HVAC CONTROLLER WITH CONTEXT SENSITIVE HELP SCREENS
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.
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.
2 . The thermostat of claim 1 , wherein the information is displayed in place of the displayed operating parameters.
3 . The thermostat of claim 2 , wherein the help screen includes a back button that, if pressed, causes the controller to revert back to a previous screen including the displayed operating parameters.
4 . The thermostat of claim 1 , wherein the help screen includes scroll buttons that may be used to scroll up and down through the information relative to the displayed operating parameters.
5 . The thermostat of claim 1 , wherein the information displayed on the help screen includes embedded variables, wherein the current values of the embedded variables are displayed in the information.
6 . The thermostat of claim 1 , wherein the displayed operating parameters relate to circulating fan operation.
7 . The thermostat of claim 1 , wherein the displayed operating parameters relate to system operation.
8 . The thermostat of claim 1 , wherein the displayed operating parameters relate to scheduling.
9 . The thermostat of claim 1 , wherein the displayed operating parameters relate to humidification and/or dehumidification settings.
10 . The thermostat of claim 1 , wherein the displayed operating parameters relate to ventilation settings.
11 . The thermostat of claim 1 , wherein the displayed operating parameters relate to maintenance reminders.
12 . The thermostat of claim 1 , wherein the displayed operating parameters relate to equipment settings.
13 . 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; 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.
14 . The thermostat of claim 13 , wherein the information is displayed in place of the menu screen.
15 . The thermostat of claim 13 , wherein the help screen includes a back button that, if pressed, causes the controller to revert back to the menu screen.
16 . A method for providing help to a user of a thermostat, the method comprising:
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.
17 . The method of claim 16 , wherein the information is displayed in place of the screen.
18 . The method of claim 16 , wherein the help screen includes a back button that, if pressed, causes the controller to revert back to the screen.
19 . A method for providing help to a user of a thermostat, the method comprising:
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.
20 . The method of claim 19 , wherein the information is displayed in place of the menu screen.
21 . The method of claim 19 , wherein the help screen includes a back button that, if pressed, causes the controller to revert back to the menu screen.