CONTROL SYSTEM INTERFACE AND COMPUTER-IMPLEMENTED METHOD OF CONFIGURING SAID SYSTEM

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of PCT Application No. PCT/US2025/028927, filed on May 12, 2025, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63/646,571, titled “INPUT-OUTPUT MANAGER FOR A DEVICE HAVING A TOUCH SCREEN DISPLAY AND A DIAL”, filed on May 13, 2024. The disclosure of the prior applications are considered part of and are incorporated by reference in their entireties in the disclosure of this application.

TECHNICAL FIELD

This specification relates generally to environmental control system interfaces for environment control systems, e.g., heat pump systems.

BACKGROUND

Heat pumps are devices that can perform work to transfer thermal energy from a cool space to a warm space using a thermodynamic cycle.

Heat pumps are energy efficient and environmentally friendly, as they can provide more heating and cooling energy than the electrical energy they consume. They are commonly used for space heating, cooling, and water heating in residential and commercial buildings.

Thermostats are devices that can be used to display and configure operational modes (e.g., heat, cool, fan only, off), target temperatures, and fan speeds (if present) of heat pumps, furnaces, air conditioners, and other types of heating and/or cooling systems.

SUMMARY

The specification describes environmental control system interfaces that provide user interfaces with which users can interact to configure operational settings (e.g., heating mode, cooling mode, a setpoint (or target) temperature and humidity, fan speed, etc.) of an environment control system, e.g., a heat pump system, a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (“HVAC”) system, a furnace, an air conditioner, a boiler, or other type of heating and/or cooling system. More specifically, this specification describes environmental control system interfaces configured to provide user control for heating and cooling multiple zones from a selected interface.

In the examples described herein, the environment control system is a heat pump system including a set of one or more heat pumps, multiple sensors, and a control system for controlling the set of heat pumps based on status information collected by the sensors.

The set of heat pumps is configured to transfer thermal energy between an outdoor space and each of one or more indoor spaces. Each heat pump can include one or more indoor units (“IDUs”) for transferring thermal energy to or from one or more of the indoor space(s), and an outdoor unit (“ODU”) for transferring thermal energy to or from the outdoor space.

The sensors are configured to collect status information of the indoor space(s), e.g., data characterizing a respective temperature, humidity, and occupancy of each indoor space. The sensors can also be configured to collect status information of the outdoor space, e.g., data characterizing an ambient temperature and humidity of the outdoor space. The sensors can also be configured to collect status information of the set of heat pumps, e.g., data characterizing a respective temperature, pressure, and flow rate of the working fluid at each of one or more thermodynamic positions in the thermodynamic cycle implemented by each heat pump.

Based on the status information collected by the sensors, the control system computes a control sequence for the set of heat pumps. In some implementations, the control system performs a model predictive control algorithm to compute the control sequence, e.g., an optimal control sequence that optimizes a cost function over a prediction horizon. For example, at each time step in the control sequence, the control system can compute a respective optimal control input for the set of heat pumps that includes an optimal speed of each heat pump in the set, e.g., including compressor and fan speeds of the heat pump. The control system can determine the optimal control sequence that satisfies several desired features simultaneously, such as maximizing the efficiency of the set of heat pumps, tracking a temperature, humidity, and/or occupancy schedule, minimizing fluctuations in the temperature and/or humidity (e.g., for occupant comfort), reducing energy costs (e.g., due to peak pricing), adapting to weather forecasts, controlling for noise of the set of heat pump, among other features.

Particular embodiments of the subject matter described in this specification can be implemented so as to realize one or more of the following advantages.

Dwellings that are heated or cooled using more than one independently controlled heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (“HVAC”) unit allow for conditioning individual spaces or groups of spaces in a dwelling to separate setpoints. However, current HVAC systems typically meet these setpoints separately-they do not explicitly consider the efficiency and operational limitations of each individual HVAC unit in achieving the best overall outcome when looking at the dwelling as a whole.

As one example, a multi-zone heat pump includes multiple indoor units (“IDUs”) thermally coupled to an outdoor unit (“ODU”). The energy efficiency of the multi-zone heat pump depends on how each of the IDUs are operated. Two IDUs operated sequentially may be more efficient than operating them simultaneously, even though each IDU generally delivers the same average amount of heating or cooling to a space.

As another example, a user may wish to control the combined system in a more holistic and intuitive manner. For example, a home or other structure may be configured with multiple, substantially independently controllable zones, while the user simply wishes to control the temperature of the whole structure and not have to control the IDUs individually.

As another example, a user may wish to control the combined system from any selected zone. For example, a home or other structure may be configured with multiple, substantially independently controllable zones, while the user simply wishes to control the temperature of one or more zones within the whole structure without having to physically visit each zone to control the IDUs individually. In another example, by making multi-zone control more convenient for the user, the user may be empowered to control the efficiency of, and the comfort provided by, the combined system.

The details of one or more embodiments of the subject matter of this specification are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, aspects, and advantages of the subject matter will become apparent from the description, the drawings, and the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram depicting an example of a heat pump system including a set of heat pumps, a set of user controls, and a control system.

FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram depicting the heat pump system with the control system configured as a distributed control system.

FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram depicting an example of a building configured with the heat pump system.

FIG. 2B is a schematic diagram depicting an example of an indoor space of a building configured with the heat pump system.

FIG. 3A is a schematic diagram depicting an example of an environmental control system interface of the heat pump system.

FIG. 3B is a schematic diagram depicting an example of a user unput device of the environmental control system interface.

FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the environmental control system interface in a tabletop orientation.

FIG. 4B is a side view of the environmental control system interface in the tabletop orientation.

FIG. 4C is a perspective view of the environmental control system interface in a wall mount orientation.

FIG. 4D is a side view of the environmental control system interface in the wall mount orientation.

FIG. 5A is a schematic diagram depicting an example default user interface configuration of the environmental control system interface.

FIG. 5B is a schematic diagram depicting an example intermediate user interface configuration of the environmental control system interface.

FIG. 5C is a schematic diagram depicting an example idle user interface configuration of the environmental control system interface.

FIGS. 6A-6D are schematic diagrams depicting additional example default user interface configurations of the environmental control system interface.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram depicting an example active user interface configuration of the environmental control system interface.

FIGS. 8-11 are schematic diagrams depicting an example alterative room user interface configuration of the environmental control system interface.

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram depicting an example operational mode user interface configuration of the environmental control system interface.

FIG. 13A is a schematic diagram depicting an example lighting control user interface configuration of the environmental control system interface.

FIG. 13B is a schematic diagram depicting an example fan direction control user interface configuration of the environmental control system interface.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram depicting an example “off” user interface configuration of the environmental control system interface.

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram depicting an example settings control user interface configuration of the environmental control system interface.

FIG. 16A is a schematic diagram depicting an example collection of user interface interactions and displays of the environmental control system interface.

FIG. 16B is a schematic diagram depicting another example collection of user interface interactions and displays of the environmental control system interface.

FIG. 16C is a schematic diagram depicting another example collection of user interface interactions and displays of the environmental control system interface.

FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram depicting another example “off” user interface configuration of the environmental control system interface.

FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram depicting another example sequence of user interface interactions and displays of the environmental control system interface.

FIG. 19 is a flow chart of an example process that can be performed by the environmental control system interface.

Like reference numbers and designations in the various drawings indicate like elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This specification describes environmental control system interfaces for providing user control of an environment control system, e.g., for heating and cooling a single space or multiple spaces. In general, an environment control system can include multiple environmental control system interfaces (e.g., thermostats or remote thermostat interfaces) that are distributed across multiple zones (e.g., rooms). The environmental control system interfaces described in this specification can be used to control heating and cooling in a local zone (e.g., like a traditional thermostat), or to remotely control heating and cooling in any of the other zones (e.g., provide remote control of the other environmental control system interfaces installed in other zones). Furthermore, the environmental control system interfaces described in this document can control any or all other environmental control system interfaces in the system at once (e.g., change temperature, turn the entire system off). In general, the environmental control system interfaces described in this specification include a cylindrical housing with a circular-shaped touch-sensitive display and a rotatable ring arranged about its periphery (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 3A-4D and described in more detail below).

Existing heat pump systems generally have a basic temperature control loop that runs on low-cost, low-performance central processing units (“CPUs”) built into the heat pump system. The remote controls or thermostats may send a temperature setpoint to the existing temperature control loop. Third-party smart thermostats, which may have additional sensors and the computing performance to execute more sophisticated algorithms, generally do not know the specifications of the interconnected heat pump system, nor do they have real-time status information about the operation of the interconnected heat pump system. Therefore, current approaches generally do not allow for integrated smart algorithms that can proactively, gently, and efficiently condition spaces based on the known properties of the heat pump system, current and future conditions of the heat pump system, and the spaces being heated and cooled by the heat pump system.

To overcome some, or all, of these abovementioned challenges, this specification provides environmental control systems, e.g., heat pump systems, utilizing system modeling algorithms for model predictive control, where the environmental control systems can be interfaced by users via the environmental control system interfaces described herein, e.g., allowing for direct user control and input of the model predictive algorithm.

I. Examples of Environment Control Systems

FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram depicting an example of an environmental control system configured as a heat pump system 10. The heat pump system 10 includes a set of one or more heat pumps 100.1 to 100.N, a control system 102 for controlling the set of heat pumps 100, and a set of user controls 150 for interfacing with the control system 102.

The control system 102 includes processing circuitry 50 and associated memory 52. The control system 102 is communicatively coupled with each heat pump 100.1 to 100.N via respective bi-directional communication channels 14.1 to 14.N. The control system 102 is further communicatively coupled with the set of user controls 150 via a bi-directional communication channel 22. The control system 102 can be communicatively coupled with each of the heat pumps 100.1 to 100.N and the set of user controls 150 via wired communication channels (e.g., electrical cable or fiber-optic communication channels) and/or wireless communication channels (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, 5G, infrared, or microwave communication channels).

The set of heat pumps 100 is configured to transfer thermal energy between: (i) an outdoor space 210, and (ii) each of one or more indoor spaces 220.1 to 220.D. Particularly, the set of heat pumps 100 is configured to transfer thermal energy between the outdoor space 210 and each of the indoor space(s) 220 in accordance with a control sequence u(⋅) computed by the control system 102. That is, the set of heat pumps 100 heats or cools each indoor space 220.i according to the control sequence. For example, the set of heat pumps 100 can perform work in accordance with the control sequence to transfer thermal energy from the (cooler) outdoor space 220 to one or more of the (relatively warmer) indoor space(s) 220 for heating the one or more warmer indoor spaces. Alternatively, or in addition, the set of heat pumps 100 can perform work in accordance with the control sequence to transfer thermal energy from one or more of the (cooler) indoor space(s) 220 to the (relatively warmer) outdoor space 210 for cooling the one or more cooler indoor spaces. Hence, in some implementations, the set of heat pumps 100 is configured to simultaneously heat or cool each indoor space 220.i individually, e.g., operating in a heating mode for a first subset of the indoor space(s) 220, while operating in a cooling mode for a second, different subset of the indoor space(s) 220. For example, the control system 102 can individually control the heating or cooling mode implemented by the respective ODU 110 of each heat pump 100 in the set.

As used herein, a control sequence u(⋅)={u₀, u₁, u₂, . . . , u_Ntot} includes a respective control input (u_n) for the set of heat pumps 100 at each of multiple timesteps (t_n), where n=0, 1, 2, . . . , N_tot indexes each timestep in the control sequence, and n=N_tot is the total number of timesteps in the control sequence. The control sequence can have a finite or fixed number of timesteps, e.g., corresponding to intermittent reboots of the control system 102 or planned maintenance of the heat pump system 10. The control sequence can also run (almost) indefinitely N_tot→∞ with little or no interruptions. For example, the control sequence can include at least about 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, or more timesteps.

The control rate (o), which can be measured in Hertz (“Hz”), corresponds to the length of each timestep if they are evenly spaced, Δt_n=t_n+1−t_n=σ⁻¹. Similarly, the total length of the control sequence is then N_totσ⁻¹. For example, the control system 102 can have a control rate of about 5 millihertz (“mHz”), 10 mHz, 15 mHz, 20 mHz, 25 mHz, 50 mHz, 75 mHz, 100 mHz, 150 mHz, 300 mHz, 400 mHz, 500 mHz, 1 Hz, or more, or in a range between any of these two values. In some implementations, the control system 102 can have a relatively fast control rate, e.g., in a range from about 50 mHz to 150 mHz, corresponding an adjustment of the set of heat pumps 100 every twenty seconds to every five seconds. In some implementations, the effective control rate is variable. In other words, the spacing between timesteps can periodically increase or decrease, e.g., based on input from a user, during an away period of an occupancy schedule, active refinement of the predictive models during the control sequence, or other considerations.

A control input

u n = { u n , j } j = 1 N

for the set of heat pumps 100 can be further discretized into a respective control input (u_n,j) for each heat pump 100.j in the set. Here, j indexes each heat pump 100.j and N is the total number of heat pumps 100 in the heat pump system 10. For example, the heat pump system 10 can include 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more heat pumps 100. In general, a control input for each heat pump 100.j includes a respective control value (or control setting) for each of one or more components of the heat pump 100.j, where the control value(s) manipulate the behavior of the heat pump 100.j, e.g., the rate at which the heat pump 100.j transfers thermal energy between the outdoor space 210 and the indoor space(s) 220.1 to 220.D.

The control system 102 can execute a model predictive control algorithm to compute an optimal control sequence

u * ( · ) = { u 0 * , u 1 * , u 2 * , … }

for the set neat pumps 100. Examples of the control system 102 for executing the model predictive control algorithm are described in International Patent Application Publication No. WO 2025/058856 A1, titled “HEAT PUMP SYSTEMS UTILIZING MODEL PREDICTIVE CONTROL ALGORITHMS”, filed on Aug. 29, 2024, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

The optimal control sequence includes a respective optimal control input (u*_n) for the set of heat pumps 100 at each of the timesteps. In general, the control system 102 executes the model predictive control algorithm to predict and optimize the future state of the heat pump system 10 based on the current state of the heat pump system 10. In many cases, the control system 102 also executes the model predictive control algorithm based on a scheduled and/or predicted, future state of the heat pump system 10, e.g., a weather forecast of the outdoor space 210, one or more setpoint schedules of the indoor space(s) 220, a reference control sequence for the set of heat pumps 100, a peak pricing schedule for the heat pump system 10, among other factors and/or constraints. For example, the control system 102 can compute an optimal control sequence that minimizes the energy usage or cost of the set of heat pumps 100, e.g., measured in kilowatt-hours (“kWh”) or United States dollars (“USD”) over the control sequence, while simultaneously accounting for the thermal couplings between the spaces 210 and 220, e.g., such that the heating or cooling of one indoor space 220 is utilized for (rather than competing with) the heating or cooling of another indoor space 220.

As shown in FIG. 1A, a heat pump 100.j includes an outdoor unit (“ODU”) 110.j and one or more indoor units (“IDUs”) 120.j.1 to 120.j.M. The ODU 110.j is thermally coupled to each of the IDU(s) 120.j.1 to 120.j.M via sets of fluid lines 12.j.1 through 12.j.M, e.g., refrigerant or gas lines, connected therebetween. The heat pump 100.j is configured to transfer thermal energy from its ODU 110.j to each of its IDU(s) 120.j.1 to 120.j.M, or vice versa, by circulating a working fluid in a thermodynamic cycle, e.g., to implement a heating or cooling mode. In some implementations, the working fluid is a refrigerant, and the thermodynamic cycle is a vapor compression cycle. Examples of refrigerants for a vapor-compression cycle include, but are not limited to, R-410A, R-22, R-134a, R-32, and R-1234yf, among others. In some implementations, the working fluid is a gas, and the thermodynamic cycle is a gas cycle. Examples of gases (e.g., refrigerant gases) for a single-phase gas cycle (e.g., a reverse Brayton cycle) include, but are not limited to, air, R-170, R-290, R-600, R-600a, and R-22, among others.

The ODU 110.j of the heat pump 100.j can be positioned in the outdoor space 210 and is configured to transfer thermal energy between the working fluid and the outdoor space 210. Each IDU 120.j.1 to 120.j.M of the heat pump 100.j can be positioned in one of the indoor space(s) 220.1 to 220.D and is configured to transfer thermal energy between the working fluid and the indoor space 220.i. Multiple IDUs 120 can be positioned in the same indoor space 220, e.g., in multiple different zones of the indoor space 220, depending on the thermal output of the IDUs 120 and/or the thermal requirements of the indoor space 220. If the heat pump 100.j includes a single IDU 120.j, it is referred to as a “single-zone heat pump” 100SZ. If the heat pump 100.j includes multiple IDUs 120.j, it is referred to as a “multi-zone heat pump” 100MZ. For example, a multi-zone heat pump 100MZ can include 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, or more IDUs 120.

The sets of fluid lines 12.j.1 to 12.j.M circulate the working fluid between the ODU 110.j and each of the IDU(s) 120.j.1 to 120.j.M to implement the thermodynamic cycle. For example, the ODU 110.j can include a variable-speed compressor configured to compress the working fluid, an outdoor heat exchanger (e.g., an outdoor air-to-fluid heat exchanger) configured to transfer thermal energy between the working fluid and the outdoor space 210, and a reversing valve configured to reverse a direction of the working fluid circulating within the heat pump 100.j. Each IDU 120.j. 1 to 120.j.M can include a respective indoor heat exchanger (e.g., an indoor air-to-fluid heat exchanger) configured to transfer thermal energy between the working fluid and the indoor space 220.i the IDU 120.j is positioned in. The heat pump 100.j can further include a respective electronic expansion valve (“EEV”) for each IDU 120.j. 1 to 120.j.M, where the EEV is configured to expand the working fluid input or output from the IDU 120.j. Thus, a control input (in) for the heat pump 100.j can include a respective control value for each of: (i) a speed of the variable-speed compressor of the ODU 110.j, (ii) an energized or de-energized state of the reversing valve, (iii) a speed of a fan of the outdoor heat exchanger of the ODU 110.j, (iv) a respective speed of a fan of the respective indoor heat exchanger of each IDU 120.j.1 to 120.j.M, and (v) a respective size of an opening of the respective EEV for each IDU 120.j.1 to 120.j.M.

The user controls 150 include a user device 160 (e.g., a mobile user device such as a smart phone, smartwatch (or other wearable user device), tablet, or laptop) that allows the heat pump system 10 to be remotely controlled, e.g., via a remote-control application over a wireless communication channel. While one user device 160 is depicted in FIG. 1A, the user controls 150 can include multiple such user devices 160 for one or more users of the heat pump system 10. The user controls 150 further include one or more environmental control system (“ECS”) interfaces 300.1 to 300.P that each include a user interface device 315, e.g., for presenting a graphical user interface (“GUI”) to user for viewing status information of the heat pump system 10 and inputting user commands for controlling the heat pump system 10. In some examples, the environmental control system interfaces 300.1 to 300.P may be referred to as thermostats or “smart thermostats”. As used herein, a “thermostat” can include devices that are capable of thermostatic control of a heat pump 100 or other heating or cooling device as well as devices that lack internal thermostatic control features but still provide a user with the ability to view and/or modify control settings generally associated with a traditional thermostat, e.g., a remote interface to thermostatic controls located elsewhere, such as housed in the control system 102, the ODUs 110, and/or the IDUs 120 of the heat pump system 10.

A user can provide a user input to the control system 102 via the user device 160 or one of the environmental control system interfaces 300.1 to 300.P of the user controls 150, where the user input modifies the optimal control sequence computed by the control system 102. The user controls 150 allow one or more users to provide general or individual preferences for temperature and humidity schedules, setup an occupancy schedule, and/or directly control the set of heat pumps 100. The user controls 150 can also allow the users to specify how the heat pump system 10 should tradeoff between comfort, noise, energy usage, energy cost, and/or climate impact (e.g., estimated equivalent carbon dioxide (“CO₂”) output). Examples of such user inputs are provided below.

As one example, a user input can specify a temperature schedule

T ′ ( · ) = { T 0 ′ , T 1 ′ , T 2 ′ ⁢ … }

including a respective set of setpoint (or target) temperatures

T n ′ = { T n , i ′ } i = 1 D

for the indoor space(s) 220.1 to 220.D for each timestep in the control sequence. Here, i indexes each indoor space 220.i and D is the total number of indoor spaces 220 conditioned by the heat pump system 10. In general, the temperature of a space generally refers to the degree of hotness or coldness of the space. Temperature can be measured in terms of any appropriate temperature scale such as the Celsius scale (C), the Kelvin scale (K), or the Fahrenheit scale (F).

As another example, a user input can specify a humidity schedule

H ′ ( · ) = { H 0 ′ , H 1 ′ , H 2 ′ ⁢ … }

including a respective set of setpoint (or target) humidities

H n ′ = { H n , i ′ } i = 1 D

for the indoor space(s) 220 for each timestep in the control sequence. In general, the humidity of a space refers to the concentration of water vapor present in the air residing in the space. Humidity can be measured in terms of absolute humidity (AH, i.e., the total mass of water vapor present in a volume or mass of air), relative humidity (RH, i.e., the ratio of the partial pressure of water vapor in air to the saturation vapor pressure of water at the same temperature), or specific humidity (SH, i.e., the ratio of the mass of water vapor to the total mass of the air parcel). Specific humidity (or moisture content) is often referred to as the “humidity ratio” and is approximately equal to the mixing ratio, defined as the ratio of the mass of water vapor in an air parcel to the mass of dry air for the same parcel.

As yet another example, a user input can specify an occupancy schedule

O ′ ( · ) = { O 0 ′ , O 1 ′ , O 2 ′ ⁢ … }

including a respective set of expected occupancies

O n ′ = { O n , i ′ } i = 1 D

for the indoor space(s) 220 for each timestep in the control sequence. Note, the occupancy of a space can be measured and modelled in multiple ways depending on the implementation and sophistication of the heat pump system 10.

In some implementations, the occupancy of a space is defined by a probability that the space is occupied by at least one occupant. Here, the occupancy can be a value in a range from 0 to 1, with 0 corresponding to unoccupied (e.g., “false”), 1 corresponding to occupied (e.g., “true”), and values between 0 and 1 providing the likelihood that the space is occupied. In these cases, an expected occupancy at a timestep can also be a value in a range from 0 or 1, corresponding to a user's confidence that the space will be occupied at the timestep. Alternatively, the expected occupancy can be a binary value of 0 or 1, e.g., where 0 corresponds to an away period and 1 corresponds to presence.

In some implementations, the occupancy of a space is defined by a respective probability that the space is occupied by each of multiple, different occupants. Here, the occupancy can include a respective value in a range from 0 to 1 for each occupant, with 0 corresponding to unoccupied (e.g., “false”), 1 corresponding to occupied (e.g., “true”), and values between 0 and 1 providing the likelihood that the space is occupied by the occupant. In these cases, the expected occupancy of a space at a timestep can also include a respective value in a range from 0 to 1 for each occupant, corresponding to a user's confidence that the space will be occupied by the occupant at the timestep. Alternatively, the expected occupancy can include a respective binary value of 0 or 1 for each occupant, e.g., where 0 corresponds to an away period for the occupant and 1 corresponds to presence of the occupant. This implementation can be applied in settings when the control system 102 differentiates between individual occupants, e.g., such that the control sequence is modified based on which of the occupants is present or absent.

As a more general version of the above implementations, the occupancy can also be defined by a joint probability distribution over the different occupants. Here, the occupancy can include a respective value in a range from 0 to 1 for each possible permutation of the occupants, e.g., including each occupant, each pair of the occupants, each triplet of the occupants, and so on. This type of occupancy allows for correlations in occupancy, e.g., such that certain groupings of the occupants are more likely to occur, and reduces to the implementation above when no correlations are assumed. That is, the joint probability distribution reduces to a product of the respective probability that the space is occupied by each occupant.

As yet another example, a user input can specify a reference (or target) control sequence

u ′ ( · ) = { u 0 ′ , u 1 ′ , u 2 ′ ⁢ … }

including a respective reference (or target) control input

( u n ′ )

for the set of heat pumps 100 for each timestep in the control sequence. These situations can be suitable when a user wishes to directly control one or more of the heat pumps 100 via the user controls 150, e.g., remote-controlling one or more components of one or more of the heat pumps 100.1 to 100.N via the user device 160 or one of the environmental control system interfaces 300.1 to 300.P.

The user input may also specify the control rate (o) of the control system 102, e.g., within some minimum and maximum operational bound, to allow a user to control the rate of adjustment of the set of heat pumps 100. The user input may also include a command to turn on the set heat pumps 100 (e.g., to initiate the control sequence), turn off the set of heat pumps 100 (e.g., to terminate the control sequence), or turn a subset of the heat pumps 100 on or off. For example, to turn off or idle a heat pump 100, a target control input for the heat pump 100 may be set to a default value

u n , j ′ = u off , j

for each timestep, e.g., including zero or idling speeds of the compressor 112 and heat exchangers 114 and 124 of the heat pump 100.

In some implementations, a user input can specify one or more constraints on the heat pump system 10, e.g., to indicate to the control system 102 how to tradeoff between comfort, noise, energy usage, energy cost, and/or environmental impact.

For example, to set a “comfort band” for the indoor space(s) 220, a user input can specify a respective minimum (T_min,i) and maximum (T_max,i) bound on the temperature of each indoor space 220, and/or a respective minimum (H_min,i) and maximum (H_max,i) bound on the humidity of each indoor space 220. The user input can also specify a respective maximum change in the temperature (ΔT_i) and/or humidity (ΔH_i) of each indoor space 220 at a timestep to control for fluctuations in these parameters.

As another example, to set a “noise band” for the set of heat pumps 100, a user input can specify a respective minimum (u_min,j) and maximum (u_max,j) bound on the control input for each heat pump 100. The user input can also specify a respective maximum change in the control input (Δu_j) of each heat pump 100 at a timestep to control for fluctuations in these parameters.

As yet another example, to set an energy usage and/or an energy cost level for the set of heat pumps 100, a user input can specify a respective maximum bound (P_max,j) on the net power consumption of each heat pump 100, a maximum bound (C_max) on the total energy cost rate of the set of heat pumps 100, and/or a maximum bound on the total equivalent carbon dioxide (CO₂) output rate of the set of heat pumps 100.

The independent control of each heat pump 100 in the heat pump system 10 allows a user to turn the heat pump system 10 down or off for indoor spaces 220 that are not used for a period of time, either by setting up one or more schedules for each indoor space 220, manually adjusting the heat pump system 10 using an environmental control system interface 300 when entering or leaving the indoor space 220, or remotely via a user device 160, e.g., using a smartphone app. As described in more detail below, the control system 102 can implement some, or all, of these abovementioned schedules and constraints when executing the model predictive control algorithm to compute the optimal control sequence for the set of heat pumps 100. Note, in some implementations, the control system 102 may be initialized with default values for the constraints which can then be modified by a user input, e.g., if the user input does not specify constraints that exceed the hardware limitations of the heat pump system 10.

An environmental control system interface 300 can be positioned in one of the indoor space(s) 220. The environmental control system interface 300 can include one or more sensors 308 for collecting status information of the indoor space 220, e.g., measuring a current state ({circumflex over (x)}_n,i) of the indoor space 220. As used herein, a state x_n,i=(T_n,i, H_n,i, O_n,i) of an indoor space 220 at a timestep can include a temperature (T_n,i), a humidity (H_n,i), and an occupancy (O_n,i) of the indoor space 220 at the timestep.

In some implementations, the environmental control system interface 300 includes a temperature sensor 308T for measuring a current temperature ({circumflex over (T)}_n,i) of the indoor space 220. Examples of temperature sensors 308T include, but are not limited to, thermocouples, thermistors, resistance temperature detectors (“RTDs”), semiconductor-based integrated circuits, infrared temperature sensors, among others.

In some implementations, the environmental control system interface 300 includes a humidity sensor 308H for measuring a current humidity (Ĥ_n,i) of the indoor space 220. Examples of humidity sensors 308H include, but are not limited to, capacitive humidity sensors, resistive humidity sensors, thermal conductivity humidity sensors, among others.

In some implementations, the environmental control system interface 300 can include a presence sensor 308M for measuring a current occupancy (Ô_n,i) of the indoor space 220. Examples of presence sensors 308M include, but are not limited to, millimeter-wave (“mmWave”) radar sensors, thermal imaging sensors, passive infrared (“PIR”) sensors, light detection and ranging (“LIDAR”) sensors, carbon dioxide (“CO₂”) sensors, window and/or door sensors (e.g., opened/closed or opening angle), connected Internet of things (“IoT”) sensors, among others.

The current occupancy can include a binary value of 0 or 1 if the indoor space 220, as currently measured, is occupied or unoccupied. In settings where the control system 102 differentiates between individual occupants, e.g., using gait detection on the presence sensor 308M readings or personalized information from a user device 160, the current occupancy can include a respective binary value of 0 or 1 for each occupant if the indoor space 220, as currently measured, is occupied or unoccupied by the occupant.

In some implementations, the user device 160 can also include one or more sensors 308, e.g., heart rate monitors, temperature sensors, accelerometers, a Global Positioning System (“GPS”), and/or radio detection and ranging (“RADAR”) sensors, for collecting status information of a user of the user device 160, e.g., biometric data including heart rate, skin temperature, oxygenation, sleep cycle, motion, and/or (geo) location of the user. Such biometric data can be utilized by the control system 102 in conjunction with status information collected by presence sensors 308M to determine the current and/or predicted, future occupancy of each indoor space 220, e.g., based on whether the user is vacant, asleep, or in motion.

In some implementations, a heat pump 100.j can also include one or more sensors 308 for collecting status information of the outdoor space 210, one or more of the indoor spaces 220, and/or the heat pump 100 itself, e.g., measuring a current state ({circumflex over (x)}_n,a) of the outdoor space 210, the current states ({circumflex over (x)}_n,i) of the indoor space(s) 220, and/or a current state ({circumflex over (x)}_n,j) of the heat pump 100.j.

As used herein, a state x_n,a=(T_n,a, H_n,a) of the outdoor space 210 at a timestep can include an ambident temperature (T_n,a) and humidity (H_n,a) of the outdoor space 210 at the timestep. In some implementations, the state of the outdoor space 210 can also include other information about the outdoor space 210, such as an overcast of the outdoor space 210 (e.g., cloud cover of the Sun), a wind speed (and direction) relative to a building positioned in the outdoor space 210, and/or coordinates (or an angle) of the Sun relative to the building positioned in the outdoor space 210. For example, the control system 102 can use the (geo) location of the building and the equations from the Astronomical Almanac to calculate the apparent (e.g., ecliptic) coordinates of the Sun, as well as the mean equinox and ecliptic of date.

As used herein, a state (x_n,j) of a heat pump 100.j at a timestep can include a respective temperature, pressure, and flow rate of the working fluid at each of one or more thermodynamic points in the thermodynamic cycle implemented by the heat pump 100.j, at the timestep. In some implementations, the state of the heat pump 100.j can also include other information about the heat pump 100.j, such as a charge (or mass) of the working fluid circulating through the heat pump 100, a respective temperature, humidity, and flow rate of input (intake) air and/or output (exhaust) air of each ODU 110.j and IDU 120.j.1 to 120.j.M of the heat pump 100.j, and/or a power, current, and/or voltage consumed by the heat pump 100.j.

In some implementations, the heat pump system 10 can also be connected to a cloud management system (or cloud server) 60. Here, the control system 102 can access the cloud server 60 via a secure network connection 61 over the Internet. The cloud server 60 can provide access to current and historical data collected from one or more control systems 102X of other heat pump systems that are also connected to the cloud server 60, e.g., heat pump systems of other homes, office buildings, or dwellings. The cloud server 60 may be configured to control some, or all, of the connected heat pump systems. For example, the cloud server 60 may be implemented as a centralized control system that manages multiple heat pump systems owned by an enterprise, e.g., with a respective heat pump system configured for each office building that the enterprise owns. Engineering and laboratory data about the ODUs 110 and IDUs 120 can be made available to the control system 102 via the cloud server 60. Such data can be utilized by the control system 102 for performing temperature feedback control, model predictive control, and/or model estimation and refinement. This data can include component specifications such as compressor performance curves, and tables, charts, or curves that yield energy consumption and thermal output as a function of various parameters for the specific combination of ODUs 110 and IDUs 120 utilized by the heat pump system 10. The cloud server 60 may also provide direct or cloud-to-cloud integration with external data providers 64, e.g., third-party applications and hardware such as smartphones, wearable devices, and IoT devices.

The user controls 150 and/or the cloud server 60 can also provide the control system 102 with access to predictive data characterizing predicted, future constraints placed on the heat pump system 10 from external factors, e.g., weather conditions and/or an energy provider. As one example, the control system 102 can receive, e.g., from a weather app installed on the user device 160 or an environmental control system interface 300, a (e.g., local) weather forecast

x a ′ ( · ) = { x 0 , a ′ , x 1 , a ′ , x 2 , a ′ , … }

including a respective predicted state

( x n , a ′ )

of the outdoor space 210 for each timestep in the control sequence. As another example, the control system 102 can also receive, e.g., from an energy provider via the cloud server 60, a peak pricing schedule ψ(⋅)={ω₀, ψ₁, ψ₂ . . . } including a respective predicted price of energy (ψ_n) for each timestep in the control sequence. The price of energy can be measured in United States Dollars per kilowatt-hour (“USD/kWh”), or in terms of some other (e.g., local) currency.

Various implementations of the control system 102 are feasible depending on the configuration and requirements of the heat pump system 10, e.g., the number of ODUs 110 and/or IDUs 120 of the heat pump system 10, the quality of the communication channels 14 and 22, the accessibility of the control system 102 for maintenance, among other factors.

For example, in some implementations, the control system 102 is a single control device, e.g., housed in one of the ODUs 110, one of the IDUs 120, or a separate module. These implementations may be preferred when the heat pump system 10 is a single-zone heat pump system, e.g., to reduce complexity and facilitate easier maintenance of the control system 102. In other implementations, the control system 102 is a distributed control system including multiple control devices 106 and 108, e.g., housed in the ODUs 110, IDUs 120, and/or in one or more separate modules. Here, the control devices 106 and 108 may be identical to one another, e.g., having the same computing architecture. These implementations may be preferred when the heat pump system 10 is a multi-zone heat pump system, e.g., to handle malfunction or shutdown of a part of the heat pump system 10 while still providing control and use of the functional part of the heat pump system 10. Examples of such implementations of the control system 102 are described below with reference to FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram depicting an example configuration of the heat pump system 10. In this example, the control system 102 is a distributed control system including multiple local control devices (“LCDs”) 106.1.1 to 106.N.1 and a cloud control device (“CCD”) 108. Particularly, the control system 102 includes a respective LCD 106 for each IDU 120.1.1 to 120.N.1 in the heat pump system 10. Each LCD 106 can be housed in its respective IDU 120. The control devices 106.1.1 to 106.N.1 and 108 each include respective processing circuitry 50 and associated memory 52 for performing their assigned function and handling bi-directional communications with their part of the heat pump system 10. For example, each LCD 106 can receive status information from the respective sensors 308 and transmit control information (e.g., control values) to the respective components of the heat pump 100 that the control device 106 is communicatively coupled with. The LCDs 106.1.1 to 106.N.1 are also communicatively coupled with one another via respective bi-directional communication channels 15.1.1 to 15.N.1, e.g., wireless communication channels. Hence, the control devices 106 can also exchange control and status information with one another.

LCD 106.2.2 is configured as a main control device (“MCD”) 104. The CCD 108 is communicatively coupled with the MCD 104 via a bi-directional communication channel 62, e.g., a wireless communication channel. The CCD 108 connects the heat pump system 10 to the cloud server 60 and facilitates communications therebetween, e.g., allowing the MCD 104 to access and/or be remote-controlled by the cloud server 60. In this example, the MCD 104 can be responsible for communications with the user controls 150 and CCD 108, as well as executing the model predictive control algorithm to compute the optimal control sequence for the set of heat pumps 100. LCDs 106.1.1 to 106.N.1 excluding LCD 106.2.2 are configured to perform auxiliary functions for the main device 104. can each be responsible for communications between the MCD 104 and their respective heat pump 100-1 through 100-N, e.g., transmitting respective control and status information between the main control device 104 and their respective heat pump 100.

FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram depicting an example of a building 200 configured with an example configuration of the heat pump system 10. For example, the building 200 can be a home, an office building, or other dwelling. With respect to the set of heat pumps 100, a first (single-zone) heat pump 100SZ.1 includes an ODU 110.1 positioned in the outdoor space 210 and an IDU 120.1.1 positioned in a first indoor space 220.1. A second (multi-zone) heat pump 100.2 includes an ODU 110.2 positioned in the outdoor space 210, two IDUs 120.2.1 and 120.2.2 positioned in a second indoor space 220.2 adjacent the first indoor space 220.1, and an IDU 120.2.3 positioned in a third indoor space 220.3 adjacent the second indoor space 220.2. The ODUs 110.1 and 110.2 of the heat pumps 100SZ.1 and 100MZ.2 are both positioned in an outdoor space 210 that is adjacent to each of the indoors spaces 220.1, 220.2, and 220.3 and surrounds the indoor spaces 220.1, 220.2, and 220.3. With respect to the example configuration of the control system 102 of FIG. 2A, IDU 120.1.1 houses LCD 106.1.1, IDU 120.2.1 houses LCD 106.2.1, IDU 120.2.2 houses LCD 106.2.2, and IDU 120.2.3 houses LCD 106.2.3. With respect to the user controls 150, a first environmental control system interface 220.1 is positioned in the first indoor space 220.1 for measuring the current temperature of the first indoor space 220.1, a second environmental control system interface 300.2 is positioned in the second indoor space 220.2 for measuring the current temperature of the second indoor space 220.2, and the user device 160 is positioned in the third indoor space 220.3, e.g., carried by a user occupying the third indoor space 220.3.

Note, many different configurations of the heat pump system 10 are feasible with IDUs 120 of the heat pumps 100 arranged in different combinations within the indoor space(s) 220.1 to 220.D. In general, an indoor space 220 can have one or more IDUs 120 of the heat pumps 100 positioned therein, where the IDU(s) 120 belong to: (i) one or more single-zone heat pumps 100SZ; (ii) one or more multi-zone heat pumps 100MZ; or (iii) one or more single-zone heat pumps 100SZ and one or more multi-zone heat pumps 100MZ. As one example, an indoor space 220 can have one IDU 120 positioned therein, where the IDU 120 belongs to a single-zone heat pump 100SZ or a multi-zone heat pump 100MZ. As another example, an indoor space 220 can have two IDUs 120 positioned therein, where one of the two IDUs 120 belongs to a single-zone heat pump 100SZ and the other of the two IDUs 120 belongs to a multi-zone heat pump 100MZ or another, different single-zone heat pump 100SZ. In other cases, one of the two IDUs 120 belongs to a multi-zone heat pump 100MZ and the other of the two IDUs 120 belongs to another, different multi-zone heat pump 100MZ. In yet other cases, both of the two IDUs 120 belong to the same multi-zone heat pump 100MZ. This extends to three or more IDUs 120, four or more IDUs 120, five or more IDUs 120, and so on, positioned in an indoor space 220.

Hence, in implementations involving one single-zone heat pump 100SZ, the heat pump system 10 can be operated as a single-zone heat pump system, e.g., a single-zone variable-speed ductless heat pump system, to efficiently condition a single indoor space 220, e.g., a room, office, studio, or Accessory Dwelling Unit (“ADU”). Likewise, in implementations involving multiple single-zone heat pumps 100SZ, one or more multi-zone heat pumps 100MZ, or one or more single-zone heat pumps 100SZ and one or more multi-zone heat pumps 100MZ, the heat pump system 10 can be operated as a multi-zone heat pump system, e.g., a multi-zone variable-speed ductless heat pump system, to efficiently condition multiple indoor spaces 220 or multiple zones of one or more indoor spaces 220, e.g., covering part or the whole of a home, residence, or other dwelling. The heat pump system 10 can seamlessly combine more than one IDU 120 per indoor space 220 by balancing the thermal output of each IDU 120, while a user can set the desired temperature, desired humidity, and/or expected occupancy for the indoor space 220.

FIG. 2B is a schematic diagram depicting an example of an indoor space 220 of a building 200 configured with the heat pump system 10. The indoor space 220 includes a number of structural elements forming the indoor space 220, including three interior walls 222.1, 222.2, and 222.3 between respective adject indoor spaces, an exterior wall 222.4 between an outdoor space 210, a floor 224, and a ceiling 226. Interior wall 222.1 has an IDU 120 of the heat pump system mounted thereon, interior wall 222.3 includes a door 223, and exterior wall 222.4 includes a window 225. A user 201 occupies the indoor space 220 and can interact with the heat pump system 10 via a user device 160 and/or an environmental control system interface 300 of the user controls 150. The environmental control system interface 300 can be placed on top of a table 212 in a tabletop orientation 300.TT (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 4A-4B) or releasably affixed to one of the walls 222.1 to 222.4 in a wall mount orientation 300.WM (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 4C-4D).

II. Examples of Environment Control System Interfaces

FIGS. 3A-4D depict an example of an environmental control system interface 300, also referred to as an “ECS interface”. FIG. 3A is a schematic diagram of the environmental control system interface 300. FIG. 3B is a top view of the environmental control system interface 300. FIG. 4A is a perspective view of the environmental control system interface 300 in a tabletop orientation 300.TT. FIG. 4B is a side view of the environmental control system interface 300 in the tabletop orientation 300.TT. FIG. 4C is a perspective view of the environmental control system interface 300 in a wall mount orientation 300.WM. FIG. 4D is a side view of the environmental control system interface 300 in the wall mount orientation 300.WM.

In some implementations, the environmental control system interface 300 is one of the environmental control system interfaces 300.1 to 300.P of the set of user controls 150. In some implementations, the inputs and outputs of the environmental control system interface 300 are implemented as an application configured to execute on the user device 160 (e.g., an app that emulates the environmental control system interface 300).

In general, the environmental control system interface 300 includes a housing 310, an interface controller 304, a communications transceiver 306, one or more sensors 308, and a user interface device 315, where the user interface device 315 includes a touch-sensitive display 320 and a dial control 330.

For ease of description, the environmental control system interface 300 is described in a local coordinate frame including a transverse x-axis, a transverse y-axis, and a longitudinal z-axis that are mutually perpendicular to one another. The local coordinate frame can be defined relative to a global coordinate frame of an indoor space 220 the environmental control system interface 300 is positioned within. The global coordinate frame includes the x-axis, a y′-axis, and a z′-axis that are mutually perpendicular to one another. Here, the z′-axis is defined as a direction antiparallel to a gravity vector. The environmental control system interface 300 can be mounted on a mounting surface of the indoor space 220, where the mounting surface has a normal vector defined relative to the z′-axis. For example, for the tabletop orientation 300.TT, the mounting surface is a top of a table 212 having a normal vector parallel to the z′-axis. For the wall mount orientation 300.WM, the mounting surface is a wall 224 having a normal vector orthogonal to the z′-axis.

The housing 310 is a cylindrical housing having a cylindrical shape (e.g., a puck-shape). For example, the housing 310 can have rotational symmetry about the longitudinal z-axis of the environmental control system interface 300. The housing 310 has a major planar front face 312, a major planar rear face 314, and a radial outer periphery 313 (e.g., a lateral surface). The major planar front 312 and rear 314 faces are opposite to each other, and the radial outer periphery 313 is connected between the major planar front 312 and rear 314 faces. The major planar front 312 and rear 314 faces can be parallel to each other. The major planar front 312 and rear 314 faces can be orthogonal to the longitudinal z-axis. The radial outer periphery 313 can extend along the longitudinal z-axis between the major planar front 312 and rear 314 faces. The major planar rear face 314 can be rested upon or removably affixed to the mounting surface, e.g., such that the major planar front 312 and rear 314 faces are parallel to the mounting surface.

In some implementations, the housing 310 can have a diameter of at least about 75 millimeters (“mm”), 80 mm, 85 mm, 90 mm, 95 mm, 100 mm, 105 mm, 110 mm, 115 mm, 120 mm, 125 mm, or more. In some implementations, the housing 310 can have a diameter of at most about 125 mm, 120 mm, 115 mm, 110 mm, 105, 100 mm, 95 mm, 90 mm, 85 mm, 80 mm, 75 mm, or less. In some implementations, the housing 320 can have a length of at least about 15 mm, 20 mm, 25 mm, 30 mm, 35 mm, 40 mm, 45 mm, 50 mm, or more. In some implementations, the housing 310 can have a length of at most about 50 mm, 45 mm, 40 mm, 35 mm, 30 mm, 20 mm, 15 mm, 10 mm, or less. In some implementations, the housing 310 can have an aspect ratio, defined as the ratio of its diameter over its length, of at least about 2:1, 3:1, 4:1, 5:1, 10:1, 15:1, 20:1, or more. In some implementations, the housing 310 can have an aspect ratio of at most about 20:1, 15:1, 10:1, 5:1, 4:1, 3:1, 2:1, or less.

In some implementations, the environmental control system interface 300 further includes a wedge 316. The wedge 316 is a cylindrical wedge having a cylindrical shape and a wedge angle (O). The wedge 316 has a minor front planar face 317 and a minor rear planar face 318 opposite to each other. The minor front planar face 317 can be orthogonal to the longitudinal z-axis. The minor rear planar face 318 is tilted about the transverse x-axis at the wedge angle. The wedge 316 is removably affixed between the major planar rear face 314 of the housing 310 and the mounting surface. The minor front planar face 317 mates with the major planar front face 312 of the housing 310, and the minor rear planar face 318 mates with the mounting surface. The wedge 317 tilts the major front planar face 312 of the housing 310 about the transverse x-axis at the wedge angle, relative to the mounting surface, e.g., to provide a more comfortable viewing angle when the environmental control system interface 300 is resting on the mounting surface.

The interface controller 304 is positioned within the housing 310. The interface controller 304 includes processing circuitry 50 and associated memory 52 for processing, managing, and controlling the inputs and outputs of the environmental control system interface 300. The interface controller 304 is communicatively coupled with the communications transceiver 306, the sensors 308, and the user interface device 315 via one or more communication channels. For example, the interface controller 304 can be communicatively coupled with the communications transceiver 306, each of the sensors 308, and the user interface device 315 via respective wired communication channels (e.g., electrical cable and/or fiber-optic communication channels).

The communications transceiver 306 can be positioned within the housing 310 or on the housing 310. The communications transceiver 306 provides the environmental control system interface 300 with bi-directional communications to external devices. For example, the communications transceiver 306 can be a Wi-Fi transceiver, a Bluetooth transceiver, a Zigbee transceiver, a Z-wave transceiver, and/or an LTE/5G transceiver. In some implementations, the communications transceiver 306 provides bi-directional communications with the control system 102 of the heat pump system 10. In some implementations, the communications transceiver 306 provides bi-directional communications with one or more of the user devices 160, one or more of the environmental control system interfaces 300.1 to 300.P, one or more of the ODUs 110, and/or one or more of the IDUs 120 of the heat pump system 10.

The touch-sensitive display 320 is a circular user interface having a circular shape (e.g., a disk shape). For example, the touch-sensitive display 320 can have rotational symmetry about the longitudinal z-axis of the environmental control system interface 300. The touch-sensitive display 320 can be centered on the longitudinal z-axis. The touch-sensitive display 320 defines the major planar front face 312 of the housing 310. The touch-sensitive display 320 may define a front portion of the housing 310.

The touch-sensitive display 320 is configured as an electronic display screen. The touch-sensitive display 320 can be a liquid crystal display (“LCD”) screen, a light emitting diode (“LED”) display screen, an organic LED (“OLED”) display screen, a micro-LED display screen or other electronic display screen. For example, the touch-sensitive display 320 can display information (e.g., temperature values, graphical user interface buttons, images, animations, videos) that is visible to a user. Examples of information that can be displayed on the touch-sensitive display 320 will be discussed in the descriptions of FIGS. 5-19.

At least a portion of the touch-sensitive display 320 is configured as a touch-sensitive user input device including a touch-sensitive sensor array. The touch-sensitive display 320 can include a capacitive touch sensor array, a resistive touch sensor array, an infrared touch sensor array, a force/pressure sensor array, or other type of touch-sensitive sensor array. For example, a user can touch or tap the touch-sensitive display 320 (represented by arrows 322) to emulate the clicking of a graphical user interface button. As another example, the user can swipe or glide a fingertip across the touch-sensitive display 320 to perform a graphical user interface swipe or drag operation, e.g., a swipe up gesture 322.u, a swipe down gesture 322.d, a swipe right gesture 322.r, or a swipe left gesture 322.1. Examples of touch user gestures that can be performed on the touch-sensitive display 320 will be discussed in the descriptions of FIGS. 5-19.

In some implementations, the environmental control system interface 300 further includes a switch integrated into the touch-sensitive display 320. The switch can sense when a force is applied to the environmental control system interface 300, e.g., the user presses the touch-sensitive display 320 as a click gesture. For example, the switch can be a tactile mechanical switch (e.g., a microswitch), a capacitive switch, a force-sensitive resistor (“FSR”), a strain gauge switch, or a piezoelectric switch. The switch is configured to close (or change state) when a threshold force is applied to the environmental control system interface 300, e.g., indicating a click gesture on the touch-sensitive display 320 was deliberate, providing the intensity of the click gesture, and/or a modifier to the click gesture (e.g., a force touch versus a light touch).

The dial control 330 is configured as a rotary user input device arranged about or defining at least a portion of the radial outer periphery 313 of the housing 310. For example, the dial control 330 can have rotational symmetry about the longitudinal z-axis of the environmental control system interface 300.

In some implementations, the dial control 330 is configured as a mechanical rotary user input device including a rotatable ring, where the rotatable ring defines a circumferential portion of the radial outer periphery 313 of the housing 310. The rotatable ring can be rotatable about the longitudinal z-axis of the environmental control system interface 300. The rotatable ring can be concentric with the housing 310 about the longitudinal z-axis. In such mechanical implementations of the dial control 330, a user can grip the dial control 330 and rotate it clockwise and counterclockwise about the housing 310, represented by arrows 332.r and 332.1 respectively, to provide a user input to the environmental control system interface 300.

In some implementations, the dial control 330 is configured as a virtual rotary user input device including a collection of touch sensors, where the touch sensors are arranged about at least the portion of the radial outer periphery 313 of the housing 310. In such virtual implementations of the dial control 330, a user can lightly grip the region of the dial control 330 and glide their fingers over the radial outer periphery 313 of the housing 310 to emulate clockwise and counterclockwise rotation of a dial to provide a user input to the environmental control system interface 300. In another example, a gesture sensor 308G can detect that the user is making a gripping and twisting hand gesture proximal to the environmental control system interface 300 to emulate clockwise and counterclockwise rotation of a dial to provide a user input to the environmental control system interface 300. Examples of rotational user gestures that can be performed on the dial control 330 will be discussed in the descriptions of FIGS. 5-19.

The sensors 308 are positioned within the housing 310 and/or integrated in the touch-sensitive display 320. The sensors 308 include a presence sensor 308M. In use, the presence sensor 308M can sense the presence of a human in the same indoor space 220 as the environmental control system interface 300. In some implementations, the presence sensor 308M is integrated into the touch-sensitive display 320. In some implementations, the presence sensor 308M is a proximity sensor that can also sense the proximity of the human to the environmental control system interface 300. In either case, the environmental control system interface 300 can respond by modifying the information that is displayed on the touch-sensitive display 320. In some implementations, the presence sensor 308M is a motion sensor (e.g., a thermal imaging sensor, a PIR sensor, or a LIDAR sensor). In some implementations, the presence sensor 308M is a radar-based sensor (e.g., mmWave radar sensor). In some implementations, the presence sensor 308M is a CO₂ sensor to detect human exhalation as an indicator of human presence. Examples of presence and proximity-based behaviors will be discussed in the descriptions of FIGS. 5-19.

In some implementations, the sensors 308 further include a gesture sensor 308G. For example, the gesture sensor 308G can be a presence sensor, such as a mmWave radar sensor, a thermal imaging sensor, a passive IR sensor, or a LIDAR sensor. In some implementations, the gesture sensor 308G is integrated into the touch-sensitive display 320. In use, the gesture sensor 308G can sense motion gestures of a user. For example, the user can make a pointing or pushing gesture in midair proximal the touch-sensitive display 320 to emulate a click on a graphical user interface button. In another example, the user can wave their hand proximal the touch-sensitive display 320 to perform a graphical user interface swipe or drag operation. Examples of user gestures that can be performed on the touch-sensitive display 320 will be discussed in the descriptions of FIGS. 5-19.

In some implementations, the sensors 308 further include a temperature sensor 308T. In use, the temperature sensor 308T can sense the current temperature of the same indoor space 220 as the environmental control system interface 300. For example, the temperature sensors 308T can be a thermocouple, a thermistor, an RTD, a semiconductor-based integrated circuit, or an infrared temperature sensor.

In some implementations, the sensors 308 further include an accelerometer 308A. In use, the accelerometer 308A can sense the current orientation of the environmental control system interface 300. For example, the accelerometer 308A can be a single-axis digital accelerometer that measures an acceleration of the environmental control system interface 300 along its longitudinal z-axis. Alternatively, the accelerometer 308A can be a three-axis digital accelerometer that measures a respective acceleration of the environmental control system interface 300 along each of its x, y, and z axes. In either case, the environmental control system interface 300 can respond by determining a tilting angle of the longitudinal z-axis relative to the z′-axis, e.g., by determining the relative component of the acceleration due to gravity along the longitudinal z-axis. If the tilting angle is less than a threshold angle, the environmental control system interface 300 may determine it is in the tabletop orientation 300.TT. If the tilting angle is greater than the threshold angle, the environmental control system interface 300 may determine it is in wall mount orientation 300.WM.

In some implementations, the environmental control system interface 300 further includes one or more lights. For example, the environmental control system interface 300 can include an illuminated ring arranged about a circumference of the housing 310 or a perimeter of the touch-sensitive display 320. The illuminated ring can act as a night light or as a guide to help a user find the environmental control system interface 300 in a darkened room. In some implementations, such lighting can be turned on and off based on whether or not the presence of a human has been detected in the same indoor space 220 as the environmental control system interface 300, and/or when the environmental control system interface 300 senses that a human is approaching the environmental control system interface 300. In some implementations, the brightness and/or color of the lights may be configurable as well (e.g., as will be discussed further in the description of FIG. 13).

FIG. 5A is a schematic diagram depicting an example default user interface configurations 500 of the environmental control system interface 300. In some implementations, the configuration 500 can be a “glance” user interface (e.g., a display that is easily visible at a distance). In some implementations, the configuration 500 can be shown when the environmental control system interface 300 detects a nearby human presence.

In the configuration 500, the touch-sensitive display 320 displays a setpoint temperature 510 of an indoor space 220, a current temperature 520 of the indoor space 220, a mode indicator 530 configured to indicate an operational mode of an IDU 120 configured to condition the indoor space 220. In the illustrated example, the mode indicator 530 shows a flame symbol to indicate that the IDU 120 is in a heating mode, but in other examples, the mode indicator 530 can show different symbols for other operational modes. For example, the mode indicator 530 can show a snowflake symbol for cooling, a dual flam/snowflake symbol for heating and cooling, a water drop for dehumidification, a fan for fan-only operation, etc. A progress bar 540 provides a graphical representation of a relative difference between a setpoint temperature (e.g., displayed as the setpoint temperature 510) and a current temperature (e.g., displayed as the current temperature 520).

FIG. 5B is a schematic diagram depicting an example intermediate user interface configurations 550 of the environmental control system interface 300. In some implementations, the configuration 550 can be an “intermediate” user interface (e.g., a display that is visible at a distance but less visible than the glance user interface). In some implementations, the configuration 550 can be shown when the environmental control system interface 300 has detected a nearby human presence for a certain threshold period of time, e.g., one, two, or three minutes. In the configuration 550, the touch-sensitive display 320 has dimmed from its setting in the configuration 500 after the threshold period of time (e.g., to reduce power consumption of the touch-sensitive display 320 when somebody is nearby but not interacting with it).

FIG. 5C is a schematic diagram depicting an example idle user interface configuration 600 of the environmental control system interface 300. In some implementations, the configuration 600 can be an “idle” user interface, in which little (e.g., a power-saving) or no (e.g., powered-off display) information is displayed. In some implementations, the configuration 504 can be shown when the environmental control system interface 300 detects no nearby human presence (e.g., to reduce power consumption of the touch-sensitive display 320 when there is nobody nearby to see or interact with it).

FIGS. 6A, 6B, 6C, and 6D are schematic diagrams depicting additional example default user interface configurations 500A, 500B, 500C, and 500B of the environmental control system interface 300, respectively. In the configurations 500A-500B, the touch-sensitive display 320 can display one or more setpoint temperatures 510 of an indoor space 220, a current temperature 620 of the indoor space 220, a mode indicator 530 configured to indicate an operational mode of an IDU 120 configured to condition the indoor space 220. In configuration 500A, the mode indicator 530 shows a snowflake symbol to indicate that the IDU 120 is in a cooling mode. In configuration 500B, the mode indicator 530 shows a fan symbol to indicate that the IDU 120 is in a fan-only mode. In configuration 500C, the mode indicator 530 shows a dual flame/snowflake symbol to indicate that the IDU 120 is in a heating/cooling mode. In configuration 500D, the mode indicator 530 shows a power symbol to indicate that the IDU 120 is powered-off.

FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram depicting an example room user interface configuration 700 of the environmental control system interface 300. In some implementations, the configuration 700 can be an “active” user interface (e.g., a display that shows information and provides controls for configuring an associated IDU 120). For example, as described below, the room user interface configuration 700 can correspond to a primary room view for configuring an indoor space 220 associated with the environmental control system interface 300, e.g., an indoor space 220 the environmental control system interface 300 is positioned in otherwise assigned to. In some implementations, the configuration 700 can be shown when the environmental control system interface 300 detects a user is proximal to and/or is actively interacting with the environmental control system interface 300).

In the configuration 700, the touch-sensitive display 320 displays a space name 705 of the indoor space 220 where the environmental control system interface 300 is located. In the illustrated example, the environmental control system interface 300 has been assigned to an indoor space 220 called “living room”. The touch-sensitive display 320 displays a setpoint temperature 710 of an associated IDU 120 and displays a current temperature 720 of the indoor space 220 (e.g., the living room). A progress bar 740 provides a graphical representation of a relative difference between a setpoint temperature (e.g., displayed as the setpoint temperature 710) and a current temperature (e.g., displayed as the current temperature 720).

An operational mode control 730 is provided to display a mode indicator 735 configured to indicate an operational mode of an associated IDU 120 and act as a virtual button that a user can touch, click, or otherwise activate in order to access additional controls for configuring an operational mode of the associated IDU 120 (e.g., as will be discussed in the description of FIG. 12). In the illustrated example, the mode indicator 730 shows a snowflake symbol to indicate that the associated IDU 120 is in a cooling mode but can show different symbols for other operational modes (e.g., a flame for heating, a water drop for dehumidification, a fan for fan-only operation).

An energy mode control 750 provides a mode indicator 755 configured to indicate if the associated IDU 120 is in an active (e.g., normal) or energy-saving (e.g., “eco”) mode. The energy mode control 750 acts as a virtual button that a user can touch, click, or otherwise activate in order to change (e.g., toggle) the associated IDU 120 between an active mode (e.g., normal operation) or an energy-saving mode (e.g., a setback temperature).

A lighting control 760 is provided to display a status of one or more lights, as represented by a status indicator 765. For example, the associated IDU 120 and/or the environmental control system interface 300 can include a lighting element, and the status of such light(s) (e.g., on, off, brightness, color), and the status indicator 765 can change brightness, symbology, and/or color to reflect the status of the light(s).

The light control 760 acts as a virtual button that a user can touch, click, or otherwise activate in order to access additional controls for modifying the configuration of the light(s) (e.g., as will be discussed in the description of FIG. 13).

FIGS. 8-11 are schematic diagrams depicting alterative room user interface configurations 800, 900, 1000, and 1100 of the environmental control system interface 300. The alternative room user interface configurations 800-1100 are substantially similar to the room user interface configuration 700 but are configured for different respective indoor spaces 220 (e.g., rooms) than the room user interface configuration 700. For example, as described below, the room user interface configurations 800, 900, 1000, and 1100 can each correspond to a respective secondary room view that can be displayed on the environmental control system interface 300 for configuring the respective indoor space 220. As another example, the room user interface configuration 700 can be displayed on the environmental control system interface 300.1, while the room user interface configurations 800, 900, 1000, and 1100 can be displayed on the environmental control system interfaces 300.2, 300.3, 300.4, and 300.5, respectively.

FIG. 8 shows an example room user interface configuration 800 of the environmental control system interface 300. In the illustrated example, the room user interface configuration 800 is configured for a “parents' room”. In some implementations, the configuration 800 can be shown when an environmental control a user is proximal to and/or is actively interacting with an environmental control system interface 300 installed in “parent's room” indoor space 220. In some implementations, and as will be discussed in more detail in the descriptions of FIGS. 18 and 19, the configuration can also be provided as an alternative interface on the environmental control system interface 300 (e.g., to display and control the settings of the “parent's room” from the environmental control system interface 300 “living room”). In other words, a first environmental control system interface 300.1 can be used as a remote display and control for a second, different environmental control system interface 300.2, or vice versa.

Similarly, FIG. 9 shows an example room user interface configuration 900 of the environmental control system interface 300 configured for a “kids' room”. FIG. 10 shows an example room user interface configuration 1000 of the environmental control system interface 300 configured for a “dining room”. FIG. 11 shows an example room user interface configuration 1100 of the environmental control system interface 300 configured for a “guest room”. Navigation among local control interfaces and remote-control interfaces is discussed further in the descriptions of FIGS. 18 and 19.

FIG. 12 shows an example operational mode user interface configuration 1200 of the example environmental control system interface 300. The configuration 1200 can be a “mode” user interface (e.g., a display that shows detailed information and provides controls for configuring an associated IDU 120). In some implementations, the configuration 1200 can be shown when the environmental control system interface 300 detects a predetermined user gesture or sequence of gestures, as will be discussed further in the descriptions of FIGS. 18 and 19.

In the configuration 1200, the touch-sensitive display 320 displays a space name 1205 of the indoor space 220 that a user has selected to control. In the illustrated example, the environmental control system interface 300 is being used to reconfigure the settings of the indoor space 220 called “living room”. The touch-sensitive display 320 displays an operational mode indicator 1210 configured to indicate an operational mode of an associated IDU 120 (e.g., normal, power saving, “eco”).

The configuration 1200 provides a virtual “heat” button 1230 and a virtual “cool” button 1240. A user can touch, click, or otherwise select the heat button 1230 to put the associated IDU 120 into a heating mode, and can select the cool button 1240 to put the associated IDU 120 into a cooling mode.

A fan speed control 1250 displays (e.g., as a slider or bar graph) a current fan speed setting of the associated IDU 120. The fan speed control 1250 is a virtual slider control in which a user can touch, click, or slide a fingertip to a position along the control to set a relative speed of a fan of the IDU 120. The user can also click an automatic fan speed button 1260 to engage automatic (e.g., algorithmic) speed control of the fan.

A fan direction control 1270 displays (e.g., as a slider or bar graph) a current fan direction setting of the associated IDU 120. The fan direction control 1270 is a virtual slider control in which a user can touch, click, or slide a fingertip to a position along the control to set the orientation of outlet louvers of the IDU 120. The user can also click an automatic fan direction button 1280 to engage automatic (e.g., algorithmic) directional control of air that is blown into the space 220 by the IDU 120.

FIG. 13A is a schematic diagram depicting an example lighting control user interface configuration 1300A of the environmental control system interface 300. The configuration 1300A is configured to show detailed information and provide controls for configuring lighting of an associated IDU 120 or the environmental control system interface 300. In some implementations, the configuration 1300 can be shown when the environmental control system interface 300 detects a predetermined user gesture or sequence of gestures, as will be discussed further in the descriptions of FIGS. 18 and 19.

In the configuration 1300A, the touch-sensitive display 320 displays a space name 1305 of the indoor space 220 that a user has selected to control. In the illustrated example, the environmental control system interface 300 is being used to reconfigure the settings of the indoor space 220 called “living room”.

A lighting control 1310 is provided to display a status of one or more lights. For example, the associated IDU 120 and/or the environmental control system interface 300 can include a lighting element, and the status of such light(s) (e.g., on, off, brightness, color) can be represented by the lighting control 1310. The lighting control 1310 displays (e.g., as a slider or bar graph) current brightness of the associated lights, and the color of the lighting control can change to show the current color setting of the associated lights. The lighting control 1310 is a virtual slider control in which a user can touch, click, or slide a fingertip to a position along the control to set the lights or toggle them on and off. In some implementations, the user can rotate the dial control 330 to adjust the lighting control 1310. For example, the user can rotate the dial control 330 clockwise or counterclockwise to increase or decrease the brightness of the associated lights, respectively.

A light effect control 1312 is provided as a virtual button that the user can click on in order to change a lighting effect of the associated lights. When the user clicks on the light effect button 1312, a menu is displayed showing a collection of lighting effects that can be selected by the user. The collection of lighting effects can include, for example, no lighting effect (e.g., indicated by a wand symbol), a sparkle lighting effect (e.g., indicated by a sparkle symbol), a twinkle lighting effect (e.g., indicated by a star symbol), a dance lighting effect (e.g., indicated by a disco ball symbol), and a chase lighting effect (e.g., indicated by a raceway symbol). In this example, the light effect control 1312 shows a star symbol indicating that the currently selected lighting effect is a twinkle lighting effect.

A collection of color controls 1320-1350 are provided as virtual buttons that the user can click on in order to change the color of the associated lights. Each of the color buttons 1230-1350 is displayed with a predefined or favorite color (represented by different stippling patterns in the illustrated example), and when the user clicks on one of the color controls 1320-1350, the associated lights are controlled to illuminate with the selected color. In some implementations, the color of the light effect control 1312 can inherit the color of the selected one of the color controls 1320-1350 as displayed on the touch-sensitive display 320.

FIG. 13B is a schematic diagram depicting an example fan direction control user interface configuration 1300B of the environmental control system interface 300. The configuration 1300B is configured to show detailed information and provide controls for configuring fan angle of an IDU 120 associated with the environmental control system interface 300. In some implementations, the configuration 1350 can be shown when the environmental control system interface 300 detects a predetermined user gesture or sequence of gestures, as will be discussed further in the descriptions of FIGS. 18 and 19.

In the configuration 1300B, the touch-sensitive display 320 displays a space name 1305 of the indoor space 220 that a user has selected to control. In the illustrated example, the environmental control system interface 300 is being used to reconfigure the settings of the indoor space 220 called “living room”.

A fan direction control 1360 is provided to display a status of a current fan direction setting of the associated IDU 120. The fan direction control 1360 is a virtual slider control in which a user can touch, click, or slide a fingertip to a position along the control to set the orientation of outlet louvers of the IDU 120. The user can also click an automatic fan direction button 1365 to engage automatic (e.g., algorithmic) directional control of air that is blown into the indoor space 220 by the IDU 120. In some implementations, the user can rotate the dial control 330 to adjust the fan direction control 1360. For example, the user can rotate the dial control 330 clockwise or counterclockwise to increase or decrease the angle of the louvers of the IDU, respectively.

FIG. 14 is a schematic diagram depicting an example “off” user interface configuration 1400 of the example environmental control system interface 300. The configuration 1400 is configured to provide a user with a way to turn off the operations of an associated IDU 120 (e.g., heating, cooling, fan, dehumidification) and put it in an idle or standby state. In some implementations, the configuration 1400 can be shown when the environmental control system interface 300 detects a predetermined user gesture or sequence of gestures, as will be discussed further in the descriptions of FIGS. 18 and 19.

In the configuration 1400, the touch-screen display 320 displays a space name 1405 of the indoor space 220 that a user has selected to control. In the illustrated example, the environmental control system interface 300 is being used to reconfigure the settings of the indoor space 220 called “living room”. A power control 1410 is provided as a virtual button that the user can click on in order to configure an associated IDU 120 to an idle or standby state.

FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram depicting an example settings control user interface configuration 1500 of the environmental control system interface 300. The configuration 1500 is configured to provide a user with a way to turn adjust the settings of the environmental control system interface 300 itself. In some implementations, the configuration 1500 can be shown when the environmental control system interface 300 detects a predetermined user gesture or sequence of gestures, as will be discussed further in the descriptions of FIGS. 18 and 19.

A collection of settings controls 1510 are provided as virtual buttons that the user can click on in order to change the settings of the environmental control system interface 300. Each settings control buttons 1510 is associated with respective setting of the environmental control system interface 300. For example, the settings control buttons 1510 can control one or more of: an on/off of a click of the dial control 330, an on/off of haptic feedback of the touch-screen display 320, a temperature unit displayed on the touch-screen display 320, display information about the environmental control system interface 300, display legal information, restart the environmental control system interface 300, or a factory reset of the environmental control system interface 300.

FIG. 16A is a schematic diagram depicting an example collection of user interface interactions 1601A and displays of the environmental control system interface 300. In general, the collection 1601A represents operations that can be performed by a user using the dial control 330 or by making other predefined gestures.

When a user first approaches or interacts with (e.g., touches, clicks) the environmental control system interface 300, the room user interface configuration 700 can be shown. In order to change the target temperature setting, the user can rotate the dial control 330 (represented by arrows 1602) or perform a predefined hand gesture (e.g., by extending a hand toward the environmental control system interface 300 and making rotating hand motion) or provide any other appropriate command (e.g., spoken commands, “colder”, “hotter).

In the illustrated example, when the user rotates the dial control 330 counterclockwise, the touch-sensitive display 320 is updated to display a temperature change user interface configuration 1610 to show an updated target temperature. In the configuration 1610, the touch-sensitive display 320 displays a space name 1605 of the indoor space 220 that a user has selected to control. In the illustrated example, the environmental control system interface 300 is being used to reconfigure the settings of the indoor space 220 called “living room”. The touch-sensitive display 320 displays an operational mode indicator 1604 configured to indicate an operational mode of an associated IDU 120 (e.g., normal, power saving, “eco”). The touch-sensitive display 320 also displays a setpoint temperature 1606 of an associated IDU 120.

In the illustrated example, the user has rotated the dial control 330 counterclockwise, and the touch-sensitive display 320 responds by showing the configuration 1610 with the current temperature setpoint highlighted as the setpoint temperature 1606.

If the user continues to rotate the dial control 330 counterclockwise, the configuration 1610 is modified (represented as configuration 1610′) to show an updated target temperature value as the setpoint temperature 1606. The configuration 1610′ also shows a mode indicator 1630 to indicate that the selected temperature would require a temperature change. In the illustrated example, the target temperature has been changed from 72 to 71 degrees, and the mode indicator 1630 displays a snowflake symbol to indicate that the selected temperature change would require a cooling operation. Further counterclockwise rotation of the dial control 330 will cause the target temperature to be lowered further. Clockwise rotation of the dial control 330 will cause the target temperature to be raised, eventually returning the configuration 1610′ to the configuration 1610 when the original target temperature has been re-selected. If the user stops turning the dial control 330 for a predetermined amount of time, the displayed setpoint temperature 1606 will be adopted as the new setpoint temperature for the associated IDU 120.

In the illustrated example, when the room user interface configuration 700 is shown and the user rotates the dial control 330 clockwise to raise the target temperature, the touch-sensitive display 320 responds by showing the configuration 1610 with the current temperature setpoint highlighted as the setpoint temperature 1606. If the user continues to rotate the dial control 330 clockwise, the configuration 1610 is modified (represented as configuration 1610″) to show an updated target temperature value as the setpoint temperature 1606. The configuration 1610″ also displays the mode indicator 1630 to indicate that the selected temperature would require a temperature change.

In the illustrated example, the target temperature has been changed from 72 to 73 degrees, and the mode indicator 1630 displays a flame symbol to indicate that the selected temperature change would require a heating operation. Further clockwise rotation of the dial control 330 will cause the target temperature to be raised further. Counterclockwise rotation of the dial control 330 will cause the target temperature to be lowered, eventually returning the configuration 1610″ to the configuration 1610 when the original target temperature has been re-selected.

If the user stops turning the dial control 330 for a predetermined amount of time, the displayed setpoint temperature 1606 will be adopted as the new setpoint temperature for the associated IDU 120. In the illustrated example, the user has rotated the dial control 330 to change the setpoint temperature from 72 (e.g., shown in the configuration 700) to 73, and has then paused. Upon detecting that the user has paused interaction with the dial control 330, the new setpoint value (e.g., 73) can be adopted (e.g., transmitted to the associated IDU 120), and the configuration 700 can be modified to display the new setpoint temperature, as represented by a configuration 700′.

In the illustrated example, when the user rotates the dial control 330 counterclockwise, the touch-sensitive display 320 is updated to display a temperature change user interface configuration 1610 to show an updated target temperature. In the configuration 1610, the touch-sensitive display 320 displays a space name 1605 of the indoor space 220 that a user has selected to control. In the illustrated example, the environmental control system interface 300 is being used to reconfigure the settings of the indoor space 220 called “living room”. The touch-sensitive display 320 displays an operational mode indicator 1604 configured to indicate an operational mode of an associated IDU 120 (e.g., normal, power saving, “eco”). The touch-sensitive display 320 also displays a setpoint temperature 1606 of an associated IDU 120.

FIG. 16B is a schematic diagram depicting another example collection of user interface interactions 1601B and displays of the environmental control system interface 300. In general, the collection 1601B represents operations that can be performed by a user using the dial control 330 or by making other predefined gestures.

When a user first approaches or interacts with (e.g., touches, clicks) the environmental control system interface 300, the room user interface configuration 700 can be shown. In this example, an IDU 120 associated with the environmental control system interface 300 is set to a heating/cooling mode as indicated by a mode indicator 1630 showing a dual flame/snowflake symbol. In order to change the target temperature setting, the user can rotate the dial control 330 (represented by arrows 1602) or perform a predefined hand gesture (e.g., by extending a hand toward the environmental control system interface 300 and making rotating hand motion) or provide any other appropriate command (e.g., spoken commands, “colder”, “hotter).

In the illustrated example, when the user rotates the dial control 330, the touch-sensitive display 320 is updated to display a first temperature change user interface configuration 1610.1 to show a first updated target temperature. In the configuration 1610.1, the touch-sensitive display 320 displays a space name 1605 of the indoor space 220 that a user has selected to control. In the illustrated example, the environmental control system interface 300 is being used to reconfigure the settings of the indoor space 220 called “living room”. The touch-sensitive display 320 displays an operational mode indicator 1604 configured to indicate an operational mode of an associated IDU 120 (e.g., normal, power saving, “eco”). The touch-sensitive display 320 also displays a first setpoint temperature 1606.1 of an associated IDU 120 corresponding to a cooling operation, and a second setpoint temperature 1606.2 of the IDU 120 corresponding to a heating operation. The first 1601.1 and second 1606.2 setpoints correspond to an operational band that the current temperature of the indoor space 220 is allowed to fluctuate within.

If the user rotates the dial control 330 clockwise, the configuration 1610.1 is modified (represented as configuration 1610′.1) to show a first updated target temperature value as the first setpoint temperature 1606.1. In the illustrated example, the first target temperature has been changed from 73 to 74 degrees. Further clockwise rotation of the dial control 330 will cause the first target temperature to be raised further. Counterclockwise rotation of the dial control 330 will cause the first target temperature to be lowered, eventually returning the configuration 1610.1′ to the configuration 1610.1 when the original first target temperature has been re-selected. If the user stops turning the dial control 330 for a predetermined amount of time, the displayed first setpoint temperature 1606.1 will be adopted as the new first setpoint temperature for the associated IDU 120.

In the illustrated example, when the user taps on the touch-sensitive display 320, where the second setpoint temperature 1606.2 is displayed on the touch-sensitive display 320, the touch-sensitive display 320 is updated from the first temperature change user interface configuration 1610.1 to a second temperature change user interface configuration 1610.2 to show a second updated target temperature. In the configuration 1610.2, the touch-sensitive display 320 displays the space name 1605 of the indoor space 220 that a user has selected to control. In the illustrated example, the environmental control system interface 300 is being used to reconfigure the settings of the indoor space 220 called “living room”. The touch-sensitive display 320 displays the operational mode indicator 1604 configured to indicate the operational mode of the associated IDU 120 (e.g., normal, power saving, “eco”). The touch-sensitive display 320 also displays the first setpoint temperature 1606.1 of the associated IDU 120 corresponding to a cooling operation, and the second setpoint temperature 1606.2 of the IDU 120 corresponding to a heating operation.

If the user rotates the dial control 330 clockwise, the configuration 1610.2 is modified (represented as configuration 1610′0.2) to show a second updated target temperature value as the second setpoint temperature 1606.2. In the illustrated example, the second target temperature has been changed from 68 to 69 degrees. Further clockwise rotation of the dial control 330 will cause the second target temperature to be raised further. Counterclockwise rotation of the dial control 330 will cause the second target temperature to be lowered, eventually returning the configuration 1610.2′ to the configuration 1610.2 when the original second target temperature has been re-selected. If the user stops turning the dial control 330 for a predetermined amount of time, the displayed second setpoint temperature 1606.2 will be adopted as the new second setpoint temperature for the associated IDU 120.

FIG. 16C is a schematic diagram depicting another example collection of user interface interactions 1601C and displays of the environmental control system interface 300. In general, the collection 1601C represents operations that can be performed by a user to control heating and cooling in all predetermined collection of zones at once (e.g., to change the temperature setpoint of all IDUs 120 in the building 200).

FIG. 16C shows an example whole building user interface configuration 1600 of the environmental control system interface 300. The configuration 1600 is configured to provide a user with a way to control the operations of all IDUs 120 in a building at once (e.g., heating, cooling, fan, dehumidification) and put them in an idle or standby state. In some implementations, the configuration 1620 can be shown when the environmental control system interface 300 detects a predetermined user gesture or sequence of gestures, as will be discussed further in the descriptions of FIGS. 18 and 19.

In the configuration 1600, the touch-sensitive display 320 displays a space name 1606 of the building 200 that a user has selected to control. In the illustrated example, the environmental control system interface 300 is being used to reconfigure the settings of the building 200 called “our house”. A same temperature control 1615 is provided as a virtual button that the user can click on in order to configure all IDUs 120 in the building 200 to the same temperature. An energy mode control 1620 acts as a virtual button that a user can touch, click, or otherwise activate in order to change (e.g., toggle) all the associated IDUs 120 in the building 200 between an active mode (e.g., normal operation) or an energy-saving mode (e.g., a setback temperature).

When the user clicks the same temperature control 1615, the touch-sensitive display 320 changes to the temperature change user interface configuration 1610 in which the user can rotate the dial control 330 to select a new setpoint temperature for the whole building. If the user stops turning the dial control 330 for a predetermined amount of time, a confirmation user interface configuration 1650 is displayed to request confirmation from the user (using a confirm button 1660 or a cancel button 1670) that the whole building should be set to the new setpoint temperature. Upon confirmation that the new setpoint temperature should be adopted, the new setpoint temperature is transmitted to all IDUs 120 in the building 200, and the configuration 1600 is updated (represented at 1600′) to confirm that all the indoor spaces 220 have beet set to the new temperature.

FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram depicting another example “off” user interface configuration 1700 of the environmental control system interface 300. The configuration 1700 is configured to provide a user with a way to turn off the operations of all IDUs 120 (e.g., heating, cooling, fan, dehumidification) in the building 200 and put them all in an idle or standby state. In some implementations, the configuration 1700 can be shown when the environmental control system interface 300 detects a predetermined user gesture or sequence of gestures, as will be discussed further in the descriptions of FIGS. 18 and 19.

In the configuration 1700, the touch-sensitive display 320 displays a space name 1705 of the building 200 that a user has selected to control. In the illustrated example, the environmental control system interface 300 is being used to reconfigure the settings of the building 200 called “our house”. A power control 1710 is provided as a virtual button that the user can click on in order to configure all IDUs 120 in the building 200 to an idle or standby state.

FIG. 18 shows another example collection of user interface interactions 1800 and displays of the example environmental control system interface 300. In general, a user can gesture in order to navigate among the configurations 700, 800, 900, 1000, 1100, 1200, 1300.1 to 1300.C, 1400, 1600A, and 1600, for example, by swiping a finger up, down, left, or right across the touch-sensitive display 320, or by performing hand movements that can be sensed and identified by an image sensor or proximity sensor. In some implementations, the collection 1800 can be navigated by voice commands, a remote control (e.g., wireless joystick or control pad) or any other appropriate navigational method or apparatus.

In general, horizonal swipes cause the touch-sensitive display 320 to navigate among configurations that control different rooms or indoor spaces 220 or the whole building 200, and vertical swipes cause the touch-sensitive display 320 to navigate among configurations that provide various detailed controls for a selected room or indoor space 220. Rotational gestures are generally used to adjust variable values within a configuration, such as setpoint temperatures.

In the illustrated example, the touch-sensitive display 320 initially displays the example room user interface configuration 700. A swipe to the left on the configuration 700 can cause the whole building user interface configuration 1600 to be displayed. A swipe to the right on the configuration 700 can cause the alterative room user interface configuration 800 to be displayed. Additional swipes to the right can cause the alterative room user interface configurations 900, 1000, and 1100 to be displayed.

When any one of the configurations 700-1100 are displayed, an upward swipe on the selected configuration 700-1100 can cause the operational mode user interface configuration 1200 to be displayed for the indoor space 220 of the selected configuration 700-1100. Additional vertical swipes cause the touch-sensitive display 320 to cycle among the control user interface configurations 1300.1 to 1300.C, e.g., including the lighting control 1300A and fan direction control 1300B user configurations, and the “off” user interface configuration 1400 as well. Similarly, when any one of the configurations 700-1100 are displayed, an upward swipe on the selected configuration 700-1100 can cause the settings control user interface configuration 1500 to be displayed.

FIG. 19 is a flow chart of an example process 1900 that can be performed by an environmental control system interface. The process 1900 may be performed, for example, by (or by using) a system such as the heat pump system 10, the control system 102, and the user controls 150. For clarity of presentation, the description that follows uses the environmental control system interface 300 as an example for describing the process 1900. However, another system, or combination of systems, may be used to perform the process 1900.

At 1905, the user interface device 315 displays a primary room view showing at least one of a first target temperature value and a first measured temperature value.

At 1910, a determination is made. If a first gesture is received by the user interface device 315 while the primary room view is displayed, then at 1915, the primary room view is modified based on the modified first target temperature value. For example, the touch-sensitive display 320 can be updated to display various setpoint temperature values for the primary room as the user rotates the dial control 330.

At 1920, the first target temperature value is modified based on the received first user gesture. For example, the setpoint temperature for the IDU 120 of the primary room can be modified based on the value selected by the user and displayed on the touch-sensitive display 320.

At 1925, a communications transceiver 306 transmits the modified first target temperature value. For example, environmental control system interface 300.2 can transmit the new setpoint temperature to IDU 120.2.1, IDU 120.2.2, ODU 110.2, and/or the control system 102.

Returning to 1910, if no first user gesture is received, then at 1950, another determination is made. If a second user gesture, different from the first user gesture, is received by the user interface device 315 while the primary room view is displayed, then at 1955, the user interface device 315 displays a secondary room view showing at least one of a second target temperature value and a second measured temperature value. For example, the user can swipe horizontally across the touch-sensitive display 320 to cause the alternative room user interface configuration 800 to be displayed.

At 1970, another determination is made. If a third user gesture of the same type as the first user gesture and different from the second user gesture is received by the user interface device 315 while the secondary room view is displayed, then at 1975, the secondary room view is modified based on the modified second target temperature value. For example, the touch-sensitive display 320 can be updated to display various setpoint temperature values for the secondary room as the user rotates the dial control 330.

At 1980, the second target temperature value is modified based on the received third user gesture. For example, the setpoint temperature for the IDU 120 of the secondary room can be modified based on the value selected by the user and displayed on the touch-sensitive display 320.

At 1985, the communications transceiver 306 transmits the modified second target temperature value. For example, the environmental control system interface 300 can transmit the new setpoint temperature to IDU 120.1.1, IDU 120.2.3, ODU 110.1, and/or the control system 102.

In some implementations, the process 1900 can include requesting, based on the second user gesture, at least one of the second target temperature value and the second measured temperature value from a remote device, wherein the modified second target temperature value to the remote device. For example, environmental control system interface 300.1 can request the setpoint temperature of indoor space 220.2 from environmental control system interface 300.2, IDU 120.2.1, IDU 120.2.2, ODU 110.2, or the control system 102.

In some implementations, the process 1900 can include receiving, by the user interface device, a fourth user gesture, displaying, by the user interface device 315, a multi-room view showing at least one of a first selection option and a second selection option, receiving, by the user interface device, a fifth user gesture indicative of a user selection of the first selection option or the second selection option, modifying at least one of the first target temperature value and the second target temperature value based on at least one of determining that the fifth user gesture was indicative of the first selection option, and modifying the second target temperature value based on the first target temperature value, and determining that the fifth user gesture was indicative of the first selection option, and modifying the first target temperature value and the second target temperature value based on a predetermined temperature value. For example, the user can navigate to the whole building user interface configuration 1600 click to set all rooms to the selected setpoint temperature or put the entire system into a low-power (e.g., “eco”) mode.

In some implementations, the process 1900 can include receiving, by the user interface device 315, a fourth user gesture, displaying, by the user interface device 315, a mode control view showing one or more of a heat enable control, a cool enable control, a fan speed control, and a fan angle control, receiving, by the user interface device, a fifth user gesture indicative of a user interaction with the mode control view, and transmitting, to a remote device, one or more control commands based on the user interaction with the mode control view. For example, the user can navigate to the example operational mode user interface configuration 1200 and click the various controls to change the heat/cool operation and/or fan operation of an IDU 120.

In some implementations, the process 1900 can include: receiving, by the user interface device 315, a fourth user gesture, displaying, by the user interface device, a lighting control view showing one or more of a brightness control and a color control; receiving, by the user interface device 315, a fifth user gesture indicative of a user interaction with the lighting control view; and transmitting, to a remote device, one or more control commands based on the user interaction with the lighting control view. For example, the user can navigate to the lighting control user interface configuration 1300A and click the various controls to change the state, brightness, and/or color of one more lights of the heat pumps 100. As another example, the user can navigate to the fan direction control user interface configuration 1300B and click the various controls to change the direction of one or more fans of the heat pumps 100.

In some implementations, the process 1900 can include detecting a human presence in proximity to the user interface device 315, displaying, by the user interface device 315 and based on the detected human presence, a glance view, different from the primary room view, showing at least one of first target temperature value and a first measured temperature value, detecting an absence of a human in proximity to the user interface device 315, fading, by the user interface device 315 and based on the detected absence, the glance view to an idle view, different from the primary room view, the secondary room view, and the glance view, receiving, by the user interface device 315 while displaying the glance view or the idle view, a fourth user gesture, and displaying, by the user interface device 315, the primary room view based on the received fourth user gesture. For example, the touch-sensitive display 320 can be in the idle user interface configuration 600 when a user walks into a room. The environmental control system interface 300 can sense the user's presence, and “wake up” to display the default user interface configuration 500 (e.g., that the user can see at a distance). If the user leaves the room, the environmental control system interface 300 can sense that the room is empty and fade or turn off the touch-sensitive display 320 to show the idle user interface configuration 600 again. However, if the user reaches for or otherwise interacts with the environmental control system interface 300 while the default user interface configuration 500 is displayed, then the environmental control system interface 300 can cause the touch-sensitive display 320 to show the room user interface configuration 700.

SCOPE OF THE DISCLOSURE

This specification uses the term “configured” in connection with systems and computer program components. For a system of one or more computers to be configured to perform particular operations or actions means that the system has installed on it software, firmware, hardware, or a combination of them that in operation cause the system to perform the operations or actions. For one or more computer programs to be configured to perform particular operations or actions means that the one or more programs include instructions that, when executed by data processing apparatus, cause the apparatus to perform the operations or actions.

Embodiments of the subject matter and the functional operations described in this specification can be implemented in digital electronic circuitry, in tangibly embodied computer software or firmware, in computer hardware, including the structures disclosed in this specification and their structural equivalents, or in combinations of one or more of them. Embodiments of the subject matter described in this specification can be implemented as one or more computer programs, i.e., one or more modules of computer program instructions encoded on a tangible non transitory storage medium for execution by, or to control the operation of, data processing apparatus. The computer storage medium can be a machine-readable storage device, a machine-readable storage substrate, a random or serial access memory device, or a combination of one or more of them. Alternatively, or in addition, the program instructions can be encoded on an artificially generated propagated signal, e.g., a machine-generated electrical, optical, or electromagnetic signal that is generated to encode information for transmission to suitable receiver apparatus for execution by a data processing apparatus.

The term “data processing apparatus” refers to data processing hardware and encompasses all kinds of apparatus, devices, and machines for processing data, including by way of example a programmable processor, a computer, or multiple processors or computers. The apparatus can also be, or further include, special purpose logic circuitry, e.g., an FPGA (field programmable gate array) or an ASIC (application specific integrated circuit). The apparatus can optionally include, in addition to hardware, code that creates an execution environment for computer programs, e.g., code that constitutes processor firmware, a protocol stack, a database management system, an operating system, or a combination of one or more of them.

A computer program, which may also be referred to or described as a program, software, a software application, an app, a module, a software module, a script, or code, can be written in any form of programming language, including compiled or interpreted languages, or declarative or procedural languages; and it can be deployed in any form, including as a stand-alone program or as a module, component, subroutine, or other unit suitable for use in a computing environment. A program may, but need not, correspond to a file in a file system. A program can be stored in a portion of a file that holds other programs or data, e.g., one or more scripts stored in a markup language document, in a single file dedicated to the program in question, or in multiple coordinated files, e.g., files that store one or more modules, sub programs, or portions of code. A computer program can be deployed to be executed on one computer or on multiple computers that are located at one site or distributed across multiple sites and interconnected by a data communication network.

In this specification the term “engine” is used broadly to refer to a software-based system, subsystem, or process that is programmed to perform one or more specific functions. Generally, an engine will be implemented as one or more software modules or components, installed on one or more computers in one or more locations. In some cases, one or more computers will be dedicated to a particular engine; in other cases, multiple engines can be installed and running on the same computer or computers.

The processes and logic flows described in this specification can be performed by one or more programmable computers executing one or more computer programs to perform functions by operating on input data and generating output. The processes and logic flows can also be performed by special purpose logic circuitry, e.g., an FPGA or an ASIC, or by a combination of special purpose logic circuitry and one or more programmed computers.

Computers suitable for the execution of a computer program can be based on general or special purpose microprocessors or both, or any other kind of central processing unit. Generally, a central processing unit will receive instructions and data from a read only memory or a random-access memory or both. The essential elements of a computer are a central processing unit for performing or executing instructions and one or more memory devices for storing instructions and data. The central processing unit and the memory can be supplemented by, or incorporated in, special purpose logic circuitry. Generally, a computer will also include, or be operatively coupled to receive data from or transfer data to, or both, one or more mass storage devices for storing data, e.g., magnetic, magneto optical disks, or optical disks. However, a computer need not have such devices. Moreover, a computer can be embedded in another device, e.g., a mobile telephone, a personal digital assistant (“PDA”), a mobile audio or video player, a game console, a Global Positioning System (“GPS”) receiver, or a portable storage device, e.g., a universal serial bus (“USB”) flash drive, to name just a few.

Computer readable media suitable for storing computer program instructions and data include all forms of non-volatile memory, media, and memory devices, including by way of example semiconductor memory devices, e.g., EPROM, EEPROM, and flash memory devices; magnetic disks, e.g., internal hard disks or removable disks; magneto optical disks; and CD ROM and DVD-ROM disks.

To provide for interaction with a user, embodiments of the subject matter described in this specification can be implemented on a computer having a display device, e.g., a cathode ray tube (“CRT”) or liquid crystal display (“LCD”) monitor, for displaying information to the user and a keyboard and a pointing device, e.g., a mouse or a trackball, by which the user can provide input to the computer. Other kinds of devices can be used to provide for interaction with a user as well; for example, feedback provided to the user can be any form of sensory feedback, e.g., visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback; and input from the user can be received in any form, including acoustic, speech, or tactile input. In addition, a computer can interact with a user by sending documents to and receiving documents from a device that is used by the user; for example, by sending web pages to a web browser on a user's device in response to requests received from the web browser. Also, a computer can interact with a user by sending text messages or other forms of message to a personal device, e.g., a smartphone that is running a messaging application, and receiving responsive messages from the user in return.

Data processing apparatus for implementing machine learning models can also include, for example, special-purpose hardware accelerator units for processing common and compute-intensive parts of machine learning training or production, i.e., inference, workloads.

Machine learning models can be implemented and deployed using a machine learning framework, e.g., a TensorFlow framework.

Embodiments of the subject matter described in this specification can be implemented in a computing system that includes a back end component, e.g., as a data server, or that includes a middleware component, e.g., an application server, or that includes a front end component, e.g., a client computer having a graphical user interface, a web browser, or an app through which a user can interact with an implementation of the subject matter described in this specification, or any combination of one or more such back end, middleware, or front end components. The components of the system can be interconnected by any form or medium of digital data communication, e.g., a communication network. Examples of communication networks include a local area network (“LAN”) and a wide area network (“WAN”), e.g., the Internet.

The computing system can include clients and servers. A client and server are generally remote from each other and typically interact through a communication network. The relationship of client and server arises by virtue of computer programs running on the respective computers and having a client-server relationship to each other. In some embodiments, a server transmits data, e.g., an HTML page, to a user device, e.g., for purposes of displaying data to and receiving user input from a user interacting with the device, which acts as a client. Data generated at the user device, e.g., a result of the user interaction, can be received at the server from the device.

OTHER EMBODIMENTS

In addition to the embodiments of the attached claims and the embodiments described above, the following numbered embodiments are also innovative.

1. An environmental control system interface, comprising: a user interface device comprising: a display; and a user input apparatus; a communications transceiver; and an interface controller configured to: display, by the user interface device, a primary room view comprising at least one of a first target temperature value and a first measured temperature value; receive, by the user interface device while the primary room view is displayed, a first user gesture; modify the first target temperature value based on the received first user gesture; modify the primary room view based on the modified first target temperature value; transmit, by a communications transceiver, the modified first target temperature value; receive, by the user interface device, a second user gesture different from the first user gesture; display, by the user interface device, a secondary room view comprising at least one of a second target temperature value and a second measured temperature value; receive, by the user interface device while the secondary room view is displayed, a third user gesture, wherein the third user gesture is of the same type as the first user gesture and different from the second user gesture; modify the second target temperature value based on the received third user gesture; modify the secondary room view based on the modified second target temperature value; and transmit, by the communications transceiver, the modified second target temperature value.

2. The environmental control system interface of embodiment 1, wherein the display is a circular display.

3. The environmental control system interface of embodiment 1, wherein the display comprises the user input apparatus, and the user input apparatus comprises a touch-sensitive sensor array.

4. The environmental control system interface of embodiment 1, further comprising a circular housing, and the user input apparatus comprises a rotatable ring at least partly defining an outer periphery of the circular housing.

5. The environmental control system interface of embodiment 1, further comprising a circular housing, and the user input apparatus comprises a plurality of touch sensors arranged about at least a portion of an outer periphery of the circular housing.

6. The environmental control system interface of embodiment 1, wherein the user input apparatus comprises a switch configured to detect a force applied to the user input apparatus.

7. The environmental control system interface of embodiment 1, wherein the communications transceiver is communicatively coupled to a heat pump.

8. The environmental control system interface of embodiment 1, further comprising requesting, based on the second user gesture, at least one of the second target temperature value and the second measured temperature value from a remote device, wherein the modified second target temperature value to the remote device.

9. The environmental control system interface of embodiment 1, further comprising: receiving, by the user interface, a fourth user gesture; displaying, by the user interface device, a multi-room view comprising at least one of a first selection option and a second selection option; receiving, by the user interface, a fifth user gesture indicative of a user selection of the first selection option or the second selection option; and modifying at least one of the first target temperature value and the second target temperature value based on at least one of: determining that the fifth user gesture was indicative of the first selection option, and modifying the second target temperature value based on the first target temperature value; and determining that the fifth user gesture was indicative of the first selection option, and modifying the first target temperature value and the second target temperature value based on a predetermined temperature value.

10. The environmental control system interface of embodiment 1, further comprising: receiving, by the user interface, a fourth user gesture; displaying, by the user interface device, a mode control view comprising one or more of a heat enable control, a cool enable control, a fan speed control, and a fan angle control; receiving, by the user interface, a fifth user gesture indicative of a user interaction with the mode control view; and transmitting, to a remote device, one or more control commands based on the user interaction with the mode control view.

11. The environmental control system interface of embodiment 1, further comprising: receiving, by the user interface, a fourth user gesture; displaying, by the user interface device, a lighting control view comprising one or more of a brightness control and a color control; receiving, by the user interface, a fifth user gesture indicative of a user interaction with the lighting control view; and transmitting, to a remote device, one or more control commands based on the user interaction with the lighting control view.

12. The environmental control system interface of embodiment 1, further comprising: detecting a human presence in proximity to the user interface; displaying, by the user interface and based on the detected human presence, a glance view, different from the primary room view, comprising at least one of first target temperature value and a first measured temperature value; detecting an absence of a human in proximity to the user interface; fading, by the user interface and based on the detected absence, the glance view to an idle view, different from the primary room view, the secondary room view, and the glance view; receiving, by the user interface while displaying the glance view or the idle view, a fourth user gesture; and displaying, by the user interface, the primary room view based on the received fourth user gesture.

13. A computer-implemented method of configuring an environmental control system, the method comprising: displaying, by a user interface device, a primary room view comprising at least one of a first target temperature value and a first measured temperature value; receiving, by the user interface device while the primary room view is displayed, a first user gesture; modifying the first target temperature value based on the received first user gesture; modifying the primary room view based on the modified first target temperature value; transmitting, by a communications transceiver, the modified first target temperature value; receiving, by the user interface device, a second user gesture different from the first user gesture; displaying, by the user interface device, a secondary room view comprising at least one of a second target temperature value and a second measured temperature value; receiving, by the user interface device while the secondary room view is displayed, a third user gesture, wherein the third user gesture is of the same type as the first user gesture and different from the second user gesture; modifying the second target temperature value based on the received third user gesture; modifying the secondary room view based on the modified second target temperature value; and transmitting, by a communications transceiver, the modified second target temperature value.

14. The computer-implemented method of embodiment 13, further comprising requesting, based on the second user gesture, at least one of the second target temperature value and the second measured temperature value from a remote device, wherein the modified second target temperature value to the remote device.

15. The computer-implemented method of embodiment 13, further comprising: receiving, by the user interface device, a fourth user gesture; displaying, by the user interface device, a multi-room view comprising at least one of a first selection option and a second selection option; receiving, by the user interface device, a fifth user gesture indicative of a user selection of the first selection option or the second selection option; and modifying at least one of the first target temperature value and the second target temperature value based on at least one of: determining that the fifth user gesture was indicative of the first selection option, and modifying the second target temperature value based on the first target temperature value; and determining that the fifth user gesture was indicative of the first selection option, and modifying the first target temperature value and the second target temperature value based on a predetermined temperature value.

16. The computer-implemented method of embodiment 13, further comprising: receiving, by the user interface device, a fourth user gesture; displaying, by the user interface device, a mode control view comprising one or more of a heat enable control, a cool enable control, a fan speed control, and a fan angle control; receiving, by the user interface device, a fifth user gesture indicative of a user interaction with the mode control view; and transmitting, to a remote device, one or more control commands based on the user interaction with the mode control view.

17. The computer-implemented method of embodiment 13, further comprising: receiving, by the user interface device, a fourth user gesture; displaying, by the user interface device, a lighting control view comprising one or more of a brightness control and a color control; receiving, by the user interface device, a fifth user gesture indicative of a user interaction with the lighting control view; and transmitting, to a remote device, one or more control commands based on the user interaction with the lighting control view.

18. The computer-implemented method of embodiment 13, further comprising: detecting a human presence in proximity to the user interface; displaying, by the user interface and based on the detected human presence, a glance view, different from the primary room view, comprising at least one of first target temperature value and a first measured temperature value; detecting an absence of a human in proximity to the user interface; fading, by the user interface and based on the detected absence, the glance view to an idle view, different from the primary room view, the secondary room view, and the glance view; receiving, by the user interface while displaying the glance view or the idle view, a fourth user gesture; and displaying, by the user interface, the primary room view based on the received fourth user gesture.

19. An environmental control system interface, comprising: means for configuring at least one of heating and cooling, and comprising a user interface configured to communicate with and configure at least one of (i) one or more means for performing at least one of heating and cooling, and (ii) one or more other means for configuring at least one of heating and cooling.

20. The environmental control system interface of embodiment 19, wherein the user interface is further configured to: display a primary room view comprising at least one of a first target temperature value and a first measured temperature value; receive, while the primary room view is displayed, a first user gesture; modify the first target temperature value based on the received first user gesture; modify the primary room view based on the modified first target temperature value; transmit the modified first target temperature value; receive a second user gesture different from the first user gesture; display a secondary room view comprising at least one of a second target temperature value and a second measured temperature value; receive, while the secondary room view is displayed, a third user gesture, wherein the third user gesture is of the same type as the first user gesture and different from the second user gesture; modify the second target temperature value based on the received third user gesture; modify the secondary room view based on the modified second target temperature value; and transmit the modified second target temperature value.

21. An environmental control system, comprising: a user interface device configured to: receive a user input; determine a state of a system associate with the user interface device; determine a user selection, from a plurality of actions associated with the system, a particular action associated with a state of the system; and initiate an action of the system based on the particular action.

While this specification contains many specific implementation details, these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of any invention or on the scope of what may be claimed, but rather as descriptions of features that may be specific to particular embodiments of particular inventions. Certain features that are described in this specification in the context of separate embodiments can also be implemented in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features that are described in the context of a single embodiment can also be implemented in multiple embodiments separately or in any suitable subcombination. Moreover, although features may be described above as acting in certain combinations and even initially be claimed as such, one or more features from a claimed combination can in some cases be excised from the combination, and the claimed combination may be directed to a subcombination or variation of a subcombination.

Similarly, while operations are depicted in the drawings and recited in the claims in a particular order, this should not be understood as requiring that such operations be performed in the particular order shown or in sequential order, or that all illustrated operations be performed, to achieve desirable results. In certain circumstances, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Moreover, the separation of various system modules and components in the embodiments described above should not be understood as requiring such separation in all embodiments, and it should be understood that the described program components and systems can generally be integrated together in a single software product or packaged into multiple software products.

Particular embodiments of the subject matter have been described. Other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims. For example, the actions recited in the claims can be performed in a different order and still achieve desirable results. As one example, the processes depicted in the accompanying figures do not necessarily require the particular order shown, or sequential order, to achieve desirable results. In some cases, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous.