User Interfaces for HVAC Schedule Display and Modification on Smartphone or Other Space-Limited Touchscreen Device

• US 20150058779A1
• Filed: 10/31/2014
• Published: 02/26/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 03/29/2012
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Google LLC (Alphabet Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Google Inc. (Alphabet Inc.)
• Inventors: Bruck, Timo A., Sloo, David, Knieper, Clemens M.
• Granted Patent: US 10,145,577 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 715/771
• 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 11/59 for presetting
• CPC Class Codes: F24F 2221/32 preventing human errors during the installation, use or maintenance, e.g. goofy proof
• CPC Class Codes: G05D 23/1904 variable in time
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/04817 using icons graphical or visual programming using iconic symbols G06F8/34
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/04842 Selection of displayed objects or displayed text elements G06F3/0482 takes precedence

Abstract

A novel small format touch screen user interface for displaying, adding and editing program setpoints is described. When editing a setpoint the user'"'"'s input is constrained such that the user can only alter one parameter (either time or temperature). As soon as the user begins to drag a setpoint icon in either a horizontal (i.e. adjusting time), or vertical (i.e. adjusting temperature), the other parameter is constrained. Additionally, the disclosed user interface includes displaying information as to how the setpoint was most recently added or adjusted. For example the display can be used to indicate whether a setpoint was added or adjusted (1) on the thermostat itself; (2) by an automated learning algorithm; (3) by a user on a web client; or (4) by a user using a mobile client (such as a smart phone or tablet PC). Further, the name of the particular device is also displayed if known.

Claims