Specifications

11
microcontroller has multiple inputs (user settings, indoor temperature and relative
humidity conditions, and outdoor temperature and relative humidity conditions)
that it must accept as input. We are required to create a program to load onto
the main microcontroller that will take these inputs into account and will control
the appliances associated with the HVAC system. The LCD controller is the
other component that requires programming. The LCD controller must be
programmed so that it can communicate the necessary images to the LCD
screen, and communicate the user inputs to the main microcontroller.
Josh will mainly be working on setting up the web server to allow the main control
unit to connect to the internet. Connecting to the Internet will allow the user to
manipulate the system remotely from a mobile device. Josh has the most
programming experience of the group members so he is being considered the
“lead programmer”. The web server is extremely important because mobile
connectivity is one of the main features of the system. Most current HVAC
control systems lack the capability to be manipulated via web server so the
sponsors believe this is on feature that will set their product apart from many
competitors. Since the number of people today with Internet ready mobile
devices is so high, there is a large market for a product that allows the user to
manipulate their home or business HVAC system anywhere they can get phone
and Internet service.
None of the members of our group have any experience programming any type
of touch screen device and therefore everyone will be working on getting the
display just how we want it. The display is probably the most important part of
the system because it is the only part that the user will see. The rest of the
components will be either out of site or at a remote location and therefore the
display is what the user will visualize when they think of the HVAC control
system. Because this is mainly what the user will be associating the system with,
we want to make sure it is very aesthetically pleasing, reliable, and intuitive to
operate so that anyone who is familiar with the operation of a regular thermostat
will be able to operate the display immediately. Because this portion of the
system is what the customer will interact with, we all want to have a hand in the
development of this crucial element of our project. With the LCD screen, the
controller board and related software, we will be able to implement bitmap
images and macros to make the LCD look and respond exactly how we want.
The sponsors have provided us with fairly exact requirements for the appearance
of the home screen for the LCD but have left the design of the other screens
mainly up to us. We will all program the controller board to be capable of
producing multiple screens that will incorporate all of the settings and commands
the user is able to give the system.
Andrew, Derick, and Cory will be working on the programming of the
microcontrollers. Most of the programming in this project will be associated with
the microcontrollers since they will contain all of the logic and decision making.
Development kits made by the same company that makes the microcontrollers