IE20100214U1 - Programmable controllers and schedule timers - Google Patents

Abstract

ABSTRACT The present invention relates to a user interface system and method for programming a schedule of a programmable device. The system comprises processor means and a display unit coupled to the processor means, whereby the processor means is configured to provide a graphical display on the display unit for displaying a time select region for programming at least one time period for the schedule. The time select region is displayed on the display unit as a dial divided into a plurality of segments and each segment represents a period of time in a day, such as fifteen minutes, for an operating parameter, such as a temperature setting for the device. The time select region is interactively operable to enable a user to select one or more segments on the dial to correspond to a selected time period for the schedule. The present invention is directed to a user interface system and method that allows adjustment of multiple schedules in an easy and efficient manner allowing a user to easily view and switch between schedules. [Fig. 3F]

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to the field of programmable controllers and schedule timers for any electrically controlled device. More specifically, the present invention relates to a simplified graphical user inter-face»QGUIyandwmethodvofprogramrning BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION : Controllers and timers 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 parameter 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.

Schedule timers, for example, are employed to control various devices within a home, in order to maximise HVAC For efficiency and to minimise complexity a typical home will require 3 separate schedules. One schedule for when the living area is occupied, separate schedule for when the sleeping area is occupied and one for domestic hot water. These 3 schedules also vary from day to day to suit peop|e’s lifestyles. To obtain maximum efficiency this requires the setting the 3 individual schedules for each day of the week, resulting in a total of 21 timers’ schedules for each home.

Currently HVAC controllers can be grouped into 4 main categories. 1. Mechanical timers, 2. Digital timers, 3. Digital multi zone timers, 4. Programmable controllers.

Mechanical timers are typically single zone 24-hour analogue dial type timer switch with manual push/pull pins divided into half hour segments. They are widely used because of ‘IETGSE30 their basic functionality. They are relatively straightfonivard to operate with visible indication of scheduled times. However, because they are limited to 24 hour, they are not efficient at managing the schedules of current homeowner. There time setting can be confusing and not very accurate. Pins can easily be lost or broken. The schedule can be difficult to set due to the close proximity of the pins and the correct time can easily be affected when setting a new schedule. They have lots of moving parts, which can wear out or break. And they have little ability be remotely controlled or set.

Digital controllers may include a feature that allows the user to set a separate schedule for weekday and weekend use, or to copy the settings for a particular day and then apply them towards other selected days of the week. While these designs allow the user to copy settings from one day to another, a number of steps are often required to establish a program, adding to the complexity of the interface. in some cases, the interface may not permit the user to select multiple days outside of the normal weekday/weekend scheme.

In other cases, the interface is simply too complex to be conveniently used to program and is simply by-passed or not programmed by the user especially if it has multi zone capabilities. Accordingly, there is an ongoing need in the art to decrease the time and complexity associated with programming a multi-day /multi zone schedule in a programmable controller.

Programmable controllers 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.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention is generally directed to a control system and interface that allows adjustment of multiple schedules in programmable controllers, associated with a user interface, such as a graphical user interface (GUI), in an easy and efficient manner, the control allowing a user to easily view and switch between schedules.

By using a visual interface control mechanism, such as the rotary slider control, a time- based scaling of a given view can be easily switched between predefined time settings, the present invention pertains to simplified interfaces for setting programmable controller schedules using dial type graphical user interface.

According to an embodiment of the invention the graphical user interface can be accessed from the controllers own user interface.

According to an embodiment of the invention the graphical user interface can be accessed remotely by a computer or cell phone.

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 explain these embodiments.

While the invention is more particularly exemplify these embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 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 shows a block diagram of the hardware used according to an embodiment of the invention FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of the additional hardware that can be used according to an embodiment of the invention lE’i0G214= FIG. 3A-G shows illustrative drawings of schedule timers according to one embodiment of the invention FIG. 4A-B shows illustrative drawings of touch type schedule timers according to one embodiment of the invention FIG. 5A-B shows illustrative screen shots of schedule timers according to one embodiment of the invention FIG. 6 shows illustrative screen shots of programmable controllers according to one embodiment of the invention FIG. 7 shows illustrative screen shots of mobile type user interface according to one embodiment of the invention amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics 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 OF THE INVENTION The following description should be read with reference to the drawings, in which elements in different drawings are numbered. The drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, depict selected embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Although examples 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 pertains to simplified interfaces for controllers having a dial type GUI programming capabilities. These controllers can be used in a variety of systems such as, for example, HVAC systems, water heater systems, water softener systems, sprinkler systems, security systems, lighting systems, and the like. The Figures depict HVAC controllers. While the present invention is not so limited, an appreciation of IE iG%2‘l4 various aspects of the invention will be gained through a discussion of the examples provided below.

Fig 1 shows a schedule controller 100 including the user interface 120 which is typically a touch screen. With this GUI you can set up and store new schedules using in to the schedule storage device 140 or it can read stored schedules out of the storage device 140 that have been sent over the wireless link 110 or the wired link\130.

Fig 2 shows the programme controller 200 including the user interface 120 and the remote user inter faces that are available which include web server 270 witch has a portal that can be accessed from a user interface PC 260 to send, set up and store new schedules remotely in to the schedule storage device14O or it can read stored schedules out for analysis. Fig 2 also shows the wire less gateway 240 option and the direct link to the mobile network 250.

Fig 3A shows a digitally displayed analogue dial type timer switch 300. it represents one full 24-hour day. This full day is typically divided into ninety-six equal parts, each part represents single 15-minute segment 301. Every fourth segment 302 has a highlighted line 303, which represents a full hour. Beside each ofthese lines is the appropriate digit 304 for the hour it represents.

Fig 3B shows that the segments can be manipulated to represent a number of different states. For example 311 is blank and represents the off state, 312 is filled with a solid colour and represents the on state. While 313 is lightly shaded and represents a segment that is directly below the cursors.

The filled segments can also be coloured coded with various colours to represent a user- selected temperature setting as shown in fig 6A Fig 3C -3D In this embodiment of the GUI a computer mouse type device is used to manipulate the cursor around the GUI. Fig 3C — 3D shows how you wouid set a schedule on a digitally displayed analogue dial type timer switch. The process starts with the computer mouse being manoeuvred to place the cursor 320 over a chosen segment. The segment directly under the cursor will be indicated by a light shading as shown in fig 313.

To confirm this selection a left click is required on the computer mouse. This action %?” 6 changes the segment colour from light shading to a solid colour 321 thus confirming the chosen start time. Currently this on selection 321 has only fifteen minutes duration starting at 06.00 hours 322 and stopping 06.15 hours 323.

To increase the duration of this on selection the start segment 330 has to be selected with the cursor 331, by pressing the left click on the computer mouse when the cursors is in the appropriate position, while the left click button is held down the cursors is dragged around the circumference of the dial 332 until the appropriate time segment for the off action 333 is reached and then the button is released.

The new selection shown has 8 fifteen-minute segments, from 06.00 hours 330 to 08.00 hours 333 which leaves the total on time for this selection at two hours.

Fig 3E This selection process is repeated until the required onloff schedule on this dial are complete as shown in fig 340,341 and 342. The on/off schedules are also shown numerically 343,344 and 345. The numerical values shown on 343,344 and 345 can also be edited by clicking on the appropriate number and overwriting it with a new schedule time.

Fig 3F —3G In this embodiment of the GUI a finger 354 is used (although a stylus type device could be used instead) to set a schedule on a touch screen version of the analogue dial type timer switch. The process starts with the finger being manoeuvred to touch a chosen start segment. This action changes the segment colour from the off state (no shading) to a on state (solid colour) 351 thus confirming the chosen start time.

Currently this on selection 351 has only fifteen minutes duration starting at 06.00 hours 351 and stopping 06.15 hours 352.

To increase the duration of this on selection the finger touches the start segment then drags around the circumference of the dial 332 until the appropriate time segment for the off action 362 is reached and then the finger is released.

The selection shown has 8 fifteen-minute segments, from 06.00 hours 330 to 08.00 hours 361 which leaves the total on time for this selection at two hours.

IE iG@214 Fig 4A in this embodiment of the invention the schedule timer is shown as a touch screen. 400 shows the outline of the controller. Inside this controller is a touch screen 480. The touch screen 480 shows some of the key components required for this controller. It can show one or more digitally displayed analogue type timer switches 410. Fig 4 shows an example of a three zone analogue dial type timer switches. Fig 4 also shows tabs for each day of the week 440. This allows users to programme each of the 7 days with a different schedule. Therefore the example shown would have a total of 21 digitally displayed analogue dial type timer switches.

Also shown are additional buttons and indicator lights 450 and 460 for each zone.

Alternatively or additionally the controller may contain more or less of these buttons 450 or indicator lights 460 per zone for functions like advance or hold.

Fig 4B in this embodiment of the invention the schedule timer is shown without a touch screen as it is envisaged that the device could be set remotely from a pc or from a mobile The schedule timers enclosure would only require a basic select 492 and boost buttons 492 with indicators lights for on 493 /off 494 I auto495 and boost 496 for each zone.

Fig 5A shows a screen shot from a pc type user interface device 500. This user interface includes a number of digitally displayed analogue dial type timer switches 510 that were shown in Fig 3A. It also includes the on/off schedules in a numerically format 520. The numerical type values shown 520 can also be edited by clicking on the appropriate number and overwriting with a new schedule time. It also has a designated set of digitally displayed analogue dial type timer switches 510 for each of the 7 days shown on the tab . The interface includes five additional buttons. 540 is a (previous day) button when pressed selects the previous days schedule. 550 is a (copy options) button when pressed gives the user four options 1) allows the user to copy the currently displayed schedule settings into the next day schedule. 2) Allows the user to copy the current day schedule into all the weekdays (Monday to Friday) 3) Allows you to copy the current day schedule into Saturday, Sunday. 4) Allows the user to copy the current schedule into all seven days. 560 is a clear options button which gives the user two options 1) Allows the user to clear today's settings. 2) Allows the user to clear the full weeks settings. 570 is a (next day) button that when pressed allows the user to view the next day schedule. 580 (apply settings now) updates the full schedule to the controller.

IE 100214 Fig 5B shows an overview of the programme schedules for a typical three zones analogue dial type timer switches with a summary for each of the 7 days.

Fig 6A shows a screen shot from a pc type user interface device 600. This user interface includes a number of digitally displayed analogue dial type programmer controller 610 for each zone. It also includes the on/off schedules and temperatures in a numerical format 620. The numerical type values shown 620 can also be edited by ciicking on the appropriate number and overwriting with a new schedule time or temperature. It also has a set of digitally displayed analogue dial type programmer controller 610 for each of the 7 days shown on the tab 630. This embodiment of the GUI has a current temperature reading 631 for each of thee Zones. A zone name display area 632. A current target temperature setting 633 that is assigned to a time window 634 the colour coded dial version, 635 the start time, 636 the stop time of the numericai version of 634.

The interface includes five additional buttons. 640 is a (previous day) button when pressed selects the previous days schedule. 650 is a (copy options) button when pressed gives the user four options 1) allows the user to copy the currently displayed schedule settings into the next day schedule. 2) Allows the user to copy the current day schedule into all the weekdays (Monday to Friday) 3) Allows you to copy the current day schedule into Saturday, Sunday. 4) Allows the user to copy the current schedule into all seven days. 660 is a clear options button which gives the user two options 1) Allows the user to clear today’s settings. 2) Allows the user to clear the full weeks settings. 670 is a (next day) button that when pressed allows the user to view the next day schedule. 680 (apply settings now) updates the full schedule to the controller.

Fig 7 shows a screen shot from a mobile type 700 user interface device with a touch screen 710. This user interface shows a digitally displayed analogue dial type timer switches 720 the same type that were shown in Fig 3A. It also includes the onloff schedules in a numerically format 730 start time, 740 stop time while the number 1 button 750 shows the selection displayed is the first on/off schedule of the day. Individual schedules can be set for each day by selecting the required day from the tab 770.Whi|e additional zones can be set by selecting the appropriate zone tab 760 when the scheduie is complete it can be applied by the selecting the apply button 780. 'lEzoo214t It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific details described above which are given by way of example oniy, and that various modifications and alterations are possible without departing from the scope of the invention.

MACLACHLAN & DONALDSON Applicant's Agents Merrion Square Dublin 2