Controller with programmable service event display mode

• US 20050119794A1
• Filed: 12/02/2003
• Published: 06/02/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 12/02/2003
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Ademco Inc. (Resideo Technologies, Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
• Inventors: Stoner, Marcus D., Amundson, John B.
• Granted Patent: US 7,225,054 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 700/276
• CPC Class Codes: F24F 11/30 for purposes related to the operation of the system, e.g. for safety or monitoring
• CPC Class Codes: F24F 11/52 Indication arrangements, e.g. displays
• CPC Class Codes: F24F 11/61 using timers
• CPC Class Codes: G05D 23/1902 characterised by the use of a variable reference value

Abstract

Controllers and systems for displaying servicing information via a display unit are disclosed. A controller in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the present invention may include an interface for programming a service event display mode in the controller, and a display unit configured to display servicing information when a service event is detected by the controller. An event such as the triggering of a service indicator or the expiration of an equipment service event timer may cause the controller to display servicing information on the display unit, informing the user that servicing may be necessary or is recommended.

Claims

1. An HVAC controller for use in controlling one or more components of an HVAC system, the HVAC controller comprising:

a controller adapted to determine if one or more service events occurred for one or more the components of the HVAC system; and

a display unit configured to display servicing information when a service event is determined by the controller.

2. The HVAC controller of claim 1, wherein said servicing information includes a graphical representation of a logo.

3. The HVAC controller of claim 2 wherein said servicing information includes a telephone number.

4. The HVAC controller of claim 1 wherein said servicing information includes a service event code.

5. The HVAC controller of claim 1 wherein said servicing information includes a description of the service event.

6. The HVAC controller of claim 1, wherein said controller determines if a service event occurred by receiving a service event indicator from at least one of said one or more components.

7. The HVAC controller of claim 1, wherein said controller determines if a service event occurred by determining if an equipment service event timer expired.

8. The HVAC controller of claim 1, wherein said service event is activated by a user.

9. The HVAC controller of claim 1, wherein said one or more components are one or more of a heating unit, a cooling unit, a ventilation unit, a filtration unit, a UV lamp unit, a humidifying/dehumidifying unit, a local sensor, and a remote sensor.

10. The HVAC controller of claim 1, wherein said display unit comprises a touch screen.

11. The HVAC controller of claim 1, wherein said display unit comprises an LCD panel.

12. The HVAC controller of claim 1 further comprising a data input port coupled to the controller for uploading data to the controller.

13. The HVAC controller of claim 1 wherein the controller is adapted to receive a graphical representation of a logo via the data input port, and wherein the display unit is configured to display the logo when a service event is determined by the controller.

14. The HVAC controller of claim 13 wherein the data input port is a wired port.

15. The HVAC controller of claim 13 wherein the data input port is a wireless port.

16. The HVAC controller of claim 1 wherein the controller determines if one or more service events occurred for one or more the components of the HVAC system by polling at least selected components of the HVAC system.

17. The HVAC controller of claim 1 wherein at least some of the components of the HVAC system communicate with the controller over a network.

18. The HVAC controller of claim 1 wherein at least some of the components of the HVAC system communicate with the controller via an I/O interface.

19. A programmable controller for use in controlling one or more components of a system, the controller comprising:

a controller adapted to determine if one or more service events occurred for one or more the components of the system; and

a display unit configured to display a logo when a service event is determined by the controller.

20. The controller of claim 19, wherein said display unit is configured to display a telephone number when a service event is determined by the controller.

21. The controller of claim 19, wherein said display unit is configured to display a service event code when a service event is determined by the controller.

22. The controller of claim 19, wherein said display unit is configured to display a description of the service event when a service event is determined by the controller.

23. The controller of claim 19, wherein said system includes an HVAC system.

24. The controller of claim 23, wherein said one or more components are one or more of a heating unit, a cooling unit, a ventilation unit, a filtration unit, a UV lamp unit, a humidifying/dehumidifying unit, a local sensor, and a remote sensor.

25. The controller of claim 19, wherein said system includes a security system.

26. The controller of claim 19, wherein said system includes a lighting system.

27. The controller of claim 19, wherein said system includes a sprinkler or drip water system.

28. The controller of claim 19, wherein said display unit comprises a touch screen.

29. The controller of claim 19, wherein said display unit comprises an LCD panel.

35. The HVAC system of claim 27, wherein said one or more components are one or more of a heating unit, a cooling unit, a ventilation unit, a filtration unit, a UV lamp unit, a humidifying/dehumidifying unit, and a remote sensor.

30. An HVAC system, comprising:

one or more components for regulating a set of environmental conditions within a structure, and

a controller operatively connected to said one or more components, said controller including display means for displaying servicing information when a service event is detected.

31. The HVAC system of claim 30, wherein said servicing information includes a logo and telephone number.

32. The HVAC system of claim 30, wherein said service event comprises a service indicator from at least one of said one or more components.

33. The HVAC system of claim 30, wherein said service event comprises an expired equipment service event timer.

34. The HVAC system of claim 30, wherein said service event is activated by a user.

37. An HVAC system, comprising:

one or more components for regulating a set of environmental conditions within a structure, and

a controller operatively connected to said one or more components, said controller including an interface for programming a service event display mode in the controller, and display means for displaying servicing information when a service indicator is detected in at least one of said one or more components.

38. An HVAC controller for use in controlling one or more components of an HVAC system, the HVAC controller comprising:

a controller adapted to determine if one or more service events occurred for one or more the components of the HVAC system; and

notifying means for notifying a service provider when a service event is determined by the controller.

39. The HVAC controller of claim 38 wherein the service provider is one of a contractor, a service referral organization, a utility, a retailer, or a manufacturer.

40. The HVAC controller of claim 38 wherein the notifying means notifies a different service provider for two different service events.