HVAC CONTROLLER WITH CONTEXT SENSITIVE HELP SCREENS
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A thermostat configured to control one or more components of an HVAC system, the thermostat comprising:
- a controller configured to operate an algorithm that at least partially controls the one or more components of the HVAC system, the algorithm including a plurality of operating parameters; and
a touch screen dot matrix display coupled to the controller, the touch screen dot matrix display being configured to display one or more of the plurality of operating parameters and solicit values for the displayed operating parameters;
wherein the controller also displays on the touch screen dot matrix display a help button that, if pressed, causes the controller to display a context sensitive help screen that provides information relative to the displayed operating parameters.
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Accused Products
Abstract
An HVAC controller is described that is configured to be more intuitive and user friendly to program and operate than convention HVAC controllers. In some instances, the HVAC controller may include a touch screen interface that provides greater flexibility in displaying information to the user and/or soliciting information from the user.
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Citations
21 Claims
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1. A thermostat configured to control one or more components of an HVAC system, the thermostat comprising:
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a controller configured to operate an algorithm that at least partially controls the one or more components of the HVAC system, the algorithm including a plurality of operating parameters; and a touch screen dot matrix display coupled to the controller, the touch screen dot matrix display being configured to display one or more of the plurality of operating parameters and solicit values for the displayed operating parameters; wherein the controller also displays on the touch screen dot matrix display a help button that, if pressed, causes the controller to display a context sensitive help screen that provides information relative to the displayed operating parameters. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A thermostat configured to control one or more components of an HVAC system, the thermostat comprising:
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a controller configured to operate an algorithm that at least partially controls the one or more components of the HVAC system; and a touch screen dot matrix display coupled to the controller, the touch screen dot matrix display configured to display a menu structure having one or more menu screens that each have two or more menu options; wherein on at least one of the menu screens that has two or more menu options, the controller also displays on the touch screen dot matrix display a help button that, if pressed, causes the controller to display a context sensitive help screen that provides information relative to the menu options on the at least one of the menu screens. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15)
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16. A method for providing help to a user of a thermostat, the method comprising:
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displaying on a touch screen dot matrix display a screen that includes one or more operating parameters of the thermostat and solicits values for the displayed operating parameters; displaying on the same screen a help button; and pressing the help button, and in response, displaying a context sensitive help screen that provides information relative to the operating parameters displayed on the screen. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18)
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19. A method for providing help to a user of a thermostat, the method comprising:
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displaying on a touch screen dot matrix display a menu screen that has two or more menu options; displaying a help button on the menu screen; and pressing the help button, and in response, displaying a context sensitive help screen that provides information relative to the menu options on the menu screen. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21)
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Specification