AM on Wednesday, and the current temperature and temperature set point are both 62° F.
  • Display 206 includes a FAN icon 232 that indicates fan status and a SYSTEM icon 234 that indicates system status. As illustrated, the fan is on auto and the system is in heating mode.
  • buttons 208 is assigned to GO BACK
  • button 210 is assigned to EDIT
  • button 212 is assigned to VIEW, as illustrated by BUTTON 208 icon, BUTTON 210 icon, and BUTTON 212 icon, respectively.
  • Display 206 displays LIST OF DAYS 242 .
  • button 210 assigns to EDIT
  • UP button 220 and DOWN button 222
  • one or more days can be selected for editing.
  • hitting button 212 causes thermostat 202 to display the time and temperatures set points for that particular day.
  • GO BACK refers to back tracking to a previous step.
  • button 208 is assigned to SELECT DAY
  • button 210 is assigned to NEXT STEP
  • button 212 is assigned to CANCEL, as evidenced by BUTTON 208 icon, BUTTON 210 icon, and BUTTON 212 icon, respectively, of FIG. 22 .
  • LIST OF DAYS 242 includes checkmarks 244 next to each of Monday, Wednesday and Friday.
  • the selected days can be indicated in any number of ways, such as having the selected days blink, be bolded, be presented in a different color, shading, or font, or by using any other suitable designation.
  • FIG. 23 illustrates thermostat 202 ready for the user to select a particular time period for editing.
  • thermostat 202 defaults to initially editing the WAKE period as referenced at block 250 of FIG. 19 .
  • Display 206 now displays SELECTED DAYS icon 248 , which shows which days were selected and are now being edited. As illustrated, the non-selected days are removed from the display and a checkmark accompanies each selected day. In other embodiments, each of the days of the week can be displayed, with the selected days being bolded, blinking, or presented in a different color, shading or font, or by using any other suitable designation
  • Display 206 of FIG. 23 includes TIME PERIOD icon 252 , which provides an indication to the user of which time period has been selected for editing.
  • the selected “Wake” time period can be blinking, as evidenced by the absence of the wake time period in FIG. 23 .
  • the selected time period can be bolded or presented in a different color, shading or font, or by using any other suitable designation. In some embodiments, only the selected time period is presented, while the remaining time periods are blanked or grayed out.
  • display 206 displays the initial WAKE period parameters prior to editing as referenced at block 254 .
  • Display 206 includes TIME icon 256 that displays the initial starting time for the WAKE period.
  • Display 206 also includes TEMPERATURE icon 258 and SYSTEM icon 234 .
  • the WAKE period is scheduled to begin at 6:00 AM, and the temperature set point (in heating mode) is 70° F.
  • hitting button 210 (assigned to NEXT STEP) permits the user to enter modifications to the WAKE period.
  • Block 262 of FIG. 19 references editing the start time of the WAKE period.
  • FIG. 24 shows that the start time has been changed to 5:30 AM, by appropriately hitting UP button 220 and DOWN button 222 .
  • TIME icon 206 displays the new time setting, as referenced at block 264 of FIG. 19 .
  • TEMPERATURE icon 258 displays the new temperature setting, as referenced at block 268 of FIG. 19 .
  • the step of notifying thermostat 202 that the user is done entering changes can in some embodiments be achieved by hitting button 212 , which as indicated by BUTTON icon 216 is assigned to DONE. After hitting button 212 , as referenced at block 273 of FIG. 19 , control may be passed to display block 274 .
  • thermostat 202 may provide a confirmation message that the changes have been or will be saved, as illustrated in FIG. 27 .
  • the modified parameters are also saved to memory, as shown at block 275 .
  • the changes can be saved prior to providing confirmation to the user. In other embodiments, the changes can be saved after or substantially simultaneously with providing confirmation to the user.
  • FIG. 27 shows that display 206 can include MESSAGE icon 276 , which is configured to provide a message confirming that the changes have been or will be saved.
  • MESSAGE icon 276 provides a simple text message such as “SAVED”.
  • MESSAGE icon 276 can provide other text messages, other visual indications, an aural confirmation message, or any other suitable confirmation message to the user.
  • thermostat 202 can return to its customary operation at referenced at block 276 of FIG. 19 .

Abstract

A programmable controller such as an HVAC controller that provides a confirmation message to a user indicating that a parameter that has been modified by the user has been or will be saved. Such a confirmation message may help assure a user that their program modifications have been accepted and/or saved by the controller, thereby reducing the anxiety some users feet when programming such controllers.

Description

  • This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/726,174, filed Dec. 2, 2003.
  • TECHNICAL FIELD
  • The present invention relates generally to the field of programmable controllers for homes and/or buildings and their related grounds. More specifically, the present invention relates to such controllers that permit a user to modify a parameter, such as a scheduling parameter, of the controller.
  • BACKGROUND
  • Controllers are used on a wide variety of devices and systems for controlling various functions in homes and/or buildings and their related grounds. Some controllers have schedule programming that modifies device parameters such as set points as a function of date and/or time. Some such device or system controllers that utilize schedule programming for controlling various functions in homes and/or buildings and their related grounds include, for example, HVAC controllers, water heater controllers, water softener controllers, security system controllers, lawn sprinkler controllers, and lighting system controllers.
  • HVAC controllers, for example, are employed to monitor and, if necessary, control various environmental conditions within a home, office, or other enclosed space. Such devices are useful, for example, in regulating any number of environmental conditions with a particular space including for example, temperature, humidity, venting, air quality, etc. The controller may include a microprocessor that interacts with other components in the system. For example, in many modem thermostats for use in the home, a controller unit equipped with temperature and humidity sensing capabilities may be provided to interact with a heater, blower, flue vent, air compressor, humidifier and/or other components, to control the temperature and humidity levels at various locations within the home. A sensor located within the controller unit and/or one or more remote sensors may be employed to sense when the temperature or humidity reaches a certain threshold level, causing the controller unit to send a signal to activate or deactivate one or more component in the system.
  • The controller may be equipped with an interface that allows the user to monitor and adjust the environmental conditions at one or more locations within the building. With more modern designs, the interface typically includes a liquid crystal display (LCD) panel inset within a housing that contains the microprocessor as well as other components of the controller. In some designs, the interface may permit the user to program the controller to activate on a certain schedule determined by the user. For example, the interface may include a separate menu routine that permits the user to change the temperature at one or more times during a particular day. Once the settings for that day have been programmed, the user can then repeat the process to change the settings for the other remaining days.
  • It has been found that many users find programming their programmable controllers to be confusing, time consuming and often complex. As a result, many users do simply not use the programmable scheduling capabilities of their controllers, and instead run in a constant temperature mode where the potential energy savings of an appropriate energy saving schedule are not realized. One difficulty is that some users, when attempting to review the programmed schedule, are unsure if they are inadvertently changing the schedule. Likewise, some users, when attempting to program the schedule, are unsure if their changes are accepted by the controller. Accordingly, there is an ongoing need in the art to decrease the confusion often associated with programming a programmable controller.
  • SUMMARY
  • Generally, the present invention relates to an interface for a programmable controller that permits a user to modify a parameter, such as a scheduling parameter, and provide an indication to the user that the modified parameter has been accepted and/or saved.
  • In an illustrative embodiment, a programmable controller is provided with a user interface. The programmable controller may by any type of programmable controller including, for example, an HVAC controller, a security system controller, a lawn sprinkler controller, a lighting system controller, or any other programmable controller, depending on the application. The user is allowed to modify one or more parameters of the programmable controller. Once modified, the programmable controller may provide an indication to the user that the change or changes have been accepted and/or saved. The indication may be a visible, audible, or any other suitable indication, as desired. Such an indication may help assure a user that their program modifications have been accepted and/or saved by the controller, thereby reducing the anxiety some users feel when programming such controllers.
  • The above summary of the present invention is not intended to describe each disclosed embodiment or every implementation of the present invention. The Figures, Detailed Description and Examples which follow more particularly exemplify these embodiments.
  • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
  • The invention may be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description of various embodiments of the invention in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:
  • FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a programmable controller in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention;
  • FIG. 2 is a schematic drawing of an illustrative interface of a programmable controller in accordance with the present invention;
  • FIG. 3 is a schematic drawing of another illustrative interface of a programmable controller in accordance with the present invention;
  • FIG. 4 is a flow diagram showing an illustrative method that may be implemented by the programmable controller of FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 5 is a flow diagram showing an illustrative HVAC method that may be implemented by the programmable controller of FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 6 is a flow diagram showing another illustrative HVAC method that may be implemented by the programmable controller of FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 7 is a flow diagram showing another illustrative HVAC method that may be implemented by the programmable controller of FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 8 is a flow diagram showing another illustrative HVAC method that may be implemented by the programmable controller of FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 9 is a flow diagram showing yet another illustrative HVAC method that may be implemented by the programmable controller of FIG. 1;
  • FIGS. 10-18 are schematic drawings of an HVAC controller, corresponding to the illustrative method of FIG. 9;
  • FIG. 19 is a flow diagram showing yet another illustrative HVAC method that may be implemented by the programmable controller of FIG. 1; and
  • FIGS. 20-27 are schematic drawings of an HVAC controller, corresponding to the illustrative method of FIG. 19.
  • While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifies thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention.
  • DETAILED DESCRIPTION
  • The following description should be read with reference to the drawings, in which like elements in different drawings are numbered in like fashion. The drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, depict selected embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Although examples of construction, dimensions, and materials are illustrated for the various elements, those skilled in the art will recognize that many of the examples provided have suitable alternatives that may be utilized.
  • Generally, the present invention relates to simplified interfaces for controllers having programming capabilities. These controllers can be used in a variety of systems such as, for example, HVAC systems, sprinkler systems, security systems, lighting systems, and the like. Many of the Figures depict HVAC controllers. While the present invention is not so limited, an appreciation of various aspects of the invention will be gained through a discussion of the examples provided below.
  • Referring now to FIG. 1, which shows a programmable controller 10 in accordance with one illustrative embodiment of the present invention. Controller 10 includes a control module 12 that is configured to monitor and control any variety of device or system 14. Controller 10 also includes a user interface 16 that is configured to provide communication between control module 12 and a user. User interface 16 can be used to communicate status of device or system 14 to the user, and/or accept input from the user. Examples of inputs that can be received from the user include changes to one or more program parameters 38, such as schedule parameters, of the control module 12.
  • User interface 16 can take a wide variety of different forms. User interface 16 can include one or more of an alpha-numeric display, a graphical display, and/or a key pad having one or more keys or buttons. In some embodiments, User interface 16 can include a touch screen. FIG. 2 illustrates an HVAC controller 18 that includes a housing 20 and a touch screen 22. Touch screen 22 can be used both to display appropriate information to the user as well as accept information from the user, as desired.
  • In other embodiments, user interface 16 can include a display screen and one or more buttons. FIG. 3 illustrates an illustrative HVAC controller 24 that includes a housing 26 and a display 28. Display 28 can be an LED display, an LCD display, or any other suitable display format discernible to the human eye. HVAC controller 24 also includes buttons 30 that can be used for selecting one or more parameters, as will be discussed in greater detail below. HVAC controller 24 also includes an up button 32, which can be used for increasing the value of a selected parameter, and a down button 34 that can be used for decreasing the value of a selected parameter.
  • With reference to FIG. 1, control module 12 includes a memory block 36 that can store the value of one or more parameters 38. Memory block 36 also may store the program 40 that controls the operations of controller 10 and hence the operations of device or system 14.
  • When controller 10 is an HVAC controller, program 40 can include instructions to turn HVAC equipment 14 on or off based on a timed schedule. The timed schedule can be configured to provide for continuous control throughout the day, or the timed schedule can be configured to provide for several time periods each day. Each time period can have a different set of set points. In some embodiments, the timed schedule can include four periods that correspond to, for example in residential use, when a user is likely to wake up in the morning, leave for work, return from work, and go to sleep. These periods are often referred to as the WAKE, LEAVE, RETURN, and SLEEP periods.
  • Program 40 can include provisions to accommodate these or other time periods. Each of the starting times and temperature set points, i.e. parameters 38, for each time period can be placed into memory within memory block 36. Once programmed, these parameters 38 can remain unchanged. In some situations, it is desirable for the user to be able to change one or more of these parameters 38.
  • As such, control module 12 may include a modifying block 42, an indicating block 44 and a saving block 46. Modifying block 42 can include circuitry or software that permits a user to make changes to one or more of the parameters 38. Indicating block 44 includes circuitry or software that permits, in conjunction with saving block 46, controller 10 to communicate to the user that the user's changes to parameters 38 have been or will be saved. Illustrative interactions between modifying block 42, indicating block 44 and saving block 46 are further illustrated below with respect to, for example, FIG. 4 through FIG. 8.
  • FIG. 4 is a flow diagram showing an illustrative method that may be implemented by the programmable controller FIG. 1. At block 48, a user is permitted to enter one or more parameters and/or parameter modifications via the user interface 16 (see FIG. 1). Block 50 determines if any parameters were added or modified. If no parameters were added or modified, control passes to block 54, representing normal operation of the controller 10 (see FIG. 1). However, if one or more parameters were added or changed, control passes to display block 52.
  • At display block 52, the controller 10 (see FIG. 1) provides confirmation to the user that the changes made to parameters 38 (see FIG. 1) have been or will be saved. In some embodiments, the changes can be saved prior to providing confirmation to the user. In other embodiments, the changes can be saved after or substantially simultaneously with providing confirmation to the user.
  • The step of providing confirmation to the user can take a variety of forms. Indicating block 44 of FIG. 1 can provide a text message to the user, through user interface 16 (see FIG. 1). The text message can simply read “changes saved”, or something similar. Alternatively, indicating block 44 (see FIG. 1) can provide an audio message, a graphical message or icon, or any other suitable confirmation message, as desired.
  • FIG. 5 is a flow diagram showing an illustrative method that may be implemented by the programmable controller of FIG. 1. In this illustrative flow diagram, the controller 10 (see FIG. 1) is an HVAC controller such as a programmable thermostat. At block 56, a user is permitted to edit the HVAC set points and/or schedule. This can encompass entering new values for one or more of parameters 38 (see FIG. 1) through user interface 16 (see FIG. 1). If no changed values are detected at decision block 58, control passes to block 62, representing normal operation of the HVAC controller 10 (see FIG. 1). However, if changed values are detected at decision block 58, control passes to display block 60.
  • At display block 50, the HVAC controller 10 (see FIG. 1) provides confirmation to the user that the changes made to parameters 38 (see FIG. 1) are saved. In some cases, one or more set points and/or schedule parameters are changed for only certain days of the week. In such cases, the HVAC controller 10 (see FIG. 1) may also provide a notification of which days were modified. Indicating block 44 (see FIG. 1) can provide a text message or any other suitable message to the user, through user interface 16 (see FIG. 1).
  • As discussed above with respect to FIG. 4, a confirmatory message can be provided before, after, or simultaneously with saving block 46 (see FIG. 1) actually saving changes to parameters 38 (see FIG. 1). FIGS. 6 and 7 explicitly describe processes in which the changes are saved after providing a confirmatory message (FIG. 6) or prior to providing the message (FIG. 7).
  • In FIG. 6, a user is allowed to modify one or more parameters at block 64. Once the changes have been entered by the user, control passes to block 66, at which time indicating block 44 (see FIG. 1) provides an indication that the modified parameter (or parameters) will be saved. The modified parameter or parameters are subsequently saved at block 68. In the illustrative embodiment, control then passes to block 70, at which time normal HVAC operation may resume.
  • In FIG. 7, a user is allowed to modify one or more parameters at block 72. Once the changes have been entered, control passes to block 74, at which time saving block 46 (see FIG. 1) saves the modified parameter or parameters. Control passes to block 76, at which time indicating block 44 (see FIG. 1) provides an indication that the modified parameter or parameters have been saved. In the illustrative embodiment, control then passes to block 78, at which normal HVAC operation may resume.
  • With respect to FIG. 8, a flow diagram is shown that illustrates an embodiment in which an HVAC controller 10 (see FIG. 1) displays a plurality of parameters from which a user can choose to modify. At display block 80, a plurality of parameters are displayed by user interface 16 (see FIG. 1). Control passes to block 82, where the user is allowed to select one or more of the parameters to be modified. Control passes to block 84, where the user is allowed to enter new values for the one or more selected parameters. Control then passes to display block 86, where indicating block 44 (FIG. 1) provides confirmation that the modified parameters have been or will be saved. The modified parameters are also saved to memory, as shown at block 87. In some embodiments, the changes can be saved prior to providing confirmation to the user. In other embodiments, the changes can be saved after or substantially simultaneously with providing confirmation to the user. In the illustrative embodiment, control is then passed to block 88, which represents normal HVAC operation.
  • FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a step-by-step process of updating one or more parameters in accordance with an illustrated embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 10-18 are schematic drawings of an HVAC controller, corresponding to the illustrative method of FIG. 9. It should be noted that FIGS. 10-18 illustrate an HVAC controller having particular icons displayed in particular locations. It is important to note that these positions are merely illustrative and are not intended to be limiting in any manner or fashion.
  • FIG. 10 illustrates a thermostat 90 having a housing 20 and a touch screen 22. Touch screen 22 can display information to the user as well as accept inputs from the user. The user can make selections by touching appropriate portions of touch screen 22, as will be described in greater detail below.
  • As illustrated, touch screen 22 emulates a number of buttons commonly found on thermostats. Along the left side of touch screen, a fan selection icon 92 and a system icon 94 permit a user to select from a variety of fan and heating options. For example, the user can scroll through fan ON, fan AUTO and fan CIRC, which will cause HVAC equipment 14 to run a fan continuously, only when the system is actively heating or cooling, or on a predetermined schedule, respectively. Similarly, the user can scroll through emergency HEAT, HEAT, or COOL by employing system icon 94.
  • In the illustrated embodiment, touch screen 22 includes several button icons along the bottom of touch screen 22. Each button icon emulates a button as might be found on a thermostat lacking a touch screen. The button icons include a SCHED icon 96, a HOLD icon 98, a CLOCK icon 100, a SCREEN icon 102 and a MORE button 104. SCHED icon 96 will be discussed in greater detail below.
  • HOLD icon 98 can be selected by the user if it is desired to override any existing programming and instead hold HVAC equipment 14 at a particular temperature without cycling through any time periods that may otherwise be programmed into program 40 (FIG. 1). For example, if a user is home for the day, he or she can use HOLD icon 98 to maintain the temperature setting of the WAKE period throughout the day, rather than cycling through the customary LEAVE and RETURN periods.
  • Touch screen 22 also displays a temperature value 106 that provides the user with the present temperature within their environment, as well as a temperature setting 108. Temperature setting 108 displays the temperature set point that HVAC controller 10 is presently following. Touch screen 22 includes a text message 110, which informs the user that HVAC controller 10 is following its programmed schedule.
  • Temperature setting 108 can be used to set a temporary temperature set point using HOLD icon 98 described above. Touch screen 22 includes an UP icon 112 and a DOWN icon 114. The user can raise the temperature set point by selecting UP icon 112 and can reduce the temperature set point by selecting DOWN icon 114. In the illustrative embodiment, subsequently selecting the HOLD icon 98 will instruct HVAC controller 10 to maintain the temporary temperature set point. In some embodiments, HVAC controller 10 can ask the user to specify a time period to maintain the temporary temperature set point, if desired.
  • HVAC controller 10 includes software code or circuitry that functions as a clock, in order to accurately maintain program 40. CLOCK icon 100 can be used to set or adjust the time held by HVAC controller 10. Upon initial installation and setup of HVAC controller 10, it may be necessary to enter or update the time setting. In some embodiments, it may be necessary to change the time setting to accommodate entering or departing Daylight Savings Time (DST). In other embodiments, HVAC controller 10 can automatically adapt to Daylight Savings Time. In some embodiments, HVAC controller 10 can be in radio communication with a standard time reference source, if desired.
  • Touch screen 22 can display the present time at TIME icon 116. As illustrated, the time is displayed using a 12 hour clock, with an AM or PM notation. In some embodiments, the time can be displayed using a 24 hour military clock, if desired.
  • Touch screen 22 also includes a SCREEN icon 104 that can be used to temporarily disable touch screen 22 from accepting any user inputs so that the surface of touch screen 22 can be wiped off or otherwise cleaned. MORE icon 106 permits a user to access additional features of HVAC controller 10, such as scheduling reminders for filter replacement, setting operational parameters for a UV lamp, and the like. In some embodiments, touch screen 22 can include an OUTDOOR icon 118 that displays the outside ambient temperature.
  • FIG. 9 illustrates a step-by-step process for modifying a number of parameters 38 (see FIG. 1) in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention. Prior to beginning an editing process, the thermostat 90 can appear as shown in FIG. 10. With reference to FIG. 9, a user can initiate an edit mode, as indicated at block 120. In some embodiments, the edit mode can be reached by selecting the SCHED icon 96 (FIG. 10). As a result, touch screen 22 may display the edit mode as illustrated in FIG. 11 and as indicated at block 122 of FIG. 9.
  • FIG. 11 shows thermostat 90 in an initial edit mode. Initially, touch screen 22 displays the current temperature set points as well as the present day of the week and the present time. The days of the week are shown across the top of touch screen 22, and are referenced as MON icon 124, TUE icon 126, WED icon 128, THU icon 130, FRI icon 132, SAT icon 134 and SUN icon 136. As illustrated, the present day of the week is Wednesday, as indicated by the checkmark 138 present on WED icon 128. In other embodiments, the present day of the week may be presented in other ways, such as having WED icon 128 blink, or be displayed in bold, or as a different color or shade.
  • Touch screen 22 displays a HEAT icon 140 that indicates the temperature set point for heating operations and a COOL icon 142 that indicates the temperature set point for cooling operations. HVAC controller 10 (see FIG. 1) can instruct HVAC equipment 14 (see FIG. 1) to heat or cool as appropriate, in accordance with the input given to HVAC controller via SYSTEM icon 94 (FIG. 10).
  • In FIG. 11, touch screen 22 includes several button icons across the bottom of touch screen 22. In the illustrated embodiment, these button icons include a DONE icon 144, an EDIT icon 146, a WAKE icon 148, a LEAVE icon 150, a RETURN icon 152, a SLEEP icon 154, and a CANCEL icon 156. Each of the icons will be described in greater detail below. CANCEL icon 156 permits the user to cancel any entered changes.
  • With reference to FIG. 9, a user can select which days of the week he or she wish to edit, as indicated at block 158. Control passes to display block 160, which corresponds to the thermostat 90 as illustrated in FIG. 12. In FIG. 12, the MON icon 124, TUE icon 126, WED icon 128, THU icon 130, FRI icon 132, SAT icon 134 and SUN icon 136 are each displayed, along with a message icon 162 that informs the user that multiple days can be selected. The particular message being displayed by message icon 162 can be any appropriate message and is not limited to the illustrated message.
  • In the illustrative embodiment, the user can select one or more days to edit by simply touching touch screen 22 proximate the appropriate days of the week icons. In the process of selecting the one or more days to edit, touch screen 22 can provide a display as illustrated in FIG. 13. In the illustrated embodiment, the user has selected Monday, Wednesday and Friday for editing, as noted by checkmark 164 present on each of MON icon 124, WED icon 128, and FRI icon 132. In some embodiments, the user will recognize that he or she is in the edit mode, as EDIT icon 146 (as seen in FIG. 11) will be blanked or grayed out (as seen in FIG. 13), and also by the presence of the UP button 112 and DOWN button 114, as well as the absence of an EDIT button.
  • At this point, the user is in a position to select a time period for modification, followed by modifying one or more of the start time, heating temperature set point and cooling temperature set point for the selected time period. Touch screen 22 displays HEAT icon 140, which displays the heating temperature set point, as well as UP icon 164 and DOWN icon 166. UP icon 164 and DOWN icon 166 can be used to raise or lower the heating temperature set point displayed by HEAT icon 140. Similarly, touch screen 22 displays COOL icon 142, which displays the cooling temperature set point. UP icon 168 and DOWN icon 170 can be used by the user to raise or lower the cooling temperature set point displayed by COOL icon 142.
  • Touch screen 22 displays TIME SET POINT icon 172, which can be used to display the starting point of any selected time period. As with TIME icon 116 that displays current time, TIME SET POINT icon 172 can display time either using a 12 hour clock and an AM/PM designation, or a 24 hour military style clock. The starting time for any selected time period can be adjusted up or down using UP icon 174 and DOWN icon 176. In some embodiments, touch screen 22 can display a CANCEL PERIOD icon 178, which enables a user to switch to editing a different time period.
  • For illustrative purposes and with reference to FIG. 9, the user can then select the WAKE period for editing at block 180. As illustrated in FIG. 14, the user has elected to modify one or more of the start time, the heating set point and the cooling set point for the WAKE period. In the illustration, the user has set the starting time for the WAKE period at 5:30 AM by appropriately touching UP icon 174 and DOWN icon 176. The heating set point temperature has been adjusted to 68° F. by appropriately touching UP icon 164 and DOWN icon 166 while the cooling set point temperature has been adjusted to 76° F. by appropriately touching UP icon 168 and DOWN icon 170. As illustrated, temperatures are shown in degrees Fahrenheit, but degrees Celsius can also be used. Each of the starting time, heating set point temperature and cooling set point temperature, whether modified or not, are displayed by TIME SET POINT icon 172, HEAT icon 140 and COOL icon 142, respectively, as outlined at block 182 of FIG. 9.
  • In some embodiments, the icon representing the selected time period can be modified to remind the user which time period has been selected. In particular embodiments, the text present on the icon can blink. As shown in FIG. 14, WAKE icon 148 is blinking, hence the (temporary) absence of the word “WAKE” on WAKE icon 148. In other embodiments, the entire WAKE icon 148 could blink, be bolded, be presented in a different color or shading pattern, or be designated in any other suitable way. In other embodiments, each of the non-selected time periods could be grayed or blanked out.
  • The user can select another time period for modification. In the illustrated example, as shown in FIG. 15 and as indicated at block 184 (FIG. 9), the user has elected to modify the LEAVE time period. This can be indicated, as seen in FIG. 15, by having the word “LEAVE” blink on LEAVE icon 150.
  • In the illustration, the user has set the starting time for the LEAVE period at 7:30 AM by appropriately touching UP icon 174 and DOWN icon 176. The heating set point temperature has been adjusted to 64° F. by appropriately touching UP icon 164 and DOWN icon 166 while the cooling set point temperature has been adjusted to 84° F. by appropriately touching UP icon 168 and DOWN icon 170. Each of the starting time, heating set point temperature and cooling set point temperature, whether modified or not, may be displayed by TIME SET POINT icon 172, HEAT icon 140 and COOL icon 142, respectively, as outlined at block 186 of FIG. 9.
  • The user can select another time period for modification. In the illustrated example, as shown in FIG. 16 and as indicated at block 188 (FIG. 9), the user has elected to modify the RETURN time period. This can be indicated, as seen in FIG. 16, by having the word “RETURN” blink on RETURN icon 152.
  • In the illustration, the user has set the starting time for the RETURN period at 5:30 PM by appropriately touching UP icon 174 and DOWN icon 176. The heating set point temperature has been adjusted to 68° F. by appropriately touching UP icon 164 and DOWN icon 166 while the cooling set point temperature has been adjusted to 76° F. by appropriately touching UP icon 168 and DOWN icon 170. Each of the starting time, heating set point temperature and cooling set point temperature, whether modified or not, may be displayed by TIME SET POINT icon 172, HEAT icon 140 and COOL icon 142, respectively, as indicated at block 190 of FIG. 9.
  • The user can select another time period for modification. In the illustrated example, as shown in FIG. 17 and as indicated at block 192 (FIG. 9), the user has elected to modify the SLEEP time period. This can be indicated, as seen in FIG. 17, by having the word “SLEEP” blink on SLEEP icon 154.
  • In the illustration, the user has set the starting time for the SLEEP period at 10:30 PM by appropriately touching UP icon 174 and DOWN icon 176. The heating set point temperature has been adjusted to 64° F. by appropriately touching UP icon 164 and DOWN icon 166 while the cooling set point temperature has been adjusted to 80° F. by appropriately touching UP icon 168 and DOWN icon 170. Each of the starting time, heating set point temperature and cooling set point temperature, whether modified or not, may be displayed by TIME SET POINT icon 172, HEAT icon 140 and COOL icon 142, respectively, as indicated at block 194 of FIG. 9.
  • Once the user has completed modifying each of the desired time periods, he or she can indicate that they are done by touching DONE icon 144 (FIG. 17). Control may then be passed to block 196 (FIG. 9). As illustrated in FIG. 18, HVAC controller 10 provides the user with confirmation that the changes are or will be saved. The modified parameters are also saved to memory, as shown at block 197. In some embodiments, the confirmation can be provided prior to actually saving the changes to memory. In other embodiments, the confirmation can be provided simultaneously with or after the changes are actually saved. The confirmation message can be aural or visual, as desired. As shown in FIG. 18, and in the illustrative embodiment, the confirmation message can be a text message such as “SAVING CHANGES”, as displayed by CONFIRMATION MESSAGE icon 198. In other embodiments, the confirmation message may be a graphical message or icon, or any other suitable indicator that indicates to the user that the changes have been or will be saved.
  • In some embodiments, as illustrated for example in FIG. 18, some of the display icons not necessary to a particular task can be completely removed, or can be grayed or blacked out. As shown, a number of icons have been completely removed while other icons, such as the time period icons, are blanked out or are presented in outline form only. A number of display permutations are permissible within the invention.
  • The confirmation message can be presented by CONFIRMATION MESSAGE icon 198 alone. In some embodiments, one or more of the modified parameters can be displayed along with CONFIRMATION MESSAGE icon 198. For example, touch screen 22 can display MODIFIED PARAMETER icon 200. As illustrated, MODIFIED PARAMETER icon 200 displays the particular days of the week that were modified by the user. In other embodiments, MODIFIED PARAMETER icon 200 can display one or more of the modified parameters such as time and temperature set points, if desired.
  • Once the confirmation message has been displayed for an appropriate period of time, thermostat 90 can return to normal operation, as referenced at block 197 of FIG. 9. In some illustrative embodiments, the confirmation message can be displayed for a period of at least 1 second, at least 5 seconds, at least 10 seconds, or any other suitable time period, as desired.
  • FIGS. 9-18 illustrated a particular illustrative embodiment in which thermostat 90 included touch screen 22, which was used for the interaction between thermostat 90 and the user. In other embodiments, as illustrated in FIGS. 19-27, a thermostat having a display and one or more key buttons can be used.
  • FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an illustrative step-by-step process of updating one or more parameters in accordance with another embodiment of the invention. FIGS. 20-27 are non-limiting schematic illustrations of an HVAC controller configured as a residential or commercial thermostat, demonstrating the process steps outlined in FIG. 19. It should be noted that FIGS. 20-27 illustrate an HVAC controller having particular icons and buttons displayed in particular locations. It is important to note that these positions are merely illustrative and are not intended to be limiting in any manner or fashion.
  • FIG. 20 displays a thermostat 202 having a housing 204 and a display 206. Display 206 can be any suitable display such as an LED display, an LCD display, or any other suitable display. Thermostat 202 includes a button 208, a button 210 and a button 212 that can be assigned to various parameters or functions, depending on, for example, whether thermostat 202 is in an operating mode or an editing mode. Display 206 includes a BUTTON 208 icon 214 corresponding to the assigned use of button 208, a BUTTON 210 icon 216 corresponding to the assigned use of button 210 and a BUTTON 212 icon 218 corresponding to the assigned use of button 212. UP button 220 and DOWN button 222 can be used to adjust the value of a parameter up or down as appropriate.
  • FIG. 20 illustrates thermostat 202 in an editing mode. As a result, button 208 is assigned to SYSTEM AND FAN (as indicated by BUTTON 208 icon), button 210 is assigned to SCHEDULE (as indicated by BUTTON 210 icon), and button 212 is assigned to CLOCK AND MORE (as indicated by BUTTON 212 icon). Button 208, which is assigned to SYSTEM AND FAN, can be used to permit a user to select from a variety of fan and heating options. For example, the user can scroll through fan ON, fan AUTO and fan CIRC, which will cause HVAC equipment 14 to run a fan continuously, only when the system is actively heating or cooling, or on a predetermined schedule, respectively. The user can also scroll through options such as emergency HEAT, HEAT, or COOL.
  • Button 210, which is assigned to SCHEDULE, can be used for modifying one or more of the parameters governing program 40 (FIG. 1), as will be described in greater detail below. Button 212, which is assigned to CLOCK AND MORE, can be used for modifying time settings, maintenance issues and the like.
  • Display 206 includes a DAY icon 224 that indicates the current day of the week, and a TIME icon 226 that indicates the current time. TEMPERATURE icon 228 indicates the current temperature while TEMPERATURE SET POINT icon 230 indicates the current temperature set point. As illustrated, it is 11:30 AM on Wednesday, and the current temperature and temperature set point are both 62° F. Display 206 includes a FAN icon 232 that indicates fan status and a SYSTEM icon 234 that indicates system status. As illustrated, the fan is on auto and the system is in heating mode.
  • Turning now to FIG. 19, a user can enter the edit mode as outlined at block 236 by hitting button 210, which as indicated in FIG. 20 is presently assigned (as indicated by BUTTON 210 icon) to SCHEDULE. Thermostat 202 enters and displays an edit mode, as referenced at display block 238 of FIG. 19, which produces the screen shown in FIG. 21. In edit mode, button 208 is assigned to GO BACK, button 210 is assigned to EDIT, and button 212 is assigned to VIEW, as illustrated by BUTTON 208 icon, BUTTON 210 icon, and BUTTON 212 icon, respectively.
  • In the edit mode, the user is able to select one or more days for editing, as referenced by block 240 of FIG. 19. Display 206 displays LIST OF DAYS 242. By a combination of button 210 (assigned to EDIT), UP button 220 and DOWN button 222, one or more days can be selected for editing. When a particular day is highlighted in LIST OF DAYS 242, hitting button 212 (assigned to VIEW) causes thermostat 202 to display the time and temperatures set points for that particular day. GO BACK refers to back tracking to a previous step.
  • During the process of selecting days to edit from LIST OF DAYS 242, button 208 is assigned to SELECT DAY, button 210 is assigned to NEXT STEP and button 212 is assigned to CANCEL, as evidenced by BUTTON 208 icon, BUTTON 210 icon, and BUTTON 212 icon, respectively, of FIG. 22.
  • In the illustrated embodiment shown in FIG. 22, Monday, Wednesday and Friday have been selected for editing, and as referenced at block 246 of FIG. 19. In particular, LIST OF DAYS 242 includes checkmarks 244 next to each of Monday, Wednesday and Friday. In other embodiments, the selected days can be indicated in any number of ways, such as having the selected days blink, be bolded, be presented in a different color, shading, or font, or by using any other suitable designation.
  • Once the days have been selected, the user can proceed to the next step by hitting button 210. FIG. 23 illustrates thermostat 202 ready for the user to select a particular time period for editing. In some embodiments, as illustrated in FIG. 23, thermostat 202 defaults to initially editing the WAKE period as referenced at block 250 of FIG. 19.
  • Display 206 now displays SELECTED DAYS icon 248, which shows which days were selected and are now being edited. As illustrated, the non-selected days are removed from the display and a checkmark accompanies each selected day. In other embodiments, each of the days of the week can be displayed, with the selected days being bolded, blinking, or presented in a different color, shading or font, or by using any other suitable designation
  • Display 206 of FIG. 23 includes TIME PERIOD icon 252, which provides an indication to the user of which time period has been selected for editing. As illustrated, the selected “Wake” time period can be blinking, as evidenced by the absence of the wake time period in FIG. 23. In other embodiments, the selected time period can be bolded or presented in a different color, shading or font, or by using any other suitable designation. In some embodiments, only the selected time period is presented, while the remaining time periods are blanked or grayed out.
  • With respect to FIG. 19, display 206 displays the initial WAKE period parameters prior to editing as referenced at block 254. Display 206 includes TIME icon 256 that displays the initial starting time for the WAKE period. Display 206 also includes TEMPERATURE icon 258 and SYSTEM icon 234. As illustrated, the WAKE period is scheduled to begin at 6:00 AM, and the temperature set point (in heating mode) is 70° F. At this point, hitting button 210 (assigned to NEXT STEP) permits the user to enter modifications to the WAKE period.
  • Block 262 of FIG. 19 references editing the start time of the WAKE period. FIG. 24 shows that the start time has been changed to 5:30 AM, by appropriately hitting UP button 220 and DOWN button 222. TIME icon 206 displays the new time setting, as referenced at block 264 of FIG. 19.
  • By hitting button 210, assigned to NEXT STEP as referenced by BUTTON icon 216, the user is able to next modify the heating temperature set point as referenced by block 266 of FIG. 19. As illustrated in FIG. 25, the heating temperature set point has been changed to 68° F. by appropriately hitting UP button 220 and DOWN button 222. TEMPERATURE icon 258 displays the new temperature setting, as referenced at block 268 of FIG. 19.
  • By hitting button 210, still assigned to NEXT STEP as referenced by BUTTON icon 216, the user is able to next modify the cooling temperature set point as referenced by block 270 of FIG. 19. As illustrated in FIG. 26, the cooling temperature set point has been changed to 76° F. by appropriately hitting UP button 220 and DOWN button 222. TEMPERATURE icon 258 displays the new temperature setting, as referenced at block 272 of FIG. 19.
  • After the user has finished modifying each of the time and temperature set points for the WAKE period, he or she can inform thermostat 202 that he or she is finished entering changes for that period. It should be noted that each of remaining time periods LEAVE, RETURN and SLEEP can be modified in much the same way, although not explicitly shown in the Figures.
  • The step of notifying thermostat 202 that the user is done entering changes can in some embodiments be achieved by hitting button 212, which as indicated by BUTTON icon 216 is assigned to DONE. After hitting button 212, as referenced at block 273 of FIG. 19, control may be passed to display block 274. At display block 274, thermostat 202 may provide a confirmation message that the changes have been or will be saved, as illustrated in FIG. 27. The modified parameters are also saved to memory, as shown at block 275. In some embodiments, the changes can be saved prior to providing confirmation to the user. In other embodiments, the changes can be saved after or substantially simultaneously with providing confirmation to the user.
  • FIG. 27 shows that display 206 can include MESSAGE icon 276, which is configured to provide a message confirming that the changes have been or will be saved. In the illustrated embodiment, MESSAGE icon 276 provides a simple text message such as “SAVED”. In other embodiments, MESSAGE icon 276 can provide other text messages, other visual indications, an aural confirmation message, or any other suitable confirmation message to the user. Once MESSAGE icon 276 has provided the confirmation message for an appropriate period of time, and in the illustrative embodiment, thermostat 202 can return to its customary operation at referenced at block 276 of FIG. 19.
  • In FIG. 27, many of the display icons not necessary to this step have been either completely removed or at least partially blanked out or grayed out. A variety of display permutations are contemplated, and thus the invention is not to be limited to the particular display characteristics shown.
  • The invention should not be considered limited to the particular examples described above, but rather should be understood to cover all aspects of the invention as set out in the attached claims. Various modifications, equivalent processes, as well as numerous structures to which the invention can be applicable will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art upon review of the instant specification.

Claims (21)

1-20. (canceled)
21. A thermal comfort controller comprising:
a touch screen display;
a memory for storing a programmable schedule, wherein the programmable schedule includes:
two or more days or groups of days,
two or more periods for each of the two or more days or groups of days;
a set-point for each of the two or more periods, wherein each set-point includes a set-point time and a set-point temperature;
a controller coupled to the memory and the touch screen display, the controller configured to control one or more parts of an HVAC system in accordance with the programmable schedule, the controller further configured to display on the touch screen display:
a first touch region for selecting a particular day or group of days of the programmable schedule;
a first period select touch region defined as a button for selecting a first period of the two or more periods of the programmable schedule;
a second period select touch region defined as a button for selecting a second period of the two or more periods of the programmable schedule, wherein the controller deselects the first period when the second period is selected, and deselects the second period when the first period is selected;
a set-point time display region for displaying the set-point time of the set-point that corresponds to the selected day or group of days and the selected first or second period;
a set-point temperature display region for displaying the set-point temperature of the set-point that corresponds to the selected day or group of days and the selected first or second period;
a first up button and a first down button for adjusting the set-point time that is displayed in the set-point time display region; and
a second up button and a second down button for adjusting the set-point temperature that is displayed in the set-point temperature display region.
22. The thermal comfort controller of claim 21, wherein the first up button and the first down button, when touched by a user, adjust the set-point time that is displayed in the set-point time display region.
23. The thermal comfort controller of claim 22, wherein the first up button, when touched by the user, adjusts the set-point time ahead.
24. The thermal comfort controller of claim 23, wherein the first down button, when touched by the user, adjusts the set-point time back.
25. The thermal comfort controller of claim 21, wherein the second up button and the second down button, when touched by a user, adjust the set-point temperature that is displayed in the set-point temperature display region.
26. The thermal comfort controller of claim 25, wherein the second up button, when touched by the user, adjusts the set-point temperature up.
27. The thermal comfort controller of claim 26, wherein the second down button, when touched by the user, adjusts the set-point temperature down.
28. A thermal comfort controller comprising:
a touch screen display;
a memory for storing a programmable schedule, wherein the programmable schedule includes:
two or more days or groups of days,
two or more periods for each of the two or more days or groups of days;
a set-point for each of the two or more periods, wherein each set-point includes a set-point time, a set-point heat temperature and a set-point cool temperature;
a controller coupled to the memory and the touch screen display, the controller configured to control one or more parts of an HVAC system in accordance with the programmable schedule, the controller further configured to display on the touch screen display:
a first touch region for selecting a particular day or group of days of the programmable schedule;
a first period select touch region defined as a button for selecting a first period of the two or more periods of the programmable schedule;
a second period select touch region defined as a button for selecting a second period of the two or more periods of the programmable schedule, wherein the controller deselects the first period when the second period is selected, and deselects the second period when the first period is selected;
a set-point time display region for displaying the set-point time of the set-point that corresponds to the selected day or group of days and the selected first or second period;
a set-point heat temperature display region for displaying the set-point heat temperature of the set-point that corresponds to the selected day or group of days and the selected first or second period;
a set-point cool temperature display region for displaying the set-point cool temperature of the set-point that corresponds to the selected day or group of days and the selected first or second period;
a first up button and a first down button for adjusting the set-point time that is displayed in the set-point time display region;
a second up button and a second down button for adjusting the set-point heat temperature that is displayed in the set-point heat temperature display region; and
a third up button and a third down button for adjusting the set-point cool temperature that is displayed in the set-point cool temperature display region.
29. The thermal comfort controller of claim 28, wherein the first up button and the first down button, when touched by a user, adjust the set-point time that is displayed in the set-point time display region.
30. The thermal comfort controller of claim 29, wherein the first up button, when touched by the user, adjusts the set-point time ahead.
31. The thermal comfort controller of claim 30, wherein the first down button, when touched by the user, adjusts the set-point time back.
32. The thermal comfort controller of claim 29, wherein the second up button and the second down button, when touched by a user, adjust the set-point heat temperature that is displayed in the set-point heat temperature display region.
33. The thermal comfort controller of claim 32, wherein the second up button, when touched by the user, adjusts the set-point heat temperature up.
34. The thermal comfort controller of claim 33, wherein the second down button, when touched by the user, adjusts the set-point heat temperature down.
35. The thermal comfort controller of claim 34, wherein the third up button and the third down button, when touched by a user, adjust the set-point cool temperature that is displayed in the set-point cool temperature display region.
36. The thermal comfort controller of claim 35, wherein the third up button, when touched by the user, adjusts the set-point cool temperature up.
37. The thermal comfort controller of claim 36, wherein the third down button, when touched by the user, adjusts the set-point cool temperature down.
38. A thermal comfort controller comprising:
a touch screen display;
a memory for storing a programmable schedule, wherein the programmable schedule includes:
two or more days or groups of days,
each of the two or more days or groups of days including a wake period, a leave period, a return period and a sleep period;
a set-point for each of the wake period, the leave period, the return period and the sleep period, wherein each set-point includes a set-point time, a set-point heat temperature and a set-point cool temperature;
a controller coupled to the memory and the touch screen display, the controller configured to control one or more parts of an HVAC system in accordance with the programmable schedule, the controller further configured to display on the touch screen display:
a first touch region for selecting a particular day or group of days of the programmable schedule;
a wake period select touch region defined as a button that, which touched, selects the wake period of the programmable schedule;
a leave period select touch region defined as a button that, which touched, selects the leave period of the programmable schedule;
a return period select touch region defined as a button that, which touched, selects the return period of the programmable schedule;
a sleep period select touch region defined as a button that, which touched, selects the sleep period of the programmable schedule;
wherein the controller is configured to only allow one of the wake period, the leave period, the return period and the sleep period to be selected at any given time, and wherein the controller provides an indication on the touch screen display that indicates which of the wake period, the leave period, the return period and the sleep period is currently selected;
a set-point time display region for displaying the set-point time of the set-point that corresponds to the selected day or group of days and the selected wake period, leave period, return period or sleep period;
a set-point heat temperature display region for displaying the set-point heat temperature of the set-point that corresponds to the selected day or group of days and the selected wake period, leave period, return period or sleep period;
a set-point cool temperature display region for displaying the set-point cool temperature of the set-point that corresponds to the selected day or group of days and the selected wake period, leave period, return period or sleep period;
a first up button and a first down button positioned adjacent to the set-point time display region for adjusting the set-point time;
a second up button and a second down button positioned adjacent the set-point heat temperature display region for adjusting the set-point heat temperature; and
a third up button and a third down button positioned adjacent the set-point cool temperature display region for adjusting the set-point cool temperature.
39. The thermal comfort controller of claim 38, wherein the controller is configured to display on the touch screen display a fan button, that when touched, changes a fan setting.
40. The thermal comfort controller of claim 38, wherein the controller is configured to display on the touch screen display an editing complete button, that when touched, exits an editing mode and saves any changes made.
US11/743,001 2003-12-02 2007-05-01 Thermal Comfort controller with Touch Screen Display Abandoned US20080256475A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US11/743,001 US20080256475A1 (en) 2003-12-02 2007-05-01 Thermal Comfort controller with Touch Screen Display

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US10/726,174 US7274972B2 (en) 2003-12-02 2003-12-02 Programmable controller with saving changes indication
US11/743,001 US20080256475A1 (en) 2003-12-02 2007-05-01 Thermal Comfort controller with Touch Screen Display

Related Parent Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US10/726,174 Continuation US7274972B2 (en) 2003-12-02 2003-12-02 Programmable controller with saving changes indication

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20080256475A1 true US20080256475A1 (en) 2008-10-16

Family

ID=34620454

Family Applications (2)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US10/726,174 Expired - Lifetime US7274972B2 (en) 2003-12-02 2003-12-02 Programmable controller with saving changes indication
US11/743,001 Abandoned US20080256475A1 (en) 2003-12-02 2007-05-01 Thermal Comfort controller with Touch Screen Display

Family Applications Before (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US10/726,174 Expired - Lifetime US7274972B2 (en) 2003-12-02 2003-12-02 Programmable controller with saving changes indication

Country Status (2)

Country Link
US (2) US7274972B2 (en)
WO (1) WO2005061965A1 (en)

Cited By (82)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20090015203A1 (en) * 2007-07-13 2009-01-15 Cummins, Inc. System and method for controlling vehicle idling and maintaining vehicle electrical system integrity
US20090125184A1 (en) * 2007-07-13 2009-05-14 Cummins Inc. Circuit board with integrated connector
US20100050075A1 (en) * 2008-08-22 2010-02-25 Lennox Manufacturing, Inc., A Corporation Of Delaware Display apparatus and method for a control unit for an environmental control system
US20100050108A1 (en) * 2008-08-22 2010-02-25 Lennox Manufacturing, Inc., A Corporation Of Delaware Display apparatus and method for entering a reminder in a control unit for an environmental control system
US20110107422A1 (en) * 2009-10-30 2011-05-05 Patrick Choy Ming Wong Email worm detection methods and devices
US20110132990A1 (en) * 2009-12-07 2011-06-09 Hunter Fan Company Thermostat
US20110132991A1 (en) * 2009-12-07 2011-06-09 Hunter Fan Company Thermostat
USD648642S1 (en) 2009-10-21 2011-11-15 Lennox Industries Inc. Thin cover plate for an electronic system controller
USD648641S1 (en) 2009-10-21 2011-11-15 Lennox Industries Inc. Thin cover plate for an electronic system controller
US8239066B2 (en) 2008-10-27 2012-08-07 Lennox Industries Inc. System and method of use for a user interface dashboard of a heating, ventilation and air conditioning network
US8255086B2 (en) 2008-10-27 2012-08-28 Lennox Industries Inc. System recovery in a heating, ventilation and air conditioning network
US8260444B2 (en) 2010-02-17 2012-09-04 Lennox Industries Inc. Auxiliary controller of a HVAC system
US8295981B2 (en) 2008-10-27 2012-10-23 Lennox Industries Inc. Device commissioning in a heating, ventilation and air conditioning network
US8352081B2 (en) 2008-10-27 2013-01-08 Lennox Industries Inc. Communication protocol system and method for a distributed-architecture heating, ventilation and air conditioning network
US8352080B2 (en) 2008-10-27 2013-01-08 Lennox Industries Inc. Communication protocol system and method for a distributed-architecture heating, ventilation and air conditioning network
US8433446B2 (en) 2008-10-27 2013-04-30 Lennox Industries, Inc. Alarm and diagnostics system and method for a distributed-architecture heating, ventilation and air conditioning network
US8437877B2 (en) 2008-10-27 2013-05-07 Lennox Industries Inc. System recovery in a heating, ventilation and air conditioning network
US8437878B2 (en) 2008-10-27 2013-05-07 Lennox Industries Inc. Alarm and diagnostics system and method for a distributed architecture heating, ventilation and air conditioning network
US8442693B2 (en) 2008-10-27 2013-05-14 Lennox Industries, Inc. System and method of use for a user interface dashboard of a heating, ventilation and air conditioning network
US8452906B2 (en) 2008-10-27 2013-05-28 Lennox Industries, Inc. Communication protocol system and method for a distributed-architecture heating, ventilation and air conditioning network
US8452456B2 (en) 2008-10-27 2013-05-28 Lennox Industries Inc. System and method of use for a user interface dashboard of a heating, ventilation and air conditioning network
US8463443B2 (en) 2008-10-27 2013-06-11 Lennox Industries, Inc. Memory recovery scheme and data structure in a heating, ventilation and air conditioning network
US8463442B2 (en) 2008-10-27 2013-06-11 Lennox Industries, Inc. Alarm and diagnostics system and method for a distributed architecture heating, ventilation and air conditioning network
US20130245838A1 (en) * 2012-03-14 2013-09-19 Honeywell International Inc. Hvac controller and remote control unit
US8543243B2 (en) 2008-10-27 2013-09-24 Lennox Industries, Inc. System and method of use for a user interface dashboard of a heating, ventilation and air conditioning network
US8548630B2 (en) 2008-10-27 2013-10-01 Lennox Industries, Inc. Alarm and diagnostics system and method for a distributed-architecture heating, ventilation and air conditioning network
US8560125B2 (en) 2008-10-27 2013-10-15 Lennox Industries Communication protocol system and method for a distributed-architecture heating, ventilation and air conditioning network
US8564400B2 (en) 2008-10-27 2013-10-22 Lennox Industries, Inc. Communication protocol system and method for a distributed-architecture heating, ventilation and air conditioning network
US8600559B2 (en) 2008-10-27 2013-12-03 Lennox Industries Inc. Method of controlling equipment in a heating, ventilation and air conditioning network
US8600558B2 (en) 2008-10-27 2013-12-03 Lennox Industries Inc. System recovery in a heating, ventilation and air conditioning network
US8615326B2 (en) 2008-10-27 2013-12-24 Lennox Industries Inc. System and method of use for a user interface dashboard of a heating, ventilation and air conditioning network
US8655491B2 (en) 2008-10-27 2014-02-18 Lennox Industries Inc. Alarm and diagnostics system and method for a distributed architecture heating, ventilation and air conditioning network
US8655490B2 (en) 2008-10-27 2014-02-18 Lennox Industries, Inc. System and method of use for a user interface dashboard of a heating, ventilation and air conditioning network
US8661165B2 (en) 2008-10-27 2014-02-25 Lennox Industries, Inc. Device abstraction system and method for a distributed architecture heating, ventilation and air conditioning system
US8694164B2 (en) 2008-10-27 2014-04-08 Lennox Industries, Inc. Interactive user guidance interface for a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system
US8706270B2 (en) 2010-11-19 2014-04-22 Nest Labs, Inc. Thermostat user interface
US8725298B2 (en) 2008-10-27 2014-05-13 Lennox Industries, Inc. Alarm and diagnostics system and method for a distributed architecture heating, ventilation and conditioning network
US8729902B1 (en) * 2009-10-05 2014-05-20 White's Electronics, Inc. Metal detector analysis and display methods
US8744629B2 (en) 2008-10-27 2014-06-03 Lennox Industries Inc. System and method of use for a user interface dashboard of a heating, ventilation and air conditioning network
US8762666B2 (en) 2008-10-27 2014-06-24 Lennox Industries, Inc. Backup and restoration of operation control data in a heating, ventilation and air conditioning network
US8774210B2 (en) 2008-10-27 2014-07-08 Lennox Industries, Inc. Communication protocol system and method for a distributed-architecture heating, ventilation and air conditioning network
US8788100B2 (en) 2008-10-27 2014-07-22 Lennox Industries Inc. System and method for zoning a distributed-architecture heating, ventilation and air conditioning network
US8798796B2 (en) 2008-10-27 2014-08-05 Lennox Industries Inc. General control techniques in a heating, ventilation and air conditioning network
US8802981B2 (en) 2008-10-27 2014-08-12 Lennox Industries Inc. Flush wall mount thermostat and in-set mounting plate for a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system
US8855825B2 (en) 2008-10-27 2014-10-07 Lennox Industries Inc. Device abstraction system and method for a distributed-architecture heating, ventilation and air conditioning system
US8874815B2 (en) 2008-10-27 2014-10-28 Lennox Industries, Inc. Communication protocol system and method for a distributed architecture heating, ventilation and air conditioning network
US8893032B2 (en) * 2012-03-29 2014-11-18 Google Inc. User interfaces for HVAC schedule display and modification on smartphone or other space-limited touchscreen device
US8892797B2 (en) 2008-10-27 2014-11-18 Lennox Industries Inc. Communication protocol system and method for a distributed-architecture heating, ventilation and air conditioning network
US8918219B2 (en) 2010-11-19 2014-12-23 Google Inc. User friendly interface for control unit
US8977794B2 (en) 2008-10-27 2015-03-10 Lennox Industries, Inc. Communication protocol system and method for a distributed-architecture heating, ventilation and air conditioning network
US8994539B2 (en) 2008-10-27 2015-03-31 Lennox Industries, Inc. Alarm and diagnostics system and method for a distributed-architecture heating, ventilation and air conditioning network
US20150204569A1 (en) * 2014-01-20 2015-07-23 Emerson Electric Co. Facilitating Scheduling of Comfort Controllers
US9092039B2 (en) 2010-11-19 2015-07-28 Google Inc. HVAC controller with user-friendly installation features with wire insertion detection
US9152155B2 (en) 2008-10-27 2015-10-06 Lennox Industries Inc. Device abstraction system and method for a distributed-architecture heating, ventilation and air conditioning system
USD741269S1 (en) * 2014-07-15 2015-10-20 Vivint, Inc. Touch panel
US9175871B2 (en) 2011-10-07 2015-11-03 Google Inc. Thermostat user interface
USD743349S1 (en) * 2014-04-07 2015-11-17 Honeywell International Inc. Building control device
US9261888B2 (en) 2008-10-27 2016-02-16 Lennox Industries Inc. System and method of use for a user interface dashboard of a heating, ventilation and air conditioning network
US9268345B2 (en) 2008-10-27 2016-02-23 Lennox Industries Inc. System and method of use for a user interface dashboard of a heating, ventilation and air conditioning network
US9291359B2 (en) 2011-10-21 2016-03-22 Google Inc. Thermostat user interface
US9298196B2 (en) 2010-11-19 2016-03-29 Google Inc. Energy efficiency promoting schedule learning algorithms for intelligent thermostat
US9325517B2 (en) 2008-10-27 2016-04-26 Lennox Industries Inc. Device abstraction system and method for a distributed-architecture heating, ventilation and air conditioning system
US9377768B2 (en) 2008-10-27 2016-06-28 Lennox Industries Inc. Memory recovery scheme and data structure in a heating, ventilation and air conditioning network
US9432208B2 (en) 2008-10-27 2016-08-30 Lennox Industries Inc. Device abstraction system and method for a distributed architecture heating, ventilation and air conditioning system
US9453655B2 (en) 2011-10-07 2016-09-27 Google Inc. Methods and graphical user interfaces for reporting performance information for an HVAC system controlled by a self-programming network-connected thermostat
US9459018B2 (en) 2010-11-19 2016-10-04 Google Inc. Systems and methods for energy-efficient control of an energy-consuming system
US9489062B2 (en) 2010-09-14 2016-11-08 Google Inc. User interfaces for remote management and control of network-connected thermostats
US9552002B2 (en) 2010-11-19 2017-01-24 Google Inc. Graphical user interface for setpoint creation and modification
US9632490B2 (en) 2008-10-27 2017-04-25 Lennox Industries Inc. System and method for zoning a distributed architecture heating, ventilation and air conditioning network
US9651925B2 (en) 2008-10-27 2017-05-16 Lennox Industries Inc. System and method for zoning a distributed-architecture heating, ventilation and air conditioning network
US9678486B2 (en) 2008-10-27 2017-06-13 Lennox Industries Inc. Device abstraction system and method for a distributed-architecture heating, ventilation and air conditioning system
US9683753B2 (en) 2013-05-24 2017-06-20 Emerson Electric Co. Facilitating installation of a controller and/or maintenance of a climate control system
CN107543294A (en) * 2016-06-28 2018-01-05 宁波奥克斯空调有限公司 A kind of air conditioning control method
US9890970B2 (en) 2012-03-29 2018-02-13 Google Inc. Processing and reporting usage information for an HVAC system controlled by a network-connected thermostat
US9952573B2 (en) 2010-11-19 2018-04-24 Google Llc Systems and methods for a graphical user interface of a controller for an energy-consuming system having spatially related discrete display elements
US10078319B2 (en) 2010-11-19 2018-09-18 Google Llc HVAC schedule establishment in an intelligent, network-connected thermostat
US10346275B2 (en) 2010-11-19 2019-07-09 Google Llc Attributing causation for energy usage and setpoint changes with a network-connected thermostat
US10443879B2 (en) 2010-12-31 2019-10-15 Google Llc HVAC control system encouraging energy efficient user behaviors in plural interactive contexts
US10557637B2 (en) 2014-01-20 2020-02-11 Emerson Electric Co. Facilitating scheduling of comfort controllers
US11029056B2 (en) 2017-10-11 2021-06-08 Frontiertech International Inc. Automatic switchover thermostat system based on apparent temperature and method for determining and automatically controlling the apparent temperature of a conditioned space
US11334034B2 (en) 2010-11-19 2022-05-17 Google Llc Energy efficiency promoting schedule learning algorithms for intelligent thermostat
USD975031S1 (en) 2021-03-12 2023-01-10 Honeywell International Inc. Building controller

Families Citing this family (108)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6574581B1 (en) * 1994-10-25 2003-06-03 Honeywell International Inc. Profile based method for deriving a temperature setpoint using a ‘delta’ based on cross-indexing a received price-point level signal
US20050194456A1 (en) 2004-03-02 2005-09-08 Tessier Patrick C. Wireless controller with gateway
US7584897B2 (en) 2005-03-31 2009-09-08 Honeywell International Inc. Controller system user interface
US7434742B2 (en) * 2005-06-20 2008-10-14 Emerson Electric Co. Thermostat capable of displaying received information
US7556207B2 (en) * 2005-08-04 2009-07-07 Emerson Electric Co. Thermostat with touch membrane feature
US20070045444A1 (en) * 2005-08-31 2007-03-01 Ranco Incorporated Of Delaware Thermostat including set point number line
US8185643B2 (en) 2005-11-17 2012-05-22 Oracle International Corporation System and method for providing security in a communities framework
US20070112913A1 (en) * 2005-11-17 2007-05-17 Bales Christopher E System and method for displaying HTML content from portlet as a page element in a communites framework
US7805459B2 (en) 2005-11-17 2010-09-28 Bea Systems, Inc. Extensible controls for a content data repository
US8255818B2 (en) 2005-11-17 2012-08-28 Oracle International Corporation System and method for providing drag and drop functionality in a communities framework
US7680927B2 (en) 2005-11-17 2010-03-16 Bea Systems, Inc. System and method for providing testing for a communities framework
US8046696B2 (en) 2005-11-17 2011-10-25 Oracle International Corporation System and method for providing active menus in a communities framework
US8078597B2 (en) 2005-11-17 2011-12-13 Oracle International Corporation System and method for providing extensible controls in a communities framework
US7587464B2 (en) * 2006-03-16 2009-09-08 Exceptional Innovation, Llc Device automation using networked device control having a web services for devices stack
US8001219B2 (en) 2006-03-16 2011-08-16 Exceptional Innovation, Llc User control interface for convergence and automation system
US7966083B2 (en) 2006-03-16 2011-06-21 Exceptional Innovation Llc Automation control system having device scripting
US8725845B2 (en) 2006-03-16 2014-05-13 Exceptional Innovation Llc Automation control system having a configuration tool
US8209398B2 (en) 2006-03-16 2012-06-26 Exceptional Innovation Llc Internet protocol based media streaming solution
US8155142B2 (en) 2006-03-16 2012-04-10 Exceptional Innovation Llc Network based digital access point device
US8271881B2 (en) 2006-04-20 2012-09-18 Exceptional Innovation, Llc Touch screen for convergence and automation system
US20070257120A1 (en) * 2006-05-02 2007-11-08 Ranco Incorporated Of Delaware Tabbed interface for thermostat
US7667968B2 (en) * 2006-05-19 2010-02-23 Exceptional Innovation, Llc Air-cooling system configuration for touch screen
WO2008073658A2 (en) 2006-11-09 2008-06-19 Exceptional Innovation, Llc. Portable device for convergence and automation solution
JP4140649B2 (en) * 2006-11-28 2008-08-27 ダイキン工業株式会社 Air conditioning system
US7784704B2 (en) 2007-02-09 2010-08-31 Harter Robert J Self-programmable thermostat
EP2142857B1 (en) * 2007-03-05 2018-03-14 AL-KO Therm GmbH Control device and method for using said control device
US20080290183A1 (en) * 2007-05-22 2008-11-27 Honeywell International Inc. Special purpose controller interface with instruction area
US20090099697A1 (en) * 2007-06-11 2009-04-16 Eair, Llc Power Supply Switch for Dual Powered Thermostat, Power Supply for Dual Powered Thermostat, and Dual Powered Thermostat
US9074784B2 (en) 2007-08-03 2015-07-07 Honeywell International Inc. Fan coil thermostat with fan ramping
US9182141B2 (en) 2007-08-03 2015-11-10 Honeywell International Inc. Fan coil thermostat with activity sensing
US8160752B2 (en) * 2008-09-30 2012-04-17 Zome Networks, Inc. Managing energy usage
US8374725B1 (en) * 2007-11-27 2013-02-12 Joseph David Ols Climate control
US8032254B2 (en) * 2007-11-30 2011-10-04 Honeywell International Inc. Method and apparatus for configuring an HVAC controller
US9285134B2 (en) * 2007-12-14 2016-03-15 Honeywell International Inc. Configurable wall module system
US8014902B2 (en) 2008-02-22 2011-09-06 Lawrence Kates Method and apparatus for energy-efficient temperature-based systems management
US20090314484A1 (en) * 2008-06-18 2009-12-24 Akz Technologies Llc Standalone flow rate controller for controlling flow rate of cooling or heating fluid through a heat exchanger
US8713697B2 (en) 2008-07-09 2014-04-29 Lennox Manufacturing, Inc. Apparatus and method for storing event information for an HVAC system
US8527096B2 (en) * 2008-10-24 2013-09-03 Lennox Industries Inc. Programmable controller and a user interface for same
DE102008055998A1 (en) * 2008-11-05 2010-05-12 Wilo Se Operating unit with navigation keys
NO330068B1 (en) * 2009-05-08 2011-02-14 Function Innovation & Technology As Device for painting values that affect user comfort and / or energy consumption in a building
US8725299B2 (en) * 2009-05-21 2014-05-13 Lennox Industries, Inc. Customer equipment profile system for HVAC controls
IES20100214A2 (en) * 2010-04-14 2011-11-09 Smartwatch Ltd Programmable controllers and schedule timers
US8843239B2 (en) 2010-11-19 2014-09-23 Nest Labs, Inc. Methods, systems, and related architectures for managing network connected thermostats
US9104211B2 (en) 2010-11-19 2015-08-11 Google Inc. Temperature controller with model-based time to target calculation and display
US8727611B2 (en) 2010-11-19 2014-05-20 Nest Labs, Inc. System and method for integrating sensors in thermostats
US9098279B2 (en) 2010-09-14 2015-08-04 Google Inc. Methods and systems for data interchange between a network-connected thermostat and cloud-based management server
US10241527B2 (en) 2010-11-19 2019-03-26 Google Llc Thermostat graphical user interface
US9046898B2 (en) 2011-02-24 2015-06-02 Google Inc. Power-preserving communications architecture with long-polling persistent cloud channel for wireless network-connected thermostat
US8690074B2 (en) 2010-12-31 2014-04-08 Braeburn Systems Llc Switch for multi function control of a thermostat
US8663362B2 (en) * 2011-02-11 2014-03-04 Trane International Inc. Air cleaning systems and methods
US20130325192A1 (en) * 2011-02-14 2013-12-05 Carrier Corporation System and method for establishing activity based environmental control
US8517088B2 (en) * 2011-03-10 2013-08-27 Braeburn Systems, Llc Rapid programming of thermostat with multiple programming mode conditions
US8696800B2 (en) * 2011-03-30 2014-04-15 Trane International Inc. Systems and methods for cleaning air
US9115908B2 (en) 2011-07-27 2015-08-25 Honeywell International Inc. Systems and methods for managing a programmable thermostat
USD666510S1 (en) 2011-08-17 2012-09-04 Honeywell International Inc. Thermostat housing
US8870087B2 (en) * 2011-09-12 2014-10-28 Siemens Industry, Inc. Thermostat control device with integrated feedback and notification capability
JP6121431B2 (en) 2011-10-21 2017-04-26 グーグル インコーポレイテッド Automatic control schedule acquisition in the intelligent controller
US10533761B2 (en) * 2011-12-14 2020-01-14 Ademco Inc. HVAC controller with fault sensitivity
US8965585B2 (en) * 2012-01-10 2015-02-24 Ecobee Inc. HVAC controller with device scheduling program
US10054964B2 (en) 2012-05-07 2018-08-21 Google Llc Building control unit method and controls
USD678084S1 (en) 2012-06-05 2013-03-19 Honeywell International Inc. Thermostat housing
US8917513B1 (en) 2012-07-30 2014-12-23 Methode Electronics, Inc. Data center equipment cabinet information center and updateable asset tracking system
US8708242B2 (en) 2012-09-21 2014-04-29 Nest Labs, Inc. Thermostat system with software-repurposable wiring terminals adaptable for HVAC systems of different ranges of complexity
US9607787B2 (en) 2012-09-21 2017-03-28 Google Inc. Tactile feedback button for a hazard detector and fabrication method thereof
US9046414B2 (en) 2012-09-21 2015-06-02 Google Inc. Selectable lens button for a hazard detector and method therefor
US20140149270A1 (en) * 2012-11-26 2014-05-29 Stuart LOMBARD Hvac controller with integrated metering
CA2836137C (en) 2012-12-05 2020-12-01 Braeburn Systems Llc Climate control panel with non-planar display
US9807099B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2017-10-31 Google Inc. Utility portals for managing demand-response events
US9595070B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2017-03-14 Google Inc. Systems, apparatus and methods for managing demand-response programs and events
US9810442B2 (en) 2013-03-15 2017-11-07 Google Inc. Controlling an HVAC system in association with a demand-response event with an intelligent network-connected thermostat
US9910449B2 (en) 2013-04-19 2018-03-06 Google Llc Generating and implementing thermodynamic models of a structure
US9298197B2 (en) 2013-04-19 2016-03-29 Google Inc. Automated adjustment of an HVAC schedule for resource conservation
USD720633S1 (en) 2013-10-25 2015-01-06 Honeywell International Inc. Thermostat
AU2015222683A1 (en) * 2014-02-26 2016-09-15 Zen Ecosystems IP Pty Ltd Consumer product system
MX357098B (en) 2014-06-16 2018-06-26 Braeburn Systems Llc Graphical highlight for programming a control.
US9874366B2 (en) 2014-07-30 2018-01-23 Research Products Corporation System and method for adjusting fractional on-time and cycle time to compensate for weather extremes and meet ventilation requirements
US10356573B2 (en) 2014-10-22 2019-07-16 Braeburn Systems Llc Thermostat synchronization via remote input device
US10055323B2 (en) 2014-10-30 2018-08-21 Braeburn Systems Llc System and method for monitoring building environmental data
US10430056B2 (en) 2014-10-30 2019-10-01 Braeburn Systems Llc Quick edit system for programming a thermostat
CA2920281C (en) 2015-02-10 2021-08-03 Daniel S. Poplawski Thermostat configuration duplication system
CN107810369B (en) 2015-05-04 2020-12-15 江森自控科技公司 User control device having a housing containing a circuit board extending to a mounting location
US10677484B2 (en) 2015-05-04 2020-06-09 Johnson Controls Technology Company User control device and multi-function home control system
AU2016258911A1 (en) 2015-05-04 2017-12-07 Johnson Controls Technology Company Mountable touch thermostat using transparent screen technology
US10760809B2 (en) 2015-09-11 2020-09-01 Johnson Controls Technology Company Thermostat with mode settings for multiple zones
US10769735B2 (en) 2015-09-11 2020-09-08 Johnson Controls Technology Company Thermostat with user interface features
US9702582B2 (en) 2015-10-12 2017-07-11 Ikorongo Technology, LLC Connected thermostat for controlling a climate system based on a desired usage profile in comparison to other connected thermostats controlling other climate systems
US10655881B2 (en) 2015-10-28 2020-05-19 Johnson Controls Technology Company Thermostat with halo light system and emergency directions
US10546472B2 (en) 2015-10-28 2020-01-28 Johnson Controls Technology Company Thermostat with direction handoff features
US11277893B2 (en) 2015-10-28 2022-03-15 Johnson Controls Technology Company Thermostat with area light system and occupancy sensor
US10345781B2 (en) 2015-10-28 2019-07-09 Johnson Controls Technology Company Multi-function thermostat with health monitoring features
US10318266B2 (en) 2015-11-25 2019-06-11 Johnson Controls Technology Company Modular multi-function thermostat
US10101050B2 (en) 2015-12-09 2018-10-16 Google Llc Dispatch engine for optimizing demand-response thermostat events
US10317867B2 (en) 2016-02-26 2019-06-11 Braeburn Systems Llc Thermostat update and copy methods and systems
US10317919B2 (en) 2016-06-15 2019-06-11 Braeburn Systems Llc Tamper resistant thermostat having hidden limit adjustment capabilities
CN107543278A (en) * 2016-06-28 2018-01-05 宁波奥克斯空调有限公司 A kind of air conditioning control method
US10941951B2 (en) 2016-07-27 2021-03-09 Johnson Controls Technology Company Systems and methods for temperature and humidity control
MX2017011987A (en) 2016-09-19 2018-09-26 Braeburn Systems Llc Control management system having perpetual calendar with exceptions.
US10458669B2 (en) 2017-03-29 2019-10-29 Johnson Controls Technology Company Thermostat with interactive installation features
US10712038B2 (en) 2017-04-14 2020-07-14 Johnson Controls Technology Company Multi-function thermostat with air quality display
US11162698B2 (en) 2017-04-14 2021-11-02 Johnson Controls Tyco IP Holdings LLP Thermostat with exhaust fan control for air quality and humidity control
US10648690B2 (en) 2017-04-14 2020-05-12 Johnson Controls Technology Company Multi-function thermostat with event schedule controls
US11131474B2 (en) 2018-03-09 2021-09-28 Johnson Controls Tyco IP Holdings LLP Thermostat with user interface features
US10921008B1 (en) 2018-06-11 2021-02-16 Braeburn Systems Llc Indoor comfort control system and method with multi-party access
US11107390B2 (en) 2018-12-21 2021-08-31 Johnson Controls Technology Company Display device with halo
CN110057034B (en) * 2019-03-27 2021-03-16 青岛海尔空调器有限总公司 Air conditioner control method and device and computer storage medium
US10802513B1 (en) 2019-05-09 2020-10-13 Braeburn Systems Llc Comfort control system with hierarchical switching mechanisms
US11925260B1 (en) 2021-10-19 2024-03-12 Braeburn Systems Llc Thermostat housing assembly and methods
US11808467B2 (en) 2022-01-19 2023-11-07 Google Llc Customized instantiation of provider-defined energy saving setpoint adjustments

Citations (23)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6259074B1 (en) * 1999-10-26 2001-07-10 Sims Level 1, Inc. Apparatus for regulating the temperature of a fluid
US20010029585A1 (en) * 2000-03-13 2001-10-11 Theodore Simon Integrated security and communications system with secure communications link
US20010042684A1 (en) * 2000-02-04 2001-11-22 Abdeltif Essalik Gas component sensor for gas oxides
US20020005435A1 (en) * 2000-07-11 2002-01-17 Invensys Controls Italy Srl Electronic device for regulating and controlling ambient temperatures, and relative setting method
US20020022991A1 (en) * 2000-01-07 2002-02-21 Sharood John N. Building marketing system
US20020096572A1 (en) * 2001-01-22 2002-07-25 Meritor Heavy Vehicle Technology, Llc Individualized vehicle settings
US20020138184A1 (en) * 2001-02-05 2002-09-26 The Boeing Company Diagnostic system and method
US20030033156A1 (en) * 2001-08-06 2003-02-13 Mccall John E. Method and system for providing advisory information to a field service provider
US20030034897A1 (en) * 2001-08-20 2003-02-20 Shamoon Charles G. Thermostat and remote control apparatus
US20030074489A1 (en) * 2001-08-14 2003-04-17 Steger Perry C. Measurement system with modular measurement modules that convey interface information
US20030121652A1 (en) * 2003-02-18 2003-07-03 Emerson Electric Co. Thermostat With One Button Programming Feature
US20030123224A1 (en) * 2001-12-13 2003-07-03 Carter Group, Inc. Electronic controller modules and methods for making and using same
US20030136135A1 (en) * 2000-06-16 2003-07-24 Lg Electronics Inc. Refrigerator and method for controlling the same
US20030142121A1 (en) * 2002-01-30 2003-07-31 Rosen Howard B. Programmable thermostat system employing a touch screen unit for intuitive interactive interface with a user
US20030150927A1 (en) * 2002-02-13 2003-08-14 Howard Rosen Thermostat system with location data
US20030150926A1 (en) * 2002-02-13 2003-08-14 Rosen Howard B. Thermostat system communicating with a remote correspondent for receiving and displaying diverse information
US20030177012A1 (en) * 2002-03-13 2003-09-18 Brett Drennan Voice activated thermostat
US20040074978A1 (en) * 2002-01-30 2004-04-22 Howard Rosen Programmable thermostat including a feature for providing a running total for the cost of energy consumed during a given period for heating and/or cooling a conditioned space
US20040193324A1 (en) * 2003-03-24 2004-09-30 Hoog Klaus D. Device and method for interactive programming of a thermostat
US20040245352A1 (en) * 2003-06-03 2004-12-09 Tim Simon, Inc., A Corporation Of The State Of California Thermostat with touch-screen display
US20040267385A1 (en) * 2003-06-27 2004-12-30 Hx Lifespace, Inc. Building automation system
US7194695B1 (en) * 2003-03-31 2007-03-20 Unisys Corporation Logistics management system presenting user interface for performing multiple freight management tasks
US7840434B2 (en) * 2002-10-29 2010-11-23 At&T Intellectual Property I, L. P. Methods and systems for assigning multiple tasks

Family Cites Families (88)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US150927A (en) * 1874-05-12 Improvement in harvester-rakes
US52459A (en) * 1866-02-06 Improvement in water-motors
US92779A (en) * 1869-07-20 George be nns
US74978A (en) * 1868-03-03 Improved mode of fitting oloteeig
US150926A (en) * 1874-05-12 Improvement in hatchets
US123224A (en) * 1872-01-30 Improvement in hedge-trimmers
US42684A (en) * 1864-05-10 Improvement in measuring-funnels
US4079366A (en) 1976-05-20 1978-03-14 Gim Wong Electronic timer and thermoswitch device
US4206872A (en) 1977-03-17 1980-06-10 Levine Michael R Electronic thermostat
US4174807A (en) 1978-08-10 1979-11-20 Kimble George D Autocycling control circuit for heating and/or air conditioning systems
US4298946A (en) 1978-12-18 1981-11-03 Texas Instruments Incorporated Electronically controlled programmable digital thermostat
US4337822A (en) 1979-08-16 1982-07-06 Hyltin Tom M Digital thermostat
US4264034A (en) 1979-08-16 1981-04-28 Hyltin Tom M Digital thermostat
US4308991A (en) 1980-07-07 1982-01-05 Emerson Electric Co. Programmable electronic thermostat
US4386649A (en) 1980-07-15 1983-06-07 Nuclear Systems, Inc. Programmable thermostatic control device
US4382544A (en) 1980-08-08 1983-05-10 J. T. Stewart Associates, Inc. Energy management system with programmable thermostat
US4388692A (en) 1980-09-03 1983-06-14 Texas Instruments Incorporated Electronically controlled programmable digital thermostat having variable threshold hysteresis with time
US4442972A (en) 1981-09-14 1984-04-17 Texas Instruments Incorporated Electrically controlled programmable digital thermostat and method for regulating the operation of multistage heating and cooling systems
JPS5862796A (en) * 1981-10-08 1983-04-14 ソニー株式会社 Electronic equipment
US4431134A (en) 1982-11-08 1984-02-14 Microcomm Corporation Digital thermostat with protection against power interruption
US4479604A (en) 1982-12-30 1984-10-30 Didner Robert S Zoned control system
US4717333A (en) 1983-01-21 1988-01-05 Advanced Mechanical Technology, Inc. Burner ignition system
US4446913A (en) 1983-07-05 1984-05-08 The Trane Company Auto changeover thermostat with means for handling temperature entry errors
US4506827A (en) 1983-10-17 1985-03-26 Johnson Service Company Battery powered thermostat
US4621336A (en) 1984-09-17 1986-11-04 Emerson Electric Co. Visual display of time schedule in a programmable thermostat
US4606401A (en) 1985-03-08 1986-08-19 Honeywell, Inc. Programmable thermostat
US4622544A (en) 1985-05-13 1986-11-11 Lifeline Systems, Inc. Low battery indicator
JPS62266348A (en) 1985-12-27 1987-11-19 Mitsubishi Electric Corp Air conditioner
US4725001A (en) 1986-10-17 1988-02-16 Arnold D. Berkeley Electronic thermostat employing adaptive cycling
US4948040A (en) 1987-06-11 1990-08-14 Mitsubishi Denki Kabushiki Kaisha Air conditioning system
US4918439A (en) 1987-06-23 1990-04-17 Cl 9, Inc. Remote control device
US4837731A (en) 1987-07-07 1989-06-06 Honeywell Incorporated System for time programming of states by communicating time data via a continuously rotatable potentiometer
JP2989607B2 (en) 1988-03-30 1999-12-13 キヤノン株式会社 Information input device
US5012973A (en) 1988-08-26 1991-05-07 Hunter Fan Company Window air conditioning unit having a built-in programmable thermostat with remote temperature sensor
US5187797A (en) * 1988-09-28 1993-02-16 Solatrol, Inc. Machine interface system with hierarchal menus allowing user sequencing and selection of menu items by actuation of three switches
US5038851A (en) 1988-10-13 1991-08-13 Hunter Fan Company Electronic programmable thermostat for a heating and cooling system with an oscillation control mechanism
US4881686A (en) 1988-10-13 1989-11-21 Hunter-Melnor, Inc. Temperature recovery display device for an electronic programmable thermostat
US5065813A (en) 1988-12-09 1991-11-19 Arnold D. Berkeley Interactive electronic thermostat with installation assistance
US5161606A (en) 1988-12-09 1992-11-10 Arnold D. Berkeley Interactive electronic thermostat with minimum and maximum temperature thermal limit switches
US5140310A (en) 1989-11-29 1992-08-18 Motorola, Inc. Interrupting low battery indicator
JPH03245180A (en) 1990-02-23 1991-10-31 Toshiba Corp Brightness controller for panel display
US5053752A (en) 1990-02-26 1991-10-01 Jack Epstein Smoke detector and method using elongated flexible low battery condition indicator member
US5414618A (en) * 1990-07-18 1995-05-09 The Toro Company Irrigation controller with analog data input devices
JP3118819B2 (en) 1990-08-24 2000-12-18 ソニー株式会社 Remote control system
US5088645A (en) 1991-06-24 1992-02-18 Ian Bell Self-programmable temperature control system for a heating and cooling system
US5238184A (en) 1991-09-30 1993-08-24 Honeywell Inc. Thermostat having simple battery level detection
US5230482A (en) 1991-12-20 1993-07-27 Honeywell Inc. Electronic time thermostat with a temporary next period adjustment means
US5181653A (en) 1992-03-03 1993-01-26 Foster Glenn D Residential heating and air conditioning control system
US5259445A (en) 1992-07-13 1993-11-09 The Detroit Edison Company Control for dual heating system including a heat pump and furnace
US5329991A (en) 1992-11-05 1994-07-19 Hunter Fan Company Pre-programmed electronic programmable thermostat
DE69423204T2 (en) 1993-01-05 2000-07-27 Honeywell Inc MULTIPURPOSE USER INTERFACE
US5251813A (en) 1993-03-25 1993-10-12 Emerson Electric Co. Indication of low battery voltage condition by altering of temperature setpoint
US5348078A (en) 1993-07-08 1994-09-20 Steven D. Dushane Dwelling heating and air conditioning system
US6116512A (en) 1997-02-19 2000-09-12 Dushane; Steven D. Wireless programmable digital thermostat system
US5566879A (en) 1993-12-06 1996-10-22 Comptel Domotique Inc. System for centralized controlling of a plurality of temperature regulating devices
US5482209A (en) 1994-06-01 1996-01-09 Honeywell Inc. Method and means for programming a programmable electronic thermostat
US5526422A (en) 1994-06-20 1996-06-11 At&T Corp. System and method for cleaning the display screen of a touch screen device
US5950709A (en) 1995-07-21 1999-09-14 Honeywell Inc. Temperature control with stored multiple configuration programs
US5570837A (en) 1995-10-18 1996-11-05 Emerson Electric Co. Programmable digital thermostat with means for enabling temporary connection of a battery thereto
US6121875A (en) 1996-02-08 2000-09-19 Inform 2000 Monitoring and alerting system for buildings
AUPN912096A0 (en) 1996-04-04 1996-05-02 Garrick, Corinne Marie Jeanette Fire detector silenceable low battery pre-alarm
US5782296A (en) 1996-06-14 1998-07-21 Hunter Fan Company Auto-programmable electronic thermostat
US5673850A (en) 1996-07-22 1997-10-07 Lux Products Corporation Programmable thermostat with rotary dial program setting
US5947372A (en) 1996-11-01 1999-09-07 Tiernan; Teresa Conaty Combined fuel level monitor and thermostat
US5902183A (en) 1996-11-15 1999-05-11 D'souza; Melanius Process and apparatus for energy conservation in buildings using a computer controlled ventilation system
US6009355A (en) 1997-01-28 1999-12-28 American Calcar Inc. Multimedia information and control system for automobiles
US6101824A (en) 1997-02-07 2000-08-15 Honeywell Inc. Flexible thermostat controller that permits various control point profiles when controlling multistage HVAC equipment
US5873519A (en) 1997-08-19 1999-02-23 Heatcraft Inc. Electronic thermostat with multiple program options
US5924486A (en) 1997-10-29 1999-07-20 Tecom, Inc. Environmental condition control and energy management system and method
US5937942A (en) 1998-03-17 1999-08-17 Hunter Fan Company Electronic programmable thermostat with temporary reset
US6032867A (en) 1998-04-21 2000-03-07 Dushane; Steve Flat plate thermostat and wall mounting method
US6208331B1 (en) 1998-07-01 2001-03-27 Ericsson Inc. Cleaning touchscreens
US6351693B1 (en) 1999-01-22 2002-02-26 Honeywell International Inc. Computerized system for controlling thermostats
US6398118B1 (en) 1999-01-29 2002-06-04 Howard B. Rosen Thermostat incorporating thin film carbon dioxide sensor and environmental control system
US6290140B1 (en) 1999-03-04 2001-09-18 Energyiq Systems, Inc. Energy management system and method
GB2353184A (en) 1999-08-13 2001-02-14 Nokia Mobile Phones Ltd Disabling a touch sensitive display screen when a call is established
US6318639B1 (en) 1999-10-15 2001-11-20 Emerson Electric Co. Thermostat with temporary fan on function
US6236326B1 (en) 1999-10-29 2001-05-22 Vtech Telecommunications, Ltd. Method and apparatus for intelligently signaling a battery charge condition in a wireless telephone
US6315211B1 (en) 1999-12-03 2001-11-13 Emerson Electric Co. Hardwired or battery powered digital thermostat
US6330806B1 (en) * 2000-03-03 2001-12-18 York International Corporation System and method for controlling an HVAC system using a flash mini-card
US6580950B1 (en) 2000-04-28 2003-06-17 Echelon Corporation Internet based home communications system
US6468290B1 (en) 2000-06-05 2002-10-22 Scimed Life Systems, Inc. Two-planar vena cava filter with self-centering capabilities
US6595430B1 (en) 2000-10-26 2003-07-22 Honeywell International Inc. Graphical user interface system for a thermal comfort controller
US6973410B2 (en) 2001-05-15 2005-12-06 Chillergy Systems, Llc Method and system for evaluating the efficiency of an air conditioning apparatus
US20030034898A1 (en) 2001-08-20 2003-02-20 Shamoon Charles G. Thermostat and remote control system and method
US6581846B1 (en) 2002-03-06 2003-06-24 Howard B. Rosen Thermostat including a vacation mode in which electrical devices within and proximate the conditioned space are operated by the thermostat to provide an occupied appearance
US6578770B1 (en) 2002-04-09 2003-06-17 Howard B. Rosen Thermostat incorporating a carbon dioxide sensor suitable for reading using potentiostat techniques, and environmental control system incorporating such thermostat
US20040262410A1 (en) * 2003-04-11 2004-12-30 Hull Gerry G. Graphical thermostat and sensor

Patent Citations (24)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6259074B1 (en) * 1999-10-26 2001-07-10 Sims Level 1, Inc. Apparatus for regulating the temperature of a fluid
US20020022991A1 (en) * 2000-01-07 2002-02-21 Sharood John N. Building marketing system
US20010042684A1 (en) * 2000-02-04 2001-11-22 Abdeltif Essalik Gas component sensor for gas oxides
US20010052459A1 (en) * 2000-02-04 2001-12-20 Air Q, Llc Gas component sensor for gas sulfur oxides
US20010029585A1 (en) * 2000-03-13 2001-10-11 Theodore Simon Integrated security and communications system with secure communications link
US20030136135A1 (en) * 2000-06-16 2003-07-24 Lg Electronics Inc. Refrigerator and method for controlling the same
US20020005435A1 (en) * 2000-07-11 2002-01-17 Invensys Controls Italy Srl Electronic device for regulating and controlling ambient temperatures, and relative setting method
US20020096572A1 (en) * 2001-01-22 2002-07-25 Meritor Heavy Vehicle Technology, Llc Individualized vehicle settings
US20020138184A1 (en) * 2001-02-05 2002-09-26 The Boeing Company Diagnostic system and method
US20030033156A1 (en) * 2001-08-06 2003-02-13 Mccall John E. Method and system for providing advisory information to a field service provider
US20030074489A1 (en) * 2001-08-14 2003-04-17 Steger Perry C. Measurement system with modular measurement modules that convey interface information
US20030034897A1 (en) * 2001-08-20 2003-02-20 Shamoon Charles G. Thermostat and remote control apparatus
US20030123224A1 (en) * 2001-12-13 2003-07-03 Carter Group, Inc. Electronic controller modules and methods for making and using same
US20030142121A1 (en) * 2002-01-30 2003-07-31 Rosen Howard B. Programmable thermostat system employing a touch screen unit for intuitive interactive interface with a user
US20040074978A1 (en) * 2002-01-30 2004-04-22 Howard Rosen Programmable thermostat including a feature for providing a running total for the cost of energy consumed during a given period for heating and/or cooling a conditioned space
US20030150927A1 (en) * 2002-02-13 2003-08-14 Howard Rosen Thermostat system with location data
US20030150926A1 (en) * 2002-02-13 2003-08-14 Rosen Howard B. Thermostat system communicating with a remote correspondent for receiving and displaying diverse information
US20030177012A1 (en) * 2002-03-13 2003-09-18 Brett Drennan Voice activated thermostat
US7840434B2 (en) * 2002-10-29 2010-11-23 At&T Intellectual Property I, L. P. Methods and systems for assigning multiple tasks
US20030121652A1 (en) * 2003-02-18 2003-07-03 Emerson Electric Co. Thermostat With One Button Programming Feature
US20040193324A1 (en) * 2003-03-24 2004-09-30 Hoog Klaus D. Device and method for interactive programming of a thermostat
US7194695B1 (en) * 2003-03-31 2007-03-20 Unisys Corporation Logistics management system presenting user interface for performing multiple freight management tasks
US20040245352A1 (en) * 2003-06-03 2004-12-09 Tim Simon, Inc., A Corporation Of The State Of California Thermostat with touch-screen display
US20040267385A1 (en) * 2003-06-27 2004-12-30 Hx Lifespace, Inc. Building automation system

Cited By (138)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US10162372B2 (en) 2007-07-13 2018-12-25 Cummins Inc. Interface and monitoring system and method for a vehicle idling control system
US20090017986A1 (en) * 2007-07-13 2009-01-15 Cummins, Inc. Totally integrated temperature sensor
US20090018719A1 (en) * 2007-07-13 2009-01-15 Cummins, Inc. Interface and monitoring system and method for a vehicle idling control
US20090018707A1 (en) * 2007-07-13 2009-01-15 Cummins, Inc. Adaptive system and method for controlling vehicle idling
US20090018702A1 (en) * 2007-07-13 2009-01-15 Cummins, Inc. System and method for controlling vehicle idling based on engine emmissions
US20090016042A1 (en) * 2007-07-13 2009-01-15 Cummins, Inc. Idle control system and method of mounting
US20090125184A1 (en) * 2007-07-13 2009-05-14 Cummins Inc. Circuit board with integrated connector
US8565932B2 (en) 2007-07-13 2013-10-22 Cummins, Inc. Idle control of system and method of mounting
US8560124B2 (en) * 2007-07-13 2013-10-15 Cummins Inc. Idle control system and method for adaptive temperature control
US20090015203A1 (en) * 2007-07-13 2009-01-15 Cummins, Inc. System and method for controlling vehicle idling and maintaining vehicle electrical system integrity
US8154251B2 (en) 2007-07-13 2012-04-10 Cummins, Inc. System and method for controlling vehicle idling and maintaining vehicle electrical system integrity
US8078339B2 (en) 2007-07-13 2011-12-13 Cummins Inc. Circuit board with integrated connector
US8078324B2 (en) 2007-07-13 2011-12-13 Cummins Inc. Method for controlling fixed and removable vehicle HVAC devices
US8938331B2 (en) 2007-07-13 2015-01-20 Cummins Inc. Interface and monitoring system and method for a vehicle idling control system
US8036816B2 (en) 2007-07-13 2011-10-11 Cummins, Inc. Totally integrated temperature sensor
US20100050108A1 (en) * 2008-08-22 2010-02-25 Lennox Manufacturing, Inc., A Corporation Of Delaware Display apparatus and method for entering a reminder in a control unit for an environmental control system
US20110010652A1 (en) * 2008-08-22 2011-01-13 Lennox Industries, Incorporated Display apparatus and method having service contract entry capability for an environmental control system
US20110010651A1 (en) * 2008-08-22 2011-01-13 Lennox Industries, Incorporated Display apparatus and method having parameter display toggle capability for an environmental control system
US20110010653A1 (en) * 2008-08-22 2011-01-13 Lennox Industries, Incorporated Display apparatus and method having custom date and time-based schedule hold capability for an environmental control system
US20110007017A1 (en) * 2008-08-22 2011-01-13 Lennox Industries, Incorporated Display apparatus and method having schedule toggle capability for an environmental control system
US20110010660A1 (en) * 2008-08-22 2011-01-13 Lennox Industries, Incorporated Display apparatus and method having tabbed user interface for an environmental control system
US20110010621A1 (en) * 2008-08-22 2011-01-13 Lennox Industries, Incorporated Display apparatus and method having delay or reset reminders for an environmental control system
US9108489B2 (en) * 2008-08-22 2015-08-18 Lennox Industries Inc. Display apparatus and method having tabbed user interface for an environmental control system
US9056539B2 (en) 2008-08-22 2015-06-16 Lennox Industries Inc. Display apparatus and method having parameter display toggle capability for an environmental control system
US20110007016A1 (en) * 2008-08-22 2011-01-13 Lennox Industries, Incorporated Display apparatus and method having parameter toggle capability for an environmental control system
US8990718B2 (en) 2008-08-22 2015-03-24 Lennox Industries Inc. Display apparatus and method having textual system status message display capability for an enviromental control system
US20110010620A1 (en) * 2008-08-22 2011-01-13 Lennox Industries, Incorporated Display apparatus and method having irrelevant parameter hiding capability for an environmental control system
US20110004824A1 (en) * 2008-08-22 2011-01-06 Lennox Industries, Incorporated Display apparatus and method having textual system status message display capability for an enviromental control system
US20110004842A1 (en) * 2008-08-22 2011-01-06 Lennox Industries, Incorporated Display apparatus and method having custom reminder entry capability for an environmental control system
US20110004825A1 (en) * 2008-08-22 2011-01-06 Lennox Industries, Incorporated Display apparatus and method having multiple day programming capability for an environmental control system
US20110004823A1 (en) * 2008-08-22 2011-01-06 Lennox Industries, Incorporated Display apparatus and method having menu and system setting scroll capability for an environmental control system
US20100050075A1 (en) * 2008-08-22 2010-02-25 Lennox Manufacturing, Inc., A Corporation Of Delaware Display apparatus and method for a control unit for an environmental control system
US8798796B2 (en) 2008-10-27 2014-08-05 Lennox Industries Inc. General control techniques in a heating, ventilation and air conditioning network
US8874815B2 (en) 2008-10-27 2014-10-28 Lennox Industries, Inc. Communication protocol system and method for a distributed architecture heating, ventilation and air conditioning network
US8352081B2 (en) 2008-10-27 2013-01-08 Lennox Industries Inc. Communication protocol system and method for a distributed-architecture heating, ventilation and air conditioning network
US8352080B2 (en) 2008-10-27 2013-01-08 Lennox Industries Inc. Communication protocol system and method for a distributed-architecture heating, ventilation and air conditioning network
US8433446B2 (en) 2008-10-27 2013-04-30 Lennox Industries, Inc. Alarm and diagnostics system and method for a distributed-architecture heating, ventilation and air conditioning network
US8437877B2 (en) 2008-10-27 2013-05-07 Lennox Industries Inc. System recovery in a heating, ventilation and air conditioning network
US8437878B2 (en) 2008-10-27 2013-05-07 Lennox Industries Inc. Alarm and diagnostics system and method for a distributed architecture heating, ventilation and air conditioning network
US8442693B2 (en) 2008-10-27 2013-05-14 Lennox Industries, Inc. System and method of use for a user interface dashboard of a heating, ventilation and air conditioning network
US8452906B2 (en) 2008-10-27 2013-05-28 Lennox Industries, Inc. Communication protocol system and method for a distributed-architecture heating, ventilation and air conditioning network
US8452456B2 (en) 2008-10-27 2013-05-28 Lennox Industries Inc. System and method of use for a user interface dashboard of a heating, ventilation and air conditioning network
US8463443B2 (en) 2008-10-27 2013-06-11 Lennox Industries, Inc. Memory recovery scheme and data structure in a heating, ventilation and air conditioning network
US8463442B2 (en) 2008-10-27 2013-06-11 Lennox Industries, Inc. Alarm and diagnostics system and method for a distributed architecture heating, ventilation and air conditioning network
US9678486B2 (en) 2008-10-27 2017-06-13 Lennox Industries Inc. Device abstraction system and method for a distributed-architecture heating, ventilation and air conditioning system
US9651925B2 (en) 2008-10-27 2017-05-16 Lennox Industries Inc. System and method for zoning a distributed-architecture heating, ventilation and air conditioning network
US8543243B2 (en) 2008-10-27 2013-09-24 Lennox Industries, Inc. System and method of use for a user interface dashboard of a heating, ventilation and air conditioning network
US8548630B2 (en) 2008-10-27 2013-10-01 Lennox Industries, Inc. Alarm and diagnostics system and method for a distributed-architecture heating, ventilation and air conditioning network
US8560125B2 (en) 2008-10-27 2013-10-15 Lennox Industries Communication protocol system and method for a distributed-architecture heating, ventilation and air conditioning network
US9632490B2 (en) 2008-10-27 2017-04-25 Lennox Industries Inc. System and method for zoning a distributed architecture heating, ventilation and air conditioning network
US8564400B2 (en) 2008-10-27 2013-10-22 Lennox Industries, Inc. Communication protocol system and method for a distributed-architecture heating, ventilation and air conditioning network
US8255086B2 (en) 2008-10-27 2012-08-28 Lennox Industries Inc. System recovery in a heating, ventilation and air conditioning network
US8600559B2 (en) 2008-10-27 2013-12-03 Lennox Industries Inc. Method of controlling equipment in a heating, ventilation and air conditioning network
US8600558B2 (en) 2008-10-27 2013-12-03 Lennox Industries Inc. System recovery in a heating, ventilation and air conditioning network
US8615326B2 (en) 2008-10-27 2013-12-24 Lennox Industries Inc. System and method of use for a user interface dashboard of a heating, ventilation and air conditioning network
US8655491B2 (en) 2008-10-27 2014-02-18 Lennox Industries Inc. Alarm and diagnostics system and method for a distributed architecture heating, ventilation and air conditioning network
US8655490B2 (en) 2008-10-27 2014-02-18 Lennox Industries, Inc. System and method of use for a user interface dashboard of a heating, ventilation and air conditioning network
US8661165B2 (en) 2008-10-27 2014-02-25 Lennox Industries, Inc. Device abstraction system and method for a distributed architecture heating, ventilation and air conditioning system
US8694164B2 (en) 2008-10-27 2014-04-08 Lennox Industries, Inc. Interactive user guidance interface for a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system
US9432208B2 (en) 2008-10-27 2016-08-30 Lennox Industries Inc. Device abstraction system and method for a distributed architecture heating, ventilation and air conditioning system
US8725298B2 (en) 2008-10-27 2014-05-13 Lennox Industries, Inc. Alarm and diagnostics system and method for a distributed architecture heating, ventilation and conditioning network
US9377768B2 (en) 2008-10-27 2016-06-28 Lennox Industries Inc. Memory recovery scheme and data structure in a heating, ventilation and air conditioning network
US8744629B2 (en) 2008-10-27 2014-06-03 Lennox Industries Inc. System and method of use for a user interface dashboard of a heating, ventilation and air conditioning network
US8762666B2 (en) 2008-10-27 2014-06-24 Lennox Industries, Inc. Backup and restoration of operation control data in a heating, ventilation and air conditioning network
US8761945B2 (en) 2008-10-27 2014-06-24 Lennox Industries Inc. Device commissioning in a heating, ventilation and air conditioning network
US8774210B2 (en) 2008-10-27 2014-07-08 Lennox Industries, Inc. Communication protocol system and method for a distributed-architecture heating, ventilation and air conditioning network
US9325517B2 (en) 2008-10-27 2016-04-26 Lennox Industries Inc. Device abstraction system and method for a distributed-architecture heating, ventilation and air conditioning system
US8788100B2 (en) 2008-10-27 2014-07-22 Lennox Industries Inc. System and method for zoning a distributed-architecture heating, ventilation and air conditioning network
US8239066B2 (en) 2008-10-27 2012-08-07 Lennox Industries Inc. System and method of use for a user interface dashboard of a heating, ventilation and air conditioning network
US8802981B2 (en) 2008-10-27 2014-08-12 Lennox Industries Inc. Flush wall mount thermostat and in-set mounting plate for a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system
US8855825B2 (en) 2008-10-27 2014-10-07 Lennox Industries Inc. Device abstraction system and method for a distributed-architecture heating, ventilation and air conditioning system
US9268345B2 (en) 2008-10-27 2016-02-23 Lennox Industries Inc. System and method of use for a user interface dashboard of a heating, ventilation and air conditioning network
US9261888B2 (en) 2008-10-27 2016-02-16 Lennox Industries Inc. System and method of use for a user interface dashboard of a heating, ventilation and air conditioning network
US8892797B2 (en) 2008-10-27 2014-11-18 Lennox Industries Inc. Communication protocol system and method for a distributed-architecture heating, ventilation and air conditioning network
US8295981B2 (en) 2008-10-27 2012-10-23 Lennox Industries Inc. Device commissioning in a heating, ventilation and air conditioning network
US9152155B2 (en) 2008-10-27 2015-10-06 Lennox Industries Inc. Device abstraction system and method for a distributed-architecture heating, ventilation and air conditioning system
US8977794B2 (en) 2008-10-27 2015-03-10 Lennox Industries, Inc. Communication protocol system and method for a distributed-architecture heating, ventilation and air conditioning network
US8994539B2 (en) 2008-10-27 2015-03-31 Lennox Industries, Inc. Alarm and diagnostics system and method for a distributed-architecture heating, ventilation and air conditioning network
US8729902B1 (en) * 2009-10-05 2014-05-20 White's Electronics, Inc. Metal detector analysis and display methods
USD648642S1 (en) 2009-10-21 2011-11-15 Lennox Industries Inc. Thin cover plate for an electronic system controller
USD648641S1 (en) 2009-10-21 2011-11-15 Lennox Industries Inc. Thin cover plate for an electronic system controller
US20110107422A1 (en) * 2009-10-30 2011-05-05 Patrick Choy Ming Wong Email worm detection methods and devices
US20110132991A1 (en) * 2009-12-07 2011-06-09 Hunter Fan Company Thermostat
US8528831B2 (en) 2009-12-07 2013-09-10 Hunter Fan Company Thermostat with efficiency display
US20110132990A1 (en) * 2009-12-07 2011-06-09 Hunter Fan Company Thermostat
US9599359B2 (en) 2010-02-17 2017-03-21 Lennox Industries Inc. Integrated controller an HVAC system
US8788104B2 (en) 2010-02-17 2014-07-22 Lennox Industries Inc. Heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) system with an auxiliary controller
US8260444B2 (en) 2010-02-17 2012-09-04 Lennox Industries Inc. Auxiliary controller of a HVAC system
US9574784B2 (en) 2010-02-17 2017-02-21 Lennox Industries Inc. Method of starting a HVAC system having an auxiliary controller
US9489062B2 (en) 2010-09-14 2016-11-08 Google Inc. User interfaces for remote management and control of network-connected thermostats
US9298196B2 (en) 2010-11-19 2016-03-29 Google Inc. Energy efficiency promoting schedule learning algorithms for intelligent thermostat
US10175668B2 (en) 2010-11-19 2019-01-08 Google Llc Systems and methods for energy-efficient control of an energy-consuming system
US8918219B2 (en) 2010-11-19 2014-12-23 Google Inc. User friendly interface for control unit
US9952573B2 (en) 2010-11-19 2018-04-24 Google Llc Systems and methods for a graphical user interface of a controller for an energy-consuming system having spatially related discrete display elements
US10627791B2 (en) 2010-11-19 2020-04-21 Google Llc Thermostat user interface
US8706270B2 (en) 2010-11-19 2014-04-22 Nest Labs, Inc. Thermostat user interface
US10241482B2 (en) 2010-11-19 2019-03-26 Google Llc Thermostat user interface
US9459018B2 (en) 2010-11-19 2016-10-04 Google Inc. Systems and methods for energy-efficient control of an energy-consuming system
US11334034B2 (en) 2010-11-19 2022-05-17 Google Llc Energy efficiency promoting schedule learning algorithms for intelligent thermostat
US9552002B2 (en) 2010-11-19 2017-01-24 Google Inc. Graphical user interface for setpoint creation and modification
US9575496B2 (en) 2010-11-19 2017-02-21 Google Inc. HVAC controller with user-friendly installation features with wire insertion detection
US9995499B2 (en) 2010-11-19 2018-06-12 Google Llc Electronic device controller with user-friendly installation features
US9092039B2 (en) 2010-11-19 2015-07-28 Google Inc. HVAC controller with user-friendly installation features with wire insertion detection
US10606724B2 (en) 2010-11-19 2020-03-31 Google Llc Attributing causation for energy usage and setpoint changes with a network-connected thermostat
US11372433B2 (en) 2010-11-19 2022-06-28 Google Llc Thermostat user interface
US10747242B2 (en) 2010-11-19 2020-08-18 Google Llc Thermostat user interface
US10346275B2 (en) 2010-11-19 2019-07-09 Google Llc Attributing causation for energy usage and setpoint changes with a network-connected thermostat
US9026232B2 (en) 2010-11-19 2015-05-05 Google Inc. Thermostat user interface
US10078319B2 (en) 2010-11-19 2018-09-18 Google Llc HVAC schedule establishment in an intelligent, network-connected thermostat
US9766606B2 (en) 2010-11-19 2017-09-19 Google Inc. Thermostat user interface
US10443879B2 (en) 2010-12-31 2019-10-15 Google Llc HVAC control system encouraging energy efficient user behaviors in plural interactive contexts
US9175871B2 (en) 2011-10-07 2015-11-03 Google Inc. Thermostat user interface
US9920946B2 (en) 2011-10-07 2018-03-20 Google Llc Remote control of a smart home device
US9453655B2 (en) 2011-10-07 2016-09-27 Google Inc. Methods and graphical user interfaces for reporting performance information for an HVAC system controlled by a self-programming network-connected thermostat
US9720585B2 (en) 2011-10-21 2017-08-01 Google Inc. User friendly interface
US9291359B2 (en) 2011-10-21 2016-03-22 Google Inc. Thermostat user interface
US10678416B2 (en) 2011-10-21 2020-06-09 Google Llc Occupancy-based operating state determinations for sensing or control systems
US9740385B2 (en) 2011-10-21 2017-08-22 Google Inc. User-friendly, network-connected, smart-home controller and related systems and methods
US20130245838A1 (en) * 2012-03-14 2013-09-19 Honeywell International Inc. Hvac controller and remote control unit
US10452084B2 (en) * 2012-03-14 2019-10-22 Ademco Inc. Operation of building control via remote device
US8893032B2 (en) * 2012-03-29 2014-11-18 Google Inc. User interfaces for HVAC schedule display and modification on smartphone or other space-limited touchscreen device
US10145577B2 (en) 2012-03-29 2018-12-04 Google Llc User interfaces for HVAC schedule display and modification on smartphone or other space-limited touchscreen device
US20190107305A1 (en) * 2012-03-29 2019-04-11 Google Llc User interfaces for schedule display and modification on smartphone or other space-limited touchscreen device
US11781770B2 (en) * 2012-03-29 2023-10-10 Google Llc User interfaces for schedule display and modification on smartphone or other space-limited touchscreen device
US10443877B2 (en) 2012-03-29 2019-10-15 Google Llc Processing and reporting usage information for an HVAC system controlled by a network-connected thermostat
US9890970B2 (en) 2012-03-29 2018-02-13 Google Inc. Processing and reporting usage information for an HVAC system controlled by a network-connected thermostat
US9222693B2 (en) 2013-04-26 2015-12-29 Google Inc. Touchscreen device user interface for remote control of a thermostat
US9683753B2 (en) 2013-05-24 2017-06-20 Emerson Electric Co. Facilitating installation of a controller and/or maintenance of a climate control system
US10557637B2 (en) 2014-01-20 2020-02-11 Emerson Electric Co. Facilitating scheduling of comfort controllers
US20150204569A1 (en) * 2014-01-20 2015-07-23 Emerson Electric Co. Facilitating Scheduling of Comfort Controllers
US10024565B2 (en) * 2014-01-20 2018-07-17 Emerson Electric Co. Facilitating scheduling of comfort controllers
USD743349S1 (en) * 2014-04-07 2015-11-17 Honeywell International Inc. Building control device
USD741269S1 (en) * 2014-07-15 2015-10-20 Vivint, Inc. Touch panel
CN107543294A (en) * 2016-06-28 2018-01-05 宁波奥克斯空调有限公司 A kind of air conditioning control method
US11029056B2 (en) 2017-10-11 2021-06-08 Frontiertech International Inc. Automatic switchover thermostat system based on apparent temperature and method for determining and automatically controlling the apparent temperature of a conditioned space
US11428434B2 (en) 2017-10-11 2022-08-30 Frontiertech International Inc. Automatic switchover thermostat system and control method based on apparent temperature with dead band adjustment
USD975031S1 (en) 2021-03-12 2023-01-10 Honeywell International Inc. Building controller
USD996987S1 (en) 2021-03-12 2023-08-29 Honeywell International Inc. Building controller

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
US20050119793A1 (en) 2005-06-02
US7274972B2 (en) 2007-09-25
WO2005061965A1 (en) 2005-07-07

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US7274972B2 (en) Programmable controller with saving changes indication
US10655873B2 (en) Controller interface with separate schedule review mode
US7890195B2 (en) Controller interface with multiple day programming
US9964321B2 (en) HVAC controller having a parameter adjustment element with a qualitative indicator
US10430056B2 (en) Quick edit system for programming a thermostat
KR20150038979A (en) heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning controller
US11334034B2 (en) Energy efficiency promoting schedule learning algorithms for intelligent thermostat
US10802527B1 (en) Mechanical button interface for use with environmental controls
WO2021067304A1 (en) Simplified system and method to setback programming of thermostats

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
STCB Information on status: application discontinuation

Free format text: ABANDONED -- AFTER EXAMINER'S ANSWER OR BOARD OF APPEALS DECISION