Window antenna

Abstract

The present application relates to window antennas. In one aspect, an apparatus is described that includes a transparent pane having a first surface and a second surface. An electrochromic device (ECD) is disposed on the second surface, the second surface including a first conductive layer, a second conductive layer adjacent to the second surface, and an electrochromic layer between the first conductive layer and the second conductive layer. The apparatus also includes at least one conductive antenna structure disposed on the second surface.

Description

[0001] Information related to divisional application

[0002] This is a divisional application. The original application (the first filed application) was a patent application filed on November 24, 2015, with application number 201580070207.9, entitled "Window Antenna". In response to the aforementioned original application, the applicant filed a patent application with application number 201911227990.1, also entitled "Window Antenna". However, the first office action for application number 201911227990.1 indicated a unity of invention defect; therefore, the applicant filed this divisional application.

[0003] Cross-reference to related applications

[0004] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 084,502, filed November 25, 2014, entitled “Window Antenna,” which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety and for all purposes. Technical Field

[0005] This disclosure relates in its entirety to electrochromic devices that can be used in electrochromic windows of buildings or other structures. background

[0006] Electrochromism is a phenomenon in which a material exhibits a reversible, electrochemically mediated change in one or more optical properties when excited to different electronic states. Electrochromic materials and devices made from them can be incorporated into windows, for example, for residential, commercial, or other uses. By inducing changes in the electrochromic material, such as by applying a voltage to it, the color, transmittance, absorbance, or reflectance of such electrochromic windows can be altered. This capability allows for control over the intensity of various wavelengths of light that may pass through the window. For example, a first voltage applied to an electrochromic device on a window can cause the window to darken, while a second voltage can cause it to brighten.

[0007] Electrochromic devices, such as most controllable light-switching devices, include electrical connections for controlling electrical excitation (e.g., in the form of controlled applied voltage and / or current) to drive optical transitions and / or maintain optical states. Electrochromic devices are often implemented as a very thin layer covering a surface such as a window surface. Such devices typically include transparent conductors, usually in the form of one or more layers covering electrochromic electrodes and distributing the applied voltage across the surface of the device to achieve full and efficient light transmission.

[0008] Overview

[0009] One aspect of this disclosure relates to a window antenna characterized by: (a) a window having one or more lites, each including at least two surfaces having areas configured for observation through the window; (b) an electrochromic device disposed on a first surface of the window; (c) an antenna structure disposed on a first or second surface of the window; and (d) a ground plane disposed on a first surface, a second surface, a third surface of the window, or a structure connected to the window. In some embodiments, the lites have a length or width of at least about 60 inches. In some embodiments, the electrochromic device does not have an ion conductor deposited between the electrochromic layer and the counter electrode layer.

[0010] Antenna structures can have various configurations, such as striplines or patches. In some embodiments, a stripline or patch structure can be used as part of a monopole antenna. In one such embodiment, the stripline has an axis along its length and a ground plane is substantially perpendicular to the axis of the stripline. This ground plane is disposed on the same surface as the antenna structure or on a structure connected to a window. In some embodiments, the stripline has an axis along its length and the ground plane is substantially parallel to the axis of the stripline. The ground plane can be provided on a plane different from the stripline, for example, on a different surface of a window. In some embodiments, the antenna structure comprises two striplines, wherein the striplines are configured as a dipole antenna. In some embodiments, the two striplines are substantially parallel. Unless otherwise stated herein, all references to striplines can be replaced with references to patches.

[0011] In some embodiments, the antenna structure includes a fractal structure. In one example, the fractal structure is disposed on a plane, and a ground plane is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the fractal structure. In some such examples, the ground plane is disposed on the same surface as the antenna structure. In some such examples, the ground plane is disposed on a structure connected to a window. In some embodiments, the fractal structure is disposed on a plane, and the ground plane is substantially parallel to the plane of the fractal structure (e.g., located on a separate surface).

[0012] In some implementations, the antenna structure is configured as a dipole antenna, such as a Yagi antenna or a log-periodic antenna.

[0013] In some implementations, the window antenna further includes an antenna controller. In some cases, the antenna controller is disposed on the window. In some embodiments, the antenna controller includes a transmitter and / or receiver for the antenna configuration. In some implementations, the window antenna further includes a window controller configured to control the optical transitions of the electrochromic device. In some cases, the window controller and the antenna controller are housed in a single carrier and / or housing.

[0014] Another aspect of this disclosure relates to a system comprising: (i) a plurality of window antennas as described in any of the embodiments presented herein; (ii) a plurality of controllers, each of the plurality of controllers being configured to: (A) drive an electrochromic device; and (B) drive at least one antenna structure in each window antenna; and (iii) a network controller for providing instructions to the plurality of controllers.

[0015] Another aspect of this disclosure relates to an insulating glass unit (IGU) characterized by: (a) two or more sheets, each having at least two surfaces having areas configured for observation through the IGU; (b) spacers separating the sheets from each other, wherein the spacers provide peripheral areas adjacent to the sheets; (c) an antenna structure disposed on a surface of the sheet, on a spacer, or on an electrical connector on the IGU; and (d) a ground plane disposed on the IGU or a frame structure on which the IGU is mounted. In some embodiments, at least one sheet of the IGU has a length or width of at least about 60 inches.

[0016] In an IDU, the antenna structure can have various configurations such as striplines or patches. In some embodiments, the stripline or patch structure can be used as part of a monopole antenna. In one such embodiment, the stripline has an axis along its length and a ground plane is substantially perpendicular to the axis of the stripline. This ground plane is disposed on the same surface as the antenna structure or on a structure connected to the window (e.g., on a spacer or frame structure, a vertical frame, or a horizontal bar). In some embodiments, the stripline has an axis along its length and the ground plane is substantially parallel to the axis of the stripline. The ground plane can be provided on a plane different from the stripline, for example, on a different surface of the window. In some embodiments, the antenna structure includes two striplines, wherein the striplines are configured as a dipole antenna. In some embodiments, the two striplines are substantially parallel.

[0017] In some IGU implementations, the antenna structure includes a fractal structure. In one example, the fractal structure is disposed on a plane, and a ground plane is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the fractal structure. In some such examples, the ground plane is disposed on the same surface as the antenna structure. In some such examples, the ground plane is disposed on a structure connected to a window (e.g., on a spacer or frame structure, a vertical frame or horizontal bar). In some implementations, the fractal structure is disposed on a plane, and the ground plane is substantially parallel to the plane of the fractal structure (e.g., located on a separate surface).

[0018] In some implementations, the antenna structure is configured as a dipole antenna, such as a Yagi antenna or a log-periodic antenna.

[0019] In some implementations, the window antenna further includes an antenna controller. In some cases, the antenna controller is disposed on the window. In some embodiments, the antenna controller includes a transmitter and / or receiver for the antenna configuration. In some implementations, the window antenna further includes a window controller configured to control the optical transitions of the electrochromic device. In some cases, the window controller and the antenna controller are housed in a single carrier and / or housing.

[0020] In some embodiments, the IGU wafer includes an electrochromic device disposed on a first surface. In some embodiments, the electrochromic device does not have an ion conductor deposited between the electrochromic layer and the counter electrode layer.

[0021] Another aspect of this disclosure relates to a system comprising: (i) a plurality of IGUs as described in any of the embodiments presented herein; (ii) a plurality of controllers, each of the plurality of controllers being configured to: (A) drive an electrochromic device disposed in the IGU; and (B) drive at least one antenna structure in each IGU; and (iii) a network controller for providing instructions to the plurality of controllers.

[0022] Another aspect of this disclosure relates to a building characterized by: (a) a plurality of windows, each having one or more panels; (b) a plurality of antennas disposed on the plurality of windows; and (c) control logic configured to operate the building’s antennas as cellular base stations or cellular repeaters.

[0023] In some respects, the building includes the following features: (a) a controller network including control logic for generating one or more control signals; (b) a plurality of transmitters, each of which is configured to generate a transmission signal based on one or more control signals; (c) a plurality of windows; and (d) a plurality of antennas in or above the windows, each antenna being configured to radiate at least one transmission signal from at least one corresponding transmitter.

[0024] In some embodiments, the transmitter includes (i) a carrier signal generator for generating a carrier signal having a carrier amplitude and a carrier frequency; and (ii) a modulator for modulating the carrier signal to provide a transmit signal. In some embodiments, the modulator is configured to perform one or more of amplitude modulation, frequency modulation, and phase modulation of the carrier signal to provide a transmit signal. In some embodiments, the modulator is configured to perform Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA) modulation of the carrier signal to provide a transmit signal.

[0025] In some implementations, the building additionally includes multiple receivers for demodulating signals received from the antennas. In some implementations, the controller network includes multiple distributed antenna controllers and at least one master controller or network controller. In some examples, at least one master controller or network controller includes control logic for communicating with a base station controller (BSC). The control logic may be at least partially distributed between the master controller and the distributed antenna controllers. In some embodiments, the control logic includes spatial filtering logic for generating control signals based on spatial filtering, wherein the radiated transmitted signals share a common wavefront based on spatial filtering. In some embodiments, the controller network is also configured to control the optical state of the window.

[0026] In some implementations, the building further includes (i) multiple receivers for receiving signals from the antenna; and (ii) multiple amplifiers for amplifying the received signals, wherein the transmitted signals are based on the amplified signals.

[0027] In some implementations, the building further includes (i) a plurality of receivers for receiving signals from an antenna associated with a first wireless communication protocol; and (ii) a plurality of protocol converters for converting the received signals from the first wireless communication protocol into a second wireless communication protocol, wherein the transmitted signal is the converted signal.

[0028] Another aspect of this disclosure relates to a window antenna characterized by: (a) a window having one or more panels, each of the one or more panels including (i) two surfaces having areas configured for observation through the window; and (ii) a peripheral edge separating the two surfaces; (b) an antenna disposed on the window; (c) a controller including an antenna transmitter and / or receiver; and (d) an electrical interconnect located between the controller and the antenna, wherein the electrical interconnect passes through and contacts the peripheral edge of at least one panel. In some embodiments, at least one panel of the window antenna has a length or width of at least about 60 inches.

[0029] In some embodiments, the antenna includes an antenna structure and a ground plane. Electrical interconnects may include a cable having a ground conductor connected to the ground plane and a power supply conductor connected to the antenna structure, wherein the ground conductor and the power supply conductor are separated near the peripheral edge of at least one piece.

[0030] In some embodiments, the electrical interconnects include a tape comprising an adhesive material and conductors. In some examples, the tape includes three parallel conductors: a center line for carrying signals between the antenna structure and the controller, and two outer lines for grounding. In some examples, the window antenna also includes connectors disposed above or near the peripheral edge of at least one sheet, wherein the tape electrically connects the antenna to the connectors, and wherein separate conductors electrically connect the controller to the connectors.

[0031] In some embodiments, the window includes at least two panes separated by spacers that separate the panes from each other, wherein the spacers are provided near the peripheral area of ​​the panes and wherein electrical interconnects pass through the spacers.

[0032] In some embodiments, the antenna of this aspect includes an antenna structure and a ground plane. As with the aspects described above, the antenna structure can have various configurations such as striplines or patches. In some embodiments, the stripline or patch structure can be used as part of a monopole antenna. In one such embodiment, the stripline has an axis along its length and the ground plane is substantially perpendicular to the axis of the stripline. This ground plane is disposed on the same surface as the antenna structure or on a structure connected to the window. In some embodiments, the stripline has an axis along its length and the ground plane is substantially parallel to the axis of the stripline. The ground plane can be provided on a plane different from the stripline, for example, on a different surface of the window. In some embodiments, the antenna structure includes two striplines, wherein the striplines are configured as a dipole antenna. In some embodiments, the two striplines are substantially parallel.

[0033] In some embodiments of this aspect of the disclosure, the antenna structure includes a fractal structure. In one example, the fractal structure is disposed on a plane, and a ground plane is substantially perpendicular to the plane of the fractal structure. In some such examples, the ground plane is disposed on the same surface as the antenna structure. In some such examples, the ground plane is disposed on a structure connected to a window. In some embodiments, the fractal structure is disposed on a plane, and the ground plane is substantially parallel to the plane of the fractal structure (e.g., located on a separate surface).

[0034] In some implementations, the antenna structure is configured as a dipole antenna, such as a Yagi antenna or a log-periodic antenna.

[0035] In some embodiments of this aspect of the disclosure, the controller for the window antenna is disposed on the window. In some embodiments, the antenna controller includes a transmitter and / or receiver for the antenna configuration. In some embodiments, the window antenna further includes a window controller configured to control the optical transitions of the electrochromic device. In some cases, the window controller and the antenna controller are housed in a single carrier and / or housing.

[0036] In some embodiments, the surface of the window antenna sheet includes an electrochromic device disposed on a first surface. In some embodiments, the electrochromic device does not have an ion conductor deposited between the electrochromic layer and the counter electrode layer.

[0037] Another embodiment of this aspect of the present disclosure relates to a system comprising: (i) a plurality of window antennas as described in any of the embodiments presented herein; (ii) a plurality of controllers, each of the plurality of controllers being configured to: (A) drive an electrochromic device; and (B) drive at least one antenna structure in each window antenna; and (iii) a network controller for providing instructions to the plurality of controllers.

[0038] Certain aspects of this disclosure relate to personalizing settings for areas of a building, wherein the settings are defined for a specific user. A method for personalizing settings may include: (a) establishing a communication link between a user-carried mobile device and a window antenna in that area of ​​the building, wherein the communication link may be established only when the mobile device is within or near the area; (b) receiving user identification information via the communication link; (c) determining one or more settings for user identification in the area of ​​the building; and (d) applying the determined settings to the area of ​​the building.

[0039] In some implementations, the personalization method uses one or more settings selected from the group consisting of: (i) tinting levels for one or more windows in an area of ​​the building; (ii) allowing communication shielding in an area of ​​the building; (iii) allowing notifications based on the location of mobile devices in an area of ​​the building; (iv) allowing one or more settings to be communicated to one or more non-window systems in an area of ​​the building; (v) allowing wireless charging for one or more battery-powered devices (e.g., mobile devices) in an area of ​​the building; and (vi) combinations thereof. In some implementations, one or more settings include tinting levels for windows in an area of ​​the building.

[0040] In some implementations, one or more non-window systems are selected from the group consisting of: a temperature control system for a region of a building; a lighting system for a region of a building; and a locking system for a region of a building.

[0041] These and other features of the window antenna will be further described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Brief description of the attached diagram

[0042] Figure 1A A description of an example system for controlling and driving multiple electrochromic windows is shown.

[0043] Figure 1B A description of another example system for controlling and driving multiple electrochromic windows is shown.

[0044] Figure 1C A block diagram of an example network system 120 for controlling multiple IGUs according to some implementations is shown.

[0045] Figure 1D This is a schematic diagram of the EC window controller.

[0046] Figures 2A to 2J A cross-sectional view of an example electrochromic window structure with an integrated antenna capable of transmitting or receiving signals from an indoor environment, according to some implementations, is shown.

[0047] Figures 3A to 3J A cross-sectional view of an example electrochromic window structure with an integrated antenna capable of transmitting or receiving signals from an outdoor environment, according to some implementations, is shown.

[0048] Figure 4A and Figure 4B A cross-sectional view of an example electrochromic window structure with an integrated antenna capable of transmitting signals to and receiving signals from indoor and outdoor environments is shown according to some implementations.

[0049] Figure 5A and Figure 5B A cross-sectional view of an example electrochromic window structure with an integrated antenna according to some implementations is shown.

[0050] Figure 6A and Figure 6B A plan view of an example electrochromic window structure with an integrated antenna according to some implementations is shown. The plan view is obtained from the front from the window's perspective, as seen, for example, by a building occupant standing in a room where the window is mounted on a wall or facade.

[0051] Figure 7A and Figure 7B A top view of an example electrochromic window structure with an integrated multi-structure antenna, according to some implementations, is shown.

[0052] Figures 8A to 8C Examples and information about the Sherpinski fractal window antenna are shown.

[0053] Figure 8D and Figure 8E A top view of an example electrochromic window structure with an integrated fractal-based antenna, according to some implementations, is shown.

[0054] Figure 9A A simplified view of an example monopole antenna used for a window is shown.

[0055] Figures 9B to 9C An example implementation is shown that provides multiple antennas on a sheet and / or other window structure.

[0056] Figure 9D An example is shown of a patch antenna and a ground plane strip disposed on the same surface of the sheet.

[0057] Figures 10A to 10F Various interconnect structures are shown for providing separate connections to the antenna structure and the ground plane.

[0058] Figures 11A to 11H This illustrates a design in which the antenna controller (receiver and / or transmitter logic) is mounted on a window along with a window controller and arranged to transmit signals for communication with the antenna elements on the window.

[0059] Figure 12 An example array of an electrochromic window structure with an integrated antenna, according to some implementations, is shown.

[0060] Figure 13A and Figure 13B The text describes conventional cell tower networks and cellular networks where buildings with antenna glass act as cell towers.

[0061] Figures 14A to 14GVarious aspects of certain implementation schemes for using window antennas to commission switchable windows in buildings or other facilities are described.

[0062] In each figure, the same reference numbers and symbols represent the same elements. Detailed description

[0063] The following detailed description relates to certain embodiments or implementations for the purposes of describing the disclosed aspects. However, the teachings herein can be applied and implemented in many different ways. Reference is made to the accompanying drawings in the following detailed description. While the disclosed embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice them, it should be understood that these examples are not limiting; other embodiments can be used and various changes can be made to the disclosed embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Furthermore, although the disclosed embodiments focus on electrochromic windows (also known as smart windows), the concepts disclosed herein can be applied to other types of switchable optical devices, including, for example, liquid crystal devices and suspended particle devices. For example, liquid crystal devices or suspended particle devices instead of electrochromic devices may be incorporated into some or all of the disclosed embodiments. Additionally, unless otherwise stated, the conjunction “or” is intended to be included herein where appropriate; for example, the phrase “A, B, or C” is intended to include the possibilities of “A,” “B,” “C,” “A and B,” “B and C,” “A and C,” and “A, B, and C.”

[0064] Window controller network

[0065] Figure 1AA description of an example system 100 for controlling and driving multiple electrochromic windows 102 is shown. This example system, as described elsewhere herein, can also be used to control the operation of one or more window antennas. System 100 can be adapted to buildings 104 such as commercial office buildings or residential buildings. In some implementations, system 100 is designed (hereinafter “designed to,” “adapted to,” “configured to,” “programmed to,” “operable to,” and “capable” may be used interchangeably where appropriate) to be used in conjunction with modern heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems 106, indoor lighting systems 107, security systems 108, and electrical systems 109 as a single, comprehensive, and efficient energy control system for the entire building 104 or a campus with building 104. Some implementations of system 100 are particularly well-suited for integration with a building management system (BMS) 110. BMS 110 is a computer-based control system that can be installed in a building to monitor and control the building’s electromechanical equipment, such as HVAC systems, lighting systems, electrical systems, elevators, fire protection systems, and security systems. BMS 110 may include hardware and associated firmware or software for maintaining the condition of building 104 according to preferences set by occupants, building managers, or other administrators. The software may be based on, for example, Internet protocols or open standards.

[0066] Building Management Systems (BMS) are typically used in large buildings to control the environment within the building. For example, BMS 110 can control lighting, temperature, carbon dioxide levels, and humidity within building 104. Numerous mechanical or electrical devices can be controlled by BMS 110, including, for example, furnaces or other heaters, air conditioners, blowers, and vents. To control the building environment, BMS 110 can turn these various devices on and off according to rules or in response to conditions. Such rules and conditions can be selected or specified by, for example, a building administrator or manager. A primary function of BMS 110 is to maintain a comfortable environment for the occupants of building 104 while minimizing heating and cooling energy losses and costs. In some implementations, BMS 110 can be configured not only for monitoring and control but also to optimize the synergy between various systems, such as saving energy and reducing building operating costs.

[0067] Alternatively or otherwise, some implementations are designed to function responsively or reactively based on feedback sensed by, for example, thermal sensors, optical sensors, or other sensors, or through inputs from, for example, HVAC or indoor lighting systems, or from user controls. Further information can be found in U.S. Patent No. 8,705,162, published April 22, 2014, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Some implementations can also be used in existing structures with conventional or conventional HVAC or indoor lighting systems, including both commercial and residential structures. Some implementations can also be retrofitted for older residences.

[0068] System 100 includes a network controller 112 configured to control a plurality of window controllers 114. For example, network controller 112 may control dozens, hundreds, or even thousands of window controllers 114. Each window controller 114 can then control and drive one or more electrochromic windows 102. In some implementations, network controller 112 issues high-level instructions, such as the final tinting state of the electrochromic windows, and the window controllers receive these instructions and directly control their windows by applying electrical excitation to appropriately drive the tinting state transition and / or maintain the tinting state. The number and size of the electrochromic windows 102 that each window controller 114 can drive are typically limited by the voltage and current characteristics of the load on the window controller 114 controlling the respective electrochromic window 102. In some implementations, the maximum window size that each window controller 114 can drive is limited by voltage, current, or power requirements such that the desired optical transition occurs in the electrochromic window 102 within a desired time frame. Such requirements are then a function of the window surface area. In some implementations, this relationship is non-linear. For example, voltage, current, or power requirements can increase non-linearly with the surface area of ​​the electrochromic window 102. For example, in some cases, the relationship is non-linear, at least in part because of the first conductive layer 214 and the second conductive layer 216 (see, for example, see...). Figure 2A The resistance of the thin film increases nonlinearly with the distance between the length and width of the first or second conductive layer. However, in some implementations, the relationship between the voltage, current, or power required to drive multiple electrochromic windows 102 of the same size and shape is proportional to the number of electrochromic windows 102 being driven.

[0069] Figure 1B A description of another example system 100 for controlling and driving multiple electrochromic windows 102 is shown. Figure 1B The system 100 shown is similar to the reference. Figure 1A System 100 is shown and described. (With) Figure 1A The system is the opposite. Figure 1BThe system 100 shown includes a main controller 111. The main controller 111 communicates with and operates in conjunction with multiple network controllers 112, each of which is capable of [further details omitted]. Figure 1A Multiple window controllers 114 are addressed as described. In some implementations, the master controller 111 issues high-level instructions (such as the final tinting state of an electrochromic window) to the network controller 112, and the network controller 112 then transmits the instructions to the corresponding window controller 114.

[0070] In some implementations, various electrochromic windows 102 and / or antennas of a building or other structure are advantageously divided into zones or groups, each of which includes a subset of the electrochromic windows 102. For example, each zone may correspond to a set of electrochromic windows 102 in a specific location or area of ​​a building, which should be tinted (or otherwise transformed) to the same or similar optical state based on their location. As a more specific example, consider a building with four faces or sides: north; south; east; and west. Also consider a building with ten floors. In such a teaching example, each zone may correspond to a specific floor and a set of electrochromic windows 102 on a specific face of the four faces. In some such implementations, each network controller 112 may address one or more zones or groups. For example, the main controller 111 may issue a final tinting state command for a specific zone or group to one or more of the respective network controllers 112. For example, the final tinting state command may include an abstract identification of each target zone. The designated network controller 112 that receives the final coloring state command can then map the abstract identification of the area to the specific network address of the respective window controller 114, which controls the voltage or current distribution to be applied to the electrochromic window 102 in the area.

[0071] In electrochromic windows, which may have additional aspects such as antennas configured for one or more purposes, the window area for the coloring purpose may or may not correspond to an area related to antenna functions. For example, the main controller and / or network controller may identify two distinct window areas for coloring purposes, such as windows on two floors on one side of a building, where each floor has a different coloring algorithm based on customer preferences. Simultaneously, these two coloring areas may be a single area for antenna transmission and / or reception purposes, or the “antenna area” may include other windows, either individually or as an area. Antenna-EC glass achieves a wide range of functions by providing the unique functionality of a colorable coating and an antenna. The antenna can be used not only for the colorable coating function but also for other functions described in more detail herein.

[0072] Various aspects of the network system for optically switchable windows and associated antennas are further described in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 248,181, filed October 29, 2015, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0073] In many cases, switchable light windows can form or occupy a significant portion of a building's exterior. For example, switchable light windows can form a substantial portion of the walls, facades, and even the roof of a corporate office building, other commercial building, or residential building. In various implementations, a distributed controller network can be used to control the switchable light windows. Figure 1C A block diagram of an example network system 300 operable according to some implementations to control multiple IGUs 302 using window antennas is shown. For example, each of the IGUs 302 may be the same as or similar to the IGU 100 described above with reference to FIG. 1. A primary function of the network system 300 is to control the optical state of the ECD (or other optically switchable device) and / or the transmit and / or receive characteristics of the window antennas within the IGUs 302. In some implementations, one or more of the windows 302 may be multi-zone windows, for example, where each window comprises two or more independently controllable ECDs or zones. In various implementations, the network system 300 is operable to control the electrical characteristics of the power signals supplied to the IGUs 302. For example, the network system 300 may generate and transmit coloring instructions (also referred to herein as “coloring commands”) to control the voltage applied to the ECDs within the IGUs 302.

[0074] In some implementations, another function of the network system 300 is to acquire status information from the IGU 302 (hereinafter, "information" and "data" are used interchangeably). For example, the status information for a given IGU may include identification of the current shading state of the ECD within the IGU or information about said current shading state. The network system 300 may also operate to acquire data from various sensors such as temperature sensors, photoelectric sensors (also referred to herein as light sensors), humidity sensors, airflow sensors or occupancy sensors, and antennas (whether integrated on or within the IGU 302 or located in, above or around a building).

[0075] Network system 300 may include any suitable number of distributed controllers with various capabilities or functions. In some implementations, the functions and arrangement of the various controllers are defined hierarchically. For example, network system 300 includes multiple distributed window controllers (WC) 304, multiple network controllers (NC) 306, and a master controller (MC) 308. In some implementations, MC 308 may communicate with and control dozens or hundreds of NCs 306. In various implementations, MC 308 issues high-level commands to NCs 306 via one or more wired or wireless links 316 (hereinafter collectively referred to as "links 316"). Commands may include, for example, shading commands to cause changes in the optical state of IGUs 302 controlled by the respective NCs 306. Each NC 306 may then communicate with and control multiple WCs 304 via one or more wired or wireless links 314 (hereinafter collectively referred to as "links 314"). For example, each NC 306 may control dozens or hundreds of WCs 304. Each WC304 can then communicate with, drive, or otherwise control one or more respective IGUs 302 via one or more wired or wireless links 312 (collectively referred to below as "links 312").

[0076] MC 308 can issue communications including coloring commands, status request commands, data (e.g., sensor data) request commands, or other instructions. In some implementations, MC 308 can issue such communications periodically, at a specific predefined time on a day (which may change based on a day of the week or year), or based on the detection of a specific event, condition, or combination of events or conditions (e.g., determined by acquired sensor data or based on receiving a request initiated by a user or application, or a combination of such sensor data and such request). In some implementations, when MC 308 determines that a coloring state change is caused in one or more IGUs 302, MC 308 generates or selects a coloring value corresponding to the desired coloring state. In some implementations, this set of IGUs 302 is associated with a first protocol identifier (ID) (e.g., BACnet ID). MC 308 then generates and transmits a communication referred to herein as a “primary coloring command” via link 316 via a first communication protocol (e.g., a BACnet-compatible protocol), including the coloring value and the first protocol ID. In some implementations, MC 308 addresses a primary coloring command to a specific NC 306 that controls one or more specific WCs 304, which in turn controls the transitions of this group of IGUs 302. NC 306 receives the primary coloring command, which includes a coloring value and a first protocol ID, and maps the first protocol ID to one or more second protocol IDs. In some implementations, each of the second protocol IDs identifies a corresponding one among the WCs 304. NC 306 then sends a secondary coloring command, including the coloring value, to each identified WC 304 via link 314 through a second communication protocol. In some implementations, each WC 304 receiving the secondary coloring command then selects a voltage or current distribution from its internal memory based on the coloring value to drive its respective connected IGU 302 to a coloring state consistent with the coloring value. Each WC 304 then generates and provides a voltage or current signal to its respective connected IGU 302 via link 312 to apply the voltage or current distribution.

[0077] In some implementations, the various IGUs 302 can advantageously be divided into zones of EC windows, each zone comprising a subset of IGUs 302. In some implementations, each zone of IGUs 302 is controlled by one or more respective NCs 306 and one or more respective WCs 304 controlled by these NCs 306. In some more specific implementations, each zone can be controlled by a single NC 306 and two or more WCs 304 controlled by the single NC 306. In other words, a zone can represent a logical grouping of IGUs 302. For example, each zone can correspond to a specific location or area of ​​a building with a set of IGUs 302 that are driven together based on their location. As a more specific example, consider a building with four faces or sides: north; south; east; and west. Also consider a building with ten floors. In this illustrative example, each zone can correspond to a specific floor and a set of electrochromic windows 100 on a specific one of the four faces. Alternatively or in addition, each zone may correspond to a group of IGU 302 that share one or more physical characteristics (e.g., device parameters such as size or age). In some other implementations, zones of IGU 302 may be grouped based on one or more non-physical characteristics (e.g., security label or business hierarchy). (For example, IGU 302 defining an administrator's office may be grouped into one or more zones, while IGU 302 defining non-administrator's offices may be grouped into one or more distinct zones.)

[0078] In some such implementations, each NC 306 can address all IGU 302s of each of its respective zones. For example, MC 308 can send a primary coloring command to the NC 306 controlling the target zone. The primary coloring command may include an abstract identification of the target zone (hereinafter also referred to as a “zone ID”). In some such implementations, the zone ID may be a first protocol ID such as the ID just described in the example above. In such a case, NC 306 receives the primary coloring command including the coloring value and the zone ID and maps the zone ID to a second protocol ID associated with the WC 304 within that zone. In some other implementations, the zone ID may be a higher level of abstraction than the first protocol ID. In such a case, NC 306 may first map the zone ID to one or more first protocol IDs, and then map the first protocol ID to the second protocol ID. Although the network examples given herein relate to coloring commands for controlling optically colorable windows, it should be understood that these examples also relate to commands for controlling antenna operation in window antennas associated with IGUs.

[0079] Interacting with network users or third parties

[0080] In some implementations, MC 308 is coupled to one or more externally-oriented networks 310 (collectively, "external-oriented networks 310") via one or more wired or wireless links 318 (hereinafter referred to as "links 318"). In some such implementations, MC 308 can transmit acquired status information or sensor data to a remote computer, mobile device, server, or database located in or accessible by externally-oriented network 310. In some implementations, various applications running within such remote devices, including third-party applications or cloud-based applications, can access data from or provide data to MC 308. In some implementations, authorized users or applications can transmit requests to modify the coloring state of various IGUs 302 to MC 308 via network 310. In some implementations, MC 308 can determine whether to grant permission for a request (e.g., based on power considerations or based on whether the user has appropriate authorization) before issuing coloring or antenna control commands. Then, MC 308 can calculate, determine, select, or otherwise generate shading values ​​and transmit them in primary shading or other commands to cause a change in the shading state in the associated IGU 302.

[0081] For example, a user can submit such a request from a computing device (e.g., a desktop computer, laptop computer, tablet computer, or mobile device (e.g., a smartphone)). In some such implementations, the user's computing device can execute a client-side application capable of communicating with the MC 308, and in some cases, with a main controller application running within the MC 308. In some other implementations, the client-side application can communicate with a separate application in the same or different physical device or system as the MC 308, which then communicates with the main controller application to achieve the desired coloring state modification. In some implementations, the main controller application or another separate application can be used to authenticate the user to authorize the request submitted by the user. In some implementations, the user can select which IGU 302 to color or control its antenna in a specific way (e.g., activate Wi-Fi service), and inform the MC 308 of these choices by entering the room number via the client-side application.

[0082] In addition to or alternatively, in some implementations, a user's mobile device or other computing device can wirelessly communicate with various WC 304s. For example, a client-side application running on the user's mobile device can send wireless communications, including coloring state control signals, to the WC 304 to control the coloring or other states of the respective IGU 302s connected to the WC 304. For example, a user can use a client-side application to maintain or modify the coloring or other states of IGU 302s adjacent to a room occupied by the user (or to be occupied by the user or others in the future). Such wireless communications can be generated, formatted, or transmitted using various wireless network topologies and protocols (described in more detail below with reference to WC 600 in Figure 6).

[0083] In some such implementations, control signals sent from a user's mobile device (or other computing device) to their respective WC 304 can override coloring or other values ​​previously received by the WC 304 from their respective NC 306. In other words, the WC 304 can apply a voltage to the IGU 302 based on control signals from the user's computing device rather than on coloring values. For example, a control algorithm or rule set stored in and executed by the WC 304 can indicate that one or more control signals from an authorized user's computing device take precedence over coloring values ​​received from the NC 306. In some other cases, such as in high-demand situations, control signals such as coloring values ​​from the NC 306 may take precedence over any control signals received by the WC 304 from the user's computing device. In some other cases, the control algorithm or rule set can indicate that coloring overrides from only certain users or user groups or categories may be prioritized based on permission granted to those users, and in some cases, other factors including the time of day or the location of the IGU 302.

[0084] In some implementations, based on control signals received from an authorized user's computing device, the MC 308 can use information about combinations of known parameters to calculate, determine, select, or otherwise generate shading values ​​that provide lighting conditions typical of a user's expectations, while in other cases, power considerations are also taken into account. In some other implementations, the MC 308 can determine shading or other values ​​based on preset preferences defined by or for a specific user who requests shading or other state changes via a computing device. For example, a user may need to enter a password or otherwise log in or be authorized to request shading or other state changes. In such cases, the MC 308 can identify the user based on a password, security token, or an identifier based on a specific mobile device or other computing device. After identifying the user, the MC 308 can then retrieve the user's preset preferences and use them, alone or in combination with other parameters (such as power considerations or information from various sensors), to generate and transmit shading values ​​for shading or otherwise controlling the respective IGU 302.

[0085] Wall equipment

[0086] In some implementations, network system 300 may also include wall switches, dimmers, or other color-state control devices. Such devices are also collectively referred to below as “wall devices,” although they are not necessarily limited to wall-mounted implementations (e.g., such devices may also be located in the ceiling or floor, or integrated above or within a table or conference table). For example, some or all of an office, meeting room, or other room in a building may include such wall devices for controlling the color-state of adjacent IGUs 302. For example, IGUs 302 adjacent to a particular room may be grouped into a zone. Each of the wall devices can be operated by an end user (e.g., the occupant of the respective room) to control the color-state or other functions or parameters of the IGUs 302 adjacent to the room. For example, at certain times of day, adjacent IGUs 302 may be colored dark to reduce the amount of light energy entering the room from the outside (e.g., to reduce AC cooling requirements). Now suppose a user wants to use the room. In various implementations, the user can operate the wall devices to convey control signals, thereby changing the color-state from dark to a brighter color-state.

[0087] In some implementations, each wall device may include one or more switches, buttons, dimmers, dials, or other physical user interface controls, enabling a user to select a specific shading state or increase or decrease the current shading level of the IGU302 adjacent to the room. Alternatively, the wall device may include a display with a touchscreen interface, allowing a user to select a specific shading state (e.g., by selecting a virtual button, choosing from a drop-down menu, or by entering a shading level or percentage) or modify the shading state (e.g., by selecting a “dim” virtual button, a “lighten” virtual button, or by rotating a virtual dial or sliding a virtual bar). In some other implementations, the wall device may include a docking interface, enabling a user to physically and communicatively dock a portable device such as a smartphone, multimedia device, tablet computer, or other portable computing device (e.g., an iPhone, iPod, or iPad, manufactured by Apple Inc. in Cupertino, California). In such implementations, the user can control the shading level via input to the portable device, which is then received by the wall device through the docking interface and subsequently transmitted to MC 308, NC 306, or WC 304. In such an implementation, the portable device may include an application for communicating with the API presented by the wall device.

[0088] For example, a wall device can send a request to MC 308 to change its color state. In some implementations, MC 308 may first determine whether to grant the request (e.g., based on power considerations or based on whether the user has appropriate authorization / license). MC 308 may then calculate, determine, select, or otherwise generate a color value and transmit it in a primary color command to change the color state in adjacent IGU 302. In some such implementations, each wall device may be connected to MC 308 via one or more wired links (e.g., communication lines such as CAN or Ethernet-compatible cables or power lines using power line communication technology). In some other implementations, each wall device may be connected to MC 308 via one or more wireless links. In some other implementations, the wall device (via one or more wired or wireless connectors) may be connected to an externally facing network 310 (e.g., a customer-facing network), which then communicates with MC 308 via link 318. The wall device may be used as a cellular signal repeater, either alone or in conjunction with an electrochromic window configured with an antenna.

[0089] In some implementations, MC 308 can identify the IGU 302 associated with the wall device based on previously programmed or discovered information linking the wall device to the IGU 302. In some implementations, a control algorithm or rule set stored in and executed by MC 308 can indicate that one or more control signals from the wall device take precedence over coloring values ​​previously generated by MC 308. In other cases, such as during periods of high demand (e.g., high power demand), a control algorithm or rule set stored in and executed by MC 308 can indicate that coloring values ​​previously generated by MC 308 take precedence over any control signals received from the wall device.

[0090] In some other implementations or instances, based on a color state change request or control signal received from the wall device, the MC 308 can use information about a combination of known parameters to generate color values ​​that provide lighting conditions expected by a typical user, while power considerations are also taken into account in other cases. In some other implementations, the MC 308 can generate color values ​​based on preset preferences defined by or for a specific user who requests a color state change via the wall device. For example, it might be necessary for the user to enter a password into the wall device or access the wall device using a security token or secure transaction pouch, such as an IBUTTON security token or other single-line device. In such cases, the MC 308 can identify the user based on the password, security token, or secure transaction pouch, retrieve the user's preset preferences, and use the preset preferences alone or in combination with other parameters (such as power considerations or information from various sensors) to calculate, determine, select, or otherwise generate the respective color values ​​for the IGU 302.

[0091] In some other implementations, the wall device may send a coloring state change request to the appropriate NC 306, which then forwards the request or communication based on the request to the MC 308. For example, each wall device may be connected to the corresponding NC 306 via one or more wired links (e.g., the links just described for MC 308) or wireless links (e.g., the links described below). In some other implementations, the wall device may send a request to the appropriate NC 306, which then determines itself whether to override a primary coloring command previously received from the MC 308 or a primary or secondary coloring command previously generated by the NC 306 (as described below, in some implementations the NC 306 may generate coloring commands without first receiving them from the MC 308). In some other implementations, the wall device may directly transmit the request or control signal to the WC 304 controlling the adjacent IGU 302. For example, each wall device can be connected to the corresponding WC 304 via one or more wired links (such as the links just described for MC 308) or via wireless links (such as the links described below for WC 600 with reference to Figure 6).

[0092] In some specific implementations, it is NC 306 that determines whether control signals from the wall device should take precedence over coloring values ​​previously generated by NC 306. As mentioned above, in some implementations, the wall device can communicate directly with NC 306. However, in other implementations, the wall device can transmit a request directly to MC 308 or directly to WC 304, which then forwards the request to NC 306. In other implementations, the wall device can transmit a request to a customer-facing network (such as a network managed by a building owner or operator), which then forwards the request (or requests based thereon) directly or indirectly through MC 308 to NC 306. In some implementations, a control algorithm or rule set stored in and executed by NC 306 can indicate that one or more control signals from the wall device take precedence over coloring values ​​previously generated by NC 306. In some other cases, such as when there is high demand (e.g., high power demand), the control algorithm or rule set stored in and executed by the NC 306 may indicate that the coloring value previously generated by the NC 306 takes precedence over any control signal received from the wall device.

[0093] As described above with reference to MC 308, in some other implementations, based on a received color state change request or control signal from the wall device, NC 306 can use information about a combination of known parameters to generate color values ​​that provide lighting conditions expected by a typical user, while in other cases power considerations are also taken into account. In some other implementations, NC 306 can generate color values ​​based on preset preferences defined by or for a specific user who requests a color state change via the wall device. As described above with reference to MC 308, it may be necessary for the user to enter a password into the wall device or access the wall device using a security token or security transaction pouch, such as IBUTTON's, or other single-line device. In such cases, NC 306 can communicate with MC 308 to identify the user based on the password, security token, or security transaction pouch, retrieve the user's preset preferences, and use the preset preferences alone or in combination with other parameters (such as power considerations or information from various sensors) to calculate, determine, select, or otherwise generate the color values ​​for the respective IGU 302.

[0094] In some implementations, MC 308 is coupled to an external database (or "data storage area" or "data warehouse") 320. In some implementations, database 320 may be a local database coupled to MC 308 via a wired hardware link 322. In some other implementations, database 320 may be a remote database or a cloud-based database accessible by MC 308 via an internal private network or an external network 310. In some implementations, other computing devices, systems, or servers may also access the database 320, for example, via the external network 310, to read data stored in the database 320. Additionally, in some implementations, one or more control applications or third-party applications may also access the database via the external network 310 to read data stored in the database. In some cases, MC 308 stores a record in database 320 of all coloring commands, including coloring values ​​issued by MC 308. MC 308 may also collect and store status and sensor data in database 320. In this configuration, WC 304 can collect sensor data and status data from IGU 302 and transmit the sensor data and status data to its respective NC 306 via link 314, for communication with MC 308 via link 316. Alternatively, NC 306 or MC 308 can also connect to various sensors within the building, such as light sensors, temperature sensors, or occupancy sensors, as well as light sensors or temperature sensors located on, around, or outside the building (e.g., on the roof). In some implementations, NC 306 or WC 304 can also transmit status or sensor data directly to database 320 for storage.

[0095] Integration with other systems or services

[0096] In some implementations, network system 300 can also be designed to be used in conjunction with modern heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems, indoor lighting systems, security systems, or electrical systems as an integrated and efficient energy control system for the entire building or a campus with buildings. Some implementations of network system 300 are suitable for integration with building management system (BMS) 324. Broadly speaking, a BMS is a computer-based control system that can be installed in a building to monitor and control the building's electromechanical equipment, such as HVAC systems (including furnaces or other heaters, air conditioners, blowers, and vents), lighting systems, electrical systems, elevators, fire protection systems, and security systems. A BMS can include hardware and associated firmware and software for maintaining the building's condition according to preferences set by occupants, building managers, or other administrators. The software can be based on, for example, Internet Protocol or open standards. BMS is typically used in large buildings where it controls the environment within the building. For example, a BMS can control lighting, temperature, carbon dioxide levels, and humidity within a building. To control the building environment, a BMS can turn various electromechanical devices on and off according to rules or in response to conditions. Such rules and conditions can be selected or specified by, for example, building administrators or managers. One function of a BMS can be to maintain a comfortable environment for the building's occupants while minimizing heating and cooling energy losses and costs. In some implementations, a BMS can be configured not only for monitoring and control but also to optimize the synergy between various systems, for example, to save energy and reduce building operating costs.

[0097] In addition to or alternatively, some implementations of the network system 300 are suitable for integration with smart thermostat services, alarm services (such as fire detection), security services, or other device automation services. An example of a home automation service is... Manufactured by Nest Labs in Palo Alto, California, USA. (This is a registered trademark of Google, Inc., Mountain View, California, USA.) As used herein, references to BMS may be included or replaced in some implementations with other such automated services.

[0098] In some implementations, the MC 308 and separate automation services (such as the BMS 324) can communicate via an application programming interface (API). For example, the API can execute with a main controller application (or platform) within the MC 308, or with a building management application (or platform) within the BMS 324. The MC 308 and BMS 324 can communicate via one or more wired links 326 or via an externally-facing network 310. In some cases, the BMS 324 can transmit instructions for controlling the IGU 302 to the MC 308, which then generates primary coloring commands and sends them to the appropriate NC 306. In some implementations, the NC 306 or WC 304 can also communicate directly with the BMS 324 (whether wirelessly via a wired / hardware link or a wireless data link). In some implementations, the BMS 324 can also receive data collected by one or more of the MC 308, NC 306, and WC 304, such as sensor data, status data, and associated timestamp data. For example, MC 308 can publish such data via network 310. In some other implementations where such data is stored in database 320, BMS 324 can access some or all of the data stored in database 320.

[0099] Window controller

[0100] Controllers for controlling windows are described in various patents and applications of View Corporation. Examples of such applications include U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 248,181, filed October 29, 2015; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 085,179, filed November 24, 2014; U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 449,248, filed April 17, 2012; and U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 449,251, filed April 17, 2012, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0101] Figure 1DAn exemplary window controller 199 is depicted, which may include logic and other features for controlling an antenna (e.g., transmitting and / or receiving electromagnetic radiation signals to or from the antenna). Controller 199 includes a power converter configured to convert low voltage into power requirements for (1) the EC device of the EC chip of the IGU and / or (2) the window antenna. This power is typically fed to the EC device via driver circuitry (power driver). In one embodiment, controller 199 has redundant power drivers, such that in the event of a failure, a backup exists and the controller does not need to be replaced or repaired. Transceiver logic, which may include a power driver for the window antenna, may be included in controller 199. Although not explicitly shown, one of the depicted power drivers may be configured to drive the window antenna electrodes to transmit a specified signal.

[0102] Controller 199 also includes a function for sending data to a remote controller ( Figure 1D Described as the "main controller" in the diagram) and communication circuitry for receiving and sending commands from the remote controller (in... Figure 1D (The text is marked "communication" in the original.) The communication circuitry is also used to receive and send input to and from local logic devices (e.g., microcontrollers). In one embodiment, power lines are also used to send and receive communication via protocols such as Ethernet. The microcontroller includes logic for controlling at least one EC chip based on input received, for example, from one or more sensors and / or a user. In this example, sensors 1 to 3 are located, for example, external to the controller 199, such as in or near a window frame. Alternatively, the sensors (if present) are located at a distance, such as on the roof of a building. In one embodiment, the controller has at least one or more internal sensors. For example, the controller 199 may also or alternatively have "onboard" sensors 4 and 5. In one embodiment, the controller uses the EC device as a sensor, for example, by using current-voltage (I / V) data obtained by sending one or more electrical pulses through the EC device and analyzing the feedback. This type of sensing functionality is described in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 049,756, authored by Brown et al. as inventors, entitled "Multipurpose Controller for Multistate Windows," which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. The window assembly may also include a PV cell, and the controller can use the PV cell not only to generate power but also as a photoelectric sensor. The microcontroller may also have logic for controlling the window antenna function.

[0103] In one embodiment, the controller includes a chip, card, or board containing appropriate logic that is programmed and / or hard-coded to perform one or more control functions. The power and communication functions of the controller 199 can be combined in a single chip, such as a programmable logic device (PLD) chip, a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), or a similar device. These integrated circuits can combine logic functions, control functions, and power functions in a single programmable chip. In one embodiment, the EC window (or IGU) has two EC panes, and the logic is configured to independently control each of the two EC panes. The logic can also control the transmission and / or reception of one or more antennas disposed on the IGU. In one embodiment, the functions of each of the two EC panes and optional window antennas are controlled in a cooperative manner, i.e., each device is controlled to complement the other. For example, desired levels of light transmission, thermal insulation effects, antenna signal transmission, and / or other properties are controlled by combinations of states for each of the individual devices and / or antennas. For example, one EC device may have a colored state, while the other EC device may be used for, for example, resistance heating via the transparent electrodes of that device. In another example, the colored state of the two EC devices is controlled so that the combined transmittance is the desired result.

[0104] The controller 199 may also have wireless capabilities, such as control and power supply functions. For example, wireless control such as RF and / or IR, and wireless communications such as Bluetooth, WiFi, Zigbee, and EnOcean can be used to send instructions to the microcontroller and for the microcontroller to send data out to, for example, other window controllers and / or building management systems (BMS). Window antennas can be used to send and / or receive control communications and / or power. Various wireless protocols can be used appropriately. The optimal wireless protocol may depend on how the window is configured to receive power. For example, if the window is self-powered by generating relatively little power, a communication protocol that uses relatively little power can be used. Similarly, if the window is permanently wired, such as to a 24V power supply, there is less concern about power saving, and a wireless protocol that requires relatively more power can be used. Zigbee is an example of a protocol that uses relatively more power. WiFi and Bluetooth Low Energy are examples of protocols that use relatively less power. Protocols using relatively less power may also be beneficial when the window is intermittently powered.

[0105] Wireless communication can be used in the window controller to perform at least one of the following operations: programming and / or operating the EC window and optionally the window antenna; collecting data from the EC window from sensors; and using the EC window as a relay point for wireless communication. The data collected from the EC window may also include counting data, such as the number of times the EC device has been activated (cycled), the efficiency of the EC device over time, etc. Each of these wireless communication features is described in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 049,756, authored by Brown et al., entitled "Multipurpose Controller for MultistateWindows," which has been previously referenced.

[0106] In some embodiments, light is used to communicate with and / or power a window / antenna controller. That is, power and / or control signals are transmitted to the window controller via a suitable light-emitting medium, such as a fiber optic cable or free space, generated at a distance by, for example, a diode laser. Examples of photonic emission methods suitable for window controllers are described in PCT application No. PCT / US13 / 56506, filed August 23, 2013, entitled “PHOTONIC-POWERED EC DEVICES,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. In a particular embodiment, power is provided by a photonic method, while communication is provided by one or more window antennas patterned onto an on-chip electrochromic window or associated IGU component. In another embodiment, power is provided by a photonic method, while communication is provided by Wi-Fi or another wireless communication method using an antenna.

[0107] Back Figure 1D In some implementations, controller 199 may also include RFID tags and / or a memory such as a solid-state serial memory (e.g., I2C or SPI) that may optionally be programmable memory. Radio frequency identification (RFID) involves an interrogator (or reader) and a tag (or marker). RFID tags use communication via electromagnetic waves to exchange data between a terminal and an object (e.g., for the purpose of identifying and tracking said object). RFID tags can be read from several meters away from the reader and beyond the reader's line of sight.

[0108] Most RFID tags consist of at least two parts. One part is an integrated circuit used to store and process information, modulate and demodulate radio frequency (RF) signals, and perform other specialized functions. The other part is an antenna used to receive and transmit signals.

[0109] There are three types of RFID tags: passive RFID tags, which have no power source and require an external electromagnetic field to initiate signal transmission; active RFID tags, which contain a battery and can transmit a signal once the reader has been successfully identified; and battery-assisted passive (BAP) RFID tags, which require an external source to wake up but have a significantly higher forward link capability that provides a larger range.

[0110] In one implementation, the RFID tag or other memory is programmed using at least one of the following types of data: warranty information; installation information (e.g., absolute and relative position and orientation of the window); supplier information; batch / inventory information; EC device / IGU characteristics; antenna characteristics (e.g., number of antennas on the IGU, antenna type (monopole antenna, stripline antenna, patch antenna, dipole antenna, fractal antenna, etc.), frequency range, radiation pattern (omnidirectional, semi-cylindrical beam, etc.), and antenna size); EC device cycle information; and customer information. Examples of EC device characteristics and IGU characteristics include, for example, window voltage (V... W ), window current (I) W EC coating temperature (T) EC Visible transmittance of glass (%T) vis The system includes: % tinting command (an external analog input from the BMS), digital input status, and controller status. Each of these represents upstream information that can be provided from the controller to the BMS or window management system or other building equipment. Window voltage, window current, window temperature, and / or visible transmission level can be directly detected by sensors on the window. A % tinting command can be provided to the BMS or other building equipment, indicating that the controller has actually taken action to implement a tinting change, which may have been requested by the building equipment. This can be important because other building systems, such as HVAC systems, may not recognize that a tinting action is being taken, as the window may take several minutes (e.g., 10 minutes) to change its state after the tinting action has begun. Therefore, HVAC actions can be delayed for an appropriate period to ensure that the tinting action has sufficient time to affect the building environment. Digital input status information can tell the BMS or other systems that a manual action has been taken related to the smart window / antenna. Finally, the controller status can inform the BMS or other systems whether the controller in question is operational or has some other status related to its overall functionality.

[0111] Examples of downstream data from the BMS or other building systems that can be provided to the controller include window-driven configuration parameters, zone membership (e.g., which zone within the building this controller belongs to), % shading values, digital output status, and digital controls (shading, bleaching, auto, restart, etc.). Window-driven parameters can define the control sequence (effectively, algorithm) used to change the window state. Examples of window-driven configuration parameters include bleach-shaping transition slope, bleach-shaping transition voltage, initial shading slope, initial shading voltage, initial shading current limit, shading hold voltage, shading hold current limit, shading-bleaching transition slope, shading-bleaching transition voltage, initial bleaching slope, initial bleaching voltage, initial bleaching current limit, bleach hold voltage, and bleach hold current limit. Examples of applications of such window-driving parameters are given in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 049,623, filed March 16, 2011, entitled “Controlling Transitions In Optically Switchable Devices”, and U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 449,251, filed April 17, 2012, entitled “Controller for Optically-Switchable Windows”, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0112] As described above, the window controller may include logic (e.g., hardware and / or software) for controlling the window antennas. The logic may include one or more transceivers for controlling one or more window antennas, which may be located on one or more windows. For window antennas used in relatively low-power applications such as Bluetooth (or Bluetooth Low Energy), the transceivers may be co-located with the window controller, sometimes within the same housing, such as... Figures 11A to 11C In the carrier shown, for such applications, especially where antenna communication consumes only low or medium bandwidth, the antenna transceiver can communicate via window networks such as those mentioned above. Of course, even for low-power applications like Bluetooth, the antenna logic does not need to be located on the window controller. Furthermore, parallel networks can be used to communicate with the window antenna.

[0113] For other applications such as Wi-Fi services (e.g., Wi-Fi hotspots), the antenna control logic can also be deployed within the window controller housing. If the antenna application consumes relatively little bandwidth, a window network can be used to communicate with the antenna controller. For example, the CAN bus of the window network can be used to interface with the antenna transceiver. In other cases, such as when the antenna application consumes more bandwidth than the window network can accommodate, a separate network can be deployed within the building for the antenna application. In these cases, and where the antenna control logic is housed within the window controller, the controller can include network adapters such as RJ45 jacks (connectors) to connect the antenna transceiver to the antenna network.

[0114] In antenna applications requiring relatively high power, high bandwidth, and / or control from telecom operators (e.g., AT&T, Verizon, Sprint, and T-Mobile), antenna control logic and networking can be provided entirely independently of the window control system (window network and controller). Typically, when antennas are serving telecom operators, the operators require the network and transceivers to be their own. Such services include, for example, cellular repeaters. For instance, a window antenna can be deployed within a cellular repeater, such as a local base station. In such cases, the window antenna transceiver does not need to be co-located with the local window controller. However, it is generally desirable to provide antenna control logic in the vicinity of the window antenna, for example, within approximately 30 feet.

[0115] IGU structure, generally speaking

[0116] In the following description, each electrochromic window 202 will be referred to as an "Integrated Glass Unit (IGU)" 202, also known as an "Insulated Glass Unit (IGU)". This convention is assumed to exist because it is common and it may be desirable to use the IGU as the basic construction for holding the electrochromic window pane or sheet. Furthermore, IGUs, particularly those with double or triple pane configurations, offer superior thermal insulation compared to single pane configurations. However, this convention is for convenience only and not a limitation. In practice, as described below, in some implementations, the basic unit of an electrochromic window can be considered to comprise a pane or substrate of transparent material on which an electrochromic coating, stack, or device is formed and coupled with associated electrical connections to drive the electrochromic device. Electrochromic IGUs are described in various references, including U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 196,895, filed March 4, 2014; U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 085,179, filed November 26, 2014; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 194,107, filed July 17, 2015, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference. Of course, the antenna structures and functions disclosed herein are not limited to IGUs and can be extended in some cases to any other window structure, including a single electrochromic sheet that is not part of an IGU or similar structure. Unless otherwise stated, the description of IGU embodiments can be extended to non-IGU contexts. Some embodiments even requiring two or more sheets can be implemented in non-IGU contexts; for example, embodiments using two parallel sheets that are not part of an IGU, and embodiments using electrochromic sheets and parallel structures that do not obscure most or any visible area of ​​the electrochromic sheet.

[0117] Antenna in IDU

[0118] Various embodiments generally involve electrochromic IGUs including one or more antennas. Specific embodiments of the subject matter described herein can be implemented to achieve one or more of the following potential advantages. Some embodiments involve IGUs including both an electrochromic device (or other optically switchable device) and one or more antennas. In some embodiments, the various antenna structures described herein can be formed on, under, within, or otherwise integrated with the electrochromic device itself. In some other embodiments, various antenna structures can be formed on the same pane as the electrochromic device, but on a surface opposite to the surface on which the electrochromic device is formed. In some other embodiments, various antenna structures can be formed on a pane different from the electrochromic device, for example, in an IGU comprising two or more panes. In some cases, one or more antennas or antenna components (e.g., ground planes) are formed on structures or features that are not themselves part of the pane. For example, antennas or antenna components can be mounted on IGU spacers, window controllers, network controllers, main controllers, electrical connectors such as connectors between window controllers and electrochromic devices, window frame elements, crossbars, vertical frames, etc.

[0119] The following terms are used throughout the specification to describe various aspects of the window antenna.

[0120] Antenna components

[0121] Antennas have associated transmitters and / or receivers, sometimes combined into a "transceiver," for supplying electrical signals to or receiving signals from the antenna. Transmitters and receivers are typically implemented as circuits on a circuit board or integrated circuit. In some implementations, the transmitters and / or receivers are deployed within window controllers or other control elements of an optically switchable window network.

[0122] The antenna has at least two antenna electrodes, at least one of which is referred to herein as an antenna structure, which can be used for one or both of two roles: transmitting (which receives electrical signals from the transmitting circuit and radiates electromagnetic signals into the surrounding space) and receiving (which receives electromagnetic signals from the surrounding space and forwards the electrical representation of the signals to the receiving circuit).

[0123] The second electrode can be grounded or powered. In antennas with both electrodes powered, they can receive complementary signals. This is typically the case with dipole antennas. When the second electrode is grounded, it can be implemented as a ground plane.

[0124] A ground plane is typically located near the antenna structure electrodes and blocks the antenna structure from emitting radiation beyond the ground plane and / or prevents the antenna structure from receiving radiation directed toward it from the direction of the ground plane. Naturally, the antenna structure and the ground plane cannot be in contact with each other. In many designs, they are separated by a dielectric layer, such as a window or other insulating structure that may be solid, liquid, or gas. In some embodiments, they are separated by free space (e.g., the interior of the IGU). In various embodiments, the ground plane is implemented as a layer or partial layer on a sheet such as an electrochromic sheet or another sheet (which is part of an IGU having an electrochromic sheet). When implemented on a sheet, the ground plane can be disposed as a layer on a large surface area of ​​the sheet or on one or more edges of the sheet. In some cases, the ground plane is implemented on a non-sheet structure associated with the electrochromic sheet or IGU. Examples of such non-window structures include window controllers, IGU spacers, and frame or structural members such as vertical frames and horizontal bars.

[0125] Each electrode connects to a terminal of the transmitter or receiver. All connections are formed via interconnects or transmit lines (the terms are used interchangeably herein).

[0126] Passive antenna elements are sometimes used in conjunction with the main antenna structure and are used to tune the radiation distribution emitted (or received) by the antenna structure. Passive antenna elements are not electrically connected to the antenna circuitry. They are used in some well-known antenna structures as Yagi antennas, which can be arranged on a window structure in a manner similar to active antenna elements (e.g., antenna structure and ground plane), except that they are not electrically connected to the antenna circuitry.

[0127] It is now apparent that an IGU may include one or more antennas configured to broadcast (or more generally, transmit) radio frequency (RF) signals to an indoor environment such as a building or a room within a building. In some implementations, an IGU may include one or more antennas configured to receive RF signals from an outdoor environment, such as from the outside of a building or the exterior of a room within a building. In some implementations, an IGU may include one or more antennas configured to broadcast RF signals to an outdoor environment, such as the exterior of a building or a room within a building. In some implementations, an IGU may include one or more antennas configured to receive RF signals from an indoor environment, such as from the interior of a building or a room within a building. Furthermore, in some implementations, an IGU may include functionality to broadcast RF signals to or from both indoor and outdoor environments. Additionally, in some implementations, an IGU may include functionality to prevent RF signals from passing through one side of the IGU and being transmitted to the opposite side of the IGU.

[0128] Electrochromic IGU and Electrochromic Devices

[0129] Figures 2A to 2J Cross-sectional views of example electrochromic window structures 202 with integrated antennas capable of transmitting or receiving signals from an indoor environment, according to some implementations, are shown. These examples represent a small subset of electrochromic IGUs and electrochromic sheet structures available within the scope of this disclosure and should not be construed as limiting in any way. Each of these exemplary electrochromic window structures 202 shown and described with respect to the following figures can be configured as an IGU and will be referred to hereinafter as IGU 202. Figure 2A More specifically, an exemplary embodiment of the IGU 202 is shown, comprising a first pane (also referred to herein as a “sheet”) 204 having a first surface S1 and a second surface S2. In some embodiments, the first surface S1 of the first pane 204 faces an outdoor environment, such as the outdoors or external environment. The IGU 202 also includes a second pane 206 having a first surface S3 and a second surface S4. In some embodiments, the second surface S4 of the second pane 206 faces an indoor environment, such as the interior environment of a residence, building, or vehicle, or a room or compartment within a residence, building, or vehicle.

[0130] In some implementations, each of the first pane 204 and the second pane 206 is transparent or translucent at least for light in the visible spectrum. For example, each of panes 204 and 206 may be made of a glass material, particularly architectural glass or other shatterproof glass materials such as those based on silica (SO₄). x The first pane 204 and the second pane 206 are formed from glass materials. As a more specific example, each of these can be a soda-lime glass substrate or a float glass substrate. Such a glass substrate can consist of, for example, about 75% silica (SiO2) along with Na2O, CaO, and several minor additives. However, each of these can be formed from any material having suitable optical, electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties. For example, other suitable substrates that can be used as one or both of these can include other glass materials as well as plastic, semi-plastic, and thermoplastic materials (e.g., poly(methyl methacrylate), polystyrene, polycarbonate, allyl diethylene glycol carbonate, SAN (styrene-acrylonitrile copolymer), poly(4-methyl-1-pentene), polyester, polyamide) or mirror materials. In some embodiments, each of these can be strengthened, for example, by tempering, heating, or chemical strengthening.

[0131] Generally, each of the first pane 204 and the second pane 206, as well as IGU 202, is generally a rectangular solid. However, in some other embodiments, other shapes (e.g., circular, elliptical, triangular, curved, convex, concave) are possible and may be desired. In some specific embodiments, the length “L” of each of the first pane 204 and the second pane 206 may range from about 20 inches (in.) to about 10 feet (ft.), the width “W” of each of the first pane 204 and the second pane 206 may range from about 20 inches to about 10 feet, and the thickness “T” of each of the first pane 204 and the second pane 206 may range from about 1 millimeter (mm) to about 10 millimeters (although other lengths, widths, or thicknesses, whether smaller or larger, are possible and may be required based on the needs of a particular user, administrator, manager, builder, architect, or owner). Additionally, while IGU 202 comprises two panes (204 and 206), in some other embodiments, IGU may comprise three or more panes. In addition, in some implementations, one or more of the panes may be a laminated structure with two, three or more layers or sub-panes.

[0132] The first pane 204 and the second pane 206 are spaced apart from each other by spacer 218 to form an internal volume 208. In some embodiments, the internal volume is filled with argon (Ar); however, in other embodiments, the internal volume 208 may be filled with another gas, such as another inert gas (e.g., krypton (Kr) or xenon (Xn)), another (non-inert) gas, or a mixture of gases (e.g., air). Filling the internal volume 208 with a gas such as Ar, Kr, or Xn can reduce conductive heat transfer through the IGU 202 due to the low thermal conductivity of these gases, and improve sound insulation due to their increased atomic weight. In some other embodiments, the internal volume 208 may be vented of air or other gases. The spacer 218 typically defines the thickness of the internal volume 208; that is, the spacing between the first pane 204 and the second pane 206. In some embodiments, the spacing “C” between the first pane 204 and the second pane 206 is in the range of about 6 mm to about 30 mm. The width “D” of the spacer 218 can be in the range of about 5 mm to about 15 mm (although other widths are possible and may be desirable).

[0133] Although not shown in a cross-sectional view, spacer 218 can be formed around all sides of IGU 202 (e.g., the top, bottom, left, and right sides of IGU 202). For example, spacer 218 can be formed of foam or plastic material. However, in some other embodiments such as Figure 5BIn the example IGU shown, the spacers may be formed of metal or other conductive materials, such as a metal tubular structure. A first main seal 220 adheres to and hermetically seals each of the spacers 218 and the second surface S2 of the first pane 204. A second main seal 222 adheres to and hermetically seals each of the spacers 218 and the first surface S3 of the second pane 206. In some embodiments, each of the main seals 220 and 222 may be formed of an adhesive sealant, such as polyisobutylene (PIB). In some embodiments, the IGU 202 also includes a secondary seal 224 that hermetically seals the boundary around the entire IGU 204 surrounding the spacers 218. For this purpose, the spacers 218 may be inserted from the edges of the first pane 204 and the second pane 206 by a distance “E”. The distance “E” may be in the range of about 4 mm to about 8 mm (although other distances are possible and may be desirable). In some embodiments, the secondary seal 224 may be formed of an adhesive sealant, such as a polymeric material that is water-resistant and provides structural support to the assembly.

[0134] exist Figure 2A In the illustrated embodiment, an electrochromic (EC) device (ECD) 210 is formed on the second surface S2 of the first pane 204. As described below, in some other embodiments, the ECD 210 may be formed on another suitable surface, such as the first surface S1 of the first pane, the first surface S3 of the second pane 206, or the second surface S4 of the second pane 206. Examples of electrochromic devices are provided, for example, in U.S. Patent No. 8,243,357, filed May 11, 2011; U.S. Patent No. 8,764,951, filed June 11, 2010; and U.S. Patent No. 9,007,674, filed February 8, 2013, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Figure 2A In this embodiment, ECD 210 includes an EC stack 212, which itself comprises multiple layers. For example, EC stack 212 may include an electrochromic layer, an ion-conducting layer, and a counter electrode layer. In some embodiments, the electrochromic layer is formed of an inorganic solid material. The electrochromic layer may include or be formed of one or more of a variety of electrochromic materials, including electrochemical cathode materials or electrochemical anode materials. For example, suitable metal oxides for use as electrochromic layers may include tungsten oxide (WO3), molybdenum oxide (MoO3), niobium oxide (Nb2O5), titanium oxide (TiO2), copper oxide (CuO), iridium oxide (Ir2O3), chromium oxide (Cr2O3), manganese oxide (Mn2O3), vanadium oxide (V2O5), nickel oxide (Ni2O3), and cobalt oxide (Co2O3), as well as other materials. In some embodiments, the electrochromic layer may have a thickness ranging from about 0.05 μm to about 1 μm.

[0135] In some embodiments, the counter electrode layer is formed of an inorganic solid material. The counter electrode layer typically includes one or more of a variety of materials or material layers that can be used as an ion reservoir when the EC device 210 is, for example, in a transparent state. Suitable materials for the counter electrode layer may include nickel oxide (NiO), nickel tungsten oxide (NiWO), nickel vanadium oxide, nickel chromium oxide, nickel aluminum oxide, nickel manganese oxide, nickel magnesium oxide, chromium oxide (Cr2O3), manganese oxide (MnO2), and Prussian blue. In some embodiments, the counter electrode layer is a second electrochromic layer with the opposite polarity to the first electrochromic layer described above. For example, when the first electrochromic layer is formed of an electrochemical cathode material, the counter electrode layer may be formed of an electrochemical anode material. In some embodiments, the counter electrode layer may have a thickness ranging from about 0.05 μm to about 1 μm.

[0136] In some embodiments, the ion-conducting layer serves as a medium for transporting ions (e.g., in an electrolyte manner) through the EC stack 212 as it transitions between optical states. In some embodiments, the ion-conducting layer is highly conductive for the relevant ions of the electrochromic layer and the counter electrode layer, but also has sufficiently low electronic conductivity to allow negligible electron transfer during normal operation. The thin ion-conducting layer with high ion conductivity enables rapid ion conduction and therefore rapid switching in the high-performance EC device 210. In some embodiments, the ion-conducting layer may have a thickness ranging from about 0.01 μm to about 1 μm. In some embodiments, the ion-conducting layer is also an inorganic solid. For example, the ion-conducting layer may be formed from one or more silicates, silicon oxides (including aluminum silicate), tungsten oxides (including lithium tungstate), tantalum oxide, niobium oxide, and borates. These materials may also be doped with various dopants, including lithium; for example, lithium-doped silicon oxide, including lithium aluminum silicate.

[0137] In some other embodiments, the electrochromic layer and the counter electrode layer are formed adjacent to each other, sometimes in direct contact, without an ion-conducting layer between them. For example, in some embodiments, the interface region between the electrochromic layer and the counter electrode layer can be used instead of having separate ion-conducting layers bonded together. Further description of suitable devices can be found in U.S. Patent No. 8,300,298, published October 30, 2012, and U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 462,725, filed May 2, 2012, the entire contents of each of which are incorporated herein by reference. In some embodiments, the EC stack 212 may also include one or more additional layers, such as one or more passive layers. For example, passive layers can be used to improve certain optical properties, such as providing moisture resistance or scratch resistance. In some embodiments, the first TCO layer 214 and the second TCO layer 216 may be treated with anti-reflective or protective oxide or nitride layers. Furthermore, other passive layers may also be used to hermetically seal the EC stack 212.

[0138] In some implementations, the selection of suitable electrochromic and counter electrode materials dictates the associated optical transitions. During operation, in response to a voltage generated across the thickness of the electrochromic layer, the electrochromic layer transfers or exchanges ions to and from the counter electrode layer, causing the desired optical transition to occur in the electrochromic layer and, in some implementations, also causing an optical transition to occur in the counter electrode layer. In a more specific example, in response to the application of a suitable electrical potential across the thickness of EC stack 212, the counter electrode layer transfers all or a portion of the ions it holds to the electrochromic layer, causing an optical transition to occur in the electrochromic layer. In some such implementations, for example, when the counter electrode layer is formed of NiWO, the counter electrode layer also undergoes an optical transition as it loses the ions that it has transferred to the electrochromic layer. When charge is removed from the counter electrode layer made of NiWO (i.e., ions are transported from the counter electrode layer to the electrochromic layer), the counter electrode layer will transition in the opposite direction.

[0139] It is also understood that the transitions between the bleached or transparent state and the colored or opaque state are merely some examples of the many optical or electrochromic transitions that can be achieved. Such transitions include changes in reflectivity, polarization state, scattering density, etc. Unless otherwise specified herein (including the foregoing discussion), whenever reference is made to a bleach-opaque transition (or a transition to and from an intermediate state therebetween), the corresponding device or process described encompasses other optical state transitions, e.g., intermediate state transitions such as a percent transmission (%T) to %T transition, a non-reflective to reflective transition (or a transition to and from an intermediate state therebetween), a bleach to color transition (or a transition to and from an intermediate state therebetween), and a color to color transition (or a transition to and from an intermediate state therebetween). Additionally, the term "bleach" can refer to an optically neutral state, e.g., uncolored, transparent, or translucent. Further, unless otherwise specified herein, "coloring" of an electrochromic transition is not limited to any particular wavelength or wavelength range.

[0140] Generally, the coloring or other optical transition of the electrochromic material in the electrochromic layer is caused by reversible ion insertion into the material (e.g., intercalation) and the corresponding charge-balancing electron injection. Generally, a small fraction of the ions responsible for the optical transition are irreversibly bound to the electrochromic material. The "blind charge" in the material can be compensated for using some or all of the irreversibly bound ions. In some implementations, suitable ions include lithium ions (Li+) and hydrogen ions (H+) (i.e., protons). In some other implementations, other ions can be suitable. Intercalating lithium ions, for example, into tungsten oxide (WO 3-y (0 < y ≤ ~0.3)) causes the tungsten oxide to change from a transparent state to a blue state.

[0141] In some embodiments, the EC stack 212 reversibly cycles between a transparent state and an opaque or colored state. In some embodiments, when the EC stack 212 is in a transparent state, a potential is applied across the EC stack 212 such that available ions in the stack reside primarily in the counter electrode layer. When the magnitude of the potential on the EC stack 212 decreases or when the polarity of the potential reverses, ions are transported back to the electrochromic layer across the ion-conducting layer, causing the electrochromic material to transition to an opaque, colored, or darker state. In some embodiments, the electrochromic and counter electrode layers are complementary coloring layers. As an example of a supplementary embodiment, the counter electrode layer brightens or becomes transparent when or after ions are transferred to it, and similarly, the electrochromic layer brightens or becomes transparent when or after ions are transferred out of it. Conversely, when the polarity switches or the potential decreases and ions transfer from the counter electrode layer to the electrochromic layer, both the counter electrode and the electrochromic layer darken or become colored.

[0142] In some other embodiments, when the EC stack 212 is in an opaque state, a potential is applied to the EC stack 212, causing the available ions in the stack to reside primarily in the counter electrode layer. In such embodiments, when the magnitude of the potential on the EC stack 212 decreases or when the polarity of the potential reverses, ions are transported across the ion-conducting layer back to the electrochromic layer, causing the electrochromic material to change to a transparent or brighter state. The electrochromic layer and the ion-conducting layer can also be complementary coloring layers.

[0143] ECD 210 also includes a first transparent conductive oxide (TCO) layer 214 adjacent to a first surface of EC stack 212 and a second TCO layer 216 adjacent to a second surface of EC stack 212. For example, the first TCO layer 214 may be formed on the second surface S2, EC stack 212 may be formed on the first TCO layer 214, and the second TCO layer 216 may be formed on EC stack 212. In some embodiments, the first TCO layer 214 and the second TCO layer 216 may be formed of one or more metal oxides and metal oxides doped with one or more metals. For example, suitable metal oxides and doped metal oxides may include indium oxide, indium tin oxide (ITO), indium oxide doped, tin oxide, tin oxide doped, tin oxide fluorinated, zinc oxide, zinc aluminum oxide, zinc oxide doped, ruthenium oxide, and ruthenium oxide doped. While these materials are referred to herein as TCOs, the term includes non-oxides as well as transparent and conductive oxides, such as certain thin metals and certain non-metallic materials such as conductive metal nitrides and composite conductors, and other suitable materials. In some embodiments, the first TCO layer 214 and the second TCO layer 216 are substantially transparent, at least within the wavelength range in which the EC stack 212 exhibits electrochromic properties. In some embodiments, the first TCO layer 214 and the second TCO layer 216 may each be deposited by a physical vapor deposition (PVD) process including, for example, sputtering. In some embodiments, the first TCO layer 214 and the second TCO layer 216 may each have a thickness ranging from about 0.01 micrometers (μm) to about 1 μm. Transparent conductive materials typically have significantly greater electronic conductivity than electrochromic materials or electrode materials.

[0144] The first TCO layer 214 and the second TCO layer 216 are used to distribute charge on their respective first and second surfaces of the EC stack 212 to apply a potential (voltage) across the thickness of the EC stack 212, thereby modifying one or more optical properties (e.g., transmittance, absorptivity, or reflectivity) of the EC stack 212 or multiple layers within the EC stack 212. It is desirable that the first TCO layer 214 and the second TCO layer 216 uniformly distribute charge from the outer surface region of the EC stack 212 to the inner surface region of the EC stack 212, with a relatively small ohmic potential drop from the outer region to the inner region. Therefore, it is generally desirable to minimize the sheet resistance of the first TCO layer 214 and the second TCO layer 216. In other words, it is generally desirable that each of the first TCO layer 214 and the second TCO layer 216 behaves as a substantially equipotential layer across all portions of their respective layers 214 and 216. In this way, the first TCO layer 214 and the second TCO layer 216 can uniformly apply a potential across the thickness of the EC stack 212 to achieve a transition of the EC stack 212 from a bleached or brighter state (e.g., transparent, translucent or semi-transparent state) to a colored or darker state (e.g., tinted, less transparent or opaque state), and vice versa.

[0145] A first busbar 226 distributes a first electrical (e.g., voltage) signal to a first TCO layer 214. A second busbar 228 distributes a second electrical (e.g., voltage) signal to the first TCO layer 214. In some other embodiments, one of the first busbar 226 and the second busbar 228 may ground each of the first TCO layer 214 and the second TCO layer 216. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the first busbar 226 and the second busbar 228 is printed, patterned, or otherwise formed such that it is oriented along the respective length of the first pane 204 along the boundary of the EC stack 212. In some embodiments, each of the first busbar 226 and the second busbar 228 is formed by depositing conductive ink, such as silver ink, in the form of lines. In some embodiments, each of the first busbar 226 and the second busbar 228 extends along the entire length (or nearly the entire length) of the first pane 204.

[0146] In the illustrated embodiment, the first TCO layer 214, EC stack 212, and second TCO layer 216 do not extend to the absolute edge of the first pane 204. For example, in some embodiments, laser edge removal (LED) or other operations can be used to remove portions of the first TCO layer 214, EC stack 212, and second TCO layer 216, such that these layers are spaced apart from or inserted at a distance “G” from their respective edges of the first pane 204, which can be in the range of approximately 8 mm to approximately 10 mm (although other distances are possible and may be desirable). Additionally, in some embodiments, the edge portions of the EC stack 212 and second TCO layer 216 along one side of the first glass 2014 are removed to allow a first busbar 226 to be formed on the first TCO layer 214 to achieve conductive coupling between the first busbar 226 and the first TCO layer 214. A second busbar 228 is formed on the second TCO layer 216 to achieve conductive coupling between the second busbar 228 and the second TCO layer 216. In some embodiments, such as Figure 2A As shown, a first busbar 226 and a second busbar 228 are formed in the area between their respective spacers 218 and the first pane 204. For example, each of the first busbar 226 and the second busbar 228 can be inserted from the inner edge of its respective spacer 218 at least a distance “F”, which can be in the range of approximately 2 mm to approximately 3 mm (although other distances are possible and may be desirable). One reason for this arrangement is to conceal the busbars from view. Further description of the busbar positioning and LEDs can be found in U.S. Patent Application No. 61 / 923,171, filed January 2, 2014, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0147] IGU and exemplary on-chip stripline antenna

[0148] exist Figure 2AIn the illustrated embodiment, the first antenna structure 230 and the second antenna structure 232 are formed within an insertion region defined by a distance G. In some embodiments, each of the first antenna structure 230 and the second antenna structure 232 is configured as a stripline antenna. In some embodiments, each of the first antenna structure 230 and the second antenna structure 232 is formed by depositing conductive ink, such as silver ink, in the form of a line. In some other embodiments, each of the first antenna structure 230 and the second antenna structure 232 can be formed by coating or adhering conductive (e.g., copper) foil or using a suitable PVD or other deposition process. In some other embodiments, each of the first antenna structure 230 and the second antenna structure 232 is formed by patterning the first TCO layer 214 to electrically isolate the conductive stripline. In some embodiments, each of the first antenna structure 230 and the second antenna structure 232 extends along a portion of the length of the first pane 204. The length of each of the first antenna structure 230 and the second antenna structure 232 is generally specified by the wavelength of the respective signal that the antenna structure is designed to transmit or receive. For example, the length of each of the first antenna structure 230 and the second antenna structure 232 may be an integer equal to a quarter wavelength of the relevant signal. In some embodiments, each of the first antenna structure 230 and the second antenna structure 232 has a width and a thickness suitable for carrying a signal with a desired frequency. In some embodiments, the width and thickness of each of the first antenna structure 230 and the second antenna structure 232 may correspond to an integer multiple of the wavelength (or a portion thereof) of the signal to be carried by the antenna structure. In embodiments where the antenna structures occupy at least a portion of the visible area of ​​the window, the lines defining the antenna structures can be made sufficiently thin that they are substantially invisible to an individual viewing through the IGU. Figures 2A to 2J , Figures 3A to 3J , Figures 4A to 4B and Figures 5A to 5B The examples presented represent a small subset of the window antenna designs available within the scope of this disclosure and should therefore not be construed as limiting in any way.

[0149] In some embodiments, each of the first antenna structure 230 and the second antenna structure 232 may be individually addressed or independently driven, for example, when each antenna is a monopole antenna. For example, each of the first antenna structure 230 and the second antenna structure 232 may be electrically connected via a conductive bus, wire, or interconnect (which may be used interchangeably hereinafter as appropriate) to a corresponding window controller or another controller or device for transmitting signals to or receiving signals from the first antenna structure 230 and the second antenna structure 232. Additionally, in some embodiments, each of the first antenna structure 230 and the second antenna structure 232 may have a different set of parameters than the other (e.g., different lengths, widths, or thicknesses depending on one or more associated signals to be transmitted or received). In some other embodiments, the IGU 202 may include only one or more of antenna structures 230 and 232. In some embodiments, one antenna is configured to receive signals, and the other is configured to transmit signals. In some implementations, the two antenna structures are driven in a complementary and controlled manner, just as if they were part of a dipole antenna.

[0150] In some implementations, the ground plane and / or antenna structure is fabricated on the same surface as the electrochromic device. In one example, the combined ground plane and electrochromic device stack includes a flat, continuous ground plane near the glass substrate, an insulating layer near the ground plane, a first transparent conductive layer of the electrochromic stack above the insulator, and the remainder of the electrochromic device above the transparent conductive layer. The electrochromic device stack can be fabricated using conventional manufacturing processes. In this approach, the lower ground plane can be a TEC (tin oxide fluoride) layer applied by a glass manufacturer, or it can be applied by the electrochromic device manufacturer, or it can be a combination of both. For example, an existing TEC can be modified by the glass manufacturer to be thicker, or a combination of a TEC obtained from the manufacturer and a thin additional transparent conductive layer placed on top of the TEC can be included.

[0151] In some implementations, Figure 2A The IGU 202 also includes a ground plane 234 located on the first surface S1 of the first pane 204. The ground plane 234 can be used to orient the antenna structures 230 and 232. For example, as described above, Figures 2A to 2JA cross-sectional view of an example IGU 202 with an integrated antenna capable of transmitting or receiving signals to or from an indoor environment, according to some embodiments, is shown. Thus, each of the first antenna structure 230 and the second antenna structure 232 can be oriented relative to the indoor environment by forming or otherwise including a ground plane 234 between the first antenna structure 230 and the second antenna structure 232 and the outdoor environment; that is, capable of transmitting signals to or receiving signals only from the indoor environment. The ground plane 234 is not included if such directionality is not required or desired. In some embodiments, the ground plane 234 may extend across substantially the entire surface S1, as shown. In some other embodiments, the ground plane 234 may extend only along and across the respective regions of surface S1 near the first antenna structure 230 and the second antenna structure 232. In some embodiments, the ground plane 234 may be formed of a conductive material such as any of the materials described above (including thin-film metals or metal alloys and conductive oxides). Typically, when the ground plane is located in the viewing window area of ​​the IGU, the ground plane has light transmittance that does not significantly reduce the occupant's ability to view through the window when the window is transparent.

[0152] Figure 2B A cross-sectional view of another example, the IGU 202, with an integrated antenna capable of transmitting or receiving signals from an indoor environment, is shown according to some implementations. (Reference) Figure 2B The IGU 202 shown and described is similar to the reference. Figure 2A The IGU 202 shown and described differs from at least the following: the first antenna structure 230 and the second antenna structure 232 are formed on their respective edge regions of the first TCO layer 214. To electrically insulate the first antenna structure 230 and the second antenna structure 232 from the first TCO layer 214, a dielectric or other insulating material layer 236 is provided on the first TCO layer 214 beneath the first antenna structures 230 and 232. In some embodiments, only one of the two antennas is disposed on the first TCO layer 214. For example, the antenna structure 232 may be disposed directly on the substrate 204.

[0153] Figure 2C A cross-sectional view of another example, the IGU 202, with an integrated antenna capable of transmitting or receiving signals from an indoor environment, is shown according to some implementations. (Reference) Figure 2C The IGU 202 shown and described is similar to the reference. Figure 2AThe IGU 202 shown and described differs from at least the following: the first antenna structure 230 and the second antenna structure 232 are formed on their respective edge regions of the second TCO layer 216. To electrically insulate the first antenna structure 230 and the second antenna structure 232 from the second TCO layer 216, a dielectric or other insulating material layer 236 is provided on the second TCO layer 216 beneath the first antenna structures 230 and 232. In some embodiments, only one of the two antennas is disposed on the second TCO layer 216. For example, the antenna structure 230 may be disposed directly on the substrate 204 or the first TCO layer 214 (but separated from them by the insulating layer 236).

[0154] Figure 2D A cross-sectional view of another example, the IGU 202, with an integrated antenna capable of transmitting or receiving signals from an indoor environment, is shown according to some implementations. (Reference) Figure 2D The IGU 202 shown and described is similar to the reference. Figure 2A The IGU 202 shown and described differs from at least the following: the first antenna structure 230 and the second antenna structure 232 are formed by patterning the second TCO layer 216. For example, the first antenna structure 230 and the second antenna structure 232 can be patterned using one or more laser scribing, laser ablation, or etching processes, and the first antenna structure 230 and the second antenna structure 232 can be electrically insulated from the peripheral portion of the second TCO layer 216. In the depicted embodiment, the antenna structure 230 includes two striplines.

[0155] Figure 2E A cross-sectional view of another example, the IGU 202, with an integrated antenna capable of transmitting or receiving signals from an indoor environment, is shown according to some implementations. (Reference) Figure 2E The IGU 202 shown and described is similar to the reference. Figure 2C The IGU 202 shown and described differs from at least the following: the first antenna structure 230 and the second antenna structure 232 are formed on a ground plane 234, which in turn is formed on a second TCO layer 216. To electrically insulate the ground plane 234 from the second TCO layer 216, a dielectric or other insulating material layer 238 is provided on the second TCO layer 216 and below the ground plane 234. An insulating strip 236 separates the antenna structures 230 and 232 from the ground plane 234.

[0156] Figure 2F A cross-sectional view of another example, the IGU 202, with an integrated antenna capable of transmitting or receiving signals from an indoor environment, is shown according to some implementations. (Reference) Figure 2FThe IGU 202 shown and described is similar to the reference. Figure 2E The IGU 202 shown and described differs from at least the following: a ground plane 234 is formed between the second surface S2 of the first pane 204 and the EC device 210. To electrically insulate the ground plane 234 from the first TCO layer 214, a dielectric or other insulating material layer 238 is first formed on the ground plane 234 before the first TCO layer 214 is formed. In the depicted embodiment, antenna structures 230 and 232, along with an insulating strip 236, are located on a second TCO 216. In other embodiments, one or both antenna structures are located on the first TCO 214.

[0157] Figure 2G A cross-sectional view of another example, the IGU 202, with an integrated antenna capable of transmitting or receiving signals from an indoor environment, is shown according to some implementations. (Reference) Figure 2G The IGU 202 shown and described is similar to the reference. Figure 2A The IGU 202 shown and described differs from at least the following: the first antenna structure 230 and the second antenna structure 232 are formed on their respective edge regions of the first surface S3 of the second pane 206. In some cases, the antenna structures are formed by printing a conductive material such as silver ink. In some embodiments, Figure 2G The IGU 202 also includes a ground plane 234 disposed on the first antenna structure 230 and the second antenna structure 234. To electrically insulate the ground plane 234 from the first antenna structure 230 and the second antenna structure 232, a dielectric or other insulating material layer 236 is first formed on the first antenna structure 230 and the second antenna structure 232 before forming the ground plane 234. In some other embodiments, the ground plane 234 may be disposed on the first surface S1 or the second surface S2 of the first pane 204, below or above the EC device 210.

[0158] Figure 2H A cross-sectional view of another example, the IGU 202, with an integrated antenna capable of transmitting or receiving signals from an indoor environment, is shown according to some implementations. (Reference) Figure 2H The IGU 202 shown and described is similar to the reference. Figure 2G The IGU 202 shown and described, except for at least the following difference, is that the first antenna structure 230 and the second antenna structure 232 are patterned from conductive oxide layers (e.g., materials such as the same as the first TCO layer 214 and the second TCO layer 216).

[0159] Figure 2IA cross-sectional view of another example, the IGU 202, with an integrated antenna capable of transmitting or receiving signals from an indoor environment, is shown according to some implementations. (Reference) Figure 2I The IGU 202 shown and described is similar to the reference. Figure 2G The IGU 202 shown and described differs from at least the following: the first antenna structure 230 and the second antenna structure 232 are formed on their respective edge regions of the first surface S1 of the first pane 204. In some cases, the antenna structure is a conductive strip such as a silver ink strip. In some embodiments, Figure 2I The IGU 202 also includes a ground plane 234 disposed on the first antenna structure 230 and the second antenna structure 234. In order to electrically insulate the ground plane 234 from the first antenna structure 230 and the second antenna structure 232, a dielectric or other insulating material layer 236 is first formed on the first antenna structure 230 and the second antenna structure 232 before the ground plane 234 is formed.

[0160] Figure 2J A cross-sectional view of another example, the IGU 202, with an integrated antenna capable of transmitting or receiving signals from an indoor environment, is shown according to some implementations. (Reference) Figure 2J The IGU 202 shown and described is similar to the reference. Figure 2I The IGU 202 shown and described, except for at least the following difference, is that the first antenna structure 230 and the second antenna structure 232 are patterned from conductive oxide layers (e.g., the same material as the first TCO layer 214 and the second TCO layer 216).

[0161] Figure 3A-3J A cross-sectional view of an example IGU 202 with an integrated antenna capable of transmitting or receiving signals from an outdoor environment, according to some implementations, is shown. (Reference) Figure 2A-2J Many features shown and described can be applied to Figure 3A-3J The implementation scheme is different, but the relative positions of the ground plane and the antenna structure are reversed. (Reference) Figure 3A The IGU202 shown and described is similar to the reference. Figure 2A The IGU 202 shown and described differs from at least the following in that the ground plane 234 is formed on the first surface S3 of the second pane 206. In some other embodiments, the ground plane 234 may be formed on the second surface S4 of the second plane 206.

[0162] Figure 3B A cross-sectional view of another example, the IGU 202, with an integrated antenna capable of transmitting or receiving signals from an outdoor environment, is shown according to some implementations. (Reference) Figure 3BThe IGU 202 shown and described is similar to the reference. Figure 3A The IGU 202 shown and described differs from at least the following in that the first antenna structure 230 and the second antenna structure 232 are formed on their respective edge regions of the first TCO layer 214. To electrically insulate the first antenna structure 230 and the second antenna structure 232 from the first TCO layer 214, a dielectric or other insulating material layer 236 is first formed on the first TCO layer 214 before the first antenna structure 230 and the second antenna structure 232 are formed.

[0163] Figure 3C A cross-sectional view of another example, the IGU 202, with an integrated antenna capable of transmitting or receiving signals from an outdoor environment, is shown according to some implementations. (Reference) Figure 3C The IGU 202 shown and described is similar to the reference. Figure 3A The IGU 202 shown and described differs from at least the following in that the first antenna structure 230 and the second antenna structure 232 are formed on their respective edge regions of the second TCO layer 216. To electrically insulate the first antenna structure 230 and the second antenna structure 232 from the second TCO layer 216, a dielectric or other insulating material layer 236 is first formed on the second TCO layer 216 before the first antenna structure 230 and the second antenna structure 232 are formed.

[0164] Figure 3D A cross-sectional view of another example, the IGU 202, with an integrated antenna capable of transmitting or receiving signals from an outdoor environment, is shown according to some implementations. (Reference) Figure 3D The IGU 202 shown and described is similar to the reference. Figure 3A The IGU 202 shown and described differs from at least the following: the first antenna structure 230 and the second antenna structure 232 are formed by patterning the second TCO layer 216. For example, the first antenna structure 230 and the second antenna structure 232 can be patterned using laser scribing or etching processes, and the first antenna structure 230 and the second antenna structure 232 can be electrically insulated from the peripheral portion of the second TCO layer 216.

[0165] Figure 3E A cross-sectional view of another example, the IGU 202, with an integrated antenna capable of transmitting or receiving signals from an outdoor environment, is shown according to some implementations. (Reference) Figure 3E The IGU 202 shown and described is similar to the reference. Figure 3CThe IGU 202 shown and described differs from at least the following in that a ground plane is formed on the first antenna structure 230 and the second antenna structure 232. In order to electrically insulate the ground plane 234 from the first antenna structure 230 and the second antenna structure 232, a dielectric or other insulating material layer 238 is first formed on the first antenna structure 230 and the second antenna structure 232 before the ground plane 234 is formed.

[0166] Figure 3F A cross-sectional view of another example, the IGU 202, with an integrated antenna capable of transmitting or receiving signals from an outdoor environment, is shown according to some implementations. (Reference) Figure 3F The IGU 202 shown and described is similar to the reference. Figure 3E The IGU 202 shown and described, except for at least the following difference, is that, in the case of forming EC device 210, and prior to forming EC device 210, a first antenna structure 230 and a second antenna structure 232, an insulating layer 236 and a ground plane 234 are formed on the second surface S2 of the first pane 204.

[0167] Figure 3G A cross-sectional view of another example, the IGU 202, with an integrated antenna capable of transmitting or receiving signals from an outdoor environment, is shown according to some implementations. (Reference) Figure 3G The IGU 202 shown and described is similar to the reference. Figure 3A The IGU 202 shown and described differs from at least the following in that the first antenna structure 230 and the second antenna structure 232 are formed on their respective edge regions of the first surface S3 of the second pane 206. In some embodiments, Figure 3G The IGU 202 also includes a ground plane 234 formed between the first antenna structure 230 and the second antenna structure 234 and surface S3. To electrically insulate the ground plane 234 from the first antenna structure 230 and the second antenna structure 232, a dielectric or other insulating material layer 236 is first formed on the ground plane 234 before the first antenna structure 230 and the second antenna structure 232 are formed. In some other embodiments, the ground plane 234 may be formed on the second surface S4 of the second pane 206.

[0168] Figure 3H A cross-sectional view of another example, the IGU 202, with an integrated antenna capable of transmitting or receiving signals from an outdoor environment, is shown according to some implementations. (Reference) Figure 3H The IGU 202 shown and described is similar to the reference. Figure 3GThe IGU 202 shown and described, except for at least the following difference, is that the first antenna structure 230 and the second antenna structure 232 are patterned from conductive oxide layers (e.g., materials such as the same as the first TCO layer 214 and the second TCO layer 216).

[0169] Figure 3I A cross-sectional view of another example, the IGU 202, with an integrated antenna capable of transmitting or receiving signals from an outdoor environment, is shown according to some implementations. (Reference) Figure 3I The IGU 202 shown and described is similar to the reference. Figure 3G The IGU 202 shown and described differs from at least the following: the first antenna structure 230 and the second antenna structure 232 are formed on their respective edge regions of the first surface S1 of the first pane 204. In some embodiments, Figure 2I The IGU 202 also includes a ground plane 234 disposed on surface S1 below the first antenna structure 230 and the second antenna structure 234. In order to make the ground plane 234 electrically insulated from the first antenna structure 230 and the second antenna structure 232, a dielectric or other insulating material layer 236 is first formed on the ground plane 234 before the first antenna structure 230 and the second antenna structure 232 are formed.

[0170] Figure 3J A cross-sectional view of another example, the IGU 202, with an integrated antenna capable of transmitting or receiving signals from an indoor environment, is shown according to some implementations. (Reference) Figure 3J The IGU 202 shown and described is similar to the reference. Figure 3I The IGU 202 shown and described, except for at least the following difference, is that the first antenna structure 230 and the second antenna structure 232 are patterned from conductive oxide layers (e.g., materials such as the same as the first TCO layer 214 and the second TCO layer 216).

[0171] Figure 4A and Figure 4B A cross-sectional view of an example IGU 202, according to some embodiments, is shown, having an integrated antenna capable of transmitting signals to and receiving signals from indoor and outdoor environments. In various embodiments having this functionality, at least one ground plane is disposed between one antenna structure on the indoor side of the ground plane and another antenna structure on the outdoor side of the ground plane. The indoor-facing antenna structure is not obstructed by the other ground plane on the indoor side of the antenna structure. Similarly, the outdoor-facing antenna structure is not obstructed by the other ground plane on the outdoor side of the antenna structure. In some embodiments, multiple ground planes are disposed between the indoor-facing antenna structure and the outdoor-facing antenna structure.

[0172] Some embodiments involve patch antennas having (i) a patch of conductive material formed on a window to form an antenna structure, and (ii) a ground plane that may be parallel or perpendicular to the patch antenna structure (or at any angle thereto). The patch antenna can be configured as a monopole antenna similar to the stripline antennas described elsewhere herein. While the stripline is typically relatively thin (in dimensions parallel to the surface it forms on), the patch is relatively wide, for example, its narrowest dimension (i.e., the dimension parallel to the surface it forms on) is at least about 0.5 inches. In other embodiments, the narrowest dimension of the patch is at least about 1 inch, or at least about 2 inches, or at least about 3 inches. In some embodiments, the patch antenna structure is a continuous, unpatterned patch of conductive material having a thickness suitable for the stripline antenna structures disclosed herein (directly perpendicular to the surface on which the antenna structure is formed). In some embodiments, the patch antenna structure is patterned; for example, some fractal antenna structures. Unless otherwise stated, any discussion of stripline antenna structures also applies to patch antenna structures.

[0173] Ground plane and antenna structure on the same plane

[0174] Figures 2A to 4B The embodiments shown depict ground planes and antenna structures on different layers. This is not necessarily the case. In some implementations, the ground plane and antenna structure occupy different areas of a single layer. For example, the TCO layer can be patterned and electrically connected such that the ground portion of the TCO serves as the ground plane, and one or more individually connected lines serve as the antenna structure. This design may be suitable when it is inconvenient, for example, to provide a flat ground plane on an off-frame structure such as a spacer or window frame structure. Depending on the relative size, location, and orientation of the ground plane and antenna structure on the layer, the radiation used for transmission or reception is distributed as understood by those skilled in the art. For example, as explained above, radiation emitted from a window antenna can be directed away from the ground plane. Figure 9D Examples are shown of fractal patch antenna 995 and strip ground plane 993 deployed on the same pane of the sheet. Other examples use other shapes and sizes of ground planes, including rectangles covering all or part of one side of the sheet. Other examples use other antenna structures such as other forms of patch antennas, stripline antennas, etc.

[0175] Types of antenna designs used for window antennas

[0176] Position of the antenna structure relative to the electrochromic device

[0177] Various IGU antenna designs typically fall into one or more categories. In one category, the electrochromic device itself is modified to include an antenna or a portion thereof. In such embodiments, the antenna can be fabricated within or on a transparent conductive layer of the device, such as a transparent conductive layer disposed adjacent to the glass substrate (e.g., tin oxide fluoride or "TEC" layer) or an upper transparent conductive layer (e.g., indium tin oxide or "ITO" layer) disposed on top of an electrochromic stack opposite the glass surface. In electrochromic devices, each of the two transparent conductive layers is connected to its own bus, which drives the transparent conductive layer to the opposite polarity during switching of the electrochromic device. When the antenna is disposed within or on one of these layers, the antenna must be electrically isolated from the surrounding portions of the conductive layer and additional electrical connections must be provided for the antenna transmit lines. For example, the antenna design pattern can be effectively drawn and electrically isolated from the surrounding conductive layer by laser scribing or etching. In some embodiments, the bus is segmented such that one or more segments supply power to the electrochromic device switching, and different segments transmit electrical signals to or receive electrical signals from the antenna.

[0178] In another category, the antenna structure is fabricated in a stacked layer integrated with the electrochromic device, but this layer is not directly used for functions associated with the coloring or switching of the electrochromic device. In one example, a separate conductive material layer is deposited on a substrate containing the electrochromic device stack. In some embodiments, an additional layer is deposited on a substrate (glass) on one side where the electrochromic device stack is fabricated, and the formation of this layer can be integrated into the deposition of the electrochromic device stack layer. For example, on the side of the electrochromic device (away from the glass substrate), the antenna structure can be implemented using a pattern that defines the antenna structure as an insulating layer on an upper transparent conductive layer and a printed pattern or patterned conductive layer on the insulating layer. In some embodiments, a separate conductive layer dedicated to the antenna structure is disposed on a substrate and does not need to be deposited separately during the fabrication of the electrochromic device. Regardless of how the dedicated antenna structure layer is fabricated, it will include separate electrical connections for the antenna structure in or on the layer. The two transparent conductive layers used to drive the switching of the electrochromic device each have standard buses or other connections for applying the polarity voltage required to switch the driving light.

[0179] In another category, a portion of one of the transparent conductive layers in the electrochromic device stack is peeled off from the underlying substrate, and then an antenna structure (e.g., using CVD, roll-to-roll lithography, or conductive ink printing) is formed on the exposed area. In some embodiments, the removed portion of the TCO is located at or near the edge of the electrochromic sheet.

[0180] In another category, the antenna structure is disposed on the surface of the IGU rather than on the surface of the IGU with the electrochromic devices. Such other surfaces may be surfaces opposite to the sheet surface where the electrochromic devices are stacked. In some such embodiments, the electrochromic sheet includes a laminated structure comprising the antenna structure, including additional layers or panes not included in the current ECD design. In other embodiments, the antenna structure is formed on the surface of a separate sheet of the IGU.

[0181] Antenna on spacer

[0182] Figure 5A and Figure 5B A cross-sectional view of another exemplary IGU 202 with an integrated antenna according to some implementations is shown. (Refer to...) Figure 5A In the IGU 202 shown and described, one or more first antenna structures 540 are formed on the inner surface of a first spacer in spacer 218, while one or more second antenna structures 542 are formed on the inner surface of a second spacer in spacer 218. The first antenna structures 540 and the second antenna structures 542 can be adhered to spacer 218 using adhesive layers 544 and 546, respectively. For example, the first antenna structures 542 and the second antenna structures 544 can be formed from conductive foil mounted or otherwise deposited or formed on a polyester film or other adhesive tape. Reference Figure 5B The IGU202 shown and described is similar to the reference. Figure 5A The IGU 202 shown and described, except for at least the following difference, namely Figure 5B The IGU 202 includes a metallic spacer 548 instead of a foam or other insulating spacer 218. In such an implementation, the spacer 548 itself can serve as a ground plane. Alternatively, if the spacer or a portion thereof is properly configured (size, shape, location, conductor material), the spacer can be driven as a radiating antenna electrode.

[0183] Window antenna design characterized by electrode structure and radiation properties

[0184] Exemplary monopole antenna

[0185] A monopole antenna has an antenna structure that can be a single pole, a wire, or a patch, although it can include other shapes, such as the triangular shape used in some fractal antennas, for example... Figure 8A and 8BAs shown. Typically, in window implementations, the antenna structure is disposed on the window surface as a strip or patch (e.g., as a thin line of TCO, copper, or silver ink). The second electrode is a ground plane oriented perpendicular to the axis of the line forming the antenna structure. The term "perpendicular" is intended to include orientations where the electrodes are exactly 90 degrees apart and orientations where the electrodes are not exactly 90 degrees apart (e.g., they are about 85 to 90 degrees, about 75 to 90 degrees, or about 60 to 90 degrees). The ground plane is disposed outside one end of the antenna structure such that a gas (e.g., air or gas filling the IGU) or other dielectric separates one end of the antenna structure from the ground plane. When the antenna structure is disposed on a window, the ground plane may be disposed on an adjacent structure such as a window frame, building frame components such as vertical or horizontal frames, IGU spacers, or a separate conductive, essentially planar structure attached to the window or any of the aforementioned elements. The basic structure of a monopole antenna applied to a window antenna is as follows: Figure 9A As shown, the basic structure includes a sheet 950 on which a strip of conductive material (antenna structure 952) is disposed, and a separate ground plane 954 that is substantially perpendicular to the orientation of the antenna structure. Figure 9D It also describes a monopole antenna, which here has a fractal patch as the antenna structure and a coplanar conductive strip as the ground plane.

[0186] A monopole antenna transmits (and / or receives) radiation at a single frequency or within a narrow bandwidth. The frequency spread is chosen for the application. Generally, the narrower the spread, the more power efficient the antenna is. However, some transmission protocols, such as Wi-Fi, employ frequency spreads (e.g., 2.40 GHz to 2.49 GHz), and it may be desirable for the antenna to transmit or receive within a comparable range. The length of a monopole antenna is determined by the wavelength of the RF wave it uses. For example, a quarter-wavelength monopole is approximately one-quarter the length of the radio wavelength.

[0187] A monopole antenna typically transmits (and / or receives) radiation omnidirectionally; for example, approximately 360 degrees around the axis of the antenna structure. Signal strength can be distributed uniformly or nearly uniformly around the monopole axis. If any signal extends beyond the ground plane, it will radiate (or receive) a smaller portion of it. Furthermore, it radiates (or receives) a limited amount of signal away from the ground plane only in the direction of the monopole axis. When a monopole antenna structure is mounted on a flat surface such as a sheet, the monopole antenna structure radiates to the left and right sides of the structure, as well as into and out of the plane of the sheet. This directivity allows monopole designs to be used in many applications that require omnidirectional transmission or reception.

[0188] Monopole antennas implemented on windows are relatively easy to manufacture. This can be achieved using a strip of conductive material on the plane of the glass window and a ground plane orthogonally positioned to the axis of the conductive material strip or patch on the window. The ground plane can be implemented in many different ways. For example, it can be part of a conductive frame structure, such as an aluminum crossbar or vertical frame. It can also be a conductive sheet specially manufactured to become the ground plane, such as a sheet of metal or conductive material attached to the sheet and separated from the terminals of the monopole antenna structure. It can also be such a flat portion of the conductive material formed on or attached to the window frame or insulating glass window unit, or other structures around the window pane with the monopole structure. In some implementations, the ground plane is set on the same sheet as the monopole antenna structure. As with other monopole antenna implementations, the ground plane is offset from the axial terminals of the antenna structure, but in this case, the ground plane is formed on the flat surface of the sheet on which the antenna structure is located (see [reference]). Figure 9D On a parallel surface. In other embodiments, the ground plane is disposed on the edge of the sheet. For example, the ground plane can be a conductive strip, such as a metal strip disposed on the edge of the sheet adjacent to the terminal of the monopole electrode structure. In some cases, such a ground plane is disposed on two or more edges of the sheet where appropriate to constrain the radiation pattern of the antenna.

[0189] In the case of electrochromic windows, monopole antennas have a variety of applications. For example, they can be used to broadcast signals inside or outside a building. Monopole antennas can also receive signals from inside or outside a building. Omnidirectional monopole antennas can be used to generate Bluetooth beacons (IEEE 802.15.1; 2.4 GHz to 2.485 GHz), Wi-Fi repeaters (IEEE 802.11; primarily 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), Zigbee network communications (IEEE 802.15.4; 915 MHz, in the US), and more.

[0190] The modified monopole antenna has a design similar to that of an omnidirectional monopole antenna because the antenna structure is a monopole, patch, or wire. And like the omnidirectional monopole antenna, this monopole antenna has a ground plane, but the ground plane is oriented parallel to the axis of the monopole antenna structure. The term "parallel" is intended to include orientations where the electrodes are exactly 0 degrees apart and orientations where the electrodes are not exactly 0 degrees apart (e.g., they are between about 0 and 5 degrees, or about 0 and 15 degrees, or about 0 and 30 degrees). When the antenna structure is mounted on a window, the ground plane can be placed on the same surface as the antenna structure or on a parallel surface such as the opposite surface of the window with the antenna structure, or on one of the surfaces of a separate window of an IGU or other component of multiple panes. As an example, Figures 2A to 4B The structure shown can be implemented as a monopole antenna with a parallel ground plane.

[0191] Like an omnidirectional monopole antenna, a monopole antenna with a parallel ground plane transmits (and / or receives) radiation at a single frequency or in a narrow band.

[0192] Unlike omnidirectional monopole antennas, monopole antennas with a parallel ground plane typically emit (and / or receive) radiation directionally; for example, approximately 180 degrees around one side of the antenna structure's axis. Signal strength can be distributed uniformly or nearly uniformly around this 180-degree angle. If any signal extends beyond the ground plane, it will be radiated (or received) in smaller portions. The radiation distribution can be a lobe with the strongest signal in the direction opposite to the ground plane. In some cases, the radiation distribution forms approximately half of a cylinder cut along the length of the antenna structure's axis.

[0193] In the case of electrochromic windows, monopole antennas with a parallel ground plane have a variety of applications. For example, monopole antennas with a parallel ground plane can be used to generate Bluetooth beacons (IEEE 802.15.1; 2.4 GHz to 2.485 GHz), Wi-Fi repeaters (IEEE 802.11; primarily 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), Zigbee network communications (IEEE 802.15.4; 915 MHz, in the US), etc.

[0194] Exemplary dipole antenna

[0195] A dipole antenna comprises two electrodes, both of which are antenna structures that radiate (or receive) electromagnetic energy. Each such electrode is a monopole, patch, or wire, just like a monopole electrode. And, similar to a monopole antenna in a window implementation, the dipole electrodes can be arranged as striplines (e.g., as thin lines of TCO, copper, or silver ink) on the window surface. Typically, the wires or patches of a dipole antenna are parallel. The term "parallel" is intended to include orientations where the electrodes are exactly 0 degrees apart and orientations where the electrodes are not exactly 0 degrees apart (e.g., they are between about 0 and 5 degrees, or about 0 and 15 degrees, or about 0 and 30 degrees). A dipole antenna can be designed to have or not have a ground plane. When present, the ground plane can be a third electrode and can be oriented perpendicular to or parallel to the poles of the dipole antenna in a manner similar to the arrangement in omnidirectional and finite-directional monopole antennas. Individual dipole electrodes can share a single ground plane. In a dipole design, the ground plane can be located on a conductive frame structure or other specially designed structures as described above for monopole antennas.

[0196] When the electrode lengths are the same or substantially the same, dipole antennas typically operate at a single frequency or in a narrow bandwidth. In this case, the wavelength can be approximately twice the length of the dipole antenna structure. When the antenna structure has different lengths, it radiates (or receives) radiation at different frequencies, each associated with a different pole (electrode).

[0197] A dipole antenna operates directionally with maximum radiation intensity (or signal reception efficiency) on two lobes that are substantially parallel to the antenna's two poles, and has relatively high intensity in the plane between the poles. Applications of dipole window antennas include those used for monopole antennas, but in some cases where greater directivity is required or a stronger signal is needed, such as in the lower floors of tall buildings in urban areas. These locations may encounter significant noise and interference from multiple RF sources.

[0198] Figure 6A The IGU 202 is shown in references. Figure 2A or Figure 2B A top view or floor plan of the IGU 202 is shown and described. Figure 6A In the IGU 202, the first antenna structure 230 and the second antenna structure 232 are centrally connected as a dipole antenna. In some implementations, Figure 6A The IGU 202 also includes matching circuits 650 and 652 for providing impedance matching or filtering for the first antenna structure 230 and the second antenna structure 232. For example, each of matching circuits 650 and 652 may include one or more passive circuit elements such as one or more inductors, capacitors, resistors, and / or transformers. (Reference) Figure 6B The IGU 202 shown and described is similar to the reference. Figure 6A The IGU 202 shown and described differs from at least the following: the first antenna structure 230 and the second antenna structure 232 are electrically connected as monopole antennas.

[0199] refer to Figure 6BIf the first antenna structure 230 and the second antenna structure 232 have the same parameters (particularly length) and are driven in phase with signals of the same frequency, constructive interference will exist between them. However, if the first antenna structure 230 and the second antenna structure 232 have the same parameters (particularly length) and are driven out of phase by 180 degrees with signals of the same frequency, the combination of the first antenna structure 230 and the second antenna structure 232 will act as a folded dipole, wherein each of the first antenna structure 230 and the second antenna structure 232 acts as a half-dipole. Furthermore, if the parameters of the first antenna structure 230 and the second antenna structure 232 are different, or if the frequency or phase of the signal applied to each of the first antenna structure 230 and the second antenna structure 232 is different, constructive and destructive interference will occur, which can be used to adjust the directivity of the combination of the first antenna structure 230 and the second antenna structure 232 as a whole. Typically, in implementations that include multiple antenna design modes (e.g., transmitting at different frequencies), windows are configured such that the multiple design modes can be addressed independently by, for example, a network controller. In some cases, the window and / or controller can be configured to dynamically select the antenna to use and which power and phase to apply. Additionally, in implementations using fractal antennas, a controller can also be used to adjust the frequency operating range of the fractal antenna.

[0200] In some implementations, antenna structures 230 and 232 or other antenna structures (such as...) Figure 8B The antenna structures are located near the edges of one or more patches within the IGU, such that they are obscured by IGU spacers and therefore invisible within the visible area of ​​the patches. Thus, the antenna structures can have linewidths and other dimensions and optical properties that would otherwise make them visible if they were not hidden by the spacers. Note that in some embodiments, the IGU spacers are made of a non-conductive material when the antenna structures are obscured.

[0201] Figure 7A and Figure 7B Different exemplary antenna structures and patterns according to some other implementations are shown. References Figure 7A The IGU 202 shown and described is similar to the reference. Figure 6A The IGU 202 shown and described differs from at least the following: each of the first dipole-connected antenna structure 230 and the second dipole-connected antenna structure 232 comprises a plurality of dipole-connected antenna structures driven by the same signal. In the illustrated embodiment, each antenna structure has a length equal to a different number of integers equal to a quarter wavelength of the associated signal. In some similar embodiments, one or more antenna structures may be implemented as Yagi antennas or log-periodic antennas. Reference Figure 7B The IGU 202 shown and described is similar to the reference. Figure 7AThe IGU202 shown and described, except for at least the following difference, is that each of the first dipole-connected antenna structure 230 and the second dipole-connected antenna structure 232 includes an array of dipole-connected antenna structures driven by the same signal.

[0202] A Yagi antenna comprises multiple parallel elements distributed along a line. These parallel elements can be attached to a crossbar. At least one pair of these elements is driven as a dipole pair and connected to the antenna circuitry (transmitter or receiver) via a transmit line. See also... Figures 7A to 7B At least one parasitic element exists within the parallel elements. This parasitic element is not electrically connected to the transmitter or receiver and serves as a resonator to re-radiate radio waves and modify the radiation pattern. Another parallel element is a reflector located on one side of the driven element. Depending on the specific design, the typical spacing between the elements varies from approximately 1 / 10 to 1 / 4 of the wavelength. The guide is slightly shorter than the driven element, while the reflector is slightly longer.

[0203] Yagi antennas have the same frequency characteristics as dipole antennas. When the electrode lengths are the same or substantially the same, a Yagi antenna has a single frequency or a narrow bandwidth. In this case, the wavelength can be approximately twice the length of the dipole antenna structure. When the antenna structure has different lengths, it radiates (or receives) radiation at different frequencies, each associated with a different pole (electrode). The radiation pattern is essentially unidirectional, with the main lobe along the axis of the element perpendicular to its plane. Applications on windows include those requiring strong directional elements. Note that Yagi antennas transmit and receive radiation polarized in the plane of the antenna structure. In cases where broadcast radiation is polarized in the horizontal direction, a Yagi antenna mounted on a skylight or other horizontally directional window may be suitable.

[0204] A log-periodic antenna has an antenna structure with multiple dipole driving elements of gradually increasing length. See, for example... Figures 7A to 7B Each dipole driving element comprises a pair of parallel conductive strips or lines, which may be formed on the window surface. The dipole elements are arranged close together along lines connected parallel to the feed line of the transmitter or receiver. The dipole elements are spaced apart according to a sigma function of the frequency. The length of the lines in the dipole elements corresponds to the resonance at different frequencies within the overall bandwidth of the antenna. Each line element of the log-periodic antenna is active, i.e., electrically connected to the feed line. When present, the ground plane can be oriented perpendicularly to or parallel to the dipole elements of the log-periodic antenna in a manner similar to that in a monopole antenna.

[0205] Log-periodic antennas transmit and / or receive over a wide bandwidth defined by the length portion of the driven dipole element. Log-periodic antennas are highly directional and typically have a narrow beam pattern. The beam pattern is nearly constant over the frequency range of the log-periodic antenna. Applications on window antennas include those suitable for other dipole antennas such as the Yagi antenna.

[0206] Exemplary fractal antenna

[0207] Fractal antennas have antenna structures with fractal shapes. An example of a suitable shape is the Sherpinski fractal shape. Other examples include the Koch curve and the Hilbert-Peano curve. See examples. Figures 8A to 8B Fractal antennas are designed and manufactured by several companies, including Fractus of Barcelona, ​​Spain. Typically, in window implementations, it is arranged as a fractal design (e.g., as thin lines of TCO, copper, or silver ink) on the window surface. In some implementations, the second electrode is a ground plane oriented perpendicular to the axis of the line forming the antenna structure as described above for a monopole antenna. In some implementations, the ground plane is oriented parallel to the axis of the fractal antenna structure, as in a monopole antenna with a parallel ground plane. The window area occupied by a fractal antenna can be relatively small; for example, the longest dimension is on the order of about 4 inches or smaller (e.g., about 20 mm × 30 mm).

[0208] Based on their fractal structure, fractal antennas can operate at single or multiple frequencies. Fractal antennas can be designed to have the characteristics of a monopole antenna or a group of monopole antennas. Because fractal antennas can be designed to have the characteristics of a monopole antenna or a group of monopole antennas, they can have directional characteristics of an omnidirectional monopole antenna or a monopole antenna with a parallel ground plane (both of which) depending on the location of the ground plane. The advantage of fractal antennas is that they can operate effectively at multiple frequencies while occupying a relatively small space on the window. For example... Figure 8A As shown, the repeating structure of the Sherpinski fractal provides multiple iterations for each monopole antenna with a different frequency. In some implementations, different frequencies can provide different applications for the window antenna, or they can provide different operating bands for a single application.

[0209] Figure 8B A monopole window antenna with a Sherpinski fractal antenna structure 801 oriented perpendicular to the ground plane 802 is shown. In some embodiments, the Sherpinski fractal antenna structure 801 is fabricated on a sheet surface, and the ground plane 802 is implemented on spacers or window frame elements such as vertical frames or horizontal bars.

[0210] Figure 8C This is shown as an implementation as a patch antenna ( Figure 8BThe diagram illustrates a Sherpinski fractal antenna structure consisting of a "fractal patch" and a parallel ground plane, which clamps a substrate, such as a sheet, together with the patch antenna and the parallel ground plane. Exemplary dimensions are provided in the accompanying drawings. Typically, Sherpinski fractal antennas can be implemented with small-sized patches, for example, having a base-to-aperture dimension of about 5 inches or less, or about 2 inches or less.

[0211] refer to Figure 8D and Figure 8E The IGU 202 shown and described is similar to the reference. Figure 6A The IGU 202 shown and described differs from at least the following: the first antenna structure 230 and the second antenna structure 232 are patterned or otherwise formed as fractal antennas. More specifically, in Figure 8D In the IGU 202, each of the first antenna structure 230 and the second antenna structure 232 is patterned as a Koch curve. Figure 8E In the IGU 202, each of the first antenna structure 230 and the second antenna structure 232 is patterned as a Hilbert-Peano curve. In some such embodiments (and even in the other embodiments described above), antenna structures 230 and 232 may advantageously be patterned using nanoprinting, roll-to-mask lithography, or other techniques with silver or other conductive materials. In these and other embodiments, it is generally desirable that the antenna structures be narrow or transparent enough to be not easily or readily visible to the human eye. In some other embodiments, the first antenna structure 230 and the second antenna structure 232 may be patterned to form other types of antennas, including Greek key antennas.

[0212] Multiple antennas on a single window, IGU, or window and associated structures (such as frames, vertical frames, horizontal bars, etc.)

[0213] In some implementations, the window and / or window-associated components contain multiple antennas. Given the small size and inconspicuous configuration of multiple antenna structures, multiple antennas can be mounted on a single window (piece) and / or associated window component. For example, a fractal antenna may be approximately 2 inches in size. In addition to one or more pieces of the window assembly, antennas can also be mounted on one or more windows and / or antenna controllers, IGU spacers, window frames (including vertical and horizontal bars), etc. In some cases, the antenna is mounted on the circuit board of the window controller. In some cases, the antenna is mounted on an adhesive strip that provides a conductor connecting two or more components such as an electrochromic window, antenna structure, ground plane, and controller. Figure 11D , Figure 11G and Figure 11HExamples of such adhesive strips are provided. Clearly, some designs use two or more antennas, each with its own radiation pattern. In such implementations, the design can address the possibility of interference and / or empty areas.

[0214] Figure 9B An example is presented in which chip 909, like many chips described herein, may be an electrochromic chip containing a fractal antenna 913 and a general-purpose patch antenna 915, each controlled independently but sharing a single ground plane 911. In some embodiments, the two antennas employ different ground planes. In some embodiments, the two antennas are driven in a complementary manner to function as dipole antennas. In other embodiments, the antennas do not work together but instead provide separate applications, such as providing Bluetooth beacons and providing Wi-Fi service. In the depicted configuration, ground plane 911 is substantially perpendicular to chip 909 and the associated antennas 913 and 915.

[0215] Figure 9C An example is presented in which sheet 970 has three Sherpinski fractal antennas 980, 982, and 984 disposed on the sheet surface. Although not shown, one or more associated ground planes may be disposed on a parallel surface of sheet 970 or on a parallel sheet that may be part of an IGU having sheet 970. A controller 975 may be disposed on or near sheet 970. In one example, as regarding... Figures 11A to 11F The controller 975 is implemented using a window-attached carrier. In the depicted example, a communication interface 974 is provided within the controller 975. Interface 974 can provide communication between the antenna of chip 970 and the main controller or other sources of instructions for operating the antenna. In some implementations, interface 974 is configured to interface with a CAN bus. Of course, other communication protocols can also be used. The controller 975 also includes logic for controlling the antennas. This logic can be used as the receive / transmit logic for individual antennas. As shown, logic block 978 controls antenna 984 and logic block 976 controls antennas 980 and 982. In some implementations, antennas 980 and 982 operate together as dipole antennas.

[0216] Interconnects used to connect antenna components to transmitter / receiver logic.

[0217] As explained, the antenna structure can be implemented as, for example, conductive material lines, such as transparent conductive oxide lines on a plane of the window surface, but separated from the ground plane by a dielectric. As mentioned above, at least each antenna structure must be electrically coupled to the transmitter and / or receiver logic, which can be implemented in the antenna controller. Additionally, a ground plane, if present, must be connected to ground. Various types of electrical connections (or “interconnects”) can be used for these purposes, the type of which varies depending on the portion of the window where the antenna components and controller reside.

[0218] Interconnects around one or more chip edges

[0219] In antenna designs where antenna electrodes are located on different surfaces (e.g., not all on the same surface of the sheet), electrical connections may be required between or around the various parts of the window or IGU. For example, electrical connections may be needed between IGU surfaces S4 and S3, between surfaces S4 and S2, between surfaces S4 and S1, between surfaces S3 and S2, between surfaces S3 and S1, between surfaces S2 and S1, between spacer surfaces and any IGU sheet surfaces, or between window frame elements (including vertical frames or horizontal bars) and any sheet surface. Electrical connections can take the form of wires, cables, tapes, conductive blocks, etc., routed where appropriate to form the necessary connections. In some cases, interconnects pass through the interior or under the IGU spacers. In some cases, interconnects conform to the shape / surface of the edge of the sheet, spacer, or other surface between the antenna electrodes that need to be connected. Several examples are described below. Any of these examples can be extended to adopt other types of interconnects described herein.

[0220] In various implementations, two interconnects extend from a connector or other associated window structure on the IGU. The connector connects to an antenna controller (receiver and / or transmitter logic) located elsewhere on the IGU or at a remote location. Figures 10A to 10F Examples of connectors located above or near windows or IGUs, as well as separate electrical connections running to the ground plane and antenna structure, are presented.

[0221] Figure 10AA cross-section of sheet 1001 is shown, in which cable 1003, such as a shielded coaxial cable, is attached to the edge of the sheet. Cable 1003 is electrically connected to an antenna receiver and / or transmitter (not shown). Grounding shield 1005 of cable 1003 connects to ground plane 1007 on sheet 1001, and center conductor 1009 of cable 1003 connects to stripline or patch antenna 1011 on sheet 1001. Ground plane 1007 and antenna structure 1011 are located on opposite surfaces of sheet 1001. In this embodiment, cable 1003 maintains its integrity relative to the antenna transmitter / receiver (grounding shield 1005 surrounds center conductor 1009) until it reaches sheet 1001, where shield 1005 separates from conductor 1009 to reach separate locations of ground plane 1007 and antenna structure 1011. In the depicted embodiment, cable 1003 is attached to the edge of sheet 1001 and from there splits into ground connector and signal / power connector. In an alternative implementation, cable 1003 is attached to the surface of sheet 1001 or to other locations near the ground plane and antenna structure.

[0222] Figure 10B A related embodiment is shown in which cable 1003 is attached to the surface of sheet 1001, rather than its edge. In this example, sheet 1001 forms part of an insulating glass unit comprising parallel sheets 1013 and spacers 1015. Antenna structure 1011 is located just outside the outer edge of spacer 1015. If spacer 1015 is non-conductive or, for example, coated with a non-conductive material, antenna structure 1011 can be disposed entirely or partially under spacer.

[0223] Figure 10C A similar example is presented, but relying on a small connector 1017, such as a standard MCX connector, to connect the wire 1019 from the antenna receiver / transmitter to the antenna structure 1011 and the ground plane 1007. Many types of small (e.g., no larger than 1 inch) connectors can be used to make this a necessary connection. Since connector 1017 does not include the ground shield of cable 1003, a separate conductive line 1021 is used to route the ground plane 1007 to the ground terminal of connector 1017. Various options are available for implementing conductive line 1021. Figure 10D and Figure 10E One of these options is shown. As shown, conductive line 1021 is a strip that conforms to the edge of sheet 1001 as it extends from connector 1017 to ground plane 1007. Conductive line 1021 can be a strip of a malleable material such as metal foil, for example, copper foil. Alternatively, conductive line 1021 can be a strip containing a conductor (similar to...) Figure 11D and 11G Flexible tape (as shown for the conductor), but not necessarily more than a single conductive wire. Figure 10EIn the details shown, line 1021 is connected to ground plane 1007 via solder 1025. Of course, friction components, conductive ink, etc., can be used instead of solder. Figure 10D and Figure 10E As shown, the conductive line 1023 spans the distance from the connector 1017 to the antenna element 1011. In some embodiments, the line 1023 is a strip of transparent conductive material or conductive ink. The following describes current-carrying wires on the sheet surface.

[0224] Figure 10F An embodiment of an electrical connection to a patch antenna 1011 via a conductive line 1023 is shown. In this embodiment, a line 1029 or other separate conductive line passes through a spacer 1027 of the IGU including the patch 1001. The line 1029 can be attached to the conductive line 1023 by solder or other connectors.

[0225] Interconnects on the chip surface

[0226] When the ground plane and the antenna structure are located on the same plane, Figure 9D An example of a suitable interconnect design is provided. As shown, a fractal patch antenna 995 and a ground plane strip 993 are disposed on a single surface (e.g., S2) of a piece 991. The transceiver is connected to the ground plane and the patch antenna structure via a cable 997 having a center conductor 998 and a ground sheath surrounding the center conductor. The ground plane strip 993 is electrically connected to the cable sheath via a short connector 999, which may, for example, be soldered to the strip 993. The antenna structure 995 is electrically connected to the center conductor 998 via solder or other suitable connectors.

[0227] When a transmit line is placed on a window surface between an antenna structure and another component such as a ground plane or a transmitter, the transmit line should be designed to be non-radiative. For this purpose, the transmit line can be implemented as three parallel lines, with the middle one being the signal-carrying line and the surrounding lines being ground lines.

[0228] This design may be necessary when the antenna structure is located in an area of ​​the window relatively far from the edge of the sheet (where the ground plane, transmitter, or receiver is connected). For example, the antenna structure may need to be at a certain distance from conductive frame structures such as vertical frames or horizontal bars.

[0229] In conventional cabling such as coaxial cabling, shielding is achieved through grounded shielding around the conductors inside the cable. In the window implementation described here, where the transmitting line spans a distance across the surface of the sheet, a similar shielding structure can be provided by placing a grounded conductive strip on either side of the central signal conductor. When using flexible tape to provide shielding, such as… Figure 11GWhen the tape shown is used as an electrical connector on a flat surface, a similar three-conductor structure can be used.

[0230] Interconnection between the controller and the antenna components

[0231] In some implementations, the antenna controller (e.g., receiver and / or transmitter control logic), which may be implemented using an electrochromic window controller or other logic, may be located on a pane of the IGU, for example, on a surface accessible from the interior of the building. In the case of an IGU, for example, with two panes, the controller may be located on surface S4. Figures 11A to 11C Embodiments are depicted in which various controller components are disposed in a carrier 1108 that can be mounted on a base 1107, which can be attached to the surface S4 of the inner sheet 1100b by pressure-sensitive adhesive (e.g., double-sided tape, etc., not shown) or different adhesives (e.g., epoxy resin or other adhesives). In various cases, the carrier 1108 can accommodate all the components typically found in an antenna as well as optional ground window controllers.

[0232] exist Figure 11A In this IGU, there are outer plates 1100a and inner plates 1100b, as shown in the figure, with surfaces S1 to S4. Plates 1100a and 1100b are separated by a spacer 1101, which is hermetically sealed to plates 1100a and 1100b by a primary sealing material (not shown). A busbar 1102 extends below the spacer 1101, for example, along the length of the spacer 1101 (entering and exiting the plane of the page), with busbar leads 1103 extending circumferentially outward past the edge of the spacer 1101. A carrier 1108 is aligned with and fitted onto a base 1107. In this example, the base 1107 is connected to a connector 1117 via a cable 1127. In some cases, the connector 1117 may be an M8 connector. The cable 1127 can transmit power and / or communication information to the IGU. Power and / or communication information can be transmitted from base 1107 to carrier 1108 via any available connector. Figure 11A In this process, power and / or communication information can be transmitted from base 1107 to carrier 1108 via one or more connectors 1125 and 1126 on base 1107 and carrier 1108, respectively.

[0233] The carrier 1108 includes a printed circuit board (PCB) 1109 on which various components 1111a, 1111b, and 1111c are mounted. Components 1111a to 1111c can be those commonly used by those skilled in the art and, for example, regarding... Figure 2EThe description includes multiple different components. In some cases, the various components on the circuit board can be located on a single side of the circuit board, while in other cases, the components can be located on both sides of the circuit board. The controller can have more than one circuit board, for example, in a stacked format or side-to-side in the same plane.

[0234] A series of electrical connection structures, such as spring-loaded telescopic probes 1110a, 1110b, and 1110c, can supply power from carrier 1108 through base 1107 to a component located below base 1107. The electrical connection structures can provide permanent or temporary electrical connections. The electrical connection structures can provide a strong attachment through adhesives, metallurgical bonding, friction, etc. In some cases, friction can be provided through spring loading (e.g., in the case of telescopic probes), pressure obtained from the integral connection between carrier 1108 / base 1107 / plate 1100b, etc. While the example below illustrates a telescopic probe, it is only an example. The connectors can be gold-plated, for example, to increase reliability and prevent corrosion.

[0235] For example, telescopic probe 1110a supplies power to electrical connector 1106, which routes the power from S4 to S2, where an EC film (not shown) and bus 1102 are provided. Electrical connector 1106 can supply power to bus lead 1103. Electrical connector 1106 can be a thin tape patterned with conductors (e.g., copper ink, silver ink, etc.), a ribbon cable, another type of cable, a clamp patterned with conductors thereon or in it, or a different type of electrical connector. Similar connectors can be provided to antenna components.

[0236] In some cases, a sealing material 1105 may be disposed between the inner sheet 1100b and the electrical connector 1106, which helps ensure that the interior of the IGU remains airtight. In some cases (not shown), the sealing material 1105 (or another sealing material) may extend to reach along the outer periphery of the spacer 1101 to help hold the electrical connector 1106 in place close to the spacer 1101. The sealing material 1105 may be a pressure-sensitive sealing material or another sealing material. A secondary sealing material 1104 is located on the outer periphery of the spacer 1101 and the electrical connector 1106. Alternatively, the connector 1106, instead of passing around the edge of the inner pane, may pass through a hole through the inner pane, for example, where 1106 originates at the base and is therefore not visible to the end user. In this case, a sealing material such as 1105 may be used to seal 1106 (e.g., a wire) to seal between 1106 and the hole in the inner sheet through which 1106 passes.

[0237] The second telescopic probe 1110b can provide an electrical connection between the carrier 1108 and component 1115, while the third telescopic probe 1110c can provide an electrical connection between the carrier 1108 and component 1116. In various embodiments, components 1115 and 1116 can form part of an antenna patterned onto surface S4. For example, component 1115 can provide a ground connection to the ground plane of the antenna, and component 1116 can be part of the antenna structure (e.g., stripline, fractal element, log-periodic element, etc.). In some embodiments, the ground plane and / or antenna structure can be located on any one or all of S1 to S4, on the spacers of the IGU, on the window / antenna controller itself, on the frame, on the vertical frame or the horizontal bar, or on another component associated with the IGU or window. The electrical connections to the antenna are appropriately configured depending on the location of the components on the glass surface or between the panes, such as in or above the surface of the spacers.

[0238] Despite Figures 11A to 11C Only three telescopic probes are shown, but any number of telescopic probes can be provided as needed to power different components or receive input from antennas, etc. In one example, an additional telescopic probe (not shown) is provided to supply power to a PV connector similar to electrical connector 1106. The PV connector may have the same shape / properties as electrical connector 1106, but instead of supplying power to the bus, the PV connector delivers power from a PV film located on surface S2 to carrier 1108. With the PV film located on surface S3, and... Figure 11B Similar to the electrical connector 1120 shown, the PV connector can simply transfer power from the PV film on surface S3 to the base and / or carrier on surface S4. The PV connector can supply power from a PV cell to an onboard battery or supercapacitor, as described. Any of the mechanisms and hardware described herein for routing power between (a) the carrier and / or base and (b) the bus (or a conductor electrically connected to the bus) can also be used to establish an electrical connection between (a) the carrier and / or base and (b) the PV film located on one of the sheets of the IGU.

[0239] The carrier 1108 can be securely fitted onto the base 1107 and, in some cases, can be locked in place (e.g., to prevent theft and minimize any possible damage). Mouse holes, slits, or other openings can be provided in the carrier 1108 through which the cable 1127 can pass. The cable 1127 may be concealed from view due to the carrier being positioned close enough to the window frame to shield the cable 1127 (the cable enters the frame; for example, connector 1117 is within the frame and forms an electrical connection there).

[0240] Figure 11B Presented with Figure 11AA similar implementation is shown, but only two main differences are described. Figure 11B In this embodiment, cable 1127 is directly connected to carrier 1108, rather than to base 1107 (although in alternative embodiments, it may be as follows). Figure 11A (Configure as shown). Therefore, no connectors (such as...) are required. Figure 11A Components 1125 and 1126 are used to transmit power and / or communication information from base 1107 to carrier 1108. In this example, base 1107 may be unpowered, with power transmitted directly from carrier 1108 to electrical connector 1120 (and components 1115 and 1116) via telescopic probes 1110a to 1110c. In another embodiment, one or more of telescopic probes 1110a to 1110c may terminate above rather than through base 1107. Base 1107 can then transmit power via any available electrical connector to components located below base 1107. In one example, base 1107 includes conductive traces, each trace electrically connecting (a) a point where telescopic probes 1110a to 1110c contact base 1107 to (b) a component located below base 1107 that is powered by the associated telescopic probe (e.g., components 1115 and 1116, and electrical connectors 1106 or 1120). Alternatively or additionally, the base may include electrical connectors that extend through the base rather than merely on the base surface.

[0241] Figure 11B and Figure 11A Another difference is that electrical connector 1106 is replaced by different electrical connectors 1120 and block 1121. Electrical connector 1120 transfers power from S4 to S3 around the edge of inner sheet 1100b. Block 1121 transfers power from S3 to S2, where power can be delivered to bus lead 1103 and / or antenna components. Block 1121 may be conductive or have conductors on or in it to achieve this purpose. In one example, block 1121 is made of a material that is easily and securely inserted between sheets 1100a and 1100b. Exemplary materials include foam, rubber, silicone, etc. In some cases, conductive lines may be printed on the block to electrically connect S2 and S3; in some embodiments, the block mates with adhesive-backed ribbon cables or flexible printed circuits to form a connection between S2 and S3.

[0242] Electrical connector 1120 can be any type of connector described with respect to electrical connector 1106. Sealing material (not shown) can be provided between spacer 1101 and block 1121 to ensure an airtight seal.

[0243] Figure 11C Presented with Figure 11BA similar implementation is shown, but only the main differences are described. Figure 11C In this configuration, block 1121 is replaced by wire 1122 (or a series of wires) that transfers power from S3 to S2. In a similar embodiment, a block or sheet (not shown) may be provided to secure wire 1122 (or other electrical connectors) to spacer 1101. This technique ensures that wire 1122 or other electrical connectors do not obstruct the flow when the secondary seal 1104 is formed. In an alternative configuration, one or more wires 1122 may pass through pane 1100b via one or more holes, and optionally a sealant material may be used to form an airtight seal, preventing moisture from passing through the holes.

[0244] exist Figures 11A to 11C Each figure shows a set of electrical connections that supply power from S4 to S2. However, it should be understood that each electrochromic window has two (or more) buses, and the electrical connections should be configured to provide appropriate power to each bus. Additionally, any of the electrical connections in the design can be used to transmit power and / or data to or from the antenna element.

[0245] Despite Figures 11A to 11C While not explicitly shown, one or both of the base 1107 and carrier 1108 may include a programmable chip containing information related to the associated IGU, such as information about the antenna and / or electrochromic element in the IGU. This information may relate to any one or more of the following: antenna configuration (e.g., monopole, dipole, stripline, fractal, etc.); frequency characteristics of the antenna; radiation intensity distribution (e.g., omnidirectional); polarization state of the transmitted or received radiation; antenna drive parameters; window size; material of the window and associated electrochromic device; current and voltage limits specific to the electrochromic device; control algorithms or other control parameters specific to the electrochromic device (e.g., required drive and hold voltages and slopes); cycle and other lifetime information, etc. It may be particularly advantageous to include the chip in the base 1107 to eliminate the risk of mismatch due to incorrect installation on different windows. In this way, the carrier 1108 can be substantially universal / interchangeable, making it indistinguishable which carrier is paired with which IGU. This feature can significantly reduce installation complications and errors. Similarly, some of the other components typically found in the controller may be disposed in the base or other docking equipment as needed (e.g., opposite to those provided in the carrier). As stated elsewhere, in cases where the docking equipment itself includes components typically present in the controller, the term "controller" can refer to the docking equipment, the carrier, or both. Figures 11A to 11CNot shown, one or both of the base 1107 or carrier 1108 may include a port (e.g., a USB port, a mini-USB port, a micro USB port, etc.). In various embodiments, the port may be oriented such that a device mating with the port (e.g., a USB driver) is inserted in a direction parallel to the IGU's plate. In some other embodiments, the port may be oriented such that a device mating with the port is inserted in a direction orthogonal to the IGU's plate. Other options are possible, such as where the mating device and / or carrier is not rectangular.

[0246] Figure 11D An example of a section of flexible tape with conductive lines is presented; in a sense, it can be considered a flexible printed circuit. Conductive tape is used for... Figure 11A The shape of the electrical connector 1106 is shown in the illustration. Tape is wrapped around the inner sheet 1100b, extends across the outer periphery of the spacer 1101, and rests on the outer sheet 1100a at point S2, where the tape provides a power connection to busbars / busbar leads (not shown), each busbar having one lead. Similarly, flexible tape can be used to provide electrical connections to antenna components such as a ground plane and one or more antenna structures. In some embodiments, when used for connection to an antenna structure, the tape may include three conductors instead of... Figure 11D The two conductors shown in the image. For example, as... Figure 11G As depicted, the center conductor 1191 is used for signal communication, and the outer conductor 1193 is grounded to prevent radiation from the center conductor. Generally, the tape can deliver power and / or communication between any surfaces of the IGU (e.g., S4-S3, S4-S2, S4-S1, S3-S1, S2-S1, and S3-S2). Individual antenna elements are connected to an antenna controller (receiver and / or transmitter) via connectors. In some embodiments, the flexible tape includes an adhesive surface that allows the flexible tape to adhere to the IGU structure it traverses.

[0247] Figure 11E Presented such as about Figure 11AA view of a portion of the described IGU. Base 1107 is shown mounted on inner sheet 1100b. Electrical connector 1106 delivers power from S4 to S2, thereby transferring power to first bus lead 1125a and second bus lead 1125b. First bus lead 1125a can transfer power to the first bus, while second bus lead 1125b can transfer power to the second bus. In embodiments where additional buses are provided (e.g., to define different areas within a single EC sheet), additional wires located on conductive tape and additional bus leads connected to such tape can be provided. Similarly, if other electrical components of the window assembly, such as antenna components, are located on S1, S2, S3, and / or S4, the flexible tape circuitry can be configured to electrically connect to these additional components. Base 1107 in Figure 11E The diagram shows multiple features 1119. These features can be various different components, including but not limited to: providing holes for receiving sensors (e.g., light sensors); holes for receiving connectors to window elements (e.g., telescopic probes); connectors for transmitting power and / or communication information between the base and the carrier; locking mechanisms for ensuring the carrier does not detach from the base (unless appropriate), etc. Although the base is depicted as having a single flexible circuit tape type connector extending to one side of the base, other flexible tape circuits may extend to the base. For example, one tape may extend as depicted, while another tape extends to the other side of the base. This embodiment can facilitate contacts on, for example, S2, S3, regarding the coating, antenna structure, etc., without having to form all connections with a single circuit tape. Although in some embodiments, a single circuit tape may be required for manufacturing simplification, such as convergent manufacturing, where all electrical connections between sheets are formed using a single location (flexible circuit). In some embodiments, the tape connector may include more than two conductive lines. It may also include one or more branches for guiding some conductors to one location and guiding one or more other conductors to one or more other locations.

[0248] Figure 11F It shows Figure 11E An embodiment where the carrier 1108 is mounted on a base (not shown). Cable 1127 provides power and / or communication information to the IGU and can be connected to the base 1107 (e.g., ...). Figure 11A (as shown) or connected to carrier 1108 (such as Figure 11B and Figure 11C(As shown). Connector 1117 can mate with another connector 1130, which can provide power and / or communication via cable 1128. Connectors 1117 and 1130 can be M8 connectors, and cable 1128 can be a drop-in cable that can be directly connected to the trunk line as described herein. Cable 1127 can be a window cable, also known as an IGU cable. Figure 11F Cables 1127 and electrical connectors 1106 are shown originating from different sides of carrier 1108 (and / or base 1107), although in other embodiments, both connectors may originate from the same side of carrier 1108 (and / or base 1107). Even with the presence of hard connections to electricity in this embodiment, it is still advantageous that the controller can be easily accessed on, for example, S4 of the IGU and that the controller can be removable, for example, in a modular, box-type format.

[0249] One embodiment is an electrochromic window having an antenna controller mounted on a window pane, wherein the antenna controller has a base and a carrier. In one embodiment, the antenna controller has a box-type format, wherein the base and carrier are reversibly interlocked with each other. In one embodiment, the controller includes a battery. In one embodiment, the battery is removable from the controller. In one embodiment, the battery is part of the base. In another embodiment, the battery is part of the carrier. In one embodiment, the battery is a flat battery. In one embodiment, the battery is rechargeable. In one embodiment, the battery is a lithium-ion battery. In one embodiment, the carrier and base have tamper-evident mechanisms for separating the carrier from the base. In one embodiment, the base is attached to the window pane by adhesive. In one embodiment, the base is in electrical communication with the electrochromic device of the electrochromic window via circuit tape or ribbon cable. In one embodiment, the base is in electrical communication with the antenna of the electrochromic window via circuit tape or ribbon cable. In one embodiment, the base is in electrical communication with one or more antenna components of the electrochromic window via circuit tape or ribbon cable. In one embodiment, the base is electrically communicated with the busbar or sensor of the electrochromic window via circuit tape or ribbon cable. In one embodiment, the top surface of the base (the outermost layer of the pane) is about 1 / 2 inch or less from the surface of the pane to which the base is attached, for example, about 3 / 8 inch or less from the surface of the pane. In one embodiment, the top surface of the carrier (the outermost layer of the pane), when mated with the base, is about 1 inch or less from the surface of the pane to which the carrier is attached, for example, about 3 / 4 inch or less from the surface of the pane. In one embodiment, the base is rectangular. In one embodiment, the base is shaped with at least one right angle, such that the base can be fitted to the corner of the frame supporting the electrochromic window. In one embodiment, the controller includes at least one display. The display may be, for example, an LCD display and an LED display. The display may indicate the tinting level or antenna setting of the electrochromic window. In one embodiment, the controller includes control switches such as buttons and / or a keypad. The control switches may correspond, for example, to the tinting state and / or antenna setting. The controller may include one or more indicator lights, such as LEDs, to indicate changes in color level, antenna status, wireless communication connectivity, power status, etc.; these functions may also be displayed via the aforementioned display, with or without individual indicator lights. In one embodiment, the controller includes a USB port. In one embodiment, the controller includes a fiber optic communication port. In one embodiment, the controller includes a coaxial connection port. In one embodiment, the controller includes an antenna. In one embodiment, the controller has wireless communication capabilities, such as Bluetooth.

[0250] IGUs are typically mounted and supported within a frame or framing system. Individual IGUs may be mounted in individual frames, while a larger number of IGUs may be mounted in a curtain wall or similar structure, where mullions and crossbeams separate adjacent windows. All these components can be considered to form the frame of the IGU. In several embodiments, holes, slits, or other perforations may be provided in the frame surrounding the IGU, and one or more wires / cables may be fed through these perforations. For example, in Figure 11F In some cases, cable 1127 can be routed through such a hole in the frame surrounding the IGU. In a similar embodiment, both cable 1127 and electrical connector 1106 originate from the same side of carrier 1108 (or docking device below it), and the frame in which the IGU is mounted includes a hole adjacent to the edge of the inner side plate 1100b around which electrical connector 1106 is wound. This hole may be hidden by the edge of carrier 1108 (or docking device, in another embodiment), which can abut the inner edge of the frame. In some cases, the outer shell of carrier 1108 may be made of a material with a certain elastic angle (e.g., rubber, flexible plastic, etc.), so that the carrier can easily abut the frame without creating any space between them. In other embodiments, although the shell of the carrier is rigid, a flexible material such as foam or rubber is applied around the hole to one side of the shell and / or frame, such that when the carrier abuts with the base, the flexible material shields connector 1106 and / or cable 1127. Similarly, the portion of the carrier adjacent to the frame edge can be made of this material, while the rest of the carrier is made of a different material. Cable 1127 can be routed through holes in the frame and connected to the power and / or communication transmitted via cable 1128. In this way, the controller's appearance on the glass is very clean, and the end user may not be able to see the wiring or electrical connections to the controller; and because the controller occupies a small area (e.g., less than 4 inches),... 2 Less than 3 inches 2 or less than 2 inches 2 Therefore, it occupies very little of the visible area of ​​the window.

[0251] Figure 11FThis can also be used to illustrate another embodiment. For example, instead of serving as a docking device for the carrier (controller), 1108 could be a user interface, such as a control board, a touchpad, keyboard, or touchscreen display (and therefore, thin), and wiring 1106 for connecting the user interface to the controller in the sub-seal. This is similar to an embodiment where the carrier contains the controller circuitry and the user interface, except that the controller circuitry is moved between the glass panes, for example, within the sub-seal, and the user interface is held in place by the glass. Thus, wiring 1106 connects not only the busbars, antennas, and other features located between the panes as described above, but also, in this example, the controller circuitry, also located between the panes, to the control board. The user interface can be attached, for example, with adhesive and can be removable / replaceable. The user interface can be very thin, for example, having only a keyboard connection to the flexible circuitry 1106, or the control board can be a digital display (which can also be thin and, for example, flexible). The control interface can be at least partially transparent. In one embodiment, the user interface and circuitry 1106 are a single component. For example, the adhesive sealant 1105 on the back of 1106 (as described above) can also be located on the back of the user control interface, which has a protective backplate, for example, due to its "peel-and-stick" shape factor. For example, during manufacturing, appropriate electrical contacts are formed, where appropriate, for localized areas on S2 and / or S3 to the busbars, antennas, controllers, and other components between the panes. When the sheets are placed together during IGU formation, the localized areas are aligned if one area is located on, for example, both S2 and S3. The user interface is then peeled off and adhered to the glass, for example, starting from S3, past the spacer, onto S2, around the edge of pane 1100b, and then onto S4. In this way, a convergent (and therefore efficient) manufacturing process is achieved.

[0252] Figure 11H A flexible strip interconnect 1150 is depicted having a first portion 1152 for providing signals to / from an antenna structure and a second portion 1154 for providing power to the busbar of an electrochromic device. Within the first portion 1152, a center conductor 1164 is provided to carry signals to and from the window-associated antenna structure, while outer conductors 1160 and 1162 are grounded and block radiation from passing through. Within the second portion 1154, conductors 1156 and 1158 are provided for powering opposite polarity electrodes on the electrochromic device. The depicted interconnect includes branches that allow the first and second portions to separate their conductors and direct them to different locations where the busbar and antenna elements can reside. In some embodiments, all logic for controlling the electrochromic device and antenna components is housed in a single location, such as a hybrid window / antenna controller described elsewhere herein. Although not shown in this figure, the interconnect 1150 typically extends beyond the top and bottom points shown here.

[0253] Window antenna array

[0254] Figure 12 An array of IGU 202 is shown, as described with reference to any implementation shown or described above. For example, such an array can be arranged on the side or facade of a building. Each antenna structure within each respective IGU can be independently controlled using different signals or different phases (e.g., by the network controller and corresponding window controller described above) to selectively provide constructive and destructive interference and ultimately provide granular directivity of the transmitted signal. Furthermore, this arrangement can be used to map outdoor or indoor environments. Additionally, this arrangement or antenna array can provide the collective gain required for use as a broadcast or receiving tower, thereby avoiding the need for other broadcasts (e.g., cellular towers).

[0255] Phased antenna arrays can be used to guide signals transmitted in a specific direction to reach a specific area and to narrow the area to which they are desired for reception. This directional transmission or reception is also known as beamforming or spatial filtering. Spatial filtering using phased arrays is typically achieved by combining elements within the phased array such that signals at certain angles experience constructive interference, while signals at other angles experience destructive interference. As mentioned above, beamforming can be used at both the transmitting and receiving ends to achieve spatial selectivity. To change the directivity of the array during transmission, a controller controls the phase and relative amplitude of the signals supplied to each transmitting antenna element to produce a pattern of both constructive and destructive interference in the wavefront generated collectively by the phased array. Similarly, during reception, information from different antenna elements is combined and otherwise processed to prioritize observation or otherwise provide information within a specific spatial area or along a specific direction. In some implementations, each signal transmitted to (or received from) each antenna can be amplified with different “weights.” Different weighting patterns (e.g., Dolph-Chebyshev) can be used to achieve the desired sensitivity pattern. For example, a main lobe (“beam”) with controlled width can be generated, as well as nulls and side lobes with controlled position, orientation, or width. Figure 13A A conventional cell tower network is shown, which, for example, has four cell towers positioned as needed to overlap appropriately in order to maintain substantially complete geographic coverage for theoretically urban and rural areas. Figure 13BThis paper describes using three buildings as alternatives to cell towers by employing antenna-equipped glass (e.g., glass equipped with electrochromic antennas as described herein) in each of the three buildings. In this way, traditional cell towers can be eliminated, and wider geographic coverage can be achieved, for example, while maintaining full coverage and eliminating the landscape of many undesirable conventional cell towers. Furthermore, EC antenna glass can be used, as needed, to enhance signal strength within each building and / or enable unidirectional or bidirectional cellular traffic. Antenna windows may eliminate some of the need for cell towers.

[0256] Under proper control, the IGU array with antennas works in concert. At any given time, some window antennas can be selected to be active while others remain stationary, and the active antennas have radiation applied at a specified power, frequency, and / or phase. As an example, antennas on adjacent windows arranged in a row can be selectively activated and powered to produce a directional radiation pattern. Signals delivered to some or all windows in the facade can also be controlled to modulate the transmission and / or reception properties of individual windows. Additionally, in implementations where some windows include multiple antenna configurations (e.g., transmitting or receiving at different frequencies), as described above... Figure 1A and Figure 1B The controller of the described main controller 111 or network controller 112 can be configured to dynamically select the antenna to use. In implementations employing fractal antennas, the controller can fine-tune the operating frequency of individual antennas.

[0257] Additionally, in some embodiments, the antenna structure and antenna described herein can be used to transmit signals between the respective IGU 102 and window controller 114, network controller 112, or main controller 111. For example, in some embodiments, window controller 112 can transmit voltage or current drive parameters to a driver within or associated with IGU 102 via the antenna structure described herein. The driver can be connected to one or more power supplies and ground, and uses parameters received from window controller 114 to power the ECD within IGU 102. As another example, in embodiments where each IGU 102 includes one or more sensors (e.g., temperature sensors, current sensors, voltage sensors, light sensors, or other environmental sensors), window controller 114 can wirelessly request and / or receive sensor data from the sensors via the antenna structure described herein. In some other embodiments, window controller 114 can communicate with network controller 112 or main controller 111 via the antenna structure described herein, and vice versa.

[0258] In various implementations, some or all of the antenna structures described herein are configured to operate within selected frequency ranges, such as, but not limited to, ISM bands, and particularly ISM bands used for cellular communications (e.g., 700MHz, 800MHz, 850MHz, 900MHz, 1800MHz, PCS, AWS, and BRS / EBS bands) and Wi-Fi (e.g., 2.4GHz UHF and 5GHz SHF bands), including those frequencies used by the Bluetooth wireless technology standard. Such antenna structures can also be used as WeChat icons, pico cells, and femtocells.

[0259] With the shift from 4G to 5G wireless mobile telecommunications standards, cellular service operators are moving from a model relying on large, high-power cell towers to one relying on multiple, smaller-power transmitters. Part of the motivation is to cover a defined area and maintain capacity, recognizing that receiver power decreases with the square of the distance from the cell transmitter. The disclosed method of controlling multiple windows of a building, or even multiple buildings, may be consistent with the 4G / 5G model, where each can be tuned to a specific transmit power and frequency.

[0260] Properties of transparent conductive layers for ground plane and / or antenna structures

[0261] Some of the discussed embodiments employ a ground plane as a sheet of transparent conductive material with suitable properties, and a printed or patterned antenna structure. In many embodiments, the ground plane exists within the visible area of ​​the IGU, and therefore, the ground plane material should be substantially transparent at the thickness required to provide its function.

[0262] As an example, a ground plane made of indium tin oxide (ITO) can have a thickness of approximately 1700 nm or greater for transmitting or receiving 2.54 GHz signals. Some metal ion-doped TCO materials may exhibit increased conductivity, thus allowing for thinner ground plane regions. Examples of metal ion dopants include silver and copper.

[0263] In some implementations, the antenna pattern is defined by fine conductive lines deposited on a stack of electrochromic devices. The thin conductive layer can be provided by printing conductive ink or laying lines such as a screen. Whether provided by screen printing or otherwise, the conductive lines should be thin enough that they do not obstruct the view of an occupant through a window. When using a screen, it can be provided as a pre-fabricated mesh and then laminated or otherwise fixed to a suitable conductive or insulating layer used as part of or integrated with the electrochromic device stack. Alternatively, the screen can be deposited using rolling mask lithography. The pattern defining the antenna can be created by selectively removing areas of the screen or multiple portions of a single line.

[0264] Manufacturing of window antenna structure

[0265] As shown elsewhere in this document, antennas can be fabricated on windows using various techniques. Such techniques, as are well known to those skilled in the art, include: printing antenna structures; covering and depositing ground planes; etching conductive layers to form antenna structures or ground planes; masks; photolithography, etc. A variety of materials can be used to form the antenna structures and ground planes, and some of these materials have been identified elsewhere in this document. In some embodiments, the material is a conductive ink such as silver ink. In some embodiments, the material is a conductive transparent material such as a transparent conductive oxide (e.g., indium tin oxide).

[0266] In some embodiments, one or more antennas on one or more surfaces of the substrate of the electrochromic window comprise material deposited via a sol-gel process. In some embodiments, the sol-gel process involves applying a gelled precursor material to the substrate as a thin film corresponding to a pattern of the desired antenna. Following an optional drying process, the thin film is heated to form the antenna. The substrate can be heated to achieve heating of the thin film, either locally or over the entire substrate. The heat treatment can be performed, for example, in the range of 100°C to 400°C, such as 150°C to 350°C, and in another example, in the range of 200°C to 300°C. Heating can be performed for approximately 30 minutes and 5 hours, for example, between approximately 1 hour and approximately 3 hours.

[0267] The sol-gel process is a method for producing solid materials from a colloidal solution. This method is used to manufacture metal oxides, such as ITO and other oxides used in antennas as described herein. The colloidal solution forms an integrated network of discrete particles or a network polymer, which is a gelation precursor. Typical gelation precursors include one or more metal oxides and / or metal alkoxides such as indium tin oxide, and may contain silicon oxides such as silicon dioxide. In one embodiment, the one or more metal oxides and / or metal alkoxides are based on one or more of the following metals: aluminum; antimony; chromium; cobalt; copper; gallium; germanium; gold; indium; iridium; iron; molybdenum; nickel; palladium; platinum; rhodium; ruthenium; tantalum; tin; titanium; tungsten; silver; zinc; and zirconium.

[0268] Thin-film patterns can be applied to a substrate, for example, by inkjet printing, screen printing, or mask spraying. In some embodiments, the thin-film pattern is a localized area on a window substrate, wherein the area does not have any specific patterning. The localized area is large enough to pattern one or more antennas, such as antenna kits, from it. After heat treatment of the thin film, it is patterned, for example by laser ablation, to form an antenna as described herein.

[0269] Various other deposition processes can be employed. Examples include chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and physical vapor deposition (PVD). These techniques can be used in conjunction with patterning, for example, masks on the wafer. In one example, a physical or chemical deposition process is used in conjunction with a conventional stripping technique, where the process applies a photoresist onto the wafer and then patterns the photoresist to reveal the desired antenna pattern. After deposition, the process strips away the photoresist left on the wafer, except for areas where TCO or other conductors are deposited. Other processes such as inkjet or screen printing can be employed, which can be performed, for example, on the wafer without leaving any material, or can be performed on an electrochromic wafer after the wafer has left it with, for example, a protective insulating top coating.

[0270] Applications of window networks

[0271] Window antennas can be used in a variety of applications that benefit optically switchable windows and / or associated systems. Examples of such applications include personalized services and wireless network communications.

[0272] For internal building communication nodes / hardware, window antennas can replace some or all of conventional antennas, such as Wi-Fi antennas, small base stations, internal repeaters, network interfaces, etc. This application of window antennas can improve interior décor by eliminating conventional internal antennas mounted on walls / ceilings for connecting internal batteries, computers, and other devices. Additionally, window antennas may eliminate some of the need for cell towers.

[0273] Personalized services

[0274] Typically, personalized services provide window or antenna conditions tailored to a specific individual using a building area (e.g., rooms and lobbies). Different individuals may have different associated window parameters. For example, one individual might prefer a relatively dark room with no Wi-Fi service and security features that block wireless signals. Another individual might prefer a brighter room with Wi-Fi service. All rooms in a building may have default settings that do not match the preferences of any single individual. For example, the default settings might include no Wi-Fi or security services and window tinting settings based on the time of day and current weather conditions. By using personalized services, when an occupant enters an area of ​​the building, the window / antenna system determines the occupant's presence and personal settings, adjusting window and / or antenna settings to match the occupant's preferences. Some personalization can be performed before the occupant arrives at an area by extrapolating the occupant's directional movement (i.e., walking from the building lobby to an office).

[0275] In one example, a window antenna in a relevant area of ​​a building determines whether a resident has entered or is entering. This determination can be made through communication with the resident's smartphone or other wireless communication device. Bluetooth is an example of a suitable protocol for communication between the user and the local window antenna. Other link protocols can be used. In one implementation, the resident's smartphone (or other device) transmits the user ID received by the window antenna. The antenna and network logic then determine the resident parameters by looking them up in a database or other source of resident parameters. In another implementation, the resident's smartphone or other communication device stores the parameters and sends them to the window antenna.

[0276] Examples of personalized services available to residents include one or more of the following:

[0277] 1. Shading level of the light-switching window near the occupants

[0278] 2. Communication shielding / opening. For example, antennas, ground planes, etc., can be positioned to prevent electromagnetic communication from passing through windows or other structures containing antennas, ground planes, etc.

[0279] 3. Location-based notifications for retail applications. In some implementations, the building's network determines a specific customer's location within the building. This is achieved by detecting communication between the customer's mobile device and an antenna at that location. Based on the user ID transmitted via the antenna, the building / retail logic sends a notification to the user (e.g., via a mobile application). This notification may contain information about merchandise near the customer and the antenna. Such information may include promotions (e.g., sales price), product specifications, supplier information, reviews from other customers, reviews from expert reviewers, etc. Customers can personalize retail building parameters so that they receive some, all, or no available information.

[0280] 4. Once an occupant is detected nearby, personalized settings are transmitted to non-window systems, such as thermostats, lighting systems, and door locks, via the BMS or other building systems / networks. Occupants can personalize these settings to allow some, all, or none of the settings to be transmitted to any of the non-window systems.

[0281] 5. When a user is detected near a wireless charging circuit, such as an inductively coupled circuit, a small device, such as a resident's mobile device, is wirelessly charged.

[0282] Individual personalized parameters (e.g., preferred shading levels and preferred communication shielding) can be stored on a storage device that is part of a building's window and / or antenna network. In some cases, the storage device is not on the building's window and / or antenna network, but the device has access to the building's network. For example, the storage device may reside in a remote location with a communication link to the window / antenna network. Examples of remote locations for the storage device include different buildings, publicly available data storage media (e.g., the cloud), a central control center for multiple buildings (e.g., see U.S. Patent Application No. 62 / 088,943, filed December 8, 2014, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference), etc. In some embodiments, individual personalized parameters are stored locally on the user's mobile device or on a local window or antenna controller (i.e., a controller located at the location of an optically switchable window or window device that can be adjusted by the individual's personalized parameters). In some cases, the individual's mobile device does not store the parameters locally, but can access them via a cellular network or other network separate from the building's window or antenna network. In this case, the parameters can be downloaded to the mobile device as needed, or provided from a remote storage location to the local window and / or antenna controller via the mobile device. Local storage or local access to personalized parameters is useful when the building’s windows and / or antenna network become unavailable (e.g., network connectivity is temporarily lost) or when there is no network in the building.

[0283] Window control networks can provide services such as weather services to third parties, including other buildings. This information can be used by the original building / network to make local coloring decisions and by third parties who may not have sensors, weather feeds, etc. The original building may include window antennas configured to broadcast such information to other buildings. Alternatively or otherwise, other buildings may be configured to receive such information from the original building and transmit the information to other buildings via window antennas.

[0284] Window / antenna networks can be configured to provide security services, such as detecting intruders around, near, or inside a building if they are carrying cellular phones or other types of radios. The network can also be configured to detect when any window has been compromised by, for example, detecting changes in current and / or voltage read from electrochromic windows.

[0285] Building-specific personalized services can be used in office sharing, hotel management, and / or seasonal or recurring residential and commercial rental applications. In one example, an antenna in a multi-room building determines a visitor's location at any given time and provides that location information to a mobile application that displays a building map on the user's mobile device. This map is updated based on the visitor's current location determined by the antenna. In one example, Bluetooth or Bluetooth Low Energy (BTLE) is a protocol used by window antennas to communicate with a visitor's mobile device, determine the user ID, and provide the current location to that user ID. Such applications could include features activated in emergency situations, particularly in buildings with multiple visitors or students. Disasters such as fires or earthquakes, and security events such as hostage situations or terrorist attacks, could trigger the mobile application and activate the building map, instructing evacuation or access to a safe location inside.

[0286] In some implementations, one or more window antennas may be used to provide Wi-Fi or other services to some or all of the occupants and / or tenants of a building who have installed window antennas. If the occupant / tenant pays a service fee, the antenna and associated controller are activated to make the service available. If the occupant / tenant refuses the service, the antenna / controller is not activated to provide that service. Of course, the antenna / controller may be available and used for other services even when the occupant / tenant refuses the service.

[0287] Wireless communication

[0288] Window networks can be wired or wireless. For wireless window networks, antennas transmit and receive communications regarding window tinting status, faults, usage patterns, etc. Window antennas, such as those described herein, can be used to transmit and receive the necessary communications. An example of a wireless window network design is presented in U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 085,179, filed November 24, 2014, by View, Incorporated, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. In some embodiments, wireless window networks are provided where the power used to control the windows is locally supplied, rather than from a central building power source. For example, where window power comes from a photovoltaic source receiving light through a skylight or other local location, or even from a photovoltaic source mounted on the window, the communication network can be decoupled from the power distribution network infrastructure. In this case, using a wireless communication network is cost-effective.

[0289] Commissioning and on-site monitoring

[0290] The commissioning process (automated or non-automated) of a window or IGU (IGU will be used in this context) may involve reading and transmitting the ID of the IGU and / or its associated window controller. Further information regarding the commissioning / configuration of an electrochromic window network is provided in U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 391,122, filed October 7, 2014, entitled “APPLICATIONS FOR CONTROLLING OPTICALLY SWITCHABLE DEVICES,” the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0291] In some cases, communication with the antenna associated with the IGU to be configured is used to identify the IGU. This information is shared via a network, for example, with a network controller and / or other window controllers. The identification process may be a step in generating a map or other directory of all electrochromic windows on the network, as described below. In various implementations, the IGU identification / configuration process may involve individual triggering or detection of each IGU controller to cause the associated controller of the IGU to send a signal to the network. This signal may include the IGU's identification number and / or the identification number of the controller associated with the IGU. For example, the installer will install the IGU at a physical location in a building. The IGU will have a chip or memory containing the IGU ID and certain physical characteristics / parameters of the IGU, etc.

[0292] Triggering can occur through various mechanisms. In one example, some or all IGUs to be debugged include antenna logic associated with the antenna, which is configured to trigger the IGU to send its ID when the antenna receives communication from a user's mobile device or other user communication device near the IGU. The user can then put the communication device into debug mode, thereby transmitting a trigger signal to the window antenna within the reception range (e.g., all IGUs in a room visited by the user). Since the user or the debug application associated with the user's mobile device knows the location of the mobile device, the IGUs within the reception range can be associated with their physical locations. In some implementations, the user can input the location of the mobile device when communicating with the window antenna of the IGU. This also allows the IGUs within the reception range to be associated with their physical locations.

[0293] In one example, the network of electrochromic windows comprises 10 windows, with two windows set in each of five rooms. After the IGU is physically installed, the user / installer can invoke the windows to identify each IGU and associate it with its physical location in the network. The installer can use electronic devices such as telephones, tablets, and computers to assist in debugging the windows. Programs on (or accessible by) the electronic device can include a list, catalog, and / or map of all electrochromic windows on the network. When the installer enters the first room, she can trigger the first electrochromic window by approaching it, causing the associated window / antenna controller to send a signal over the network using the window's (and / or the controller's) identification. As a result of this signal, the identification of the triggered window may appear on the electronic device. The user can then associate the identification with the physical location of the window it triggered. In one example where the program on the electronic device generates (or otherwise utilizes) the window map, this association can be formed in a graphical user interface (GUI), for example, by dragging the triggered identification number to the appropriate location on the map, or by clicking the map at the appropriate location in response to the appearance of the triggered identification. After the first window is associated with its physical location, the installer can trigger the second window in the first room by moving close to it (or otherwise directing the transmission to its antenna), thus associating the identification of the second IGU / controller with its physical location. This process can then be repeated for each other room where electrochromic windows are installed. In some cases, it is sufficient to identify only the room or the proximity of multiple IGUs. In this case, the transmission of electromagnetic signals from the user equipment can be received simultaneously by multiple nearby IGUs. Each of them can send its respective ID to the commissioning program, thereby determining the overall location of the IGUs. In some cases, the user moves from one room to another or from one area to another, and the user's location is known or determined during the movement. Within the user's transmission range, individual IGUs can respond multiple times. In this way, individual IGUs can be deambiguous, even if multiple IGUs can respond simultaneously to the transmission signals from the user equipment.

[0294] In another example, each electrochromic IGU may include a beacon emitting information related to the IGU, such as identification of the IGU and / or associated controller. In some cases, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) beacons may be used. Installers may have receivers that allow them to read the beacons. Telephones and other electronic devices typically have Bluetooth receivers available for this purpose. Any suitable receiver can be used. During commissioning, installers can read the information about the beacons to associate the identification of each IGU / controller with the physical location of the IGU. This association can be accomplished using a mapping or catalog.

[0295] In a similar implementation, each IGU can be triggered via a network, which may cause components on the IGU to notify the installer / user that it has been triggered. In one example, each IGU is configured to transmit a specific debug signal (e.g., a specific frequency, burst, etc.) from its window antenna. A signal can be sent via the network to trigger the associated IGU or window controller, which in turn triggers the IGU to transmit its debug signal. The user's device can then identify the associated IGU by receiving the IGU-specific signal. Based on this process and information, the installer / user can associate each IGU / controller with its physical location and identification.

[0296] Figure 14A This is a flowchart depicting a method 1400 for debugging an electrochromic window network according to certain implementation schemes. For example, in operation 1402, after all IGUs have associated controllers, a list of all window controller IDs is created. See below for further details. Figures 14C to 14E This step is further elaborated. The window controller ID can include multiple individual factors identifying each window. This information is stored, for example, in a chip of each window component, such as in a docking device (or wiring harness). In one example, the window ID includes a CAN ID and a LITE ID. The CAN ID may relate to a unique address of the window / window controller on a CAN bus system, while the LITE ID may relate to a unique serial number of the electrochromic IGU and / or its associated window controller. The LITE ID (or other ID used) may also include information about the window, such as the window size, the nature of the electrochromic device, the parameters to be used when switching the electrochromic device, etc. After generating the window controller list, individual window controllers are triggered in operation 1404. Triggering can occur by any of the methods described herein. This triggering causes the associated window controller to send a signal with its window controller ID. In response, a user or program accessing the data transmitted by the IGU via the network can associate the triggered window controller ID with the physical location of the window in operation 1406. Figure 14F and 14G The context further explains operations 1404 and 1406. In operation 1420, it is determined whether there are any additional windows to debug. If there are, the method repeats from operation 1404. The method completes when all windows have been debugged.

[0297] Figure 14B This diagram shows the physical locations of five electrochromic windows installed on the east wall of the building. "LOCID" refers to the location of the relevant window, arbitrarily labeled East 1 through East 5 in this case. Additional electrochromic windows may also be provided elsewhere on the building. Figure 14A Methods, such as those concerning Figures 14C to 14G As explained, it is possible Figure 14BPerform the operation on the set of windows shown.

[0298] Figure 14C It shows that it can be used Figure 14A Certain steps taken during operation 1404. In this example, the network of the electrochromic window includes a main controller (MC), two or more network controllers (NC1-NC2). n ) and several window controllers (WC1-WC m For clarity, only information related to the window controllers operating under the first network controller (NC1) is shown. Dashed lines indicate that many other network controllers and window controllers may exist. First, a user can initiate a command via a user application / program to make the window controllers discoverable. The user application / program forwards this command to the main controller. The main controller instructs the network controllers to discover the window controllers, and the network controllers instruct the window controllers to recognize themselves. In response, the window controllers report their IDs to the network controllers, the network controllers report their window controller IDs to the main controller, and the main controller reports their window controller IDs to the user application / program. The main controller and / or the user application / program can aggregate this information to create a list of all window controllers. This list may include information detailing which window controllers are controlled by each network controller. This list may also be provided as a diagram showing the configuration of all relevant controllers on the network, such as... Figure 14D As shown. In some cases, Figure 14D The network representation shown can appear on a graphical user interface.

[0299] Figure 14E This describes an example of the user interface features that can be presented to the user after completing operation 1404 and creating a list of window controller IDs. Figure 14E The upper portion shows a map of the relevant windows. This map can be created in any available way and, in some cases, can be specifically programmed for each installation. After operation 1404, the installation location of each window remains unknown. Therefore, the map does not yet display the CAN ID or LITE ID of any window, but instead has empty fields that will be filled with this information during debugging. Figure 14E The bottom section provides a list of window controller IDs. After operation 1404, all window IDs (CAN ID and LITE ID) are generally known, but they are not yet associated with their physical locations (LOC IDs). Therefore, Figure 14E The bottom section shows the populated CAN ID and LITE ID, while the LOC ID remains empty. A similar list can be provided for each different network controller.

[0300] Figure 14F It is based on a more detailed presentation of an implementation plan for execution. Figure 14A The flowchart shows the methods for operations 1404 and 1406. Figure 14F In this method, the process begins with operation 1404, in which the user triggers the window controller (e.g., by directing the EM toward the window antenna of the IGU), causing the window controller to send its window controller ID to its associated network controller. The network controller receives the signal with the window controller ID and sends it to the main controller in operation 1410. Next, in operation 1412, the main controller receives the signal with the window controller ID and sends it to the user application / program / etc. In operation 1414, the user application / program displays the window controller ID of the triggered window. Next, in operation 1418, the user can associate the window ID of the triggered window with the physical location of the triggered window. In one example, the user drags the window ID displayed in operation 1414 to the physical location of the triggered window as represented on the window map. (Reference) Figure 14E For example, in response to a window controller being triggered, a specific window ID (e.g., CAN ID and LITE ID) can be made bold or otherwise highlighted in the user's application / program. The user can see the bold window ID and then drag it to the appropriate location on the map. Conversely, the user can drag the related window from the map onto the triggered window ID. Similarly, the user can click on the triggered window ID and then click on the related window from the map to associate the two. Various methods can be used.

[0301] Figure 14G The description depicts the process after the window located at East 5 has been identified and associated with its related window ID / location, and... Figure 14E An exemplary graphical user interface similar to the one shown. Figure 14B As shown, the window at East 5 has a WC1 mounted on it. Therefore, the CAN ID (XXXX1) and LITE ID (YYYY1) of WC1 are displayed below the window at East 5. Similarly, as... Figure 14G As shown at the bottom, the list of window controller IDs now includes the LOC ID of WC1. The triggering and location / ID association steps can be repeated until all windows are identified and associated with their locations within the building. The fact that WC1 is triggered first is chosen merely for clarity in the accompanying diagram. Window controllers can be triggered in any order.

[0302] Back Figure 14F In operation 1420, it is determined whether there are any additional windows to be debugged. If not, the method completes. If there are additional windows to be debugged, the method is repeated on the different windows, starting in operation 1404.

[0303] Conventional antennas sometimes require adjustment or tuning to adapt to changing environmental conditions, including seasonal changes in foliage, new buildings in urban or residential environments, and weather patterns. This adjustment alters the antenna's radiation pattern to address these variations. Furthermore, when multiple antennas radiate to the same area, gaps may occur. Careful antenna tuning is necessary to eliminate these gaps.

[0304] For conventional antennas, adjustment is achieved by physically changing the position and / or orientation of the installed antennas. As described herein, window antennas allow the emitted radiation pattern to be adjusted or tuned via commands from a window controller or control system that provides instructions for selecting and powering windows to address current requirements and environmental conditions. Sometimes, the controller selects which antennas are powered, thus defining a specific pattern or array of active antennas. In another approach, the controller modifies the frequency, power, polarization, or other properties of the electrical signal powering the transmitting antennas.

[0305] This tuning may be related to the electrochromic window commissioning process. In some methods, when the installer sets up their electrochromic windows, they commission them to set optical switching parameters. When the electrochromic window includes a disclosed antenna, commissioning may take into account the selection and / or power supply characteristics of the individual antennas in the window of the building being commissioned. Calibration and / or tuning of the antenna, which is part of the window, is part of the commissioning. Furthermore, monitoring or periodic commissioning may be performed to account for changing environmental conditions that may strongly influence the emission characteristics of antennas in the structure. Commissioning and monitoring of buildings containing electrochromic windows are further described in International Patent Application No. PCT / US13 / 36456, filed April 12, 2013, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61 / 974,677, filed April 3, 2014, each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. These applications describe setting and / or adjusting switchable optical window controller settings, such as drive voltage, to induce optical switching based on local conditions determined during installation and / or subsequent evaluation.

[0306] In some cases, one or more buildings with antennas interact with each other and / or with conventional transmitting antennas, where the antennas transmit signals in the same or overlapping frequency bands. In this example, at least one of the multiple buildings transmits radiation from an antenna on a building window. One or more other buildings may transmit through windows or more conventional cell tower structures.

[0307] Non-window network applications

[0308] As is evident from the foregoing description, antennas can be designed, assembled, and otherwise configured for a variety of uses depending on the specific application of the antenna. In some applications, one or more of the aforementioned antennas can be configured for use in a repeater or "signal booster" system. In one example repeater implementation, the IGU 202 includes one or more first antennas and one or more second antennas. The first antenna can be configured to receive signals from an outdoor environment outside a building (or a room inside a building). For example, the received signal may be a cellular signal, a wireless wide area network (WWAN) signal, a wireless local area network (WLAN) signal, or a wireless personal area network (WPAN) signal transmitted from a base station, cellular tower or other broadcast tower, satellite, or wireless access point or "hotspot." The second antenna can be configured to transmit signals into an indoor environment inside a building (or a room inside a building). For example, the transmitted signal may be a cellular signal, a WLAN signal, or a WPAN signal. In some such implementations, the controller for the antennas (whether within a window shading state controller or in a separate antenna controller) may include amplifier circuitry or stages and one or more passive or active hardware or software filtering components or circuits such as analog filters or digital filters. In some such implementations, the transmitted signal is an amplified version of the received signal. Furthermore, the received signal can be filtered and processed using various signal processing techniques before amplification, ensuring that any noise or other unwanted signal components are not amplified in the transmitted signal (or at least not to the extent that desired frequency components are amplified in the transmitted signal). It should be understood that signals received from indoor environments can also be processed and amplified for transmission to outdoor environments.

[0309] In some applications, one or more of the antennas described above may be configured for use in a protocol converter system. In one example converter implementation, the IGU 202 includes one or more first antennas and one or more second antennas. The first antenna may be configured to receive signals from an outdoor environment according to a first wireless protocol, such as cellular signals, WWAN signals, WLAN signals, or WPAN signals transmitted from a base station, cellular tower or other broadcast tower, satellite, or wireless access point or "hotspot". The second antenna may be configured to transmit signals to an indoor environment inside a building according to a second wireless protocol. For example, the transmitted signal may be a cellular signal, a WLAN signal, or a WPAN signal. In some such implementations, the controller for the antennas (whether within a window shading state controller or in a separate antenna controller) may include converter circuitry or stages for converting the received signal from the first wireless protocol to the second wireless protocol before transmission via the second antenna. The controller may also include amplifiers for amplifying the converted signal before transmission. For example, a cellular signal may be received from an outdoor environment, converted into a Wi-Fi signal, and then transmitted to an indoor environment. It should be understood that signals received from an indoor environment may also be converted for transmission to an outdoor environment.

[0310] In some applications, one or more antennas can be configured to receive broadcast television signals, for example, from a broadcast tower or from a satellite. In some such applications, the received television signals can then be relayed into the room using the same or different protocols for reception by a set-top box or the television itself. Similarly, one or more antennas can be configured to receive radio signals, for example, from a broadcast tower or from a satellite. In some such applications, the received radio signals can then be relayed into the room using the same or different protocols for reception by radio, stereo systems, computers, televisions, or satellite radio.

[0311] In some applications, multiple antennas can be used as broadcasters for cellular signals, television signals, or other broadcast signals. In one such example, some or all of the antennas inside some or all of the windows of a large building can be configured as servers to act as GSM or DCS cellular broadcast towers for base stations. Such implementations can eliminate the need for traditional broadcast towers.

[0312] In some applications, a group or zone of one or more antennas can be used as a WLAN or WPAN base station, access point, or hotspot. For example, the antenna group described above can be used as a femtocell (e.g., for 4G and 5G cellular) or a picocell. In some such implementations, one or more controllers for the antenna group can be connected to a service provider's network via broadband (e.g., DSL or cable). Femtocells allow service providers to extend service coverage indoors or at the "cell edge," where access may be limited or unavailable due to infrastructure limitations or attenuation (e.g., blocked by building materials or other structures).

[0313] In some applications, one or more of the aforementioned antennas can be used for shielding. For example, one or more antennas inside one or more windows of a building can be configured to radiate a field that cancels reflections from an object, such as another structure within the same building, another building, or another structure outside the building.

[0314] In some applications, one or more of the aforementioned antennas can be used in a microphone system. For example, the IGU may include one or more acoustic-electric transducers or arrays of such transducers on its surface. For instance, the transducer may be an electromagnetic transducer (such as a MEMS microphone transducer) that converts acoustic signals into electrical signals, which can then be received and processed by a window controller or a separate controller. For example, in a speakerphone implementation, the transducer may pick up acoustic signals from one or more occupants in adjacent rooms and convert them into electrical signals for signal processing by a controller. In some implementations, unprocessed or processed electrical signals may be wirelessly transmitted to a device interfaced with the telephone system for transmission to a third party during a conference call. Furthermore, in some implementations, the electromagnetic transducer may detect acoustic signals from background noise, such as noise from the outdoor environment outside the room (whether outdoors or indoors, for example, in a hallway or adjacent room). The electrical signals from the noise can then be processed by a controller or a separate device to remove the noise-associated frequency components from the frequency components associated with the sounds of the occupants in the room. In some other implementations, users within the building can wear microphones, such as wireless headsets, that convert audio signals into electrical signals. These electrical signals are then broadcast and subsequently sensed by antennas in nearby windows. This implementation allows users to participate in conference calls without using a telephone, even as they move through one or more rooms or corridors within the building. For example, users could also wear headsets or other audio headsets that receive electrical signals transmitted from antennas in various nearby windows and convert these received electrical signals into audio signals representing the voices of other users in the conference call. Such received electrical signals can be received via a telephone system and subsequently received by controllers and antennas in the individual nearby windows via wired or wireless connections.

[0315] In some implementations, one or more antennas within one or more windows may also be configured to transmit signals to various speakers within the room. In some implementations, one or more antennas within one or more windows may also be configured to wirelessly power various speakers within the room. In some implementations, one or more antennas within one or more windows may also be configured to wirelessly power various lighting fixtures within the room. For example, such implementations may provide "electrodeless lamps," such as one or more fluorescent tubes, in or near the IGU or other window structure that generates light when excited by radio frequency emissions emitted from the antennas.

[0316] In some applications, one or more antennas in one or more windows can be configured to transmit and receive radio waves to determine the range, angle, or velocity of objects outside and / or inside a room or building. More specifically, the antennas can transmit radio waves or microwaves reflected from any object in their path. The same or different antennas within the window receive and process these reflected waves to determine the nature of the object. For example, such radar implementations can be used to map outdoor or indoor environments. This mapping information can be used to better guide the antennas to receive signals of interest or to better focus the transmitted signals on targets (e.g., a typical base station, and to focus on other buildings, which themselves can be configured as base stations using this antenna technology). Such radar implementations can also be advantageous for security applications. For example, such radar implementations can detect the presence, proximity, and even movement of intruders / intruders. In fact, multiple antennas in multiple windows arranged around a building can work together to track the movement of intruders around the building.

[0317] Radar implementations can also be configured to detect weather. For example, weather stations already use the Doppler effect to detect, classify, and predict weather. This type of weather information can be used as another input to a main controller or network controller to determine coloring status and trigger changes in other systems, including lighting, HVAC, and even alarm systems.

[0318] Antennas above or inside windows can also be used for other identification, personalization, authorization, or security applications. For example, antennas inside a room can be used to detect signals from RFID tags, Bluetooth transmitters, or other transmitters worn or otherwise carried by the room's occupants to identify the occupants and to determine authorization, permission, or security clearances associated with those identities.

[0319] in conclusion

[0320] In one or more aspects, one or more of the described functions can be implemented in hardware, digital electronic circuits, analog electronic circuits, computer software, firmware, including the structures disclosed in this specification and their structural equivalents or any combination thereof. Certain embodiments of the subject matter described in this document can also be implemented as one or more controllers, computer programs, or physical structures, such as one or more modules of computer program instructions encoded on a computer storage medium for execution by or control of the operation of a window controller, network controller, and / or antenna controller. Any disclosed embodiment presented as or used for an electrochromic window can be more generally implemented as or used for switchable optical devices (including windows, mirrors, etc.).

[0321] Various modifications to the embodiments described in this disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein can be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of this disclosure. Therefore, the claims are not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but are to be accorded the widest scope consistent with this disclosure, the principles disclosed herein, and the novel features. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will readily understand that the terms “upper” and “lower” are sometimes used for the convenience of describing the drawings and indicate the relative positions of the drawing orientations corresponding to the orientations on a properly oriented page, and may not reflect the proper orientation of the device as actually implemented.

[0322] Some features described in this specification in the context of a single implementation may also be implemented in combination with a single implementation. Conversely, various features described in the context of a single implementation may also be implemented separately in multiple implementations or in any suitable sub-combination. Furthermore, although features may be described above as operating in a particular combination, and even initially claimed in this way, one or more features from the claimed combination may be removed from that combination in some cases, and the claimed combination may be for sub-combinations or variations thereof.

[0323] Similarly, although operations are depicted in the accompanying drawings in a specific order to achieve the desired result, this should not be construed as requiring the operations to be performed in the specific order shown or in a sequential order, or to perform all illustrated operations. Furthermore, the drawings may schematically depict one or more exemplary processes in the form of flowcharts. However, other operations not shown may be incorporated into the schematically shown example processes. For example, one or more additional operations may be performed before, after, simultaneously with, or between any of the illustrated operations. In some cases, multitasking and parallel processing may be advantageous. Moreover, the separation of the various system components in the above embodiments should not be construed as requiring such separation in all embodiments, and it should be understood that the described program components and systems can generally be integrated together into a single software product or packaged into multiple software products. Additionally, other embodiments are also within the scope of the appended claims. In some cases, the actions described in the claims may be performed in a different order and still achieve the desired result.

Claims

1. A window antenna system for a cellular signal repeater, the window antenna system comprising: One or more slices, each of the one or more slices having an area suitable for observation through the one or more slices; A first antenna structure is disposed on a first surface of each of the one or more chips, the first antenna structure being configured to operate with the cellular signal repeater, wherein the first surface includes a first viewing surface, and the first antenna structure includes a fractal antenna forming a planar surface on the first viewing surface. A second antenna structure, disposed on a second surface, spacer, frame structure, vertical frame, or horizontal bar of each of the one or more pieces, the second antenna structure being configured to operate in conjunction with the cellular signal repeater; and A third antenna structure is disposed on the second surface of each of the one or more of the chips, the third antenna structure being configured to receive and transmit Wi-Fi signals. The first antenna structure forms a first electrode of the first antenna, and the first antenna includes a second electrode connected to a ground plane, the ground plane being configured to block the emission of radiation from the first antenna structure, wherein the ground plane forms a plane on a second observation surface opposite to the first observation surface.

2. The window antenna system of claim 1, wherein the region suitable for observation through the one or more sheets comprises a material that is substantially transparent at least at optical wavelengths.

3. The window antenna system of claim 1, further comprising an electrochromic device disposed between the first observation surface and the second observation surface.

4. The window antenna system of claim 3, wherein the first antenna structure is positioned to transmit and / or receive communication signals from one or more areas outside a building on which the one or more pieces are mounted.

5. The window antenna system of claim 1, wherein the second antenna structure is positioned to transmit and / or receive communication signals from an area inside a building on which the one or more pieces are mounted.

6. The window antenna system of claim 1, wherein the cellular signal repeater performs signal processing techniques to filter out at least some noise present in the received cellular signal.

7. The window antenna system according to claim 1, wherein the cellular signal repeater is used to relay signals conforming to cellular communication standards, wireless wide area network standards, or wireless local area network standards.

8. The window antenna system of claim 1, wherein at least one of the second antenna structure and the third antenna structure comprises a dipole.

9. The window antenna system according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the second antenna structure and the third antenna structure comprises a patch antenna.

10. The window antenna system of claim 1, wherein the cellular signal repeater operates according to a revision of the 4G cellular communication standard or the 5G cellular communication standard.

11. The window antenna system of claim 1, wherein the weighting of the signal coupled to the first antenna structure is different from that of the signal coupled to the second antenna structure.

12. The window antenna system of claim 1, wherein the phase of the signal coupled to the first antenna structure is different from the phase of the signal coupled to the second antenna structure.

13. A building communication network, comprising: An internal communication network, located within the building; A first antenna structure is disposed on a first viewing surface of a window within the building, wherein the window comprises one or more sheets, each of the one or more sheets having an area that is at least partially transparent at a light wavelength, and the first antenna structure is configured to operate in conjunction with a cellular signal repeater. A second antenna structure is disposed on a second surface of the one or more pieces, the second antenna structure being configured to operate together with the cellular signal repeater; A third antenna structure is disposed on the second surface, and the third antenna structure is configured to receive and transmit Wi-Fi signals; as well as An access point coupled to the first antenna structure, the second antenna structure, and the third antenna structure, and configured to transmit signals to and receive signals from the internal communication network located in the building. The first antenna structure includes a fractal antenna formed on a planar surface on the first viewing surface, the fractal antenna being configured to operate in multiple frequency bands, wherein the first antenna structure forms a first electrode of the first antenna, and wherein the first antenna includes a second electrode connected to a ground plane configured to block the emission of radiation from the first antenna structure, wherein the ground plane forms a planar surface on a second viewing surface of the window opposite to the first viewing surface.

14. The building communication network of claim 13, further comprising an electrochromic device disposed on one of the panes of the window.

15. The building communication network according to claim 14, wherein the electrochromic device and the transceiver coupled to the first antenna structure are both controlled by a controller local area network bus.

16. The building communication network of claim 13, wherein the cellular signal repeater operates according to a revision of the 4G or 5G standard.

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