WO2006013349A2

WO2006013349A2 - A timing control device

Info

Publication number: WO2006013349A2
Application number: PCT/GB2005/003024
Authority: WO
Inventors: David Griffth
Original assignee: David Griffth
Priority date: 2004-08-06
Filing date: 2005-08-02
Publication date: 2006-02-09
Also published as: WO2006013349A3

Abstract

The invention is a timing control device particularly a timing control device implemented as a central heating control unit. The device enables the timing of operations such as switching on or off the central heating from a conventional (12) key numeric keypad.

Description

A Timing Control Device

Technical Field

The present application relates to a device for timed control of an operation. In particular it relates to a device for use in controlling the time at which a central heating or hot water system turns on and off, however the invention is not limited to this embodiment and could be extended to any device which is required to begin and end operation at times predefined by the user, for instance an irrigation system, an air conditioning system, a lighting system, an alarm testing system, CCTV, a video recording system or a clock radio.

Prior Art

Other timing systems are disclosed in EP 1 400 892 which describes an information processing device such as a mobile phone or PDA comprises: input controlling means for receiving an input; numerical value deciding means for deciding whether an inputted numerical value can be identified as a time based on the number of digits of the inputted numerical value and a value of each digit of the inputted numerical value and for identifying the numerical value as a scheduled time in the case where the numerical value is identifiable as a time; timer means for acquiring the current time; comparator means for shifting the scheduled time to the same time next day if the scheduled time has already passed, and schedule management means for registering the scheduled time and a predetermined schedule content as a schedule. The device allows a user quickly and easily to enter a time in a schedule. US2002/0077143 describes a system for Internet appliance data entry and navigation includes a reduced keyset remote control unit transmitting a user input keystroke sequence. An Internet appliance receives and parses the keystroke sequence, placing the parsed data into an input buffer. A browser of the Internet appliance accesses user interface display screens from remote storage via a communications network. The buffer contents define a window within an accessed display screen. The Internet appliance converts the composite display screen for output to a standard television receiver. A user makes option choices and navigates the user interface display screens by activating hyperlinks within the accessed display screens. A standard telephone keypad arrangement is used to create the reduced keyset keystroke sequence, permitting use of a standard or wireless telephone and a hand-held remote control unit for system input and control. An alternative embodiment permits voice input of text, numbers, special symbols, and shortcuts in many languages.

A timing control device for both the heating and hot water supply. The purpose of this device is to provide a reliable collection of means through which almost anyone can implement the required daily program times, and be able to do so even while having little or no expertise with such devices. This is seldom the case with many existing control units as they frequently require a good technical understanding of how the actual device works to achieve the aim, and due to the fact that the few buttons present may also be used for more than one operation, which can hinder the unwary.

Summary of the invention

Accordingly the present invention seeks to alleviate the technical problems presented by the prior art by the provision of a timing control device according to claim 1 and a method of controlling the timing of an operation according to claim 24.

The device is equipped with function keys, a numerical keypad, an L.C.D. display, system LE.D.'s, and an internal microprocessor-based controller to input, display, and execute the program selections chosen by a user of the system. The core system works by taking in a complete numerical representation of the day, program session, and program times in a single sequence thus avoiding the use of multi-modal buttons. The outcome of the approach used by this system design enables the user to firmly put the focus much more on the requirement, rather than the struggle with the device to achieve the aim.

The menu system also has its own distinctive group of coded sequences, and a user guidance 'walk-through' mode, to represent additional means to set the system. The numerical sequence can also be presented to the system by any of the defined options or other unspecified methods, the effect on the system ultimately being the same in all cases.

The following tables illustrate how the required numeήcal sequence should be formulated and presented to the system.

The days of the week are counted in a sequence started by using a 1 for Monday and ending on a 7 for Sunday with the first digit, and then using a 1 for the first program session and a 2 for the second program session with the second digit. In the example now given adding these two digits together, the selections for first Monday Session would be entered as H, while the selections for second Monday Session would be entered as 12.

The selection hour and minute times are entered by using a full set of four digits for each of the start and end hour settings. The values for all the given digits make up the total composition of the required numerical input sequence used for standard s operations, hence when utilising the time examples in the table above, and combining these with the prior given day and program digits, the following conditions arise:

Monday, Program Session 1, 06:30 to 09:05 converts to: 1106300905 Monday, Program Session 2, 17:15 to 22:30 converts to: 1217152230

1.1. 24-Hour Clock Input Selection

0

1.2. 12-Hour Clock Input Selection

Continued

Notes:

1. The default system clock mode is set to 24-hour operation, but this can be altered by the user within the system main menu, (see page 5). In the 12-hour mode, the leading hour zero is not necessary and can be omitted on input, but the system will recognise this and resolve the number string length back to ten digits. The system also recognises that the hours composed of lesser numbers actually represent afternoon time settings when they pass through the mid-day time boundary, or those too that are also present in the second program session times.

2. The system does also allow a single program session to be used within the entire day too. This is achieved by the user declining to set a second program session when prompted to do so by the system. The system will ask the user to set the first program session and then proceed to ask to set the second program session, but only if the first program session selection is chosen at the onset.

3. The program session times given in the tables are just a set of random samples chosen to demonstrate normal working operations. All other allowable times also follow the same pattern. 2. System Type - Knowledge in the World

The actual system operation is largely self-explanatory and could thus therefore be regarded as a 'knowledge in the world' type system. Although this may not be true in the strictest sense of the meaning, the system is both intuitive and flexible enough to be learned easily.

The system is also designed to accommodate users with different levels of capability and has input modes of operation that. support the novice, intermediate, and expert user alike. The numerical sequences for each user type, as defined in the table below, shows how this can be achieved by using the integral system keypad to present the alternatives.

Note: The intermediate and expert modes both allow the direct use of a third session, but the novice mode can only do so by changing the safety format value, (see page 5).

Brief description of the drawings

Figure 1 is the outer view of the device, comprising of those parts that are visible. Key:

1. Liquid Crystal Display (L.C.D.)

2. Keypad Cover Panel, (will swing open on a right-sided vertical hinge)

3. System Light Emitting Diode (L.E.D.)

4. Outer Case Cover, (composed of hardened plastic materials) 5. Enter Key

6. Clear Key

7. Hot Water Key (H.W.)

8. Function Light Emitting Diode (L.E.D.)

9. Menu Key (Outer) 10. Menu Key (Inner)

11. Central Heating Key (CH.)

12. Function Light Emitting Diode (L.E.D.)

Figure 2 is an inner view of the device, comprising of those parts that are not immediately visible.

Key:

13. Speaker

14. Numerical Keypad, (visible behind the cover panel only)

15. Compact Flash/Secure Digital Slot (CF/SD)

16. Input/Output Options (I/O) 17. Printed Circuit Board, (c/w additional discreet components)

18. Microphone

Figure 3 is a sample system menu screen shot.

Figure 4 is a sample system menu screen shot.

Figure 5 is a sample system menu screen shot.

Figure 6 is a sample system menu screen shot.

Figure 7 is a sample system menu screen shot.

Figure 8 is a sample system menu screen shot.

Figure 9 is a sample system menu screen shot.

Figure 10 is a sample system menu screen shot.

Notes:

1. The outer dimensions of the device are approx. 135mm x88mm x33mm (Wx H x D).

2. All major internal components are mounted on the printed circuit board. This board also contains the supportive and passive components necessary to enable the device to function as intended.

3. The menu function options, (Figs. 5, & 6), would need to scroll vertically through the display to be viewed if the main number segments are fixed at a larger height, as the menu function options could then only begin on the line below this. As an alternative, the menu function options could also be split across the screen to enable them all to be present, thus allowing the user to cycle among them.

3. System Functions

These tables show how the display, system keys, heating controls, menu system, and error functions are organised. The system displays the day and the on/off times of the new program for a short period once set, provides both audible and visual feedback, and shows the current time and indicates the presence of an active program session, (see Fig. 3). The system will not allow an invalid option or accept the input of a prohibited program sequence. The system will also prompt the user to set the time and date on first use, or immediately after a full reset, and the multiple-language version will prompt to set the local language too.

All changes to the state of the system are relayed back to the display for a period of up to fifteen seconds if they are non-critical. During the user input of each digit in the numerical sequence, the system will also live real-time echo the actual day, program session and time settings. This will allow the user to visually verify the current selection, and provide an instant opportunity to correct an error if entered, (see Fig. 4). The system will also wait until a required response is acknowledged by the user, and all of the digits present at that time will remain on the display until the input sequence is completed, cleared or corrected.

3.1. Display Functions

3.2. System/Keypad Functions

3.3. Menu Functions:

All other system functions, not used directly to program the device, are grouped together under a single menu structure. The menu system is organised as a collective s hierarchy of functions at one level, each with their own separate values at another level, (see Figs. 5, & 6). The use of this system type will also facilitate room for further expansion, with the capability to add other menu options at a later time by way of system program updates. The system will go into this menu when the outer main menu key is pressed in any direction. 0

Notes:

1. The outer main menu key can pivot on an axis for a total of four actions, s up/down/left/right. A menu function is selected by pressing the key in either the up or down direction moving through to the desired function. The selected function will then move among the values present by pressing the key in either the left or right direction, (see Fig. 5). The system will then accept all of the changes completed by the user and close with a single press of the enter key. The system clock settings and water o settings are set by pressing the enter key while on the desired function to step into a lower menu, and then setting the values in the same manner as above, (see Fig. 6) 2. The safety format set to off effectively removes the 'system brake' and allows the direct use of three program sessions in a single day for the novice mode of operation. The system choices for the program digit are then enlarged to three settings, P1 , P2, and P3 to facilitate the additional program session. This functionality has been integrated in recognition of the fact that some people may be employed using shift work patterns and would therefore require this additional flexibility within the system.

3. The safety format set to off also allows the existing program sessions to be overwritten when the system uses the location copy features.

4. The quick format changes the behaviour of the Central Heating Override and Hot Water Override keys, and turning the quick format off will stop the quick override function successive action, (see below). The heating or hot water now activate for a single hour override with the first key press, and then turn this off with another press off the key. In this mode, the system will also suspend an active program with a single press of either function key, and then allow the function to resume again using the program times originally set. The other function will continue to work unchanged.

5. The actions with an underline present are the ones that the cursor will default to, unless overridden by a new user navigation and selection with the menu key.

6. A single press of the clear key will move the system out of the menu function mode and back to the normal display screen.

3.4. Central Heating and Hot Water Functions

These operations are designed to invoke an immediate action to turn on, or turn off, either the central heating or hot water supply. The keys have a multiple action that will follow the quick format setting that is present in the menu, and the default setting is defined below.

Note:

The quick set or clear function will also cancel any program either waiting or active in the same period, but the program will revert to the original settings on the next cycle. This is an independent action, so the CH. and H.W. will need to be set separately if required. 3.5. System Checks

The system will automatically recognise the user input mode depending on the state of the first set of digits presented. The system must therefore invoke the necessary integral system program rules to validate both the composition and the remainder of the numerical sequence as it is being offered by the user. This will help to prevent the input of codes and sequences that are not desired by rejecting those that do not comply with the requirements.

The table below illustrates the checks that are made by the system, with this particular example predominantly reflecting the novice input mode of operation.

4. Failsafe Operations

These defined options allow the device to be conditioned into certain operational states by accepting alternative numerical sequences directly from the integral keypad, rather than making use of the standard menu input methods provided.

4.1 Default Menu Programs

This set of operations is designed to help a user to set the menu options by making use of these coded sequences. This will assist those who are unable to set these options using the menu system provided. The table below shows the format required for this operation.

4

- 16 -

Example

The code to set the central heating to auto would be: **11 The use of this coded sequence followed by the enter key will activate the selected program.

4.2. Default Timer Programs

This code sequence is used to force the device to operate using a pre-defined set of program selections. The main purpose of this exercise is to provide emergency heating to a distressed user who is unable to make the unit work, although it is also quite conceivable that some might prefer this method as a standard mode of operation.

The defined programs should be composed of those days and times having been established by survey as being the mean amongst domestic households. There could also be more than one selection available depending on the household operation, current season, or the severity of the weather. The table below shows the format required for this operation.

Example

The code to select the default Program 1 , would be: ##01 The use of this coded sequence followed by the enter key will activate the selected program. 5. User Guidance Operations

In recognition of the fact that some people may find it difficult to work with any kind of numbers at all, this alternative menu can also provide a series of on-screen guidance prompts, with all of the available options present on the screen for each of the required settings, (see Figs. 7, 8, 9, & 10). This will effectively help to guide a novice user through the selections to program the unit as desired. The on-screen prompts set underlying numerical sequences in the background without the user actually knowing that this has taken place.

A complete set of choices for each selection is produced and presented to the user, The user has to first press the inner menu key to go into this mode, and then navigate the system choices provided by moving the outer menu key left/right or up/down to the desired choice, and then press the enter key to invoke the selection, or use the clear key to go back a step.

5.1. Set Mode

Continued

Note:

This mode is effectively a large program loop that is used to set the programs and modify any of the existing settings. The programme will continue to run for as long as all of the available settings and days of the week are being set by the user.

5.2. Display Mode

Note: This mode is used to perform a visual check of the programs and settings that have been previously set by the user. Corrections can only be made by leaving this mode and entering the set mode, as defined above in the previous tables.

Additional Notes

1. This mode of operation is achieved by the utilisation of a collection of look-up type conversion tables, to transform the set of on-screen selections chosen by the user into their corresponding numerals and respective digit locations. A typical example of this is when the system shows all the days of the week and then asks which program session is required, the user choosing Sunday then the first session would be equal to setting numerals 7+1, this being equal to number string 71 as set by the system.

2. The selections completed using the set mode input technique will present the same actual ten digit numerical sequence for the program selections as previously defined, along with the separate default system codes necessary to set both the central heating and hot water modes, (i.e. 7106450900 + **11 + ^21) - as given earlier in the previous examples, (seepages 2, & 8) 3. Once the first program session start and end times have been entered by the user, the system will also prompt the user to set the second program session to avoid having to go through the full sequence of events again from the very beginning another time. This option only appears if the first program session is selected and the user will be prompted to add an additional set of times for the second program session, and the system program sequence will then continue as normal. When this completed action occurs, the system is presented with a separate full code sequence for each program session. The system also includes the third program session for this reasoning if the main menu safety format mode option has been disabled, and once again setting the second program session prompts the user to set the third.

4. In the case of the selection minutes, the choices will be restricted to showing only the settings for 00, 15, 30, and 45 minutes. This is a necessary restriction to avoid too much clutter being present on the screen with the many extra interim numbers.

5. The copy all function will also present the new selections to the remaining day locations, but will only do so from the present location to the end of the week, (i.e. if the copy all function is set on a Wednesday - the Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday locations would also inherit the same settings, while Monday and Tuesday would remain as they were). This function also follows the menu safety format behaviour setting and will not overwrite any existing program sessions if the safety format value is set to on, (see pages 5, & 6). The single copy function will only copy the program settings already present from the previous day.

6. The system will only allow the use of the outer menu key, the enter key, and the clear key during this set of operations. The clear key will take the user back to the previous step with a single press, and then out of the menu system altogether with a second press of the key. 7. The values present in the menu system with an underline present are the ones that the cursor will default to on each option, unless the user chooses to navigate and select another value. The system will also present the third program session selection options, (displayed as P3), if the menu safety function has been disabled by the user.

8. The multiple-language version of the system will present all messages, display functions, menu options, and show the system prompting in the chosen local language set by the user at the point of initialisation; however the default language for the system is shipped as International English. The package contents will also include a user manual with sections for each of the major different languages, and also a full set of dedicated language decals to change the instruction label for the keypad cover panel and the main logo.

6. Preferred embodiment (See Figs. 1 , & 2 for layout)

This control unit should have a wiring configuration to make it directly replaceable with existing units, and be of a size to make it compatible with existing mounting brackets. The unit will contain a printed circuit board with a microprocessor and the necessary support and control elements to execute the commands and switch live mains voltage circuits. The unit should also have a replaceable Lithium-ion battery to retain all settings in the absence of mains power for a minimum period of 24 hours. 12 Key numerical pad, hidden behind a small hinged pull-out panel. Standard layout - (0 to 9) Keys, (*) and (#) Keys. The (*) Key should also have a red (-) symbol present.

4 Keys for Menu (x2), Enter, and Clear. The Main Menu Key has a 4-way push pivot action, and there is also a small key at the centre. The Enter key is singular action. The Clear Key removes the last digit input with a single press, then removes all remaining digits with a second press, and will also exit the menu or reset an error.

2 Keys for Central Heating and Hot Water Override, each with an integrated Red L. E. D. to indicate the operational state of the function.

A multi-function Liquid Crystal Display (L C. D.), capable of displaying a full numerical sequence set, and an array of smaller characters, words and legends.

A single tri-colour Light Emitting Diode (L.E.D.) to provide visual system feedback to the user, (Red/Yellow/Green).

Integral speaker and microphone components, with perforations present through to the device outer casing to enable them to be accessible to the user

An external facing memory card slot, either Compact Flash (CF) or Secure Digital

(SD) or both, to store settings or transfer programs/alterations to the unit

Built-in validation checks for each digit and logic is used to automatically reject or override conflicting times. Confirmation will also be required when deleting existing programs or re-setting the device back to its factory state

The values from any program sessions set by the user will automatically replicate to the remaining days that have no other program sessions present from that point on. With the menu safety format set to off, all remaining day program sessions to the end of the week will be overwritten when the replication occurs

The system can also be set for either pumped or gravity fed hot water operation. The default value is pumped, but this can only be set once after a full system reset

7. Defined Options

Option 1 - advanced program functions, such as forward day and month calendar programming, achieved by adding additional digit pre-fixes. This would be encoded on a personal computer using a custom application, with the program data being written to the local Compact Flash (CF)/Secure Digital (SD) card. This can then be transferred to the device card slot, and then ultimately used to update the system

Option 2 - use voice tags to recall pre-set programs, or provide full speech recognition support to program the device by using a set of leamable commands, and/or use synthesised voice feedback for selection program verification

Option 3 - split the unit into a base unit/remote separate configuration. The base unit would only have CH. and H.W. override keys and Infra Red (IR) receivers present, while the remote control handset component becomes free to roam

Option 4 - add a computer interface I/O (Input, Output). Choose from any of Internet Browser (Network), Universal Serial Bus (USB) or Firewire interfaces. Publish the accepted data input formats, the full specifications and all supported functions

Option 5 - consider using a Barcode Chart selection scheme and a suitable Barcode Wand to input data directly to the unit

Option 6 - consider using an L. E. D. or Fluorescent display to represent the numbers. These displays may look 'old-fashioned' but they have the advantage of being visible at a much greater distance, and in the dark too

Claims

1. A timing control device to control a program session using a numerical representation of: the day, program session, and program times as a basis of interpretation in the form of a singular code having at least five digits whereby, two digits are used to represent the day and the program session and other digits in sequence represent the start and end of the program times.

2. A timing control device according to claim 1 wherein the singular code has ten digits.

3. A timing control device according to claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the first two digits represent the day and the program.

4. A timing control device according to any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the singular code uses the hash and asterisk key to represent one of the 11^th and 12^th hours.

5. A timing control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein the hash or asterisk key provides an access code.

6. A timing control device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the code includes an additional two digits to represent a week of the year.

7. A timing control device according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the device has an integrated menu-driven user guidance mode to provide assistance.

8. A timing control device according to claim 7 wherein the assistance is in the form of on screen scripted prompts.

9. A timing control device according to any one of the preceding claims having a numerical keypad and a display screen.

10. A timing control device according to claim 9 having a microprocessor based controller.

11. A timing control device according to any one of the preceding claims having voice command support to interpret voice commands.

12. A timing control device according to any one of the preceding claims having barcode support to interpret standard barcodes.

13. A timing control device according to any one of the preceding claims capable of being set by external means.

14. A timing control device according to claim 13 wherein said external means comprises a computer interface.

15. A timing control device according to claim 13 wherein said external means comprise a telephone keypad.

16. A timing control device according to any one of the.preceding.claims wherein the timing control device is one of (i) a central heating control unit

(ii) a space heater control unit, or (iii) a hot water system control unit.

17. A timing control device according to any one of claims 1 to 15 for use in an irrigation system.

18. A timing control device according to any one of claims 1 to 15 for use in a lighting system.

19. A timing control device according to any one of claims 1 to 15 for use in an alarm system.

20. A timing control device according to any one of claims 1 to 15 for use in an air conditioning system.

21. A timing control device according to any one of claims 1 to 15 for use in a video recorder.

22. A timing control device according to any one of claims 1 to 15 for use in a closed circuit television system.

23. A timing control device according to any one of claims 1 to 15 for use in a clock radio.

24. A method of controlling the timing of an operation comprising entering a numerical representation of a day of the week, entering a numerical representation of a program session, entering a numerical representation of the time at which the operation is to begin and entering a numerical representation of a time at which the operation is to end and; using the numerically entered data to control the timing of an operation.