US20140207291A1 - User interface screens for zoned hvac systems, a controller employing the screens and a method of operating a zoned hvac system - Google Patents

Abstract

A controller for a zoned HVAC system and interface screens for controlling a zoned HVAC system are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the controller includes: (1) a processor configured to direct operation of the HVAC system according to operating data for zones thereof and (2) a display configured to provide a zone dashboard screen including a zone information area for each of the zones, wherein each the zone information area has a defined shape and is configured to provide operating data for a single one of the zones and receive a user input that selects the single one of the zones for the processor to control.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
• This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/754,932, filed by Charavda, et al., on Jan. 21, 2013, entitled “USER INTERFACE SCREENS AND CONTROLLER FOR HVAC SYSTEM,” commonly assigned with this application and incorporated herein by reference.
TECHNICAL FIELD
• This application is directed, in general, to heating, ventilating and air conditioning (HVAC) systems and, more specifically, to zoned HVAC systems.
BACKGROUND
• HVAC systems are used to regulate environmental condition within an enclosed space. Typically, HVAC systems have a circulation fan that pulls air from the enclosed space through ducts and pushes the air back into the enclosed space through additional ducts after conditioning the air (e.g., heating, cooling, humidifying or dehumidifying the air). To direct operations of HVAC components including a circulation fan, each HVAC system includes at least one HVAC controller. Some HVAC systems are zoned systems wherein a HVAC controller can direct the flow of conditioned air for each of the zones of the HVAC system.
SUMMARY
• In one aspect, the disclosure provides a controller for a zoned HVAC system. In one embodiment, the controller includes: (1) a processor configured to direct operation of the HVAC system according to operating data for zones thereof and (2) a display configured to provide a zone dashboard screen including a zone information area for each of the zones, wherein each the zone information area has a defined shape and is configured to provide operating data for a single one of the zones and receive a user input that selects the single one of the zones for the processor to control.
• In another aspect, a computer program product having a series of operating instruction stored on a non-transitory computer readable medium that directs operation of a processor when initiated thereby to provide interface screens on a display for interacting with a zoned HVAC system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the interface screens include a zone dashboard screen having zone information areas for zones of the HVAC system, wherein each one of the zone information areas has a defined shape, is configured to provide operating data therein for a single one of the zones and is configured to receive a user input invoking a home page screen for the single one of the zones.
• In yet another aspect, a graphical user interface for a zoned HVAC system is disclosed. In one embodiment, the graphical user interface includes: (1) zone identifiers that textually identify different zones of the zoned HVAC system and (2) zone information areas for the zones of the zoned HVAC system, wherein each one of the zone information areas has a defined shape, is configured to provide operating data therein for a single one of the zones and is configured to receive a user input invoking a home page screen for the single one of the zones.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION
• Reference is now made to the following descriptions taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
• FIG. 1 is a high-level block diagram of an embodiment of a HVAC system constructed according to the principles of the disclosure;
• FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a controller constructed according to the principles of the disclosure;
• FIG. 3 illustrates an example of a first embodiment of a zone dashboard screen constructed according to the principles of the disclosure;
• FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a second embodiment of a zone dashboard screen constructed according to the principles of the disclosure;
• FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a first embodiment of a zone home page screen constructed according to the principles of the disclosure;
• FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a second embodiment of a zone home page screen constructed according to the principles of the disclosure;
• FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a third embodiment of a zone home page screen constructed according to the principles of the disclosure; and
• FIG. 8 illustrates a flow diagram of an embodiment of a method of operating a zoned HVAC system carried out according to the principles of the disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
• Controlling and coordinating each of the individual zones of a zoned HVAC system can be cumbersome. This disclosure provides user interface screens that allow a user to view the settings for multiple zones of a zoned HVAC system on a single screen. The single user interface screen, referred to herein as a zone dashboard screen, also allows a user to select one of the displayed zones to obtain further information and control thereof.
• As such, the disclosure also provides interface screens, disclosed herein as zone home page screens, which are directed to a single one of the multiple zones selectable from the zone dashboard screen. From the zone home page screens, a user can view the current environmental indoor and outdoor information for that zone, the operating set points for the zone and the operating status for the zone. Additionally, a user can change the operating set points for the zone.
• The disclosed interface zoning screens allow a user to advantageously monitor and modify the temperature and set points for each individual zone of a zoned HVAC system. Instead of a menu driven system, the zoning interface screens are designed according to an application paradigm that is used in such non-HVAC devices as smart phones and tablets. For example, from a home page in a zoned HVAC system, a user can view the current temperature of the zones of the zoned HVAC system by simply scrolling left or right. If the user would like to see all of the zones at once, the user can invoke the zone dashboard screen. From the zone dashboard screen, the user can view the current temperature, cool to set point and heat to set point for each of the zones of a zoned HVAC system. The interface zoning screens can be employed by or on HVAC components such as a thermostat, an environmental sensor, a zone controller, etc. Additionally, the interface zoning screens can be employed in mobile non-HVAC devices. A mobile non-HVAC device as used herein is a device having a primary function that is not associated with HVAC systems. For example, non-HVAC devices include mobile computing devices that are configured to interact with zoned HVAC systems. Mobile computing devices can be mobile telephones (including smart phones), tablets, game devices, etc., that include at least one processor, memory and display. One skilled in the art will also understand that the mobile computing devices disclosed herein include other components that are typically included in such devices including a power supply, communications interface, etc.
• The disclosed features and schemes provide an improved interface mechanism for informing users and receiving inputs to change operating parameters for each of the various zones of a zoned HVAC system. The interface zoning screens allow a user to make changes to the various zones that are saved or stored immediately from the perspective of the user. As such, a user can make changes that are stored in real time and ready for implementation. Additionally, each of the interface zoning screens provide a similar look and feel regardless of the implementation such that a user is familiar with the operation thereof whether employed directly on a HVAC controller or employed on a non-HVAC device. Turning now to the figures that provide illustrated embodiments of the features.
• FIG. 1 is a high-level block diagram of an embodiment of aHVAC system100, constructed according to the principles of the disclosure. TheHVAC system100 is a networked HVAC system configured to condition air within an enclosed space, such as a house, an office building, a warehouse, etc. TheHVAC system100 includes multiple components with a single one of some of the components inFIG. 1 being represented. One skilled in the art will understand that multiple of the same components can be included. One skilled in the art will also understand theHVAC system100 can include other components that are not illustrated but typically included with an HVAC system.
• TheHVAC system100 is a zoned system. As such,multiple comfort sensors160 anddampers185 are denoted. TheHVAC system100 also includes acirculation fan110, afurnace120, typically associated with thecirculation fan110, and arefrigerant evaporator coil130, also typically associated with thecirculation fan110. Thecirculation fan110,furnace120, andrefrigerant evaporator coil130 are collectively referred to as the “indoor unit.” This embodiment of thesystem100 also includes acompressor140 and an associatedcondenser coil142, which are typically referred to as the “outdoor unit”144. Thecompressor140 and associatedcondenser coil142 are typically connected to an associatedevaporator coil130 by arefrigerant line146.
• Thecirculation fan110, sometimes referred to as a blower, can operate at different capacities, i.e., motor speeds, to circulate air through the multiple zones of theHVAC system100, whereby the circulated air is conditioned and supplied to the conditioned enclosed space. Thecirculation fan110 moves the air at a certain capacity according to a blower volume that is often expressed in terms of cubic feet per minute, or CFM of the circulatingfan110.
• Thecontrol unit150 is configured to control thecirculation fan110, thefurnace120 and/or thecompressor140 to regulate the temperature of the enclosed space. Thecontrol unit150 may be an integrated controller or a distributed controller that directs operation of theHVAC system100. Thecontrol unit150 may include an interface to receive thermostat calls, blower control signals, and blower volumes for various zones and operating modes of the HVAC system. A thermostat call as used herein is based on an environmental setting such as a temperature or a humidity. The thermostat calls include, for example, heating demands, cooling demands and dehumidifying demands. A thermostat call can be generated by, for example, a thermostat or a comfort sensor.
• Thecontrol unit150 includes a processor, such as a microprocessor, that is configured to direct operation of theHVAC system100 according to operating parameters for the various zones of the HVAC system. The operating parameters for a particular zone include a heating set point and a cooling set point for that zone. The heating and cooling set points for each of the zones can be received via a corresponding zone home page screen.FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of a zone home page screen that can be employed to receive operating parameters that are used by the processor. Thecontrol unit150 also includes a memory section having a series of operating instructions stored therein that direct the operation of the control unit150 (e.g., the processor) when initiated thereby. The series of operating instructions may represent algorithms that are used to generate the interface screens disclosed herein.
• TheHVAC system100 also includescomfort sensors160 that may be associated with thecontrol unit150, zones of theHVAC system100 and also optionally associated with adisplay170. Thecomfort sensors160 provide current information, environmental data, about environmental conditions within the zones of the enclosed space, such as temperature, humidity and air quality to thecontrol unit150 anddisplay170.
• Thedisplay170 is configured to provide a visual interface between a user and theHVAC system100 including a zone dashboard screen and home page screens. In some embodiments, thedisplay170 also provides additional functions such as operational, diagnostic and status messages. In some embodiments, thedisplay170 is a thermostat for theHVAC system100. In other embodiments, thedisplay170 is associated with a controller of theHVAC system100, such as thecontrol unit150. Herein, the term “user” will be used to refer collectively to any of an installer, a tester, a user, an operator, a repairman, etc., unless clarity is served by greater specificity.
• Thezone controller180 is configured to manage the movement of conditioned air to the designated zones of the enclosed space. Each of the designated zones include at least one demand unit, such as thefurnace120, and at least one user interface, such as a thermostat or a comfort sensor. The zone controlledHVAC system100 allows a user to independently control the environment in the designated zones employing the zone dashboard screen and the zone home page screen disclosed herein. Thezone controller180 operateselectronic dampers185 to control air flow to the zones of the enclosed space. Thezone controller180 generates a blower control signal to request a blower volume for thecirculation fan110. Thezone controller180 can be configured to provide the functionality of a conventional controller for delivering conditioned air to designated zones of a conditioned space. Additionally, thezone controller180 can be configured to provide the zoning interface screens disclosed herein. Harmony III™ Zone Control System available from Lennox Industries, Inc. of Richardson, Tex., is an example of a zoning system that employs a zone controller to manage the distribution of conditioned air to designated zones.
• Adata bus190, which in the illustrated embodiment is a serial bus, couples the various components of theHVAC system100 together such that data may be communicated therebetween or thereamong. Thedata bus190 may be advantageously employed to convey one or more alarm messages or one or more diagnostic messages. In some embodiments, the connections therebetween are through a wired-connection. A conventional cable and contacts may be used to couple the various components together. In some embodiments, a wireless connection may also be employed to provide at least some of the connections. As such, components of the zonedHVAC system100 can be configured for wireless communication, such as via a wireless local area network (WLAN).
• In different embodiments, thecontrol unit150, thedisplay170 and thezone controller180 can be a HVAC controller. As such, either one of thecontrol unit150, thedisplay170 or thezone controller180 can be configured to perform all or a portion of the features described herein.FIG. 2 provides additional information of an embodiment of a controller that can be used to interface with a zoned HVAC system. In some embodiments, a non-HVAC device can communicate with a HVAC controller to monitor and modify at least some of the operating parameters of the zones of a zoned HVAC system.Non-HVAC device155 represents such a device that communicates with thecontrol unit150 via aconventional wireless connection157, such as a WLAN.
• FIG. 2 illustrates a block diagram of an embodiment of acontroller200 constructed according to the principles of the disclosure. Thecontroller200 is configured to provide an interface between a user and a zoned HVAC system allowing the user to direct operations of the zoned HVAC system and receive information therefrom. Thecontroller200 can be a device or a portion of a device that is a component of a zoned HVAC system. For example, in different embodiments, thecontroller200 can be a control unit, a zone controller or a thermostat of a zoned HVAC system. In other embodiments, thecontroller200 is a non-HVAC device that is used to interface with a zoned HVAC system. In one embodiment, thecontroller200 is wirelessly coupled to a HVAC controller of a zoned HVAC system.
• Thecontroller200 includes aninterface210, aprocessor220, amemory230 and auser display240. Additionally, thecontroller200 may comprise additional components typically included within a controller, such as a power supply or power port.
• In one embodiment, each of the components in thecontroller200 is operatively coupled to each other via conventional means to communicate information. While all of the components can be contained in one enclosure, in some embodiments, some of these components may be located outside the enclosure while being operatively coupled to other components. Also in some embodiments, a zoned HVAC system has multiple controllers based on the structure or the number of zones of the enclosed space in which the HVAC system is applied.
• Theinterface210 is a communications interface that is configured to connect to a HVAC device and communicate therebetween. Theinterface210 can communicate via a data bus, such asdata bus190 inFIG. 1. For example, thecontroller200 can be thezone controller180 ofFIG. 1 and communicate with at least one of thedampers185 viadata bus190. In another embodiment, thecontroller200 can be a non-HVAC device such as thenon-HVAC device155 ofFIG. 1. In one embodiment, theinterface210 communicates via a wireless connection such as via a WLAN. For example, thecontroller200 can be a non-HVAC device that communicates with thecontrol unit150 via thewireless connection157. In this embodiment, thecontrol unit150 can then communicate via thedata bus190 to direct the operation on a HVAC device per received instructions from thecontroller200. In some embodiments, thecontroller200 is configured to communicate with HVAC controllers from multiple zoned HVAC systems. For example,interface210 can be configured in some embodiments to communicate with a HVAC controller of an upstairs zoned HVAC system and a HVAC controller of a downstairs zoned HVAC system. Theinterface210 can be a conventional communications interface whether employing a wireless or wired communication path.
• In one embodiment, theinterface210 is configured to receive environmental data such as temperature, humidity and etc. from sensors, such as comfort sensors, located throughout the enclosed space and transmit control signals that represent instructions to perform services to the respective HVAC components. In one embodiment, the environmental data and control signals are communicated via a data bus such as thedata bus190 ofFIG. 1. In some embodiments, a wireless connection such as a WLAN is also used to communicate with the zoned HVAC system.
• Theprocessor220 of thecontroller200 directs the operation of thecontroller200 and instructs other HVAC components based on programming data. The programming data includes operation parameters (e.g., temperature setpoints, system modes, fan modes) for each of the zones of the zoned HVAC system. The programming data can be input via thedisplay240 employing home page screens for the various zones. Theprocessor220 may be a conventional processor such as a microprocessor. In one embodiment, theprocessor220 is a processor of a mobile computing device, including a mobile communication device such as a smartphone.
• Thememory230 may be a conventional memory typically located within the controller that is constructed to store the programming data. Thememory230 may store operating instructions to direct the operation of theprocessor220 when initiated thereby. The operating instructions can correspond to algorithms that provide the functionality of the zoning interface screens disclosed herein.
• Thedisplay240 is configured to allow interaction with a user by visually providing information to a user and receiving user inputs. In one embodiment, thedisplay240 can provide a zone dashboard screen and a home page screen for the different zones. The zone dashboard screen includes zone information areas that provide operating data for corresponding zones and receive user inputs that select a single one of the zones for the processor to direct operations thereof. The operating data includes operating parameters such as heating and cooling sets points and also environmental data such as the current temperature. Each home page screen is configured to receive inputs for adjusting at least some of the operating data for a corresponding single zone.
• For example, a user can change the set points for the different zones by employing a set point changer of a zone home page screen. The set point changer and other input areas of the disclosed interface screens initiate an action when activated. In some embodiments, the input areas can be activated when touched or pressed. In other embodiments a user input device, such as a keypad, touchpad, stylus pen, etc., can be used to activate an input area such as the set point changer. Activation of the input areas of the zoning interface screens can be determined based on the type of display in which the graphical user interface screens are employed.
• In addition to the zoning interface screens disclosed herein, thedisplay240 can provide other screens such as operational, diagnostic and status message screens.
• FIG. 3 illustrates a view of an embodiment of azone dashboard screen300 constructed according to the principles of the disclosure. Thezone dashboard screen300 is a graphical user interface screen configured to allow a user to view the current temperature and set points for each zone of a corresponding HVAC system.
• Thezone dashboard screen300 includes zone information areas, collectively designated310, and zone identifiers, collectively designated320, that uniquely correspond to one of the zone information areas. Each of thezone information areas310 has a defined shape, is configured to provide operating data for a single zone and is configured to receive a user input that selects the single zone to be controlled by a processor. InFIG. 3, thezone information areas300 each have the same defined shape of a squircle. Consider for examplezone information area312 that has been designated as a representative of thezone information areas310. Included within the defined shape is a cooling setpoint313, aheating set point314 and a current temperature of thezone315. In one embodiment, the cooling setpoint313 and theheating set point314 are presented in particular colors that correspond to cooling or heating. In some embodiments, the cooling setpoint313 is in blue and theheating set point314 is in red. Each of the zones can be individually controlled and can be set to different modes including: Heat Only, Cool only, Heat or Cool and Off. If a zone is configured to Heat only, only the heating set point will be shown for that zone. If it is configured to cool only, only the cooling set point will be shown. If it is configured to heat or cool, both the heat and cool set points will be shown. If it is configured to off—then no set points will be shown. As indicated by the corresponding one of the zone identifiers specifically denoted as322,zone information area312 is for the kitchen of the enclosed space. Since both the cooling setpoint313 and theheating set point314 are shown, the kitchen zone is set to the heat of cool mode. Other ones of thezone identifiers320 denote a media room zone, a kids room zone and a master bedroom zone. Thezone dashboard screen300 is configured to allow a user to enter the name for each of the zones and rename the zones. In one embodiment, thezone identifiers320 can be activated by touch to allow a user to enter a name or rename a zone.
• Thezone dashboard screen300 also includes aninstructional area330 and anexit area340. Theinstructional area330 includes directions for operating or interfacing with thezone dashboard screen300. Theexit area340 is configured to close or exit-out-of thezone dashboard screen300 in response to a user input thereat. In some embodiments, after exiting out of the zone dashboard screen a HOME screen, such as a thermostat HOME screen is presented. Thezone dashboard screen300 is also configured to indicate which of the various zones of the HVAC system is in an away mode. Away indicators are associated with each particular zone to visually indicate that the particular zone has been placed in an away mode.Away indicators350,354, are specifically identified in thezone dashboard screen300.Away indicator350 corresponds to zone information area for the media room and awayindicator354 corresponds to zone information area for the master bedroom.Zone dashboard screen300 also includes ascreen title360 that describes the information provided.
• FIG. 4 illustrates an example of a second embodiment of a zonedashboard interface screen400 constructed according to the principles of the disclosure. As with thezone dashboard screen300, the zonedashboard interface screen400 includes zone information areas, zone identifiers, and an instructional area. Thezone dashboard screen400 is specifically formatted for a non-HVAC device including a smart phone, such as an iPhone® by Apple Inc., of Cupertino Calif. One skilled in the art will understand that thezone dashboard screen400 can also be employed with or formatted for other type of mobile computing devices.
• The zone dashboardinterface page screen400 includes asystems initiator401 that is used to invoke an HVAC system selection menu. The HVAC system selection menu allows a user to select a particular HVAC system. Thezone dashboard screen400 includes asystem identifier410 that indicates which particular zoned HVAC system is being presented. InFIG. 4, the system identifier indicates that thezone dashboard screen400 is presently directed to a zoned HVAC system denoted as the “Upstair Zones.”
• The zoning information areas of thezone dashboard screen400 are denoted420,430,440 and450. The corresponding zoning identifiers are denoted422,432,442 and452, respectively. As with thezoning information areas310 ofFIG. 3, each of thezoning information areas420,430,440 and450 include operating data. The operating data of zoninginformation area430 is specifically denoted as a representation of each of thezoning information areas420,430,440 and450. The operating data of zoninginformation area450 includes the operating set point parameters cooling setpoint453 and aheating set point455, and alsocurrent temperature457. The correspondingzoning identifier452 indicates thezoning information area450 is for the kitchen.
• As with thezone dashboard screen300, thezone dashboard screen400 is also configured to indicate which of the various zones of the zone HVAC system is in an away mode. Associated with thezoning information area430 is an awaymode indicator460 that operates as the awayindicators350,354, ofFIG. 3.
• Thezone dashboard screen400 also includes aninstructional area470 and anexit area480. Theinstructional area470 includes directions for operating or interfacing with thezone dashboard screen400. Theexit area480 is configured to close or exit-out-of thezone dashboard screen400 in response to a user input thereat. Unlike theexit area340 ofFIG. 3, theexit area480 employs the inherent functionality of the display of a non-HVAC device such as a smartphone and is operated by dragging the “arrow” located in theexit area480. In some embodiments, after exiting from thezone dashboard screen400 the HOME screen for a mobile HVAC application on a particular device, such as the smartphone, is provided.
• FIG. 5 illustrates an example of a first embodiment of a zonehome page screen500 constructed according to the principles of the disclosure. The zonehome page screen500 is the home page screen for a single zone of an HVAC system. The zonehome page screen500 is configured to receive inputs for adjusting at least some of the operating data for the single zone. In one embodiment, the zonehome page screen500 is configured to be employed by a HVAC device, such as an HVAC controller. In some embodiments, the home page interface screen is employed on a thermostat of an HVAC system.
• The zonehome page screen500 provides environmental data for inside the selected zone and outside of the enclosed space. For indoor, the zonehome page screen500 provides the current indoor temperature and humidity. For outside, the zonehome page screen500 provides the current outdoor temperature and a forecast for the geographic area that includes the installed location of the zoned HVAC system. Thehome page screen500 presents the above noted environmental data using text identified inFIG. 5 asindoor temperature text505,indoor humidity text510,outdoor temperature text520 andforecast text525. The zonehome page screen500 also includes avisual forecast area530 that visually represents the daily forecast for the geographic area. Thevisual forecast area530, along with other informational areas of the zonehome page screen500, has a defined shape that is a squircle. The forecast information, both visual and textual, can be received from an outside source, such as a weather channel or weather website, via conventional means.
• The zonehome page screen500 is also configured to allow a user to change the set points for heating and cooling in the zone. Thus, the zonehome page screen500 includes cooling setpoint area540, a heating setpoint area545 and aset point changer550. Theset point changer550 is used to increase or decrease a set point for both heating and cooling. In one embodiment, theset point changer550 is provided, e.g., illuminated, in response to the cooling setpoint area540 or the heating setpoint area545 being activated. Thereafter, the user can increase or decrease the applicable set point via the up and down arrows. The zonehome page screen500 is configured to receive a user input to select which one of the set points is to be modified using theset point changer550. Selection of either set point can be performed when a set point area is touched. For example, a user can touch the cooling setpoint area540 to change the current set point of 72 degrees, which is illustrated in the cooling setpoint area540. With the cooling setpoint area540 selected, theset point changer550 can then be used to increase or decrease the current 72 degree cool-to temperature by touching the up or down arrows of theset point changer550. In some embodiments, the zonehome page screen500 identifies if one of the set point areas are presently activated for modification. In one embodiment, identifying is by increasing the illumination of at least the text of the selected set point area.
• Continuing the above example, the zonehome page screen500 can then be used to set the heat-to temperature for the zone by receiving an input that selects the heating set point, e.g., touching the heating setpoint area545, and then receiving inputs to modify the heating set point via theset point changer550.
• Accordingly, modifying the set points can be performed by touching the designated areas of theset point changer550 to increase or decrease the respective set points. In some embodiments, the set points increment or decrement at predetermined values, such as one degree, and can scroll through multiple values when an up or down arrow is continuously activated, e.g., continuously pressed.
• The zonehome page screen500 also includes asystem mode area560 and afan mode area565 that textually indicate the current mode of the zone HVAC system and the operating mode of the HVAC system fan, respectively. InFIG. 5, thesystem mode area560 indicates the zoned HVAC system is in a heat or cool mode. Other operating modes can include humidifying and dehumidifying, heat only, cool only, heat or cool and program mode. In some embodiments, each of the various zones of a zoned HVAC system can be controlled by its own program schedule. As such, in at least one embodiment the zonehome page screen500 is configured to indicate if a particular zone is being controlled via a program schedule. Thefan mode area565 indicates that the fan of the zoned HVAC system is currently off. Other operating modes for the fan can include automatic and on.
• The zonehome page screen500 also includes an awaymode invoker570, a dashboard invoker580 andzone page scrollers590. The away mode invoker555 is configured to receive an input, e.g., be touched, to invoke the away mode for the particular zone. Accordingly, the zonehome page screen500 is configured to allow a user to set an away mode for a single zone of a zoned HVAC system. As discussed with respect toFIG. 3 andFIG. 4, zone dashboard screens are configured to indicate which zones of a zoned HVAC system have been set in the away mode.
• The dashboard invoker580 is configured to display the zone dashboard screen for the HVAC system in response to receiving a user input. Accordingly, the dashboard invoker580 is configured to launch the zone dashboard screen that visually provides or shows all of the available zones that can be controlled from the particular controller, e.g., a thermostat, upon which the zonehome page screen500 is being displayed. For thehome page screen500, the dashboard invoker580 serves the dual purpose of indicating the particular zone that is controlled via the zonehome page screen500. InFIG. 5, the particular zone is the “master bedroom.” As such, when the portion of the zonehome page screen500 that includes “master bedroom” is touched, a processor associated with the zonehome page screen500 provides the zone dashboard screen for the zone HVAC system in response to activation of the zone dashboard invoker580.
• Thezone page scrollers590 are configured to initiate changing to a different zone home page screen for another zone of the zoned HVAC system. Thezone page scrollers590 can be used to move forward or backward to the next or preceding home page screen. The position of the present zonehome page screen500 with respect to other screens associated with the HVAC system is reflected in theposition indicator595. The zonehome page screen500 also includes afeature invoker597 that is configured to receive user input to initiate a FEATURES screen wherein a user can access HVAC parameters and settings, including thermostat parameters and settings.
• The zonehome page screen500 does not include a designated “save” button. Instead, changes to the HVAC zone system are stored or saved when input by the user. As such, changes are stored immediately from the perspective of the user.
• FIG. 6 illustrates an example of a second embodiment of a zonehome page screen600 constructed according to the principles of the disclosure. The zonehome page screen600 includes the functionality of the zonehome page screen500 presented in a format for a non-HVAC device. The zonehome page screen600 is configured for a smart phone such as an iPhone. Since the zonehome page screen600 is configured for a non-HVAC device, the zonehome page screen600 is used to interact with a HVAC controller of a zoned HVAC system to monitor and modify the operating parameters of the multiple zones of a zoned HVAC system.
• The zonehome page screen600 includes asystems initiator601 that is used to invoke an HVAC system selection menu. The HVAC system selection menu, which can also appear when a user logs into a HVAC mobile application on the non-HVAC device, allows a user to select a particular HVAC system, which could be zoned or non-zoned, to control employing the zonehome page screen600. Accordingly, the non-HVAC device in which the zonehome page screen600 is employed is configured to communicate with at least one HVAC controller of each of the zoned HVAC systems that can be selected. The HVAC systems can be within a single enclosed space or even in different enclosed spaces.
• The zonehome page screen600 includes asystem identifier603 and azone identifier605 to identify the present zoned HVAC system and the zone of that zoned HVAC system that is presently being addressed, e.g., selected via the HVAC system selection menu. InFIG. 6, the current system is the “Upstairs Zones” and the current zone thereof is the “Living Room.” The zonehome page screen600 provides environmental data for inside the selected zone using text identified inFIG. 6 asindoor temperature text605 and text with graphics with indoor humidity condition610.
• The zonehome page screen600 is configured to allow a user to change the set points for heating and cooling in the living room zone. Thus, the zonehome page screen500 includes a cooling set point area640 and a heating setpoint area645. In this embodiment, the respective set points are changed by the user dragging a finger across the temperatures to scroll through until selecting a set point. Accordingly, the zonehome page screen600 employs the touchscreen functionality of “scrolling” that is inherent and well known in devices such as an iPhone.
• The zonehome page screen600 also includes asystem mode area660 and afan mode area665 that textually indicate the current mode of the zoned HVAC system and the operating mode of the zoned HVAC system fan, respectively. Thesystem mode area660 can show the currently selected program schedule if the HVAC system is running in program mode. Thesystem mode area660 and thefan mode area665 include drop down menus that allow a user to select a particular mode of operation for the denoted zone. Accordingly, a user can employ the zonehome page screen600 to control all of their zones, in all of their HVAC systems, in all of their homes, offices, buildings, etc. InFIG. 6, thesystem mode area660 indicates the zoned HVAC system is in a heat or cool mode and thefan mode area665 indicates that the fan of the zoned HVAC system is set at automatic. An existingoperation mode662 textually and graphically indicates the current operation of the zoned HVAC system with respect to the noted zone, i.e., the Living Room.
• The zonehome page screen600 also includes an awaymode invoker670 and adashboard invoker680. In this embodiment, scrolling to other home page screens for different zones is achieved by the user dragging their finger across the screen as typically used when scrolling through pages of a smart phone. The position of the current zonehome page screen500 with respect to other screens associated with the zoned HVAC system is reflected in theposition indicator685. Theposition indicator685 illustrates that the Living Room home page screen is the first of four home page screens of the Upstairs Zones.
• The away mode invoker655 is configured to receive an input, e.g., be touched, to invoke the away mode for the particular zone. Thedashboard invoker680 is configured to display the zone dashboard screen for the HVAC system in response to receiving a user input, i.e., being dragged across the screen or being touched.
• FIG. 7 illustrates an example of a third embodiment of a homepage interface screen700 constructed according to the principles of the disclosure. The zonehome page screen700 includes the functionality of the zonehome page screen500 and can also be employed for monitoring and modifying the operating parameters for multiple zoned HVAC systems. As such, the zonehome page screen700 includes asystem identifier710 and azone identifier720.
• The zonehome page screen700 is configured for a non-HVAC device, such as an iPad® by Apple Inc. Since the zonehome page screen700 is configured for a non-HVAC device, the zonehome page screen700 is used to interact with a HVAC controller of a zoned HVAC system to monitor and modify the operating parameters of the multiple zones of a zoned HVAC system. The zonehome page screen700 can be used for multiple zoned systems within a single enclosed space or even in different enclosed spaces. Accordingly, the non-HVAC device upon which the zonehome page screen700 is employed is configured to communicate with at least one HVAC controller of each of the zoned HVAC systems. Common components of the zonehome page screen700 with the zonehome page screen500 are denoted by the same element numbers.
• The zonehome page screen700 includes adashboard invoker730 that is configured to display the zone dashboard screen for the HVAC system in response to receiving a user input. Unlike the dashboard invoker580, thedashboard invoker730 does not serve the dual purpose of indicating the particular zone that is being controlled. Instead, thezone identifier720 is used for this purpose.
• Additionally, the zonehome page screen700 does not include zone page scrollers as employed in the zonehome page screen500. Instead, the zonehome page screen700 employs the inherent scrolling function of the display upon which the zonehome page screen700 is employed. As with the zonehome page screen500, the zonehome page screen700 is also configured to provide a set point changer, such asset point changer550, when one of the set point areas activated.
• FIG. 8 illustrates a flow diagram of an embodiment of amethod800 of operating a zoned HVAC system carried out according to the principles of the disclosure. At least some of the steps of themethod800 may be carried out by a processor in response to user inputs received via the various interface screens disclosed herein. Themethod800 or at least a portion thereof may be implemented as a computer program product stored on a non-transitory computer readable medium. Themethod800 begins in astep805.
• In astep810 an input is received to select a particular zone of the zoned HVAC system. The input can be received employing a zone dashboard screen that is provided via a display associated with a controller. The controller can be a HVAC controller or a non-HVAC device that communicates with a HVAC controller.
• In astep820, a home page screen of the selected zone is provided. The home page screen is provided via the display and can employ the same shapes to define information or action areas as those used in the zone dashboard screen. In one embodiment, the defined shapes are squircles.
• A set point for operating the selected zone is changed in response to receiving a user input via the home page screen in astep830. In astep840, the zone dashboard screen is provided in response to receiving a user input via the home page screen. The zone dashboard screen can be provided via the display. From the zone dashboard screen another zone can be selected. The method ends in astep850.
• The above-described apparatuses, methods or interface screens may be embodied in, provide by or performed by various conventional digital data processors, microprocessors or computing devices, wherein these devices are programmed or store executable programs of sequences of software instructions to perform one or more of the steps of a method or provide an interface screen. The software instructions of such programs may be encoded in machine-executable form on conventional digital data storage media that is non-transitory, e.g., magnetic or optical disks, random-access memory (RAM), magnetic hard disks, flash memories, and/or read-only memory (ROM), to enable various types of digital data processors or computing devices to perform one, multiple or all of the steps of one or more of the above-described methods or to provide one of the described interface screens. Additionally, an apparatus, such as control unit or a non-HVAC device, may be designed to include the necessary circuitry, programming or computer program product to perform each step of a method disclosed herein or provide a single user interface as disclosed.
• Portions of disclosed embodiments may relate to computer storage products with a non-transitory computer-readable medium that have program code thereon for performing various computer-implemented operations that embody a part of an apparatus, system, carry out the steps of a method set forth herein or provide a user interface screen as disclosed. Non-transitory used herein refers to all computer-readable media except for transitory, propagating signals. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable media include, but are not limited to: magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tape; optical media such as CD-ROM disks; magneto-optical media such as floptical disks; and hardware devices that are specially configured to store and execute program code, such as ROM and RAM devices. Examples of program code include both machine code, such as produced by a compiler, and files containing higher level code that may be executed by the computer using an interpreter.
• Those skilled in the art to which this application relates will appreciate that other and further additions, deletions, substitutions and modifications may be made to the described embodiments.

Claims (20)

What is claimed is:

1. A controller for a zoned HVAC system, comprising:

a processor configured to direct operation of said HVAC system according to operating data for zones thereof; and

a display configured to provide a zone dashboard screen including a zone information area for each of said zones, wherein each said zone information area has a defined shape and is configured to provide operating data for a single one of said zones and receive a user input that selects said single one of said zones for said processor to control.

2. The controller as recited inclaim 1 wherein said processor is further configured to direct said display to provide a home page screen for said single zone in response to receiving said user input, said home page screen configured to receive inputs for adjusting at least some of said operating data for said single zone.

3. The controller as recited inclaim 2 wherein said home page screen is configured to receive an input for an away mode directed only to said single zone.

4. The controller as recited inclaim 3 wherein said operating data includes heating and cooling set points and said processor is configured to direct operation of said single zone based on said heating and cooling set points and a status of said away mode.

5. The controller as recited inclaim 2 wherein said home page screen is further configured to receive a scrolling input and said processor is configured to direct said display to provide a home page screen for another one of said zones in response to said home page screen.

6. The controller as recited inclaim 1 wherein said zone dashboard screen indicates which of said zones is in an away mode.

7. The controller as recited inclaim 1 wherein said zone dashboard screen includes a unique zone identifier that corresponds to said zone information area.

8. The controller as recited inclaim 1 wherein said controller is a thermostat of said HVAC system.

9. The controller as recited inclaim 1 wherein said controller is a non-HVAC component configured to be wirelessly coupled to a control unit of said HVAC system.

10. The controller as recited inclaim 2 wherein said home page screen further includes a zone dashboard invoker configured to receive a user input to display said zone dashboard screen, said processor configured to direct said display to provide said zone dashboard screen in response to activation of said zone dashboard invoker via said user input.

11. A computer program product having a series of operating instruction stored on a non-transitory computer readable medium that directs operation of a processor when initiated thereby to provide interface screens on a display for interacting with a zoned HVAC system, said interface screens including a zone dashboard screen comprising:

zone information areas for zones of said HVAC system, wherein each one of said zone information areas has a defined shape, is configured to provide operating data therein for a single one of said zones and is configured to receive a user input invoking a home page screen for said single one of said zones.

12. The computer program product as recited inclaim 11 wherein said interface screens further comprise home page screens including said home page screen, wherein each of said home page screens is configured to receive inputs for adjusting at least some of said operating data for said single zone.

13. The computer program product as recited inclaim 11 wherein said zone dashboard screen further includes an away mode indicator for said each one of said zones.

14. The computer program product as recited inclaim 11 wherein said zone dashboard screen includes a unique zone identifier that corresponds to said zone information area.

15. The computer program product as recited inclaim 11 wherein each of said home page screens includes current environmental data for said corresponding zone.

16. The computer program product as recited inclaim 12 wherein each of said home page screens includes a cooling set point indicator and a heating set point indicator that visually provides cooling and heating set points for said corresponding zone.

17. The computer program product as recited inclaim 15 wherein each of said home page screens includes a set point changer configured to increase or decrease said cooling and heating set points in response to user input.

18. The computer program product as recited inclaim 11 wherein each of said home page screens includes zone status indicators and outdoor environmental data.

19. The computer program product as recited inclaim 11 wherein each of said home page screens includes a zone dashboard invoker and is configured to receive a scrolling input that invokes a home page screen for another one of said zones.

20. A graphical user interface for a zoned HVAC system, comprising:

zone identifiers that textually identify different zones of said zoned HVAC system; and

zone information areas for said zones of said zoned HVAC system, wherein each one of said zone information areas has a defined shape, is configured to provide operating data therein for a single one of said zones and is configured to receive a user input invoking a home page screen for said single one of said zones.

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