US20150159903A1 - Magnetic aided attachment between a wall plate and a building automation controller body - Google Patents

Abstract

A building automation controller assembly includes a wall plate for mounting to a wall and a controller housing releasably securable to the wall plate. A permanent magnet may be secured to one of the wall plate and the controller housing and a magnetically attracted material may be secured to the other one of the wall plate and the controller housing. The controller housing may be releasably secured to the wall plate based, at least in part, on the magnetic interaction between the permanent magnet and the magnetically attracted material.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS
• This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/009,856, filed Jun. 9, 2014, and entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING AN HVAC SYSTEM”, and U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/914,877, filed Dec. 11, 2013, and entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CONTROLLING AN HVAC SYSTEM”, both of which are incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
• Heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning (HVAC) systems are often used to control the comfort level within a building or other structure. Such HVAC systems typically include an HVAC controller that controls various HVAC components of the HVAC system in order to affect and/or control one or more environmental conditions within the building. Improvements in the hardware, the user experience, and the functionality of such systems are desirable.
SUMMARY
• This disclosure relates to methods and apparatus for controlling a building automation system. The disclosure also relates to improvements in hardware, user experience, and functionality of a building automation controller. In some instances, a building automation controller assembly includes a wall plate for mounting to a wall and a controller housing releasably securable to the wall plate. A permanent magnet may be secured to one of the wall plate and the controller housing and a magnetically attracted material may be secured to the other one of the wall plate and the controller housing. The controller housing may be releasably secured to the wall plate based, at least in part, on the magnetic interaction between the permanent magnet and the magnetically attracted material.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
• FIG. 1 is a schematic view of an illustrative HVAC system servicing a building or structure;
• FIG. 2 is a schematic view of an illustrative HVAC control system that may facilitate access and/or control of the HVAC system ofFIG. 1;
• FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of an illustrative HVAC controller;
• FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of an illustrative HVAC controller;
• FIG. 5 is an exploded view of the illustrative HVAC controller ofFIG. 4;
• FIG. 6A shows an illustrative display window mask of the HVAC controller ofFIG. 4;
• FIG. 6B is an exploded view of a portion of the illustrative HVAC controller ofFIG. 4;
• FIG. 6C is a cross-sectional view of the HVAC controller ofFIG. 4 showing details of the assembly;
• FIG. 6D is an exploded view of the HVAC controller ofFIG. 4 showing a window and its relationship to other components;
• FIG. 6E shows an illustrative a touch sensitive element for use in the HVAC controller ofFIG. 4;
• FIG. 6F is an exploded view of the HVAC controller ofFIG. 4 showing an alternate window and its relationship to other components;
• FIG. 7A is a perspective view of light sources for illumination of a window mask stencil region of an HVAC controller;
• FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view of an illustrative lens and diffuser for illumination of a window mask stencil region of an HVAC controller;
• FIG. 7C is a cross-sectional view of an illustrative lens for illumination of a window mask stencil region of an HVAC controller and the spatial relationship between the lens and a light source;
• FIG. 7D is a perspective view of an outlet surface of a lens for illuminating a window mask stencil region of an HVAC controller;
• FIG. 7E is a perspective view of an inlet surface of a lens for receiving light from a light source to illuminate a window mask stencil region of an HVAC controller;
• FIGS. 7F-7H show various illustrative combinations of lens and diffusers for illuminating a window mask stencil region of an HVAC controller;
• FIG. 8A is a perspective view of an illustrative thermistor mount of an HVAC controller;
• FIG. 8B is a perspective view of the position of the illustrative thermistor mount ofFIG. 8A relative to a window support of an HVAC controller;
• FIG. 8C is a cross-sectional view showing the position of the illustrative thermistor mount ofFIG. 8A relative to additional components of an HVAC controller;
• FIG. 9A is a cross-sectional view of an illustrative HVAC controller showing an illustrative rotational damping assembly;
• FIG. 9B is a perspective view of illustrative dampeners of the rotational damping assembly ofFIG. 9A;
• FIG. 9C is an exploded views showing an illustrative method for joining a button light guide assembly to a window support of an HVAC controller;
• FIG. 10 is a perspective view of an illustrative assembly and method for encoding rotation of a turning ring;
• FIG. 10A is a perspective view of an illustrative code wheel or turning ring;
• FIG. 10B is a perspective view of another illustrative code wheel with a reflective code mounted to an inner extending flange;
• FIG. 10C is a cross-sectional perspective view of the illustrative code wheel ofFIG. 10B mounted in an HVAC controller, such as the HVAC controller ofFIG. 4;
• FIG. 10D is a perspective view of a user's finger turning an outer ring of an illustrative HVAC controller, such as the HVAC controller ofFIG. 4;
• FIG. 11A-D illustrate several magnetic mounting configurations for mounting a thermostat housing to a thermostat mounting plate;
• FIG. 12A illustrates a battery terminal of the prior art;
• FIG. 12B illustrates an improved battery terminal;
• FIG. 12C is a perspective view of the illustrative battery terminal ofFIG. 12B installed on a printed wiring board;
• FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an illustrative mounting arrangement for certain components of a printed wiring board of an HVAC controller, such as the HVAC controller ofFIG. 4;
• FIG. 14A is a perspective view of an illustrative light guide ring for an HVAC controller, such as the HVAC controller ofFIG. 4;
• FIG. 14B is a detailed view of a light input region of the light guide ring ofFIG. 14A;
• FIG. 14C is another detailed view of the light input region of the light guide ring ofFIG. 14A;
• FIG. 14D is a detailed view of the light extraction region of the light guide ring ofFIG. 14A;
• FIG. 14E is an elevation view of the light guide ring ofFIG. 14A mounted in relation to a printed circuit board;
• FIG. 14F is a flow diagram showing an illustrative method for illuminating a light guide ring, such as the light guide ring ofFIG. 14A;
• FIG. 15 is an elevation view of the wall side view of a mud ring;
• FIG. 15A is a perspective view of an illustrative wall plate, showing jumper switch actuators that may be used to selectively block access to wiring terminals;
• FIGS. 16A-16B are a schematic diagram of an illustrative circuit for switching between single transformer and two transformer operation;
• FIG. 16C is a schematic diagram of another illustrative circuit for switching between single transformer and two transformer operation;
• FIG. 16D is a schematic diagram of another illustrative circuit for providing an optional utility terminal;
• FIG. 17 is a block diagram of principal settings for an illustrative thermostat and its interactions with networked components;
• FIG. 17A is a front elevation view of the front face of an illustrative thermostat;
• FIGS. 17B-17I are front elevation views of the front face of the illustrative thermostat ofFIG. 17A under a variety of operating conditions;
• FIGS. 17J-17L are front elevation views of the front face of the illustrative thermostat ofFIG. 17A illustrating optional presentation modes for weather related information;
• FIG. 18A is a block diagram of an illustrative building automation system that utilizes user-defined macros;
• FIG. 18B is a block diagram of a remote user device that can be utilized with the building automation system ofFIG. 18A;
• FIG. 18C is a flow diagram showing a method that may be carried out using the building automation system ofFIG. 18A and the remote user device ofFIG. 18B;
• FIGS. 18D-18J are an illustrative flow diagram of programming one-touch actions (e.g. macros);
• FIG. 19A is a block diagram of an illustrative mobile device that can be used to program an illustrative HVAC controller of a building automation system;
• FIG. 19B is a block diagram of another illustrative mobile device that can be used to program an illustrative HVAC controller of a building automation system;
• FIG. 19C is a flow diagram of an illustrative method that may be carried out using the mobile devices ofFIG. 19A and/orFIG. 19B;
• FIG. 19D-19L schematically illustrates the display of messages related to the operation of a thermostat on a mobile device;
• FIG. 20A is a block diagram of an illustrative building automation system;
• FIG. 20B is a block diagram of another illustrative building automation system;
• FIG. 20C is a flow diagram of an illustrative method that may be carried out using the illustrative building automation systems ofFIG. 20A and/orFIG. 20B;
• FIGS. 20D-27 show several illustrative screens that may be displayed to a user via the user interface of a mobile device in connection with downloading of an application program code for installing, setting up and configuring an HVAC controller;
• FIG. 28 shows an illustrative screen that may be displayed upon successful launch of an application program code for setting up an HVAC controller;
• FIGS. 29-41 show illustrative screens that may be displayed on the user interface of a remote device (e.g. mobile device) by an application program code that may guide the user through removal of an existing HVAC controller;
• FIGS. 42-49 show illustrative screens that may be displayed on the user interface of a remote device (e.g. mobile device) by an application program code that may guide the user through installation of a new HVAC controller;
• FIG. 50 is a front elevation view an illustrative HVAC controller after a successful installation;
• FIG. 51 shows an illustrative screen that may be displayed on the user interface of a remote device (e.g. mobile device) when the remote device is attempting to connect to a wireless network hosted by an illustrative HVAC controller;
• FIG. 52 shows an illustrative screen that may be displayed on the user interface of an illustrative HVAC controller when a remote device (e.g. mobile device) is attempting to connect to a network hosted by the illustrative HVAC controller;
• FIG. 53 shows an illustrative screen that may be displayed on the user interface of an illustrative HVAC controller upon successful connection of a remote device to the wireless network hosted by theillustrative HVAC controller18;
• FIG. 54 is a schematic diagram of network architecture that may be utilized by an illustrative HVAC controller in communication with a remote device and an external web service;
• FIGS. 55-69 show illustrative screens that may be displayed on the user interface of a remote device (e.g. mobile device) by an application program code that may guide the user through configuring an illustrative HVAC controller;
• FIG. 70 shows an illustrative screen that may be displayed on the user interface of a remote device by an application program code upon completion of the configuration phase of the setup process;
• FIG. 71 shows an illustrative screen that may be displayed on the display of the user interface of the HVAC controller that has been configured upon completion of the configuration phase of the setup process;
• FIGS. 72-78 show illustrative screens that may be displayed on the user interface of a remote device by an application program code that may guide the user through connecting an HVAC controller to a wireless network and to a web service;
• FIGS. 79-84 show illustrative screens that may be displayed on the user interface of a remote device by an application program code that may guide a user through personalizing an illustrative HVAC controller;
• FIG. 85 shows an illustrative screen that may be displayed on the display of the user interface of the illustrative HVAC controller that is being setup after completion of the setup process;
• FIG. 86A is a schematic block diagram of an illustrative building automation system;
• FIG. 86B is a schematic block diagram of another illustrative building automation system;
• FIG. 86C is a schematic block diagram of a server of an illustrative building automation system;
• FIGS. 86D and 86E show illustrative screens that may be displayed on the user interface of a remote device (e.g. mobile device) by an application program code that may guide a user through utilizing certain functions of an HVAC controller;
• FIGS. 87-91 show illustrative screens that may be displayed on the user interface of a remote device (e.g. mobile device) by an application program code through which a user may identify and connect to an HVAC contractor;
• FIG. 92 shows another view of an options screen after a user has connected to an HVAC contractor;
• FIG. 93 is a schematic diagram of an illustrative method for utilizing geofencing in a building automation system;
• FIG. 94 is a schematic block diagram of an illustrative building automation system that may be used with geofencing;
• FIG. 95 is a schematic block diagram of another building automation system that may be use with geofencing;
• FIG. 96 is a schematic block diagram of another building automation system that may be use with geofencing;
• FIG. 97 shows an illustrative screen that may be displayed on the user interface of a remote device (e.g. mobile device) by an application program code through which a user may select between a small and a large proximity boundary setting for geofencing;
• FIGS. 98-101 show illustrative screens that may be displayed on the user interface of a remote device (e.g. mobile device) by an application program code that may guide a user through selecting an appropriate proximity boundary;
• FIG. 102 shows another illustrative setting screen that may be displayed on the user interface of a remote device (e.g. mobile device) by an application program code through which a user may select an appropriate geofence setting;
• FIG. 103 shows an illustrative screen through which a user may customize a proximity boundary;
• FIGS. 104-106 show illustrative screens through which a user may customize a proximity boundary; and
• FIG. 107 is a schematic block diagram of an illustrative HVAC controller.
• While the disclosure is 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 aspects of the disclosure to the particular illustrative embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure.
DESCRIPTION
• The following description should be read with reference to the drawings wherein like reference numerals indicate like elements. The drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. In some of the figures, elements not believed necessary to an understanding of relationships among illustrated components may have been omitted for clarity.
• All numbers are herein assumed to be modified by the term “about”, unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers subsumed within that range (e.g.,1 to5 includes 1, 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, and 5).
• As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include the plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the term “or” is generally employed in its sense including “and/or” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.
• It is noted that references in the specification to “an embodiment”, “some embodiments”, “other embodiments”, etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is contemplated that the feature, structure, or characteristic may be applied to other embodiments whether or not explicitly described unless clearly stated to the contrary.
• The present disclosure is directed generally at building automation system. Building automation systems are systems that control one or more operations of a building. Building automation systems can include HVAC systems, security systems, fire suppression systems, energy management systems and other systems. While HVAC systems are used as an example below, it should be recognized that the concepts disclosed herein can be applied to building control systems more generally.
• FIG. 1 is a schematic view of abuilding2 having an illustrative heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC)system4. WhileFIG. 1 shows a typical forced air type HVAC system, other types of HVAC systems are contemplated including, but not limited to, boiler systems, radiant heating systems, electric heating systems, cooling systems, heat pump systems, and/or any other suitable type of HVAC system, as desired. Theillustrative HVAC system4 ofFIG. 1 includes one ormore HVAC components6, a system of ductwork and air vents including asupply air duct10 and areturn air duct14, and one ormore HVAC controllers18. The one ormore HVAC components6 may include, but are not limited to, a furnace, a heat pump, an electric heat pump, a geothermal heat pump, an electric heating unit, an air conditioning unit, a humidifier, a dehumidifier, an air exchanger, an air cleaner, a damper, a valve, and/or the like.
• It is contemplated that the HVAC controller(s)18 may be configured to control the comfort level in the building or structure by activating and deactivating the HVAC component(s)6 in a controlled manner. The HVAC controller(s)18 may be configured to control the HVAC component(s)6 via a wired orwireless communication link20. In some cases, the HVAC controller(s)18 may be a thermostat, such as, for example, a wall mountable thermostat, but this is not required in all embodiments. Such a thermostat may include (e.g. within the thermostat housing) or have access to a temperature sensor for sensing an ambient temperature at or near the thermostat. In some instances, the HVAC controller(s)18 may be a zone controller, or may include multiple zone controllers each monitoring and/or controlling the comfort level within a particular zone in the building or other structure.
• In theillustrative HVAC system4 shown inFIG. 1, the HVAC component(s)6 may provide heated air (and/or cooled air) via the ductwork throughout thebuilding2. As illustrated, the HVAC component(s)6 may be in fluid communication with every room and/or zone in thebuilding2 via theductwork10 and14, but this is not required. In operation, when a heat call signal is provided by the HVAC controller(s)18, an HVAC component6 (e.g. forced warm air furnace) may be activated to supply heated air to one or more rooms and/or zones within thebuilding2 viasupply air ducts10. The heated air may be forced throughsupply air duct10 by a blower orfan22. In this example, the cooler air from each zone may be returned to the HVAC component6 (e.g. forced warm air furnace) for heating viareturn air ducts14. Similarly, when a cool call signal is provided by the HVAC controller(s)18, an HVAC component6 (e.g. air conditioning unit) may be activated to supply cooled air to one or more rooms and/or zones within the building or other structure viasupply air ducts10. The cooled air may be forced throughsupply air duct10 by the blower orfan22. In this example, the warmer air from each zone may be returned to the HVAC component6 (e.g. air conditioning unit) for cooling viareturn air ducts14. In some cases, theHVAC system4 may include an internet gateway orother device23 that may allow one or more of the HVAC components, as described herein, to communicate over a wide area network (WAN) such as, for example, the Internet.
• In some cases, the system of vents orductwork10 and/or14 can include one ormore dampers24 to regulate the flow of air, but this is not required. For example, one ormore dampers24 may be coupled to one or more HVAC controller(s)18, and can be coordinated with the operation of one ormore HVAC components6. The one or more HVAC controller(s)18 may actuatedampers24 to an open position, a closed position, and/or a partially open position to modulate the flow of air from the one or more HVAC components to an appropriate room and/or zone in the building or other structure. Thedampers24 may be particularly useful in zoned HVAC systems, and may be used to control which zone(s) receives conditioned air from the HVAC component(s)6.
• In many instances, one ormore air filters30 may be used to remove dust and other pollutants from the air inside thebuilding2. In the illustrative example shown inFIG. 1, the air filter(s)30 is installed in thereturn air duct14, and may filter the air prior to the air entering theHVAC component6, but it is contemplated that any other suitable location for the air filter(s)30 may be used. The presence of the air filter(s)30 may not only improve the indoor air quality, but may also protect theHVAC components6 from dust and other particulate matter that would otherwise be permitted to enter the HVAC component.
• In some cases, and as shown inFIG. 1, theillustrative HVAC system4 may include an equipment interface module (EIM)34. When provided, theequipment interface module34 may, in addition to controlling the HVAC under the direction of the thermostat, be configured to measure or detect a change in a given parameter between the return air side and the discharge air side of theHVAC system4. For example, theequipment interface module34 may measure a difference in temperature, flow rate, pressure, or a combination of any one of these parameters between the return air side and the discharge air side of theHVAC system4. In some cases, theequipment interface module34 may be adapted to measure the difference or change in temperature (delta T) between a return air side and discharge air side of theHVAC system4 for the heating and/or cooling mode. The delta T for the heating and cooling modes may be calculated by subtracting the return air temperature from the discharge air temperature (e.g. delta T=discharge air temperature−return air temperature)
• In some cases, theequipment interface module34 may include afirst temperature sensor38alocated in the return (incoming)air duct14, and asecond temperature sensor38blocated in the discharge (outgoing or supply)air duct10. Alternatively, or in addition, theequipment interface module34 may include a differential pressure sensor including afirst pressure tap39alocated in the return (incoming)air duct14, and asecond pressure tap39blocated downstream of theair filter30 to measure a change in a parameter related to the amount of flow restriction through theair filter30. In some cases, theequipment interface module34, when provided, may include at least one flow sensor that is capable of providing a measure that is related to the amount of air flow restriction through theair filter30. In some cases, theequipment interface module34 may include an air filter monitor. These are just some examples.
• When provided, theequipment interface module34 may be configured to communicate with theHVAC controller18 via, for example, a wired orwireless communication link42. In other cases, theequipment interface module34 may be incorporated or combined with theHVAC controller18. In either cases, theequipment interface module34 may communicate, relay or otherwise transmit data regarding the selected parameter (e.g. temperature, pressure, flow rate, etc.) to theHVAC controller18. In some cases, theHVAC controller18 may use the data from theequipment interface module34 to evaluate the system's operation and/or performance. For example, theHVAC controller18 may compare data related to the difference in temperature (delta T) between the return air side and the discharge air side of theHVAC system4 to a previously determined delta T limit stored in theHVAC controller18 to determine a current operating performance of theHVAC system4.
• FIG. 2 is a schematic view of anHVAC control system50 that facilitates remote access and/or control of theHVAC system4 shown inFIG. 1. TheHVAC control system50 may be considered a building control system or part of a building control system. The illustrativeHVAC control system50 includes an HVAC controller, as for example, HVAC controller18 (seeFIG. 1) that is configured to communicate with and control one ormore HVAC components6 of theHVAC system4. As discussed above, theHVAC controller18 may communicate with the one ormore HVAC components6 of theHVAC system4 via a wired or wireless link. Additionally, theHVAC controller18 may communicate over one or more wired or wireless networks that may accommodate remote access and/or control of theHVAC controller18 via another device such as a smart phone, tablet, e-reader, laptop computer, personal computer, key fob, or the like. As shown inFIG. 2, theHVAC controller18 may include afirst communications port52 for communicating over afirst network54, and in some cases, asecond communications port56 for communicating over asecond network58. In some cases, thefirst network54 may be a wireless local area network (LAN), and the second network58 (when provided) may be a wide area network or global network (WAN) including, for example, the Internet. In some cases, the wirelesslocal area network54 may provide a wireless access point and/or a network host device that is separate from theHVAC controller18. In other cases, the wirelesslocal area network54 may provide a wireless access point and/or a network host device that is part of theHVAC controller18. In some cases, the wirelesslocal area network54 may include a local domain name server (DNS), but this is not required for all embodiments. In some cases, the wirelesslocal area network54 may be an ad-hoc wireless network, but this is not required.
• In some cases, theHVAC controller18 may be programmed to communicate over thesecond network58 with an external web service hosted by one or moreexternal web server66. A non-limiting example of such an external web service is Honeywell's TOTAL CONNECT™ web service. TheHVAC controller18 may be configured to upload selected data via thesecond network58 to the external web service where it may be collected and stored on theexternal web server66. In some cases, the data may be indicative of the performance of theHVAC system4. Additionally, theHVAC controller18 may be configured to receive and/or download selected data, settings and/or services sometimes including software updates from the external web service over thesecond network58. The data, settings and/or services may be received automatically from the web service, downloaded periodically in accordance with a control algorithm, and/or downloaded in response to a user request. In some cases, for example, theHVAC controller18 may be configured to receive and/or download an HVAC operating schedule and operating parameter settings such as, for example, temperature set points, humidity set points, start times, end times, schedules, window frost protection settings, and/or the like from theweb server66 over thesecond network58. In some instances, theHVAC controller18 may be configured to receive one or more user profiles having at least one operational parameter setting that is selected by and reflective of a user's preferences. In still other instances, theHVAC controller18 may be configured to receive and/or download firmware and/or hardware updates such as, for example, device drivers from theweb server66 over thesecond network58. Additionally, theHVAC controller18 may be configured to receive local weather data, weather alerts and/or warnings, major stock index ticker data, and/or news headlines over thesecond network58. These are just some examples.
• Depending upon the application and/or where the HVAC user is located, remote access and/or control of theHVAC controller18 may be provided over thefirst network54 and/or thesecond network58. A variety ofremote wireless devices62 may be used to access and/or control theHVAC controller18 from a remote location (e.g. remote from the HVAC Controller18) over thefirst network54 and/orsecond network58 including, but not limited to, mobile phones including smart phones, tablet computers, laptop or personal computers, wireless network-enabled key fobs, e-readers, and/or the like. In many cases, theremote wireless devices62 are configured to communicate wirelessly over thefirst network54 and/orsecond network58 with theHVAC controller18 via one or more wireless communication protocols including, but not limited to, cellular communication, ZigBee, REDLINK™, Bluetooth, WiFi, IrDA, dedicated short range communication (DSRC), EnOcean, and/or any other suitable common or proprietary wireless protocol, as desired.
• In some cases, an application program code (i.e. app) stored in the memory of theremote device62 may be used to remotely access and/or control theHVAC controller18. The application program code (app) may be provided for downloading from an external web service, such as the web service hosted by the external web server66 (e.g. Honeywell's TOTAL CONNECT™ web service) or another external web service (e.g. ITUNES® or Google Play). In some cases, the app may provide a remote user interface for interacting with theHVAC controller18 at the user'sremote device62. For example, through the user interface provided by the app, a user may be able to change the operating schedule and operating parameter settings such as, for example, temperature set points, humidity set points, start times, end times, schedules, window frost protection settings, accept software updates and/or the like. Communications may be routed from the user'sremote device62 to theweb server66 and then, from theweb server66 to theHVAC controller18. In some cases, communications may flow in the opposite direction such as, for example, when a user interacts directly with theHVAC controller18 to change an operating parameter setting such as, for example, a schedule change or a set point change. The change made at theHVAC controller18 may then be routed to theweb server66 and then from theweb server66 to theremote device62 where it may reflected by the application program executed by theremote device62.
• In other cases, a user may be able to interact with theHVAC controller18 via a user interface provided by one or more web pages served up by theweb server66. The user may interact with the one or more web pages using a variety of internet capable devices to effect a change at theHVAC controller18 as well as view usage data and energy consumption date related to the usage of theHVAC system4. In still yet another case, communication may occur between the user'sremote device62 and theHVAC controller18 without being relayed through a server. These are just some examples.
• FIG. 3 is an illustrative schematic block diagram of theHVAC controller18 ofFIG. 2. As discussed above with reference toFIG. 2, theHVAC controller18 may be accessed and/or controlled from a remote location over thefirst network54 and/or thesecond network58 using aremote wireless device62 such as, for example, a smart phone, a tablet computer, a laptop or personal computer, a wireless network-enabled key fob, an e-reader, and/or the like. In some instances, theHVAC controller18 may be a thermostat, but this is not required. As shown inFIG. 3, theHVAC controller18 may include acommunications block60 having afirst communications port52 for communicating over a first network (e.g. a wireless LAN) and asecond communications port56 for communicating over a second network (e.g. a WAN or the Internet). Thefirst communications port52 can be a wireless communications port including a wireless transceiver for wirelessly sending and/or receiving signals over afirst wireless network54. Similarly, thesecond communications port56 may be a wireless communications port including a wireless transceiver for sending and/or receiving signals over asecond wireless network58. In some cases, thesecond communications port56 may be in communication with a wired or wireless router or gateway for connecting to the second network, but this is not required. In some cases, the router or gateway may be integral to theHVAC controller18 or may be provided as a separate device. Additionally, theillustrative HVAC controller18 may include a processor (e.g. microprocessor, microcontroller, etc.)64 and amemory72. TheHVAC controller18 may also include auser interface108, but this is not required. In some cases,HVAC controller18 may include a timer (not shown). The timer may be integral to theprocessor64 or may be provided as a separate component. Thememory72 of theillustrative HVAC controller18 may be in communication with theprocessor64. Thememory72 may be used to store any desired information, such as the aforementioned control algorithm, set points, schedule times, diagnostic limits such as, for example, differential pressure limits, delta T limits, and the like. Thememory72 may be any suitable type of storage device including, but not limited to, RAM, ROM, EPROM, flash memory, a hard drive, and/or the like. In some cases, theprocessor64 may store information within thememory72, and may subsequently retrieve the stored information from thememory72.
• In many cases, theHVAC controller18 may include an input/output block (I/O block)78 having a number of wire terminals (e.g.80a-80c) for receiving one or more signals from theHVAC system4 and/or for providing one or more control signals to theHVAC system4. For example, the I/O block78 may communicate with one ormore HVAC components6 of theHVAC system4. TheHVAC controller18 may have any number of wire terminals for accepting a connection from one ormore HVAC components6 of theHVAC system4.
• However, how many wire terminals are utilized and which terminals are wired is dependent upon the particular configuration of theHVAC system4.Different HVAC systems4 having different HVAC components and/or type ofHVAC components6 may have different wiring configurations. As such, an I/O block having four wire terminals, as shown inFIG. 2, is just one example and is not intended to be limiting. Alternatively, or in addition to, the I/O block78 may communicate with another controller, which is in communication with one or more HVAC components of theHVAC system4, such as a zone control panel in a zoned HVAC system, equipment interface module (EIM) (e.g. EIM34 shown inFIG. 1) or any other suitable building control device.
• In some cases, a power-transformation block82 may be connected to one or more wires of the I/O block78, and may be configured to bleed or steal energy from the one or more wires of the I/O block78. The power bled off of the one or more wires of the I/O block may be stored in anenergy storage device86 that may be used to at least partially power theHVAC controller18. In some cases, theenergy storage device86 may be capacitor or a rechargeable battery. In addition, theHVAC controller18 may also include a back-up source of energy such as, for example, a battery that may be used to supplement power supplied to theHVAC controller18 when the amount of available power stored by theenergy storage device86 is less than optimal or is insufficient to power certain applications. Certain applications or functions performed by the HVAC controller may require a greater amount of energy than others. If there is an insufficient amount of energy stored in theenergy storage device86, then, in some cases, certain applications and/or functions may be prohibited by theprocessor64.
• TheHVAC controller18 may also include one or more sensors such as for example, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, an occupancy sensor, a proximity sensor, and/or the like. In some cases, theHVAC controller18 may include aninternal temperature sensor90, as shownFIG. 3, but this is not required. TheHVAC controller18 may also communicate with one or more remote temperature sensors, humidity sensors, and/or occupancy sensors located throughout the building or structure. Additionally, the HVAC controller may communicate with a temperature sensor and/or humidity sensor located outside of the building or structure for sensing an outdoor temperature and/or humidity if desired.
• In some cases, theHVAC controller18 may include asensor92 that is configured determine if a user is in proximity to the building controller. In some cases, thesensor92 may be a motion sensor or a proximity sensor such as, for example, a passive infrared (PIR) sensor. In certain cases in which thesensor92 is a motion sensor or a proximity sensor, thesensor92 may be located remotely from theHVAC controller18 and may be in wireless communication with theHVAC controller18 via one of the communication ports.
• In other cases, thesensor92 may be configured to determine that the user is near or expected to be near theHVAC controller18 based, at least in part, on the location data provided by a location based service application program executed by a user'sremote device62 that the user utilizes to interact with theHVAC controller18 from a remote location. The location data generated by the location based services app may be transmitted from the user'sremote device62 directly to theHVAC controller18 or, in some cases, may be transmitted to theHVAC controller18 via a server66 (e.g. Honeywell's TOTAL CONNECT™ server) to which both theHVAC controller18 and the user'sremote device62 may be connected. In some cases, thesensor92 may be configured to determine that the user or, more specifically, the user'sremote device62 has crossed at least one of two or more proximity boundaries relative to the location of theHVAC controller18 based on location data provided by the user's remote device that the user utilizes to interact with theHVAC controller18. The user'sremote device62 may determine that the user has crossed a proximity boundary by comparing the location data generated bysensor92 of the user'sremote device62 to a predetermined fixed location or boundary. In some cases, the proximity boundary(s) may be defined by a radius extending outward from a predetermined fixed location. The predetermined fixed location may be the location of theHVAC controller18 or another selected location such as, for example, the user's workplace. Alternatively, or in addition to, the proximity boundary(s) may be customized by the user and may have any shape and or size that appropriately reflects the user's local and/or daily travel habits. For example, at least one proximity boundary may be configured by the user to have the same general size and/or shape of the city in which their home or workplace is located.
• In yet another example, thesensor92 may be configured to determine that the user is in proximity to or is expected to be in proximity to theHVAC controller18 upon detecting that the user'sremote device62 is connected to the building's wireless network which, in some cases, may be the same network to which theHVAC controller18 is also connected. Such functionality is shown and described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2014/0031989 entitled “HVAC CONTROLLER WITH WIRELESS NETWORK BASED OCCUPANCY DETECTION AND CONTROL”, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.
• In still other cases, the user'sremote device62 may be configured to determine that a user is in proximity to theHVAC controller18 upon sensing a user's interaction with theHVAC controller18 via the user interface provided at theHVAC controller18. For example, thesensor92 may be configured to sense when the screen of theuser interface108 is touched and/or when a button provided at theuser interface108 is pressed by a user. In some cases, thesensor92 may be a touch sensitive region provided on theuser interface108 when theuser interface108 incorporates a touch screen display. In other cases, thesensor92 may be associated with a hard button or soft key that is provided separate from a display of theuser interface108.
• In some cases, upon detecting or determining that a user is in proximity to the HVAC controller, thesensor92 may deliver a signal to theprocessor64 indicating that the user is in proximity to theHVAC controller18. In other cases, the upon detecting or determining that a user is in proximity to theHVAC controller18, thesensor92 may be configured to transmit a signal to aremote server66 over asecond network58 via thecommunications block60.
• Theuser interface108, when provided, may be any suitable user interface that permits theHVAC controller18 to display and/or solicit information, as well as accept one or more user interactions with theHVAC controller18. For example, theuser interface108 may permit a user to locally enter data such as temperature set points, humidity set points, starting times, ending times, schedule times, diagnostic limits, responses to alerts, and the like. In one example, theuser interface108 may be a physical user interface that is accessible at theHVAC controller18, and may include a display and/or a distinct keypad. The display may be any suitable display. In some instances, a display may include or may be a liquid crystal display (LCD), and in some cases an e-ink display, fixed segment display, or a dot matrix LCD display. In other cases, theuser interface108 may be a touch screen LCD panel that functions as both display and keypad. The touch screen LCD panel may be adapted to solicit values for a number of operating parameters and/or to receive such values, but this is not required. In still other cases, theuser interface108 may be a dynamic graphical user interface.
• In some instances, theuser interface108 need not be physically accessible to a user at theHVAC controller18. Instead, theuser interface108 may be avirtual user interface108 that is accessible via thefirst network54 and/orsecond network58 using a mobile wireless device such as one of thoseremote devices62 previously described herein. In some cases, thevirtual user interface108 may be provided by an app executed by a user's remote device for the purposes of remotely interacting with theHVAC controller18. Through thevirtual user interface108 provided by the app on the user'sremote device62, the user may change temperature set points, humidity set points, starting times, ending times, schedule times, diagnostic limits, respond to alerts, update their user profile, view energy usage data, and/or the like. In some instances, changes made to theHVAC controller18 via auser interface108 provided by an app on the user'sremote device62 may be first transmitted to anexternal web server66. Theexternal web server66 may receive and accept the user inputs entered via thevirtual user interface108 provided by the app on the user'sremote device62, and associate the user inputs with a user's account on the external web service. If the user inputs include any changes to the existing control algorithm including any temperature set point changes, humidity set point changes, schedule changes, start and end time changes, window frost protection setting changes, operating mode changes, and/or changes to a user's profile, theexternal web server66 may update the control algorithm, as applicable, and transmit at least a portion of the updated control algorithm over thesecond network58 to theHVAC controller18 where it is received via thesecond port56 and may be stored in thememory72 for execution by theprocessor64. In some cases, the user may observe the effect of their inputs at theHVAC controller18. As discussed herein, the communication rate between theprocessor64 and theweb server66 may affect the message latency from when the user interacts with theuser interface108 provided by theirremote device62 to effect a change at theHVAC controller18 and when a message corresponding to the user's interaction with theuser interface108 provided at theirremote device62 is communicated to theHVAC controller18. In some cases, the user may experience lower message latencies when theHVAC controller18 has a full amount of available power stored in the energy storage device. The message latency may increase as less power is available to theHVAC controller18 from theenergy storage device86, but this is not required.
• Rather than a dedicated app, thevirtual user interface108 may include one or more web pages that are transmitted over the second network58 (e.g. WAN or the Internet) by an external web server (e.g. web server66). The one or more web pages forming thevirtual user interface108 may be hosted by an external web service and associated with a user account having one or more user profiles. Theexternal web server66 may receive and accept user inputs entered via the virtual user interface and associate the user inputs with a user's account on the external web service. If the user inputs include changes to the existing control algorithm including any temperature set point changes, humidity set point changes, schedule changes, start and end time changes, window frost protection setting changes, operating mode changes, and/or changes to a user's profile, theexternal web server66 may update the control algorithm, as applicable, and transmit at least a portion of the updated control algorithm over thesecond network58 to theHVAC controller18 where it is received via thesecond port56 and may be stored in thememory72 for execution by theprocessor64. In some cases, the user may observe the effect of their inputs at theHVAC controller18.
• In some cases, a user may use either theuser interface108 provided at theHVAC controller18 and/or avirtual user interface108 as described herein. The two types ofuser interfaces108 that may be used to interact with theHVAC controller18 are not mutually exclusive of one another. However, in some cases, avirtual user interface108 may provide more advanced capabilities to the user.
• FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of anillustrative HVAC controller18 that includes auser interface108. Theuser interface108, provided at theHVAC controller18, may be provided in addition to or in alternative to a virtual user interface that may be provided by an application program executed by a user'sremote device62 or that may be viewed as one or more web pages served up by aweb server66, as discussed herein. As shown inFIG. 4, theillustrative user interface108 may include adisplay94 disposed within ahousing96. In some cases, thedisplay94 may be a touch screen display, but this is not required. In the example shown, theuser interface108 may include one or more touch sensitive regions98a-98cprovided on thedisplay94, each touch sensitive region defining a button through which the user may interact with theHVAC controller18. Additionally, or alternatively, theuser interface108 may include one ormore buttons102aand102bthat may be provided separate from thedisplay94 through which the user may interact with theHVAC controller18. In some cases, thebuttons102a,102bmay be touch sensitive capacitive buttons. In other cases, thebuttons102a,102bmay be hard, physical buttons or soft keys. It will be generally understood that the size and shape of the display as well as the number and location of the various buttons can vary.
• Thehousing96 may be fabricated from any suitable material. As shown inFIG. 4, thehousing96 may have a generally circular foot print, but this is not required. In some cases, thehousing96 may be a two-part housing a may include arotating ring106 which may form part of theuser interface108, and which may provide another mechanism for accepting input from a user. For example, the user may rotate thering106 to increase or decrease an operating parameter (e.g. set point) and/or to change information viewed on thedisplay94 by advancing from a first screen to a second screen displayed on thedisplay94. In some cases, while theuser interface108 that is provided at theHVAC controller18 is capable of receiving a user's interactions, a more advanced ordetailed user interface108 for more fully interacting with theHVAC controller18 may be provided by an application program executed at a user'sremote device62 and/or by one or more web pages served up by a web server such asweb server66, as described herein.
• Referring back toFIG. 3, theprocessor64 may operate in accordance with an algorithm that controls or at least partially controls one or more HVAC components of an HVAC system such as, for example,HVAC system4 ofFIG. 1. Theprocessor64, for example, may operate in accordance with a control algorithm that provides temperature set point changes, humidity set point changes, schedule changes, start and end time changes, window frost protection setting changes, operating mode changes, and/or the like. At least a portion of the control algorithm may be stored locally in thememory72 of theHVAC controller18 and, in some cases, may be received from an external web service over thesecond network58. The control algorithm (or portion thereof) stored locally in thememory72 of theHVAC controller18 may be periodically updated in accordance with a predetermined schedule (e.g. once every 24 hours, 48 hours, 72 hours, weekly, monthly, etc.), updated in response to any changes to the control algorithm (e.g. set point change) made by a user, and/or updated in response to a user's request. The updates to the control algorithm or portion of the control algorithm stored in thememory72 may be received from an external web service over the second network. In some cases, the control algorithm may include settings such as set points.
• In some cases, theprocessor64 may operate according to a first operating mode having a first temperature set point, a second operating mode having a second temperature set point, a third operating mode having a third temperature set point, and/or the like. In some cases, the first operating mode may correspond to an occupied mode, and the second operating mode may correspond to an unoccupied mode. In some cases, the third operating mode may correspond to a holiday or vacation mode wherein the building or structure in which theHVAC system4 is located may be unoccupied for an extended period of time. In other cases, the third operating mode may correspond to a sleep mode wherein the building occupants are either asleep or inactive for a period of time. These are just some examples. It will be understood that theprocessor64 may be capable of operating in additional operating modes as necessary or desired. The number of operating modes and the operating parameter settings associated with each of the operating modes may be established locally through theuser interface108, and/or through an external web service and delivered to the HVAC controller via thesecond network58 where they may be stored in thememory72 for reference by theprocessor64.
• In some cases, theprocessor64 may operate according to one or more predetermined operating parameter settings associated with a user profile for an individual user. The user profile may be stored in thememory72 of theHVAC controller18 and/or may be hosted by an external web service and stored on an external web server. The user profile may include one or more user-selected settings for one or more operating modes that may be designated by the user. For example, theprocessor64 may operate according to a first operating mode having a first temperature set point associated with a first user profile, a second operating mode having a second temperature set point associated with the first user profile, a third operating mode having a third temperature set point associated with the first user profile, and/or the like. In some cases, the first operating mode may correspond to an occupied mode, the second operating mode may correspond to an unoccupied mode, and the third operating mode may correspond to a vacation or extended away mode wherein the building or structure in which theHVAC system4 is located may be unoccupied for an extended period of time. In some cases, multiple user profiles may be associated with theHVAC controller18. In certain cases, where two or more user profiles are associated with theHVAC controller18, theprocessor64 may be programmed to include a set of rules for determining which individual's user profile takes precedence for controlling the HVAC system when both user profiles are active.
• In some cases, theprocessor64 may be programmed to execute a guided set-up routine that may guide a user through configuring theHVAC controller18 to control one ormore HVAC components6 of theirparticular HVAC system4. In some cases, the user may have limited knowledge about the particular HVAC system configuration. The guided set-up routine may be configured to guide a user through set-up of theHVAC controller18 without requiring detailed knowledge of the particular HVAC system and/or without requiring the user to consult a technical manual or guide.
• Within the following disclosure, non-limiting reference will be made to representative components of an illustrative thermostat illustrated in the exploded view ofFIG. 5. The major subassemblies are identified generally as follows:
• • 180adisplay window/mask
  • 180badhesive
  • 180ccapacitive touch element
  • 180ddisplay gasket
  • 180edisplay
  • 180fwindow support and IR sensor
  • 180gbutton light guide assembly/dampener
  • 180hturning ring and code wheel
  • 180isliding ring
  • 180jprinted wiring board (PWB)
  • 180kback ring
  • 1801 light ring
  • 180mcase back
  • 180nwall plate assembly/level/battery/PWB-2
  • 180omud ring
• Not all listed components will receive further detailed attention and not all components contemplated are illustrated inFIG. 5 which serves to indicate the relative locations of components of one illustrative embodiment. It will be appreciated that certain of the components may be omitted, combined, rearranged, or otherwise modified in other embodiments.
• In the illustrative embodiment ofFIGS. 5 and 6A, related generally to displaywindow180aofFIG. 5,window display mask200 ofFIG. 6A may allow selected display components to be seen through thewindow display mask200 to effect a uniform display appearance as well as to alter the apparent shape(s) of the elements of the overall display without requiring custom display elements. The display window itself may be fabricated from any convenient transparent material such glass, polycarbonate, acrylic, or the like. In one embodiment, thewindow display mask200 is formed on the inner surface of the display window and is carefully registered with display elements of the thermostat. Thewindow display mask200 may be formed by conventional techniques and the opaque regions of the window display mask may be colored black, white, or other colors. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the window display mask may be formed of a material which is largely transparent when backlit and which presents a mirror finish when not backlit. In such embodiments, the portions of the window display mask which are formed of a material which is largely transparent when backlit may be confined to those portions of the window display mask which are not opaque. In certain embodiments, the material which is largely transparent when backlit may include a metallized layer which is substantially nonconductive to minimize interference with radio frequency communication between the thermostat and other components of the system. In certain other embodiments, the material which is largely transparent when backlit may be applied to the inner surface of the transparent material before themask200 is applied. This material may also be used as a component of an optical encoder associated with sensing motion and or position of a code wheel or turning ring (see180hofFIG. 5), but this is not required.
• Some portions and apertures220a-bof thewindow display mask200 may overlie a single display element, such as a rectangular color LED display ofFIG. 5e, so that the user experiences that portion of the color LED display which is seen through aperture220bas a circular screen element and experiences thearched aperture220aas a separate arched display element or elements. It will be appreciated that the areas displayed through apertures220a-bof thewindow display mask200 may be further divided into visually distinct display regions such as three user buttons in the area ofarched aperture220aand/or lists in aperture220b. It will further be appreciated that the visual information displayed within an aperture may change from time-to-time depending upon the state of the thermostat. For example, at a first time, the information displayed through aperture220bmay alternate between the current time and the current temperature. At a second time, the display may provide the current indoor temperature and the current set point through aperture220b, if those temperatures differ. At a third time, the information displayed may include a list of options from which the user may select using a touch screen capability of the device. At a fourth time, the information displayed through theupper aperture220amay represent an array of choices such system mode a setting of Heat, Off, Cool, and optionally may change to a centered indication of the selected choice at a fifth time. At a sixth time, the display through aperture220bmay indicate a portion of the pending changes to the list of set point options. Each of these as well as additional display options may be implemented in various embodiments. It will be appreciated that the circular aperture220band thearched aperture220aconfigurations are only illustrative and non-limiting and may be replaced by more or fewer mask apertures, said apertures having any desired shape(s).
• Similarly, certain display elements may be implemented asstencils102a,102boverlying a light source which back illuminates the stencil when the associated function is available and/or active and which is dark or grayed when the function is unavailable and/or inactive. Additional information may be conveyed by selecting from among multiple colored light sources. In the example shown inFIG. 6A, stencil102amay overlie a touch-sensitive element such as capacitive touch-sensitive membrane to request local weather information and the information retrieved by the thermostat may be displayed with color coding of light displayed through the aperture or may be displayed in greater detail through the central aperture220b. In some cases, one or both touch-sensitive elements associated, for example, withstencil areas102aand/or102bmay cause one or more options to be displayed and/or selected on the portion of the display visible through aperture220b.
• Referring toFIG. 6B, the window anddisplay mask200 may be positioned relative toregions222a,232a-b(which are on the transparent touch-sensitive element240, see subassembly180cofFIG. 5), and are held in registry with the display (not shown in this figure for clarity) by an appropriate adhesive or other mounting fixture. In certain embodiments, anair gap244 may be introduced between the front surface of the display and the back surface of the touchsensitive element240 associated therewith by a perimeter spacer248 (SeeFIG. 6C). Theair gap244 is believed to enhance the performance of the touchsensitive element240 and also to help reduce radio frequency noise introduced into the touchsensitive element240 by the display. Theair gap244 may be employed with or without a touchsensitive element240 ground plane formed on the back surface of the touchsensitive element240 and separated therefrom by adielectric spacer207.
• Portions of touch-sensitive element240 may be adhesively attached to the display and button light guide assemblies which are also coupled to window support250 (see,FIG. 5, element1800). Aperture220 in thewindow support250 is aligned with touchsensitive button areas222aand an upper portion of the display. Aperture220 is also aligned with a touch sensitive region of the touch-sensitive element240 and overlies a lower portion of the display.Stencil aperture102ais aligned with a touch-sensitive region232aand overlies an illumination source (not shown in this view). Similarly,stencil aperture102bis aligned with a touch-sensitive region232band overlies an illumination source (not shown in this view).Window support250 and adhesive (see,180bofFIG. 5) may maintain the window andmask200 in the desired relationship to other elements of the device and may include appropriate apertures for mounting the display and the illumination sources.
• In some cases, a mask having generally the same apertures and visual features as described above may be formed on the outer surface of the window. The mask may be applied by any of the standard techniques including, but not limited to lamination or in-mold application. In this instance, other components of the thermostat may be attached to the inner surface of the window without adversely affecting appearance. For example, the molded window and associatedmask200 may includebosses215 such as are shown inFIG. 6B. Thebosses215, like thewindow support250 described above, may serve as an assembly framework which is configured to receive a stacked array of relatively stationary components of the thermostat. In some embodiments, thebosses215 may be asymmetrically disposed and/or may differ in size or shape to help ensure that subsequently added components during assembly are assembled in the correct front side/backside orientation. In addition, one or more of the bosses may be tapered and/or stepped to ensure that the order of added components is correct during assembly. In certain embodiments, the inner surface of the window may be relieved, for example, to provide a thin section through which an IR sensor may view the room for occupant presence and/or motion with minimal attenuation of the signal by the material of the window when delivered to anoptical element210 that is associated with the IR sensor. In other embodiments, the window and mask may include an aperture that is in registration with anoptical element210 that is associated with an IR sensor.
• In some instances, the programmable thermostat may be configured to become activated and powered when it senses the presence of a person in front of the programmable thermostat. This detection may be provided by a passive infrared sensor (PIR) and an associatedoptical element210. The sensor may detect thermal radiation of a human body (5-12 micrometers—infrared area [IR]). The sensor may include two separate detector pads. A signal may be generated based on a time-based change of thermal radiation received by the two separate detector pads. When so provided, the IR wavelengths of interest are typically blocked by most common optic materials. One suitable material for an optical window and/or lens may be polyethylene (PE). Glass substantially blocks the wavelengths of interest and so glass windows may need to have an aperture to accommodate a proximity sensor and its lens.
• A suitable lens, either positioned in the hole of a glass window or behind a thinned section of a window, may incorporate sloped front surfaces and a corresponding convex rear surface to impart a degree of directionality to the field(s) of view of the sensor. In some embodiments, the use of Fresnel lens designs may be desirable to increase the amount of IR energy which reaches the sensor. In certain embodiments, the light gathering surfaces may desirably differ in size to compensate for transmission differences to equalize sensitivity in different directions. While IR sensors are disclosed here as one example, it is contemplated that any suitable sensor may be used, as desired.
• The capacitive touch element (or elements in some embodiments) may be adhered to themasked window200 as shown inFIG. 6F. A display element group “D” may be located between the window and the button light guide assembly/dampener180gwhich is positioned by thebosses215. It will be appreciated that the touch sensitive element(s) of the thermostat may each be implemented as a separate element, or may be provided with two or more touch sensitive regions.
• An illustrative multi-region touch sensitive assembly is shown inFIG. 6E. In the non-limiting example, the touch sensitive element may be formed from a piece of flexible printed circuit material, which is folded into a U-shape and adhered to opposite sides of a transparentdielectric spacer207 as may be seen in enlarged detail A ofFIG. 6E. A first half of the flexible printed circuit material may form a solid ground plane extending over substantially the entire surface of thedielectric layer207. The second half of the flexible printed circuit material may form the capacitive elements of the touch sensitive assembly, which may serve as the functional buttons, as well as a generalized touch sensitive region associated with the active portions of the display. As mentioned earlier, the touch sensitive assembly may be adhered to the window and spaced a short distance from the face of the display to improve sensitivity and reduce noise.
• Backlights such as LED backlights may be used to illuminate the stencil apertures in the window display mask forwindow180aofFIG. 5. In some cases, a three color LED may be mated with a custom lens and a diffuser to provide a relatively hot-spot free illumination from LED arrays mounted on a printed wiring board,180jofFIG. 5. In one example, the area to be illuminated is 14 mm in diameter and is located 6 mm from the printed wiring board. As seen from the window side inFIG. 7A,lens310 may be mounted to thewindow support180fofFIG. 5 atlocations311 and over the LED(s)320 on the printed wiring board. In some embodiments thelens310 is combined with adiffuser310a. An illustrative lens is illustrated in cross-section inFIG. 7B. The LED array (or single LED) may produce light with a distribution cone angle of about 120 degrees which generally corresponds to the desired light output angle from the system. Anillustrative ray330 has been traced through the lens and thediffuser310awith a resultingoutput cone340. Textured and non-textured diffusers formed from polyethylene terephthalate (PET), acrylics, or acetal, each with thicknesses between 0.17 millimeters (mm) and 1.7 mm, have been shown to be functional with good wide angle light output when the film is translucent and/or textured. In other embodiments, thelens310 may be formed from a translucent or milky material thus combining the light capture/distribution functions with diffusive scattering.
• FIG. 7C illustrates alens310, shown in cross-section, which has an optionally surface-texturedinlet surface312 and an optionally surface-texturedoutlet surface314. The position of the light source, such as an LED, is indicated byreference numeral316.FIGS. 7D and 7E provide perspective views of anillustrative lens310 output surface and input surface respectively, as well as the associated mountingstructures315.FIGS. 7F-7H illustrate various illustrative combinations of alens310 and adiffusion component312.FIG. 7F shows a lens with a thick diffuser.FIG. 7G shows a lens with a thin diffuser.FIG. 7H shows a lens with an integral or combined diffuser.
• For a thermostat, it is often important to have an accurate indication of the ambient air temperature surrounding the thermostat. However, in a thermostat that includes active electronics in a housing that has a sealed appearance, it can be difficult to position a temperature sensor within the device where the influence of internally generated heat is minimized and where motion of housing components does not complicate connecting the sensor to an appropriate PWB or daughter board. Of the available options in the illustrative design, the fixed window is an attractive locale. In some cases, a thermistor may be thermally bonded to the inside surface of the fixed window with a thermal grease to help overcome the variations in positioning which may result from the assembly process.
• In some instances, a temperature sensor such asthermistor403ais mounted on a flexible circuit member403 (FIG. 8A) extending fromdaughterboard403b, which is connected in turn to the printedwiring board180jofFIG. 5 byconnector405 as illustrated inFIG. 8B. Thedaughterboard403bmay be mounted to window support401 (see,180fofFIG. 5) such that thecircuit member403, extending fromdaughterboard403b, is inserted into an isolation pocket formed betweenwindow404, thewindow support401, and other internal structure(s) such as, forexample dampener402 as may be seen inFIG. 8C. In some embodiments,window404 may be considered as providing anouter housing wall406 such that apocket408 is formed behind theouter housing wall406.Daughterboard403bmay extend beyonddampener402 intopocket408. Accordingly, and in some embodiments,thermistor403ais thermally connected toouter housing wall406 and is thermally isolated from the rest of the interior of the thermostat. It will be appreciated that the thermostat includes a plurality of heat producing components, and thethermistor403ais positioned withinpocket408 such thatthermistor403ais isolated from the plurality of heat producing components.
• In some embodiments, contacts between the pocket forming structures and theflexible circuit member403 flex the flexible circuit member mountedthermistor403aagainst thewindow404, reducing or eliminating the need for manual positioning of a lead mountedthermistor403aand the need for thermal contact grease. In some embodiments,flexible circuit member403 is configured to provide a bias force toward a non-flexed state when flexed. In some embodiments, the bias force offlexible circuit member403 biases thethermistor403aagainstouter housing wall406.
• As indicated above, a rotatable ring may form part of the outer surface of the HVAC controller. In some embodiments, an optical encoder, such as a reflective optical encoder, may be employed to detect rotation of the rotatable ring.
• In one example, a flange of the rotatable ring (see,180hofFIG. 5) may be captured between a fixed sliding ring (see,180iofFIG. 5) and a loading surface which includes 3 to 8 pressure applying paddles as components of the button light guide assembly (see,180gofFIG. 5). Grease dots may be applied between the fixed sliding ring and the rotatable ring to provide a desired degree of drag while keeping the grease on the opposite side of the assemblies from the optical ring rotation encoder, if present.
• One such example is shown inFIG. 9A. Aflange472 of arotating ring470 extends inward and rides against a fixed slidingring460, sometimes withgrease450 at the interface. In some embodiments, ridges and corresponding relief portions of therings460,470 provide a labyrinth seal which helps confine thegrease450 to the desired sliding interface between the two rings.
• In the example shown, cantilevereddampeners480aare positioned along the perimeter of buttonlight guide assembly480 and eachdampener480aapplies a light pressure to a raisedsurface474 of theflange472 of therotating ring470. Although the deflection of the beams ofcantilevered dampeners480ais often sufficient to provide the desired pressure, it will be appreciated that in some cases, pressure may be supplied by, or supplemented by, wire springs, wound springs, sheet metal springs, a wave washer, and the like (not shown). InFIG. 9B, six illustrativecantilevered dampeners480aare shown formed around the perimeter of the button light guide assembly480 (see,180gofFIG. 5). In some instances, the buttonlight guide assembly480 is conveniently mounted to trap the rotating ring470 (omitted for clarity) between buttonlight guide assembly480 and fixed slidingring460.
• To sense the degree and direction of rotation of the rotating ring (see,180hofFIG. 5), a surface of the rotating ring may be patterned, for example by metalizing, to provide a reflective code ring to be sensed by an optical encoder capable of sensing rotational increments as pulses or the like and further capable of sensing direction of rotation. In an alternate embodiment, the rotating ring may include a plurality of teeth distributed around an inner or outer perimeter thereof as in the form of a planetary, bevel, or ring gear adapted to mate with a complementary gear to drive an encoder which provides signals related to incremental rotation and direction. SeeFIG. 10 for a non-limiting example of aplanetary gear500 driving aspur gear510, theshaft520 of which may be coupled to an encoder (not shown for clarity).FIG. 10A is illustrative of a rotating ring adapted for use with the gear and encoder arrangement. Other encoding methods may be used. In some cases, the metalized pattern may not form a continuous conductive ring around the rotating ring to help minimize interference with radio frequency communication between the thermostat and other components of the building automation system. Such a construction may help RF communications between an external device and an internal antenna of the thermostat.
• FIG. 10B illustrates anillustrative code wheel180hwith areflective code522 mounted on an inward extendingflange524 of thecode wheel180h.FIG. 10C shows theillustrative code wheel180hinstalled in an HVAC controller, such as the HVAC controller shown inFIGS. 4-5. In some embodiments, thecode wheel180his a rotatable ring, and is disposed between a first stationary housing component and a second stationary housing component. For example, the first stationary housing component may include the button light guide assembly/dampener180g(FIG. 5) and the second stationary housing component may include the slidingring180i(FIG. 5). It will be appreciated that either the first stationary housing component and/or the second stationary housing component may include one or more additional components in combination with the aforementioned button light guide assembly/dampener180gand the slidingring180i. Thecode wheel180hhas an outer exposed surface that a user can use to rotate thecode wheel180h.
• In some embodiments, the rotatable ring orcode wheel180hhas afirst side502 and an opposingsecond side504. In the example shown inFIG. 10C, thefirst side502 of thecode wheel180his configured to slide along a surface of the first stationary housing component and thesecond side504 of thecode wheel180his configured to slide along a surface of the second stationary housing component when thecode wheel180his rotated. Thefirst side502 of thecode wheel180hincludes an inward extendingflange524 that extends towards a rotation axis of thecode wheel180hand may be considered as having an encoded surface including areflective code522. In some embodiments, thereflective code522 may be considered as facing towards a front of the thermostat, or away from a back of the thermostat.
• The inward extendingflange524 may define an upward facing (in the illustrated orientation ofFIG. 10C) surface that thereflective code522 may be mounted on. It is contemplated that thereflective code522 may be deposited, printed, adhered, etched or otherwise secured or formed on the upward facing surface of the inward extendingflange524. In some embodiments, thereflective code522 may include a reflective repeating pattern that optionally varies with respect to rotational position on the encoded surface.
• Anencoder526 is shown disposed over the inward extendingflange524 of thecode wheel180h. In some embodiments, theencoder526 may be considered as facing towards the back of the thermostat, or away from the front of the thermostat. In some embodiments, theencoder526 is an optical encoder. Theencoder526 is shown mounted above the upward facing surface of the inward extendingflange524 of thecode wheel180h. Theencoder526 may detect thereflective code522 as thecode wheel180his rotated by the user, and may output a signal that is indicative of rotation of thecode wheel180hthat may be used as an input to the thermostat, such as to adjust a temperature setpoint or the like. In some embodiments, the output signal of thestationary encoder526 indicates how far and in which direction therotatable ring180hwas rotated by the user. It will be appreciated that in some instances, a user may rotate therotatable ring180hin order to instruct the thermostat to change a temperature setpoint. The user may rotate therotatable ring180hin a first direction in order to increase a temperature setpoint, for example, and may rotate therotatable ring180hin a second, opposite direction, in order to decrease a temperature setpoint.
• In other embodiments, the encoding element providing the function associated with the rotating ring orcode wheel180hmay be a capacitive or other touch-sensitive element. SeeFIG. 10D in which the movement of a user'sfinger525 near or along an element of the perimeter of the thermostat is sensed to determine direction and degree of motion and encoded to acquire the input information. In such embodiments, a capacitive or other touch-sensitive element527 with which the user interacts may, or may not, be configured to physically move while being manipulated. For example, in some instances, a capacitive or other touchsensitive element527 may be configured to remain stationary to simplify the mechanical design of the thermostat, and to possibly improve reliability of the user interface of the thermostat. When so provided, a capacitive change may be caused by an interaction (e.g. touch or near touch) between the capacitive or other touchsensitive element527 and a user'sfinger525. This capacitive change may be correlated to a direction and degree of motion of the user'sfinger525 along the capacitive or other touch-sensitive element527, and thus correlated to a desired input of the user. In one non-limiting example, the relative and/or absolute position of the user'sfinger525 may be detected by heterodyning the frequency of a fixed frequency oscillator with a variable frequency oscillator whose frequency is altered by changes in capacitance caused by changes in position of the user's finger along the capacitive or other touch-sensitive element527.
• In some instances, a turning ring or the like may be provided, and may present a desired mechanical feel such as a damped turning ring feel as discussed above with reference toFIG. 9. In some cases, such a rotating ring may be positioned adjacent to a capacitive or other touch-sensitive element527. In some instances, the rotating ring may include one or more conductive elements that function similar to the user'sfinger525 discussed above. That is, the one or more conductive elements of the rotating ring may be sensed (e.g. capacitively) by the capacitive or other touch-sensitive element527.
• In some instances, a rotating ring may include one or more magnets, and one or more stationary magnetic sensors may be used to detect the relative and/or absolute position of the rotating ring. In yet another example, the encoding function associated with a rotating ring orcode wheel180hmay be provided by a rotational potentiometer or rotational capacitor, if desired.
• In some instances, a rotating ring may be provided with markings along an inward extendingflange524. The markings may be part of a regular pattern, or may be random or pseudo-random. Theoptical encoder526 may periodically capture an image of the markings. The optical encoder may then compare a previous image of the markings with a more recent image of the markings, and may determine movement (i.e. direction and displacement) of specific markings, and thus movement of the rotating ring. Such an optical encoder may be the same or similar to that used in many optical mice.
• To help secure the thermostat to a wall mounting plate, it is contemplated that one or more magnets may be used. This may help provide a clean aesthetic appearance, sometimes without the need for protrusive latches or exposed screw heads/holes. Non-limiting illustrative embodiments of suitable magnetic mounts are illustrated inFIG. 11A-D. Athermostat512 may be removably secured to awall plate533. Thewall plate533 may be secured to a wall. Thethermostat512 may include acontroller housing532 that is releasably securable to thewall plate533. One of thecontroller housing532 and thewall plate533 may include a permanent magnet while the other of thecontroller housing532 and thewall plate533 may include a magnetically attracted material such that thecontroller housing532 may be releasably secured to thewall plate533 based, at least in part, upon the magnetic attraction between the permanent magnet and the magnetically attracted material. In some embodiments, the magnetically attracted material is a ferromagnetic material such as steel. In some embodiments, the magnetically attracted material is another permanent magnet. It will be appreciated that in instances employing two magnets, each magnet will be oriented to present an opposite polarity to its paired magnet in order to provide an attractive force.
• In the illustrative embodiment ofFIG. 11A, thecontroller housing532 includesscrews531 having aferromagnetic head531awhich are attracted by amagnet534 built into thewall plate533. Other screws (not illustrated) may hold thewall plate533 to the wall. In the embodiment ofFIG. 11B,tubular magnets535 are disposed within arecess535aformed in aback surface535bof the body of thethermostat538 and are mounted aboutscrews536 in the body ofthermostat538 such that a magnetic circuit attracts aferromagnetic plate537 built into thewall plate539. In the embodiment ofFIG. 11C, amagnet540 is pressed or glued into apocket540aformed in aback surface540bofthermostat casing541 and attracts aferromagnetic plate543 which is part ofwall plate542. In some embodiments, themagnet540 is frictionally held within thepocket540a, or with an adhesive. In the embodiment ofFIG. 11D, amagnet545 is placed inthermoplastic casing544 and attractsferromagnetic plate547 which is a part ofwall plate546.
• It will be appreciated that more than one of these embodiments may be present in any given thermostat/wall plate combination. In those embodiments which include more than one magnet, the ferromagnetic plate may interact with more than one magnet in the manner of a keeper. It will further be appreciated that in some embodiments (not illustrated separately), the magnet(s) may be associated with the wall plate and the ferromagnetic plate may be an element of the thermostat. In yet other embodiments, both the thermostat and the wall plate may contain magnets and those magnets may attract each other pairwise and/or may attract corresponding ferromagnetic elements in the opposed wall plate or thermostat. In addition to holding the thermostat to the wall plate, the magnetic interactions described may serve to properly orient the thermostat relative to the wall plate. Although the illustrated embodiments include single linear magnets, it will be appreciated that “horseshoe” magnets and magnet arrays may be used.
• In some embodiments, there may be an alignment feature that is cooperatively formed between the wall plate and the controller housing. For example, the case back180m(FIG. 5) and thewall plate180n(FIG. 5) may, in combination, form an alignment feature. In some embodiments, thewall plate180nincludes a terminal block having a rectangular shape formed around the terminal block. Likewise, the case back180mincludes a portion that fits into the rectangular shape. This interaction helps properly align the case back180mwith thewall plate180n.
• An improved battery terminal for a thermostat or other device is shown inFIGS. 12B-12C. In some instances, a thermostat may employ a user replaceable battery. Conventional coiled spring battery terminals must accommodate variations in battery length as well as provide for easy insertion of the battery into the battery holder.FIG. 12A shows a conventional coiled spring battery terminal secured to abase551. When so provided, the coiled spring battery terminal tends to tilt undesirably as a result of the pitch of thehelical spring552 at the attachment to thebase551.
• To help overcome this, and in some cases, a coiledspring battery terminal553 may include an end that is bent into an extendedplanar base554, which helps ensure that the coiledportion555 of the coiled spring battery terminal remains oriented substantially perpendicular to the base to which it is attached. Theextended base554 of the coiledspring battery terminal553 may be secured to a base plate by crimping, welding, soldering, and/or the like. In some embodiments, theextended base554 of the coiledspring battery terminal553 may be substantially rectangular as shown inFIG. 12B, while in other embodiments, theextended base554 may be round or have the form of a polygon. A device employing the improved battery terminal is illustrated inFIG. 12C. The improvedbattery terminal base553 may be attached to the printed wiring board (see,180jofFIG. 5) by any mechanism including screws, rivets, adhesives, clips, and the like. In some instances, the attachment may provide an electrical connection between the battery terminal and the printed wiring board. In certain embodiments, the battery holder may position the battery at least partially within the plane of the printed wiring board, but this is not required.
• Greater ease of assembly and overall reduction of thermostat thickness may be attained by proper location of parts with regard to the printed wiring board (see,180jofFIG. 5). For example, asupercapacitor563 used to maintain electrical power to the thermostat in the event of a power failure and/or battery failure, often is manufactured with leads extending from an end face thereof. Accordingly, mounting asupercapacitor563 directly to the printedwiring board560 may cause thesupercapacitor563 to extend away from the plane of the printed wiring board to an undesirable degree or may require the use of a daughterboard mounted at right angles to the printed wiring board which requires undesirable assembly costs. In addition, asupercapacitor563 often is somewhat sensitive to heat damage when soldering is used to directly attach thesupercapacitor563 to a printedwiring board560 or daughterboard. These problems may be addressed by positioning thesupercapacitor563 at least partially within the plane of the printedwiring board560 and connecting thesupercapacitor563 to the printedwiring board560 with wire leads and an optional connector as best shown inFIG. 13. InFIG. 13, thesupercapacitor563 may extend at least partially intorelief567 that is located along the bottom of the printedwiring board560.
• A similar problem related to mounting aspeaker562 without suppressing sound generation and without damaging thespeaker562 during a soldering operation may be addressed by mountingspeaker562 on acarrier561 which is, in turn, mounted to the printedwiring board560, and by connecting thespeaker562 to the printedwiring board560 with leads as also shown inFIG. 13.
• In some instances, a thermostat may employ an illuminated light ring element (see,1801 ofFIG. 5), which in some cases can be used to indicates a current operating condition of the device, for example: heating equipment on, cooling equipment on, or neither heating or cooling equipment on. Each operating condition may be indicated by the display of a different color, which may be augmented by other audio and/or visual cues, if desired. In one example, colored lighting presented on the device front panel and from the device back side may be coordinated to indicate the current operating condition. For example, matching front and back side illumination may be orange to indicate that the heating equipment is currently activated, blue illumination may indicate cooling equipment is currently activated, and the absence of illumination may indicate neither the heating equipment or cooling equipment is activated. These visual indications may be further supplemented and reinforced by the display of, for example, a distinctive colored icon such as an (orange) sun when heating and a (blue) snowflake when cooling, and/or by projecting an appropriate color light from the illuminated ring out along the back side of the thermostat onto an adjacent wall or mud ring.
• In certain embodiments, the color-keyed display features may persist if external power is available, and optionally may fade to a lower brightness level after a pre-determined duration. When external power is not available, the display brightness and duration may be diminished or even eliminated quickly. In such low power consumption circumstances, illumination may be confined to one of the window feature(s) and the illuminated ring element near the thermostat base.
• In an illustrative embodiment, orange is used to indicate heating operation, and may be represented by an orange temperature set point, an orange sun icon, and an orange light ring or halo around the device's base. Blue is used to indicate cooling operation and may be represented by a blue temperature set point, a blue snowflake, and a blue light ring around the device's base. When neither heating nor cooling is on, the word Off may be displayed on the front display.
• A user can press anywhere in the area designated for the color temperature set point and color icon to select among the three operating modes. Once pressed, the temperature set point disappears and is replaced by the icons for the three selectable modes—a sun for heating mode, a snowflake for cooling mode and Off for an off mode. There may be an audio cue along with visual indication(s) to indicate to the user that the thermostat is now in a mode selection state. The currently selected mode will be displayed in color while the two non-selected modes may be grayed out. The user can select a new mode, or return to the current mode, by pressing one of these three options. The currently selected option may then be display in its designated color. At the center of the display, the actual temperature may disappear and may be replaced by visual and/or written cues that provide further an explanation of the currently selected mode.
• By pressing the mode a second time, the user confirms that they want the device to switch to that mode. This mode choice can be confirmed after a short period of touch-press inactivity. There may be audio cues associated to the initial selection and confirming button press actions. When the mode is confirmed, the two grayed out mode options may disappear. For heating and cooling operation, the associated temperature set point may appear in its designated color, alongside the matching colored icon for the selected mode. The device's light ring may also change to that color for a short period of time. This reaffirms to the user that the mode has been locked into this particular operation. If the heating or cooling equipment turns on, the colored icon for that mode may animate in a way that indicates to the user that the heat or cooling equipment is on. For example, the temperature and/or the appropriate heat/cool icon may appear to shimmer. Also, the device's light ring may illuminate with the corresponding color. For the Off mode, the user does not have a temperature set point being controlled to, and thus it does not appear. The word Off remains while the grayed out snowflake and sun disappear. The device's light ring may not illuminate in the Off Mode.
• The light ring may be implemented as a circular light guide. In some cases, the light ring may direct light along a defined strip that extends around at least a majority of the perimeter of the device housing. In some cases, the defined strip is on the front face of the device that is facing away from the all. In other cases, the defined strip may extend along the side wall of the device, wherein the side wall extends from the front face back toward the wall. In yet other cases, the defined strip may be on the back face of the device and may project light toward the wall to light up the wall, sometimes forming a light halo around the device.
• Light extraction from the light guide may be tailored to provide a uniform glow around the perimeter without significant bright or dark spots or, if desired, may be patterned. In some cases, light sources that illuminate the light guide may be LEDS, including three color devices to allow custom color mixing under program control. Although a default color scheme has been described above, it will be appreciated that other color schemes may be employed and, in some embodiments, may be user specified.
• An illustrativelight guide600 is illustrated inFIG. 14A, corresponding toelement1801 ofFIG. 5. In some embodiments, as illustrated, thelight guide600 has an annular shape that partially fits within the housing of the thermostat and partially extends outside of the housing of the thermostat. With particular reference toFIG. 5, it can be seen that thelight guide600 has an annular shape that fits within theback ring180k. In some embodiments, a bulk of the light guide body606 (discussed below) fits within theback ring180kwhile the output section of thelight guide600 extends to a radial position about equal to an outer surface of theback ring180k.
• The illustrative light guide includes two shaped light input pockets601 adapted to capture light from a light source (not illustrated inFIG. 14A) which allows the light guide to project light of desired colors onto a wall or mud ring to which the thermostat is mounted. In some embodiments, the light input pockets601 may include a compoundcurved surface601a(FIG. 14B), as illustrated, that faces the light source. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the light source may be positioned within the light input pockets601.
• Thelight guide600 includes long bifurcatedsections603 that are adjacent to the shaped light input pockets601. Thebifurcated sections603 accept light from the shaped light input pockets601 and distribute the light into alight guide body606 that extends around thelight guide600.FIGS. 14B and 14C provide additional views of thebifurcated sections603. In addition to the distribution function, thelong inlet section603 may help improve color mixing. In some embodiments, a portion of the light guide may be coated with areflective material604 to improve retention of light in the transition region between thelong inlet section603 and thelight guide body606.
• Region605 of thelight guide600 may help reduce what would otherwise be an unduly bright spot adjacent to that portion of thelight guide600 and redirects excess illumination into the ring portion of thelight guide600. In some embodiments, the surrounding components of the thermostat, such as a light reflective ring, also may contribute to uniform distribution of light within the light guide.
• In some embodiments, as illustrated, thebifurcated section603 includes afirst leg603acurving in a first direction and asecond leg603bcurving in a second, opposing, direction. In some embodiments, thelight guide body606 includes a first lightguide body portion606athat is optically coupled to thefirst leg603aand a second lightguide body portion606bthat is optically coupled to thesecond leg603b. In some embodiments, as illustrated, thelight guide body606 has a contoured profile to aid in uniform light distribution. With illustrative reference to the first lightguide body portion606a, it may be seen that the first lightguide body portion606amay have a maximum height or volume proximate thebifurcated section603 and a minimum height or volume at apoint606cthat is spaced away from thebifurcated section603. In some cases, as illustrated, the minimum height or volume atpoint606coccurs at a position that is midway between two equally spacedbifurcated sections603.
• The output section of the light guide is illustrated in greater detail inFIG. 14D, which illustrates anoutput turn607 adapted to direct light toward theoutput surface608. Theoutput surface608 may be a textured surface to enhance uniform light leakage to illuminate, for example, the wall or mud ring (not shown) behind the thermostat. In some embodiments, thelight guide600 may be secured to the thermostat housing such that theoutput surface608 may face the wall or other vertical surface to which the thermostat is securable. In an alternate embodiment, the light guide may be adapted to produce a modulated illumination such that several brighter illuminated regions may be produced, for example gradually reaching greatest brightness at 3, 6, 9, and 12 o'clock positions and diminishing in between for decorative effect or may be modulated to produce a generally uniform background illumination with bright spots distributed around the illuminated region. These are just some example variations.
• FIG. 14E illustrates thelight guide600 in combination with the printedwiring board180j(FIG. 5). In the example shown, the printedwiring board180jincludes a pair oflight sources602. As illustrated, each of the pair oflight sources602 are equidistantly spaced apart from one another, about 180 degrees apart, and are positioned on the printedwiring board180jsuch that each of thelight sources602 are positioned adjacent acorresponding input pocket601 andbifurcated section603. Accordingly, light emanating from each of thelight sources602 may enter aninput pocket601 andbifurcated section603, and thus pass into thelight guide body606. Thelight sources602 may be any desired light source. In some embodiments, each of thelight sources602 includes one or more light emitting diodes (LED). In some cases, each of thelight sources602 may be a multicolor selectable LED.
• FIG. 14F illustrates a lighting method that may be carried out using an HVAC controller that controls one or more HVAC components. A first operating state of the HVAC controller may be identified, as generally indicated atblock632. In some cases, the HVAC controller may have two or more distinct operating states. Atblock634, a first color that is assigned to the first operating state may be identified. In some embodiments, each of the two or more distinct operating states may have different assigned colors. The first color may be projected rearward and onto a surface upon which the HVAC controller is mountable, as generally indicated atblock636. In some cases, the first color is shielded from being projected forward and away from the surface. In some embodiments, projecting the first color includes projecting an annular light ring on the surface upon which the HVAC controller is mountable. In some cases, the annular light ring is substantially circumferentially uniform in intensity (e.g. halo).
• In some embodiments, and as optionally indicated atblock638, a second operating state of the HVAC controller, different from the first operating state, may be identified. A second color, different from the first color, assigned to the second operating state may be identified as optionally indicated atblock642. As optionally indicated atblock644, the second color may be projected rearward and onto the surface upon which the HVAC controller is mountable while shielding the second color from being projected forward and away from the surface.
• In some embodiments, the first operating state corresponds to the HVAC controller causing an HVAC heating component(s) to be energized. The second operating state may correspond to the HVAC controller causing an HVAC cooling component(s) to be energized. In some embodiments, a third operating state corresponds to the HVAC controller not causing either the HVAC heating component or the HVAC cooling component to be energized (off state). In some cases, when the HVAC controller is in the third operating state, no color is projected rearward and onto the surface upon which the HVAC controller is mountable.
• As alluded to above, the programmable thermostat may optionally include a “mud ring” adjacent the back side of the thermostat body and covering a portion of the wall around the thermostat body. A “mud ring” is a larger decorative plate that fits between the wall and the thermostat and may cover a wall opening and/or an unpainted or mismatched wall surface. In some embodiments, the mud ring may have an additional function in that it may be large enough and shaped to cover that portion of the wall or an opening in the wall which had been covered by a previous thermostat installation. A mud ring that provides this function may minimize the need to renew the decorative and aesthetic aspects of the wall in the vicinity of the thermostat. In other embodiments, the mud ring may be a decorative element of the thermostat installation. In such embodiments, the mud ring may also serve as a suitable field upon which the light from a light guide described herein may be projected and in those embodiments it may be desirable to select the color and texture of the mud ring to help ensure that the light projected on the mud ring has the desired visual impact. In some cases, the mud ring may have a textured surface to help reflect the incoming light forward toward a user. In some case, the textured surface may itself be patterned, such as having one or more annular shaped textured surfaces around the thermostat on a generally non-textured mud ring.
• In yet other embodiments, the mud ring may be omitted and light from the thermostat may be directed onto the wall itself. It will be appreciated that the mud ring may assume one of a variety of shapes and sizes. In certain embodiments, the installation package for the thermostat may include several optional mud rings to allow selection of a size, shape and/or color that is best suited to the need for wall coverage and/or aesthetics.
• The mud ring of the disclosure, if used, may be configured to mate with the back of the wall plate assembly (see,180nofFIG. 5) before or after mounting the wall plate assembly to the wall. In those installations which employ a mud ring, the mud ring may be provided with apertures to match corresponding features of the wall plate assembly, such as the wiring hole, screw holes, battery access openings, and the like. In the illustrative embodiment ofFIG. 15, themud ring610 may be attached to the wall plate assembly (not visible) by two orienting posts or hooks612 and alatch613 which maintain alignment between the mud ring and the wall plate assembly. Other attachment elements such as a flange with latch portions, bayonet engagement features, screws, and/or any other suitable attachment mechanism may be used.
• In some cases, the wall mount assembly may include features configured to simplify initial wiring of the system. For a single transformer installation, a jumper may be used to connect the “R” and “Rc” terminals together at the wall plate, and the single transformer is connected to the R terminal. In dual transformer systems, the jumper wire is typically removed, and wiring from one transformer is connected to an “R” terminal and the other transformer is connected to the “Rc” terminal.
• Single transformer systems are most common, so a jumper can be included by default. This requires that installers take the step of removing the jumper when wiring to the Rc terminal in a duel transformer installation. If this jumper is not removed, then the two transformers may be shorted together in a way that could cause equipment damage. This is especially an issue in the Do-It-Yourself (DIY) market. Furthermore, the jumper designs often require larger terminals that can contain both a jumper and the wire to the transformer at the same time.
• Some thermostats support configurable accessory outputs. Accessories that have their own transformer often require two terminal connections so that the thermostat can complete the circuit enabling the accessory. Accessories that use the HVAC system transformer often require only one terminal connection because the connection to the system transformer is made within the thermostat. This presents a problem for installers because to use a single universal output that supports two possible connections on a system that requires only one requires extra wiring and system knowledge.
• To address this, the jumper between the R/Rc terminals may be eliminated by including a switch in the wall plate that has a physical actuator609A (FIG. 15A) that blocks access to the Rc terminal in the default position (e.g. single transformer), and can be moved to expose the Rc terminal. When the physical actuator609A blocks the Rc terminal, the switch may automatically connect R and Rc and no external jumper wire may be required. When the user wishes to connect a wire to Rc, the physical actuator609A is moved to expose the Rc terminal, which changes the switch position to disconnect the jumper connection between R and Rc at the switch.
• The configuration of the accessory output may be accomplished by including a switch in the wall plate that has a physical actuator609B that blocks access to the second accessory terminal in the default position, and can be moved to expose the second accessory terminal. When the physical actuator609B blocks the second accessory terminal, the switch automatically forms an internal connection so that the thermostat can switch the first accessory terminal using the HVAC system transformer. When the user wishes to connect a wire to the second accessory terminal, the physical actuator609B may be moved to expose the second accessory terminal, which changes the switch to disconnect the connection to the HVAC system transformer and allows the thermostat to switch power from the external transformer. The switches of the disclosure may continue to perform their function even if the thermostat is operating on battery power, if desired.
• FIGS. 16A,16B,16C and16D show switching function which may be accomplished by switching the loads directly with a switch, or using the switch as a signal in a TRIAC, FET, relay or other circuit. With reference toFIGS. 16A and 16B, when FETs are used for R & RC connections, pins 2 and 3 of the S1 switch are connected to each other when using the single transformer, R-24 VAC. 24 VAC is applied to the R terminal and the peak voltage is supplied to drain of Q2 through fast recovery diode D8. At the same time, 3.3V generated by U2, voltage regulator IC, S-1142B and Q2, 2N7002, is applied to U1, TS3005 timer IC and FET SW VCC. Energy is stored and is transferred into D3, R1, and Q4 through L1 when a pulse signal is atpin 5 of U1, TS3005 timer IC is applied to gate of Q1. Once energy is applied to Q4, Q4 is switched on and stays on. 24 VAC applied to R transfers to RC through Q4 and the thermostat starts working After the thermostat functions, another 3.3V is generated and is applied to VDD and 3.3 VDC produced from R-24 VAC is cut off by Q2 on and Q5 off. Under this mode of operation, the leakage current flows only through D8, R9, and Q5. The thermostat CPU recognizes that the device is powered by R through 0 volt applied to pin 1 of S1 and turns on the power transformation circuitry powered by R-24 VAC.
• Pins 1 and 2 of S1 switch are connected to each other when using the dual transformer, RC-24 VAC. The 3.3 VDC produced from the R-24 VAC is cut off, the entire jumper circuit stops working, and the thermostat is powered by RC-24 VAC. Under this operation, the thermostat CPU recognizes that the device is powered by RC-24 VAC through 3.3 volts applied to pin 1 of switch S1, and turns on the power transformation circuit powered by RC-24 VAC and turns off the power transformation circuit powered by R-24 VAC.
• As shown inFIG. 16C, when a TRIAC is used for the R & RC connections and the switch is in default position, the TRIAC is fired by 4 diodes and the R and RC terminals are connected together. When the switch is in the dual transformer position, the R and RC terminals are effectively disconnected.
• As shown inFIG. 16D, when a TRIAC is used as a switch for R & U1bconnections and the switch is in the default position, the TRIAC is not fired, and the R & RC are disconnected. When the switch is moved from the default position, the TRIAC is fired by 4 diodes, and the R and U1bterminals are connected together.
• When relays are used for the R & RC or U1bconnections, such as in cases where the switch is insufficient to carry the required current load, the switch can be wired in series with a coil of a relay such that the operation of the switch activates or deactivates the relay coil so that the relay switches the load appropriately.
• In some instances, the thermostat may provide services beyond utilitarian control of an HVAC system. For example, and in some cases, the user can view today's weather forecast through one button press on the device. When the thermostat is approached as determined by, for example, an IR sensor, motion sensor, contact with a touch sensitive region of the window, or rotation of the turning ring, the device may highlight interaction points for the user using visual and/or audio cues, so that the user is intuitively guided through the experience. One of these highlighted interaction points may be an icon that represents weather. By pressing this point (e.g. a weather button such asweather button102b), the display of an actual temperature, temperature set point, and system mode may be replaced by today's current weather conditions, weather anticipated in 6 hours, and weather anticipated in 12 hours. Each of these time points may provide an icon on the main display that is associated with current conditions or with anticipated future conditions in the area. There may also be a current and/or expected temperature and humidity numeric value. When available from the weather source or readily calculable, the display may include a comfort index. The single button press may provide a comprehensive outlook of the short term expected weather so users can plan their day quickly, and in some cases, optionally choose to activate a one-touch activity. By pressing theweather button102ba second time, the weather information may disappear, restoring the home screen (e.g. actual temperature, temperature set point and currently selected system mode icon). If the user does not press theweather button102ba second time, the device may automatically return to the home screen after a period of time.
• While in the weather display mode, the device may allow the user to scroll through today's weather, historic weather, anticipated weather, and/or severe weather alert notifications using, for example the rotatable dial or gestures on the touch screen, to activate a scroll through the options depending upon availability of that information from a networked source. In some embodiments, the thermostat may have access to an exterior air sensor and may be capable of displaying parameters of the exterior air such as temperature and/or humidity.
• The thermostat may convey details related to how the user's HVAC system has typically operated when similar outside weather (be it today's, historic, or future) is presented. For example, on a day where high temperatures are expected to top 100° F., the device may display that typically the air conditioner runs 12 hours to maintain ‘x’ degree temperature inside where ‘x’ may be the currently programmed set point. Along with this display of typical operation parameters, there may be an indication, based on the current utility rates, of what the expected cost associated with the indicated setting for this outside condition may be. In some cases, there may be an indication, based on the current utility rates, of how much the user may save in cooling costs if the user were to increase the set point by, for example, 3 degrees. This may provide additional information to the user upon which to base adjustments to temperature, in addition to maintaining basic indoor comfort. In some cases, the user may specify a daily cost budget for cooling the building, and the device may set the set point temperature so that the expected cooling costs for that day stay under that budget.
• In some embodiments, the programmable thermostat may include a selection button which, when pressed, activates a first program module adapted to send a query to a source of local weather information; a second program module adapted to receive weather information related to one of local weather conditions and anticipated local weather; a third program module adapted to convert received weather information to one or more of displayable representations of alphanumeric data and icons; and a display driver for displaying the displayable representations of one or more of alphanumeric data and icons on a display associated with the programmable thermostat. In related embodiments, the programmable thermostat may generate a query under program control for weather information which may be sent to a source of local weather information. Upon receiving a response to the query or in response to receipt of weather information generated by a source of local weather information without an initiating query, the second module may be adapted to convert the received weather information to a displayable form and to initiate display of weather information at the thermostat. In certain embodiments, the programmable thermostat may be adapted to play a sound associated with received weather information.
• The overall organization of an illustrative HVAC system is shown inFIG. 17. At a first level, the HVAC system may include athermostat18 and auser console652. Theuser console652 may be remote and only intermittently available throughnetwork650. Thenetwork650 may provideadditional resources658. As discussed previously, thenetwork650 commonly will include a WiFi network as an initial link; however other components may be employed, for example, the Internet, cellular communication, REDLINK™, ZigBee, Bluetooth, IrDA, dedicated short range communication (DSRC), EnOcean, and their functional equivalent. In certain embodiments, portions of the network, including the initial link, may be hard wired components, fiber optics, and the like and connections toadditional resources658 often may be through hard wired components, fiber optics, and the like.
• Within thethermostat18, modules adapted to managesettings620, weather related data andactivities630, and Smart Away functions640 associated with the window displays and controls may be present. Reference will be made to the illustrative thermostat shown inFIG. 17A. Thesettings module620 may include ahardware block622, which may be used to store and manage hardware settings for the thermostat and/or HVAC components.Blocks624 and626 store and manage home settings and away settings, whileblock628 provides control of advanced features.
• Features associated with theweather module630 may be accessed by touching one of the stencil areas adjacent to the main display, which may present a weather related icon such as a sun partially obscured by a cloud. In some embodiments, the weather related icon may be illuminated by, for example, different colored lighting to indicate whether the features are enabled and being viewed or enabled, but not being viewed. When the weather related icon is not illuminated, the weather related features are not enabled. InFIG. 17A, the weather related icon is shown to the left of the main display. Similarly, features associated with theSmart Away module640 may be accessed by touching a stencil area which presents an icon associated with that function, for example, a home (seeFIG. 17A). InFIG. 17A, the Smart Away icon is shown to the right of the main display.
• In some embodiments, thehardware module622 may be accessed by touching an upper region optionally defined by a display mask to allow the user to alter basic system functions such as the selection of operating mode, for example Cool/Off/Heat, with appropriate visual and/or audible cue accompaniment. (SeeFIG. 17B). In some embodiments, the cooling function may be accessed by touching an icon such as a snow flake; the heating function may be accessed by touching an icon such as a sun (not shown inFIG. 17B); and the HVAC functions may be turned off by touching the word OFF (also not shown inFIG. 17B).
• In the discussion of user interface functions that follows, the details of steps of routine user interactions through the hardware module and to or among the modules will be omitted to simplify the descriptions, but will be understood to occur in the background as necessary to implement the commands. During periods with no user interaction, the thermostat display may dim to a preset level, for example 30% of maximum brightness, as illustrated by dotted lines inFIG. 17E. When the thermostat senses that interaction is desired or pending, as exemplified by activation of a touch control, activation by a cellphone or PC application, or upon sensing the presence of a person in the room with the thermostat, the thermostat display may assume an active state, for example, that ofFIG. 17B or17D for the cooling mode, and increases display brightness to 100%. InFIG. 17B, cooling is off because the temperature is near the set point (perhaps within 1 degree). The cooling icon, a blue snowflake, is static, and the current cooling set-point (71 degrees), also displayed in blue for cooling, are displayed in the upper portion of the display. The current room temperature (72 degrees) is displayed in the lower or main display window.
• InFIG. 17C, the outer ring of the thermostat has been rotated by the user (or the set-point has been changed by an external source such as a cell phone or PC application or the action of a One-Touch button) to lower the set-point to the now displayed 68 degrees, whereupon a blue light ring illuminates the wall or mud ring adjacent to the thermostat to acknowledge the change and the blue snowflake animates. The illumination of the light ring is illustrated by the thick black line extending around the perimeter of the thermostat. After a preset time, the light ring extinguishes, as shown inFIG. 17D, but the blue snowflake continues to animate, for example by shimmering, as illustrated inFIG. 17E, while the cooling hardware is active. Analogous actions may occur in heat mode, activated by touching the sun icon in the upper mode display area, as shown inFIG. 17F in which the set-point has been changed to 74 degrees such that the new set-point temperature, 74 degrees and the sun are displayed in orange to indicate heating mode, the light ring glows orange for a preset time to acknowledge the change, and the orange sun animates, for example by shimmering, while the heating hardware is active.
• In some embodiments, pressing one of the touch sensitive stencil areas adjacent to the main display, in this example, the house stencil icon to the right of the main display, activates a Smart Away feature, governed bySmart Away module640, which provides simplified short-term modification of the normally active program settings. When activated, the Smart Away feature may acknowledge the selection of theSmart Away module640 by changing the color of the illumination of the house stencil icon and optionally changing the color of the light ring illumination, adding “Smart Away” text to the main display, storing the current state of the thermostat (for example, Cool/OFF/Heat and set-point) and replacing the upper window or portion of the display with three options in the upper display area or window with the default being “Time” and the remaining options being “Hours” and “Days”, as shown inFIG. 17G. The dotted pattern around the perimeter ofFIG. 17G is used to indicate a color change of the light ring illumination.
• In the default Time—Smart Away mode, the main display indicates the current time plus one hour and the time may be increased in 15 minutes by rotating the outer ring. To accept the displayed return time, the user may press the house stencil icon a second time or Auto Accept by waiting a specified amount of time such as 9 seconds.
• A second Smart Away mode, Hours—Smart Away, initially displays a default two hour Smart Away period which may be adjusted from, for example 1-24 hours in half hour increments by rotating the outer ring. As before, to accept the displayed away time, the user may press the house stencil icon a second time or Auto Accept by waiting a specified amount of time such as 9 seconds.
• A third Smart Away mode, Days—Smart Away, starts with a display of the current day of the week and current time and advances in three hour increments to an anticipated return time and date by turning the outer ring. As before, to accept the displayed away time, the user may press the house stencil icon a second time or Auto Accept by waiting a specified amount of time such as 9 seconds.
• Once the Smart Away mode has been set and accepted, the house stencil icon may be illuminated to indicate that a Smart Away mode is active and the light ring may illuminate the wall or mud ring with an appropriate color cue for a specified length of time. In some embodiments, the house stencil icon illuminates at reduced brightness when Smart Away actions are active and may fade to off periodically to indicate that the function is engaged, as shown by the dashed home icon inFIG. 17H. In certain embodiments, an audio cue may be played when the house stencil icon is touched, when the Smart Away setting is accepted, and/or when the outer ring is turned to alter the displayed setting. It will be appreciated that each action and/or display change may be accompanied by appropriate animation and/or playing of audio cues. Audio cues are especially useful for visually impaired users. After a period of inactivity within the room, the display may return to sleep mode to conserve battery power.
• When entering a Smart Away mode, the thermostat may remember the current settings to be reinstated at the termination of the Smart Away mode and may, if desired, remember the current Smart Away settings for use as the default to be displayed when re-entering the Smart Away mode at a later date.
• If desired, the user may set the operating mode to Cool or Heat and set a temperature set-point before entering the Smart Away mode. In the alternative, a Cool mode increment and/or Heat mode decrement may be entered as a default during system installation or by using a cell phone or PC application. In certain embodiments, the thermostat may learn the users' preferences and use those as suggested temperature set-points when entering the Smart Away mode. In certain other embodiments, the user may elect to allow a remote manufacturer's server to select and/or alter the temperature to be maintained based upon, for example, one or more of the anticipated or actual weather in the vicinity, energy consumption considerations, historical data regarding the rate of temperature recovery in various conditions, and the like. Such server controlled temperature settings may be provided through the networking capability of the thermostat. Further, the user may override the temperature setting in anticipation of, for example, an early return, by using a cell phone or PC application.
• An active Smart Away mode may be turned off at the thermostat by touching the house stencil icon, turning the outer ring, and/or changing the Cool/OFF/Heat mode manually. This may be acknowledged on the main display and by turning off the house stencil icon illumination. When a Smart Away activity expires or is turned off, the system may restore the previously stored state of the thermostat, for example mode and set-point, and may return to normal operation.
• A weather module300 may be accessed through the hardware module202 by touching the one of the stencil areas adjacent to the main display which presents a weather related icon. Some illustrative features of such a module are as follows.
• Typically, if the thermostat is not currently connected to a network, the weather related icon may not be illuminated. When the weather related icon is illuminated and touched, the thermostat may acknowledge the selection of the weather module300 by changing the color of the illumination of the weather related icon and optionally the light ring illumination, stores the current state of the thermostat (for example, Cool/OFF/Heat and set-point) and replaces the upper window or portion of the display with options such as “Now” and “12 Hour” with the default “Now” selected. With “Now” selected, the main display may continue to display the current temperature of the room and in addition may display the outdoor temperature, relative humidity, and an icon representing the current weather as obtained through a network connection from a selected local weather source. In some embodiments, the display may include, or in the alternative display, the expected high and low temperature for the day. In addition, any severe weather alerts may be displayed as text and/or an icon.
• When the “12 Hour” option is selected by the user, the main display may be replaced by three rows of information indicating conditions at the current time to the nearest hour, the current time plus 6 hours, and the current time plus 12 hours. As before, the current weather information and forecast may be obtained through a network connection from a local weather source. Each of the three rows of information, in addition to the appropriate time, may display an outdoor temperature and an icon indicating the expected weather conditions for that time. In some embodiments, the thermostat may restore the previous state of the thermostat after a preselected interval such as 9 seconds. In other embodiments, the thermostat may restore the previous state of the thermostat after the preselected interval following a failure to detect motion in the room with an IR motion sensor. The display in the Off mode is illustrated inFIG. 17I.
• It will be appreciated that the actions and display changes may be accompanied by appropriate animation and/or playing of audio cues. It will be further appreciated that the display of weather information may take on any of a number of alternate forms, a few of which are illustrated inFIGS. 17J-17l.
• In addition to the functions discussed herein, the thermostat may include additional display capabilities, such as reporting system status, and/or may initiate other actions. For example, the thermostat may detect a low battery condition and send a message via WiFi or other link to the network and thence to a cell phone and/or PC application, perhaps by SMS text message or e-mail, to warn of the low battery condition. In the event of a very low battery condition, the thermostat may display a low battery icon. In a survival mode, the thermostat may blank the display to conserve power, send additional messages via the WiFi or other link to the network and thence to a cell phone and/or PC application, perhaps by SMS text message or e-mail, and continue to control the HVAC equipment, perhaps in a state of delayed responsiveness to further conserve power.
• If a WiFi enabled thermostat loses contact with the WiFi network for a significant period of time, perhaps three attempts to make contact at 30 minute intervals, the display may include a “No WiFi” message and/or icon. In the absence of WiFi or other network connection, the thermostat's user interface may disable certain features which depend upon network connection(s). For example, if the weather module is activated by touching the weather related stencil, if a pre-programmed action needs weather information, or if the Smart Away function requests weather information, perhaps through a manufacturer's or other server, the thermostat may display a message indicating that the requested function is not available, perhaps with an indication of the time at which the loss of connection was noted and/or an appropriate icon. In general, the thermostat may resume the default operation profile after competing any currently active Smart Away or one-touch operation which does not require a network connection. In some embodiments, the thermostat may suggest corrective actions such as restarting the router, calling the ISP, or calling the manufacturer of the thermostat. After a pre-selected time interval, the thermostat may resume the normal display mode and/or the normal display mode with a “No WiFi” message and/or icon. Following such actions, the thermostat may sense a lack of activity in the usual manner and enter a sleep mode after a specified time interval.
• Other icons and/or text messages may be used to convey error conditions and/or the receipt and installation of firmware updates or instructions from the cell phone, PC, or manufacturer's server, as desired.
• In some cases, user configurable one-touch actions (e.g. macros) may be provided. Such one-touch actions may be setup or activated at the thermostat itself, via a network such as by a cellular phone network, the Internet, a local WiFi network, and/or the like or combinations thereof. In some cases, access to a list of available one-touch actions may be provided by pressing a button or stencil on the window of the thermostat. In certain embodiments, the button or stencil may be double-touched to access one-touch actions and single-touched to access other functions such as Smart Away. In other embodiments, the one-touch actions may be accessed by maintaining contact with the button or stencil for a predetermined length of time (e.g. holding the button in for 5 seconds). When a one-touch menu is accessed at the thermostat, the upper display area of the thermostat may include two touch-activated regions for navigating the list of available one-touch commands and a touch-activated region for activating the selected command. The upper display area may include appropriate icons, for example up and down arrows and an “>” character, and activation(s) may be accompanied by appropriate audio and/or visual cues.
• One-touch actions (e.g. macros) may be particularly useful for those people who do not live life by a set schedule and have a need for a HVAC system that easily accommodates modification of routine operation of the HVAC system by introducing pre-programmed or readily programmed macros that allow rapid and unique personal customization on a one-time or recurring basis. In some cases, the interface may allow one-touch activation of previously configured macros that may be provided for primarily time-based and/or non-time-based events as well as for non-time-based activities with a known time component.
• Time-based events may include those events with at least one of a designated start time, a designated end time, and a duration designation in conjunction with a function, such as heat, cool, fan-on, and the like. In some events, the function may be inferred by the indicated direction of temperature change. Actions to be initiated by such events may be specified in a variety of ways. As a non-limiting example, an event may lower the current set point of the thermostat by 7 degrees for a period of 20 minutes starting at the current time. As another non-limiting example, the event may raise theset point 5 degrees for two hours starting at 3:40 PM on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays until further notice. The latter instance may, for example, be useful to better accommodate a student who is engaging in after school activities for a semester.
• Non-limiting examples of non-time-based actions or activities include interests, weather, lifestyle, level of activity, home efficiency, number of occupants, detected presence of specific individual(s), and the like. Associated displays may include a clock, HVAC activity, outdoor conditions, alerts, and communications. In certain embodiments, the actions or activities may include conditional logic, for example, increase the set point by 5 degrees at 4:30 AM Monday-Friday IF the outdoor temperature is less than 20° F. AND the home is unoccupied. Some actions may simply increase or decrease the current set point by a few degrees until the next regularly scheduled temperature change to increase comfort if the user feels chilly or warm at the moment.
• One-touch actions may be viewed as personalized modifications, or macros, added to a background program which typically has been fixed by programming temperatures to be maintained between fixed times within a daily profile. One-touch actions may introduce convenient variations or over-rides to a daily schedule which persist for a fixed time interval or until the next pre-programmed daily schedule action. For example, if a user occasionally decides in the morning to exercise in the home gym after work, a one-touch button activated in the morning may direct the system to lower the set point by 5° F. at 5:00 PM to accommodate the increased activity level. If, on the other hand, the user decides to go shopping before going home, the onset of a previously programmed temperature change may be delayed by 1.5 hours to save energy by activating a one-touch action.
• In some embodiments, one-touch actions may provide incremental changes in the current set point while in other embodiments one-touch actions may initiate a change in a set point to a specified value. For users who frequently travel, a one-touch action may toggle the daily program from one group of temperature settings for time intervals to a corresponding group of “away from home” settings. The one-touch actions may specify qualifiers such as days of the week and absolute or relative times. One-touch actions may be conditionally based upon external or internal data. The thermostat may query a local weather service and, for example, raise the set point by five degrees for fifteen minutes when users are expected to arrive if the external temperature is below zero degrees to compensate for the introduction of cold air into parts of the house remote from the thermostat and to greet the user with a warm home if desired. The thermostat may also be responsive to the presence of users in the room or home at times when the house is expected to be unoccupied. This information may come from a variety of sources. For example, an IR sensor in the thermostat may determine that people are moving in the room, or may be aware of motion sensors associated with an alarm system for the house through a wired or wireless connection. In addition, the thermostat may be aware of the presence or even the approach to the home of one or more users through signals from cell phones or tablet computers which have an enabled location service such that the one-touch action may alter the current set point to prepare the house for occupancy.
• A simplified programming environment may be used to pre-program aspects of the operation of a thermostat and to implement pre-programmed aspects of the operation of a thermostat. Within an application running on, for example a cell phone, tablet computer, or personal computer, a user may create one-touch actions that are relevant to them and create a unique set of home comfort conditions that are ideal for them. Once programmed, the one-touch actions may be transmitted to a WiFi enabled thermostat via a network such as by a cellular phone network, the Internet, a local WiFi network, and/or the like or combinations thereof for storage at the thermostat. The one-touch actions may be invoked (over-ride the currently programmed schedule) remotely and/or at the thermostat. In some embodiments, as the thermostat “learns” which one-touch actions are more frequently used, the thermostat may order the list of available one-touch actions or macros to present the available actions in frequency-of-use order. In other embodiments, the list of available one-touch actions may be presented or ordered by other criteria such as by who created the action or may be presented or ordered according to their date of creation. In still other embodiments, the one-touch commands may be ordered chronologically according to the order in which certain events are expected to occur such as, for example: wake, leave, home, sleep. Other less frequently used one-touch actions such as one-touch actions related to comfort settings for a party or economy settings for a vacation may appear towards the end of the list of one-touch actions that are displayed. Other groupings and/or ordering by a user configurable drag-and-drop list may be employed.
• At the thermostat, consumers can choose to display available one-touch actions such that they are actionable and available to the consumer by pressing a window button. When engaged, these actions may drive conditions within the house to pre-configured settings with one consumer touch or may alter or over-ride the underlying basic schedule such that the change is implemented at some future time. These actions may be customized and chosen by the consumer so that they have controls and functionality which are time or non-time based and which are relevant to them. While “one-touch” is used as a descriptor to indicate ease of use, it is contemplated that more than one touch may be required to activate the action, depending on the implementation.
• In one example one-touch action, the user or users may configure a one-touch action for when people will or won't be at home to maximize comfort when home and maximize savings when away. A user may, if desired, configure a group of one-touch actions to conserve energy when they decide to leave the house for an extended period of time such as a 3, 4, 5, or 6 hour temperature set back, for example to dine and attend a movie or concert. In other embodiments, the away from home options may be a partially or completely pre-programmed system option. The user may also configure lifestyle or level of activity actions, such as exercise room work out time. When turning this action on, for example, the home may be cooled, or allowed to cool, more than normal by lowering the set point and the fan may be set to circulate more, since people typically feel hotter when using an exercise room. Such actions may be implemented to start immediately or at a specified time. In some cases, such one touch actions can be implemented for only a selected zone or selected zones of a zoned HVAC system.
• In addition, at the thermostat, consumers can choose to have simple information displayed to them which are unique and/or relevant to them, such as weather, clock, or HVAC activity. These one-touch actions and information displays may be configured and displayed alongside or instead of other one-touch actions such that operation remains intuitive.
• The option to configure one-touch actions using a cell phone, tablet, or personal computer application allows the user experience to be richer and more intuitive in view of the greater display and input options. The larger application display area may, for example, display categories of actions and fully displayed lists of options for selection rather than requiring stepping through menus. Similarly, some inputs may be more conveniently entered directly from a keyboard or a pull-down list rather than up or down stepping. For example, a scrolling list may be somewhat limited as to the reasonable number of time increments whereas a user may enter a time such as 4:23 directly from a keyboard, if desired, rather than being limited to, for example, 10 minute increments in a list.
• The one touch actions may be considered user defined macros. In some cases, each of the macros may include a user selected trigger, and a corresponding user selected action.FIG. 18A provides a block diagram of abuilding automation system770 whileFIG. 18B provides a block diagram of aremote user device772 that can be used in conjunction with thebuilding automation system770.
• In some embodiments, thebuilding automation system770 includes a memory774 for storing one or more user defined macros and acontroller776 that is operably coupled to the memory774. For each of the user defined macros, thecontroller776 may be configured to determine when a user selected trigger occurs, and in response, outputs one or more control signals to achieve the corresponding user selected action. In some embodiments, at least one of the user defined macros has a name that is user defined, and wherein the user defined name is displayed on a display. The display may be part of thebuilding automation system770 and/or theremote user device772, among others.
• In some embodiments, for a particular user defined macro, the user selected trigger may be selected from a plurality of predefined triggers. Illustrative but non-limiting examples of suitable triggers include activation by a user, activation at a specified time, activation when no one is home, and activation when someone is home. In some embodiments, for a particular user defined macro, the user selected action may be selected from a plurality of predefined actions. In some cases, the plurality of predefined actions may be programmed into thebuilding automation system770, for example. Illustrative but non-limiting examples of predefined actions include lowering the temperature by a specified amount, raising the temperature by a specified amount, lowering the temperature by a specified amount for a specified length of time, raising the temperature by a specified amount for a specified length of time, changing the temperature to a specified value, changing the temperature in one or more specified zones, lowering the humidity by a specified amount, raising the humidity by a specified amount, lowering the humidity by a specified amount for a specified length of time, raising the humidity by a specified amount for a specified length of time, activating a fan to circulate air, deactivating a fan to not circulate air, activating a heat exchanger, deactivating a heat exchanger, activate a security system, deactivate a security system, turn on lights, turn off lights, open a garage door, close a garage door, turn on a pool pump, turn off a pool pump, turn on an appliance, and turn off an appliance.
• In some embodiments, thebuilding automation system770 may include acommunications port778 that is operably coupled to thecontroller776 and that is configured to receive input from a user. In some cases, the input from a user includes but is not limited to a user selected trigger and a corresponding user selected action for at least some of the one or more user defined macros. In some cases, thecommunications port778 is configured to receive input from a user's remote device such as a smart phone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer and a personal computer. In some embodiments, a user's remote device may include the remote user device772 (FIG. 18B).
• In some embodiments, thecommunications port778 is configured to output one or more control signals for controlling building automation equipment (not illustrated). In some embodiments, the memory774, thecontroller776 and thecommunications port778 may be part of a server, but this is not required. In some cases, thecommunications port778 may be configured to output the one or more control signals to a building controller such as abuilding controller780. In response, thebuilding controller780 may provide one or more control signals for controlling building automation equipment. Illustrative but non-limiting examples of building automation equipment include HVAC equipment, security equipment, lighting equipment and the like.
• The remote user device772 (FIG. 18B) may, as noted above, represent a variety of different devices, including but not limited to a smart phone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer, and a personal computer. Theremote user device772 may include auser interface782 and amemory784 for storing one or more user defined macros, each of which include a user selected trigger and a user selected action. Acontroller786 is operably coupled to thememory784, theuser interface782 and acommunications port788. In some cases, thecommunications port788 is a wireless communications port, but this is not required.
• In some embodiments, thecontroller786 may be configured to accept, via theuser interface782, a definition for a new user defined macro. Thecontroller786 displays a plurality of triggers via theuser interface782 and accepts a selection of a user selected trigger for the new user defined macro. Thecontroller786 then displays a plurality of actions via theuser interface782, and accepts a selection of a user selected action for the new user defined macro. The new user defined macro is stored in thememory784 and is transmitted to a remote location, optionally a remote server, via thecommunications port788.
• FIG. 18C is a flow diagram of an illustrative method that may be carried out using the building automation system770 (FIG. 18A) and/or the remote user device772 (FIG. 18B). As generally shown atblock790, a plurality of one touch icons may be displayed on a display, each of the plurality of one touch icons corresponding to one of a plurality of user defined macros that each includes a user assigned action. One of the plurality of one touch icons may be selected by a user, as indicated atblock792. The user defined macro that corresponds to the selected one of the plurality of one touch icons may then be executed, including causing control signals to be sent to the building control system to implement the user selected action as generally indicated atblock794. In some cases, the displaying step ofblock790 and/or the accepting step ofblock792 may be performed on a remote user device such as the remote user device772 (FIG. 18B), which as noted may be a smart phone, a tablet computer, a laptop computer or a personal computer.
• In some embodiments, and as indicated atoptional block796, a user may be allowed to customize the name of at least one of the one touch icons, and to display the customized name on the display when displaying the plurality of one touch icons on a display. In some cases, and as indicated atoptional block798, a user may be allowed to define one or more new one touch icons and corresponding user defined macro, and to display the one or more new one touch icons on the display for selection by the user.
• FIGS. 18D-18J provide illustrative but non-limiting examples of screens from an illustrative remote user device. It will be appreciated that these screens provide additional examples of user defined triggers and corresponding user defined actions. InFIG. 18D, aninitial screen700 may present the user with options for triggering the one-touch action which may include a “You Tap on a setting”, “It is a specified time”, “Your house is empty”, “Someone is at home”, and the like at700a. If the user selects “You Tap on a setting”, the programming application may present common options such as “Use at home settings”, “Make it 5 degrees cooler”, “Make it 5 degrees warmer”, “Use economy settings”, “Use Away settings”, “Circulate the air”, and the like at710 (seeFIG. 18E). Within those common options, in addition to the option to accept a presented default, the application may present additional opportunities for customization as seen at710a,710b. For example, following selection of one of the “Make it 5 degrees cooler” and “Make it 5 degrees warmer” options, the application may provide a button which presents an additional menu with the option to provide finer control of the temperature offset and conditions for applying the offset. In some embodiments, the application may present options for the offset in 1 degree increments from 1 degree to 10 degrees, or other convenient range, and allow the user to specify whether the action applies when heating or cooling. In other embodiments, the application may present the offset as a display of the temperature to be maintained. Alternatively, the application program code may display an adjusted temperature setpoint adjacent a temperature offset. The adjusted temperature setpoint is reflective of the temperature setpoint that results after the temperature setpoint is applied. In certain embodiments, those buttons which admit of further options in addition to a default value may include a sub-icon such as an arrow which if selected provides further options. In such embodiments, selection of the button which admits of further options may require confirmation of the selection in the form of, for example, a double-tap or selection of a “Next” button within the display.
• When the “use eco mode” is selected viascreen710, thescreen720 may be displayed. As can be seen, the application may set upper and lower limits on a departure from the set-point temperature inscreen720. Once the desired conditions for the new one-touch action have been selected, the user may be presented with the option to name thenew setting730 and to add it to the list of available one-touch actions740 and the information may be shared with other devices which may initiate one-touch actions within the system such that the newly created action is available from all devices associated with the thermostat.
• When the triggering event “It is a specified time” onscreen700a(FIG. 18D), the application may specify the triggering time(s) and day(s) of the week for the action and pass control to the previously described temperature modification options and following selection of those options to the naming and distribution functions described above.
• The one-touch actions may also be programmed to be responsive to thepresence750 orabsence760 of occupants within the house and/or, in some embodiments, within a user specified distance or proximity boundary relative to the house. SeeFIG. 18H. As can be seen inFIG. 18H, in some instances, the location of the house may be defined by its full address. In some cases, this may be a street address. In other cases, the full address may be a GPS position and/or a position identified via a cellular network. In some instances, the full address may refer to longitude and latitude values. These are just some examples.
• As discussed herein, the thermostat may employ an IR sensor and associatedoptical element210 within the thermostat to determine that people are moving in the room, or may be aware of motion sensors associated with an alarm system for the house through a wireless connection. The system may determine that all occupants are absent by the failure to sense an occupant for a specified length of time. Alternatively or in addition, the thermostat may be aware of the presence or even the approach to the home of one or more users through signals from a cell phone or tablet computer which has an enabled location service. Such user related location services may be generalized such that the departure of all registered users or the departures of each member of a subgroup of registered users (e.g. geofence depart) may trigger the specified settings. Similarly, the approach or presence of any registered user or of one or more specific individual registered users (e.g. geofence arrive) may trigger specified settings. As further described herein, a proximity boundary or geofence may be used to determine the departure and/or arrival of registered users, which can then be used as triggers for one-touch actions.
• An example of programming one touch actions for a zoned system (e.g. upstairs and downstairs) is shown inFIGS. 18I-18J.
• In addition to the expressly described programming functions, the application(s) will be understood to include the ordinary editing, cancellation, deleting, etc. actions of a user interface as well as screens for presenting, selecting, and activating one-touch actions. The application may include the capability of providing comments or other information for display when a one-touch application is active. In some embodiments, such additional information may be in the form of a user supplied graphic and/or may be accompanied by an audio cue.
• Once configured, whether at the device or at a remote application location, one-touch actions may be activated at the device or at remote application location(s). In addition, simple information may be displayed on the device and optionally may be accompanied by audio cues.
• In some instances, the thermostat may transfer operational data to an application or applications which reside on one or more of a cell phone, personal computer, and remote server for analysis and compilation of reports for the user. As discussed herein, the data transfers involved may be accomplished via wireless communication links, wired connections, or combinations of wireless communication links and wired connections using one or more of the commonly employed communication protocols. In some embodiments, the information may be accumulated and transferred to one or more of a cell phone, personal computer, or remote server from another component of the HVAC system such as an equipment interface module. Such transfers may be initiated by either the information collecting equipment (the thermostat or equipment interface module) or by a receiving application running on the one or more of a cell phone, personal computer, and remote server. The transfer of information may occur on a regular schedule, upon the occurrence of a triggering event within the system, or may be initiated by the user. Illustrative sources driving the transfer of information and/or the delivery of a message may include, but are not limited to: user behavior; historical behavior, neighborhood/local trends in behavior (e.g. local trends in energy usage); local weather and impending weather events; energy consumption; HVAC controller status (e.g. loss of network connection, low batter, etc.); HVAC system status; smartphone location; and/or events occurring at the HVAC controller. In some instances, one of the information collecting equipment, the one or more of a cell phone, personal computer, or remote server may not be on-line or otherwise available to participate in an exchange of data, alerts, or reports at the time that such exchanges would normally occur. In such instances, the system components may periodically attempt to establish communication and/or may deposit a message for later retrieval, such as an e-mail or text message, to ensure that data exchange(s) occurs when direct communication is reestablished.
• In some instances, consumers lack information on the performance and health of their HVAC system, which may lead to unexpected changes in utility bills and/or undesirable delays in performing routine or other maintenance. Using data from the HVAC system, such as system run time, settings, sensor readings, maintenance schedules, and functional alerts as well as Web-based information such as climate data, daily weather data, utility rates, maintenance schedules, manufacturer's bulletins, and the like, an application may assemble periodic reports, on-demand reports, and/or alerts to be delivered to the consumer, for example by a message center on a server to a smart phone or personal computer application or by e-mail to a smart phone or personal computer.
• For the purpose of discussion, the examples provided will focus primarily on delivery to a smart phone application having a touch screen. However, it will be appreciated that other delivery methods may employ different display characteristics and interactions due to conventions associated with the operating environments.
• When a user opens the application, ahome screen800 may open, for example, with a user providedidentifier802 for a default thermostat location, a summary of thecurrent state804 of the selected thermostat, a scrolling list of recent system actions in reversechronological order806, andselectable options808, as shown inFIG. 19D. In some embodiments,home screen800 may include anindication803 of the number of recent system actions which have not been reviewed. Touching theidentifier802 may provide anoptions screen810, which may allow the user to specify a thermostat at adifferent location812 which typically would return the display to thehome screen800 with the information for the selected thermostat displayed. In the alternative, the user may select from the list provided onoptions screen810. Many of the displayed options are self-explanatory and/or have been described previously. Of the illustrative examples, the “Messages” option will be discussed below.
• Selecting theSettings icon814 may direct the application to displayscreen816, which confirms thelocation822 for which the preferences will be selected and permits updating various settings pertaining to the selected location. Among those settings may be “Notification Preferences” which when selected calls upscreen820 shown inFIG. 19E. The illustratedscreen820 provides a toggle for turning status updates on and off, and alist826 of other possible notification categories that the user may elect to receive and/or suppress. Typically thelist826 of possible notification categories will indicate visually which categories are currently selected by displayed text, a check box, radio button, highlighting, or the like.
• When thermostat status updates are turned on, the application displaysscreen830 which again confirms which location is currently selected at832.Screen830 also displays a set of selectable categories which may be selected and indicates visually which categories are currently selected by displayed text, a check box, radio button, highlighting, or the like. An illustrative example of the Thermostat Maintenance status category is shown onscreen840 which includes a toggle for the reminder and a user selectable reminder indicator. In some embodiments, the display may also indicate the time remaining until maintenance is suggested.
• With brief reference toFIG. 2, theHVAC controller18 may be configured to communicate with a remote device such as theremote device62. TheHVAC controller18 may send information to theremote device62, and theremote device62 may send information to theHVAC controller18, sometimes via an intervening remote server.FIG. 19A provides a schematic block illustration of amobile device870 that may be used in programming anHVAC controller872 of an HVAC system. In some embodiments, themobile device870 is a smartphone or tablet computer, but this is not required. In some embodiments, themobile device870 may be considered as an example of the remote device62 (FIG. 2).
• Themobile device870 may include atouch screen display874 that is configured to display information and to permit a user to enter information. Anetwork connection878 may be configured to communicate with aremote server880 that is itself in operative communication with theHVAC controller872. Themobile device870 includes acontroller876 that is in operative communication with thetouch screen display874 and thenetwork connection878. Thecontroller876 is configured to receive one or more messages related to the operation of the HVAC system via thenetwork connection878, and to display the one or more messages on thetouch screen display874.
• In some embodiments, one or more messages are displayed in a message center, sometimes in a list format. When so provided, the most recent messages may be displayed at the top. Alternatively, the most serious or urgent messages may be displayed at the top. In some cases, each message has a message description and a time stamp displayed. Optionally, each message has an indicator that indicates if the message has already been selected and read by the user. In some embodiments, at least one of the messages in the message center are selectable, and once a message is selected, thecontroller876 may be configured to display on thetouch screen display874 display additional information regarding the selected message. In some cases, the messages in the message center can be deleted by the user. In some embodiments, thecontroller876 executes an application program, and the message center is implemented by the application program.
• A variety of messages may be displayed in this manner. For example, in some embodiments, at least one of the messages may be an alert that alerts the user to a failure of a component of the HVAC system. In another example, at least one of the messages may be a suggestion that suggests an alternative setting for the HVAC system. In another example, at least one of the messages may be a maintenance reminder for the HVAC system. In another example, at least one of the messages may relate to usage or usage patterns of the HVAC system.
• FIG. 19B provides a schematic block illustration of amobile device882 that may be used in programming anHVAC controller872 of an HVAC system. It will be appreciated that there may be significant similarities between the mobile device882 (FIG. 19B) and the mobile device870 (FIG. 19A). Themobile device882 may be considered as an example of the remote device62 (FIG. 2). In some embodiments, themobile device882 is a smartphone or tablet computer, but this is not required. Themobile device882 includes auser interface884 that is configured to display information and to permit a user to enter information. Anetwork connection888 is configured to communicate with aremote server880 that is itself in operative communication with aHVAC controller872. Themobile device882 includes amemory890 for storing an application program. Acontroller886 is in operative communication with theuser interface884, thenetwork connection888 and thememory890.
• The application program, stored in thememory890, may enable a user to remotely program one or more functions of theHVAC controller872 via theuser interface884 and to output one or more programmed functions to theremote server880 via thenetwork connection888 when the application program is executed by thecontroller886. In some embodiments, the application program may be further configured to receive one or more messages related to the operation of the HVAC system via thenetwork connection888, and to display the one or more messages via theuser interface884.
• In some embodiments, each message has a message description and a time stamp displayed. In some cases, at least one of the messages includes an alert that alerts the user to a failure of a component of the HVAC system, a suggestion that suggests an alternative setting for the HVAC system, a maintenance reminder for the HVAC system, or a usage message indicating the usage of the HVAC system. In some embodiments, the one or more messages are displayed in a message center, wherein the one or more messages are displayed in the message center in a list format, with the most recent or most urgent messages are displayed at the top. Optionally, at least one of the messages in the message center are selectable, and once a message is selected, the application program is configured to display via the user interface additional information regarding the selected message.
• FIG. 19C is a flow diagram of an illustrative method that may be carried out using the mobile device870 (FIG. 19A) or the mobile device882 (FIG. 19B). One or more messages that are related to the operation of the HVAC system may be received at the wireless mobile device as generally indicated atblock892, where each message includes a message description and a time stamp. As shown atblock894, the one or more messages may be displayed on a display of the mobile device in a message center. A user may be allowed to select one of the messages displayed in the message center, and in response, additional information regarding the selected message may be displayed, as generally indicated atblock896. In some embodiments, at least one of the messages includes an alert that alerts the user to a failure of a component of the HVAC system, a suggestion that suggests an alternative setting for the HVAC system, a maintenance reminder for the HVAC system, or a usage message indicating the usage of the HVAC system.
• FIG. 19F illustrates an illustrative interaction with a message center which may serve two thermostat locations and which may present messages in reverse chronological order with messages from multiple locations mingled and identified by location. As before, the display ofhome screen800 identifies a location for which selection attributes may be altered and presents options for further user interaction onscreen810a. Those interactions may proceed generally as detailed above. If the Messages option is selected, data presentation may depend upon whether one or more thermostats are currently configured as shown onscreen850 and850aofFIG. 19G. Note inFIG. 19G, the messages may include an indicator (bullet) which shows which messages have been reviewed by the user and those messages which have not been reviewed. Selecting an individual message from eitherscreen850,850amay display a screen such as855,856, or857 ofFIG. 19H with additional information regarding the message and one or more options for addressing and/or dismissing the message.
• In some embodiments, the message center may assign priorities to messages and select an appropriate manner of bringing selected messages to the user's attention. As shown inFIG. 19I, an urgent message may be transmitted through an appropriate network path to a smart phone and/or thermostat and may result in a pop-up message being displayed on the screen of the smart phone and/or the thermostat. In the case of an urgent message displayed on the screen of the thermostat, additional cues such as audible alarms and/or flashing of the light ring may serve to attract a user's attention. A pop-up message may suggest an action or allow the message to be dismissed (seeFIG. 19I). Other display configurations such as those ofFIGS. 19J,19K and19L may also be employed. As shown inFIG. 19L, an initial screen may be presented that provides access tomultiple messages862 and/or a linked screen to provideadditional details864 of the messages.
• Other types of messages that may be displayed to a user via the message center by the application program code may include, but are not limited to, messages related to alerts, maintenance, tips/advice, promotions, and usage. An alert message may indicate that something is not functioning properly, and may require immediate attention or some action to be taken by the user. For example, in some cases, an alert message may indicate that the HVAC controller has become disconnected from a server or the local wireless area network. In other cases, an alert message may warn of an impending dead battery or may alert the user to an unsafe temperature. A maintenance message may remind the user of a needed or recommended filter change based on a timer or a system load or may remind the user to change the battery. The maintenance message may include the part number or other description of the recommended filter or other part, so that the user can pick one up when convenient.
• A tips/advice type of message may provide a user with information and/or recommend one or more actions that a user may take to improve the performance and/or efficiency of the HVAC system, and/or improve their comfort level. In one example, a tips/advice type of message may inform the user that the system performance has degraded and may recommend to the user to have the air ducts cleaned. In another example, the tips/advice message may recommend a schedule based on the user's manual setpoint changes. Alternatively, or in addition, the message may include a recommendation to the user to use the geofencing feature (described else wherein herein) if the user's manual setback changes do not follow a clear pattern. In yet another example, the message may display a recommendation to open one or more windows based on the outdoor temperature matching the desired indoor temperature setpoint, sometimes taking into account humidity, air quality and/or other factors inside and/or outside of the house.
• A promotions message may include information about additional solutions, products, or services that a certified contractor currently offers that may be of interest to the user, sometimes based on actual historical performance data of the HVAC system and/or user interactions with the HVAC system. For example, if the humidity of the inside space is low in the winter months, a promotions message may be provided recommending the installation of a humidifier to increase the comfort of the user.
• Usage messages may contain information about automated or manual system state changes. For example, a usage message may inform the user that the HVAC controller has entered a “Home” mode or setting because a user has activated the one-touch action labeled “Home” or because a user has crossed a proximity boundary indicating that they have arrived or are about to arrive at home. In another example, a usage message may inform the user that the HVAC controller has entered the “Home” mode according to a programmed schedule.
• In some cases, the application program code may be programmed to display or transmit an informative message to a user based on the user's behavior or their interactions or frequency of interactions with certain features of the HVAC controller and/or HVAC system. For example, the application program code executed by theremote device62 may be programmed to periodically poll the HVAC controller for selected information about the use of specific features such as, for example, an auto changeover feature or geofence feature. If the data received from the HVAC controller by the application program code indicates that the auto changeover feature has never been used by the user, the application program code may display a message to the user containing useful information about the auto changeover feature and how and when to use the auto changeover feature. Similarly, if the data received by the application program code from the HVAC controller indicates that the user is not using a geofence (e.g. proximity boundary) to trigger activation of an “away” setting or an “at home” setting by the HVAC controller, the application program code may display or transmit a message to the user about geofencing, how to activate a geofence, and/or how to select a geofence appropriate for their lifestyle. These are just some examples.
• The application program code (or app) running on the remote device (e.g. smartphone, tablet, laptop, etc.) may be downloaded from an external Web service. In some cases, the application program code may be downloaded from Apple Inc.'s ITUNES™ or Google Play. In other cases, the application program code may be available for download from a web service that is provided to support use of theHVAC controller18. An example of such a web service is Honeywell's TOTAL CONNECT™ web service. The application program code may be stored in the memory of a user'sremote device62 and may contain a set of instructions for execution by a processor related to the installation, configuration, connection, and personalization of theHVAC controller18. The user'sremote device62 may be any one of the remote devices described herein. In some cases, the application code may be stored in the memory of a user's smartphone or tablet computer for execution by the smartphone or tablet computer's processor to carry out various functions to facilitate the installation, configuration, and setup of the newly installedHVAC controller18. In other cases, the application program code may be stored in the memory of a user's personal or desktop computer for execution by the computer's processor to carry out various functions that may facilitate the installation, configuration, connection and personalization of theHVAC controller18. Additionally, once theHVAC controller18 is successfully installed and configured to control theHVAC system4, the application program code may also facilitate control of theHVAC controller18 from a remote location other than at the user interface provided at theHVAC controller18.
• In some cases, the application program code may provide a uniform installation setup interface across multiple platforms (e.g. HVAC controller18, remote device, web service) for accessing and interacting with theHVAC controller18. The application code may utilize a simple communication protocol that allows the application program code to be executed by multiple platforms (e.g. web, HVAC controller, and smartphone/tablet application). For example, the web service and the HVAC controller may utilize the same installation setup logic by executing the same code from the same code base. In some cases, the installation setup code may be compiled for use by theHVAC controller18, a web service, and/or an application program code. For example, in some cases, for example, the web service, the application program code, and the HVAC controller each contain the same installation setup definitions. However, in some cases, the application program code executed by the user's remote device may be programmed to determine how to display each feature of the installation setup to the user via the device's user interface. This may permit the application program code executed by a user's remote device (e.g. smartphone or tablet) to connect to either the web service associated with theHVAC controller18 or to theHVAC controller18 directly. This feature also may permit a user to interact with theHVAC controller18 across multiple platforms with minimal differences in the installation setup process and the overall user experience.
• Turning now toFIG. 20A, which is a schematic block illustration of amobile device900 that may be used in programming anHVAC controller902 of an HVAC system. In some cases, theHVAC controller902 includes awireless interface914. In some embodiments, themobile device900 is a smartphone or tablet computer, but this is not required. It will be appreciated that in many instances, themobile device900 is similar to those described with respect to previous drawings and may be considered as an example of the remote device62 (FIG. 2).
• Themobile device900 may include atouch screen display904 that is configured to display information and to permit a user to enter information. Awireless port906 is configured to communicate with aremote download server908 that is itself in operative communication with theHVAC controller902. Themobile device900 includes acontroller910 that is in operative communication with thetouch screen display904 and thewireless port906. Thecontroller910 is configured to establish communication with theremote download server908 via thewireless port906 and to download an application program code from theremote download server908. Themobile device900 includes amemory912 that is configured to store the application program code once downloaded from theremote download server908.
• In some embodiments, thecontroller910 is configured to establish a direct wireless connection between thewireless port906 of themobile device900 and thewireless interface914 of theHVAC controller902, with theHVAC controller902 functioning as an access point. In some cases, thecontroller910 may be configured to execute the application program code, which provides one or more configuration screens on thetouch screen display904 of themobile device900 to enable the user to configure theHVAC controller902 via one or more configuration parameters. Thecontroller910 may be further configured to upload the one or more configuration parameters to theHVAC controller902 via the direct wireless connection between thewireless port906 of themobile device900 and thewireless interface914 of theHVAC controller902.
• In some embodiments, after thecontroller910 uploads the one or more configuration parameters to theHVAC controller902 via the direct wireless connection between thewireless port906 of themobile device900 and thewireless interface914 of theHVAC controller902, themobile device900 is configured to drop the direct wireless connection between thewireless port906 of themobile device900 and the wireless interface of theHVAC controller902. In other words, the direct wireless connection is only used for initial setup and configuration of theHVAC controller902. In some cases, after themobile device900 drops the direct wireless connection between thewireless port906 of themobile device900 and thewireless interface914 of theHVAC controller902, themobile device900 establishes communication with aremote monitoring server908, and wherein theHVAC controller902 also establishes communication with theremote monitoring server908. In some embodiments, theremote monitoring server908 is the same server as theremote download server908, but this is not required. In some cases, one or more of the configuration parameters provided by themobile device900 to theHVAC controller902 include communication parameters that are necessary for setting up communication between theHVAC controller902 and theremote monitoring server908, sometimes via ahome wireless network916. In some cases, one or more of the configuration parameters may include the home WiFi network name (Service Set Identifier—SSID) and/or password. In some cases, one or more of the configuration parameters may include an address, ID and/or password for connecting to aremote monitoring server908.
• In some embodiments, the application program code is also configured to display one or more install screens, wherein the one or more install screens include information on removing an old thermostat (not illustrated) as part of a process to install theHVAC controller902. In some cases, the application program code may be configured to also display one or more install screens, wherein the one or more install screens include information on wiring theHVAC controller902 as part of a process to install theHVAC controller902.FIGS. 29-41, for example, show illustrative install screens.
• In some instances, the one or more configuration screens include a screen soliciting the user to input information regarding equipment configuration. In some cases, the one or more configuration screens include a screen soliciting the user to input information regarding comfort preferences.
• FIG. 20B is a schematic block diagram of anillustrative HVAC controller920 that is configured to be at least partially set up or configured using an application program code running on amobile device922. Themobile device922 may, for example, be a smartphone or a tablet. In some cases, themobile device922 may be themobile device900 described with respect toFIG. 20A, but this is not required, and may be considered as an example of the remote device62 (FIG. 2).
• Theillustrative HVAC controller920 includes auser interface924 that is configured to display information to be viewed by a user and to accept inputs from the user and is optionally a touch screen. Acontroller926 is operably coupled to theuser interface924 and an on board wireless interface928 is operably coupled to thecontroller926. Thecontroller926 is configured to establish onboard wireless interface930 as an access point for creating a direct communication path with the wirelessmobile device922 for initially configuring theHVAC controller920, including for initially configuring theHVAC controller920 for communication with a wireless gateway (e.g. in-home wireless router). This may include, for example, a Service Set Identifier (SSID) of the wireless gateway and/or password. Thecontroller926 is configured to accept the configuration information from themobile device922 via the direct communication path established between the on board wireless interface928 and the wirelessmobile device922.
• It is contemplated that the direct communication path may be a WiFi connection. However, in some instances, the direct communication path may be any suitable wireless connection including, but not limited to, cellular communication, ZigBee, REDLINK™, Bluetooth, WiFi, IrDA, dedicated short range communication (DSRC), EnOcean, and/or any other suitable common or proprietary wireless protocol. In some instances, the direct communication path may be a wired communication path.
• In some embodiments, thecontroller926 may be configured to display, via theuser interface924, a screen instructing a user that theHVAC controller920 is wirelessly coupled to themobile device922, and to utilize themobile device922 to configure theHVAC controller920. Thecontroller926 may also be configured to display, via theuser interface924, a screen instructing a user to utilize themobile device922 to initially configure theHVAC controller920 for communication with a wireless gateway (e.g. in-home wireless router).
• In some cases, while displaying screens to help instruct the user with installation, theHVAC controller920 may receive a type of HVAC equipment as configuration information from the user via the wirelessmobile device922 and the direct communication path. In some embodiments, theHVAC controller920 may receive comfort settings as configuration information from the wirelessmobile device922 via the direct communication path.
• It will be appreciated that the application program code referenced above may be stored on theremote server908. In some embodiments, the application program code may be manifested in a computer readable medium that contains program instructions for facilitating a user of a wireless mobile device in configuring a wireless HVAC controller. After download to a wireless mobile device, execution of the program instructions by one or more processors of the wireless mobile device may cause the wireless mobile device to carry out a number of illustrative steps, such as shown inFIG. 20C.
• With reference toFIG. 20C, and starting atblock940, one or more screens may be provided on a display of the wireless mobile device, such as themobile device922, to accept configuration information from the user. Configuration information is accepted from the user of the wireless mobile device, as shown atblock942. A direct communication path is established between the wirelessmobile device922 and the HVAC controller920 (FIG. 20B) with thewireless HVAC controller920 or the wirelessmobile device922 functioning as an access point, as generally seen atblock944. The accepted configuration information is transmitted from the wirelessmobile device922 to theHVAC controller920 via the direct communication path between the wirelessmobile device922 and theHVAC controller920, as indicated atblock946. The direct communication path between the wirelessmobile device922 and theHVAC controller920 is then terminated, as indicated atblock948. In some embodiments, the accepted configuration information may include configuration information for configuring communication between thewireless HVAC controller920 and a local wireless gateway. In some cases, the accepted configuration information may include HVAC equipment configuration and/or comfort settings.
• FIGS. 20D-27 show several illustrative examples of screens that may be displayed on the display of the user interface of a user's mobile device in connection with downloading and installing an application program code for setting up anHVAC controller18 according to an installation setup process which may include installing, configuring, connecting theHVAC controller18 to a web service using a network connection, and personalizing theHVAC controller18.
• FIGS. 20D and 20E each show illustrative screens1000A,1000B that may be displayed to a user via the display of the user interface of the user's remote device62 (e.g. smartphone or tablet) when interacting with an external web service to initially obtain and open the application program code.FIG. 20D shows aninitial screen1000A that may be displayed to the user via the user interface of the user's remote device after the user has successfully located the application program code in the external web service's application program code database using an appropriate search function. As can be seen inFIG. 20D,screen1000A includes auser prompt1004 that prompts the user to install (i.e. download) the application program code.Screen1000B shown inFIG. 20E may be displayed to a user via the user interface of the user'sremote device62 after successful installation of the application program code on the user's remote device.
• As can be seen inFIG. 20E,screen1000B includes abutton1006 labeled “open” that may prompt the user to open the application program code and initiate execution of the application program code by the user'sremote device62. Selection of thebutton1006 labeled “open” by a user may cause the application program code to display alogin prompt screen1010 to the user via the user interface of the user'sremote device62, as shown inFIG. 21. Loginprompt screen1010 may include afirst entry field1012 for accepting a username from a user and asecond entry field1014 for accepting a password associated with the user name entered in thefirst entry field1012. Upon entering an appropriate username and password combination, the user may then select thebutton1016 labeled login, which will cause the application program code to display one or more screens associated with the user's account. In some cases,screen1010 may also include an additional option1022 labeled “forgot my password” that, when selected by a user, may initiate a sequence of screens that may facilitate retrieval of a user's password.
• Alternatively, if the user has not already established a user account, the user may instead select theoption1020 labeled “create account” which will cause the application program code to display one or more screens for facilitating the creation of a user account. The one or more screens may guide the user through setting up and activating their user account. In some cases, the application program code may cause the user's remote device to transmit the user's account information to a web service hosted by a web server that is associated with theHVAC controller18. An example of such a web service is Honeywell's TOTAL CONNECT web Service™. The user's account information may be stored in a database in the server memory and may be accessed by the user via the application program code executed by the user's remote device (e.g. smartphone or tablet). This feature may allow a user to access and make changes to their account and/or theHVAC controller18 from a variety of remote locations on a number of different computing platforms (e.g. smartphone, tablet, personal computer, internet,HVAC controller18, etc.). For example, the user may begin configuring theirHVAC controller18 using the application program code executed by their smartphone, and finish configuring theirHVAC controller18 through a web site hosted by the web service associated with theHVAC controller18. This is just one example.
• FIG. 22 provides an example of ascreen1030 related to the creation of a user account that may be displayed to the user via the user interface of the user'sremote device62. As shown inFIG. 22,screen1030 may include afirst user prompt1034 that may prompt a user to enter selected details for creation of their account in the appropriate text entry fields1036a-1036c. Each of the text entry fields1036a-1036cmay be labeled with an appropriate label1038a-1038cidentifying the requested information. For example, as shown inFIG. 22, text entry fields1036a-1036care labeled “first name”, “last name” and “email address” prompting a user to provide their first and last name and a valid email address in the appropriate entry fields1036a-1036c. It will be generally understood, that fewer or additional fields may be provided prompting the user to provide fewer or additional details, as appropriate. Additionally,screen1030 may include a second user prompt1038 that may prompt a user to create a password using the appropriatetext entry fields1040a,1040b. Each of thetext entry fields1040a,1040bmay be labeled with anappropriate label1042a,1042bprompting the user to enter and verify a newly created password.
• Selection ofbutton1044 labeled “create account” provided onscreen1030 may cause the application program code to display anext screen1050 related to the creation of the user's account via the user interface of the user'sremote device62.FIG. 23 provides an example of ascreen1050 that may be displayed in response to the user having selected thebutton1044 labeled “create account” provided onscreen1030.Screen1050 relates to activation of the user's newly created account. As shown inFIG. 23,screen1050 can include a user prompt1052 that may prompt a user to check their email account associated with the email address provided during creation of their user account for an instructional email and follow the instructions provided in the email. In some cases, the email may be transmitted by the application program code executed by the user's remote device. If, after having checked their email account, the user has not received the instructional email, the user may select button1054 labeled “resend” prompting the application program code to send another instructional email to the email account associated with the user's account.
• Screen1060, shown inFIG. 24, may be displayed to the user via the user interface of the user's remote device upon successful activation of a user's account.Screen1060 may include auser message1062 confirming successful activation of the user's account. Additionally, in some cases,screen1060 may include a prompt or link1064 that, when selected by the user, may cause the application program code to complete the launch of the application program code for setting up theHVAC controller18.
• FIG. 25 provides an example of ascreen1080 that may be displayed upon selection of prompt or link1064 displayed on screen1060 (FIG. 24) for launching the application program code.Screen1080 may include afirst field1082 identifying the current status of a current setup processes that is in progress and, in some cases, may include anadjacent checkbox1084 that, when selected by a user, may cause the current setup process to be cancelled. In some cases, selection of thecheckbox1084 by a user may cause ascreen1086, shown inFIG. 26, to be displayed to the user including a user query1088 that asks the user to confirm cancellation or deletion of the previous HVAC controller setup process. In some cases, thescreen1086 may be provided as a pop-up or floating window that may be displayed overscreen1080. In other cases,screen1086 may be displayed as a separate screen. Selection of either button1090 labeled “cancel” or button1092 labeled “delete” may cause the application code to display theprevious screen1080.
• In addition, as shown inFIG. 25,screen1080 may also include asecond field1094 that may include anadjacent user prompt1096 that may prompt the user to identify a new HVAC device to be setup using the application program code executed by the user'sremote device62 as will be described in greater detail below.
• Referring now back toFIG. 21, in some cases, the user may have already created and activated a user account in which case, the user may enter the required user name and password into the appropriatetext entry fields1012,1014 andselect button1016 labeled “login” to login into the user account via the application program code executed by theirremote device62. In such cases, if the user has already begun the setup process for installing and/or configuring theHVAC controller18, the application program code may display ascreen1070 that queries the user about resuming the already previously initiated setup of theHVAC controller18. For example, as shown inFIG. 27,screen1070 may include auser prompt1072 that questions the user “Resume setup?” In some cases,screen1070 may includeadditional information1074 such as, for example, the last identified step in the setup process that was previously completed by the user during setup of theHVAC controller18. In addition,screen1070 may include afirst option1076alabeled “start over” or “no” and asecond option1076blabeled “continue setup” or “yes” that may be selected by the user to either cancel the previous setup process and start over or to continue the setup process from the last identified step in the setup as provided in theadditional information1074 displayed onscreen1070. Selection ofsecond option1076bmay cause the application program code to resume the setup process at the last identified step.
• The installation setup process may be divided into at least four different chapters or phases. In some cases, the application program mode may be configured to display a screen to a user that introduces and/or identifies the current phase of the installation setup process.FIG. 28 provides an example of such ascreen1100. As shown inFIG. 28,screen1100 includes icons1104a-1104didentifying each of the four phases of the setup process, which in this example are “install”, “configure”, “connect” and “personalize”. In addition, theicon1104aidentifying the current phase of the setup process may be grayed-out, bolded, or otherwise highlighted to visually indicate to the user that it is the current phase of the setup process. Once that phase of the setup process is complete theicon1104amay include a dot or a checkmark in a corner of the icon1104 to indicate that the phase has been completed. The user may initiate the setup process by selecting thebutton1106 labeled “start setup” provided onscreen1100.
• Upon initialization of the installation setup process, the application program code may be configured to display one or more screens to the user via the user interface of the user'sremote device62 that may guide a user through removal of an existing thermostat. In some cases, the one or more screens may be displayed in a pre-determined sequence of screens having a predefined order. The user may move backward and forward within the predetermined sequence of screens by the selection of appropriate buttons provided on the screen for this purpose. In other cases, the user may navigate backward and forward within the predetermined sequence of screens by dragging their finger from side to side across the display of theirremote device62 or through some other gesture. These are just some examples.
• FIGS. 29-41 show several illustrative screens that may be displayed to the user via the user interface of the user'sremote device62 by the application program code, as described herein, that may guide the user through the removal of an existing HVAC controller.
• FIG. 29 shows an example of afirst screen1110 that may be displayed in the sequence of screens related to the removal of an existing HVAC controller. In some cases, as discussed herein, the sequence of screens may be a predetermined sequence of screens having a predetermined display order, although this is not required. As shown inFIG. 29,screen1100 includes afirst label1112 that identifies the current phase of the setup process. Astatus bar indicator1114 may also be provided that shows the status of the installation phase. In addition,screen1110 may include abrief text string1116 identifying the current step of the installation phase. For example, as shown inFIG. 29, thebrief text string1116 identifies the current step as “Removing Old Thermostat.” Auser message1118 may also be displayed onscreen1110. Theuser message1118 may contain information that may aid the user in the current phase of the setup process. In some cases, theuser message1118 may provide a brief explanation of the current step of the installation phase identified by thebrief text string1116.Screen1110 may also provide anoverview1120 of the current phase of the setup process. In some cases, theoverview1120 may list the individual steps1121a-1121eof the current phase of the installation process. Selection of any of the individual steps1121a-1121eprovided in theoverview1120 may cause the application program code to jump to that step in the current phase of the setup process. Aninformation icon1122 may be provided that, when selected by a user, may cause the application program code to display an additional screen including detailed information about the current step of the installation phase, sometimes including a video demonstration. Additionally, in some cases,screen1110 may include abutton1124 labeled “skip” or “skip install” that may be selected by a user if the use has previously removed an existing thermostat and/or previously wired thenew HVAC controller18. Selection of thebutton1126 labeled “start removal” or “next’ may cause the application program code to display the next screen in the sequence of screens related to the removal of an existing HVAC controller.
• FIG. 30 shows an example of anotherscreen1130 that may be displayed as part of the sequence of screens related to the removal of an existing HVAC controller. In some cases, as discussed herein, the sequence of screens may be a predetermined sequence of screens having a predetermined display order. As shown inFIG. 30,screen1130 includes afirst label1132 that identifies the current phase of the setup process. Astatus bar indicator1134 may also be provided that shows the status of the installation phase. In addition,screen1130 may include abrief text string1136 identifying the current step of the installation phase. For example, as shown inFIG. 30, thebrief text string1136 identifies the current step as “Switch Power Off” Auser message1138 may also be displayed onscreen1130. Theuser message1138 may contain information that may aid the user in the current phase of the process. In some cases, theuser message1138 may provide a brief explanation of the current step of the installation phase identified by thebrief text string1136.Screen1130 may also provide a diagram1140 that provides a visual demonstration to the user how the power may be turned off. Aninformation icon1142 may be provided that, when selected by a user, may cause the application program code to display an additional screen including detailed information about the current step of the installation phase, sometimes including a video demonstration. Selection of thebutton1146 labeled “start removal” or “next’ may cause the application program code to display the next screen in the sequence of screens related to the removal of an existing HVAC controller.
• FIG. 31 shows an example of anotherscreen1150 that may be displayed as part of the sequence of screens related to the removal of an existing HVAC controller. In some cases, as discussed herein, the sequence of screens may be a predetermined sequence of screens having a predetermined display order. As shown inFIG. 31,screen1150 includes afirst label1152 that identifies the current phase of the setup process. Astatus bar indicator1154 may also be provided that shows the status of the installation phase. In addition,screen1150 may include abrief text string1156 identifying the current step of the installation phase. For example, as shown inFIG. 31, thebrief text string1156 identifies the current step as “Verifying Power Off.” Auser message1158 may also be displayed onscreen1150. Theuser message1158 may contain information that may aid the user in the current phase of the process. In some cases, theuser message1158 may provide a brief explanation of the current step of the installation phase identified by thebrief text string1156. Aninformation icon1162 may be provided that, when selected by a user, may cause the application program code to display an additional screen including detailed information about the current step of the installation phase, sometimes including a video demonstration. Selection of thebutton1166 labeled “next’ may cause the application program code to display the next screen in the sequence of screens related to the removal of an existing HVAC controller.
• FIG. 32 shows an example of anotherscreen1170 that may be displayed as part of the sequence of screens related to the removal of an existing HVAC controller. In some cases, as discussed herein, the sequence of screens may be a predetermined sequence of screens having a predetermined display order. As shown inFIG. 32,screen1170 includes afirst label1172 that identifies the current phase of the setup process. Astatus bar indicator1174 may also be provided that shows the status of the installation phase. In addition,screen1170 may include abrief text string1176 identifying the current step of the installation phase. For example, as shown inFIG. 32, thebrief text string1176 identifies the current step as “Remove Panel.” Auser message1178 may also be displayed onscreen1170. Theuser message1178 may contain information that may aid the user in the current phase of the process. In some cases, theuser message1178 may provide a brief explanation of the current step of the installation phase identified by thebrief text string1176. In some cases, as shown inFIG. 32,screen1170 may include auser prompt1180 that may prompt or instruct the user to take a picture of the panel before it is removed. The user may utilize the camera on their remote device62 (if present) or utilize a separate camera. In some cases, the user may utilize the current method provided by the operating system of theirremote device62 to integrate the picture of the panel that the user just captured using the remote device's camera into the application program code. This is just one example. Additional steps for integrating the photo of the panel into the application program code may be necessary if the photo was captured using a device (e.g. digital camera) separate from theremote device62. After successful integration of the captured photo into the application program code, the application program code may display thecapture photo1182 in a region onscreen1170, as shown inFIG. 32. Aninformation icon1184 may be provided that, when selected by a user, may cause the application program code to display an additional screen including detailed information about the current step of the installation phase, sometimes including a video demonstration. Selection of thebutton1186 labeled “next’ may cause the application program code to display the next screen in the sequence of screens related to the removal of an existing HVAC controller.
• FIG. 33 shows an example of anotherscreen1190 that may be displayed as part of the sequence of screens related to the removal of an existing HVAC controller. In some cases, as discussed herein, the sequence of screens may be a predetermined sequence of screens having a predetermined display order. As shown inFIG. 33,screen1190 includes afirst label1192 that identifies the current phase of the setup process. Astatus bar indicator1194 may also be provided that shows the status of the installation phase. In addition,screen1190 may include a brief text string1196 identifying the current step of the installation phase. For example, as shown inFIG. 33, the brief text string1196 identifies the current step as “Voltage Check.” A user message oruser query1198 may also be displayed onscreen1190. As shown inFIG. 33, the user message orquery1198 may query the user about their current voltage. For example, theuser query1198 asks the user “Do you have thick black wires, 110 voltage or higher? In some cases,screen1190 may provide a firstselectable option1202 labeled “yes” and a secondselectable option1204 labeled “no” for respond to the query presented by theuser message1198.Screen1190 may also provide a diagram1206 of an illustrative wiring configuration that may assist a user in identifying if their existing voltage is 110 voltage or higher. In addition, aninformation icon1210 may be provided that, when selected by a user, may cause the application program code to display an additional screen including detailed information about the current step of the installation phase, sometimes including a video demonstration. Selection of thebutton1212 labeled “next’ may cause the application program code to display the next screen in the sequence of screens related to the removal of an existing HVAC controller.
• In some cases, selection of theoption1202 labeled “yes” in response to theuser query1198 indicates that the user's voltage is 110 volts or higher. In addition, selection of theoption1202 labeled “yes” may cause the application program code to display ascreen1220, shown inFIG. 34, which informs the user that their current wiring is incompatible with the new HVAC controller, if appropriate. As shown inFIG. 34,screen1220 includes afirst label1222 that identifies the current phase of the setup process. Astatus bar indicator1224 may also be provided that shows the status of the installation phase. In addition,screen1220 may include abrief text string1226 identifying the current step of the installation phase. For example, as shown inFIG. 34, thebrief text string1226 may indicate to the user that the voltage is incompatible. Auser message1228 may also be displayed onscreen1220. Theuser message1228 may contain information that may aid the user in the current phase of the process. In some cases, theuser message1228 may provide a brief explanation of the current step of the installation phase identified by thebrief text string1226 and, in some cases, may instruct the user to take a recommended action. Aninformation icon1232 may be provided that, when selected by a user, may cause the application program code to display an additional screen including detailed information about the current step of the installation phase, sometimes including a video message.
• FIG. 35 shows an example of ascreen1240 that may be displayed upon selection of theinformation icon1232 displayed onscreen1220 shown inFIG. 34.Screen1240 may include one or more selectable options1242a-1242dthat, when selected by a user, may cause the application program code to perform a selected function. For example,option1242a, when selected by a user, may cause the application program code to access and/or display a set of frequently asked questions (FAQs) and their answers so that they may be viewed by the user via the user interface of theremote device62. Selection ofoption1242bmay cause the application program code to initiate a telephone call to customer service and/or technical support. Selection ofoption1242cmay cause the application program code to access and/or display an instructional support video. In some cases, the application program code may access the instructional video using the web browser supported by the user'sremote device62, but this is not required. Selection ofoption1242dlabeled “find a contractor” may cause the application program code to display anotherscreen1250, shown inFIG. 36, that may query the user about using location based services to identify a local contractor or that may include a user prompt that may prompt a user to enter their zip code. The application program code may utilize location based services or the zip code provided by the user to identify a local qualified contractor. In some cases, the application program code may display a contractor's contact information to the user via the user interface of theremote device62. In other cases, the application program code may transmit the contractor information to the user via an email message or SMS text message.
• Referring back toFIG. 33, selection of thebutton1212 labeled “next’ may cause the application program code to display the next screen in the sequence of screens related to the removal of an existing HVAC controller.FIG. 37 shows an example of anext screen1260 that may be displayed as part of the sequence of screens related to the removal of an existing HVAC controller. In some cases, as discussed herein, the sequence of screens may be a predetermined sequence of screens having a predetermined display order. As shown inFIG. 37,screen1260 includes afirst label1262 that identifies the current phase of the setup process. Astatus bar indicator1264 may also be provided that shows the status of the installation phase. In addition,screen1260 may include abrief text string1266 identifying the current step of the installation phase. For example, as shown inFIG. 37, thebrief text string1266 identifies the current step as “Remove Current Wiring and Disconnect.” Auser message1268 may also be displayed onscreen1260. Theuser message1268 may contain information that may aid the user in the current phase of the process. In some cases, theuser message1268 may provide a brief explanation of the current step of the installation phase identified by thebrief text string1266. Additionally, in some cases the user message may instruct the user to take one or more selected actions consistent with the current step of the installation phase. In some cases, as shown inFIG. 37,screen1260 may include an icon orbutton1270 that, when selected by a user, may cause the previously captured photo of the panel wiring to be displayed to the user via the user interface of theremote device62. The photo may be displayed in a separate screen or in a pop-up or floating window that may be provided over thescreen1260. In addition,screen1260 may include alist1272 of at least two wiring terminals labels1274, wherein each wiring terminal label is available for selection by user.Screen1260 may also include ascroll bar1276 that, when manipulated by a user, may cause additionalwiring terminal labels1274 available for selection by a user to be displayed byscreen1260. The user may utilize the previously captured photo to aid in the selection of the appropriatewiring terminal labels1274 consistent with a previous wiring configuration. It will be generally recognized by those of skill in the art that the wiring terminal labels “R”, “C”, “W”, “Y”, and “G” cover a vast majority of known wiring configurations related to existing HVAC controllers. Aninformation icon1278 may be provided that, when selected by a user, may cause the application program code to display an additional screen including detailed information about the current step of the installation phase, sometimes including a video demonstration.
• FIG. 38 shows another view ofscreen1260 after at least onewiring terminal label1274 has been selected by a user. As shown inFIG. 38,wiring terminal labels1274 labeled “R”, “Y”, “W”, and “G” have been selected by the user. In some cases, a checkbox (FIG. 38) or radio button may be utilized to indicate selection by a user. However, it will be generally recognized that other methods used to highlight a selected option or options may be employed. Additionally, in some cases, the application program code may cause a default color1284 (e.g. red, white, yellow and green) to be displayed adjacent the selected wiring terminal label(s)1274. Selection of thebutton1282 labeled “next’ may cause the application program code to accept the legacy wiring configuration indicated by the user and/or display the next screen in the sequence of screens related to the removal of an existing HVAC controller.
• In some cases, if the existing wiring configuration indicated by the user throughscreen1260 is an uncommon wiring configuration, the application program code may cause a pop-up or floatingwindow1284 to be displayed overscreen1260, as shown inFIG. 39. In some cases, the information displayed in pop-upwindow1284, shown inFIG. 39, may also be displayed in a separate screen if desired. As shown inFIG. 39,window1284 may include auser message1286 that indicates to the user that the wiring configuration previously entered by the user viascreen1260 is uncommon. In addition,window1284 may include auser prompt1288 that may instruct the user to visit a website that may provide additional, detailed instructions for setting up the new HVAC controller based on the uncommon wiring configuration indicated by a user. In some cases,window1284 may include ahyperlink1290 that, when selected by the user, may cause the application program code the launch a web browser provided by the user'sremote device62 and cause the website or web page containing the additional wiring configuration information to be displayed to the user via the user interface of theremote device62. Alternatively, or in addition, the user may enter the web address included in the hyperlink into the web browser of a separate device and view the information on the separate device. Selection of thebutton1292 labeled “update wiring” may cause theprevious screen1260 to be displayed such that a user may update and/or make changes to the existing wiring configuration based on the additional information provided by the website or web page. Selection of thebutton1294 labeled “continue” or “next” may cause the application program code to display the next screen in the sequence of screens related to removal of the existing thermostat.
• FIG. 40 shows an example of anotherscreen1300 that may be displayed as part of the sequence of screens related to the removal of an existing HVAC controller. In some cases, as discussed herein, the sequence of screens may be a predetermined sequence of screens having a predetermined display order. As shown inFIG. 40,screen1300 includes afirst label1302 that identifies the current phase of the setup process. Astatus bar indicator1304 may also be provided that shows the status of the installation phase. In addition,screen1300 may include abrief text string1306 identifying the current step of the installation phase. For example, as shown inFIG. 40, thebrief text string1306 identifies the current step as “Remove Wall Plate.” Auser message1308 may also be displayed onscreen1300. Theuser message1308 may contain information that may aid the user in the current phase of the process. In some cases, theuser message1308 may provide a brief explanation of the current step of the installation phase identified by thebrief text string1306. Aninformation icon1310 may be provided that, when selected by a user, may cause the application program code to display an additional screen including detailed information about the current step of the installation phase, sometimes including a video demonstration. Selection of thebutton1312 labeled “next’ may cause the application program code to display the next screen in the sequence of screens related to the removal of an existing HVAC controller.
• FIG. 41 shows an example of anotherscreen1320 that may be displayed as part of the sequence of screens related to the removal of an existing HVAC controller. In some cases, as discussed herein, the sequence of screens may be a predetermined sequence of screens having a predetermined display order. As shown inFIG. 41,screen1320 includes afirst label1322 that identifies the current phase of the setup process. Astatus bar indicator1324 may also be provided that shows the status of the installation phase. In addition,screen1320 may include abrief text string1326 identifying the current step of the installation phase. For example, as shown inFIG. 41, thebrief text string1326 identifies the current step as “Old Thermostat Removed!” Auser message1328 may also be displayed onscreen1320. In some cases, theuser message1328 may provide a brief explanation of the current step of the installation phase identified by thebrief text string1326. An information icon1330 may be provided that, when selected by a user, may cause the application program code to display an additional screen including detailed information about the current step of the installation phase, sometimes including a video message. Selection of thebutton1312 labeled “next” or “start install” may cause the application program code to display a first screen in a sequence of screens related to the installation of thereplacement HVAC controller18.
• FIGS. 42-49 show several illustrative screens that may be displayed to the user via the user interface of the user'sremote device62 by the application program code, as described herein, that may guide the user through installation of anew HVAC controller18.FIG. 42 shows an example of afirst screen1340 that may be displayed in the sequence of screens related to the installation of areplacement HVAC controller18. In some cases, as discussed herein, the sequence of screens may be a predetermined sequence of screens having a predetermined display order. The user may move backward and forward within the predetermined sequence of screens by the selection of appropriate buttons provided on the screen for this purpose. In other cases, the user may scroll backward and forward within the predetermined sequence of screens by dragging their finger from side to side across the display of theirremote device62 or through some other gesture. These are just some examples.
• As shown inFIG. 42,screen1340 includes afirst label1342 that identifies the current phase of the setup process. Astatus bar indicator1344 may also be provided that shows the status of the installation phase. In addition,screen1340 may include abrief text string1346 identifying the current step of the installation phase. For example, as shown inFIG. 42, thebrief text string1346 identifies the current step as “Installing Your New Thermostat.” Auser message1348 may also be displayed onscreen1340. The user message may contain information that may aid the user in the current phase of the process. In some cases, theuser message1348 may provide a brief explanation of the current step of the installation phase identified by thebrief text string1346.Screen1340 may also provide anoverview1350 of the current phase of the setup process. Theoverview1350 may list individual steps1351a-1351eof the current phase of the installation phase. Selection of any of the individual steps1351a-1351eprovided in theoverview1350 may cause the application program to jump to that step in the setup process. Aninformation icon1352 may be provided that, when selected by a user, may cause the application program code to display an additional screen including detailed information about the current step of the installation phase, sometimes including a video demonstration. Selection of the button1354 labeled “next’ may cause the application program code to display the next screen in the sequence of screens related to the installation of thenew HVAC controller18.
• In some cases, if the wiring configuration provided by the user through screen1260 (FIGS. 37 and 38) indicates that the previous HVAC controller was controlling one or more of a dehumidification unit, a humidification unit, or a ventilation unit, the application program code may display awiring alert screen1360 to the user via the user interface of theremote device62. As shown inFIG. 43,wiring alert screen1360 may include afirst label1362 that identifies the current phase of the setup process. Astatus bar indicator1364 may also be provided that shows the status of the installation phase. In addition,screen1360 may include abrief text string1366 identifying the wiring alert. Auser message1368 may also be displayed onscreen1360. The user message may contain information about the wiring alert. In addition,screen1360 may include auser prompt1370 that may prompt the user to select which of a humidification unit, a dehumidification unit, and/or ventilation unit the user desires to wire to thenew HVAC controller18 from a list of selectable options1372a-1372c.Screen1360 may include an additional user prompt1374 that may prompt the user to visit a website or view a web page associated with theHVAC controller18 for additional details related to wiring thenew HVAC controller18 to control one or more of a humidification unit, a dehumidification unit, and/or ventilation unit. In some cases, theuser prompt1374 may include a hyperlink (not shown) that, when selected by a user, may cause the application program code the launch a web browser provided by the user'sremote device62 and cause the website or web page containing the additional wiring configuration information to be displayed to the user via the user interface of theremote device62. Selection of thebutton1376 labeled “next’ may cause the application program code to display the next screen in the sequence of screens related to the installation of thenew HVAC controller18.
• FIG. 44 shows anotherscreen1380 that may be displayed by the application program code as part of the sequence of screens related to the installation of anew HVAC controller18. In some cases, as discussed herein, the sequence of screens may be a predetermined sequence of screens having a predetermined display order, but this is not required. In this case, the sequence of screens may be dependent, at least in part, on the wiring configuration indicated through screen1260 (FIGS. 37 and 38). As shown inFIG. 44,screen1380 includes afirst label1382 that identifies the current phase of the setup process. Astatus bar indicator1384 may also be provided that shows the status of the installation phase. In addition,screen1380 may include abrief text string1386 identifying the current step of the installation phase. For example, as shown inFIG. 44, thebrief text string1386 identifies the current step as “Connect Wires.”Screen1380 may include at least oneuser message1388 that may describe at least one step for connecting one or more wires to the new HVAC controller as part of the “Connect Wires” step of the installation phase. In some cases, in addition to describing at least one step of the wiring connection process,screen1380 may display at least one diagram1390 adjacent theuser message1388. The diagram1390 may provide a visual illustration of the step described byuser message1388. In some cases,screen1380 may also display anadditional user message1392 that may describe another step of the wiring connection process. In some cases, theuser message1392 may instruct a user to connect the wires according to a wiring diagram1394 that may be displayed onscreen1380 in connection with and adjacent to theuser message1392. The wiring diagram1394 that is displayed may be dependent upon the legacy wiring diagram indicated by the user and the user's answers to the one or more questions about the user's HVAC system including additional HVAC equipment that may be present such as, for example, a humidification unit, a dehumidification unit and/or a ventilation unit. As shown inFIG. 44, the application program code may display one or more steps related to a wiring configuration process for a common wiring configuration on asingle screen1380. Aninformation icon1396 may be provided that, when selected by a user, may cause the application program code to display an additional screen including detailed information about the current step of the installation phase, sometimes including a video demonstration. Selection of thebutton1312 labeled “next” may cause the application program code to display another screen in a sequence of screens related to the installation of thereplacement HVAC controller18.
• It will be generally understood that the number of steps related to the wiring connection process and/or the number of diagrams that may be displayed in connection with the steps may be dependent upon the wiring configuration indicated by the user through screen1260 (FIGS. 37 and 38). In some cases, one or more additional screens or a scrolling display including additional steps and/or diagrams may be displayed by the application program code in connection with a wiring connection process as necessary.
• Referring back toFIGS. 32 and 44, in some instances a user may capture a photo or video of the existing wire panel using a camera built into theirremote device62 or a separate camera, and the photo or video may be read by the application program code. The application program code may include wire recognition logic incorporating appropriate digital processing techniques for identifying the color and the position of the wires in the picture of the existing wire panel. The wire recognition logic may use image processing algorithms, and may be substantially simpler than some more complex image processing applications such as facial recognition applications. The wire recognition logic may enable the application program code to determine the existing wiring configuration based on the color and/or positions of the wires in the picture. In some cases, the application program code may include logic for recognizing if one or more wire terminals includes a jumper. In some cases, the wire recognition logic contained within the application program code may cause the controller of theremote device62 to access a wiring configuration database stored locally in the memory of theremote device62, and to compare the existing wiring configuration detected by the wire recognition logic to the wiring configurations contained within the database. Based on the comparison of the existing wiring configuration to the wiring configurations stored in the database, the controller of theremote device62 may identify an appropriate wiring configuration for the new thermostat based on the comparison and, in some cases, answers to one or more interview questions about the HVAC system provided by the user via a user interface of theremote device62. The application program code may then display a recommended wiring diagram for the new thermostat to the user via the user interface of the remote device, and instruct the user to connect the existing wires according to a wiring diagram, such as shown inFIG. 44.
• Rather than doing the processing on theremote device62, it is contemplated that the wiring recognition logic may be implemented on a remote server. Theremote device62 may transmit a captured wiring configuration to the remote server. The remote server may then access a wiring configuration database stored at the server and the server may compare the existing wiring configuration to the wiring configurations contained within the database. The remote server may identify an appropriate wiring configuration for the new thermostat based on the comparison and, in some cases, answers to one or more interview questions about the HVAC system provided by the user. The remote server may then transmit a message containing a recommended new wiring configuration to theremote device62 where it may be displayed to the user via the user interface of theirremote device62, such as shown inFIG. 44, by the application program code of theremote device62. These are just some examples.
• FIG. 45 shows anotherscreen1400 that may be displayed as part of the sequence of screens related to the installation of thenew HVAC controller18. In some cases, as discussed herein, the sequence of screens may be a predetermined sequence of screens having a predetermined display order. As shown inFIG. 45,screen1400 includes afirst label1402 that identifies the current phase of the setup process. Astatus bar indicator1404 may also be provided that shows the status of the installation phase. In addition,screen1400 may include abrief text string1406 identifying the current step of the installation phase. For example, as shown inFIG. 45, thebrief text string1406 identifies the current step as “Mount Trim Ring.” Auser message1408 may also be displayed onscreen1400. In some cases, theuser message1408 may provide a brief explanation of the current step of the installation phase identified by thebrief text string1406. In addition,screen1400 may include an instructional diagram1410 visually showing the user how to mount the trim ring. Aninformation icon1412 may be provided that, when selected by a user, may cause the application program code to display an additional screen including detailed information about the current step of the installation phase, sometimes including a video demonstration. Selection of thebutton1414 labeled “next” may cause the application program code to display another screen in a sequence of screens related to the installation of thereplacement HVAC controller18.
• FIG. 46 shows anotherscreen1420 that may be displayed as part of the sequence of screens related to the installation of thenew HVAC controller18. In some cases, as discussed herein, the sequence of screens may be a predetermined sequence of screens having a predetermined display order. As shown inFIG. 46,screen1420 includes afirst label1422 that identifies the current phase of the setup process. Astatus bar indicator1424 may also be provided that shows the status of the installation phase. In addition,screen1420 may include abrief text string1426 identifying the current step of the installation phase. For example, as shown inFIG. 46, thebrief text string1426 identifies the current step as “Mount Wallplate.” Auser message1428 may also be displayed onscreen1420. In some cases, theuser message1428 may provide a brief explanation of the current step of the installation phase identified by thebrief text string1426. In addition,screen1420 may include an instructional diagram1430 visually showing the user how to mount the wallplate to a wall. Aninformation icon1432 may be provided that, when selected by a user, may cause the application program code to display an additional screen including detailed information about the current step of the installation phase, sometimes including a video demonstration. Selection of thebutton1434 labeled “next” may cause the application program code to display another screen in a sequence of screens related to the installation of thereplacement HVAC controller18.
• FIG. 47 shows anotherscreen1440 that may be displayed as part of the sequence of screens related to the installation of thenew HVAC controller18. In some cases, as discussed herein, the sequence of screens may be a predetermined sequence of screens having a predetermined display order. As shown inFIG. 47,screen1440 includes afirst label1442 that identifies the current phase of the setup process. Astatus bar indicator1444 may also be provided that shows the status of the installation phase. In addition,screen1440 may include abrief text string1446 identifying the current step of the installation phase. For example, as shown inFIG. 47, thebrief text string1446 identifies the current step as “Attach to Wallplate.” Auser message1448 may also be displayed onscreen1420. In some cases, theuser message1448 may provide a brief explanation of the current step of the installation phase identified by thebrief text string1446. In addition,screen1440 may include an instructional diagram1450 visually showing the user how to attach the HVAC controller to the wallplate. Aninformation icon1452 may be provided that, when selected by a user, may cause the application program code to display an additional screen including detailed information about the current step of the installation phase, sometimes including a video demonstration. Selection of thebutton1454 labeled “next” may cause the application program code to display another screen in a sequence of screens related to the installation of thereplacement HVAC controller18.
• FIG. 48 shows anotherscreen1460 that may be displayed as part of the sequence of screens related to the installation of thenew HVAC controller18. In some cases, as discussed herein, the sequence of screens may be a predetermined sequence of screens having a predetermined display order. As shown inFIG. 48,screen1460 includes afirst label1462 that identifies the current phase of the setup process. Astatus bar indicator1464 may also be provided that shows the status of the installation phase. In addition,screen1460 may include abrief text string1466 identifying the current step of the installation phase. Alternatively, or in addition to, thebrief text string1466 may instruct the user to take a desired action. For example, as shown inFIG. 48, thebrief text string1446 instructs a user to “Turn on Power.” Auser message1468 may also be displayed onscreen1460. In some cases, theuser message1468 may provide a brief explanation of the current step of the installation phase identified by thebrief text string1466. In addition,screen1460 may include an instructional diagram1470 visually showing the user how to turn the power on to theHVAC controller18. Aninformation icon1472 may be provided that, when selected by a user, may cause the application program code to display an additional screen including detailed information about the current step of the installation phase, sometimes including a video demonstration. Selection of thebutton1474 labeled “next” may cause the application program code to display another screen in a sequence of screens related to the installation of thereplacement HVAC controller18.
• FIG. 49 shows anotherscreen1480 that may be displayed as part of the sequence of screens related to the installation of thenew HVAC controller18. In some cases, as discussed herein, the sequence of screens may be a predetermined sequence of screens having a predetermined display order. As shown inFIG. 49,screen1480 includes afirst label1482 that identifies the current phase of the setup process. Astatus bar indicator1484 may also be provided that shows the status of the installation phase. In addition,screen1480 may include abrief text string1486 identifying the current step of the installation phase. Auser message1488 may also be displayed onscreen1480. In some cases, theuser message1488 may provide a brief explanation of the current step of the installation phase identified by thebrief text string1486. In some cases, theuser message1488 may provide additional information about the next phase in the installation phase. Aninformation icon1492 may be provided that, when selected by a user, may cause the application program code to display an additional screen including detailed information about the current step of the installation phase, sometimes including a video message. Selection of thebutton1494 labeled “next” may cause the application program code to display another screen in a sequence of screens related to the installation of thereplacement HVAC controller18.
• FIG. 50 shows a schematic view of anillustrative HVAC controller18 after a successful installation. In some cases, theHVAC controller18 may glow and/or emit light pulses during its initial startup. In some cases, this may include illuminating the light ring to produce a halo glow around theHVAC controller18. In some cases, this may visually indicate to the user that theHVAC controller18 is starting up. Once theHVAC controller18 has stopped glowing and/or pulsing and the liquid crystal display of the user interface is on, theHVAC controller18 is ready to be configured to control one or more components of theHVAC system4.
• In some cases, upon successful installation of theHVAC controller18, theHVAC controller18 may be programmed to configure itself as a WiFi access point for hosting itsown wireless network54 within a building or structure, and may be programmed to accept a wireless connection with a user'sremote device62. In some cases, the application code previously downloaded and stored in the memory of the user'sremote device62 may cause theremote device62 to search for available wireless networks within and/or in close proximity to the building or structure in which theHVAC controller18 is located. Since theHVAC controller18 may be initially configured as a wireless access point, the application program code may cause theremote device62 to detect the wireless network hosted by theHVAC controller18, and to display the HVAC controller's wireless network on the user interface of theremote device62 as being available for connection. The HVAC controller's wireless network may be displayed as one selectable option among a list of other wireless networks that are available in the area for connection. A user may initiate connection to the HVAC controller's wireless network by selecting the HVAC controller's wireless network from the list of wireless networks. In some cases, a password may be requested. In any event, once connected to the HVAC controller's wireless network, the user may be able to configure theHVAC controller18 to control one or more components of theHVAC system4 through the same or a different application program code stored on the user'sremote device62 for that purpose.
• FIG. 51 provides anillustrative screen1510 that may be displayed on the user interface of theremote device62 when theremote device62 is attempting to connect to the wireless access point hosted by theHVAC controller18. As shown inFIG. 51,screen1510 may include alist1512 ofwireless networks1514 available in the area for connection including the wireless network hosted by theHVAC controller18. Each of theavailable wireless networks1514 displayed on thescreen1510 may be displayed as individually selectable options available for selection by a user, and in the example shown, are assigned a unique SSID that identifies them to a user. For example, theHVAC controller18 may host an access point wireless network identified as “TSTAT03”. Theremote device62 may attempt to connect to the HVAC controller's wireless network upon selection of thewireless network option1514 labeled “TSTAT03” by a user.FIG. 52 provides an example of ascreen1520 that may be displayed on the user interface of theHVAC controller18 when theremote device62 is attempting to connect to theHVAC controller18 over the wireless network hosted by theHVAC controller18.
• A wireless network may be established between theHVAC controller18 and aremote device62 upon acceptance of the connection from theremote device62. In many cases, the wireless network may be hosted by theHVAC controller18 and may initially be used to access and configure theHVAC controller18 via the application program code previously downloaded and stored on the user'sremote device62. In some cases, theHVAC controller18 and theremote device62 may remain paired over the wireless network hosted by theHVAC controller18 during the configuration phase and at least part of the connection phase of the installer setup process. During the connection phase of the installation setup process, as will be described herein, theHVAC controller18 may terminate the hosted wireless network and reconfigure itself as a client device on the building's wireless network.
• FIG. 53 provides anillustrative screen1524 that may be displayed on the display of the user interface of theHVAC controller18 upon successful connection of theremote device62 to the wireless network hosted by theHVAC controller18.Screen1524 may include auser message1526 that indicates that the connection to theremote device62 was successful. Additionally, in some cases,screen1524 may include auser prompt1526 that may prompt the user to continue to use the application program code stored on theremote device62 to setup and/or configure theHVAC controller18.
• In some cases, theHVAC controller18 may be configured to connect to asecond wireless network1538 such as, for example, the building's WiFi network.FIG. 54 provides a schematic diagram of a network architecture that may be established between the user'sremote device62, theHVAC controller18, and a cloud-based, external web service1550 (e.g. Honeywell's TOTAL CONNECT™ web service) hosted by a remote/external web server1556. In many cases, thesecond wireless network1538 may be capable of communicating over a wide area network1542 (e.g. the Internet) via a router orgateway1543 to access theexternal web service1550 hosted by theexternal web server1556. Theexternal web service1550 may include a user account having one or more user profiles that may be associated with theHVAC controller18. Theexternal web service1550 may provide additional functionalities and or programming capabilities that may not otherwise be available at theHVAC controller18, or through application program code executed by the user'sremote device62. Additionally, theexternal web service1550 may be programmed to receive selected data from theHVAC controller18 over thewide area network1542. In some cases, after connection between theHVAC controller18 and theweb service1550 has been established as part of the installation setup process, theHVAC controller18 may be configured to deliver some or all of the installer setup parameters to theweb service1550 over thewide area network1542 via the building'swireless network1538. Theweb service1550 may be programmed to associate the various installation setup parameters with the user's account hosted by theweb service1550 and store them in an appropriate database.
• In some cases, theHVAC controller18 may be programmed to receive one or more access parameters for accessing thesecond wireless network1538 over thefirst wireless network1534 from the user'sremote device62. The one or more access parameters may include a service set identifier (SSID) for thesecond wireless network1538 and/or password required to gain access to thesecond wireless network1538. In some cases, the one or more access parameters for accessing thesecond wireless network1538 may have been previously entered by a user through the user interface of the user'sremote device62, and may be stored in the memory of theremote device62. In this example, the one or more access parameters for accessing thesecond wireless network1538 may be passed to theHVAC controller18 when theremote device62 is connected to theHVAC controller18 via thefirst wireless network1534.
• In some cases, upon connection of theremote device62 to theHVAC controller18 via thefirst wireless network1534, theHVAC controller18 may be configured to implement a web server for serving up one or more web pages over thefirst wireless network1534 that may be displayed and viewed on the user interface of thewireless device62. The one or more web pages displayed on the user interface of thewireless device62 may solicit and accept the one or more access parameters for accessing thesecond wireless network1538 from a user. Such a feature is shown and described in U.S. application Ser. No. 13/559,470 which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. These are just some examples. TheHVAC controller18 may be programmed to use, at least in part, the one or more access parameters to connect to thesecond wireless network1538. In some cases, theHVAC controller18 may be programmed to connect to thesecond wireless network1538 as a network client device using the one or more access parameters received from the user'sremote device62, making theHVAC controller18 available on thesecond network1538.
• In some cases, theHVAC controller18 may be programmed to first disconnect itself from thefirst wireless network1534 established between theHVAC controller18 and the user'sremote device62 before connecting to thesecond wireless network1538 as a network client. For example, and in some cases, theHVAC controller18 may be programmed to perform a reset, and on initialization, may automatically connect to thesecond wireless network1538 using the one or more access parameters. In some cases, this step may be performed by theHVAC controller18 after the user has configured theHVAC controller18 to control one or more components of theHVAC system4 using the application program code stored in the memory of the user'sremote device62 when the user's remote device is in communication with theHVAC controller18 over thefirst wireless network1534 established between theremote device62 and theHVAC controller18. For example, this step may be performed during the connection phase of the installer setup process, discussed in further detail below.
• The configuration phase, as described herein, may be completed utilizing the application program code executed by the user'sremote device62 when the user'sremote device62 is connected to theHVAC controller18 over thefirst network1534 hosted by the HVAC controller18 (FIG. 54). TheHVAC controller18 may then transmit the configuration information to theweb service1550 when asecond network connection1538 is established between theweb service1550 and theHVAC controller18. Alternatively, or in addition, the application program code executed by the user'sremote device62 may transmit the configuration information over thesecond network1538 or another network1539 (e.g. cell phone, SMS, or the like) to theweb service1550, and theweb service1550 may transmit the configuration information to theHVAC controller18.
• More particularly, and in some cases, because a single communication protocol may be utilized by theremote device62 to communicate with theweb service1550 or theHVAC controller18, the application program code may be used to configure theHVAC controller18 when the user'sremote device62 is connected to theHVAC controller18 over thefirst network1534, or when the user'sremote device62 is in communication with theHVAC controller18 over thewide area network1542 via theexternal web service1550. The user'sremote device62 may communicate directly with theexternal web service1550 via thesecond network1538 or anothernetwork1539, as desired. This feature may be useful if the network connection established between theHVAC controller18 and theremote device62 over thefirst network1534 becomes disrupted. For example, in some cases, the user may finish configuring theHVAC controller18 using the application program code on theirremote device62. This information may then be transmitted from the user'sremote device62 to theweb service1550 via thesecond network1538 or anothernetwork1539. Theweb service1550 may associate the configuration information with the user's account hosted by theweb service1550, and then transmit the configuration to theHVAC controller18 via thesecond network1538 when a network connection between theHVAC controller18 and theweb service1550 is established.
• Similarly, after the user has finished configuring theHVAC controller18 utilizing the network connection between theHVAC controller18 and theremote device62, theHVAC controller18 may transmit the configuration information to theweb service1550 over the second network1548. Additionally, in some cases, both theweb service1550 and theHVAC controller18 may utilize the same installation setup logic by executing the same code from the same code base. The code may be compiled for use by theHVAC controller18 and for use by theweb service1550. This feature may allow theweb service1550 to more easily communicate directly with the application program code executed by the user'sremote device62, regardless of the state of theHVAC controller18. In some cases, because the application program code uses the same communication protocol to communicate with theweb service1550 and the HVAC controller, and both theweb service1550 and theHVAC controller18 may use the same installation setup logic by executing the same basic code from the same code base, configuration information may be transmitted between any one of the application program code executed by the user'sremote device62, theHVAC controller18, and/or theweb service1550. Additionally, because each of theHVAC controller18, the application program code, and theweb service1550 use the same installation setup logic, this may permit a user to begin configuring theHVAC controller18 utilizing the application program code executed by theirremote device62 and finish configuring theHVAC controller18 through the web service or at the user interface of theHVAC controller18 itself with minimal differences in the user experience.
• FIG. 55 provides an example of ascreen1560 that may be displayed on the user interface of the user'sremote device62 upon successful connection of theremote device62 to the wireless network hosted by theHVAC controller18. In some cases,screen1560 may be a first screen in a sequence of screens related to configuring the newly installedHVAC controller18. In some cases, the sequence of screens may be a predetermined sequence of screens having a predetermined display order. The user may move backward and forward within the predetermined sequence of screens by the selection of appropriate buttons provided on the screen for this purpose. In other cases, the user may scroll backward and forward within the predetermined sequence of screens by dragging their finger from side to side across the display of theirremote device62. These are just some examples.
• As shown inFIG. 55,screen1560 includes afirst label1562 that identifies the current phase of the setup process. In this example,first label1562 identifies the current phase of the setup process as “Configure.” Astatus bar indicator1564 may also be provided that shows the current status of the configuration phase. In addition,screen1560 may include abrief text string1566 identifying the current step of the configuration phase. For example, as shown inFIG. 55, thebrief text string1566 identifies the current step as “Equipment Configuration.” Auser message1568 may also be displayed onscreen1560. The user message may contain information that may aid the user in the current phase of the process. In some cases, theuser message1568 may provide a brief explanation of the current step of the configuration phase identified by thebrief text string1566.Screen1560 may also include abutton1572 labeled “skip configure” that may permit a user to skip the configuration phase. A user may selectbutton1572 labeled “skip configure” if they have already completed this phase of the setup process. In addition,screen1560 may include abutton1574 labeled “advanced configuration” that, when selected by a user, may cause the application program code to display one or more screens related to setting one or more detailed HVAC settings such as, for example, a number of heating cycles, reversing valve settings, fan operation, etc. Aninformation icon1576 may be provided that, when selected by a user, may cause the application program code to display an additional screen including detailed information about the current step of the configuration phase, sometimes including a video demonstration. Selection of thebutton1578 labeled “next’ may cause the application program code to display the next screen in the sequence of screens related to configuring the newly installedHVAC controller18.
• FIG. 56 provides another example of ascreen1580 that may be displayed on the user interface of the user'sremote device62 related to configuring the newly installedHVAC controller18. As shown inFIG. 56,screen1580 includes afirst label1582 that identifies the current phase of the setup process. In this example,first label1582 identifies the current phase of the setup process as “Configure.” Astatus bar indicator1584 may also be provided that shows the current status of the configuration phase. In addition,screen1580 may include abrief text string1586 identifying the current step of the configuration phase. For example, as shown inFIG. 56, thebrief text string1586 identifies the current step of the configuration phase as “Heating System.” Auser message1588 may also be displayed onscreen1580. In this example, the user message may contain a user query that prompts the user to select their heating system type from alist1590 of one or more selectable options1592a-1592e, each selectable option corresponding to a different type of heating system. In some cases, a radio button or checkbox may be provided to highlight the user's selection. Additionally, thelist1590 may indicate the most common type of heating system to aid the user in their selection. Aninformation icon1594 may be provided that, when selected by a user, may cause the application program code to display an additional screen including detailed information about the current step of the configuration phase, sometimes including a video demonstration. Selection of thebutton1596 labeled “next’ may cause the application program code to display the next screen in the sequence of screens related to configuring the newly installedHVAC controller18.
• FIG. 57 provides another example of ascreen1600 that may be displayed on the user interface of the user'sremote device62 related to configuring the newly installedHVAC controller18. As shown inFIG. 57,screen1600 includes afirst label1602 that identifies the current phase of the setup process. In this example,first label1602 identifies the current phase of the setup process as “Configure.” Astatus bar indicator1604 may also be provided that shows the current status of the configuration phase. In addition,screen1600 may include abrief text string1606 identifying the current step of the configuration phase. For example, as shown inFIG. 57, thebrief text string1606 identifies the current step of the configuration phase as “Fuel Source.” Auser message1608 may also be displayed onscreen1600. In this example, theuser message1608 may contain a user query that prompts the user to select their fuel source from alist1610 of one or more selectable options1612a-1612f, each selectable option corresponding to a different type of fuel source. In some cases, a radio button or checkbox may be provided to highlight the user's selection. Additionally, thelist1610 may indicate the most common type of fuel source to aid the user in their selection. Aninformation icon1614 may be provided that, when selected by a user, may cause the application program code to display an additional screen including detailed information about the current step of the configuration phase, sometimes including a video demonstration. Selection of thebutton1616 labeled “next’ may cause the application program code to display the next screen in the sequence of screens related to configuring the newly installedHVAC controller18.
• FIG. 58 provides another example of ascreen1620 that may be displayed on the user interface of the user'sremote device62 related to configuring the newly installedHVAC controller18. As shown inFIG. 58,screen1620 includes afirst label1622 that identifies the current phase of the setup process. In this example,first label1622 identifies the current phase of the setup process as “Configure.” Astatus bar indicator1624 may also be provided that shows the current status of the configuration phase. In addition,screen1620 may include abrief text string1626 identifying the current step of the configuration phase. For example, as shown inFIG. 58, thebrief text string1626 identifies the current step of the configuration phase as “Reversing Valve.” Auser message1628 may also be displayed onscreen1620. In this example, theuser message1628 may contain a user query that asks the user to identify what stage is used by the reversing valve from alist1630 of one or more selectable options1632a-1632b, each selectable option corresponding to a different stage that may be utilized by a revering valve. In some cases, a radio button or checkbox may be provided to highlight the user's selection. Additionally, thelist1630 may indicate the most common stage utilized by a reversing valve. Aninformation icon1634 may be provided that, when selected by a user, may cause the application program code to display an additional screen including detailed information about the current step of the configuration phase, sometimes including a video demonstration. Selection of thebutton1636 labeled “next’ may cause the application program code to display the next screen in the sequence of screens related to configuring the newly installedHVAC controller18.
• FIG. 59 provides another example of ascreen1640 that may be displayed on the user interface of the user'sremote device62 related to configuring the newly installedHVAC controller18. As shown inFIG. 59,screen1640 includes afirst label1642 that identifies the current phase of the setup process. In this example,first label1642 identifies the current phase of the setup process as “Configure.” Astatus bar indicator1644 may also be provided that shows the current status of the configuration phase. In addition,screen1640 may include abrief text string1646 identifying the current step of the configuration phase. For example, as shown inFIG. 59, thebrief text string1646 identifies the current step of the configuration phase as “Heat Stages.” Auser message1648 may also be displayed onscreen1640. In this example, theuser message1648 may contain a user query that asks the user to identify the number of heating stages utilized by their heating system from alist1650 of one or more selectable options1652a-1652c, each selectable option corresponding to a different number of heating stages. In some cases, a radio button or checkbox may be provided to highlight the user's selection. Additionally, thelist1650 may indicate the most common number of stages utilized by a heating system. Aninformation icon1654 may be provided that, when selected by a user, may cause the application program code to display an additional screen including detailed information about the current step of the configuration phase, sometimes including a video demonstration. Selection of thebutton1656 labeled “next’ may cause the application program code to display the next screen in the sequence of screens related to configuring the newly installedHVAC controller18.
• FIG. 60 provides another example of ascreen1660 that may be displayed on the user interface of the user'sremote device62 related to configuring the newly installedHVAC controller18. As shown inFIG. 60,screen1660 includes afirst label1662 that identifies the current phase of the setup process. In this example,first label1662 identifies the current phase of the setup process as “Configure.” Astatus bar indicator1664 may also be provided that shows the current status of the configuration phase. In addition,screen1660 may include abrief text string1666 identifying the current step of the configuration phase. For example, as shown inFIG. 60, thebrief text string1666 identifies the current step of the configuration phase as “Cooling Stages.” Auser message1668 may also be displayed onscreen1660. In this example, theuser message1668 may contain a user query that asks the user to identify the number of cooling stages utilized by their cooling system from alist1670 of one or more selectable options1672a-1672c, each selectable option corresponding to a different number of cooling stages. In some cases, a radio button or checkbox may be provided to highlight the user's selection. Additionally, thelist1670 may indicate the most common number of stages utilized by a cooling system. Aninformation icon1674 may be provided that, when selected by a user, may cause the application program code to display an additional screen including detailed information about the current step of the configuration phase, sometimes including a video demonstration. Selection of thebutton1676 labeled “next’ may cause the application program code to display the next screen in the sequence of screens related to configuring the newly installedHVAC controller18. It will be generally understood that if the user does not have a cooling system, the user may advance through this screen by utilizing the next button and/or by dragging their finger across the display of the user interface of theremote device62 or perform some other gesture.
• FIG. 61 provides another example of ascreen1680 that may be displayed on the user interface of the user'sremote device62 related to configuring the newly installedHVAC controller18. As shown inFIG. 61,screen1680 includes afirst label1682 that identifies the current phase of the setup process. In this example,first label1682 identifies the current phase of the setup process as “Configure.” Astatus bar indicator1684 may also be provided that shows the current status of the configuration phase. In addition,screen1680 may include abrief text string1686 identifying the current step of the configuration phase. For example, as shown inFIG. 61, thebrief text string1686 identifies the current step of the configuration phase as “Fan Operation.” Auser message1688 may also be displayed onscreen1680. In this example, theuser message1688 may contain a user query that asks the user to identify the mode of operation that is utilized by the system fan from alist1690 of one or more selectable options1692a-1692c, each selectable option corresponding to a different mode of fan operation. In some cases, a radio button or checkbox may be provided to highlight the user's selection. Additionally, thelist1690 may indicate the most common mode of fan operation. Aninformation icon1694 may be provided that, when selected by a user, may cause the application program code to display an additional screen including detailed information about the current step of the configuration phase, sometimes including a video demonstration. Selection of thebutton1696 labeled “next’ may cause the application program code to display the next screen in the sequence of screens related to configuring the newly installedHVAC controller18.
• FIG. 62 provides another example of ascreen1700 that may be displayed on the user interface of the user'sremote device62 related to configuring the newly installedHVAC controller18. As shown inFIG. 62,screen1700 includes afirst label1702 that identifies the current phase of the setup process. In this example,first label1702 identifies the current phase of the setup process as “Configure.” Astatus bar indicator1704 may also be provided that shows the current status of the configuration phase. In addition,screen1700 may include abrief text string1706 identifying the current step of the configuration phase. For example, as shown inFIG. 62, thebrief text string1706 identifies the current step of the configuration phase as “Backup Heat.” Auser message1708 may also be displayed onscreen1700. In this example, theuser message1708 may contain a user query that asks the user to identify the type of backup heating utilize by theHVAC system4 from alist1710 of one or more selectable options1712a-1712b, each selectable option corresponding to a different type of backup heat. In some cases, a radio button or checkbox may be provided to highlight the user's selection. Additionally, thelist1710 may indicate the most common type of backup heat. Aninformation icon1714 may be provided that, when selected by a user, may cause the application program code to display an additional screen including detailed information about the current step of the configuration phase, sometimes including a video demonstration. Selection of thebutton1716 labeled “next’ may cause the application program code to display the next screen in the sequence of screens related to configuring the newly installedHVAC controller18. It will be generally understood that if the system does not utilize backup heat, the user may advance through this screen by utilizing the next button and/or by dragging their finger across the display of the user interface of theremote device62 or perform some other gesture.
• FIG. 63 provides another example of ascreen1720 that may be displayed on the user interface of the user'sremote device62 related to configuring the newly installedHVAC controller18. As shown inFIG. 63,screen1720 includes afirst label1722 that identifies the current phase of the setup process. In this example,first label1722 identifies the current phase of the setup process as “Configure.” Astatus bar indicator1724 may also be provided that shows the current status of the configuration phase. In addition,screen1720 may include abrief text string1726 identifying the current step of the configuration phase. For example, as shown inFIG. 63, thebrief text string1726 identifies the current step of the configuration phase as “Backup Heat-Fossil Fuel Kit.” Auser message1728 may also be displayed onscreen1720. In this example, theuser message1728 may contain a user query that asks the user to identify the type of fossil fuel kit utilized for backup heating by theHVAC system4 from alist1730 of one or more selectable options1732a-1732b, each selectable option corresponding to a different type of fossil fuel kit. In some cases, a radio button or checkbox may be provided to highlight the user's selection. Additionally, thelist1730 may indicate the most common type of fossil fuel kit. Aninformation icon1734 may be provided that, when selected by a user, may cause the application program code to display an additional screen including detailed information about the current step of the configuration phase, sometimes including a video demonstration. Selection of thebutton1736 labeled “next’ may cause the application program code to display the next screen in the sequence of screens related to configuring the newly installedHVAC controller18. It will be generally understood that if the backup heat does not utilize a fossil fuel kit, the user may advance through this screen by utilizing the next button and/or by dragging their finger across the display of the user interface of theremote device62 or performing some other gesture.
• FIG. 64 provides another example of ascreen1740 that may be displayed on the user interface of the user'sremote device62 related to configuring the newly installedHVAC controller18. As shown inFIG. 64,screen1740 includes afirst label1742 that identifies the current phase of the setup process. In this example,first label1742 identifies the current phase of the setup process as “Configure.” Astatus bar indicator1744 may also be provided that shows the current status of the configuration phase. In addition,screen1740 may include abrief text string1746 identifying the current step of the configuration phase. For example, as shown inFIG. 64, thebrief text string1746 identifies the current step of the configuration phase as “Backup Heat-Operation.” Auser message1748 may also be displayed onscreen1740. In this example, theuser message1748 may contain a user query that asks the user to if the system using a heat pump for backup heat. The user may respond to the query presented by theuser message1748 by selecting afirst option1752alabeled “Yes” or a second option labeled “No.” In some cases, a radio button or checkbox may be provided to highlight the user's selection. Aninformation icon1754 may be provided that, when selected by a user, may cause the application program code to display an additional screen including detailed information about the current step of the configuration phase, sometimes including a video demonstration. Selection of thebutton1756 labeled “next’ may cause the application program code to display the next screen in the sequence of screens related to configuring the newly installedHVAC controller18. It will be generally understood that if theHVAC system4 does not utilize backup heating, the user may advance through this screen by utilizing the next button and/or by dragging their finger across the display of the user interface of theremote device62 or performing some other gesture.
• FIG. 65 provides another example of ascreen1760 that may be displayed on the user interface of the user'sremote device62 related to configuring the newly installedHVAC controller18. As shown inFIG. 65,screen1760 includes afirst label1762 that identifies the current phase of the setup process. In this example,first label1762 identifies the current phase of the setup process as “Configure.” Astatus bar indicator1764 may also be provided that shows the current status of the configuration phase. In addition,screen1760 may include abrief text string1766 identifying the current step of the configuration phase. For example, as shown inFIG. 65, thebrief text string1766 identifies the current step of the configuration phase as “Backup Heat-Fan.” Auser message1768 may also be displayed onscreen1760. In this example, theuser message1768 may contain a user query that asks the user to identify what mode of operation is utilized by the system fan for backup heat. The user may identify the fan mode of operation from alist1770 of selectable options1772a-1772c, each selectable option corresponding to a different mode of fan operation for backup heat. In some cases, a radio button or checkbox may be provided to highlight the user's selection. In addition, thelist1770 may indicate the most common mode of fan operation for backup heat. Aninformation icon1774 may be provided that, when selected by a user, may cause the application program code to display an additional screen including detailed information about the current step of the configuration phase, sometimes including a video demonstration. Selection of thebutton1776 labeled “next’ may cause the application program code to display the next screen in the sequence of screens related to configuring the newly installedHVAC controller18. It will be generally understood that if theHVAC system4 does not utilize backup heating, the user may advance through this screen by utilizing the next button and/or by dragging their finger across the display of the user interface of theremote device62 or performing some other gesture.
• FIG. 66 provides another example of ascreen1800 that may be displayed on the user interface of the user'sremote device62 related to configuring the newly installedHVAC controller18.Screen1800, shown inFIG. 66, relates to setting temperature setpoints for heating and/or cooling as applicable. It will be generally understood that a similar screen or screens may be displayed related to setting a humidity setpoint for heating and/or cooling as applicable. As shown inFIG. 66,screen1800 includes afirst label1802 that identifies the current phase of the setup process. In this example,first label1802 identifies the current phase of the setup process as “Configure.” Astatus bar indicator1804 may also be provided that shows the current status of the configuration phase. In addition,screen1800 may include abrief text string1806 identifying the current step of the configuration phase. For example, as shown inFIG. 66, thebrief text string1806 identifies the current step of the configuration phase as “Set Comfort Temperatures—Home.” Auser message1808 may also be displayed onscreen1800. In this example, theuser message1808 may prompt the user to identify a comfortable temperature when the user is at home for both heating and/or cooling, as applicable. In some cases,screen1800 may include afirst icon1810 corresponding to a heating comfort temperature.Screen1800 may also include asecond icon1812 corresponding to cooling comfort temperature, as applicable. Identifyinglabels1814,1816 may be displayed adjacent the heating and/or cooling icons. In some cases, the user may adjust the heating and/or cooling temperature values from the displayed default values by pressing and/or holding the icon until the desired temperature is displayed. In other cases, first and second arrows may be displayed adjacent each of the heating andcooling icons1810,1812 for adjusting the displayed temperature values. These are just some examples. Aninformation icon1817 may be provided that, when selected by a user, may cause the application program code to display an additional screen including detailed information about the current step of the configuration phase, sometimes including a video demonstration. Selection of thebutton1818 labeled “next’ may cause the application program code to display the next screen in the sequence of screens related to configuring the newly installedHVAC controller18.
• FIG. 67 provides another example of ascreen1820 that may be displayed on the user interface of the user'sremote device62 related to configuring the newly installedHVAC controller18.Screen1820, shown inFIG. 67, relates to setting temperature setpoint values for heating and/or cooling as applicable. It will be generally understood that a similar screen or screens may be displayed related to setting a humidity setpoint value for heating and/or cooling. As shown inFIG. 67,screen1820 includes afirst label1822 that identifies the current phase of the setup process. In this example,first label1822 identifies the current phase of the setup process as “Configure.” Astatus bar indicator1824 may also be provided that shows the current status of the configuration phase. In addition,screen1820 may include abrief text string1826 identifying the current step of the configuration phase. For example, as shown inFIG. 67, thebrief text string1826 identifies the current step of the configuration phase as “Set Comfort Temperatures—Away.” Auser message1828 may also be displayed onscreen1820. In this example, theuser message1828 may provide additional information about utilizing temperature setpoint values during an away mode of operation. In this example,screen1820 may providebutton1830, that when selected by a user, may enable an auto mode of operation to be utilized by theHVAC controller18 to control the temperature for heating and/or cooling according to one or more default temperature setpoint values when theHVAC controller18 is controlling theHVAC system4 according to an away mode. In some case,screen1820 may display the defaulttemperature setpoint values1832,1834 in a region of thescreen1820. Aninformation icon1836 may be provided that, when selected by a user, may cause the application program code to display an additional screen including detailed information about the current step of the configuration phase, sometimes including a video demonstration. Selection of thebutton1838 labeled “next’ may cause the application program code to display the next screen in the sequence of screens related to configuring the newly installedHVAC controller18.
• As shown inFIG. 67, a user may enable or disable the auto away mode by selectingbutton1830. In some cases,button1830 may function as a toggle switch that when selected in a first instance by a user enables the auto away mode, and when selected in a second instance by a user disables the auto away mode. In some cases, when selection ofbutton1830 disables the auto mode, the application program code may displayscreen1840, as shown inFIG. 68. Throughscreen1840, the user may adjust and select thetemperature setpoint values1842,1844 for heating and/or cooling to be utilized by theHVAC controller18 to control theHVAC system4 during an away mode of operation. In some cases, the user may adjust the heating and/or coolingtemperature values1842,1844 from the displayed default values by pressing and/or holding the icon until the desired temperature is displayed. Selection of thebutton1846 labeled “next’ may cause the application program code to display the next screen in the sequence of screens related to configuring the newly installedHVAC controller18.
• FIG. 69 provides another example of ascreen1850 that may be displayed on the user interface of the user'sremote device62 related to configuring the newly installedHVAC controller18. As shown inFIG. 69,screen1850 may provide a summary of the configuration settings accepted from a user through theprevious screens1580,1600,1620,1640,1660,1680,1700,1720,1740,1760,1800,1820, and/or1840.Screen1850 may include afirst label1852 that identifies the current phase of the setup process. In this example,first label1852 identifies the current phase of the setup process as “Configure.” Astatus bar indicator1854 may also be provided that shows the current status of the configuration phase. In addition,screen1850 may include abrief text string1856 identifying the current step of the configuration phase. For example, as shown inFIG. 69, thebrief text string1856 identifies the current step of the configuration phase as “Configuration Summary.” Auser message1858 may also be displayed onscreen1850. In this example, theuser message1858 may provide additional information about theconfiguration summary screen1850. In addition,screen1850 may include one or more selectable options1860a-1860e, each option corresponding to a different component of theHVAC system4 that was configured during the configuration phase of the installation setup process. Selection of any one of the options1860a-1860eby a user may cause the application program code to display detailed information about the configuration settings identified for that particular HVAC system component corresponding to the selected option. Aninformation icon1864 may be provided that, when selected by a user, may cause the application program code to display an additional screen including detailed information about the current step of the configuration phase, sometimes including a video demonstration. Selection of thebutton1866 labeled “next’ may cause the application program code to display the next screen in the sequence of screens related to configuring the newly installedHVAC controller18.
• FIG. 70 shows an example of ascreen1870 that may be displayed on the user interface of the user'sremote device62 by the application program code upon successful completion of the configuration phase of the installation setup process. As shown inFIG. 70,screen1870 can include afirst label1872 that identifies the current phase of the setup process. In this example,first label1872 identifies the current phase of the setup process as “Configure.” Astatus bar indicator1874 may also be provided that shows the current status of the configuration phase. In addition,screen1870 may include abrief text string1876 announcing completion of the configuration phase to the user. For example, as shown inFIG. 70, thebrief text string1876 states “Configuration Complete!” Auser message1878 may also be displayed onscreen1870. In this example, theuser message1878 may provide additional information about the next phase of the installation setup process. In some cases,screen1870 may include abutton1880 labeled “skip” that, when selected by a user, may allow the user to skip the next set of steps in the installation setup process. Aninformation icon1884 may be provided that, when selected by a user, may cause the application program code to display an additional screen including detailed information about the current step of the configuration phase, sometimes including a video message. Selection of thebutton1886 labeled “next’ may cause the application program code to display the next screen in the sequence of screens related to configuring the newly installedHVAC controller18.
• FIG. 71 shows an example of ascreen1890 that may be displayed on the display of the user interface of theHVAC controller18. As shown inFIG. 71,screen1890 includes auser message1892 that informs the user that the setup process is almost complete. In addition,screen1890 may include auser prompt1894 that may prompt the user to utilize the application program code to connect the HVAC controller to the building's wireless network (e.g.second network1538 shown inFIG. 54).
• FIGS. 72-75 and77 show several illustrative screens that may be displayed to the user via the user interface of the user'sremote device62 by the application program code, as described herein, that guide the user through connecting the newly installedHVAC controller18 to the building's wireless network (e.g.second network1538 shown inFIG. 54). In some cases, as discussed herein, the sequence of screens may be a predetermined sequence of screens having a predetermined display order. The user may move backward and forward within the predetermined sequence of screens by the selection of appropriate buttons provided on the screen for this purpose. In other cases, the user may scroll backward and forward within the predetermined sequence of screens by dragging their finger from side to side across the display of theirremote device62. These are just some examples.
• FIG. 72 shows an example of afirst screen1900 that may be displayed on the user interface of the user'sremote device62 related to connecting theHVAC controller18 to the building's wireless network (e.g.second network1538 shown inFIG. 54) and in some cases, to a web service1550 (e.g. Honeywell's TOTAL CONNECT™ web service) associated with theHVAC controller18. As shown inFIG. 72,screen1900 can include afirst label1902 that identifies the current phase of the setup process. In this example,first label1902 identifies the current phase of the setup process as “Connect.” Additionally,screen1900 may include abrief text string1904 that identifies the current step of the connection phase. For example, as shown inFIG. 72, thebrief text string1904 identifies the current step of the connection phase as “Connect Your Thermostat.” Auser message1906 may be displayed onscreen1900.User message1906 may include additional information or instructions about the current step of the connection phase. In some cases,screen1900 may also include icons1908a-1908didentifying each of the four phases of the setup process, which in this example include “install”, “configure”, “connect” and “personalize”. In addition, theicon1908cidentifying the current phase of the setup process may be grayed-out, bolded, or otherwise highlighted to visually indicate to the user that it is the current phase of the setup process. Once that phase of the setup process is complete the icon(s) may include a dot or a checkmark in a corner of the icon to indicate that the phase has been completed. For example, as shown inFIG. 72,icons1908aand1908bcorresponding to the installation phase and the configuration phase of the setup process each include a checkmark indicating to the user that those phases of the setup process have been completed. The user may initiate the connection process by selecting1910 labeled “start connecting” provided at the bottom ofscreen1900.
• Selection ofbutton1910 labeled “start connecting” provided onscreen1900 may cause the application program code to display thenext screen1920, shown inFIG. 73, in the sequence of screens related to connecting theHVAC controller18 to the building's wireless network (e.g.second network1538 shown inFIG. 54) and/orweb service1550 to be displayed on the user interface of the user'sremote device62. As shown inFIG. 73,screen1920 can include afirst label1922 that identifies the current phase of the setup process. In this example,first label1922 identifies the current phase of the setup process as “Connect.” Astatus bar indicator1924 may also be provided that shows the current status of the connection phase. In addition,screen1920 may include abrief text string1926 identifying the current step of the connection phase. For example, as shown inFIG. 72, thebrief text string1926 identifies the current step of the connection phase as “Connect to Home Wi-Fi.” Auser message1928 may also be displayed onscreen1920. In this example, theuser message1928 may prompt the user to identify and select the building's wireless network from alist1930 of available wireless networks1932a-1932d. It may be useful to note, that at this point in the installation setup process the user'sremote device62 and theHVAC controller18 may be paired together over thefirst wireless network1534 hosted by theHVAC controller18. In some cases, however, the user'sremote device62 and theHVAC controller18 may not be paired together over thefirst wireless network1534 hosted by theHVAC controller18.
• If a selected building's wireless network (e.g.second network1538 shown inFIG. 54) is password protected, the application program code may then causescreen1940, shown inFIG. 74, to be displayed to the user via the user interface of theremote device62. Throughscreen1940, the application program code may solicit and accept the network password from the user for accessing the building's wireless network. As shown inFIG. 74,screen1940 can include afirst label1942 that identifies the current phase of the setup process. In this example,first label1942 identifies the current phase of the setup process as “Connect.” Astatus bar indicator1944 may also be provided that shows the current status of the connection phase. In addition,screen1940 may include abrief text string1946 identifying the current step of the connection phase. For example, as shown inFIG. 74, thebrief text string1946 identifies the current step of the connection phase as “Network Password.” Auser message1948 may also be displayed onscreen1940. In this example, theuser message1928 may prompt the user to provide the password for the building's wireless network.Screen1940 may include apassword entry field1950 which the user may utilize to enter the network password. Selection of thebutton1952 labeled “next’ may cause the application program code to accept the password entered by the user via thepassword entry field1950 and to display the next screen in the sequence of screens related to connecting theHVAC controller18 to a wireless network and/or web service.
• The application program code may transmit the selected network ID and/or password to theHVAC controller18 over thefirst wireless network1534 which is hosted by theHVAC controller18, after which the application program code may cause theremote device62 to disconnect fromfirst network1534 hosted by the HVAC controller and connect to the building'swireless network1538. The application program code may cause theremote device62 to communicate with theHVAC controller18 via theweb service1550 upon successful connection of theHVAC controller18 to theweb service1550. In parallel or in rapid succession, upon receiving the building's network ID and password from the application program code, theHVAC controller18 will attempt to connect to the building'swireless network1538. Once successfully connected to the building's wireless network, theHVAC controller18 may be programmed to sync to theweb service1550 associated with theHVAC controller18 over thewide area network1542. In some cases, during this step of the connection process, theHVAC controller18 may be programmed to discontinue hosting the first network1534 (FIG. 54) and to reconfigure itself as a network client on the building'swireless network1538.
• FIG. 75 shows an example of ascreen1960 that may be displayed by the application program code on the user interface of theremote device62 during the connection phase when theHVAC controller18 is attempting to connect to the building'swireless network1538 and ultimately, with theweb service1550 associated with theHVAC controller18. As shown inFIG. 75,screen1960 can include afirst label1962 that identifies the current phase of the setup process. In this example,first label1962 identifies the current phase of the setup process as “Connect.” Astatus bar indicator1964 may also be provided that shows the current status of the connection phase. In addition,screen1960 may include abrief text string1966 identifying the current step of the connection phase. For example, as shown inFIG. 75, thebrief text string1966 identifies the current step of the connection phase as “Connect to Web Service.” Auser message1968 may also be displayed onscreen1960.User message1968 may provide additional information about the current step of the connection process. In some cases,screen1960 may display abusy indicator1970 indicating to the user that theHVAC controller18 is busy. If theHVAC controller18 cannot connect to the building'swireless network1538 and/or theweb service1550,screen1960 may include anerror message1972. In addition,screen1960 may include abutton1974 labeled “connect again” that, when selected by the user, may cause theHVAC controller18 to attempt to re-connect to the building'swireless network1538 and/orweb service1550 if the previous connection attempt was unsuccessful.
• FIG. 76 shows an example of ascreen1980 that may be displayed on the display of the user interface of theHVAC controller18 when theHVAC controller18 is attempting to connect to the building'swireless network1538 and ultimately, theweb service1550. As shown inFIG. 76,screen1980 includes a user message1982 that indicates to the user that the connection process is occurring.
• In some cases, theweb service1550 may transmit a message to the application program code stored in the memory of the user's remote device confirming that theHVAC controller18 was successfully configured and is connected to theweb service1550.FIG. 77 shows an example of ascreen1990 that may be displayed by the application program code on the user interface of theremote device62 upon successful connection of theHVAC controller18 to theweb service1550.Screen1990 can include afirst label1992 that identifies the current phase of the setup process. In this example,first label1992 identifies the current phase of the setup process as “Connect.” Astatus bar indicator1994 may also be provided that shows the current status of the connection phase. In addition,screen1990 may include abrief text string1996 informing the user that the connection was successful. Auser message1998 may also be displayed onscreen1960.User message1998 may provide additional information about the current step of the connection phase and may provide information about the next step in the installation setup process. Selection ofbutton2000 labeled “next” may cause the application code to display another screen related to the setup of the HVAC controller.
• FIG. 78 shows an example of ascreen2010 that may be displayed on the display of the user interface of theHVAC controller18 when theHVAC controller18 has successfully connected to the building'swireless network1538 and theweb service1550 associated with the HVAC controller18 (e.g. Honeywell's TOTAL CONNECT™ web service). As shown inFIG. 78,screen2010 includes auser message2012 that informs the user that theHVAC controller18 is successfully connected to the building'swireless network1538 and theweb service1550. In addition,screen2010 may include auser prompt2014 that may prompt a user to register the HVAC controller utilizing the application program code stored in the memory of the user'sremote device62.
• An illustrative connection process that may be utilized to connect theHVAC controller18 to the building'swireless network1538 and subsequently to theweb service1550 is also shown and described in U.S. application Ser. No. 13/559,470 which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.
• The last phase in the illustrative installation setup process relates to personalizing the newly installedHVAC controller18.FIGS. 79-84 show illustrative screens that may be displayed on the user interface of a remote device by an application program code that may guide a user through personalizing theHVAC controller18. Personalizing theHVAC controller18 may include naming the HVAC controller and, in cases where multiple thermostats may be located within the building, identifying the location of theHVAC controller18. In addition, personalizing theHVAC controller18 may include registering and associating the HVAC controller with the user's account hosted by theweb service1550. In some cases, as part of the registration process and as discussed in detail in U.S. application Ser. No. 13/559,470, theHVAC controller18 may transmit its MAC address and CRC code to theremote device62. The application program code may then cause theremote device62 to transmit the MAC address and CRC code associated with the HVAC controller to theweb service1550 during the registration process. The MAC address and CRC code are unique identifiers that may be used by theweb service1550 to identify theHVAC controller18 on the building'swireless network1538. In some cases, theHVAC controller18 may transmit the MAC address and CRC code associated with theHVAC controller18 to theweb service1550 during the registration process.
• FIG. 79 shows an example of afirst screen2020 that may be displayed on the user interface of the user'sremote device62 related to personalizing theHVAC controller18. It may be useful to note that at this point in the installation setup process; theremote device62 may or may not be in communication with theHVAC controller18 via theweb service1550. In some cases, changes made to theHVAC controller18 through the application program code executed by theremote device62 are transmitted to theweb service1550, which in turn pushes down the changes to theHVAC controller18 via the building'swireless network1538. If theHVAC controller18 loses connection with theweb service1550, theweb service1550 may buffer any changes or modifications to theHVAC controller18. Theweb service1550 may be programmed to transmit the buffered changes or modifications to theHVAC controller18 over thesecond wireless network1538 upon restoration of the network connection between theHVAC controller18 and theweb service1550. While in other cases, changes made via the application program code may be transmitted from theremote device62 to theHVAC controller18, without the interveningweb service1550.
• In some cases, as shown inFIG. 79,screen2020 may include afirst label2022 identifying the current phase of the setup process. In this example,first label2022 identifies the current phase of the setup process as “Personalize.” Additionally,screen2020 may include abrief text string2024 that identifies the current step of the personalization phase. For example, as shown inFIG. 79, thebrief text string2024 identifies the current step of the connection phase as “Personalize Your Thermostat.” Auser message2026 may be displayed onscreen1900. In some cases,user message2026 may include additional information or instructions about the current step of the personalization phase. In some cases,screen2020 may also include icons2028a-2028didentifying each of the four phases of the setup process, which in this example include “install”, “configure”, “connect” and “personalize”. In addition, theicon2028didentifying the current phase of the setup process may be grayed-out, bolded, or otherwise highlighted to visually indicate to the user that it is the current phase of the setup process. Once a phase of the setup process is complete, the icon(s)2028a-2028dmay include a dot or a checkmark in a corner of the icon to indicate that the phase has been completed. For example, as shown inFIG. 79, icons2028a-2028ccorresponding to the installation phase, the configuration phase, and the connection phase of the setup process each include a checkmark indicating to the user that those phases of the setup process are complete. In some cases,screen2020 may include athermostat icon2030 indicating to the user that theHVAC controller18 is connected to theremote device62 and/or to theweb service1550. The user may initiate the personalization process by selecting2032 labeled “start personalizing” provided at the bottom ofscreen2020.
• Selection ofbutton2032 labeled “start personalizing” provided onscreen2020 may cause the application program code to display thenext screen2040, shown inFIG. 80, in the sequence of screens related to personalizing theHVAC controller18. As shown inFIG. 80,screen2040 can include afirst label2042 that identifies the current phase of the setup process. In this example,first label2042 identifies the current phase of the setup process as “Personalize.” Astatus bar indicator2044 may also be provided that shows the current status of the personalization phase. In addition,screen2040 may include abrief text string2046 identifying the current step of the personalization phase. For example, as shown inFIG. 80, thebrief text string2046 identifies the current step of the personalization phase as “Personalize.” Auser message2048 may also be displayed onscreen2040. In this example, theuser message2048 may prompt the user to name and identify the location of theHVAC controller18.Screen2040 may include a firsttext entry box2050 labeled “Location Name” for receiving and accepting the location of theHVAC controller18 from a user. A secondtext entry box2052 labeled “Thermostat Name” may be displayed for receiving and accepting a thermostat name from a user. Selection ofbutton2054 labeled next may cause the application program code to display another screen in the sequence of screens related to personalizing theHVAC controller18.
• FIG. 81 shows anexample screen2060 through which a user may register theHVAC controller18 with theweb service1550 as part of the personalization phase of the installation setup process. As shown inFIG. 81,screen2060 can include afirst label2062 that identifies the current phase of the setup process. In this example,first label2062 identifies the current phase of the setup process as “Personalize.” Astatus bar indicator2064 may also be provided that shows the current status of the personalization phase. In addition,screen2060 may include abrief text string2066 identifying the current step of the personalization phase. For example, as shown inFIG. 81, thebrief text string2066 identifies the current step of the personalization phase as “Register.” Auser message2068 may also be displayed onscreen2040. In this example,user message2068 may prompt the user to register the HVAC controller with theweb service1550 by entering their address and time zone into thetext entry fields2070 displayed onscreen2060. Alternatively, in some cases, abutton2072 may be provided that, when selected by a user, cause the application program code stored in the memory of the user's remote device to utilize location based services of the user's remote device to identify the location of theHVAC controller18 and automatically populate thefields2070. This feature may be more accurate when the user is actually in the building near the location of theHVAC controller18 during the registration process. In some cases, selection ofbutton2074 displayed onscreen2060 may cause the application program code to display the MAC address and/or CRC code of theHVAC controller18 on thescreen2060 such that it may be viewed by the user.
• Selection ofbutton2076 labeled “next” may cause the application code to accept the registration information from the user and transmit the registration information to theweb service1550. Additionally, in some cases, selection ofbutton2076 labeled “next” provided onscreen2060 may cause the application program code to display a pop-up or floatingwindow2080 overscreen2060, as shown inFIG. 82.Window2080 may include auser message2082 that informs the user that theHVAC controller18 is being registered with theHVAC controller18. In some cases,window2080 may also include an animatedbusy indicator2084.
• Upon successful completion of the registration process with theweb service1550, theweb service1550 may transmit a message to the application program code stored in the memory of the user'sremote device62 confirming that the registration process was successfully completed.FIG. 83 shows an example of ascreen2090 that may be displayed by the application program code on the user interface of theremote device62 upon successful registration of theHVAC controller18 with theweb service1550.Screen2090 can include afirst label2092 that identifies the current phase of the setup process. In this example,first label2092 identifies the current phase of the setup process as “Personalize.” Astatus bar indicator2094 may also be provided that shows the current status of the connection phase. In addition,screen2090 may include abrief text string2096 informing the user that the registration process was successful. Auser message2098 may also be displayed onscreen2060.User message2098 may provide additional information or instructions about the current step of the personalization phase of the installation setup process. Selection ofbutton2099 labeled “next” may cause the application code to display another screen related to the setup of theHVAC controller18.
• FIG. 84 shows an example of yet anotherscreen3000 that may be displayed on the user interface of the user'sremote device62 related to personalizing theHVAC controller18. It may be useful to note that at this point in the installation setup process; theHVAC controller18 may be connected to theweb service1550 and can be controlled via theweb service1550 and/or via the application program code executed by the user'sremote device62. In some cases,screen3000 may include afirst label3002 identifying the current phase of the setup process. In this example,first label3002 identifies the current phase of the setup process as “Finished.” Additionally,screen3000 may include abrief text string3006 that notifies the user that the setup process is complete. Auser message3008 may be displayed onscreen3000. In some cases,user message3008 may include additional information or instructions about the phase of the installation setup process. In this example,user message3008 confirms that theHVAC controller18 is installed and connected. In some cases,screen3000 may also include icons3010a-3010didentifying each of the four phases of the setup process, which in this example include “install”, “configure”, “connect” and “personalize”. Once the installation setup process is completed, each of the icons3010a-3010dmay include a dot or a checkmark in a corner of the icon to indicate that the phase has been completed, as shown inFIG. 84. In some cases,screen3000 may include athermostat icon3012. In some cases, thethermostat icon3012 may display a current temperature reflective of a measure of the current temperature received from theHVAC controller18. Additionally, in some cases,screen3000 may also include anicon3016 representing the user'sremote device62 to indicate that theHVAC controller18 is also in communication with theremote device62. Selection of button3018 labeled “finish” may end the installation setup process.
• FIG. 85 shows an example of aconfirmation screen3020 that may be displayed on the display of the user interface of theHVAC controller18 upon successful completion of the installation setup process. As shown inFIG. 85,screen3020 may include a confirmatory user message confirming successful completion of the installation setup process. Additionally, in some cases, theHVAC controller18 may be configured to glow and/or make an audible sound indicative of successful completion of the installation setup process. Upon successful completion of the installation setup process, the user may begin to immediately use the newly installed HVAC controller.
• In some cases, the application program code previously downloaded and stored in the memory of the user'sremote device62 may include a tour to facilitate a user's understanding of how to use the newly installed HVAC controller. In one example, the tour may include a video based tour that the user may access and view through the user interface of theirremote device62. For example, the tour may include a link that may activate a short video either embedded within the application program code and stored in the memory of the user'sremote device62 or a link to a video hosted by an external website such as, for example, YOUTUBE (www.youtube.com). The video-based tour may provide an overview of selected functions of the thermostat. Upon viewing the video, a user should better understand how to utilize the selected functions.
• In some instances, the tour may be contained within the application program code, and may include a task-based tutorial that may guide a user through a series of tasks or steps related to one or more thermostat functions that are to be completed by the user. After successful completion of the series of tasks or steps, the user should be able to independently utilize the selected function of the thermostat. Non-limiting examples of the selected thermostat functions through which the tour or task-based tutorial may guide a user include: changing a temperature setpoint; selecting an appropriate geofence; creating a custom geofence; creating a customized one-touch action macro or shortcut; creating a user profile; viewing performance logs; changing alert timers, etc.
• FIG. 86A is a schematic block diagram of an illustrativemobile device4100 that may be used in programming anHVAC controller4102. It will be appreciated that themobile device4100 may be similar to those described previously, and may be considered as an example of the remote device62 (FIG. 2). Themobile device4100 may be a smartphone or tablet, but this is not required. In some instances, theHVAC controller4102 may be considered as being an example of the HVAC controller18 (FIG. 1). The illustrativemobile device4100 includes atouch screen display4104 that is configured to display information and to permit a user to enter information. Anetwork connection4106 is configured to communicate with aremote server4108 that is itself in operative communication with theHVAC controller4102. The illustrativemobile device4100 includes acontroller4110 that is in operative communication with thetouch screen display4104 and thenetwork connection4106.
• Thecontroller4110 of themobile device4100 is configured to display one or more screens on thetouch screen display4104 of themobile device4100 and to accept input from a user to remotely program one or more functions of theHVAC controller4102. In some embodiments, thecontroller4110 of themobile device4100 is further configured to provide a tour via thetouch screen display4104 of themobile device4100 that guides a user though programming a first function of the one or more functions of theHVAC controller4102. Optionally, the tour may include an instructional video. In some cases, thecontroller4110 of themobile device4100 is further configured to output one or more programmed functions of theHVAC controller4102 to theremote server4108 via thenetwork connection4106.
• In some cases, a tour prompts the user to take one or more programming actions as the tour guides the user though programming a first function, such that the first function of theHVAC controller4102 becomes programmed during the tour. Optionally, the tour provides additional information to facilitate the user's understanding of the first function and/or to aid the user in making an appropriate selection. In some cases, as will be illustrated in subsequent screen shots, the tour includes a user prompt superimposed over an underlying screen, wherein the underlying screen is one of the one or more screens used to program the one or more functions of theHVAC controller4102.
• In some embodiments, thecontroller4110 of themobile device4100 requires the tour to be run for the first function before allowing programming of a second function of the one or more functions of theHVAC controller4102. In some cases, the tour displays a sequence of two or more screens on thetouch screen display4104 of themobile device4100 that guides the user though programming the first function of the one or more functions of theHVAC controller4102. Illustrative but non-limiting examples of first functions include how to check status, how to adjust the temperature, how to switch between heating and cooling modes, how to switch from heating to off, how to switch from cooling to off, how to switch from fan on to fan auto, how to switch from fan on to fan off, how to switch from fan auto to fan off, how to enable geo-fencing, how to adjust geo-fencing settings, how to create one touch macros and how to use one touch macros.
• FIG. 86B is a schematic block diagram of an illustrativemobile device4200 that may be used in programming anHVAC controller4102. It will be appreciated that themobile device4200 may be similar to those described previously, and may be considered as an example of the remote device62 (FIG. 2). Themobile device4200 may be a smartphone or tablet, but this is not required. In some instances, theHVAC controller4102 may be considered as being an example of the HVAC controller18 (FIG. 1). Themobile device4200 includes auser interface4204 that is configured to display information and to permit a user to enter information. Anetwork connection4206 is configured to communicate with aremote server4108 that is itself in operative communication with theHVAC controller4102. A memory4208 is configured to store an application program. Themobile device4200 includes acontroller4210 that is in operative communication with theuser interface4204, thenetwork connection4206 and the memory4208.
• In some embodiments, the application program, when executed by thecontroller4210 of themobile device4200, enables a user to remotely program one or more functions of theHVAC controller4102 via theuser interface4204 of themobile device4200 and to output one or more programmed functions to theremote server4108 via thenetwork connection4206. In some cases, the application program may also be programmed to provide a task based tutorial that, when activated, displays a series of two or more screens that prompt the user to take one or more programming actions while guiding the user though programming a first function of theHVAC controller4102, such that the first function of theHVAC controller4102 becomes programmed.
• In some cases, the task based tutorial provides additional information to facilitate the user's understanding of the first function. In some instances, the task based tutorial provides additional information to aid the user in taking appropriate programming actions. The task based tutorial may include a user prompt superimposed over an underlying screen, wherein the underlying screen is one of one or more screens used to remotely program the one or more functions of theHVAC controller4102 via theuser interface4204 of themobile device4200. Optionally, thecontroller4210 of themobile device4200 requires the task based tutorial to be run for the first function before unlocking a second function of the one or more functions of theHVAC controller4102.
• FIG. 86C provides a schematic block diagram illustrating aserver4300. In some embodiments, theserver4300 may represent the external server66 (FIG. 1) and may in some cases be the same as theremote server4108 shown inFIGS. 86A and 86B. Theillustrative server4300 includes anetwork connection4304 for connecting to amobile device4302 that is located remote from theserver4300. Theserver4300 includes amemory4306 that is configured to store an application program for a mobile device, such as themobile device4302. The application program may be configured to enable a user of themobile device4302 to remotely program one or more functions of anHVAC controller4310 and to output one or more programmed functions. TheHVAC controller4310 may, for example, be representative of the HVAC controller18 (FIG. 1). The application program is also configured to provide a task based tutorial that, when activated, displays a series of two or more screens on themobile device4302 that prompt the user to take one or more programming actions while guiding the user though programming one or more functions of theHVAC controller4310. Theillustrative server4300 includes acontroller4308 that is operatively coupled to thenetwork connection4304 and thememory4306. Thecontroller4308 is configured to upload the application program to themobile device4302 upon request.
• In some cases, the task based tutorial of the application program provides additional information to facilitate the user's understanding of the one or more functions and/or to aid the user in taking appropriate programming actions. In some embodiments, the task based tutorial includes a user prompt superimposed over an underlying screen, wherein the underlying screen is one of one or more screens used to remotely program the one or more functions of theHVAC controller4310.
• In some cases, the user's successful completion of a first series of tasks or steps related to a first selected thermostat function or group of functions may cause the application program code to provide access to at least a second series of tasks or steps related to a second function or group of functions that are different from the first series of tasks or steps. The second series of tasks or steps may be more advanced than the first series of tasks or steps. The user may continue to utilize the task based tutorial within the application program code to explore and access different features of their thermostat. In some cases, the user may exit the task-based tutorial at any time through selection of an appropriate button or icon displayed on the user interface for that purpose. In some cases, the user may be granted access to certain functions of the thermostat only after a series of tasks or steps related to the selected function is successfully completed by the user. In use, the user may activate the task-based tutorial at any time by selecting an appropriate icon or button on the user interface to unlock or gain access to a selected function. In many cases, the application program code may recognize that a selected thermostat function has not been unlocked or utilized by the user, and will display an appropriate button or icon for accessing the task based tutorial. Upon activation of the task-based tutorial by the user, the application program code may display one or more screens that may guide a user through a series of tasks or steps related to the selected function to which the user desires to utilize. After completing a series of tasks or steps related to the selected function, the selected function may become accessible to the user. The user may then close the task based tutorial through selection of an appropriate icon or button.
• FIG. 86D shows a first set of screens4000a-4000dthat may be displayed on the user interface of a user'sremote device62 by a task based tutorial contained within application program code executed by the user'sremote device62. As shown inFIG. 86D, screens4000a-4000drelate to selecting an HVAC operational mode (e.g. heating or cooling) and then selecting a desired temperature setpoint for the selected HVAC operational mode. Each of the screens may include a user prompt4008a-4008dthat may prompt or instruct a user to take a desired action to complete a least a first step in a series of steps displayed by the task based tutorial related to the selected function. The user prompt4008a-4008dmay include additional information that may facilitate the user's understanding of the selected function and which, in some cases, may aid the user in making an appropriate selection. In some cases, as shown inFIG. 86D, the user prompt4008a-4008dmay include an indicator4012a-4012dthat indicates or visually guides a user to select an appropriate icon or button for completing a selected step, but this is not required. Successful completion of the steps displayed in the first set of illustrative screens4000a-4000dmay cause the task based tutorial to display a second set of screens relating to a different or more advanced thermostat function.
• FIG. 86E show a second set of one or more screens4020a-4020ethat may be displayed on the user interface of a user'sremote device62 by a task based tutorial contained within the application program code executed by the user'sremote device62. As discussed herein, the second set of screens may be displayed upon successful completion of one or more tasks or steps displayed in a first set of screens. In some cases, the second selected function may be unrelated to the first selected function. However, in other cases, the second set of screens may guide a user through a series of tasks or steps related to more advanced features of the first selected function.
• As shown inFIG. 86E, the second set of screens4020a-4020eguide a user through customizing or programming a one-touch macro. Each of the screens4020a-4020emay include a user prompt4028a-4028ethat may prompt or instruct a user to take a desired action to complete a least a first step in a series of steps displayed by the task based tutorial related to the selected function. The user prompt4028a-4028emay include additional information that may facilitate the user's understanding of the selected function and which, in some cases, may aid the user in making an appropriate selection. In some cases, as shown inFIG. 86E, the user prompt4028a-4028emay include an indicator4032a-4032ethat indicates or visually guides a user to select an appropriate icon or button for completing a selected step, but this is not required. Successful completion of the steps displayed in the first set of illustrative screens4020a-4020dmay cause the task based tutorial to display yet another set of screens relating to a yet another thermostat function. It will be generally understood that the user may exit the task based tutorial and subsequently, return to the task based tutorial at any time to learn about and/or master other thermostat functions.
• Through the application program code on the user's remote device, the user may register theirHVAC controller18 with a selected HVAC contractor. In some cases, through the application program code, the user may elect to give remote access to theirHVAC controller18 to the selected HVAC contractor so that the HVAC contractor may remotely monitor the performance of the user's HVAC system and/or energy usage, recommend certain actions for improving the performance of their HVAC system and/or for increasing the energy efficiency of their HVAC system, display energy usage reports, send reminders to change filters and/or schedule routine maintenance, and/or inform the user about upcoming service specials.
• Referring back toFIG. 19D, it is contemplated that the user may activate a feature in the application program code for identifying and connecting with an HVAC contractor through a selection of anappropriate option808 from a list of selectable options displayed on anoptions screen810 accessible through ahome screen800. Upon receiving selection of theoption808 labeled “Find a Contractor” from a user, the application program code may cause the user'sremote device62 to display at least a first screen, sometimes of a sequence of screens, related to identifying and connecting with an HVAC contractor. Illustrative screens relating to identifying and connecting with an HVAC contractor are shown inFIGS. 87-92. In one example, upon receiving selection of theoption808 labeled “Find a Contractor” from a user, the application program code may cause the user'sremote device62 to display an illustrativefirst screen4060, shown inFIG. 87, that may prompt a user to enter location information such as a city, state or zip code or to select a location from a list ofavailable locations4068. In some cases, the user's remote device may supply the location information using GPS data from a GPS unit of the remote device. Upon receiving location or location information data, the application code may display asubsequent screen4080, shown inFIG. 88, in a sequence of screens related to identifying and connecting with an HVAC contactor. Thescreen4080 displays a list oflocal HVAC contractors4088 including their contact information and sometimes consumer rating information, as applicable. In some cases, the list of HVAC contractors may be ordered according to their location relative to the user's home, with those contactors located closest to the user's home being displayed at the top of the list. In other cases, the list of HVAC contractors may be displayed in an order according to their consumer ratings (number or stars given by previous consumers), with the highest rated HVAC contractors displayed at the top of the list. In still other cases, HVAC contractors currently offering new customer or service specials may be ordered at the top of the list and/or may be highlighted.
• In some cases, an HVAC contractor may offer remote monitoring services. The user may receive an invitation via email or through the message center discussed above, which may invite the user to connect theirHVAC controller18 to the HVAC contractor's monitoring service. Through the received invitation, the user may choose a monitoring program (e.g., a full or partial monitoring program) that best suits the user's needs and also which may limit or grant a certain level of access to the associated contractor for the HVAC system. Once a monitoring program has been selected by the user, the user'sHVAC controller18 may be automatically set up for monitoring by the selected HVAC contractor that sent the invitation, and the user and contractor may have linked accounts via a remote server to facilitate the monitoring, scheduling and/or performance of maintenance checks, etc. Even after the user and contractor are linked, the customer may have the ability to disconnect the HVAC contractor from its HVAC system and/or HVAC controller (and corresponding data and/or information sharing), which may allow the user to retain control of its HVAC system data and/or information.
• Turning now to the specific examples provided inFIGS. 89-92, upon opening a message received from the HVAC contractor in the message center, the application program code may display aninvitation screen4090, shown inFIG. 89, displaying a user message including an invitation to participate in monitoring services offered by the HVAC contractor. Selection of thebutton4098 labeled “Next” or another appropriate button displayed oninvitation screen4090 may cause the application program code to display asubsequent screen5000 in a sequence of screens, shown inFIG. 90, which may prompt a user to select one ormore locations5008 for which monitoring services are desired. In addition,screen4090 may include anotherbutton4096 that, when selected by a user, may permit a user to decline or opt out of any monitoring services provided by the selected HVAC contractor.
• Upon receiving a selection of one ormore locations5008 for which the user desires monitoring services, the application program code may displayscreen5016, shown inFIG. 91.Screen5016 may display a user message prompting the user to confirm that they desire to provide remote access to theirHVAC controller18. In addition,screen5016 may include at least a firstselectable option5020 that, when selected by the user, causes the application program code to transmit a message to the selected HVAC contract indicating that that the user has granted remote access to theirHVAC controller18 and HVAC system. In some cases,screen5016 may also include a button (not shown) that, when selected by a user, may permit a user to decline or opt out of any monitoring services provided by the selected HVAC contractor.
• FIG. 92 shows options screen816 ofFIG. 19D after the user has connected with an HVAC contractor to provide monitoring services. As can been seen inFIG. 92, anoption5028 labeled contractor monitoring has been activated and is visible. Once activated, a user may selectoption5028 to connect to the remote HVAC contractor to view information and data provided by the HVAC contractor including, but not limited to: notifications, reminders, scheduled appointments, energy usage information, HVAC system performance data, recommended actions, and/or the like.
• In one example, anHVAC controller18 may include a memory, a wireless transceiver for wirelessly sending and receiving data over a building's wireless local area network, and a controller configured to execute a program code stored in the memory for connecting theHVAC controller18 to the wireless local area network via the wireless transceiver and to detect if a mobile wireless device is currently connected to and recognized by the wireless local area network. The controller may further be configured to change at least one operational parameter setting of the HVAC system depending on whether the mobile wireless device is currently connected to and recognized by the wireless local area network or not.
• In some cases, the HVAC controller may switch to an energy savings setting when the occupants of the building are away (unoccupied mode), and then switch back to a comfort setting when the occupants of the building return or are present (occupied mode). In some cases, theHVAC controller18 may be configured to execute a program code stored in the memory for detecting if a user's mobile wireless device, having a unique identifier, is currently enrolled in a local wireless network by repeatedly broadcasting a query for the mobile wireless device over the wireless local area network. TheHVAC controller18 may be configured to change at least one operational parameter setting of the HVAC system (e.g. a temperature set point) to a comfort setting in accordance with an occupied mode upon receiving a response from the mobile wireless device to the query indicating occupancy of the building, and/or change at least one operational parameter setting of the HVAC system (e.g. a temperature set point) to an energy saving setting in accordance with an unoccupied mode upon not receiving a response from the mobile wireless device to the query indicating the user is not present.
• In another instance, the use of location signals from one or more cell phones or tablet computers which have enabled location services, may allow the system to infer that a user will soon be home or is home and to adjust the temperature of the home with enough lead time to prepare the home for the user's arrival. The inference may, in some embodiments, include the requirement that the user appears to be moving toward the home as opposed to merely being nearby for an extended period of time. Further, the one-touch macros discussed above may use the departure or expected arrival of the user's mobile device as a trigger for a programmed action, such as adjusting the temperature set point.
• In some cases, the application program code executed by the user'sremote device62 may cause theremote device62 to determine that the user or, more specifically, that the user'sremote device62, has crossed at least one or more proximity boundaries established relative to the location of theHVAC controller18 or another location. In other cases, the user'sremote device62 may transmit its location to a server or the like, where the server may determine that the user'sremote device62 has crossed at least one or more proximity boundaries established relative to the location of theHVAC controller18 or another location.
• In some embodiments, utilizing the physical location of a user's remote device62 (such as a smartphone or tablet, for example) may provide more accurate information as to whether or not the user is at home. These days, people tend not to leave their home without their smartphone and will, in fact, make a special trip back home if they have inadvertently left their smartphone. By using the physical location of theremote device62, theHVAC controller18 does not, for example, have to rely on a proximity sensor or the like to determine whether or not a user is home at any particular time. While a proximity sensor can be used to detect motion and thus determine if someone is at home, it will be appreciated that a thermostat employing a proximity sensor for this purpose may only determine a user is home if the user happens to walk through the particular hallway or room in which the thermostat is located. If a user is home, but stays in a different room, the thermostat may mistakenly decide that the user is not home, simply because the user has chosen not to walk past the thermostat itself. Utilizing the position of the smartphone to determine the location of the user, and thus whether or not they are home, may provide more comfort and more energy savings.
• FIG. 93 is a schematic diagram of an illustrative use of geofencing in controlling an HVAC system. Ahome5030 may represent the home2 (FIG. 1). As shown, a first boundary, or geofence,5032 may be defined around thehome5030. It will be appreciated that thehome5030 may be a house, an apartment, a townhouse, a condominium or the like. A second boundary, or geofence,5034 may be defined around thehome5030 at a greater distance than thefirst geofence5032. While schematically drawn as concentric circles, it will be appreciated that thefirst geofence5032 and/or thesecond geofence5034 may have any desired shape. While thesecond geofence5034 is drawn as encircling thefirst geofence5032, in some instances, it is contemplated that thesecond geofence5034 may at least partially overlap regions of thefirst geofence5032.
• Amobile device5036, representative of the remote device62 (FIG. 2), typically has one or more techniques for determining its location. For example, themobile device5036 may determine its location via a self-contained GPS unit. In some embodiments, themobile device5036 may determine its location via triangulation of cell phone signals. If themobile device5036 is programmed with the details of a geofence such as thefirst geofence5032 and/or thesecond geofence5034, themobile device5036 may determine when it crosses thefirst geofence5032 and/or thesecond geofence5034, and in what direction, and can transmit that information to aremote server5038. In some embodiments, themobile device5036 may simply transmit its location from time to time to theremote server5038, and theremote server5038 may determine when themobile device5036 crosses thefirst geofence5032 and/or thesecond geofence5034, and in what direction.
• FIG. 94 is a schematic block diagram of an illustrativemobile device5036, which may be similar to mobile devices described herein and which may, for example, represent the mobile device62 (FIG. 2). In some cases, themobile device5036 is a smartphone. The illustrativemobile device5036 has location services such as GPS or cell phone signal triangulation that can determine the location of themobile device5036. The illustrativemobile device5036 includes auser interface5100 and amemory5102 for storing two or more predetermined geo-fences (such asfirst geofence5032 and second geofence5034), each defining a different sized region about the home5030 (FIG. 93) of a user of themobile device5036. In some embodiments, a first one of the two or more predetermined geo-fences, such as thefirst geofence5032, defines a first sized region and a second one of the two or more predetermined geo-fences, such as thesecond geofence5034, defines a second sized region, and the second sized region has an area that is at least 25%, 50% or 100% larger than an area of the first sized region.
• Acontroller5104 of the illustrativemobile device5036 is operatively coupled to theuser interface5100 and thememory5102. In the example shown, thecontroller5104 is configured to accept a selection of one of the two or more predetermined geo-fences via theuser interface5100 and to report out when the location of themobile device5036 crosses the selected one of the two or more predetermined geo-fences to a remote device, such as a remote server. In some cases, thecontroller5104 may be further configured to accept a selection of another one of the two or more predetermined geo-fences via theuser interface5100, and to report out when the location of themobile device5036 crosses the selected another one of the two or more predetermined geo-fences to a remote device, such as a remote server. In some cases, thecontroller5104 is configured to not report out when the location of themobile device5036 crosses unselected ones of the two or more predetermined geo-fences.
• In some embodiments, the remote device is aremote server5038, and thecontroller5104 is configured to report when the location of themobile device5036 crosses the selected one of the two or more predetermined geo-fences to theremote server5038 via a wireless communication port. In some instances, theremote server5038, in response to receiving a report that the location of themobile device5036 crossed the selected one of the two or more predetermined geo-fences, notifies an HVAC controller5040 (FIG. 93) in thehome5030 of the user of themobile device5036 to change a setting. In some cases, the setting includes a temperature set point or a lighting setting. The change in the setting may be reported back to themobile device5036, and thecontroller5104 of themobile device5036 may be configured to display the changed setting on theuser interface5100 of themobile device5036.
• FIG. 95 is a schematic block diagram of an illustrativebuilding automation system5042 that includes amemory5044 and acontroller5046 that is operably coupled to thememory5044. Thememory5044 stores a geofence that defines a region about the user's building. Thecontroller5046 is configured to identify when a user'smobile device5036 crosses the geo-fence, and in response, cause an adjustment to a temperature set point of the building automation system. In some embodiments, thecontroller5046 is also configured to automatically increase the size of the region of the geo-fence if thecontroller5046 receives an indication (e.g. from a user) that the geo-fence is too sensitive, and to automatically decrease the size of the region of the geo-fence if thecontroller5046 receives an indication (e.g. from a user) that the geo-fence is not sensitive enough.
• In some embodiments, the indication (e.g. from the user) that the geo-fence is too sensitive is in response to a query presented to the user. In some cases, the indication from the user that the geo-fence is too sensitive is in response to a query presented to the user via themobile device5036. In some instances, the indication from the user that the geo-fence is too sensitive is in response to a query presented to the user via a web page. Optionally, the indication from the user that the geo-fence is not sensitive enough is in response to a query presented to the user. In some cases, the indication that the geo-fence is too sensitive or not sensitive enough is based on historical HVAC data, such as the length of times and spacing between the occupied and unoccupied modes.
• FIG. 96 is a schematic block diagram of an illustrativemobile device5200 having location services for determining a location of themobile device5200. Themobile device5200 includes auser interface5202 and amemory5204. Thememory5204 stores a first geofence (such as first geofence5032) that defines a first region about a user's building and a second geofence (such as second geofence5034) that defines a second region about the user's building, wherein the second region is different than the first region. Thememory5204 may also store a programmable geo-fence schedule that assigns the first geo-fence to a first scheduled time period and assigns the second geo-fence to a second scheduled time period. Acontroller5206 is operatively coupled to thememory5204 and theuser interface5202. Thecontroller5206 is configured to activate the first geo-fence during the first scheduled time period(s), and to identify when themobile device5036 crosses the first geo-fence during the first scheduled time period(s). Thecontroller5206 is further configured to activate the second geo-fence during the second scheduled time period(s), and to identify when themobile device5036 crosses the second geo-fence during the second scheduled time period(s). Thecontroller5206 may report to aremote device5208 such as a remote server when the location of themobile device5036 crosses the first geo-fence during the first scheduled time period(s) and when the location of themobile device5036 crosses the second geo-fence during the second scheduled time period(s).
• In some embodiments, theremote device5208 is a remote server, and thecontroller5206 is configured to report when the location of themobile device5036 crosses the first geo-fence during the first scheduled time period(s) and when the location of themobile device5036 crosses the second geo-fence during the second scheduled time period(s). Theremote server5208, in response to receiving a report that the location of themobile device5036 crossed the first geo-fence during the first scheduled time period(s) or that the mobile device crossed the second geo-fence during the second scheduled time period(s), may notify abuilding automation controller5212 in the user'sbuilding5214 to change a setting. In some embodiments, the first scheduled time period(s) corresponds to a weekday, and the second scheduled time period(s) corresponds to a weekend day. Alternatively, the first scheduled time period(s) may correspond to a first part of a day, and the second scheduled time period(s) may correspond to a second part of the same day. These are just some examples.
• In some cases, and to keep things relatively simple, a geofence setting may be offered to the user to select between a smaller proximity boundary and a larger proximity boundary. By manipulating the geofence setting, the user may select between the smaller proximity boundary and the larger proximity boundary. Selection of the small proximity boundary may increase the sensitivity of theHVAC controller18 to the user's location, as determined by the user'sremote device62, a server and/or theHVAC controller18.
• FIG. 97 shows a geofencesettings menu screen5050 that includes a radio button or otherselectable option5056 that permits a user to choose between a small proximity boundary (e.g. smaller radius geofence) and a large proximity boundary (e.g., larger radius geofence) that may be displayed on the user interface of theremote device62 by the application program code. In one example, the smaller proximity boundary may have a radius extending approximately 500 feet (approximately 152.4 meters) outward from a predetermined location such as, for example, the location of theHVAC controller18. The larger proximity boundary may have a radius extending approximately seven miles (or more) outward from the same predetermined location. These are just examples. It will be generally understood that the smaller and larger proximity boundaries can correspond to a radius of any suitable distance, as desired. In some cases, the area of the larger proximity boundary may be at least 25% greater than the area of the smaller proximity boundary, but this is just one example.
• In some instances, a user may select the size of the proximity boundary based on their schedule. For example, a user may select a larger proximity boundary on days (e.g. weekdays) in which they typically commute to a secondary location (e.g. work), and may select a smaller proximity boundary for use on their non-commuting days (e.g. weekends) where they may remain relatively closer to their home. In another example, a user may select a larger proximity boundary for use during a first period of time (e.g. work hours such as 8:00 AM-5:00 PM), and a smaller proximity boundary for use during a second period of time (e.g. home hours such as 5:00 PM-8:00 AM). More generally, it is contemplated that a plurality of proximity boundaries may each be assigned to a time slot in a proximity boundary “schedule”, and thus the currently active proximity boundary at any given time may change during different times of a day, a week or other time periods.
• In some cases, the temperature inside of the space controlled by the HVAC Controller may be more tightly controlled (e.g. within one degree of a control setpoint or less) to provide good comfort when the user is expected to be home, and may be allowed to drift by a predetermined amount to provide greater energy efficiency when the user is not expected to be home. In some cases, the allowed drift from the comfort setting may be set depending on the size of the selected proximity boundary. For example, a larger temperature drift may be allowed if a larger proximity boundary is selected. That is, it may take a user longer to reach home after crossing the proximity boundary when the proximity boundary is larger, and thus the HVAC system may have more time to recover from a larger temperature drift and reach the comfort temperature before the user arrives. When so provided, selecting a larger proximity boundary may result in more energy savings (via a larger allowed drift).
• In some cases, the proximity boundary may be established relative to the location of theHVAC controller18 such as, for example, the user's home. In one example, when the user leaves the proximity boundary, sometimes as determined by the application program code executed by the user'sremote device62, the user'sremote device62 may cause theHVAC controller18, either directly or indirectly, to adjust the temperature setpoint and/or any other applicable operating parameters (e.g. lights, ventilation, humidification/dehumidification, etc.) according to one or more “away” settings. Conversely, when theremote device62 detects that the user has re-entered the proximity boundary, the user'sremote device62 may cause the HVAC controller, either directly or indirectly, to adjust the temperature setpoint and/or any other operating parameters according to one or more at “home” settings.
• In some cases, a proximity boundary may be established relative to a user's secondary location such as, for example, the user's workplace, a school, or some other location. Using a proximity boundary that is defined relative to a user's secondary location may be particularly appropriate when the user's secondary location is located a relatively short distance away from the user's home. In this example, when theremote device62 detects that the user has entered the proximity boundary at the user's secondary location, the user'sremote device62 may cause the HVAC controller, either directly or indirectly, to adjust the temperature setpoint and/or any other operating parameters according to one or more “away” settings. Conversely, when theremote device62 determines that the user has left the proximity boundary at the use's secondary location, the user'sremote device62 may cause the HVAC controller, either directly or indirectly, to adjust the temperature setpoint and/or any other operating parameters according to one or more “home” settings.
• In some instances, the proximity boundary at the user's secondary location may become active only at scheduled time periods (e.g. during work hours). In some cases, such as when the user's secondary location is relatively close to the user's home, the HVAC controller may allow the temperature (and/or other environmental parameter) inside of the home to drift by a predetermined amount that cannot be fully recovered from in the time that it would normally take the user to travel from the user's secondary location to the user's home. However, by referencing a programmed schedule, such as a user's work schedule, and by assuming the user will remain at the user's secondary location during the programmed work schedule, the HVAC system may obtain more energy savings than if the user's schedule were not taken into account. If the user were to leave the user's secondary location early, the user'sremote device62 may cause the HVAC controller, either directly or indirectly, to begin adjusting the temperature and/or any other operating parameters according to one or more “comfort” settings. In some cases, however, the “comfort” setting may not be achieved by the time the user arrives at home.
• In some instances, a household may include more than one person, such as a husband, a wife and two children. Each person may have a remote device62 (e.g. smartphone) that executes application program code that causes theremote device62 to determine that the corresponding user, or more specifically, that the corresponding user'sremote device62, has crossed one or more proximity boundaries established relative to a location such as home, work, school, etc. A household account may be established that links each of theremote device62 associated with a household to the household account. Eachremote device62 may report when the correspondingremote device62 crosses a particular proximity boundary to a master device, such as a server. The master device (e.g. server) may be in communication with the HVAC controller of the household, a security system controller of the household, a lighting system controller of the household, and/or any other suitable controller as desired. The master device (e.g. server) may be programmed to determine when all (or some subset) of the household members have departed from the household and crossed one or more corresponding proximity boundaries. Each user may have the same or different active proximity boundaries. When this occurs, the server may instruct the HVAC controller to assume a more energy efficient setpoint. In some cases, the master (e.g. server) may also instruct a security system controller to arm the security system and lock all of the doors, and may instruct a lighting controller to turn off the lights.
• In some cases, a different proximity boundary may be set for each of theremote devices62 of the household. For example, if the husband works about 20 miles (about 32.19 kilometers) from the household and the wife works about 10 miles (about 16.09 kilometers) from the household, theremote device62 of the husband may use a proximity boundary that has a radius of about 15 miles (about 24.14 kilometers) from the household, and theremote device62 of the wife may use a proximity boundary that has a radius of about 7 miles (about 11.27 kilometers) from the household. If the kids attend a school that is about 6 miles (about 9.656 kilometers) from the household, theremote devices62 of the kids may use a proximity boundary that has a radius of about 4 miles (about 6.437 kilometers) from the household. These are just examples.
• Alternatively, or in addition, theremote device62 of each household member may use a different proximity boundary relative to a secondary location such as, for example, the member's workplace, school, or other location, as described above. Moreover, it is contemplated that different proximity boundaries may be assigned to different time slots of a proximity boundary “schedule” that may be associated with a particular household member.
• In some cases, each household member may set a preferred comfort setpoint. The system may be programmed to set the comfort setpoint of the HVAC system based on which household member crosses a corresponding proximity boundary and is expected to return first. If at a later time, another household member crosses a corresponding proximity boundary and is expected to return, the system may set the comfort setpoint based on a combination of household members that are expected to be at the household. For example, if the wife prefers a heating setpoint to be at 74 degrees and the husband prefers a heating setpoint to be 72 degrees, the system may set the comfort setpoint to 74 degrees upon arrival of the wife, and when the husband arrives later, sets the comfort setpoint to 73 degrees. The system may determine an appropriate setpoint based on the particular combination of household members that are expected to be home. For example, the system may average the set points that are associated with the household members that are expected to be home. In some cases, the average may be a weighted average. In some cases, some household members' preferences may have a higher priority over other household member's preferences. For example, the husband and wife's setpoint preferences may take priority over the kid's preferences.
• In some instances, when a user leaves the household and crosses a proximity boundary, the system may require that the user remain across the proximity boundary for a predetermined time period before activating an energy savings setpoint in the household. Alternatively, or in addition, when a user is returning to the household and crosses a proximity boundary, the system may require that the user remain across the proximity boundary for a predetermined time period before activating a comfort setpoint in the household. The proximity boundary used when the user leaves the household and the proximity boundary used when the user returns to the household may be the same or different proximity boundaries. In one example, the proximity boundary used when the user leaves the household may have a larger radius than the proximity boundary used when the user returns to the household.
• In some cases, the proximity boundary that is to be used may be learned by the system. For example, location data from each household member may be recorded, and geo patterns may be identified from the recorded location data. In some cases, the location data may be time stamped, and geo patterns in both location and time may be identified. From this, suitable proximity boundaries may be identified and/or learned by the system. For example, if the geo pattern identifies that the husband goes to a common location (e.g. work) M-F from 8:00 AM-5:00 PM, the system may learn a proximity boundary that is between the household and that location, perhaps at 60 percent of the distance from the household to that location. Also, and in some cases, that learned proximity boundary may only be activated on M-F. At the same time, if the geo pattern identifies that the kids go to a common location (e.g. school) M-F from 7:30 AM-2:30 PM, the system may learn a proximity boundary between the household and that location, perhaps at 60 percent of the distance from the household to that location. For more granularity, route information may be extracted from the geo patterns, and the learned proximity boundaries may be based, at least in part, on the route information. For example, a learned proximity boundary may be defined as not only traveling a specified distance from the household but also following an identified route. If such an event occurs, the proximity boundary may be deemed to have been “crossed”.
• In some embodiments, an application program code, as discussed in detail herein, may cause the user'sremote device62 to launch a geofence setup wizard to aid a user in selecting an appropriate geofence. In other cases, a computing device (e.g. tablet, laptop, desktop) may access a web-site or the like on a server, which may provide a geofence setup wizard to aid a user in selecting an appropriate geofence. In some cases, the geofence setup wizard may display one or more screens on the display of a user interface that may guide a user through establishing an appropriate geofence suitable for their lifestyle.FIGS. 98-101 show examples of different geofence setup screens that may be displayed on the display of a user interface of a user'sremote device62 by a geofence setup wizard. In some cases, a user's response to a user query presented on a first screen may determine the next screen displayed by the geofence setup wizard. In other cases, the geofence wizard may display a sequence of two or more screens in a predetermined order. In this example, the user may have the ability to skip any non-applicable screens.
• In some cases, the geofence setup wizard may display afirst screen5060 that includes afirst user query5066 that queries a user about their daily commute, as shown inFIG. 98. Thefirst screen5060 may include one or moreselectable options5070 for responding to thefirst user query5066. In asubsequent screen5080, as shown inFIG. 99, the geofence setup wizard may display arecommendation5086 to the user based on the user's response to the first user query recommending a large geofence setting, a small geofence setting, a custom geofence setting and/or establishing a geofence relative to the user's primary location (e.g. home) or secondary location (e.g. work or school). In the example shown inFIG. 99, the geofence wizard displays arecommendation5086 recommending that the user select the small geofence setting on the settings menu screen5050 (FIG. 97) displayed by the application program code. Additionally, the geofence wizard may display another screen including another user query that queries the user about the frequency of their commute. For example, the geofence wizard may display ascreen5090, as shown inFIG. 100, which asks or prompts a user to select the days on which they typically commute to work or school from a list ofselectable options5096 corresponding to each of the days of the week. The geofence wizard may then display ascreen6000 that may include auser query6006 that may ask the user if they would like to use a different geofence for any unselected days.Screen6000 may include afirst option6012alabeled “yes” and asecond option6012blabeled “no” for responding to theuser query6006. Selection of a different geofence on days in which the user does not typically commute to a secondary location such as work or school may be particularly appropriate for a user that commutes a distance greater than about 24 kilometers (about 14.91 miles) and that stays relatively close to home on their non-commuting days. This feature may allow a user to select a smaller geofence and apply it to any non-selected days on which the user is typically not travelling to and from the secondary location. These are just some examples.
• Alternatively, or in addition to the various embodiments described herein, the proximity boundary(s) may be customized by the user and may have any shape and/or size that more appropriately reflects the user's local and/or daily travel habits. For example, at least one proximity boundary may be configured by the user to have the same general size and/or shape of the city in which their home or workplace is located.FIG. 102, for example, shows another view of asettings menu screen6060 that permits a user to select a custom boundary option. Selection of thecustom boundary option6066 by a user may cause the application program code to display asubsequent screen6070, as shown inFIG. 103, on the display of the user interface that may permit a user to configure a custom proximity boundary. As shown inFIG. 103, the application program code may display anarea map6076 on the user interface. The user may be prompted to draw a proximity boundary on thearea map6076 by dragging their finger or a stylus on thearea map6076. In some embodiments, if desired, the user may zoom in or zoom out on thearea map6076, depending on how big they want their customized proximity boundary to be, by performing a pinch gesture somewhere on the user interface. The application program code may accept the user's customized proximity boundary and may store the custom proximity boundary in the memory of the user'sremote device62. Again, the user may choose to establish the proximity boundary relative to the location at which the HVAC controller is located, typically their home, and/or a secondary location such as a workplace or school. When the user'sremote device62 determines that the user has crossed the selected proximity boundary, the user'sremote device62 may send a command to theHVAC controller18, either directly or indirectly, to adjust the temperature setpoint in accordance with the user's selected settings such as for example, the user-specified “at home settings” or “away settings” depending upon if the user is entering or leaving the selected boundary.
• In some embodiments, the user may want to be able to establish a custom proximity boundary that is based upon a radius from their home or other building.FIGS. 104-106 provide illustrative screens that may be displayed on the user'sremote device62. Starting inFIG. 104, a “set my geo fence”screen6100 may be displayed. In the example shown, amap6102 is provided, with alocation marker6104 showing the present location of the user'sremote device62. In some instances, setting a geofence boundary is most accurate when the user, or more accurately, the user'sremote device62, is located at the home or other building that is to be the center of the proximity boundary. In some instances, while not illustrated, it is possible that a home address, previously entered when initially setting up theHVAC controller18, may be used to locate thelocation marker6104 if the user is away from home or when the location services of theremote device62 are turned off when setting or adjusting a proximity boundary. In some embodiments, if the home address was not previously entered, the user'sremote device62 may prompt the user to enter their home address so it can be used to locate thelocation marker6104.
• Theillustrative screen6100 includes asizing marker6106, shown here as a black dot. As the user moves thesizing marker6106 inwards towards thelocation marker6104, aboundary6108 will become smaller in radius. As the user moves thesizing marker6106 away from thelocation marker6104, theboundary6108 will become larger in radius. It will be appreciated that theboundary6108, as illustrated, becomes a new proximity boundary. While drawn as a circle, in some instances theboundary6108 may take any other predetermined and/or user-defined shape. For example, if the user lives next to a large body of water such as an ocean, there is little need for theboundary6108 to pass over the water. In such circumstances, perhaps arectangular boundary6108 may be more useful. In some cases, theboundary6108 may be a polygon, and the user may add a vertex to the polygon by touching a location on theboundary6108 where a vertex should be added. Another sizing marker may be automatically added at that newly created vertex. Once added, the user may drag the new sizing marker to any desired location, which may change the shape of theboundary6108. With multiple vertices and corresponding sizing markers, the user may easily define nearly any desired shape for theboundary6108 about thelocation marker6104.
• In example shown inFIG. 104, a pop upscreen6110 instructs the user how to drag thesizing marker6106 in one direction or another in order to resize theboundary6108. In some instances, rather than dragging thesizing marker6106, theboundary6108 may be displayed on thescreen6100, and a user may utilize a pinch gesture somewhere on thescreen6100 to make theboundary6108 smaller or larger, similar to how a user can resize a digital photo, or zoom in or out on a map. In some embodiments, especially if the user is not at home when setting or adjusting a proximity boundary about the home, thescreen6100 may display a map of the user's general area, and superimpose theboundary6108 on the map. The user may use a finger on thescreen6100 to move the map around until theboundary6108 is generally centered on their home. It will be appreciated that in doing so, it may be useful to zoom out, using a pinch gesture, to generally locate an area on the map, then zoom in, again using a pinch gesture, to fine tune the location of the user's home before zooming out again to an appropriate distance so that the user can locate theboundary6108.
• In some instances, as illustrated for example inFIG. 105, thescreen6100 may display a pop upscreen6112 that reminds the user that they should be as close to home, or more accurately as close as possible to theHVAC controller18, when adjusting theboundary6108. In some embodiments, however, as described above, the user may be not use the location services on the remote device to center the geofence, but rather may be able to use their previously entered home address, newly add their home address, or graphically locate their home on themap6102, as desired.FIG. 106 provides a view of thescreen6100 without any pop up screens, so that the user may clearly see their newly setproximity boundary6108.
• In some cases, more than oneremote device62 may be configured to communicate with and/or control theHVAC controller18. Eachremote device62 may be associated with a unique user profile stored in the memory of theHVAC controller18 and/or at a remote server to which both theHVAC controller18 and the user'sremote device62 are connected. An example of such a server is Honeywell's TOTAL CONNECT™ server. Eachremote device62 may be configured to transmit a message to the server indicating that a proximity boundary has been crossed as the users, along with their respectiveremote devices62, enter and/or exit the area defined by a proximity boundary. As discussed herein, the proximity boundary may be defined relative to the location of the HVAC controller (e.g. the user's home) or a user's secondary location and may be customized by the user. In some cases, the server may be programmed to transmit a command to theHVAC controller18 to adjust the temperature setpoint and any additional operating parameters according to an “away” setting upon determining that a last user in a group of users is no longer within the area defined by the proximity boundary upon receiving an indication from the last user'sremote device62 that the proximity boundary has been crossed. Conversely, the server may be programmed to transmit a command to theHVAC controller18 to adjust the temperature setpoint and any additional operating parameters according to an at home setting upon receiving an indication from a user'sremote device62 that the proximity boundary has been crossed by a first user of a group of users, indicating that the first user is now within the area defined by the proximity boundary.
• Alternatively or additionally, in certain cases, such as where two or more remote devices each have a unique profile, theHVAC controller18 or the server may be programmed to include a set of hierarchical rules for determining which individual user profile takes precedence for controlling the HVAC system when both of theremote devices62 are being actively used by a user and at least one user is determined to be within an area defined by a predetermined proximity boundary. Other methods employing a proximity boundary or other method of detecting a user's presence or approaching presence are shown and described in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2012/0268766, filed on Jul. 26, 2012 and U.S. Patent Publication No. 2014/0045482, filed on Aug. 7, 2012, both of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties for all purposes.
• In some cases, audible cues may be provided to guide users through control interactions. These audible cues may indicate one or more of what is being changed, the direction of change, and the amount of change. These audio cues may be unique and directly connected to each individual interaction on the device or app or they may be common across multiple interaction experiences and indirectly connected to specific touch points. These audio cues may change in volume and pitch in a recognizable cadence that is directly or indirectly associated to the interactions. For example, when the user adjusts the temperature set point in a way that increases its value, the pitch and volume of each indicated degree of change may get higher, which gives the listener the sensation that the change is going up, even in the absence of visual cues. The audible cues may present changes as a continuous audible cue or as discrete increments, for example, for temperature increments of one degree, the tone may persist with a minimum time and pause duration while changing and may play a sustained tone at the final change which is indicative of the total number of degrees of change. The use of audio may be of particular importance to those who are visually impaired. Through these audible cues, the visually impaired are able to adjust their comfort settings with relative ease. In some embodiments, the audible cue may be distinctive with respect to tone pitch, pattern, or repetition to signal activation of the Away, Weather, or System Mode buttons and to give an audible acknowledgement of activation of those functions.
• In certain embodiments, the user may download custom audio and/or visual cues to play on their device based on specific device interactions or based on time or event triggers from other cloud-based data. As an example, a user may download audio and/or visual cues that turn on once or multiple times if a) there is a severe weather alert for their zip code or cellular telephone cell, b) their favorite sports team scores a point, c) a holiday/special event arrives. The audio or visual cues may change in volume and pitch in ways that are recognizable to the user. Example of such cues may include on Christmas, the thermostat may play Jingle Bells on the hour; on New Year's Eve, the thermostat may play Auld Lang Syne at midnight; or when a sports team scores, the thermostat may play the team's song. Additional examples might announce a birthday or a Facebook post. The user may also create or select their own custom audio cues, for example ring tones, and download them to the device to accompany specific interactions. In some embodiments, the audio cues may be accompanied by visual cues such as change in color projected by wall or mud ring illumination, changes in color of illumination of buttons or button-like regions of the window, display of a custom graphic, illumination intensity fluctuations, or combinations of thereof. Audio/visual cues are useful for confirming entry of user inputs to the system, changes of system state, and/or navigation steps which skip portions of the usual programming and/or user interaction sequences. These confirmations may be particularly useful in acknowledging inputs which do not result in an immediate change in the display graphics such as a one-touch action (see below) which will not take effect for some time or an event such as entry of inputs when operating in low battery conditions when a simple acknowledgement tone is preferable to an extended display animation or prolonged audio cue.
• FIG. 107 provides a schematic block diagram of anHVAC controller6200 that may be configured to provide audio and/or visual cues in response to various stimuli, and to permit a user to customize these cues. TheHVAC controller6200 may be considered as being representative of the HVAC controller18 (FIG. 1). TheHVAC controller6200 includes auser interface6202 that is configured to accept inputs from a user and to display information to the user. In some cases, theuser interface6202 includes a touchscreen. In some cases, the user interface includes a light ring. In some cases, theuser interface6202 includes a speaker such as thespeaker6214. In some cases, theuser interface6202 includes a vibrator.
• Acontroller6204 is configured to process inputs from the user interface and to provide theuser interface6202 with information to be displayed. TheHVAC controller6200 includes anequipment connection6206 that is connectable to one ormore HVAC components6208 and that is operably coupled to thecontroller6204. Anetwork connection6210 is operably coupled to thecontroller6204 and provides thecontroller6204 with access to outside information. Thecontroller6204 is configured to output, via theuser interface6202, a particular cue in response to information received from theequipment connection6206 and/or thenetwork connection6210, and wherein the particular cue is a cue that was previously selected and activated by the user. In some cases, theuser interface6202 is configured to permit a user to select a cue that thecontroller6204 can subsequently output in response to information received from theequipment connection6206 and/or thenetwork connection6210.
• In some embodiments, theHVAC controller6200 includes asound generation circuit6212 and aspeaker6214 that is connected to thesound generation circuit6212. Amemory6216 may be used to store a plurality of pre-programmed sounds. Thecontroller6204 may include circuitry for selecting one or more of the plurality of pre-programmed sounds and activating thesound generation circuit6212 to play, via thespeaker6214, the selected pre-programmed sounds in response to one or more of a user action, a programmed event, and an occurrence of a signal received by theHVAC controller6200.
• In some cases, the particular cue is selected and downloaded to theHVAC controller6200 via thenetwork connection6210. In some embodiments, thenetwork connection6210 includes a wireless connection while theequipment connection6206 includes a wired connection. In some instances, the cue may include an audio cue and/or a visual cue. In some embodiments, the cue informs a user that particular information has been received from theequipment connection6206 and/or thenetwork connection6210.
• In some embodiments, the pre-programmed sounds are indicative of a direction of change of a variable that is associated with the operation of theHVAC controller6200. For example, the pre-programmed sounds may increase with at least one of pitch and volume when the variable is increased in value, and the pre-programmed sounds may decrease with at least one of pitch and volume when the variable is decreased in value. In some cases, the value is increased and decreased by interacting with theuser interface6202. In some embodiments, theuser interface6202 includes a rotatable ring (such as turningring180h,FIG. 5), and wherein rotating therotatable ring180hin a first direction increases the value and rotating therotatable ring180hin a second direction decreases the value.
• Those skilled in the art will recognize that the present disclosure may be manifested in a variety of forms other than the specific embodiments described and contemplated herein. Accordingly, departure in form and detail may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure as described in the appended claims.

Claims (20)

What is claimed is:

1. A building automation controller assembly comprising:

a wall plate for mounting to a wall;

a controller housing releasably securable to the wall plate;

a permanent magnet secured to one of the wall plate and the controller housing;

a magnetically attracted material secured to the other one of the wall plate and the controller housing; and

wherein the controller housing is releasably secured to the wall plate based, at least in part, on the magnetic interaction between the permanent magnet and the magnetically attracted material.

2. The building automation controller assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the permanent magnet is secured to the wall plate and the magnetically attracted material comprises a ferromagnetic head of a fastener that extends into the controller housing.

3. The building automation controller assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the permanent magnet comprises a first permanent magnet and is secured to the wall plate and the magnetically attracted material comprises a second permanent magnet positioned with opposite polarity facing the first permanent magnet.

4. The building automation controller assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the permanent magnet is secured to the controller housing and the magnetically attracted material is secured to the wall plate.

5. The building automation controller assembly ofclaim 4, wherein the magnetically attracted material comprises a ferromagnetic plate secured to the wall plate.

6. The building automation controller assembly ofclaim 4, wherein the permanent magnet is disposed within a recess along a back surface of the controller housing.

7. The building automation controller assembly ofclaim 6, wherein the permanent magnet comprises a tubular magnet held within the recess via a fastener extending through the tubular magnet.

8. The building automation controller assembly ofclaim 6, wherein the permanent magnet is frictionally held within the recess.

9. The building automation controller assembly ofclaim 6, wherein the permanent magnet is adhesively secured within the recess.

10. The building automation controller assembly ofclaim 1, further comprising an alignment feature cooperatively formed between the wall plate and the controller housing to facilitate alignment of the controller housing relative to the wall plate.

11. The building automation controller assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the building automation controller comprises an HVAC controller.

12. A programmable thermostat mounting system comprising:

a wall mounting assembly; and

a thermostat body;

wherein one of the thermostat body and the wall mounting assembly comprises a first permanent magnet; and

wherein the other of the thermostat body and the wall mounting assembly comprises a ferromagnetic material and/or a second permanent magnet positioned in magnetic communication with the first permanent magnet when the wall mounting assembly is aligned and brought into engagement with the thermostat body.

13. The programmable thermostat mounting system ofclaim 12, wherein the first permanent magnet is secured to the wall mounting assembly and the thermostat body includes a ferromagnetic material comprising a ferromagnetic head of a fastener that extends into the thermostat body.

14. The programmable thermostat mounting system ofclaim 12, wherein the wall mounting assembly comprises the first permanent magnet and the thermostat body comprises a second permanent magnet.

15. The programmable thermostat mounting system ofclaim 12, wherein the first permanent magnet is secured to the thermostat body and the wall mounting assembly comprises a ferromagnetic material.

16. The programmable thermostat mounting system ofclaim 15, wherein the ferromagnetic material comprises a ferromagnetic plate secured to the wall mounting assembly.

17. A programmable thermostat comprising:

a wall mounting assembly mountable to a vertical surface;

a thermostat housing releasably securable to the wall mounting assembly, the thermostat housing including two or more components held together via one or more threaded fasteners that extend into an interior of the thermostat housing and have fastener heads that are disposed proximate a back surface of the thermostat housing;

one or more permanent magnets secured to the wall mounting assembly, the one or more permanent magnets positioned to align with the fastener heads of the one or more threaded fasteners; and

wherein the thermostat housing is releasably secured to the wall mounting assembly based, at least in part, on the magnetic interaction between the one or more permanent magnets and the fastener heads of the one or more threaded fasteners.

18. The programmable thermostat ofclaim 17, wherein the one or more threaded fasteners are formed of a ferromagnetic material.

19. The programmable thermostat ofclaim 18, wherein the one or more threaded fasteners are formed of steel.

20. The programmable thermostat ofclaim 17, further comprising an alignment feature cooperatively formed between the wall mounting assembly and the thermostat housing to facilitate alignment of the thermostat housing relative to the wall mounting assembly.

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