subject: New technology about digital thermostat [print this page] New technology about digital thermostat New technology about digital thermostat
A microcomputer controlled digital thermostat has a two-digit display which normally displays room temperature and a plurality of function and temperature keys for storing control information in the microcomputer. The function keys include a TIME SET key, a HEAT SET key, an AC SET key, and an AC OFF key. The temperature keys include keys for each of a plurality of temperature ranges such as 59-59 F., 60-69 F., and 80-89 F. Time and temperature settings are entered and stored in registers of the microcomputer by a slew entry arrangement through use of the function keys and temperature keys, together with the display. Recall of the stored settings is provided by rapidly contacting the function keys.
digital computer means responsive to the time set key means, the heat set key means, the temperature key means, and the temperature sensing means for controlling the display means and providing the control signals; the digital computer means including a time-of-day register for storing a time-of-day value and a plurality of heat registers each for storing a time value and an associated control temperature value; the digital computer means causing the display means to display a sequence of time-of-day values in response to actuation of the time set key means for greater than a predetermined period and storing in the time-of-day register the displayed time-of-day value when the time set key means switches from the actuated to the non-actuated state; the digital computer means causing the display means to display a sequence of time values in response to actuation of the heat set key means for greater than a predetermined period and storing in one of the heat registers the displayed time value when the heat set key means switches from the actuated to the non-actuated state; the digital computer means causing the display means to display a sequence of control temperature values in response to actuation of the temperature key means for greater than a predetermined period and storing in one of the heat registers the displayed control temperature value when the temperature key means switches from the actuated to the non-actuated state.
