Abstract:
The invention provides for a controller such as a thermostat for an HVAC system comprising a housing having a circuit board and a display screen, the display screen having at least one alpha-numeric icon and a group of touch pads comprising at least two displayable touch pads. A microprocessor is provided for controlling the display screen. A sole mechanical button or switch is mounted in the housing and the button has a first end and second end and a touch surface extending between the first end and second end. The sole mechanical button signals the microprocessor in order to adjust the alpha-numeric icon(s), so that the combination of inputs received by the microprocessor from the group of touch pads and sole mechanical button provide for each and every adjustment required for all of the operational functions of the controller. The mechanical button may be a rocker switch. The controller may also include a navigation button.

Description:
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    The present invention is a continuation of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/982,959 filed on Dec. 31, 2010, to which this application claims priority. 
     
    
       [0002]    The present invention pertains to a switch for a multi-function control and in particular a rocker switch used for a thermostat in order to control multiple functions of a HVAC system and controlled by the thermostat. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    Thermostats typically have multiple functions that require user input, such as setting time of day, day of week, programming temperature set points or programming user settings. 
         [0004]    Control panels typically include an assortment of buttons for operating the thermostat and adjusting the settings. Adjustment of the settings using the assortment of buttons can often times be confusing to the user and require detailed review of user manuals and instruction guides in order to properly operate the thermostat and adjust the settings to the user&#39;s liking. 
         [0005]    In some cases a liquid crystal display (LCD) may be provided that includes touch pads populated on the display screen. The touch pad may include numerals, word phrases or graphics (collectively, “icons”) that appear on the display screen. By touching the appropriate icon, the user can make adjustments to the functioning of the thermostat and activate specific modes of operation or make setting adjustments. Some display screens include so many icons that is difficult for the user to find the appropriate icon. Also when multiple icons are displayed on a screen so that the maximum number of functions may be identified via the icons on the single screen, the size of each individual icon may tend be small. Due to the small size of the icon buttons displayed on the screen and the over-population of the display screen with multiple icon buttons, it can be very difficult for a user to operate such a thermostat. 
         [0006]    Some thermostats are known to have mechanical buttons or switches (“hard buttons”). Such hard buttons are commonly used in combination with touch pads (“soft buttons”) on a LCD. For example, thermostats are known that have an “UP” button pad and a “DOWN” button pad disposed within two apertures formed in the face of a housing, and being the only hard buttons provided by the thermostat. Such buttons have a flexible arm interconnecting each of the buttons. The arm is mounted behind the housing and cannot be touched or viewed by a user when the thermostat housing is assembled. The flexible arm provides for movement of the two button pads. Some thermostats have multiple hard buttons on different portions of the thermostat housing. The use of the hard buttons can be confusing to a user when there are multiple buttons populating the thermostat housing. Further, when the thermostat includes multiple hard buttons and multiple touch pads on a display screen the interaction and combination of usage of such hard buttons and soft buttons can be confusing to a user. In such cases the proper combination of when to use the hard button in combination with the soft button and the proper coordination and sequencing of the use of the hard and soft buttons can raise the level of complexity for a user beyond that which is comprehendible and such complexity may prevent the proper programming or operation of the thermostat. The present invention overcomes many of the above mentioned disadvantages of previously known thermostats. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0007]    A thermostat is provided that includes a microprocessor for controlling a HVAC system using multiple modes of operation comprising a housing for enclosing a circuit board and encasing a display screen. A rocker switch is mounted in the housing adjacent to the display screen. The rocker switch may include a bar having a first end and a second end, so that the bar may rock between a first position where the first end is depressed and second position where the second end is depressed. The thermostat further comprises a first receptor mounted on the circuit board adjacent the first end and a second receptor mounted on the circuit board adjacent the second end. The first and second receptors may signal the microprocessor in order to adjust a first and second alpha-numeric icon represented on the display screen during at least a first and second mode of operation of the thermostat. During the first mode of operation moving the rocker switch to the first or second position will cause an adjustment of the first icon in relation to the first mode of operation. During the second mode of operation, moving the rocker switch to the first or second position will cause an adjustment of the first or second icon in relation to the second mode of operation. 
         [0008]    In an embodiment, the first mode of operation comprises one of adjusting the temperature setting, time of day setting, day of week setting, programming set point time, installer setting configuration or user setting. In an embodiment, the second mode of operation comprises one of adjusting the temperature setting, time of day setting, day of week setting, programming set point time, installer setting configuration or user setting. In an embodiment, the first mode is different from the second mode. In an embodiment, the second mode of operation set point is adjusted by the first actuator contacting the first receptor. 
         [0009]    In an embodiment, the display screen may include an icon representing one of a programming, configuration, system, fan, hold, day, time, clean, humidity, outdoor, installer or user modes. In an embodiment, the rocker switch may select one of a residential, commercial, programming, system type, set point lower limit, set point upper limit, compressor balance point, auxiliary heat balance point or service filter monitor modes. In an embodiment, the rocker switch may adjust one of a time, day, temperature, fan or humidity value. 
         [0010]    In an embodiment, the first receptor may be a shorting finger on the circuit board. In an embodiment, the first position may increment the set point of the first mode of operation. In an embodiment, the second position may decrement the set point of the first mode of operation. 
         [0011]    In an embodiment, the housing may include a pocket and the rocker switch is mounted within the pocket so that the bar may be rocked therein. In an embodiment, the pocket may include a first aperture and the first actuator extends from the bar through the first aperture to the first receptor, the second actuator may extend from the bar through the first aperture to the second aperture and the pivot member may extend from the bar through the first aperture to the circuit board. 
         [0012]    In an embodiment, the display screen may include a first icon and upon depressing the first or second end of the bar, the first icon on the display is adjusted in order to reflect adjustment of a set point. In an embodiment, the first icon may be a numeric and the adjustment by depressing the bar either decrements or increments the numeric. In an embodiment, the first icon is a graphical display. 
         [0013]    In an embodiment, the display screen may include a touch pad for selecting the first mode of operation and the second mode of operation and the rocker switch may adjust set points for the modes selected by the touch pad. In an embodiment, the display screen may include a first touch pad for selecting the first mode of operation wherein the bar is depressed to adjust a set point to a first value for the first mode of operation and a first icon on the display is adjusted to reflect the first value. A second touch pad may be provided by the display screen and at least one of the first touch pad or the second touch pad is activated to select the second mode of operation wherein the bar is depressed to adjust a set point to a second value for the second mode of operation and a second icon on the display is adjusted to reflect the second value. In an embodiment, the first and second icons are displayed simultaneously on the display. In an embodiment, the first value is interdependent on the second value. In an embodiment, continuously depressing on the bar will cause the first or second value to sequentially decrement or increment until the bar is released. 
         [0014]    In an embodiment, multiple icons may displayed on the display screen simultaneously and upon activation of the touch pad the first icon is modified to indicate that it is the icon being adjusted while the other icons remain unchanged. In an embodiment, following a flashing display of the first icon and depression of the bar, the flashing is deactivated and the first icon is adjusted to reflect the first value. In an embodiment, the first and second touch pads may be activated simultaneously in order to select the first mode of operation. In an embodiment, the first touch pad may allow for selection of both the first and second mode of operation. In an embodiment, the display screen may be an LCD segmented screen. 
         [0015]    While the foregoing provides a general explanation of the subject invention, a better understanding of the objects, advantages, features, properties and relationships of the subject invention will be obtained from the following detailed description and accompanying drawings which set forth an illustrative embodiment which is indicative of the various ways in which the principle of the subject invention may be employed. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0016]    For a better understanding of the subject invention, reference may be had to embodiments shown in the attached drawings in which: 
           [0017]      FIG. 1  illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a thermostat of the present invention; 
           [0018]      FIG. 2  is a side elevation section view taken at line  2 - 2  from  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0019]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the thermostat of  FIG. 1  with the upper housing removed; 
           [0020]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the bottom of the upper housing of the thermostat of  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 5  is an enlarged perspective view of the upper housing depicted in  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0022]      FIG. 6  is a schematic diagram of the present invention; 
           [0023]      FIGS. 7-18  are diagrammatic views of the display screen of embodiments of the present invention illustrating examples of operation of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0024]    An embodiment of the present invention is depicted with respect to the following  FIGS. 1-18 , and in particular the physical construction of the invention is described with respect to  FIGS. 1-5  as follows. A thermostat  10  or controller includes a display screen  12  and a printed circuit board  15  mounted within a housing. A rocker switch (mechanical button)  20  is formed of a longitudinal bar  21  having a first end  22  and a second end  23 . The thermostat  10  includes a front face  17 . The rocker switch  20  is mounted so that the switch button is exposed in the front lace  17  and may be easily operated by a user. As shown in  FIG. 1 , the thermostat  10  is oriented so that the first end  22  of the rocker switch  20  is oriented at the upper portion of the thermostat  10  and the second end  23  of the rocker switch  20  is located toward the lower portion of the thermostat. In this orientation, the rocker switch  20  may provide for the first end  22  to act as the “up” incrementation or adjustment of a set point and the second end  23  indicates “down” decrementation or adjustment of a set point. As will be discussed in more detail below, the rocker switch  20  may also adjust modes of the thermostat  10  by rocking the switch to the “up” position by depressing the first end  22  or “down” position by depressing the second end  23 . 
         [0025]    Turning to  FIGS. 2 and 3 , a more detailed description of the rocker switch and its assembly to the thermostat  10  will be discussed. The rocker switch  20  includes a first actuator  24  and second actuator  25  disposed at each end of the bar  21 . A pivot member  26  extends downward from the bar  20 . The pivot member  26  is disposed at a mid-point between the first and second actuators  24 ,  25 . The pivot member  26  terminates at a pivot point  28  which abuts against the printed circuit board  15 . A retention boss  27  is provided at the top of the pivot member  26  and will be discussed in more detail below. 
         [0026]    An upper housing  31  is provided which encloses the display screen  12  and provides a covering over the printed circuit board  15  and other components thereon. The upper housing  31  provides an aperture pocket  35  within which the rocker switch  20  is mounted. The bar  21  includes a touch surface  36  extending between the first and second end  22 ,  23  of the rocker switch  20 , so that a user may slide her finger, without interruption, along the touch surface  36  to rock the switch  20  between a first position with the first end  22  depressed and a second position with second end  23  depressed. Having the touch surface  36  completely exposed at the front lace  17  within the aperture  35  allows for fast and easy operation of the rocker switch  20 . In an embodiment, the pocket  35  is formed of a pocket wall having an oval shape and a single aperture opening toward the printed circuit board  15 . The bottom of the rocker switch  20  include the first and second actuators  24 ,  25  and pivot member  26  that each extend through the pocket wall aperture  35 . 
         [0027]    The circuit board  15  is mounted in an upper housing  31  ( FIG. 2 ). Mounted on the printed circuit board  15  are a first receptor  44  and a second receptor  46 . Other components mounted to the printed circuit board  15  include a microprocessor  48 , relays, connectors, switches and thermistor(s). A receptor  49  is also mounted on the printed circuit board  15 . The receptors  44 ,  46 ,  49  may include components such as switches. In alternate embodiment, a shorting finger may be provided on the printed circuit board  15  to be activated by the rocker switch  20 . As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 3  it may be understood that depressing on the first end  22  of the rocker switch  20  causes the bar  21  to rotate, so that the first actuator  24  moves in a downward direction towards the first receptor  44  and the terminal portion of the first actuator  24  activates the receptor  44  and closes the switch. As will be discussed further below, in some cases this actuation this will cause a set point of a thermostat mode of operation to increment. Alternatively, when the rocker switch  20  is rocked the other way, by depressing the second end  23  downward, the second actuator  25  will be moved downward toward the second receptor  46  and the terminal portion of the second actuator  25  will depress the trigger of the second receptor  46  and close the switch. As will be discussed in further detail below in certain embodiments, such actuation will cause a decrement of a set point of the mode operation. 
         [0028]    The rocking of the rocker switch  20  can be understood in more detail in respect to  FIG. 5 . The retention member  26  includes a retention boss  27  extending there from. The boss  27  is received in a retention slot  38 ,  39  on both sides of the pivot member  26 . In an embodiment, the retention slot  38 ,  39  has a much larger diameter than the diameter of the boss  27 , so that there is a loose fit when the boss  27  is mounted within the slot  38 ,  39 . In an embodiment, since the first and second actuators  24 ,  25  are already resting on the receptors  44 ,  46 , respectively only a slight rocking of the rocker switch  20  is necessary in order to close the switch of the first or second receptors  44 ,  46 . For example, in an embodiment, a movement of the first actuator  24  of 0.010 inches will actuate the first receptor  44 . The rocking motion of the rocker switch  20  to allow for the movement of the first actuator by 0.010 inches can be accommodated by the looseness of the slot  38 ,  39  maintaining the boss  27 . When the rocker switch  20  is rocked by the depressing of the first or second end  22 ,  23 , the pivot member  26  pivots upon the pivot point  28  and the boss  27  moves in the slot  38 . The pivot member  26  includes stiffener ribs  33 ,  34 . 
         [0029]    The slot  38  also functions to hold the rocker switch  20  against the upper housing  31  in order to maintain the button  20  in position when the upper housing  31  is assembled to the lower housing  42 . In an embodiment, the rocker switch  20  is mounted in the pocket  35 , so that the boss  27  is received in the slot  38  of the pocket wall  35 . The upper housing  31 , including the rocker switch  20 , is then mounted onto the lower housing  42 . The upper housing  31  may be attached to the lower housing  42  in any manner such as the snap-fit of tabs or via fasteners, such as screws. Prior to assembly of the upper housing  31 , the printed circuit board and its components and the display screen  12  are mounted within the lower housing  42 . In this manner, the boss  38  can retain the rocker switch  20  in place within the pocket  35  and allow for the pivoting rocking motion necessary for the actuation of the first and second receptors  44 ,  46 . In an embodiment, the display screen  12  may be a liquid crystal display (LCD) having a segmented format. Alternate embodiments may include dot matrix LCD displays or LED display screens. 
         [0030]    The rocking of the rocker switch  20 , either by depressing the first end  22  or the second end  23  will cause the receptors  44 ,  46  to open and close in order to operate the thermostat  10 . The rocker switch  20  may be operated by, for example, by single finger strokes where each depression of the first end  22  will cause for example, a single increment to a set point value (e.g. increase in a temperature setting). Likewise, each single finger stroke or depression at the second end  23  will cause a single decrement of a set point. As well, the rocker switch  20  may be programmed to allow for sequential increments or decrements when this hard button  20  is held down for more than one second. For example, if a user&#39;s finger depresses die first end  22  downward for more than one second, in an embodiment, it will increment at a rate of four times per second while the first actuator  24  maintains its depression of the first receptor  44 . Likewise, if a user&#39;s finger depresses the second end  23  of the rocker switch  20  for more than one second it will depress the receptor  46  continuously and will cause a decrement at the rate of four times per second (e.g. decrease a temperature setting in a sequential, automated manner). 
         [0031]    As depicted in the  FIG. 1-3 , the bar  21  of the rocker switch  20  has a concavity which provides for the first end  22  and second end  23  to be elevated above the face  17  of the upper housing  31 . Having such a shape of the bar  21  that forms the rocker switch  20 , the user can easily locate his or her finger at the upper or lower end  22 ,  23  of the bar  21 . However, it may be understood that any shaped bar  21  or rocker switch  20  may be provided by the present invention, such as a straight, flat bar, circular shaped button, square shaped or other shaped buttons which are known to those of skill in the art. The importance of the present invention is that a hard button is provided that allows for a user to speedily make adjustments of functions and values displayed on the display screen  12 . 
         [0032]    Turning to  FIG. 6 , an overview of the electronic circuitry and components of the thermostat  10  of the present invention will be described. Switch  1  is provided, such as the first receptor  44 , which may be opened and closed in order to signal the microprocessor  48 . As well a Switch  2 , such as the second receptor  46 , is provided which may be opened or closed to signal the microprocessor  48 . The microprocessor controls the HVAC system  200  attached to the thermostat  10  and also is connected to the display  12 , which allows for user input to adjust the system. For example, in a typical HVAC system  200 , the thermostat  10  would be used to adjust the healing or cooling of the system in order to provide a comfortable environment for the occupants. The microprocessor  48  includes ROM which may have software loaded into it, in order to control the thermostat  10  and to provide for the display screen functionality. The display screen  12  includes displayable touch pads. As will be discussed in greater detail below, the combination of the actuation of Switch  1  and Switch  2  (via the rocker switch  20 ) and the touch pads on the display screen  12  allow the microprocessor  48  to monitor and control the air handler HVAC system  200  or any other system to which the thermostat  10  is connected. 
         [0033]    Turning to  FIG. 7-18 , the operation of the thermostat will be described in further detail.  FIG. 7  depicts the thermostat  10  including the display screen  12  having multiple icons displayed thereon. The display includes numeric icons  110 , alpha-numeric icons  120  and graphical icon  140 . Also included on the display, are touch pad icons  150   a ,  150   b . In the embodiment displayed in  FIG. 7 , the numeric icon “70”  110  is an indication of the current room temperature and is indicated as such by the “ROOM” icon. As well, an alpha-numeric icon  120  is indicating that the HVAC cooling system is running as indicated by the “COOL ON” icon. Other numeric icons  110  are displayed including “70” which is displayed below the alpha-numeric icon “SET AT”: so “70” is the set point at which the thermostat is set to trigger the HVAC system. Numeric icon “12:00” indicates a set point at which the temperature should be at 70 degrees. According to the alpha-numeric icon “TU MORN” indicating that on Tuesday mornings at 12:00 p.m. the set point should be 70 degrees Fahrenheit. 
         [0034]    The graphical icon  140  in this embodiment is a representative pictorial of a fan blade and indicates that the fan mode is on and running. Other types of graphical icons may be provided on the display  12 . 
         [0035]    Other alpha-numeric icons  120  are included within touch pad areas  150   a ,  150   b . For example, as depicted on the display  12  in the embodiment of  FIG. 7 , the touch pad areas  150   a ,  150   b  that are provided and designated with alpha-numeric icons  120  are “CLEAN” “CONFIG” “HUMIDITY” “OUTDOOR” “SYSTEM” “FAN” “PROG” (PROGRAM) “HOLD” “DAY/TIME”. In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 7 , the touch pad areas  150   a ,  150   b  are designated by rectangular outlines provided the display screen  12 . In an alternate embodiment, the display screen  12  may have no touch pads and may function solely to display alpha-numeric  120 , graphical  140  and numeric icons  110 . In such alternate embodiment the housing may include the rocker switch  20  and other mechanical buttons to operate the thermostat. For example, a first mechanical button for the menu function and a second mechanical button for the program function may be provided adjacent the rocker switch  20 . 
         [0036]    Coincident with the touch pad areas  150   a ,  150   b  displayed on the display screen  12  are sensing areas provided by a sensing membrane above the display screen  12 . For example, in the display for the touch pad areas on the right side of the display screen  12  (including “CLEAN” “CONFIG” “HUMIDITY” “OUTDOOR” forming a row of four icon touch pad areas  150   a ,  150   b ), a single long touch activation area on the touch membrane above the screen layer  12  will be provided. Likewise, on the left side of the display screen  12 , an “L” shape touch sensitive area on the membrane below the touch screen layer  12  will be provided over the touch pad areas  150   a ,  150   b  on the display screen  12  (coinciding with the “SYSTEM” “FAN” “PROG” “HOLD” AND “DAY/TIME” icons). Thus in the embodiment described above, it may be understood that there is no touch sensing capabilities in the center of the display screen  12 , where the numeric icons  110  for the current room temperature set point, or time set point are displayed. In the embodiment, depicted in  FIG. 7  the alpha-numeric icons  120  provided in each of the touch pad areas  150   a ,  150   b  are modes of operation for the thermostat  10 . Generally speaking, the modes of operation may be activated by touching the display screen  12  associated with the particular mode, as identified by the alpha-numeric icons  120 . For example, the action of the user&#39;s finger applied to the display screen  12  at the area identified by the alpha-numeric icon “CLEAN”  120  bounded by the rectangle indicating the touch pad area  150   a  will activate the “CLEAN” mode and allow for setting of the filter cleaning mode or reminder. 
         [0037]    In an embodiment, the touch sense regions of the touch sensitive membrane below the touch pad  150   b  for “SYSTEM” and “FAN” will not be touch reactive. For example, when the “SYSTEM” touch pad  150   b  is pressed, the “AUTO” alpha-numeric icon will be highlighted or made bold to indicate that the automatic feature of the system has been activated. Likewise, when the “SYSTEM” touch region  150   b  is pressed a second time by a user&#39;s finger, the alpha-numeric icon  120  “COOL” will be displayed as being activated. Such activation may be indicated by making the “COOL” alpha-numeric icons  120  bold. However, in this embodiment, neither the “AUTO” or “COOL” area of the display screen  12  is touch sensitive. Similarly, the area where the “AUTO” alpha-numeric icon  120  is displayed below the “FAN” touch pad area  150   b  is not touch sensitive. 
         [0038]    The initial setting of the thermostat  10  involves configuration of installer settings in the embodiment disclosed in  FIG. 7 . The installer settings are selected by pressing the “SYSTEM” button  152  and “CONFIG” button simultaneously. By holding down the buttons,  152 ,  154  simultaneously for three seconds the installer settings mode will be activated. It is noted that the term “BUTTON” refers to the combination of the alpha-numeric icon (for example, “SYSTEM”) and the touch pad area  150  designated by the rectangular outline of the pad. “Soft” button refers to those buttons located on the touch screen display  12  and “HARD” button refers to a button separate from the touch screen display (i.e. the rocker switch  20 ). 
         [0039]    Once the installer setting mode has been selected by holding down buttons  152 ,  154 , the display screen  12  will advance to the installer setting mode, as depicted in  FIG. 8 . The display on the display screen  12  is adjusted so that an alpha-numeric icon  121  is displayed, which represents a residential mode (“RES”) and includes the alpha-numeric icon  122  “SET”. The display of the alpha-numeric icons  121 ,  122  indicate that the user can set a residential mode. The alternate mode to be selected would be a commercial mode. The rocker switch  20  is used in order to select the residential or commercial mode by scrolling through the available options. In an embodiment, the thermostat  10  may provide for factory default settings. For example, in an embodiment, the residential (“RES”) installer setting mode may be the default factory setting. In a case where the installer desires for the residential mode to be selected as an installer setting when the “RES” alpha-numeric icon is displayed on the screen, the user can select the “NEXT” button  153  in order to advance to the subsequent mode to be selected. The display screen in the residential/commercial mode also displays a “BACK” alpha-numeric icon and button  154  and a “RETURN” alpha-numeric button  155 . If the user is finished with the display screen, she may then choose the “BACK” button  154  in order to go back to the previous screen or she may select the “RETURN” button  155  in order to return to the previous selected mode display. In the case, where the user has selected the “NEXT” button  153 , the thermostat will display on the display screen  12  the display of  FIG. 9 . 
         [0040]    The display of  FIG. 9  depicts the programming mode for the installer settings and the alpha-numeric icon “PROG”  123  is displayed to indicate the programming mode may be “SET”, as indicated by the alpha-numeric icon “SET”  122 . Multiple options to be programmed are available and are designated with respect to the alpha-numeric icon “7”  125 . The icon “SET AT”  124  indicates that the programming mode may be set at option number “7”. In this embodiment, the factory default setting is “7”. When the display screen is initially displayed, after advancing from the previous mode (i.e. the residential or commercial selection mode) the “7”  125  icon is automatically displayed on the display screen  12 . The user may select other available options by depressing the first end or second end  22 ,  23  of the rocker switch  20 . The icon  125  will be adjusted based on the selection made by the rocker switch  20 . 
         [0041]    Based on the sequence of events as discussed with respect to  FIGS. 7-9 , it may be understood that during the first mode of operation with respect to determining a residential or commercial mode as identified by alpha-numeric icon  121 , the rocker switch  20  is actuated by pressing on the first end or second end  22 ,  23  in order to make a selection with respect to a first residential or commercial mode. Thereafter following depression of the “NEXT” button  153 , a second mode of operation (“i.e. the programming mode) as designated by alpha-numeric icon  123  is displayed and adjusted via the actuation of the first end or second end  22 ,  23  of the rocker switch  20  in order to adjust the programming option with respect to alpha-numeric icon  125  displayed on the display screen  12 . This interaction between the touch pads  150   a ,  150   b  and the rocker switch  20  allows for easy progression through the functionality provided by the thermostat  10  and allows for rapid selection of modes and settings by using the “UP” and “DOWN” actuation of the first end and second end  22 ,  23  of the rocker switch  20 . 
         [0042]    With respect to  FIG. 9 , once the user has completed the selections with respect to the programming mode, the activation of the “NEXT” button  153  will provide a new display as shown in  FIG. 10  that allows for a cooling set point lower limit to be set. This additional installer setting screen depicted on  FIG. 10  is alpha-numeric icon  126  indicating the limit (“LIM”) for the set point. The icon  124 ,  126  indicates the lower limit of the cooling functionality of the thermostat  10 . Alpha-numeric icon “SET AT”  124  indicates that the limit may be set at the value displayed with respect to numeric icon  125  (i.e. “45”). The display indicates that this is a cooling limit with respect to alpha-numeric icon  127  “COOL”. The numeric icon  125  allows for the setting of a temperature. In an embodiment, the temperature range provided may be 45° F.-90° F. This will be the installer setting lower limit for cooling for operation of the thermostat  10 . 
         [0043]    The set point value for the lower limit is adjusted by actuation of the rocker switch  20 . By depressing the first end  22  of the rocker switch  20 , the numeric icon  125  is incremented upwards towards an upper limit such as 90°. The user may depress the first end  22  serially, degree by degree, in order to move to the desired temperature setting or may depress the first end and hold down the bar in order so that the numeric icon  125  will automatically scroll and increment upward through the temperature range, for example from 45° F.-90° F. In an embodiment, the factory default will be 45° F. and when the initial display appears as shown in  FIG. 10 , the numeric icon  125  will be “45”. Thus, any change made initially by a user will be to increment by depressing the first end  22  of the rocker switch  20 . However, should the user go past the temperature setting desired, she may then decrement the numeric icon  125  by pressing the second end  23  of the rocker switch  20  in order to lower the desired temperature setting. Thus, it is understood that the cooling lower limit mode was selected by actuation of the “NEXT” touch pad  153  in  FIG. 9  and, upon display of the lower limit icon  126  as depicted in  FIG. 10 , the set point was adjusted by actuation of the rocker switch  20  by depressing the first or second ends  22 ,  23 . 
         [0044]    Once the set point lower limit for cooling is set, the user may advance to the next mode selection by activating the “NEXT” button  153  which will reset the display screen  12  (as shown in  FIG. 11 ) for setting the upper limit for the heating mode. The display screen  12  identifies that it is the installer setting for the upper limit for the heating mode. The display screen  12  displays alpha-numeric icon  128  “HEAT” and the alpha-numeric icon  126  “LIM” for the limit. As discussed with respect to the cooling lower limit mode (described with respect to  FIG. 10 ), the display of  FIG. 11  also includes the “SET” icon  122 , the “SET AT” icon  124  and the numeric icon  125 . In an embodiment, the factory default setting for the heat set point upper limit is 90° F. The display is initially displayed with the “90” numeric icon and may be adjusted via the rocker switch  20 , as discussed above. Although not depicted, further additional modes of the thermostat may be provided such as a compressor balance point and auxiliary heat balance point, according to the same sequence of operations as discussed for the previous modes. 
         [0045]    A service filter monitor mode is depicted in  FIG. 12  and is identified with respect to icon  129  “SERVICE FILTER”. The alpha-numeric icon  130  indicates the option available for the service filter monitor. The default setting in an embodiment is “OFF” indicating that no monitoring of the service filter will be undertaken. Other options may be available such as 30, 60, 90, 120, 180 or 365 days in order to monitor the service Filter. These options may be selected via the rocker switch  20 . As discussed previously, by depressing the first end  22  of the rocker switch  20 , the alpha-numeric icon  130  will be incremented to scroll through the range of options described above. Selection of lower numbers of days or to return the “OFF” selection the user may depress the second end  23  of the rocker switch  20 , to cause decrementation of the alpha-numeric icon  130 . Once the setting is completed, the user may activate the “NEXT” button  153  or return to the previous screen by activating “BACK” button  154 . 
         [0046]    Setting the time, day and temperature user settings will now be discussed with respect to  FIGS. 13-18 .  FIG. 13  depicts an embodiment where the display screen  12  has a standard configuration of touch pad buttons  150   a ,  150   b , alpha-numeric icons  120 , numeric icons  110  and graphical icons  140 . In order to set the time and day, the user selects the “DAY/TIME” button, touch pad  131 . Activation of the “DAY/TIME” button  131  will advance the display to the day/time setting mode as depicted in  FIG. 14 . The numeric icon  132  appears which represents the time  10  be adjusted (“10:17”). The icon also includes alpha-numeric icon  133  representing the day of the week (e.g. “TU” for Tuesday), alpha-numeric icon  134  representing either “AM” or “PM” and the “SET” icon  122 . The first time setting mode is to set the hour of the day, which is indicated in  FIG. 14  on the display screen  12  by the numeric “10” flashing and the “AM” alpha-numeric icon  134  flashing. In an alternate embodiment, an icon may be modified to indicate that it is being adjusted (e.g. decrement, increment) by a halo icon surrounding the particular icon that is to be adjusted by the user, or other modifications of the alpha-numeric icon, such as using bold, different font type, or placing other graphics around or adjacent the numeric icon. 
         [0047]    The display screen  12  having the flashing “10” “AM” indicates to the user that she may adjust the hour icon  120  by using the rocker switch  20 . As discussed before, the rocker switch  20  may increment or decrement the value in order to change the hour. It is understood that as the hour is incremented or decremented the alpha-numeric icon  134  will change to “PM” when the end of the 12 hour cycle has been reached. Once the desired set point is reached for the hour mode, the user depresses the “DAY/TIME” touch pad  131  in order to advance to the next mode, which is the minute setting mode, as shown in  FIG. 15 . Should the user want to discontinue the process, she may activate the “RETURN” touch pad  136  to go back to the previous mode display. 
         [0048]    Turning to  FIG. 15 , the minute setting mode is adjustable, which is evident by the flashing of the minutes (i.e. “17”). The set point for the minutes numeric icon  132  may be adjusted by using the rocker switch  20 , in order to increment or decrement the numeric value. The user can clearly see that the minutes numeric icon  130  is being adjusted due to the flashing of the minutes value and due to the disappearance of the hour flashing (as shown in  FIG. 14 ). Once the desired minute set point has been set by the user&#39;s actuation of the rocker switch  20 , the “NEXT” mode may be reached by activating the “DAY/TIME” touch pad  131 . 
         [0049]      FIG. 16  shows the standard display for an embodiment of the thermostat  10  of the present invention. As the display shown in  FIG. 16  indicates, there are numerous modes available for a user to select via the alpha-numeric icons  120 . For example, the user may program the thermostat  10  by activating the “PROG” button  138 . When programming is selected by depressing the “PROG” button  138 , the display screen  12  is reset as shown in  FIG. 17 . The first programming setting mode provides for input of a schedule for the time and temperature adjustments to be made each day. 
         [0050]    First, the time is set, as discussed before with respect to  FIGS. 14-15 . However, the programming mode also provides for a day of the week alpha-numeric icon  141  and time period icon  142 . The day of the week icon  141  displays each of the seven days of the week and allows for the user to either select a time and temperature that is the same for each of those seven days of the week, or select settings for individual days. The time period icon  142  either morning (i.e. “MORN”, DAY, evening (“EVE”), or NIGHT will allow for the setting of the time and temperature during those time periods. In the embodiment depicted in  FIG. 17 , the time numeric icon  132  has “6” and “AM” flashing. The flashing indicates that the hour set point may be adjusted by the rocker switch  20 . As discussed above, advancement to the minute setting mode may be accomplished by depressing the “DAY/TIME” touch pad  131  in order to display the flashing icon as the minute portion numeric icon  132  (i.e. “00”). Once the time set point is finalized by use of the rocker switch  20  incrementing or decrementing the numeric value, the “DAY/TIME” touch pad  131  may be activated in order to adjust the temperature as depicted in  FIG. 18 . 
         [0051]    As a result of the activation of the touch pad  131 , the display is reset so the flashing numeric icon  145  representing the temperature in Fahrenheit. The “SET AT” alpha-numeric icon  146  in  FIG. 18  indicates that the thermostat  10  is being set at 75 degrees at 6 am and the user may adjust that numeric icon  145  via the rocker switch  20 . In this way numeric icon  145  is interdependent with numeric icon  132 , since the temperature and time settings are paired together by the microprocessor to control the air handler. Once the desired set point for the temperature is adjusted, using the decrement or increment function of the rocker switch  20  (as will be indicated by the numeric icon  145 ) the user may complete the setting and save the selected values by depressing the program (“PROG”) touch pad  138 . 
         [0052]    Thus, it may be understood that during at least a first or second mode of operation, such as the selection of the programming the time programming mode; the rocker switch  20  may be depressed to a first position where the first end  23  is depressed in order to actuate the receptor  44  on the printed circuit board  15  ( FIG. 2 ) which will signal the microprocessor  48  to adjust the set point (i.e. numeric) icon  132  for a first mode of operation. Then in a second mode of operation (as selected by activating the “PROGRAM” touch pad  138 ) the rocker switch  20  may be activated to a first or second position by depressing either the first or second end  22 ,  23 , respectively; such as the temperature icon  145 . In this way, it is understood that the single rocker switch  20  may provide for adjustment of set points for multiple modes of operation. 
         [0053]    Also, as discussed above, the rocker switch  20  may allow for adjustment for modes of operation as well. Thus, it may be understood that the first mode of operation that may be adjusted by the rocker switch  20  or the touch pad areas  150   a ,  150   b  of the display screen  12  may include temperature settings, time of day settings, day of week setting, programming set points for time, installer setting configurations or user settings. Each of these may also be considered second or third modes of operations that may be adjusted either by the rocker switch  20  or by the touch pad areas  150   a ,  150   b  buttons on the display screen  12 . Some of the particular modes may include programming, configuration, system, fan, holding, day, time, clean, humidity, outdoor, installer or user modes that may adjust either by the rocker switch  20  or the touch pad areas  150   a ,  150   b  on the display screen  12  or a combination of both. Other modes of operation include residential, commercial, programming, system type, set point lower limit, set point upper limit, humidity value, compressor balance point, auxiliary heal balance point or service filter monitor modes that be adjusted or selected by the rocker switch  20  or the touch pad areas  150   a ,  150   b  of the display screen  12  or a combination of both. 
         [0054]    While various concepts have been described in detail, it would be appreciated by those skilled in the art that various modifications and alternatives to those concepts could be developed in light of the overall teachings of the disclosure. Therefore, a person skilled in the art, applying ordinary skill, will be able to practice the invention set forth in the claims without undue experimentation. It will additionally be appreciated that the particular concepts exposed herein are meant to be illustrative only and not limiting to the scope of the invention, which is to be given the full breath of the appended claims and any equivalents thereof.