Failure prediction for at least one tintable window

Abstract

Data from the measurements is used in conjunction with a learning module to identify and predict tintable window failures. These measurements may be based, at least in part, on data accumulated during regular operation of the tintable window.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of a patent application for invention with the international application number: PCT / US2021 / 056103, the international filing date: October 21, 2021, the entry date into the Chinese national phase: June 25, 2023, the national application number: 202180087451.1, and the title: "Failure Prediction of At Least One Tintable Window".

[0002] Related Applications

[0003] This application claims priority to the following applications: U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 106,058, filed October 27, 2020, entitled "TINTABLE WINDOW FAILURE PREDICTION"; U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 240,117, filed September 02, 2021, entitled "OCCUPANT-CENTERED PREDICTIVE CONTROL OF DEVICES IN FACILITIES"; and U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 145,333, filed February 3, 2021. Background Art

[0004] Some tintable windows can be electronically controlled. Such control can allow for controlling the amount of light (e.g., heat) passing through the window, thereby providing an opportunity for the tintable window to serve as an energy-saving device by adjusting (e.g., absorbing, dispersing, and / or reflecting) incident light. There are various types of tintable windows, such as electrochromic windows.

[0005] Electrochromism is a phenomenon in which a material exhibits reversible electrochemically mediated changes in its optical properties when the material is placed in different electronic states, e.g., subjected to a voltage change. The optical properties can be optical properties such as color, transmittance, absorbance, and / or reflectance. Electrochromic materials can be incorporated into windows for, e.g., residential, commercial, industrial, and / or other uses. An electrochromic coating can be a (e.g., thin) film coating on window glass. The color, transmittance, absorbance, and / or reflectance of such windows can be changed by inducing a change in the electrochromic material. For example, an electrochromic window is a window that can be electronically darkened or lightened. In some embodiments, applying a (e.g., small) voltage to an electrochromic device (EC) on the window will darken the EC; reversing the voltage polarity lightens the EC. Although electrochromism was discovered in the 1960s, electrochromic devices, particularly electrochromic windows, still encounter various problems, and, despite many recent advancements in electrochromic technology, devices, software, and related methods of manufacturing and / or using electrochromic devices, their full commercial potential has not yet been realized. Other methods for achieving a hue change in tintable windows are available (e.g., as disclosed herein).

[0006] Failures of electrochromic windows can become apparent and affect the visual and / or functionality of the window. Identifying, repairing, and / or replacing electrochromic windows and associated equipment (e.g., controllers) can be expensive, time-consuming, labor-intensive, and / or logistical tasks. This is especially true in large facilities with multiple electrochromic windows. To reduce the burden on the occupants of a facility with a failed electrochromic window, a provider of electrochromic windows may want to reduce any time required to repair and / or replace (e.g., potentially) a failed window, especially when the window to be replaced is not in stock and thus must be manufactured, which can significantly delay the replacement process.

[0007] Identifying (e.g., potentially) failed windows in advance may be advantageous. Similarly, at least partially automating the process of identifying any (e.g., potentially) failed windows may be advantageous. Advantages can include providing at least some relief for such repair and / or replacement tasks. For example, it can (i) provide an opportunity to replace a failed window before it becomes visibly failed, (ii) ensure an inventory of potential failed windows (e.g., such that when failed windows fail, they will be available for replacement), (iii) provide a time buffer to coordinate and execute the repair and / or replacement process of the windows, and / or (iv) provide an opportunity to proactively perform corrective measures before a window (e.g., visibly) fails (and / or deteriorates). SUMMARY

[0008] Aspects disclosed herein mitigate at least some of the above-referenced disadvantages.

[0009] For example, data from an electrochromic window control system is used in conjunction with a learning module (e.g., including artificial intelligence (AI) and / or machine learning) to predict and / or identify electrochromic window failures. Such data (e.g., from the control system) can be accumulated in one or more databases. This accumulated data can be collected during the normal course of operation of the electrochromic windows. This data can be associated with the normal course of operation of the electrochromic windows (e.g., current and / or voltage data is associated with changing and / or maintaining the tint of the electrochromic window). This data can be voluminous (e.g., as accumulated over a period of time and / or for multiple electrochromic windows). A framework can be configured to retrieve the accumulated data from one or more databases, aggregate this data, and use this data to evaluate a repair (e.g., including failure) for any electrochromic window, such as by analyzing one or more failure flags. Statistical measurements (e.g., current measurements and / or voltage measurements) obtained by normally operating the one or more electrochromic windows can be used to identify the one or more failure flags.

[0010] On the other hand, a method for predicting the failure of a switchable window in a facility, the method comprising: (a) obtaining one or more measurements related to a hue transition of the switchable window disposed in the facility, wherein the hue transition is from a first hue to a second hue; (b) analyzing the obtained one or more measurements by considering data that: (i) is related to the type of the one or more measurements, (ii) is related to the hue transition from the first hue to the second hue, and (iii) is characteristic of an incomplete hue transition and / or a non-characteristic hue transition from the first hue to the second hue; and (c) using the analysis to predict the failure of the coloring of the switchable window.

[0011] In some embodiments, the first color tone is different from the second color tone. In some embodiments, the first color tone is darker than the second color tone. In some embodiments, the first color tone is a transparent or absorptive color tone with respect to the visible spectrum. In some embodiments, the second color tone is a transparent or absorptive color tone with respect to the visible spectrum. In some embodiments, the color tone transition includes a complete color tone transition from the first color tone to the second color tone. In some embodiments, the complete color tone transition has no detectable interruption. In some embodiments, the method further includes: considering data having characteristics of the complete color tone transition and / or characteristic color tone transition from the first color tone to the second color tone. In some embodiments, the data includes (a) data of the complete color tone transition and / or the characteristic color tone transition or (B) characteristics of the incomplete color tone transition and / or the non-characteristic color tone transition. In some embodiments, the one or more measurement results include voltage measurement results and / or current measurement results. In some embodiments, the current measurement result is obtained in real time during the color tone transition. In some embodiments, the one or more measurement results include open-circuit voltage measurement results. In some embodiments, the one or more measurement results include one or more measurement results from at least one sensor. In some embodiments, the at least one sensor is disposed in the facility. In some embodiments, the at least one controller is disposed outside the facility. In some embodiments, the at least one sensor includes a sensor configured to sense electromagnetic radiation. In some embodiments, the electromagnetic radiation includes infrared radiation or visible radiation visible to an ordinary user. In some embodiments, the at least one sensor includes a temperature sensor. In some embodiments, the at least one sensor includes a thermocouple, an infrared sensor, and / or a pyranometer. In some embodiments, the at least one sensor includes a light sensor. In some embodiments, the at least one sensor includes an irradiance sensor. In some embodiments, the at least one sensor includes the colorable window. In some embodiments, the at least one sensor includes acoustic, motion, vibration, temperature, and / or electromagnetic sensors. In some embodiments, the method further includes: using the analysis to determine a reliability value of the at least one sensor. In some embodiments, the method further includes: using the reliability value to adjust the one or more measurement results of the at least one sensor to form one or more adjusted sensor measurement results. In some embodiments, the method further includes: using the one or more adjusted sensor measurement results to update the reliability value. In some embodiments, the method further includes: processing the one or more adjusted sensor measurement results by considering (A) the facility, (B) historical sensor measurement results, (C) sensor measurement benchmarks, and / or (D) modeling to generate a result.In some embodiments, the method further includes: using the result and / or the reliability value to generate a prediction of a subsequent colorable window failure of the facility. In some embodiments, the one or more measurement results include the time of measurement, the identification of the colorable window, or the location of the colorable window. In some embodiments, the colorable window includes an electrochromic configuration, and wherein the one or more measurement results are related to the current transmitted through the electrochromic configuration. In some embodiments, the one or more measurement results include an open-circuit voltage measurement result. In some embodiments, the method further includes: performing the open-circuit voltage measurement during a transition period and / or during a hold period. In some embodiments, the hue transition is achieved by a voltage and / or current having a transition and / or a hold. In some embodiments, the hue transition is achieved by a voltage and / or current having multiple transitions and / or multiple holds. In some embodiments, at least one of the multiple holds is at a level higher than that considered safe for continuous operation of the colorable window. In some embodiments, the colorable window is disposed inside a building of the facility. In some embodiments, the colorable window is disposed at an enclosure of a building of the facility. In some embodiments, the incomplete hue transition and / or the non-characteristic hue transition is of a type having at least one identifiable data signature. In some embodiments, the data includes historical data and / or synthetic data. In some embodiments, the data includes data obtained from the facility. In some embodiments, the data includes data obtained from a facility different from the facility. In some embodiments, the colorable window is disposed in a building of the facility, and wherein the data includes data obtained from the building. In some embodiments, the colorable window is disposed in a building of the facility, and wherein the data includes data obtained from a building different from the building. In some embodiments, the colorable window has dimensions, and wherein the correlation data is related to one or more measurement results obtained from one or more different windows having those dimensions or substantially having those dimensions. In some embodiments, the data includes data obtained during at least about 10, 50, 100, or 1,000 occurrences of the hue transition. In some embodiments, the data includes data obtained within at least about 12, 25, 52, 104, or 156 weeks. In some embodiments, machine learning is used to analyze the data. In some embodiments, the machine learning utilizes multiple modules. In some embodiments, at least two of the multiple modules receive the same weight in the machine learning analysis. In some embodiments, at least two of the multiple modules receive different weights in the machine learning analysis. In some embodiments, the machine learning includes deep learning. In some embodiments, the machine learning does not include deep learning. In some embodiments, the learning set for the machine learning includes historical data and / or synthetic data.In some embodiments, analyzing the one or more measurement results includes comparing with a threshold. In some embodiments, the threshold includes a value or a function. In some embodiments, the function is a time-dependent function. In some embodiments, the machine learning includes utilizing a learning set. In some embodiments, the learning set includes one or more historical measurement results obtained over time. In some embodiments, the time is adjustable. In some embodiments, it can be adjusted by a user. In some embodiments, analyzing the one or more measurement results includes performing one or more mathematical operations. In some embodiments, the one or more mathematical operations include Boolean operations. In some embodiments, the one or more mathematical operations include at least one derivation or at least one integration. In some embodiments, the machine learning includes neural network analysis and / or visual analysis. In some embodiments, analyzing the one or more measurement results includes any data flags specific to: the facility, the window type of the colorable window, weather conditions, time of day, time of year, the relative geographical location of the colorable window in the facility, and / or the geographical location of the facility. In some embodiments, the data includes one or more measurement results of the same type as the one or more measurement results obtained in (a). In some embodiments, the data includes the transition from the first hue to the second hue. In some embodiments, the incomplete hue transition and / or the non-characteristic hue transition are the hue transitions of the colorable window that are reported as errors. In some embodiments, using the analysis includes providing an early warning and / or a report of the failure of the colorable window. In some embodiments, providing the early warning and / or the report includes predicting the time of a visible failure that an ordinary person can see. In some embodiments, providing the early warning and / or the report includes scheduling maintenance. In some embodiments, the colorable window is a first colorable window, and wherein providing the early warning and / or the report includes: scheduling the inventory of another colorable window and / or scheduling the production of the another colorable window to replace the first colorable window. In some embodiments, the prediction of the failure is before an ordinary person can see any defective hue transition. In some embodiments, the analysis predicts the coloring failure of the colorable window. In some embodiments, the method further includes: adjusting the control scheme to facilitate the hue transition by the colorable window.

[0012] On the other hand, a non-transitory computer-readable program instruction for predicting the failure of a colorable window in a facility, which when executed by one or more processors, causes the one or more processors to perform or cause to be performed one or more operations of any of the methods disclosed above.

[0013] In some embodiments, the at least one processor is part of a hierarchical control system. In some embodiments, the at least one processor is at least one controller, includes the at least one controller, or is included in the at least one controller. In some embodiments, at least two of these operations are performed by the same processor. In some embodiments, at least two of these operations are each performed by a different processor. In some embodiments, at least one of the one or more processors is provided in a cloud device. In some embodiments, the program instructions are inscribed on one or more non-transitory computer-readable media.

[0014] On the other hand, a non-transitory computer-readable program instruction for predicting a colorable window failure in a facility, which, when executed by one or more processors, causes the one or more processors to perform operations including: (a) obtaining or guiding the obtaining of one or more measurements related to a hue transition of the colorable window provided in the facility, where the hue transition is from a first hue to a second hue; (b) analyzing or guiding the analysis of the obtained one or more measurements by considering data that: (i) is related to the type of the one or more measurements, (ii) is related to the hue transition from the first hue to the second hue, and (iii) has characteristics of an incomplete hue transition and / or a non-characteristic hue transition from the first hue to the second hue; and (c) using or guiding the use of the analysis to predict the coloring failure of the colorable window.

[0015] On the other hand, a device for predicting a colorable window failure in a facility, the device including at least one controller configured to: perform or guide the performance of one or more operations of any of the methods disclosed above.

[0016] On the other hand, a device for predicting a colorable window failure in a facility, the device including at least one controller configured to: (a) obtain or guide the obtaining of one or more measurements related to a hue transition of the colorable window provided in the facility, where the hue transition is from a first hue to a second hue; (b) analyze or guide the analysis of the obtained one or more measurements by considering data that: (i) is related to the type of the one or more measurements, (ii) is related to the hue transition from the first hue to the second hue, and (iii) has characteristics of an incomplete hue transition and / or a non-characteristic hue transition from the first hue to the second hue; and (c) use or guide the use of the analysis to predict the coloring failure of the colorable window.

[0017] In some embodiments, the at least one controller is included in a hierarchical control system. In some embodiments, the at least one controller is configured to include a feedback control scheme. In some embodiments, the at least one controller includes a local controller configured to be directly coupled to the switchable window. In some embodiments, the direct coupling includes using an uninterrupted wiring from the local controller to the switchable window. In some embodiments, uninterrupted means not interrupted by a circuit. In some embodiments, the at least one controller includes a circuit. In some embodiments, the circuit includes computer-readable program instructions storing control logic and data. In some embodiments, the at least one controller includes a circuit. In some embodiments, the device further includes a processor that communicates with or incorporates the computer-readable program instructions. In some embodiments, the at least one controller is configured to: (i) be operatively coupled to at least one sensor, and (ii) direct the at least one sensor to obtain one or more measurements related to the tint transition of the switchable window. In some embodiments, the at least one controller is configured to: perform or direct the performance of a feedback control scheme using the at least one sensor. In some embodiments, the at least one controller is configured to: change the tint of the switchable window by using or directing the use of the feedback control scheme. In some embodiments, the first tint is different from the second tint. In some embodiments, the first tint is darker than the second tint. In some embodiments, the first tint is a transparent or absorptive tint with respect to the visible spectrum. In some embodiments, the second tint is a transparent or absorptive tint with respect to the visible spectrum. In some embodiments, the tint transition includes a complete tint transition from the first tint to the second tint. In some embodiments, the complete tint transition has no detectable interruptions. In some embodiments, the at least one controller is configured to: consider or direct the consideration of data indicative of the complete tint transition and / or characteristic tint transition from the first tint to the second tint. In some embodiments, the data includes (a) data of the complete tint transition and / or the characteristic tint transition or (B) characteristics of the incomplete tint transition and / or the non-characteristic tint transition. In some embodiments, the at least one controller is configured to: perform or direct the performance of one or more measurements including voltage measurements and / or current measurements. In some embodiments, the at least one controller is configured to: perform or direct the performance of current measurements in real time during the tint transition. In some embodiments, the one or more measurement results include open circuit voltage measurement results. In some embodiments, the one or more measurement results include one or more measurement results from at least one sensor. In some embodiments, the at least one sensor is disposed in the facility. In some embodiments, the at least one controller is disposed outside the facility.In some embodiments, the at least one sensor includes a sensor configured to sense electromagnetic radiation. In some embodiments, the electromagnetic radiation includes infrared radiation or visible radiation visible to an ordinary user. In some embodiments, the at least one sensor includes a temperature sensor. In some embodiments, the at least one sensor includes a thermocouple, an infrared sensor, and / or a pyrheliometer. In some embodiments, the at least one sensor includes a light sensor. In some embodiments, the at least one sensor includes an irradiance sensor. In some embodiments, the at least one sensor includes the switchable window. In some embodiments, the at least one sensor includes acoustic, motion, vibration, temperature, and / or electromagnetic sensors. In some embodiments, the at least one controller is configured to: use or direct the use of the analysis to determine a reliability value of the at least one sensor. In some embodiments, the at least one controller is further configured to: use or direct the use of the reliability value to adjust the one or more measurements of the at least one sensor to form one or more adjusted sensor measurements. In some embodiments, the at least one controller is further configured to: use the one or more adjusted sensor measurements to update or direct the update of the reliability value. In some embodiments, the at least one controller is further configured to: process or direct the processing of the one or more adjusted sensor measurements to produce a result by considering (A) the facility, (B) historical sensor measurements, (C) sensor measurement benchmarks, and / or (D) modeling. In some embodiments, the at least one controller is further configured to: use or direct the use of the result and / or the reliability value to generate a prediction of a subsequent switchable window failure of the facility. In some embodiments, the one or more measurements include the time of measurement, the identity of the switchable window, or the location of the switchable window. In some embodiments, the switchable window includes an electrochromic configuration, and wherein the one or more measurements are related to the current passing through the electrochromic configuration. In some embodiments, the one or more measurements include voltage measurements and / or current measurements. In some embodiments, the one or more measurements include open-circuit voltage measurements. In some embodiments, the at least one controller is configured to: perform or direct the performance of the open-circuit voltage measurement during a ramp period and / or during a hold period. In some embodiments, the hue transition is achieved by a voltage and / or current having a ramp and / or a hold. In some embodiments, the hue transition is achieved by a voltage and / or current having multiple ramps and / or multiple holds. In some embodiments, at least one of the multiple holds is at a level higher than that considered safe for continuous operation of the switchable window. In some embodiments, the switchable window is disposed inside a building of the facility. In some embodiments, the switchable window is disposed at an enclosure of a building of the facility.In some embodiments, the incomplete color shift and / or the non-characteristic color shift are of a type having at least one recognizable data signature. In some embodiments, the data includes historical data and / or synthetic data. In some embodiments, the data includes data obtained from the facility. In some embodiments, the data includes data obtained from a facility different from the facility. In some embodiments, the colorable window is disposed in a building of the facility, and wherein the data includes data obtained from the building. In some embodiments, the colorable window is disposed in a building of the facility, and wherein the data includes data obtained from a building different from the building. In some embodiments, the colorable window has dimensions, and wherein the correlation data is related to one or more measurements taken from one or more different windows having those dimensions or substantially having those dimensions. In some embodiments, the data includes data obtained during at least about 10, 50, 100, or 1,000 occurrences of the color shift. In some embodiments, the data includes data obtained within at least about 12, 25, 52, 104, or 156 weeks. In some embodiments, the at least one controller is configured to: analyze or direct the analysis of the data using machine learning analysis. In some embodiments, the machine learning analysis utilizes multiple modules. In some embodiments, at least two of the multiple modules receive the same weight in the machine learning analysis. In some embodiments, at least two of the multiple modules receive different weights in the machine learning analysis. In some embodiments, the machine learning analysis includes deep learning. In some embodiments, the machine learning analysis does not include deep learning. In some embodiments, the at least one controller is configured to: use or direct the use of a learning set for the machine learning analysis. In some embodiments, the learning set includes historical data and / or synthetic data. In some embodiments, the at least one controller is configured to: analyze or direct the analysis of the one or more measurements by comparing the one or more measurements to a threshold. In some embodiments, the threshold includes a value or a function. In some embodiments, the function is a time-dependent function. In some embodiments, the at least one controller is configured to: perform or direct the performance of the machine learning using the learning set. In some embodiments, the learning set includes one or more historical measurements obtained over time. In some embodiments, the time is adjustable. In some embodiments, it is adjustable by a user. In some embodiments, the at least one controller is configured to: analyze or direct the analysis of the one or more measurements by performing one or more mathematical manipulations. In some embodiments, the one or more mathematical operations include Boolean operations. In some embodiments, the one or more mathematical operations include at least one derivation or at least one integration.In some embodiments, the at least one controller is configured to perform or direct the performance of machine learning by using neural network analysis and / or visual analysis. In some embodiments, the at least one controller is configured to analyze or direct the analysis of the one or more measurements by using any data flag specific to the facility, the window type of the switchable window, weather conditions, time of day, time of year, the relative geographical location of the switchable window in the facility, and / or the geographical location of the facility. In some embodiments, the data includes one or more measurements of the same type as the one or more measurements obtained in (a). In some embodiments, the data includes a transition from the first color tone to the second color tone. In some embodiments, the incomplete color tone transition and / or the non-characteristic color tone transition is the color tone transition of a switchable window that is reported as an error. In some embodiments, the at least one controller is configured to use or direct the use of the analysis by providing an early warning and / or a report of the failure of the switchable window. In some embodiments, providing the early warning and / or the report includes predicting the time of a visible failure that can be seen by an average person. In some embodiments, providing the early warning and / or the report includes scheduling maintenance. In some embodiments, the switchable window is a first switchable window, and providing the early warning and / or the report includes scheduling the inventory of another switchable window and / or scheduling the production of the another switchable window to replace the first switchable window. In some embodiments, the at least one controller is configured to predict or direct the prediction of the failure before an average person can see any defective color tone transition. In some embodiments, the at least one controller is configured to predict or direct the prediction of the coloring failure of the switchable window at least in part by adjusting the control scheme to facilitate the color tone transition of the switchable window.

[0018] On the other hand, a system for predicting the failure of a switchable window in a facility, the system comprising: a network configured to: (I) be operatively coupled to the switchable window of the facility; and (II) transmit one or more signals associated with any of the methods disclosed above.

[0019] On the other hand, a system for predicting the failure of a colorable window in a facility, the system comprising: a network configured to: (a) transmit one or more measurements related to a hue transition of the colorable window disposed in the facility, wherein the hue transition is from a first hue to a second hue; (b) transmit an analysis of the one or more measurements, wherein data is considered, the data: (i) related to the type of the one or more measurements, (ii) related to the hue transition from the first hue to the second hue, and (iii) characterized by an incomplete hue transition and / or a non-characteristic hue transition from the first hue to the second hue; and (c) transmit an indication of a predicted coloring failure of the colorable window, wherein the prediction is made using the analysis.

[0020] In some embodiments, the network is configured to utilize a single cable to transmit power and communication. In some embodiments, the network is configured to transmit signals compliant with multiple wireless communication protocols. The communication can be one or more types of communication. The communication can include cellular communication compliant with at least second generation (2G), third generation (3G), fourth generation (4G), or fifth generation (5G) cellular communication protocols. In some embodiments, the communication includes media communication facilitating still images, music, or motion picture streams (e.g., movies or videos). In some embodiments, the network is configured to transmit signals compliant with building control protocols.

[0021] On the other hand, a device for predicting the failure of a colorable window in a facility, the device comprising: an assembly of devices of the facility, the assembly of devices including one or more devices disposed in a housing, the one or more devices including a sensor configured to (A) measure the environment of the facility and (B) output sensor measurements configured to be used in any of the methods disclosed above.

[0022] On the other hand, a device for predicting the failure of a switchable window in a facility, the device comprising: an assembly of devices of the facility, the assembly of devices including a sensor disposed in a housing, the sensor being configured to (A) measure the environment of the facility and (B) output sensor measurement results, the sensor measurement results being configured to determine one or more outputs, including: (a) an analysis of one or more measurement results related to a hue transition of the switchable window disposed in the facility, wherein the hue transition is from a first hue to a second hue, wherein the analysis is performed by considering data that: (i) is related to the type of the one or more measurement results, (ii) is related to the hue transition from the first hue to the second hue, and (iii) is characteristic of an incomplete hue transition and / or a non-characteristic hue transition from the first hue to the second hue; and (b) a prediction of the coloring failure of the switchable window, wherein the prediction is made using the analysis.

[0023] In some embodiments, the sensor of the assembly of devices includes different types of sensors. In some embodiments, the sensor includes: a carbon dioxide sensor, a carbon monoxide sensor, a volatile organic chemical sensor, an ambient noise sensor, a visible light sensor, a temperature sensor, a motion sensor, and / or a humidity sensor. In some embodiments, the assembly of devices includes a transmitter or a transceiver. In some embodiments, the assembly of devices is configured to facilitate control of the facility, and optionally wherein controlling the facility includes controlling the environment, safety, data, or health associated with the facility. In some embodiments, the assembly of devices is disposed in a fixture of the facility or attached to a fixture of the facility. In some embodiments, the fixture includes a frame portion. In some embodiments, the network is operatively coupled to at least one switchable window and facilitates control of the at least one switchable window. In some embodiments, the switchable window includes an electrochromic window. In some embodiments, the network is operatively coupled to at least one other device of the facility and facilitates control of the at least one other device of the facility. In some embodiments, the at least one other device of the facility is configured to change the environment of the facility. In some embodiments, the at least one other device of the facility includes a cooler, a heater, a switchable window, a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, or lighting. In some embodiments, the at least one other device of the facility is configured to control the energy consumption of the facility.

[0024] In some embodiments, the network is a local network. In some embodiments, the network includes a cable configured to transmit power and communication in a single cable. The communication can be one or more types of communication. The communication can include cellular communication that complies with at least second generation (2G), third generation (3G), fourth generation (4G), or fifth generation (5G) cellular communication protocols. In some embodiments, the communication includes media communication that facilitates still images, music, or motion picture streams (e.g., movies or videos). In some embodiments, the communication includes data communication (e.g., sensor data). In some embodiments, the communication includes control communication, e.g., controlling one or more nodes operatively coupled to the network. In some embodiments, the network includes a first (e.g., cable) network installed in a facility. In some embodiments, the network includes a (e.g., cable) network installed in an enclosure of a facility (e.g., in an enclosure of a building included in the facility).

[0025] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides systems, devices (e.g., controllers), and / or one or more non-transitory computer-readable media (e.g., software) that implement any of the methods disclosed herein.

[0026] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides methods of using any one of the systems, computer-readable media, and / or devices disclosed herein, for example, for their intended purposes.

[0027] In another aspect, a device includes at least one controller programmed to direct an agency for implementing (e.g., realizing) any of the methods disclosed herein, the at least one controller being configured to be operatively coupled to the agency. In some embodiments, at least two operations (e.g., at least two operations of a method) are directed / executed by the same controller. In some embodiments, at least two operations are directed / executed by different controllers.

[0028] In another aspect, a device includes at least one controller configured (e.g., programmed) to implement (e.g., realize) any of the methods disclosed herein. The at least one controller can implement any of the methods disclosed herein. In some embodiments, at least two operations (e.g., at least two operations of a method) are directed / executed by the same controller. In some embodiments, at least two operations are directed / executed by different controllers.

[0029] In some embodiments, one of the at least one controllers is configured to perform two or more operations. In some embodiments, two different controllers of the at least one controllers are configured to each perform different operations.

[0030] In another aspect, a system includes: at least one controller programmed to direct the operation of at least one other device (or its components); and the device (or its components), wherein the at least one controller is operatively coupled to the device (or its components). The device (or its components) may include any device (or its components) disclosed herein. The at least one controller may be configured to direct any device (or its components) disclosed herein. The at least one controller may be configured to be operatively coupled to any device (or its components) disclosed herein. In some embodiments, at least two operations (e.g., at least two operations of a device) are directed by the same controller. In some embodiments, at least two operations are directed by different controllers.

[0031] In another aspect, a computer software product (e.g., inscribed on one or more non-transitory media) stores program instructions that, when read by at least one processor (e.g., a computer), cause the at least one processor to direct the mechanism disclosed herein to implement (e.g., carry out) any method disclosed herein, wherein the at least one processor is configured to be operatively coupled to the mechanism. The mechanism may include any device (or any of its components) disclosed herein. In some embodiments, at least two operations (e.g., at least two operations of a device) are directed / executed by the same processor. In some embodiments, at least two operations are directed / executed by different processors.

[0032] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides non-transitory computer-readable program instructions (e.g., included in a program product including one or more non-transitory media), the non-transitory computer-readable program instructions including machine-executable code that, when executed by one or more processors, implements any method disclosed herein. In some embodiments, at least two operations (e.g., at least two operations of a method) are directed / executed by the same processor. In some embodiments, at least two operations are directed / executed by different processors.

[0033] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides one or more non-transitory computer-readable media including machine-executable code that, when executed by one or more processors, enables the direction of a controller (e.g., as disclosed herein). In some embodiments, at least two operations (e.g., at least two operations of a controller) are directed / executed by the same processor. In some embodiments, at least two operations are directed / executed by different processors.

[0034] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a computer system that includes one or more computer processors and one or more non-transitory computer-readable media coupled thereto. The non-transitory computer-readable media includes machine-executable code that, when executed by the one or more processors, implements any of the methods disclosed herein and / or implements the boot of the controller disclosed herein.

[0035] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides non-transitory computer-readable program instructions that, when read by one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to perform any of the operations of the methods disclosed herein, any of the operations performed (or configured to perform) by the devices disclosed herein, and / or any of the operations bootstrapped (or configured to be bootstrapped) by the devices disclosed herein.

[0036] In some embodiments, the program instructions are inscribed on one or more non-transitory computer-readable media. In some embodiments, at least two of these operations are performed by one of the one or more processors. In some embodiments, at least two of these operations are each performed by a different one of the one or more processors.

[0037] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a network configured to transmit any communication (e.g., signal) and / or (e.g., electrical) power that facilitates any of the operations disclosed herein. The communication can include control communication, cellular communication, media communication, and / or data communication. The data communication can include sensor data communication and / or processed data communication. The network can be configured to comply with one or more protocols that facilitate such communication. For example, the communication protocol used by the network (e.g., via a BMS) can be the Building Automation and Control Network protocol (BACnet). For example, the communication protocol can facilitate cellular communication to comply with at least the 2nd generation, 3rd generation, 4th generation, or 5th generation cellular communication protocols.

[0038] The content of this summary section is provided as a simplified introduction to the present disclosure and is not intended to limit the scope of any invention disclosed herein or the scope of the appended claims.

[0039] By the following detailed description, other aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art, where only illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure are shown and described. As will be recognized, the present disclosure is capable of having other different embodiments, and several details thereof can be modified in various obvious aspects, all of which do not depart from the present disclosure. Therefore, the drawings and the description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature and not restrictive.

[0040] These and other features and embodiments will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0041] Incorporated by reference

[0042] All publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned in this specification are incorporated herein by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] The novel features of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. A better understanding of the features and advantages of the invention will be obtained by reference to the following detailed description or the drawings (also referred to herein as "FIGURES"), which set forth illustrative embodiments that utilize the principles of the invention, in which:

[0044] Figure 1A A cross-sectional side view of a colorable window configured as an insulating glass unit (IGU) is shown;

[0045] Figure 1B A perspective cross-sectional view of a corner portion of an insulating glass unit (IGU) is shown;

[0046] Figure 2A Is a schematic cross-section of an electrochromic device in a bleached state or transitioning to a bleached state;

[0047] Figure 2B Is in a colored state or transitioning to a colored state Figure 2A Of an electrochromic device;

[0048] Figure 3A Is a graph showing the current distribution of an electrochromic window that uses a simple voltage control algorithm to cause an optical state transition (e.g., coloring) of the electrochromic device;

[0049] Figure 3B Is a graph depicting the total charge delivered over time and the voltage applied over time during an electrochromic coloring transition;

[0050] Figure 4 Is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a control system for a building;

[0051] Figure 5 Is a block diagram showing the control system and its various components;

[0052] Figure 6 Is a block diagram showing an example of a system including an aggregate of sensors organized into sensor modules;

[0053] Figure 7 Shows a schematic example of a processing system;

[0054] Figure 8 is a block diagram showing an example of the arrangement of a sensor assembly in a peripheral structure and associated measurement results;

[0055] Figure 9A is a graph depicting the variation of charge over time for a set of hue transitions from no hue to the darkest hue;

[0056] Figure 9B is a graph depicting the variation of leakage current over time for a set of hue transitions from no hue to the darkest hue;

[0057] Figure 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a method for predicting the failure of a switchable window;

[0058] Figure 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a method for predicting the failure of a switchable window and learning a failure signature of the switchable window;

[0059] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing an example of a method for generating a warning and / or a report in response to identifying a switchable window at risk of failure;

[0060] Figure 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a method for processing sensor readings to generate a result;

[0061] Figure 14 is a flowchart showing an example of a method for determining the reliability of sensor readings; and

[0062] Figure 15 shows an example of a controller for controlling one or more sensors.

[0063] The accompanying drawings and components may not be drawn to scale. The components in the figures described herein may not be drawn to scale. Detailed Description

[0064] Although various embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Without departing from the present invention, various changes, modifications and substitutions can be contemplated by those skilled in the art. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the present invention described herein can be employed.

[0065] Terms such as "a", "an" and "the" are not intended to refer to only a single entity, but rather include a general category that can be illustrated by a specific example. The terms herein are used to describe specific embodiments of the present invention, but their use does not limit the present invention.

[0066] When referring to a range, unless otherwise indicated, the range is meant to include the end values. For example, a range between a value 1 and a value 2 is meant to include the end values and includes value 1 and value 2. A range that includes the end values will span any value from approximately value 1 to approximately value 2. As used herein, the terms “adjacent” or “adjacent to” include “immediately adjacent,” “abutting,” “in contact,” and “close to.”

[0067] As used herein, the conjunction “and / or” in a phrase included in a claim (such as “comprising X, Y, and / or Z”) means any combination of X, Y, and Z or pluralities of X, Y, and Z. For example, such phrase means including X. For example, such phrase means including Y. For example, such phrase means including Z. For example, such phrase means including X and Y. For example, such phrase means including X and Z. For example, such phrase means including Y and Z. For example, such phrase means including pluralities of X. For example, such phrase means including pluralities of Y. For example, such phrase means including pluralities of Z. For example, such phrase means including pluralities of X and pluralities of Y. For example, such phrase means including pluralities of X and pluralities of Z. For example, such phrase means including pluralities of Y and pluralities of Z. For example, such phrase means including pluralities of X and one Y. For example, such phrase means including pluralities of X and one Z. For example, such phrase means including pluralities of Y and one Z. For example, such phrase means including one X and pluralities of Y. For example, such phrase means including one X and pluralities of Z. For example, such phrase means including one Y and pluralities of Z. The conjunction “and / or” means the same as the phrase “X, Y, Z or any combination of X, Y, Z or pluralities of X, Y, Z.” The conjunction “and / or” means the same as the phrase “one or more of X, Y, Z and any combination of X, Y, Z.”

[0068] The term “operatively coupled” or “operatively connected” refers to a first element (such as a mechanism) that is coupled (e.g., connected) to a second element to permit the intended operation of the second element and / or the first element. The coupling can include a physical or non-physical coupling (such as a communication coupling). The non-physical coupling can include a signal inductive coupling (such as a wireless coupling). The coupling can include a physical coupling (such as a physical connection) or a non-physical coupling (such as via wireless communication). Operatively coupling can include communicatively coupling.

[0069] An element (e.g., mechanism) “configured to” perform a function includes structural features that cause the element to perform the function. The structural features can include electrical features, such as circuitry or circuit system elements. The structural features can include an actuator. The structural features can include circuitry (e.g., including electrical circuitry or optical circuitry). The electrical circuitry can include one or more wires. The optical circuitry can include at least one optical element (e.g., a beam splitter, mirror, lens, and / or optical fiber). The structural features can include mechanical features. The mechanical features can include a latch, spring, closure, hinge, chassis, support, fastener, or cantilever, etc. Performing the function can include utilizing logical features. The logical features can include programming instructions. The programming instructions can be executed by at least one processor (e.g., see Figure 7 ). The programming instructions can be stored or encoded on a medium accessible by one or more processors. Additionally, in the following description, the phrases “operable to,” “adapted to,” “configured to,” “designed to,” “programmed to,” or “capable of” can be used interchangeably where appropriate.

[0070] In some embodiments, sensor data is utilized in conjunction with machine learning (including artificial intelligence (AI)) to predict and / or identify failures of a switchable window (e.g., to facilitate predictive maintenance). A large amount of data (e.g., at least about one million, ten million, one hundred million, or one trillion raw data points) can accumulate over time in conjunction with window control and / or operation. A framework is disclosed herein that is configured to retrieve data (e.g., control data and / or other sensor data) associated with window tint transitions, aggregate the data, and use the data to evaluate and / or predict failures of a window from a database (e.g., accumulated during normal operation of the switchable window). Such a framework can allow for predictive maintenance of any window exhibiting a failure signature, which is identified, for example, using statistical measurements (e.g., current, voltage, open circuit voltage, or any other sensor measurement disclosed herein).

[0071] In some embodiments, a perimeter structure includes an area defined by at least one structure. The at least one structure can include at least one wall. The perimeter structure can include and / or enclose one or more sub-perimeter structures. The at least one wall can include metal (e.g., steel), clay, stone, plastic, glass, stucco (e.g., gypsum), polymer (e.g., polyurethane, styrene, or vinyl), asbestos, fiberglass, concrete (e.g., reinforced concrete), wood, paper, or ceramic. The at least one wall can include wire, brick, block (e.g., cinder block), tile, drywall, or framing (e.g., steel framing).

[0072] In some embodiments, the perimeter structure includes one or more openings. The one or more openings may be capable of being reversibly closed. The one or more openings may be permanently open. The basic length scale of the one or more openings may be smaller relative to the basic length scale of the walls defining the perimeter structure. The basic length scale may include the diameter, length, width, or height of a bounding circle. The surface of the one or more openings may be smaller relative to the surface of the walls defining the perimeter structure. The opening surface may be a certain percentage of the total surface of the walls. For example, the opening surface may be measured as at most about 30%, 20%, 10%, 5%, or 1% of the walls. The walls may include floors, ceilings, or sidewalls. The closable opening may be closed by at least one window or door. The perimeter structure may be at least a part of a facility. The facility may include a building. The perimeter structure may include at least a part of a building. The building may be a private building and / or a commercial building. The building may include one or more floors. The building (e.g., its floors) may include at least one of the following: rooms, corridors, foyers, attics, basements, balconies (e.g., internal or external balconies), stairwells, passageways, elevator shafts, facades, mezzanines, lofts, garages, porches (e.g., enclosed porches), patios (e.g., enclosed patios), cafeterias, and / or ducts. In some embodiments, the perimeter structure may be fixed and / or movable (e.g., a train, an airplane, a ship, a vehicle, or a rocket).

[0073] In some embodiments, multiple devices may be operatively (e.g., communicatively) coupled to a control system. The multiple devices may be disposed in a facility (e.g., which includes a building and / or rooms). The control system may include a controller hierarchy. The devices may include transmitters, sensors, or windows (e.g., IGU). The devices may be any of the devices disclosed herein. At least two of the multiple devices may be of the same type. For example, two or more IGUs may be coupled to the control system. At least two of the multiple devices may be of different types. For example, a sensor and a transmitter may be coupled to the control system. Sometimes, the multiple devices may include at least 20, 50, 100, 500, 1000, 2500, 5000, 7500, 10000, 50000, 100000, or 500000 devices. The multiple devices may be any number between the above numbers (e.g., from 20 devices to 500000 devices, from 20 devices to 50 devices, from 50 devices to 500 devices, from 500 devices to 2500 devices, from 1000 devices to 5000 devices, from 5000 devices to 10000 devices, from 10000 devices to 100000 devices, or from 100000 devices to 500000 devices). For example, the number of windows on a floor may be at least 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 40, or 50. The number of windows on a floor may be any number between the above numbers (e.g., from 5 to 50, from 5 to 25, or from 25 to 50). Sometimes, the devices may be located in a multi-story building. At least a portion of the floors of the multi-story building may have devices controlled by the control system (e.g., at least a portion of the floors of the multi-story building may be controlled by the control system). For example, a multi-story building may have at least 2, 8, 10, 25, 50, 80, 100, 120, 140, or 160 floors controlled by the control system. The number of floors (e.g., the devices therein) controlled by the control system may be any number between the above numbers (e.g., from 2 to 50, from 25 to 100, or from 80 to 160). The floor may have an area of at least about 150m 2 , 250m 2 , 500m 2 , 1000m 2 , 1500m 2 or 2000 square meters (m 2 ). The floor area may have an area between any of the above floor area values (e.g., from about 150m 2 to about 2000m 2 , from about 150m 2 to about 500m 2 , from about 250m 2 to about 1000m 2 , from about 1000m2 to about 2000 m 2 ) The building can include an area of at least about 1000 square feet (sqft), 2000 sqft, 5000 sqft, 10000 sqft, 100000 sqft, 150000 sqft, 200000 sqft, or 500000 sqft. The building can include an area between any of the above areas (e.g., about 1000 sqft to about 5000 sqft, about 5000 sqft to about 500000 sqft, or about 1000 sqft to about 500000 sqft). The building can include an area of at least about 100 m 2 , 200 m 2 , 500 m 2 , 1000 m 2 , 5000 m 2 , 10000 m 2 , 25000 m 2 or 50000 m 2 The building can include an area between any of the above areas (e.g., about 100 m 2 to about 1000 m 2 , about 500 m 2 to about 25000 m 2 , about 100 m 2 to about 50000 m 2 ). The facility can include commercial or residential buildings. Commercial buildings can include tenants and / or owners. Residential facilities can include multiple or single-family buildings. Residential facilities can include apartment buildings. Residential facilities can include single-family homes. Residential facilities can include multi-family homes (e.g., apartments). Residential facilities can include townhouses. The facility can include residential and commercial portions. The facility can include at least 1, 2, 5, 10, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350, 400, 420, 450, 500, or 550 windows (e.g., tintable windows). These windows can be divided into zones (e.g., at least partially based on the location, elevation, floor, ownership, utilization, any other specified metric, random assignment, or any combination thereof of the enclosure (e.g., room) in which the window is set). Assigning the windows to zones can be static or dynamic (e.g., based on heuristics). Each zone can have at least about 2, 5, 10, 12, 15, 30, 40, or 46 windows.

[0074] Some of the disclosed embodiments provide network infrastructure in a perimeter structure (e.g., a facility such as a building). The network infrastructure can be used for various purposes, such as for providing communication and / or power supply services. The network infrastructure can provide direct and / or indirect communication between devices (e.g., switchable or electrochromic windows and / or controllers) coupled to the network. The communication services can include high-bandwidth (e.g., wireless and / or wired) communication services. The communication services can be used by occupants of the facility and / or users external to the facility (e.g., the building). The network infrastructure can work in cooperation with the infrastructure of one or more cellular carriers or operate as a partial replacement for the infrastructure of one or more cellular carriers. The network infrastructure can be provided in a facility that includes electrochromic (e.g., electrically switchable or electrochromic) windows. Examples of components of the network infrastructure include high-speed backhaul. The network infrastructure can include at least one cable (e.g., coaxial cable and / or fiber optic cable), a switch, a physical antenna, a transceiver, a sensor, a transmitter, a receiver, a radio, a processor, and / or a controller (which can include a processor). The network infrastructure can be operatively coupled to and / or include a wireless network. The network infrastructure can include wiring. One or more sensors can be deployed (e.g., installed) in the environment as part of installing the network and / or after installing the network. The network can be configured for cellular communication, e.g., using at least third (3G), fourth (4G), or fifth (5G) generation communication standards. The network can be configured to transmit power and communication over the same cable (e.g., coaxial cable). The network can be a local area network. The network can include a cable configured to transmit power and communication in a single cable. The communication can be one or more types of communication. The communication can include cellular communication that complies with at least second generation (2G), third generation (3G), fourth generation (4G), or fifth generation (5G) cellular communication protocols. The communication can include media communication that facilitates the streaming of still images, music, or moving pictures (e.g., movies or videos). The communication can include data communication (e.g., sensor data). The communication can include control communication, e.g., to control one or more nodes operatively coupled to the network. The network can include a first (e.g., cable) network installed in the facility. The network can include a (e.g., cable) network installed in the enclosure of the facility (e.g., in the enclosure of the perimeter structure of the facility. For example, in the enclosure of a building included in the facility).

[0075] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a network configured to transmit any communication (e.g., signals) and / or (e.g., electrical) power that facilitates any operation disclosed herein. The communication may include control communication, cellular communication, media communication, and / or data communication. The data communication may include sensor data communication and / or processed data communication. The network may be configured to comply with one or more protocols that facilitate such communication. For example, the communication protocol used by the network (e.g., via the BMS) may include the Building Automation and Control Network protocol (BACnet). The network may be configured for (e.g., including hardware facilitation) communication protocols including BACnet (e.g., BACnet / SC), LonWorks, Modbus, KNX, European Home Systems protocol (EHS), BatiBUS, European Installation Bus (EIB or Instabus), zigbee, Z - Wave, Insteon, X10, Bluetooth, or WiFi. The network may be configured to transmit control - related protocols. The communication protocol may facilitate cellular communication to comply with at least 2nd, 3rd, 4th, or 5th generation cellular communication protocols. The (e.g., cable) network may include a tree, line, or star topology. The network may include an interoperability and / or distributed application model for various tasks of building automation. The control system may provide a scheme for configuring and / or managing resources on the network. The network may allow binding of parts of distributed applications in different nodes operatively coupled to the network. The network may provide a message protocol and model for the communication stack in each node of the communication system (capable of hosting distributed applications (e.g., having a common kernel)). The control system may include a programmable logic controller (PLC).

[0076] In various embodiments, the network infrastructure supports a control system for one or more windows such as colorable (e.g., electrochromic) windows. The control system may include one or more controllers operatively (e.g., directly or indirectly) coupled to one or more windows. While the disclosed embodiments describe colorable windows (also referred to herein as "optically switchable windows" or "smart windows"), such as electrochromic windows, the concepts disclosed herein may be applied to other types of switchable optical devices, including liquid crystal devices, electrochromic devices, suspended particle devices (SPD), NanoChromics displays (NCD), organic electroluminescent displays (OELD), suspended particle devices (SPD), NanoChromics displays (NCD), or organic electroluminescent displays (OELD). The display element may be attached to a portion of a transparent body such as a window. The colorable window may be provided in a (non - transient) facility such as a building, and / or may be provided in a transient facility (e.g., a vehicle) such as an automobile, RV, bus, train, airplane, helicopter, ship, or boat.

[0077] In some embodiments, a colorable window exhibits a (e.g., controllable and / or reversible) change in at least one optical property of the window, such as when a stimulus is applied. The change can be a continuous change. It can be changed to discrete tint levels (e.g., to at least about 2, 4, 8, 16, or 32 tint levels). The optical property can include tint or transmittance. The tint can include color. The transmittance can be one or more wavelengths. The wavelengths can include ultraviolet wavelengths, visible wavelengths, or infrared wavelengths. The stimulus can include optical, electrical, and / or magnetic stimuli. For example, the stimulus can include an applied voltage and / or current. One or more colorable windows can be used to control lighting and / or glare conditions, e.g., by regulating the transmission of solar energy passing through the one or more colorable windows. One or more colorable windows can be used to control the temperature within a building, e.g., by regulating the transmission of solar energy passing through the one or more colorable windows. Controlling solar energy can control the heat load applied inside a facility (e.g., a building). The control can be manual and / or automatic. The control can be used to maintain one or more requested (e.g., environmental) conditions, such as human comfort. The control can include reducing the energy consumption of a heating system, a ventilation system, an air conditioning system, and / or a lighting system. At least two of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning can be implemented by separate systems. At least two of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning can be implemented by one system. Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning can be implemented by a single system (abbreviated herein as “HVAC”). In some cases, the colorable window can respond to (e.g., and be communicatively coupled to) one or more environmental sensors and / or user controls. The colorable window can include (e.g., can be) an electrochromic window. The window can be located within a range from the interior to the exterior of a (e.g., facility; e.g., building) structure. However, this need not be the case. The colorable window can be operated using a liquid crystal device, a suspended particle device, a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) device (such as a microshutter), or any currently known or later developed technology configured to control light transmission through the window. The window (e.g., having a MEMS device for tinting) is described in U.S. Patent No. 10,359,681, filed on May 15, 2015, and issued on July 23, 2019, and titled “MULTI-PANE WINDOWS INCLUDING ELECTROCHROMIC DEVICES AND ELECTROMECHANICAL SYSTEMS DEVICES”, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. In some cases, one or more colorable windows can be located inside a building, e.g., between a meeting room and a corridor. In some cases, one or more colorable windows can be used in automobiles, trains, airplanes, and other vehicles, e.g., in place of passive and / or non-colorable windows.

[0078] In some embodiments, a colorable window includes an electrochromic device (referred to herein as an "EC device" (abbreviated herein as ECD) or "EC"). An EC device (e.g., an electrochromic configuration) can include at least one coating having at least one layer. The at least one layer can include an electrochromic material. In some embodiments, the electrochromic material exhibits a change from one optical state to another, e.g., when a potential is applied across the EC device. The transition of the electrochromic layer from one optical state to another can be caused by, for example, reversible, semi-reversible, or irreversible ion insertion into the electrochromic material (e.g., by intercalation) and corresponding charge-balanced electron injection. For example, the transition of the electrochromic layer from one optical state to another can be caused by, for example, reversible ion insertion into the electrochromic material (e.g., by intercalation) and corresponding charge-balanced electron injection. It may be reversible during the expected lifetime of the ECD. Semi-reversible refers to a measurable (e.g., apparent) degradation of the reversibility of the hue of the window during one or more coloring cycles. In some cases, a portion of the ions responsible for the optical transition irreversibly bind in the electrochromic material (e.g., and thus the induced (altered) hue state of the window cannot be reversed to its original colored state). In many EC devices, at least some (e.g., all) of the irreversibly bound ions can be used to compensate for "blind charges" in the material (e.g., the ECD).

[0079] In some specific embodiments, suitable ions include cations. The cations can include lithium ions (Li+) and / or hydrogen ions (H+) (i.e., protons). In some specific embodiments, other ions may be suitable. The cations can be intercalated into (e.g., a metal) oxide. A change in the state of the ions (e.g., cations) intercalated into the oxide can induce a visible change in the hue (e.g., color) of the oxide. For example, the oxide can change from colorless to a colored state. For example, the intercalation of lithium ions into tungsten oxide (WO3-y(0 < y ∼ 0.3)) can cause tungsten oxide to change from a transparent state to a colored (e.g., blue) state. The EC device coating as described herein is located within the visible portion of the colorable window such that the coloring of the EC device coating can be used to control the optical state of the colorable window.

[0080] Figure 1A A cross-sectional view of an example of a colorable window embodied as an insulating glass unit ("IGU") 100 is shown in accordance with some specific embodiments. Figure 1B Shown is Figure 1APerspective view of an IGU. The IGU sheets, also referred to herein as panes, can be of a single substrate or multi-substrate construction, such as a laminate of two substrates. IGU's, particularly those having a double-pane or triple-pane configuration, can offer many advantages over a single-pane configuration. For example, when compared to a single-pane configuration, a multi-pane configuration can provide enhanced thermal insulation, noise insulation, environmental protection, and / or durability. For example, a multi-pane configuration can provide enhanced protection for an ECD, as the electrochromic film and associated layers and conductive interconnections can be formed on the inner surface of the multi-pane IGU and protected by an inert gas filling the interior volume of the IGU, such as 108. The inert gas fill provides at least some of the (thermal) isolation function of the IGU. The electrochromic IGU has increased its thermal barrier capability with a colorable coating that absorbs (or reflects) heat and light.

[0081] Figure 1A and Figure 1B An example of a specific implementation of an IGU 100 is shown that includes a first pane 104 having a first surface S1 and a second surface S2. In some specific implementations, the first surface S1 of the first pane 104 faces an external environment, such as an outdoor or outside environment. The IGU 100 includes a second pane 106 that has a first surface S3 and a second surface S4. In some specific implementations, the second surface S4 of the second pane 106 faces an internal environment, such as the internal environment of a temporary or non-temporary facility (e.g., a room, building, or vehicle).

[0082] In some specific implementations, each of the first pane 104 and the second pane 106 is transparent or translucent (e.g., at least for light in the visible spectrum). For example, at least one of the panes 104 and 106 can be formed of a glass material, and particularly of architectural glass or other shatterproof glass materials such as, for example, based on silicon oxide (SO x) and formed of a glass material. As a more specific example, each of the first pane 104 and the second pane 106 can be a soda-lime glass substrate or a float glass substrate. Such glass substrates can consist of, for example, about 75% silica (SiO2) along with Na2O, CaO, and several trace additives. However, each of the first and second panes 104 and 106 can be formed of any material having suitable optical, electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties. For example, other suitable substrates that can be used as one or both of the first pane 104 and the second pane 106 can include other glass materials as well as plastics, semi-plastics, and thermoplastic materials (e.g., poly(methyl methacrylate), polystyrene, polycarbonate, allyl diglycol carbonate, SAN (styrene acrylonitrile copolymer), poly(4-methyl-1-pentene), polyester, polyamide) or mirror materials. In some specific embodiments, at least one (e.g., each) of the first pane 104 and the second pane 106 can be strengthened, for example, by tempering, heating, or chemical strengthening.

[0083] In some embodiments, the first pane 104, the second pane 106, and the IGU 100 as a whole are rectangular. In some specific embodiments, other shapes are possible and may be desired (e.g., circular, oval, triangular, curved, convex, or concave shapes). In some particular specific embodiments, the length "L" of each of the first pane 104 and the second pane 106 can range from about 20 inches (in.) to about 10 feet (ft.), the width "W" of each of the first pane 104 and the second pane 106 can range from about 20 inches to about 10 feet, and the thickness "T" of each of the first pane 104 and the second pane 106 can range from about 0.3 millimeters (mm) to about 10 millimeters (although other smaller and larger lengths, widths, or thicknesses are possible and may be desired depending on the specific use, user, manager, administrator, builder, architect, or owner). In an example where the thickness T of the substrate 104 is less than 3 millimeters (mm), the substrate can be laminated to an additional substrate that is thicker (e.g., and protects the thin substrate 104). Additionally, although the IGU 100 includes two panes (104 and 106), in some other specific embodiments, the IGU can include three or more panes. Further, in some embodiments, one or more of the panes themselves can be a laminated structure of two, three, or more layers or sub-panes.

[0084] In Figures 1A to 1BIn the example shown, the first pane 104 and the second pane 106 are spaced apart from each other by a spacer 118 to form an internal volume 108, which is typically a frame structure. In some embodiments, the internal volume is filled with a gas or gas mixture containing argon (Ar), although in other embodiments, the internal volume 108 may be filled with another gas or gas mixture. Other gases or gas mixtures may include inert gases (e.g., krypton (Kr) or xenon (Xn)), other (non-inert) gases or gas mixtures (e.g., air). Filling the internal volume 108 with a gas containing Ar, Kr, or Xn can reduce the conductive heat transfer through the IGU 100. Without wishing to be bound by theory, this may be due to the low thermal conductivity of these gases and / or the improved sound insulation due to their increased atomic weight. In some other embodiments, the internal volume 108 may be evacuated of air or any other gas. The spacer 118 can determine the height of the internal volume 108; that is, the spacing between the first pane 104 and the second pane 106. In some embodiments, the spacing between the first pane 104 and the second pane 106 is in the range of about 6 mm to about 30 mm. The width of the spacer 118 can be in the range of about 5 mm to about 25 mm (although other widths are possible and may be desired).

[0085] Although not shown in a cross-sectional view, the spacer 118 is a frame structure formed around all sides of the IGU 100 (e.g., the top, bottom, left, and right sides of the IGU 100). For example, the spacer 118 can be formed of a foam or plastic material. However, in some other embodiments, the spacer can be formed of a metal or other conductive material, such as a metal tube or channel structure having at least 3 sides, two sides for sealing to each of the substrates in the substrate, and one side for supporting and separating the sheets and serving as a surface on which to apply a sealant. The sealant can include a polymeric material, such as polyisobutylene (PIB). The polymeric material can be waterproof (e.g., hydrophobic). The polymeric material can increase the structural support of the IGU assembly. Examples of polymeric materials can include silicone, polyurethane, or similar structural sealants that form a water-tight and / or air-tight seal.

[0086] In some embodiments, a window controller is associated with one or more switchable windows and is configured to control the optical state of the window, for example, by applying a stimulus to the window. For example, by applying a voltage and / or current to a switchable window (e.g., to an EC device coating). The window controller can have many sizes, formats, and / or positions relative to the light-switchable windows that it controls. The controller can be attached to a sheet of the IGU or laminate, but the controller can also be in the frame that houses the IGU or laminate or in a separate location. As previously mentioned, the switchable window can include one, two, three, or more individual electrochromic panes (electrochromic devices on a transparent substrate). Each pane of the electrochromic window can have an electrochromic coating having one or more independently colorable regions. The controller can control all electrochromic coatings associated with such windows, whether the electrochromic coatings are integral or partitioned.

[0087] In some embodiments, if not directly attached to the switchable window, IGU, or frame, the window controller is located proximate to the switchable window. The frame can include mullions or transoms. For example, the window controller can be disposed adjacent to the window, on the surface of one of the window panes, within a wall next to the window, or within the frame of a stand-alone window assembly (e.g., in a mullion or transom). In some embodiments, the window controller is an in-situ controller. An in-situ window controller can be part of a window assembly, IGU, and / or laminate. The in-situ window need not match the electrochromic window and can be installed in the field (e.g., at the time of deployment). For example, the controller can be integrated with the window as part of the assembly (e.g., in a factory) and deployed as a unit.

[0088] In some embodiments, the controller can be separated from the window and deployed as two separate units. For example, the controller can be mounted in a portion of the window frame of the window assembly. In some embodiments, the controller can be part of an IGU or laminate assembly. For example, the controller can be mounted on a pane of the IGU or between the panes of the IGU or on a pane of the laminate. Where the controller is on a visible portion of the IGU, at least a portion of the controller can be substantially transparent. Examples of glass controllers can be seen in U.S. Patent No. 10,303,035B2, filed on November 14, 2015, published on May 28, 2019, and titled "SELF CONTAINED ECIGU", which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0089] In some embodiments, the localization controller can be set to more than one part, where at least one part (e.g., including a memory component storing information about the associated electrochromic window) is set as part of the window assembly, and at least one other part is separate and configured to cooperate with at least one part of the window assembly, the IGU, or the laminate. In certain embodiments, the controller can be a component of operably coupled (e.g., interconnected) parts that are not set in a single housing (e.g., set in different housings). The separate controller parts can be spaced apart from each other (e.g., separated by a gap). At least one of the controller parts (e.g., or the entire window controller) can be set in the window frame and / or in the seal of the IGU. In some embodiments, the controller is a compact unit, e.g., enclosed in a single housing. In some embodiments, the controller part is divided into two or more components that are operably coupled at least by physically combining, e.g., a docking part and a housing assembly. The controller (or at least a part thereof) can (i) be close to the glass and / or not in the visible area of the glass, or (ii) be mounted on the glass in the visible area.

[0090] In some embodiments, at least a part (e.g., the whole) of the window controller is incorporated into or onto the IGU and / or into the window frame, e.g., before installing the colorable window. In some embodiments, at least a part (e.g., the whole) of the window controller is installed in the same building as the colorable window, e.g., before installing the colorable window. In one embodiment, the controller is incorporated into or onto the IGU and / or the window frame, e.g., before leaving the manufacturing facility. In one embodiment, the controller is incorporated into the IGU, (e.g., substantially) within the seal. In another embodiment, the controller is incorporated into or onto the IGU, e.g., partially, substantially, or completely within the perimeter defined by the main seal between the seal spacer and the substrate.

[0091] In the case where the characteristics of the electrochromic device change over time (e.g., due to deterioration), a characterization function can be used. The characterization function can be used, for example, to update control parameters. These control parameters can be used to drive the hue state transition. In another example, if already installed in the electrochromic window unit, the controller (e.g., the logic of the controller) can be used to calibrate the control parameters. For example, the control parameters can be calibrated to match the expected installation. In some embodiments, the control parameters can be recalibrated after installation to match the expected performance characteristics of the electrochromic pane.

[0092] In some embodiments, the controller includes a dock component. The dock component may have components that are common to any electrochromic window. The dock component can be associated with each window at the factory. After the window is installed, or otherwise on-site, a second component of the controller can be combined with the dock component to complete the electrochromic window controller assembly. The dock component may include a chip programmed at the factory with physical characteristics and / or parameters. The physical characteristics and / or parameters may include characteristics of the particular window to which the dock is attached. Such characteristics may include, for example, the surface of the window that will face the interior of the building after installation, sometimes referred to as surface 4 or "S4". The second component (sometimes referred to as the "carrier", "housing", "enclosure", or "controller") can mate with the dock. When powered, the second component can read the chip and configure itself, for example, to power the window based on the particular characteristics and / or parameters stored on the chip. In this way, the shipped window (e.g., only) needs to have its associated parameters stored on the chip. For example, the chip can be integral with the window, while the more complex circuitry and / or components can be combined later (e.g., after installation). For example, the more complex circuitry and components can be shipped separately and installed (e.g., by the window manufacturer) after the window is installed (e.g., after the installer (e.g., glazier) has installed the window). In some embodiments, the chip is included in a wire (or wire connector) attached to the window controller. Such a wire (e.g., with a connector) can be referred to as a "pigtail".

[0093] In some embodiments, the "IGU" includes two or more (e.g., substantially) transparent substrates. According to some embodiments, the (e.g., substantially) transparent substrate includes two panes of a transparent material (e.g., glass), where at least one pane (e.g., serving as a substrate) includes an electrochromic device disposed thereon. The panes can have a spacer disposed between them. The IGU can be hermetically sealed (e.g., humidity and / or gas sealed), having an interior region isolated from the surrounding environment. The window assembly can include the IGU or a standalone laminate. The window assembly can include one or more electrical leads for connecting the IGU, laminate, and / or one or more electrochromic devices to a voltage source, switch, etc. The window assembly can include a frame for supporting the IGU and / or laminate. The window assembly can include a window controller (e.g., as described herein) and / or one or more components (e.g., a dock) of the window controller.

[0094] As used herein, the term "outer side" means closer to the external environment. The term "inner side" means closer to the interior of the building. For example, in the case of an IGU having two panes, the pane located closer to the external environment is referred to as the outer pane or exterior pane. The pane located closer to the interior of the building is referred to as the inner pane or interior pane. As Figure 1A and Figure 1BAs shown, the different surfaces of the IGU can be referred to as S1, S2, S3, and S4 (assuming a double-pane IGU). S1 refers to the outer-facing surface of the outer pane (i.e., the surface that can be physically touched by a person standing outside). S2 refers to the inner-facing surface of the outer pane. S3 refers to the outer-facing surface of the inner pane. S4 refers to the inner-facing surface of the inner pane (i.e., the surface that can be physically touched by a person standing inside the building). In other words, starting from the outermost surface of the IGU and counting inward, the surfaces are labeled S1 - S4. In the case where the IGU includes three panes, this trend applies (S6 is the surface that can be physically touched by a person standing inside the building). In some embodiments employing two panes, an optically switchable device (e.g., an electrochromic device) is disposed on surface S2. In some embodiments, one or more surfaces have a structure for blocking the transmission of electromagnetic radiation. Figure 1B An example of an “IMI” (shielding stack of multiple conductive layers) disposed on S2 is shown. Additional aspects of the shielding stack structure can be seen in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2018 / 0090992, titled “WINDOW ANTENNAS FOR EMITTING RADIO FREQUENCY SIGNALS,” filed on Sep. 19, 2017 and published on Mar. 29, 2018, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Examples of window controllers and their features are presented in the following patent applications: U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 449,248, titled “CONTROLLER FOR OPTICALLY-SWITCHABLE WINDOWS,” filed on Apr. 17, 2012; U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 449,251, titled “CONTROLLER FOR OPTICALLY-SWITCHABLE WINDOWS,” filed on Apr. 17, 2012; U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 15 / 334,835, titled “CCONTROLLERS FOR OPTICALLY-SWITCHABLE DEVICES,” filed on Oct. 26, 2016; and International Patent Application Serial No. PCT / US17 / 20805, titled “METHOD OF COMMISSIONING ELECTROCHROMIC WINDOWS,” filed on Mar. 3, 2017, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0095] When a building is equipped with tintable windows, window controllers can be connected to each other and / or to other entities (e.g., devices) via a communication network. The communication network can be referred to as a "window control network" or a "window network". The network and the various devices (e.g., controllers, IGUs, transmitters, antennas, and / or sensors) connected via the network (e.g., wired or wireless power transfer and / or communication) are referred to herein as a "window control system" or a "control system". The window control system can provide tint instructions to the window controllers. The window control network can provide window information, etc., to a master controller or other network entities (e.g., devices). Examples of window information include the current tint state and / or other information collected by the window controllers. In some cases, a window controller has one or more associated sensors. The one or more associated sensors can include, for example, a photoelectric sensor, a temperature sensor, an occupancy sensor, a particulate matter sensor, a sound sensor, a pressure sensor, a speed sensor, a motion sensor, and / or a gas sensor (measuring gas type, speed, and / or concentration) that provides sensed information via the network. In some cases, the information transmitted through the window communication network does not affect window control. For example, information received at a first window configured to receive a WiFi or LiFi signal can be transmitted through the communication network to a second window configured to wirelessly broadcast the information as, for example, a WiFi or LiFi signal. The window control network is not limited to providing information for controlling tintable windows, but can convey information for other devices interfacing with the communication network such as HVAC systems, lighting systems, security systems, personal computing devices, etc.

[0096] Figure 2A is a schematic cross-section of an electrochromic device in a bleached state (or transitioning to a bleached state). According to a particular embodiment, electrochromic device 200 includes a tungsten oxide electrochromic layer (EC) 206 and a nickel-tungsten oxide counter electrode layer (CE) 210. Electrochromic device 200 includes a substrate 202, a conductive layer (CL) 204, an ion-conductive layer (IC) 208, and a conductive layer (CL) 214.

[0097] Power source 216 is configured to apply a potential and / or current to electrochromic stack 220 through suitable connections (e.g., bus bars) to conductive layers 204 and 214. In some embodiments, a voltage source is configured to apply a potential of approximately a few volts in order to drive the transition of the device from one optical state to another. The polarity of the potential is such that ions (lithium ions in this example) are predominantly present in nickel-tungsten oxide counter electrode layer 210 (as shown by the dashed arrows).

[0098] Figure 2B is Figure 2A a schematic cross-section of electrochromic device 200 as shown in Figure 2Bin which the polarity of the voltage source 216 is reversed relative to Figure 2A The Figure 2B electrochromic layer 206 is made more negative to accept additional lithium ions and thereby transition to a colored state. As shown by the dashed arrow, lithium ions are transported across the ion-conductive layer 208 to the tungsten oxide electrochromic layer 206. The tungsten oxide electrochromic layer 206 is shown in the colored state. The nickel-tungsten oxide counter electrode 210 is shown in the colored state. The nickel-tungsten oxide becomes increasingly opaque as it gives up (intercalates) lithium ions. In this example, there is a synergistic effect in which the transition to the colored state of both layers 206 and 210 contributes to reducing the amount of light transmitted through the stack and the substrate.

[0099] As described herein, an electrochromic device can include an electrochromic (EC) electrode layer and a counter electrode (CE) layer separated by an ion-conductive (IC) layer that has high conductivity for counter ions and high resistance to electrons. The ion-conductive layer can prevent short circuits between the electrochromic layer and the counter electrode layer. The ion-conductive layer can facilitate the electrochromic electrode and the counter electrode in maintaining charge and thereby maintaining their bleached or colored states. In some electrochromic devices (e.g., having different layers), these components form a stack that includes an ion-conductive layer sandwiched between an electrochromic electrode layer and a counter electrode layer. The boundaries between these three stack components can be defined by a sudden change in composition and / or microstructure. These devices can include three different layers with two abrupt interfaces.

[0100] According to certain embodiments, the counter electrode and the electrochromic electrode are formed adjacent to each other, sometimes in direct contact, without separately depositing the ion-conductive layer therebetween. In some embodiments, an electrochromic device having an interfacial region (e.g., rather than distinct IC layers) is employed. Electrochromic devices and methods of making the same are described in the following patent applications: U.S. Patent No. 8,300,298 and U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 12 / 772,075, both entitled "ELECTROCHROMIC DEVICES" and filed on April 30, 2010; U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 12 / 814,277, entitled "ELECTROCHROMIC DEVICES" and filed on June 11, 2010; and U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 12 / 814,279, entitled "ELECTROCHROMIC DEVICES" and filed on June 11, 2010. Each of the foregoing three patent applications and the foregoing patent are entitled "Electrochromic Devices", each names Zhongchun Wang et al. as inventors, and each of these patent applications is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0101] Figure 3AAn example of the current distribution of an electrochromic window is shown, which uses a simple voltage control algorithm to cause an optical state transition (e.g., coloring) of the electrochromic device. In the curve, the ionic current density (I) is represented as a function of time. Different types of electrochromic devices may have the depicted current distribution. In one example, a cathodic electrochromic material such as tungsten oxide is used with a nickel tungsten oxide counter electrode. In such a device, a negative current indicates the coloring of the device, and a positive current indicates the bleaching of the device. Figure 3A The depicted curve shown in is obtained by ramping the voltage up to a set level and then holding the voltage to maintain the optical state.

[0102] Current peak 301 is associated with changes in the optical state such as coloring and bleaching (e.g., decolorization). The current peak represents the delivery of charge required to color or bleach the device. The shaded area under the peak represents the total charge required to color or bleach (e.g., decolorize) the device. The portion of the curve (portion 303) after the initial current spike represents the leakage current when the device is in the new optical state. In some embodiments, the leakage current is at most about 0.1 milliamperes per square centimeter. In some embodiments, the leakage current corresponds to a leakage voltage of at most about 0.25 millivolts per square foot or at most about 50 volts per 200,000 square feet. In some embodiments, the leakage current is very slow and thus appears as Figure 3A a horizontal line in the graph of. It may take at least about 1, 3, 5, or 10 years to eliminate the voltage difference (e.g., the ions migrating back spontaneously without an induced voltage).

[0103] In Figure 3AIn the example shown, the voltage profile 305 is superimposed on the current curve. The voltage profile follows the sequence: negative ramp (307), negative hold (309), positive ramp (311), and positive hold (313). Note that the voltage remains constant after reaching its maximum value and during the length of time the device is held in its defined optical state. The voltage ramp 307 drives the device to its new colored state. The voltage ramps may or may not have the same absolute slope value. The voltage hold periods may or may not have the same duration. The voltage ramp periods may or may not have the same duration. The voltage hold 309 maintains the device in the colored state until a voltage ramp 311 in the opposite direction drives the transition from the colored state to the bleached state. In some switching algorithms, current and / or voltage upper limits are imposed. For example, the current and / or voltage are not allowed to exceed a defined level, e.g., to prevent damage to the device. In some embodiments, the electrochromic device is irreversibly damaged when it is subjected to current and / or voltage within a time frame that exceeds a time threshold. In some switching algorithms, the current is allowed to exceed the applied current upper limit for a short amount of time shorter than the time threshold (during which the device is not damaged). In some switching algorithms, the voltage is allowed to exceed the applied voltage upper limit for a short amount of time shorter than the time threshold (during which the device is not damaged).

[0104] In some embodiments, the coloring speed depends not only on the applied voltage but also on temperature and the voltage ramp rate. In some embodiments, both voltage and temperature affect lithium diffusion, e.g., the amount of charge passed (and thus the intensity of the current peak) increases with increasing voltage and temperature. Voltage and temperature can be related to each other. This mutual relationship may imply that a lower voltage can be used at a higher temperature to obtain the same switching speed as a higher voltage at a lower temperature. This temperature response can be used in voltage-based switching algorithms. Such algorithms may require active monitoring of temperature to vary the applied voltage. Temperature can be used to determine which voltage to apply to achieve fast switching without damaging the device.

[0105] Various embodiments herein utilize some form of feedback to actively control transitions in optically switchable devices. In some embodiments, the feedback is at least partially based on non-optical characteristics. When certain electrical conditions are applied, it may be useful to consider electrical properties such as the voltage and / or current response of the optically switchable device.

[0106] In some embodiments, electrical feedback is used to ensure that the optically switchable device is maintained within a safe window of operating conditions. If the current or voltage supplied to the device is too large, the device may be damaged. The feedback methods presented herein may be referred to as damage prevention feedback methods. In some embodiments, damage prevention feedback may be the only feedback used. Alternatively, the damage prevention feedback method may be combined with other feedback methods described herein. In other embodiments, damage prevention feedback is not used, but different types of feedback described below are used.

[0107] Figure 3B Shown is an example of a graph depicting the total charge delivered over time and the voltage applied over time during the electrochromic coloring transition. The window in this illustrative example is about 24×24 inches. The total charge delivered is called the hue charge count, and is measured in coulombs (C). The total charge delivered is presented on the left-hand y-axis of the graph, and the applied voltage is presented on the right-hand y-axis of the graph. Line 302 corresponds to the total charge delivered, and line 304 corresponds to the applied voltage. In addition, line 306 corresponds to a threshold charge (threshold charge density multiplied by the area of the window), and line 308 corresponds to a target open circuit voltage. Threshold charge and target open circuit voltage can be used for monitoring / controlling optical transitions.

[0108] Figure 3B The voltage curve 304 in FIG. 1 begins with a drive ramp component where the magnitude of the voltage ramps up to a drive voltage of approximately -2.5 volts (V). After an initial period of applying the drive voltage, the voltage begins to spike upward at regular intervals. These voltage spikes occur when probing the electrochromic device. Probing is performed by applying an open circuit condition to the device. The open circuit condition results in an open circuit voltage VoC (also referred to herein as "Voc"), which corresponds to the voltage spikes seen in the graph. This open circuit voltage VoC is a real-time measurement and is shown during the hold period. The voltage may be measured during the ramp period (not during the hold period). Figure 3B The VoC is measured by measuring the open circuit voltage (shown in the example of FIG. 3 ). Between each detection of the open circuit voltage, there is an additional period in which the applied voltage is the drive voltage. While the electrochromic device is transitioning, the EC is periodically probed to test the open circuit voltage (e.g., to monitor the transition). The target open circuit voltage represented by line 308 is selected to be approximately -1.4V for each case. The holding voltage in each case is approximately -1.2V. Therefore, the target open circuit voltage is offset from the holding voltage by approximately 0.2V.

[0109] exist Figure 3BIn the transition example shown, the magnitude of the open-circuit voltage exceeds the magnitude of the target open-circuit voltage at approximately 1500 seconds. Since the relevant voltage in this example is negative, it is shown in the graph as the point where the open-circuit voltage spike first drops below the target open-circuit voltage. The total delivered charge count curve 302 starts from zero and rises monotonically. The delivered charge reaches the threshold charge at approximately 1500 seconds. This time is very close to the time when the target open-circuit voltage is satisfied. Once both conditions are met, the voltage switches from the drive voltage to the hold voltage, at approximately 1500 seconds.

[0110] In another embodiment, the optical transition is monitored by voltage sensing pads positioned directly on the transparent conductive layer (TCL). This allows for a direct measurement of V at the center of the device between the busbars eff , where V eff is at a minimum. In this case, when V eff measured at the center of the device reaches a target voltage such as the hold voltage, the controller indicates that the optical transition is complete. In various embodiments, the use of a sensor can reduce (e.g., eliminate) the benefit of using a target voltage that is offset from the hold voltage. For example, an offset may not be required, and when a sensor is present, the target voltage can (e.g., substantially) equal the hold voltage. In the case of using a voltage sensor, there may be at least one sensor on each TCL. The voltage sensors can be placed at an intermediate distance between the busbars, e.g., offset from one side of the device (near the edge), such that they do not affect (or minimally affect) the viewing area. The voltage sensors can be hidden from view, for example, by placing them near a spacer / separator and / or frame that obscures the sensor's field of view from an observer.

[0111] In some embodiments, the voltage sensing pads (e.g., sensors) can be conductive tape pads. The pads can be as small as up to about 1 mm 2 . (square millimeters). The pads can be about 10 mm 2 or smaller. A four-wire system can be used in embodiments that utilize voltage sensors (e.g., sensing pads).

[0112] In some embodiments, the method (e.g., as implemented by a control system) may specify the total duration of the transition. For example, the controller may be programmed to monitor the progress of the transition from a start state to an end state using a modified detection algorithm. The progress may be monitored by periodically reading the current value in response to a decrease in the magnitude of the applied voltage, such as using the detection techniques described above (e.g., VoC). The detection technique may use the decrease in the applied current (e.g., measuring the open circuit voltage) to achieve this. The current and / or voltage response indicates the extent to which the optical transition is approaching completion. In some embodiments, the response is compared to a threshold current and / or voltage at a specific time (e.g., the time elapsed since the start of the optical transition). In some embodiments, the progress of the current and / or voltage response is compared, for example using sequential pulses and / or checks. The slope (e.g., steepness) of the progress may indicate when the end state is likely to be reached. The linear extension of this threshold current may be used to predict when the transition is complete, for example, when it is sufficiently complete, it is appropriate to lower the drive voltage to a holding voltage.

[0113] Regarding the algorithm for ensuring that the optical transition from a first state to a second state occurs within a defined time frame, the controller may be configured (or designed) to appropriately increase the drive voltage to accelerate the transition, for example when the interpretation of the pulse response indicates that the transition is not progressing fast enough to meet the required transition speed. In certain embodiments, when it is determined that the transition is not proceeding fast enough, the transition switches to its mode driven by the applied current. The current is large enough to increase the transition speed, but not so large that it will degrade or damage (e.g., irreversibly) the electrochromic device. In some embodiments, the maximum appropriate safe current may be referred to as I safe . I safe Examples of which may be in the range between about 5 μA / cm 2 and 250 μA / cm 2 microamperes per square centimeter. In the current-controlled drive mode, the applied voltage is allowed to float during the optical transition. Then, during this current-controlled drive step, the controller may periodically detect, for example by dropping to a holding voltage, and check the integrity of the transition in the same manner as when using a constant drive voltage.

[0114] In some embodiments, the detection technique can determine whether the optical transition is proceeding as expected. A transition that does not proceed as expected can be described as "non-characteristic". As understood herein, a non-characteristic hue transition is a deviation from the normal switching parameters for the object window. When the detection technique (e.g., VoC voltage detection) determines that the optical transition is proceeding too slowly, steps can be taken to accelerate the transition. For example, it can increase the drive voltage. The technique can determine that the optical transition is proceeding too quickly and there is a risk of damaging the device. When such a determination is made, the detection technique can take steps to slow down the transition. As an example, the controller can reduce the drive voltage.

[0115] In some applications, the window group is set to match the transition rate. This matching can be performed by adjusting the voltage and / or drive current at least partially based on feedback obtained during detection (e.g., via pulse or open-circuit measurements). In embodiments where the transition is controlled by monitoring the current response, the magnitude of the current response can be compared between the windows. The windows can be controlled by a local controller. The local controller can be part of a (e.g., hierarchical) control system. A group of windows (e.g., at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or 10 windows) can be controlled by the same local controller (e.g., window controller). For example, the comparison can be performed for each window in the window or in the window group to determine how to scale the drive potential and / or drive current for the window (e.g., each window in the group). The comparison can be made between the window at a first time and the past performance of the window at a time prior to the first time. The comparison can be made between a first window and a second window. The comparison can be made between the window and the average window performance (e.g., where the average window performance is the requested, best, and / or average window performance). The rate of change of the open-circuit voltage can be used as an indicator of the change (e.g., deterioration) of the window performance.

[0116] In some embodiments, the window controller described herein is suitable for integration with a BMS. A BMS is a computer-based control system installed in a facility (e.g., a building) that controls (e.g., monitors) the mechanical and / or electrical equipment of the building such as ventilation, lighting, power systems, elevators, fire protection systems, and / or security systems. The BMS consists of hardware and associated software including an interconnection of one or more computers via a communication channel, and the associated software is used to maintain conditions in the facility, for example, according to preferences set by the occupants and / or building managers. For example, the BMS can be implemented using a local area network such as Ethernet. The software can be at least partially based on, for example, Internet protocols and / or open standards. An example of the software is software from Tridium, Inc. (Richmond, Virginia). A communication protocol commonly used with BMS is BACnet (Building Automation and Control Network).

[0117] Building management systems (BMS) are common in larger buildings and can be used, at a minimum, to control the environment within the building. For example, a BMS can control temperature, carbon dioxide levels, and / or humidity within the building. There are various mechanical devices controlled by the BMS, such as heaters, air conditioners, blowers, vents, and so on. To control the building environment, the BMS can, for example, turn on and off any or all of these various devices under defined conditions. In some embodiments, a core function of the BMS is to maintain a comfortable, safe, and / or healthy environment for the building occupants, for example, while minimizing energy requirements (e.g., heating and / or cooling costs and / or demand). The BMS can be used to optimize the synergy between various systems (e.g., in terms of power consumption and / or cost). This synergy can be used, for example, to save energy and reduce building operating costs.

[0118] In some embodiments, a control system (e.g., components thereof such as window controllers) is integrated with the BMS. A window controller can be configured to control one or more switchable windows. In some embodiments, one or more switchable windows include at least one all-solid-state and inorganic electrochromic device. In some embodiments, the switchable windows include organic EC devices. In some embodiments, one or more electrochromic windows include only all-solid-state and inorganic windows. In some embodiments, the electrochromic windows are multi-state electrochromic windows as described in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 12 / 851,514, filed August 5, 2010, entitled "MULTIPANE ELECTROCHROMIC WINDOWS", which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0119] Figure 4 An example schematic diagram of an embodiment of a BMS 400 is shown, which is configured to manage multiple systems of a building 401, including a security system, heating / ventilation / air conditioning (HVAC), lighting of the building, a power system, elevators, a fire protection system, and so on. The security system can include magnetic card access, turnstiles, electromagnetically actuated door locks, surveillance cameras, burglar alarms, metal detectors, and so on. The fire protection system can include a fire alarm and a fire suppression system, which includes water pipe control. The lighting system can include interior lighting, exterior lighting, emergency warning lights, emergency exit signs, and emergency floor exit lighting. The power system can include a main power supply, a backup generator, and an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) network.

[0120] The BMS 400 manages a control system 402. In this example, the control system 402 is depicted as a distributed network of window controllers, which includes a master controller 403, intermediate network controllers 405a and 405b, and terminal or leaf controllers 410 as local controllers. The terminal or leaf controllers 410 can be similar to those previously associated with Figure 1A andFigure 1B The described window controller. For example, the main controller 403 may be near the BMS 400, and each floor of the building 401 may have one or more intermediate network controllers 405a and 405b, while each window of the building has its own terminal controller 410. The controller 410 may directly control one or more electrochromic windows of the building 401. Direct control means that there is no intermediate controller between the window controller and the window. For example, the window controller may be coupled to one or more colorable windows via wiring that is not interrupted by another controller.

[0121] At least one of the controllers 410 may be located at a position separate from the electrochromic window it controls. At least one of the controllers 410 may be integrated into the electrochromic window. For simplicity, ten electrochromic windows of the building 401 are depicted as being controlled by the control system 402. There may be a large number of electrochromic windows in the building controlled by the control system 402. The control system 402 does not need to be a distributed network of window controllers. For example, a single terminal controller that controls the function of a single electrochromic window falls within the scope of the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0122] One aspect of the disclosed embodiments is a BMS that includes, for example, a multi-purpose control system as described herein. By incorporating feedback from the control system, since the colorable windows can be automatically controlled, the BMS can provide, for example, enhanced: (1) environmental control, (2) energy savings, (3) security, (4) flexibility of control options, (5) improved reliability and service life of other systems (e.g., due to less dependence on them and thus less maintenance), (6) information availability and diagnostics, (7) effective use of staff, and various combinations thereof.

[0123] In some embodiments, the BMS may be absent or the BMS may be present but may not communicate with the control system or communicate with the control system at a high level. In some embodiments, since the colorable windows can be automatically controlled, the control system can provide, for example, enhanced: (1) environmental control, (2) energy savings, (3) security, (4) flexibility of control options, (5) improved reliability and service life of other systems (e.g., due to less dependence on them and thus less maintenance), (6) information availability and diagnostics, (7) effective use of staff, and various combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the maintenance of the BMS does not interrupt the control and / or operation of the colorable windows.

[0124] In some cases, the systems of the BMS 400 may operate according to daily, monthly, quarterly, and / or annual schedules. For example, the lighting control system (at Figure 4Shown as “lighting”), the HVAC system, the control system 402, and the security system can operate based on a 24-hour schedule that takes into account when people are in the building during weekdays. At night, the building can enter an energy-saving mode, and during the day, the systems can operate in a way that minimizes the building's energy consumption while providing occupant comfort. As another example, the systems can be turned off or enter an energy-saving mode during holidays.

[0125] The schedule information can be combined with geographic information. The geographic information can include the latitude and / or longitude of the building. The geographic information can include information about the direction that each side (e.g., facade) of the building faces. Using this information, different rooms on different sides of the building can be controlled in different ways. For example, for an east-facing room in a building during winter, the window controller can instruct the window to have no tint in the morning. Without tint, the room may get warm due to the sunlight shining into the room. The lighting control panel can instruct the lights to dim due to the lighting from the sunlight. The west-facing window can be controlled by the occupant of the room in the morning, for example because the tint of the west-facing window may have no impact on energy savings. However, the operating mode of the east-facing window and the west-facing window can be switched at night (e.g., when the sun sets, the west-facing window is not tinted to allow sunlight to enter for heating and lighting).

[0126] In Figure 4 In an example, the building 401 includes a building network, a BMS, and tintable windows of the building's exterior windows. The network is operably (e.g., communicatively) coupled to one or more sensors. For example, the building's exterior windows can be the windows that separate the interior of the building from the exterior of the building. The light from the building's exterior windows can have an impact on the interior lighting in the building that is about 20 feet or about 30 feet from the windows. Spaces in the building that are more than about 20 feet or about 30 feet away from the exterior windows can receive very little light from the exterior windows. Such spaces far from the exterior windows in the building can be illuminated by the building's lighting system. The temperature inside the building can be affected by the external light and / or the external temperature. For example, in cold weather and when the building is heated by a heating system, rooms closer to the doors and / or windows may lose heat faster than the interior areas of the building and be colder compared to the interior areas.

[0127] In some embodiments, the network is operably coupled to external sensors. The building can include external sensors on the building roof. The building can include external sensors associated with at least one (e.g., each) exterior window. The building can include external sensors on one or more (e.g., each) sides of the building. For example, when the sun changes its azimuth during the day, the external sensors (e.g., on each side of the building) can track the irradiance on the side of the building where they are located.

[0128] When the window controller is integrated into a building network (e.g., including the BMS 400), the output from an external sensor can be input into the network of the BMS 400 and provided as an input to the local terminal controller 410. For example, in some embodiments, the output signals from two or more sensors are received. In some embodiments, (e.g., only) one output signal is received, and in some other embodiments, three, four, five or more outputs are received. These output signals can be received via the building network (e.g., and / or the BMS).

[0129] In some embodiments, the received output signals include signals indicating the energy and / or power consumption of, for example, heating systems, cooling systems, and / or lighting within a facility (e.g., including at least one building). For example, the energy or power consumption of the heating system, cooling system, and / or lighting of a facility can be monitored to provide a signal indicating the energy or power consumption. The device can interface with or be attached to the circuits and / or wiring of the building to enable this monitoring. Alternatively, the electrical power system in the building can be installed such that the power consumed by the heating system, cooling system, and / or lighting in individual rooms or a group of rooms within the facility can be monitored.

[0130] Tint instructions can be provided to change the existing tint of a colorable window to a determined level of tint (e.g., a target tint level). For example, referring to Figure 4 , this can include the master controller 403 issuing commands to one or more intermediate network controllers 405a and / or 405b, which in turn issue commands to one or more terminal controllers 410 that control the windows of the building. The terminal controller 410 can apply voltage and / or current to the window to drive the change in tint according to the instructions.

[0131] In some embodiments, a building including electrochromic windows and a BMS can participate in a demand response program run by the utility that supplies power to the facility. The program can be one that reduces the energy consumption of the facility when an expected peak load occurs. The utility can send a warning signal before the expected peak load occurs. For example, the warning can be sent one day before the expected peak load occurs, in the morning of the expected peak load, or approximately one hour before the expected peak load occurs. For example, when the cooling system / air conditioner draws a large amount of power from the utility, a peak load can be expected to occur on a hot summer day. The warning signal can be received by the control system of the facility (e.g., and / or the BMS). The control system and / or the BMS can then instruct the window controller to change the appropriate electrochromic devices in the electrochromic windows to a darker or lighter tint level to assist in reducing the power draw of the cooling system and / or heating system in the building when an expected peak load occurs (e.g., to mitigate weather conditions).

[0132] In some embodiments, the colorable windows of the exterior windows of a building can be grouped into zones, where the colorable windows in a zone are indicated in a similar manner. For example, groups of electrochromic windows on different floors of a building or on different sides of a building can be in different zones. For example, on the first floor of a building, all east-facing electrochromic windows can be in zone 1, all south-facing electrochromic windows can be in zone 2, all west-facing electrochromic windows can be in zone 3, and all north-facing electrochromic windows can be in zone 4. As another example, all electrochromic windows on the first floor of a building can be in zone 1, all electrochromic windows on the second floor can be in zone 2, and all electrochromic windows on the third floor can be in zone 3. As yet another example, all east-facing electrochromic windows can be in zone 1, all south-facing electrochromic windows can be in zone 2, all west-facing electrochromic windows can be in zone 3, and all north-facing electrochromic windows can be in zone 4. As yet another example, the east-facing electrochromic windows on a floor can be divided into different zones. Any number of colorable windows on the same side and / or different sides and / or different floors of a building can be assigned to a zone. The zones of windows can be separated at least in part by: (i) the function of the room in which the window is located (e.g., a window in a conference room, an office, a cafeteria); (ii) the floor on which the window is located; (iii) the elevation on which the window is located; (iv) the owner or tenant of the facility portion in which the window is located; or (v) any combination thereof.

[0133] In some embodiments, the colorable windows in a zone can be controlled by the same window controller or by different window controllers (e.g., window controllers receiving the same direction). In some other embodiments, the window controllers controlling the windows in a zone can receive the same output signal from a sensor. The window controllers controlling the windows in a zone can use the same function or look-up table to determine the tint level of the windows in the zone.

[0134] In some embodiments, the colorable (e.g., electrochromic) windows in a zone can be controlled by a window controller receiving an output signal from a sensor (e.g., a transmissivity sensor). In some embodiments, the (e.g., transmissivity) sensor can be mounted close to the windows in the zone. For example, the (e.g., transmissivity) sensor can be mounted in or on a frame containing an IGU (e.g., mounted in or on a mullion, i.e., a horizontal or vertical window frame of the frame), which frame is included in the zone. In some embodiments, the colorable windows in a zone (such as those including windows on a single side of a building) can be controlled by a window controller receiving an output signal from a sensor (e.g., a transmissivity sensor).

[0135] In some embodiments, sensors (e.g., photoelectric sensors and / or IR sensors) may provide an output signal to a window controller to control a colorable (e.g., electrochromic) window in a first zone (e.g., a master control zone). The window controller may control the colorable window in a second zone (e.g., a slave control zone) in the same manner as the first zone. In some other embodiments, another window controller may control the colorable window in the second zone in the same manner as the first zone.

[0136] In some embodiments, a user (e.g., a building manager, an occupant of a room in the second zone, or another person) may manually instruct a colorable window in a second zone (e.g., a slave control zone) to enter a tint level, such as a colored (e.g., tinted) state (level) or a bleached state. The manual instruction may include using, for example, a tint or bleach command, or a command from a user console (e.g., of a BMS). In some embodiments, when overriding the tint level of the window in the second zone with such a manual command, the colorable window in the first zone (e.g., a master control zone) remains under the control of the window controller receiving the output from a (e.g., transmissivity) sensor. The second zone may remain in the manual command mode for a period of time, e.g., and then resume being under the control of the window controller receiving the output from a (e.g., transmissivity) sensor. For example, the second zone may remain in the manual mode for one hour after receiving the override command, e.g., and then may resume being under the control of the window controller receiving the output from a (e.g., transmissivity) sensor. The sensor may be any sensor disclosed herein.

[0137] In some embodiments, a user (e.g., a building manager, an occupant of a room in a second zone, or another person) may manually indicate a tint level of a window in a first zone (e.g., a master control zone), such as a tinted (e.g., colored) state or a de-tinted state. The manual indication may include using, for example, a tint command or a command from a user console (e.g., of a BMS). In some embodiments, when overriding the tint level of a window in the first zone with such a manual command, the tintable windows in a second zone (e.g., a slave control zone) remain under the control of a window controller that receives an output from an external sensor. The first zone may remain in the manual command mode for a period of time and then resume being under the control of the window controller that receives an output from a (e.g., transmissivity and / or external) sensor. For example, the first zone may remain in the manual mode for a certain time (e.g., one hour) after receiving an override command and then may resume being under the control of the window controller that receives an output from a (e.g., transmissivity and / or external) sensor. In some other embodiments, when receiving a manual override for the first zone, the tintable windows in the second zone may remain at the tint level they are in. The first zone may remain in the manual command mode for a period of time and then both the first zone and the second zone may resume being under the control of the window controller that receives an output from a (e.g., transmissivity and / or external) sensor. These windows may be divided into zones (e.g., at least partially based on the location, elevation, floor, ownership, utilization, any other specified metric, random assignment, or any combination thereof of the perimeter structure (e.g., room) in which the window is set). The assignment of windows to zones may be static or dynamic (e.g., based on heuristics). There may be at least about 2, 5, 10, 12, 15, 30, 40, or 46 windows in each zone.

[0138] In some embodiments, at least one device operates in cooperation with at least one other device coupled to a network. The device can be a switchable window. Control of the at least one device can be via Ethernet. For example, the tint level of the switchable window can be adjusted simultaneously. When the device is in use, the zones of the device can have at least one same characteristic. For example, when the switchable window is in a zone, the zone of the switchable window can cause its tint level to change (e.g., darken or lighten) to the same level (automatically). The device can be a sensor. For example, when sound sensors are in a zone, they can sample sound at the same frequency and / or during the same time window. The zone of the device can include multiple (e.g., the same type of) devices. The zone can include (i) switchable windows facing a particular direction of a perimeter structure (e.g., a facility), (ii) multiple devices disposed on a particular face (e.g., a facade) of the perimeter structure, (iii) devices on a particular floor of a facility, (iv) devices in a particular type of room and / or activity (e.g., an open space, an office, a conference room, a lecture hall, a corridor, a reception hall, or a cafeteria), (v) devices disposed on the same fixture (e.g., an interior or exterior wall), and / or (vi) a user-defined group of switchable windows (e.g., a group of switchable windows in a room or on a facade that is a subset of a larger group of switchable windows). The (automatic) adjustment of the device can be done automatically and / or by a user. The automatic change of the device attributes and / or states in a zone can be overridden by a user (e.g., by manually adjusting the tint level). The user can use a mobile circuit (e.g., a remote control, a virtual reality controller, a cellular phone, an electronic notepad, a laptop computer, and / or via a similar mobile device) to override the automatic adjustment of the devices in a zone.

[0139] In some embodiments, various devices (e.g., IGU) are grouped into target zones (e.g., of an EC window). At least one zone (e.g., each zone in the zones) may include a subset of the devices. For example, at least one (e.g., each) zone of the devices may be controlled by one or more corresponding floor controllers and one or more corresponding local controllers (e.g., window controllers), and these one or more corresponding local controllers are controlled by these floor controllers. In some examples, at least one (e.g., each) zone may be controlled by a single floor controller and two or more local (e.g., window) controllers, and these two or more local controllers are controlled by the single floor controller. For example, a zone may represent a logical grouping of devices. Each zone may correspond to a set of devices (e.g., of the same type) in a specific location or area of a facility, and this set of devices is driven together at least in part based on their location. For example, a facility (e.g., a building) may have four faces or sides (north, south, east, and west) and ten floors. In this teaching example, each zone may correspond to a set of smart windows (e.g., switchable windows) on a specific floor and on a specific one of the four faces. At least one (e.g., each) zone may correspond to a set of devices sharing one or more physical characteristics (e.g., device parameters such as size or age). In some embodiments, zones of devices may be grouped (e.g., defined) at least in part based on one or more non-physical characteristics such as, for example, security designations or business hierarchies (e.g., IGUs defining manager offices may be grouped in one or more zones, while IGUs defining non-manager offices may be grouped in one or more different zones).

[0140] In some embodiments, at least one (e.g., each) floor controller is capable of addressing all devices (e.g., of the same type or different types) in at least one (e.g., each) zone in one or more corresponding zones. For example, a master controller may issue a primary color command to a floor controller controlling a target zone. The primary color command may include an identification (hereinafter also referred to as "zone ID") of the target zone (e.g., an abstraction). For example, the zone ID may be a first protocol ID, such as the protocol ID just described in the above example. In such cases, the floor controller receives the primary color command including the color value and the zone ID, and maps the zone ID to a second protocol ID associated with a local controller within the zone. In some embodiments, the zone ID is a higher-level abstraction than the first protocol ID. In such cases, the floor controller 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.

[0141] In some embodiments, a facility may be divided into one or more zones. These zones may be defined at least in part by a customer or a facility manager. These zones may be defined at least in part automatically. For example, zones of a device (e.g., including a switchable window, a sensor, or a transmitter) may be associated with: (i) a building facade that the device faces, (ii) a floor on which the device is installed, (iii) a building in the facility in which the device is installed, (iv) the functionality of the enclosure (e.g., a meeting room, a gymnasium, an office, or a cafeteria) in which the device is installed, (iv) the regulations and / or actual occupancy (e.g., organizational function) of the enclosure in which the device is installed, (v) the regulations and / or actual activities in the enclosure in which the device is installed, (vi) the tenants, owners, and / or managers of the enclosure of the facility (e.g., for a facility with various tenants, owners, and / or managers) and / or (vii) the geographical location of the device. These zones may be changeable (e.g., using a software application), e.g., visually. The status of a zone (e.g., in combination with the status of the devices in that zone) may be displayed by an application (e.g., updated in real time or substantially in real time). One or more zones may be grouped. For example, all zones on a certain floor may be grouped. There may be a hierarchical structure of zones using any of the zone associations (i) to (vii). These zones may be created by a provider of the device, a control system, and / or a network. These zones may be generated by a user (e.g., a customer, a lessee, or a facility owner). Zones may be created at the level of a digital model (e.g., a Revit file) of the facility. The digital model and / or other similar files may be associated with the facility and the device. For example, a building information model (BIM) schematic as a Revit file, Microdesk (e.g., ModelStream), IMAGINiT, US ATG, or a similar facility-related digital file. In some embodiments, BIM is a computer-aided design (CAD) paradigm that allows for design based on intelligent, 3D, and / or parametric objects.

[0142] Regardless of whether the window controller is a stand-alone window controller, part of a control system, or interfaces with a building network (e.g., via its own part of the control system), any of the methods of controlling a switchable window described herein may be used to control the tint of the switchable window.

[0143] In some embodiments, the window controller described herein includes components for wired and / or wireless communication between the window controller, sensors, and / or separate communication nodes. The wireless and / or wired communication may be implemented using a communication interface that interfaces directly with the window controller. Such an interface may be local to a microprocessor. Such an interface may be provided via additional circuitry that implements these functions.

[0144] A separate communication node for wireless communication can be, for example, another wireless window controller, a local (e.g., a terminal), an intermediate or a master window controller, a remote control device, or a BMS. Wireless communication can be used in a window controller for at least one of the following operations: programming and / or operating a switchable window; collecting data from the switchable window from various sensors and protocols (e.g., as described herein); and / or using the switchable (e.g., electrochromic) window as a relay point for wireless communication. Data collected from the switchable window can include count data, such as the number of times an EC device is activated, the efficiency delivered by the EC device over time, and so on.

[0145] In one embodiment, wireless communication is used to operate an associated switchable window, e.g., via infrared (IR) and / or radio frequency (RF) signals. In some embodiments, the controller will include a wireless protocol chip, such as Bluetooth, EnOcean, WiFi, Zigbee, Global Positioning System (GPS), Ultra Wide Band (UWB), etc. The window controller can have wireless communication via a network. Inputs to the window controller can be manually input directly by a terminal user (e.g., at a wall switch) or via wireless communication. Inputs to the window controller can come from a BMS of which the switchable window of the building is a component.

[0146] In some embodiments, when the window controller is part of a distributed network of controllers (e.g., a control system), wireless communication is used to transmit at least a portion of data to and from each of a plurality of switchable windows via the distributed network of controllers. At least one (e.g., each) controller in the controller network can have wireless communication components. For example, again referring to Figure 4 , the master control 403 can communicate wirelessly with each of the intermediate network controllers 405a and 405b, which in turn can communicate wirelessly with the terminal controllers 410, each of which can be associated with an electrochromic window. The master control 403 can communicate wirelessly with the BMS 400. In one embodiment, at least one level of communication in the window controller is performed wirelessly. In one embodiment, at least one level of communication in the window controller is performed using wires.

[0147] In some embodiments, more than one mode of wireless communication protocol is used in the window controller distributed network. For example, the master window controller can communicate wirelessly with the intermediate controller via WiFi or Zigbee, while the intermediate controller communicates with the terminal controller via Bluetooth, Zigbee, EnOcean, or other protocols. In another example, the window controller has a redundant wireless communication system for flexibility in wireless communication selection by the terminal user.

[0148] In some embodiments, wireless communication between the main window controller and / or the intermediate window controller and the terminal window controller provides the advantage of avoiding the installation of hard communication lines. For example, for wireless communication between a window controller and a BMS. In some embodiments, wireless communication in these roles can be used to transfer data to and from a switchable window for operating the window and providing data to, for example, a BMS to optimize the environment and energy savings in a building. Window position data and feedback from sensors can be used in concert for such optimization. For example, granular-level (window-by-window) microclimate information is fed to the BMS to optimize the environment of one or more buildings.

[0149] In some embodiments, sensors are operatively coupled to at least one controller and / or processor. Sensor readings can be obtained by one or more processors and / or controllers. The controller may include a processing unit (e.g., including a CPU or GPU). The controller may receive inputs (e.g., from at least one sensor). The controller may include circuitry, electrical wiring, optical wiring, sockets, and / or power outlets. The controller may pass outputs. The controller may include multiple (e.g., sub-) controllers. The controller may be part of a control system. The control system may include a main controller, a set of floor controllers (e.g., including network controllers), and a set of local controllers. The set of local controllers may include window controllers (e.g., controlling optically switchable windows), building envelope controllers, and / or component controllers. For example, the controller may be part of a hierarchical control system (e.g., including a main controller that directs one or more controllers, such as floor controllers, local controllers (e.g., window controllers), building envelope controllers, and / or component controllers).

[0150] The physical location of the type of controller in a hierarchical control system can change over time. For example, at a first time: a first processor may assume the role of the main controller, a second processor may assume the role of the floor controller, and a third processor may assume the role of the local controller. At a second time, the second processor may assume the role of the main controller, the first processor may assume the role of the floor controller, and the third processor may maintain the role of the local controller. At a third time, the third processor may assume the role of the main controller, the second processor may assume the role of the floor controller, and the first processor may assume the role of the local controller.

[0151] The controller may control one or more devices (e.g., and be directly coupled to these devices). The controller may be disposed near one or more of the devices it controls. For example, the controller may control an optically switchable device (e.g., an IGU), an antenna, a sensor, and / or an output device (e.g., a light source, a sound source, an odor source, a gas source, an HVAC power outlet, or a heater). The output device may be a "transmitter".

[0152] In one embodiment, a floor controller may direct one or more lower hierarchical structure controllers (e.g., local controllers). The lower hierarchical structure controllers may include one or more window controllers, one or more perimeter structure controllers, one or more component controllers, or any combination thereof. For example, a floor (e.g., including a network) controller may control multiple local (e.g., including window) controllers. The multiple local controllers may be disposed in a portion of the facility (e.g., in a portion of a building). A portion of the facility may be a floor of the facility. For example, a floor controller may be assigned to a floor. In some embodiments, for example, depending on the floor size and / or the number of local controllers coupled to the floor controller, a floor may include multiple floor controllers. For example, a floor controller may be assigned to a portion of a floor. For example, a floor controller may be assigned to a portion of the local controllers disposed in the facility. For example, a floor controller may be assigned to a portion of a floor of the facility.

[0153] A master controller may be coupled to one or more lower hierarchical structure (e.g., floor) controllers. The floor controllers may be disposed in the facility. The master controller may be disposed within the facility or outside the facility. The master controller may be disposed in the cloud. The controller may be part of a building management system or operatively coupled to a building management system. The controller may receive one or more inputs. The controller may generate one or more outputs. The controller may be a single-input single-output controller (SISO) or a multi-input multi-output controller (MIMO). The controller may interpret the received input signals. The controller may obtain data from one or more components (e.g., sensors). Obtaining may include receiving or extracting. The data may include measurements, estimates, determinations, generations, or any combination thereof. The controller may include feedback control.

[0154] The controller may include feedforward control. The control may include on / off control, proportional control, proportional-integral (PI) control, or proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control. The control may include open-loop control or closed-loop control. The controller may include closed-loop control. The controller may include open-loop control. The controller may include a user interface. The user interface may include (or be operatively coupled to) a keyboard, keypad, mouse, touch screen, microphone, speech recognition package, camera, imaging system, or any combination thereof. The output may include a display (e.g., a screen), speaker, or printer.

[0155] Figure 5Shows an example of a control system architecture 500 including a controller hierarchy. The controller hierarchy includes a master controller 508 that controls a floor controller 506. The floor controller 506 in turn controls local controllers 504. In some embodiments, the local controllers of the local controllers 504 control one or more IGU, one or more sensors, one or more output devices (e.g., one or more transmitters), or any combination thereof. In Figure 5 the illustrative configuration, the master controller 508 is operatively (e.g., wirelessly and / or wired) coupled to a building management system (BMS) 524 and a database 520. Figure 5 The arrows in indicate communication paths. The controller may be operatively (e.g., directly / indirectly and / or wired and / or wirelessly) coupled to an external source 510. The external source 510 may include a network. The external source 510 may include one or more sensors or output devices. The external source 510 may include cloud-based applications and / or databases. The communication may be wired and / or wireless. The external source 510 may be located outside the facility. For example, the external source 510 may include one or more sensors and / or antennas disposed, for example, on the walls or ceiling of the facility. The communication may be one-way or two-way. In Figure 5 the example shown, all communication arrows may be two-way.

[0156] The controller may monitor and / or direct (e.g., physical) changes in the operating conditions of the devices, software, and / or methods described herein. Control may include regulating, manipulating, restricting, guiding, monitoring, adjusting, modulating, changing, altering, suppressing, checking, directing, or managing. What is controlled (e.g., by the controller) may include attenuating, modulating, changing, managing, suppressing, regulating, constraining, supervising, manipulating, and / or guiding. Control may include controlling control variables (e.g., temperature, power, voltage, and / or distribution). Control may include real-time or offline control. The computations utilized by the controller may be done in real-time and / or offline. The controller may be a manual or non-manual controller. The controller may be an automatic controller. The controller may operate upon request. The controller may be a programmable controller. The controller may be programmed. The controller may include a processing unit (e.g., a CPU or GPU). The controller may receive inputs (e.g., from at least one sensor). The controller may deliver outputs. The controller may include multiple (e.g., sub) controllers. The controller may be part of a control system. The control system may include a master controller, a floor controller, local controllers (e.g., a perimeter controller or a window controller). The controller may receive one or more inputs. The controller may generate one or more outputs. The controller may be a single input single output controller (SISO) or a multi-input multi-output controller (MIMO). The controller may interpret the received input signals.

[0157] The controller can obtain data from one or more sensors. Obtaining can include receiving or extracting. The data can include measurements, estimates, determinations, generations, or any combination thereof. The controller can include feedback control. The controller can include feedforward control. The control can include on-off control, proportional control, proportional-integral (PI) control, or proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control. The control can include open-loop control or closed-loop control. The controller can include closed-loop control. The controller can include open-loop control. The controller can include a user interface. The user interface can include (or be operatively coupled to) a keyboard, keypad, mouse, touch screen, microphone, speech recognition package, camera, imaging system, or any combination thereof. The output can include a display (e.g., a screen), speaker, or printer.

[0158] The methods, systems, software, and / or devices described herein can include and / or utilize a control system. The control system can communicate with any of the devices (e.g., sensors) described herein. At least two of the sensors can be of the same type or different types, such as described herein. For example, the control system can communicate with a first sensor and / or a second sensor. The control system can control (e.g., direct) one or more sensors. The control system can control one or more components of a building management system (e.g., lighting, security, and / or HVAC systems). The controller can adjust at least one (e.g., environmental) characteristic of the enclosure. The control system can use any component of the building management system to adjust the enclosure environment. For example, the control system can adjust the energy supplied by a heating element and / or by a cooling element. For example, the control system can adjust the speed of air flowing into and / or out of the enclosure through a vent.

[0159] The control system can include a processor. The processor can be a processing unit. The controller can include a processing unit. The processing unit can be central. The processing unit can include a central processing unit (abbreviated herein as "CPU"). The processing unit can be a graphics processing unit (abbreviated herein as "GPU"). The controller or control mechanism (e.g., including a computer system) can be programmed to implement one or more of the methods of the present disclosure. The processor can be programmed to implement the methods of the present disclosure. The controller can control at least one component of the systems and / or devices disclosed herein.

[0160] In some embodiments, a building network infrastructure has a vertical data plane (between building floors) and a horizontal data plane (within a single floor or multiple adjacent floors). In some cases, the horizontal and vertical data planes have the same or similar data-carrying capabilities and components. In other cases, the two data planes have different data-carrying capabilities. For example, the vertical data plane may include components for faster data transfer rates and / or bandwidth. In one example, the vertical data plane includes components that support Ethernet transmission at at least about 10, 20, or 50 gigabits per second or faster (e.g., using UTP wires and / or fiber optic cables), whereas the horizontal data plane includes components that support Ethernet transmission at up to about 1, 3, 5, or 8 gigabits per second, for example, via coaxial cable. In some cases, the horizontal data plane supports data transmission via the Multimedia over Coax Alliance (MoCA) 2.5 standard or the MoCA 3.0 standard. In certain embodiments, the connections between floors on the vertical data plane employ control panels with high-speed Ethernet switches. These control panels can communicate with nodes on a given floor, for example, via a MoCA interface and an associated coaxial cable on the horizontal data plane.

[0161] Data transmission and, in some embodiments, voice services can be provided in a facility (e.g., a building), for example, via wireless communication to and / or from the occupants of the building. In the United States, current third-generation (3G), fourth-generation (4G), and fifth-generation (5G) cellular communication standards are deployed using spectrum allocations in the 600 MHz - 850 MHz and 1700 - 2300 MHz frequency ranges. For example, these deployments can be problematic due to radio frequency (RF) attenuation caused by some common building materials used in walls, floors, ceilings, and windows. Although 5G systems currently operate in the 600-MHz and 850-MHz bands, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has allocated several additional bands for 5G, including the 24-GHz and 39-GHz millimeter wave (mmW) bands. At mmWave frequencies, building attenuation can become much more severe compared to the situation at 600 - 2300 MHz.

[0162] In some embodiments (e.g., to address challenges of RF attenuation), a building may be equipped with components that serve as gateways or ports to cellular signals. Such gateways may be coupled to infrastructure that provides wireless services within the building via internal antennas and other infrastructure that implements Wi-Fi, small cell services (e.g., via microcell or femtocell devices), CBRS, etc. Gateways for such services (e.g., access points) may include high-speed fiber optic cables (e.g., installed underground) from a carrier central office, point-to-point microwave links between the central office and the facility, and / or wireless signals received at antennas located on the exterior of the building (e.g., donor antennas or sky sensors located on the roof of the building). The high-speed fiber optic cable or point-to-point microwave link is sometimes referred to as "backhaul."

[0163] In some embodiments, one or more sensors are included in the perimeter structure. For example, the perimeter structure may include at least 1, 2, 4, 5, 8, 10, 20, 50, or 500 sensors. The perimeter structure may include a plurality of sensors within a range between any of the above values (e.g., from about 1 to about 1000, from about 1 to about 500, or from about 500 to about 1000). The sensors can be of any type. For example, the sensors may be configured (e.g., and / or designed) to measure the concentration of gases (e.g., carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulfide, volatile organic chemicals, or radon). For example, the sensors may be configured to measure current. For example, the sensors may be configured to measure voltage. For example, the sensors may be configured to measure current. For example, the sensors may be configured (e.g., and / or designed) to measure ambient noise. For example, the sensors may be configured (e.g., and / or designed) to measure electromagnetic radiation (e.g., RF, microwave, infrared, visible light, and / or ultraviolet radiation). For example, the sensors may be configured (e.g., and / or designed) to measure security-related parameters such as (e.g., glass) breakage and / or unauthorized presence of personnel in restricted areas. The sensors may cooperate with one or more (e.g., active) devices such as radar or lidar. The devices are operable to detect the physical dimensions of the perimeter structure, the personnel present in the perimeter structure, the fixed objects in the perimeter structure, and / or the moving objects in the perimeter structure.

[0164] In some embodiments, sensors can facilitate controlling the environment of a peripheral structure such that the inhabitants of the peripheral structure can have an environment that is more comfortable, pleasant, beautiful, healthy, productive (e.g., in terms of inhabitant performance), easier to live in (e.g., work) or any combination thereof. The sensors can be configured as low-resolution sensors or high-resolution sensors. The sensors can provide on / off indications of the occurrence and / or presence of a particular environmental event (e.g., a pixel sensor). In some embodiments, the accuracy and / or resolution of the sensors can be enhanced by performing artificial intelligence analysis on their measurement results. Examples of artificial intelligence techniques that can be used include: reactive, limited memory, theory of mind, and / or self-awareness techniques known to those skilled in the art. The sensors can be configured to process, measure, analyze, detect, and / or react to one or more of the following: data, temperature, humidity, sound, force, pressure, electromagnetic waves, position, distance, motion, flow, acceleration, velocity, vibration, dust, light, glare, color, gas, and / or other aspects (e.g., characteristics) of the environment (e.g., of the peripheral structure). The gas can include volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The gas can include carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, water vapor (e.g., moisture), oxygen, radon, and / or hydrogen sulfide. One or more sensors can be calibrated in a factory scenario. The sensors can be optimized to be able to perform accurate measurements of one or more environmental characteristics present in the factory scenario.

[0165] In some cases, factory-calibrated sensors may not be well-optimized for operation in a target environment. For example, the factory scenario can include an environment that is different from the target environment. The target environment can be the environment in which the sensor is deployed. The target environment can be the environment in which the sensor is expected and / or predetermined to operate. The target environment can be different from the factory environment. The factory environment corresponds to the location where the sensor is assembled and / or constructed. The target environment can include a factory in which the sensor is not assembled and / or constructed. In some cases, the factory scenario can be different from the target environment to the extent that sensor readings captured in the target environment are incorrect (e.g., to a measurable degree). In this context, "incorrect" can refer to sensor readings that deviate from a specified accuracy (e.g., specified by the manufacturer of the sensor). In some cases, factory-calibrated sensors may provide readings that do not meet (e.g., as specified by the manufacturer) the accuracy specifications when operating in the target environment.

[0166] In some embodiments, the sensor is operatively coupled to at least one controller. The coupling may include a communication link. The communication link may include any suitable communication medium (e.g., wired and / or wireless). The communication link may include wires, such as one or more conductors arranged as twisted pairs, coaxial cables, and / or optical fibers. The communication link may include a wireless communication link, such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, ZigBee, cellular, or optical fiber. One or more segments of the communication link may include a conductive (e.g., wired) medium, while one or more other segments of the communication link may include a wireless link.

[0167] In some embodiments, the perimeter structure is a facility (e.g., a building). The perimeter structure may include walls, doors, or windows. In some embodiments, at least two of the plurality of perimeter structures are provided in the facility. In some embodiments, at least two of the plurality of perimeter structures are provided in different facilities. The different facilities may be a campus (e.g., belonging to the same entity). At least two of the plurality of perimeter structures may reside on the same floor of the facility. At least two of the plurality of perimeter structures may reside on different floors of the facility.

[0168] In some embodiments, after installing the first sensor, the sensor performs self-calibration to establish an operating baseline. The execution of the self-calibration operation may be initiated by a single sensor, a nearby second sensor, or by one or more controllers. For example, at the time of installation and / or after installation, the sensor deployed in the perimeter structure may perform a self-calibration procedure. The baseline may correspond to a lower threshold from which it is expected that the sensor readings collected include values above the lower threshold. The baseline may correspond to a higher threshold from which it is expected that the sensor readings collected include values below the higher threshold. The self-calibration procedure may start with a search time window for the sensor during which fluctuations or perturbations of relevant parameters are normal. In some embodiments, the time window is sufficient to collect sensing data (e.g., sensor readings) that allows separating and / or identifying signals and noise from the sensing data. The time window may be pre-determined. The time window may be undefined. The time window may remain open (e.g., continuous) until a calibration value is obtained.

[0169] In some embodiments, the sensor may search for an optimal time to measure a baseline (e.g., within a time window). The optimal time (e.g., within the time window) may be a time span during which (i) the measured signal is most stable and / or (ii) the signal-to-noise ratio is highest. The measured signal may contain a certain degree of noise. The complete absence of noise may indicate a sensor failure or an unsuitable environment. The sensed signal (e.g., sensor data) may include a timestamp of the measurement result of the data. A time window may be assigned to the sensor during which the sensor may sense the environment. The time window may be pre-determined (e.g., using third-party information and / or historical data regarding the characteristics measured by the sensor). The signal may be analyzed during the time window, and an optimal time span may be found within the time window during which the measured signal is most stable and / or the signal-to-noise ratio is highest. The time span may be equal to or shorter than the time window. The time span may occur during the entire time window or during a portion of the time window.

[0170] In some embodiments, a sensor assembly includes at least two sensors of the same type. A sensor assembly may refer to a collection of various different sensors. In some embodiments, at least two sensors in the assembly cooperate to determine, for example, environmental parameters of a peripheral structure in which they are disposed. For example, the sensor assembly may include a carbon dioxide sensor, a carbon monoxide sensor, a volatile organic chemical sensor, an environmental noise sensor, a visible light sensor, a temperature sensor, and / or a humidity sensor. The sensor assembly may include other types of sensors, and the claimed subject matter is not limited in this regard. The peripheral structure may include one or more sensors that are not part of the sensor assembly. The peripheral structure may include multiple assemblies. At least two of the multiple assemblies may differ in at least one of their sensors. At least two of the multiple assemblies may have at least one sensor that is similar (e.g., of the same type) in their sensors. For example, an assembly may have two motion sensors and one temperature sensor. For example, an assembly may have a carbon dioxide sensor and an IR sensor. The assembly may include one or more devices that are not sensors. One or more other devices that are not sensors may include a sound emitter (e.g., a buzzer) and / or an electromagnetic radiation emitter (e.g., a light-emitting diode). In some embodiments, a single sensor (e.g., not in an assembly) may be disposed adjacent to (e.g., in close proximity such as in contact with) another device that is not a sensor.

[0171] In some embodiments, multiple sensors are assembled into a sensor kit (e.g., a sensor assembly). At least two of the multiple sensors can be of different types (e.g., configured to measure different characteristics). Various sensor types can be assembled together (e.g., bundled) and form a sensor kit. The multiple sensors can be coupled to an electronic board. The electrical connection of at least two of the multiple sensors in the sensor kit can be controlled (e.g., manually and / or automatically). For example, the sensor kit can be operatively coupled to or include a controller (e.g., a microcontroller). The controller can control the connection of the sensors to and from the power supply. Thus, the controller can control the time (e.g., period) during which the sensors will operate.

[0172] In certain embodiments, one or more sensors of the sensor assembly provide readings. In some embodiments, the sensors are configured to sense parameters. The parameters can include temperature, particulate matter, volatile organic compounds, electromagnetic energy, pressure, acceleration, time, radar, lidar, glass breakage, movement, or gas. The gas can include inert gas. The gas can be inert. The gas can be a gas harmful to ordinary people. The gas can be a gas present in ambient atmosphere (e.g., oxygen, carbon dioxide, ozone, chlorinated carbon compounds, or nitrogen). The gas can include radon, carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulfide, hydrogen, oxygen, water (e.g., moisture). The electromagnetic sensors can include infrared, visible light, ultraviolet sensors. The infrared radiation can be passive infrared radiation (e.g., blackbody radiation). The electromagnetic sensors can sense radio waves. The radio waves can include narrowband, broadband, or ultra-wideband radio signals. The radio waves can include pulsed radio waves. The radio waves can include radio waves utilized in communications. The gas sensors can sense gas type, flow (e.g., velocity and / or acceleration), pressure, and / or concentration. The readings can have an amplitude range. The readings can have a parameter range. For example, the parameter can be the electromagnetic wavelength, and the range can be the range of the detected wavelengths.

[0173] In some embodiments, the sensor data is responsive to the environment in the perimeter structure and / or any inducing factor that varies in that environment (e.g., any environmental perturbation factor). The sensor data can be responsive to a transmitter (e.g., an occupant, an appliance (e.g., a heater, a cooler, a ventilation device, and / or a vacuum device), an opening) that is operatively coupled to (e.g., within) the perimeter structure. For example, the sensor data can be responsive to an air conditioning duct or to an open window. The sensor data can be responsive to activities occurring in a room. The activities can include human activities and / or non-human activities. The activities can include electronic activities, gas activities, and / or chemical activities. The activities can include sensory activities (e.g., visual, tactile, olfactory, auditory, and / or gustatory). The activities can include electronic and / or magnetic activities. The activities can be perceived by a person. The activities may not be perceived by a person. The sensor data can be responsive to an occupant in the perimeter structure, a flow of a substance (e.g., a gas), a pressure of a substance (e.g., a gas), and / or a temperature.

[0174] In some embodiments, data from sensors in the perimeter structure (e.g., and in a sensor assembly) is collected and / or processed (e.g., analyzed). The data processing can be performed by a processor of the sensor, by a processor of the sensor assembly, by another sensor, by another assembly, in the cloud, by a processor of a controller, by a processor in the perimeter structure, by a processor external to the perimeter structure, by a remote processor (e.g., in a different facility), by a manufacturer (e.g., of the sensor, the window, and / or the building network). The data of the sensor can have a time indication identifier (e.g., be timestampable). The data of the sensor can have a sensor location identifier (e.g., be location stamped). The sensor can be operatively coupled to one or more controllers in an identifiable manner.

[0175] In some embodiments, the processed data derived from the sensors includes applying one or more models. The model can include a mathematical model. The processing can include fitting of the model (e.g., curve fitting). The model can be multi-dimensional (e.g., two-dimensional or three-dimensional). The model can be represented as a graph (e.g., a 2D graph or a 3D graph). For example, the model can be represented as a contour plot. The modeling can include one or more matrices. The model can include a topological model. The model can relate to the topology of the sensed parameters in the perimeter structure. The model can relate to the temporal variation of the topology of the sensed parameters in the perimeter structure. The model can be environment and / or perimeter structure specific. The model can take into account one or more characteristics of the perimeter structure (e.g., dimensions, openings, and / or environmental perturbation factors (e.g., transmitters)). The processing of the sensor data can utilize historical sensor data and / or current (e.g., real-time) sensor data. The data processing (e.g., using the model) can be used to predict environmental changes in the perimeter structure and / or to recommend actions to mitigate, adjust, or otherwise react to the change.

[0176] The characteristics of a given environment can be measured using the position and / or fixed features of the perimeter structure (e.g., the placement of walls and / or windows). The position and / or fixed features of the perimeter structure can be derived independently (e.g., from third - party data and / or non - sensor data). The position and / or fixed features of the perimeter structure can be derived using data from one or more sensors disposed in the environment. When the environment is minimally disturbed relative to the environmental characteristics being measured (e.g., when there is no person present in the environment and / or when the environment is quiet), some sensor data can be used to sense the position of (e.g., fixed and / or non - fixed) objects to determine the environment. Determining the position of the objects includes determining the occupancy (e.g., of humans) in the environment. Distance and / or position - related measurements can utilize sensors such as radar and / or ultrasonic sensors. Distance and position - related measurements can be derived from sensors that are not traditionally related to position and / or distance.

[0177] The sensors of a sensor assembly can be organized into sensor modules. The sensor assembly can include a circuit board (such as a printed circuit board) to which multiple sensors are adhered or attached. A sensor can be removed from the sensor module. For example, a sensor can be inserted into and / or pulled out of the circuit board. A sensor can be individually activated and / or deactivated (e.g., using a switch). The circuit board can include a polymer. The circuit board can be transparent or non - transparent. The circuit board can include metals (e.g., elemental metals and / or metal alloys). The circuit board can include conductors. The circuit board can include insulators. The circuit board can have any geometry (e.g., rectangular or oval). The circuit board can be configured (e.g., can have a certain shape) to allow the assembly to be set in a mullion (e.g., of a window). The circuit board can be configured (e.g., can have a certain shape) to allow the assembly to be set in a frame (e.g., door frame and / or window frame). The mullion and / or frame can include one or more holes to allow the sensors to obtain (e.g., accurate) readings. The circuit board can include electrical connection ports (e.g., sockets). The circuit board can be connected to a power source (e.g., electricity). The power source can include a renewable power source or a non - renewable power source.

[0178] Figure 6FIG. 600 shows an example of a system 600 including an aggregate of sensors organized into sensor modules. Sensors 610A, 610B, 610C, and 610D are shown as being included in sensor aggregate 605. The aggregate of sensors organized into sensor modules (including sensor aggregate 605) can include at least 1, 2, 4, 5, 8, 10, 20, 50, or 500 sensors. The sensor module can include a plurality of sensors within a range between any of the above values (e.g., from about 1 to about 1000, from about 1 to about 500, or from about 500 to about 1000). The sensors of the sensor module can include sensors configured or designed to sense parameters including temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide, particulate matter (e.g., between 2.5 μm and 10 μm), total volatile organic compounds (e.g., changes in voltage potential caused by surface adsorption of volatile organic compounds), ambient light, audio noise level, pressure (e.g., gas and / or liquid), acceleration, time, radar, lidar, radio signals (e.g., ultra-wideband radio signals), passive infrared, glass break, or motion detectors. The sensor aggregate (e.g., 605) can include non-sensor devices such as buzzers and light-emitting diodes. Examples of sensor aggregates and their use can be found in U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 16 / 447,169, filed on June 20, 2019, entitled "SENSING AND COMMUNICATIONS UNIT FOR OPTICALLY SWITCHABLE WINDOW SYSTEMS," which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0179] In some embodiments, an increase in the number and / or type of sensors can be used to increase the accuracy of one or more measurement characteristics and / or the probability that a particular event measured by one or more sensors has occurred. In some embodiments, the sensors of the sensor aggregate can cooperate with each other. In one example, a radar sensor of the sensor aggregate can determine the presence of a plurality of individuals in a perimeter structure. A processor (e.g., processor 615) can determine that the detection of the presence of a plurality of individuals in the perimeter structure is positively correlated with an increase in carbon dioxide concentration. In one example, a memory accessible by the processor can determine that an increase in detected infrared energy is positively correlated with an increase in temperature detected by a temperature sensor. In some embodiments, a network interface (e.g., 650) can communicate with other sensor aggregates similar to the sensor aggregate. The network interface can additionally communicate with a controller.

[0180] Individual sensors of the sensor assembly (e.g., sensor 610A, sensor 610D, etc.) may include and / or utilize at least one dedicated processor. The sensor assembly may utilize a remote processor (e.g., 654) using wireless and / or wired communication links. The sensor assembly may utilize at least one processor (e.g., processor 652), which may represent a cloud-based processor coupled to the sensor assembly via the cloud (e.g., 651). The processors (e.g., 652 and / or 654) may be located in the same building, different buildings, buildings owned by the same or different entities, a facility owned by the manufacturer of the window / controller / sensor assembly, or any other location. In various embodiments, as Figure 6 indicated by the dashed lines of, the sensor assembly 605 need not include a separate processor and network interface. These entities may be separate entities and operatively coupled to the assembly 605. Figure 6 The dashed lines in indicate optional features. In some embodiments, the on-board processing and / or memory of one or more assemblies of sensors may be used to support other functions (e.g., by allocating the assembly memory and / or processing capabilities to the building's network infrastructure).

[0181] In some embodiments, multiple sensors of the same type may be distributed in the perimeter structure. At least one sensor of the multiple sensors of the same type may be part of an assembly. For example, at least two sensors of the multiple sensors of the same type may be part of at least two assemblies. The sensor assemblies may be distributed in the perimeter structure. The perimeter structure may include a meeting room. For example, multiple sensors of the same type may measure environmental parameters in the meeting room. In response to measuring the environmental parameters of the perimeter structure, a parameter topology of the perimeter structure may be generated. Output signals from any type of sensor of the sensor assembly may be utilized to generate the parameter topology, e.g., as disclosed herein. A parameter topology may be generated for any perimeter structure of a facility such as a meeting room, corridor, bathroom, cafeteria, garage, auditorium, utility room, storage facility, equipment room, and / or elevator.

[0182] In some embodiments, sensor assemblies are distributed throughout the perimeter structure. Sensors of the same type may be dispersed in the perimeter structure, e.g., to allow measurement of environmental parameters at various locations in the perimeter structure. Sensors of the same type may measure gradients along one or more dimensions of the perimeter structure. The gradients may include temperature gradients, environmental noise gradients, or any other variation (e.g., increase or decrease) of a measured parameter as a function of the position from a point. The gradients may be utilized to determine that a sensor is providing an incorrect measurement result (e.g., sensor failure). Figure 8 An example of an illustration 890 showing the arrangement of sensor assemblies in a perimeter structure is shown. InFigure 8 In the example, the assembly 892A is positioned at a distance D1 from the vent 896. The sensor assembly 892B is positioned at a distance D2 from the vent 896. The sensor assembly 892C is positioned at a distance D3 from the vent 896. The vent 896 may correspond to an air-conditioning vent, which represents a relatively constant source of cooling air and a relatively constant source of white noise. Thus, temperature and noise measurements can be made by the sensor assembly 892A.

[0183] Alternatively or additionally, the sensor assembly 892A can make current and / or voltage measurements on one or more IGUs. These current measurement results and / or voltage measurement results can be associated with the tint transitions of one or more IGUs. These current measurement results and / or voltage measurement results can be compared with the failure flags of one or more IGUs to identify existing IGU failures and / or predict future IGU failures. The current and voltage measurements made by the sensor 892A are shown by the output reading distribution 894A. The output reading distribution 894A indicates a relatively low current and a relatively medium voltage. The current and voltage measurements made by the sensor assembly 892B are shown by the output reading distribution 894B. The output reading distribution 894B indicates a slightly higher current and a slightly reduced voltage. The current and voltage measurements made by the sensor assembly 892C are shown by the output reading distribution 894C. The output reading distribution 894C indicates a current slightly higher than the current measured by the sensor assemblies 892B and 892A. The voltage measured by the sensor assembly 892C indicates a lower level than the voltages measured by the sensor assemblies 892A and 892B. In the example, if the current measured by the sensor assembly 892C indicates a much higher current than the current measured by the sensor assembly 892A, one or more processors and / or controllers can interpret the current measured by the sensor assembly 892C as indicating an existing or future IGU failure.

[0184] In some embodiments, the control system is configured to change the tint of the switchable window into a plurality of different tint states, such as at least 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or 10 tint states. In some embodiments, the control system is configured to continuously change the tint of the switchable window. In some examples, the different tint states include a bleached state (tint 1), a darker tint state (tint 2), an even darker tint state (tint 3), and a darkest tint state (tint 4). For a given tint transition of the IGU size, (i) the amount of charge that needs to be transferred and (ii) the voltage required to transfer the charge to complete the transition should remain constant over time. When a larger (or increasingly larger) voltage difference and / or charge transfer are required to achieve a tint transition, an IGU failure may be imminent or occurring.

[0185] Figure 9AShows an example of a graph of charge versus time depicting an IGU transitioning from a bleached state (T1) to the darkest tint (T4), which began to deviate from normal operation with less change in migration when the same voltage difference was applied on May 22, 2020, and thus received a failure prediction. Figure 9B Shows an example of a graph of leakage current versus time depicting an IGU transitioning from T1 to T4, which depleted an increased amount of current at time 900 and beyond, and received a failure prediction. The tint transition from T1 to T4 may or may not involve one or more intermediate tints between T1 and T4. For example, these intermediate tints may include a second tint T2 and a third tint T3. In Figure 9A , the charge is shown in coulombs (C). In Figure 9B the leakage current is shown in milliamperes (mA). Figure 9A and Figure 9B The horizontal axis representing time in Figure 9A and Figure 9B is scaled and automatically generated based on the available data from a window controller (WC) coupled to the switchable window. The switchable window has a unique identifier (e.g., a lean identifier (ID)), and the window controller has a unique identifier. Each point on the graph represents a full tint transition of a specified type, which in this example is a tint transition from T1 to T4. For a window controller-switchable window pair, as shown in the graphs of

[0186] In some embodiments, the sensor system is used in conjunction with artificial intelligence (AI) to predict and identify electrochromic window failures. Over time, a large amount of data can be accumulated from the electrochromic window controller. This data can be correlated with current measurements and / or voltage measurements applied to facilitate the tint transition of one or more windows. The measurements can be stored in a database. In addition to the measured values, the measurements can also include: (i) a timestamp, (ii) a date stamp, (iii) a controller ID, (iv) an electrochromic window ID, and / or (v) a measurement type. The framework can be configured to retrieve window controller data, aggregate data, and use the data to evaluate and / or predictively service a window that exhibits a failure signature, for example. Statistical measurements of current and / or voltage can be used to identify the failure signature. The ID can include a sequence identifier of the device and the ID can be alphanumeric. (For example, subsequently) the ID can be hashed. For example, a hexadecimal or base 64 character set can be used to transform the ID.

[0187] Currently, static rules (e.g., excluding learning systems) are sometimes used to alert of electrochromic window failures (e.g., using thresholds and / or functions) in an attempt to minimize false readings. Such static rules and thresholds can provide a rigid framework that sometimes cannot adequately predict the failure of an electrochromic window before the failure is visibly apparent.

[0188] In some embodiments, at least one controller and / or software is used to implement a method for warning of failures of switchable windows. The switchable window can include an IGU, electrochromic glass, and / or mechanically controlled shading. Current, voltage, and / or sensor measurements can be obtained that are related to the switchable window of the building envelope. The facility can include a number of buildings. The building can include one or more rooms. The building envelope can include a facility, a building, or a portion thereof (e.g., a hallway or a room). The sensors can include acoustic, motion, vibration, temperature, and / or electromagnetic sensors (e.g., photo sensors). These sensors can include transmissivity sensors. The sensors can be sensitive to visible light, IR, and / or UV radiation. The electrochromic glass can act as a sensor. These sensors can be any of the sensors disclosed herein. Integration (e.g., integration) and / or derivation (e.g., derivative) of the measurements (e.g., voltage and / or current) can be utilized. Relevant data can be accessed from various sensors disposed in and / or on the facility. The data can be organized (e.g., assigned, classified, and / or reorganized). Using (e.g., at least in part based on) the relevant data, the reliability of the measurements (e.g., current and / or voltage, and / or other sensor measurements) can be determined. For example, during normal operation of the sensors and / or devices (e.g., switchable windows) in the facility, the measurements can be accumulated in at least one database. Using the determined reliability, the obtained current, voltage, and / or other sensor measurements can be adjusted. Reliability values can be assigned and / or updated for one or more sensors using (e.g.) the adjusted sensor measurements.

[0189] In some embodiments, the sensor measurements are processed by considering the building envelope (or any portion thereof), historical readings, benchmarks, and / or modeling to generate a result. The current, voltage, and / or other sensor measurements can be applied as inputs (e.g., learning set inputs) to a learning module that is trained to identify signatures in the presence of failures in the switchable window and / or signatures in the presence of other failures. These inputs can be used to fine-tune the learning module's computational scheme. For example, the inputs can be used to optimize the parameters of the various functions used in the computational scheme (e.g., function weights and / or function thresholds).

[0190] Data analysis (e.g., analysis of sensor measurements) can be performed by a machine-based system (e.g., circuitry). The circuitry can be a processor. Sensor data analysis can utilize artificial intelligence. Sensor data analysis can rely on one or more models (e.g., mathematical models). In some embodiments, sensor data analysis includes linear regression, least squares fitting, Gaussian process regression, kernel regression, nonparametric multiplicative regression (NPMR), regression trees, local regression, semiparametric regression, isotonic regression, multivariate adaptive regression splines (MARS), logistic regression, robust regression, polynomial regression, stepwise regression, ridge regression, lasso regression, elastic net regression, principal component analysis (PCA), singular value decomposition, fuzzy measure theory, Borel measure, Han measure, risk-neutral measure, Lebesgue measure, group method of data handling (GMDH), naive Bayes classifier, k-nearest neighbor algorithm (k-NN), support vector machine (SVM), neural network, support vector machine, classification and regression tree (CART), random forest method, gradient boosting, or generalized linear model (GLM) techniques.

[0191] In some embodiments, the learning module includes machine learning. The learning module can include a multi-layer neural network (e.g., a deep learning algorithm). The learning module can include an infinite number of layers of finite size, e.g., to progressively extract higher-level features from raw (e.g., sensor) input measurements. The layers in the multi-layer neural network can be hierarchical (e.g., the output of each layer can be a higher-level abstraction based on the input of the previous layer). The learning module can utilize heuristic techniques (e.g., aggregate models and sensor data) that result in accelerating the output of reliable predictions. The learning module can optimize prediction accuracy and / or computational speed. The learning module can consider the neural network size (number of layers and number of units per layer), learning rate, and / or initial weights (e.g., the initial weights of artificial neurons and / or algorithms (when using several algorithms to generate results)). The learning module can learn from measurements regarding the failure of the colorable window by using sensor measurements (e.g., real-time, historical, or synthetic sensor measurements).

[0192] In some embodiments, the learning module includes algorithms and / or computations. The learning model can include machine learning, artificial intelligence (AI), and / or a statistical validation layer. The learning module can be trained to identify a failure threshold (e.g., a value or a function). Alternatively, the learning module may not be trained to identify a failure threshold.

[0193] In some embodiments, a filter (e.g., a convolutional filter) is applied to teach the learning module one or more failure modes of the colorable window. The filter can be applied in the time domain. Loss of data can be minimized. Loss of data may be due to misclassification and / or labeling errors (e.g., through data tracking). Historical, real-time, and / or synthetic data used as a training set can be used to train the learning module. A proximity time frame during which a colorable window failure can be observed can be used to adjust the time frame of the learning module. A machine learning (ML) ensemble can be used to implement the learning module. The machine learning ensemble can include, for example, multiple models (e.g., at least about 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, or 10 models) that work together using a voting scheme. At least two of the multiple models can be given different weights. At least two of the multiple models can be given the same weight. The ML ensemble can include at least one model. The use of the ML ensemble can be automatic, scheduled, and / or controlled.

[0194] In some embodiments, the learning module includes a verification mechanism configured to perform data management. The learning module can utilize one or more models. One model (or combination of models) may be more suitable in one scenario than another. For example, rare cases may require the use of a specific model. The model can use adaptive synthetic oversampling. The model can use deep learning techniques (e.g., convolutional neural networks). The model can use AI techniques that exclude deep learning algorithms and / or new AI techniques that include deep learning algorithms. The learning set can include real data. The learning set can include synthetic data. The synthetic data can be synthesized using real data. For example, the synthetic data can use a real data backbone to which different types of non-substantive information (e.g., noise) have been added. The non-substantive information (e.g., noise) can be a characteristic of sensor measurements (e.g., characteristics of a failed, malfunctioning, and / or properly functioning colorable window). The learning model can use a temporal convolutional neural network. The learning model can incorporate computational schemes also used to analyze visual images. The learning model can use data related to a hue transition of a first window in a first perimeter structure (e.g., a first facility) or from another second perimeter structure (e.g., from the same first facility or from another second facility). The second facility can be geographically separate (e.g., remote) from the first facility in which the first colorable window is installed. The colorable window is oriented outward in a first direction. Data related to a second window of the second perimeter structure can be oriented in the same first direction or in a different second direction. The learning model can use data from colorable windows of the same type (e.g., electrochromic glass having the same type of layer construction, the same surface area, and / or the same basic length scale). In this example, the data should have the same transition type (e.g., from a first hue T1 to a second hue T2). The basic length scale (abbreviated herein as "FLS") can include length, width, height, radius, or the radius of a bounding circle.

[0195] In some embodiments, results and / or reliability values are used to predict subsequent colorable window failures. Colorable window failures can be predicted for a second group of colorable windows, including at least one colorable window. Outlier data can be detected. Future readings of sensor measurements can be predicted.

[0196] Figure 10 An example of flowchart 1000 is shown, which shows an example of obtaining measurements related to the transition hue of one or more colorable windows and applying these measurements to a learning module to predict the approximate time frame during which color failure can be observed. In block 1002, current measurements and / or voltage measurements related to the transition of the colorable window are obtained. In block 1004, the current measurements and / or voltage measurements are applied as inputs to a learning module trained to identify signs of color failure. The learning module can include a computational scheme (e.g., an algorithm). The learning model can include machine learning, artificial intelligence (AI), and / or statistical validation. Next, in block 1006, a filter (e.g., a mathematical filter) is applied in the time domain to teach the learning module one or more failure modes of the colorable window. In block 1008, historical, real-time, and / or synthetic data are used to train the learning module. Next, in block 1010, data is applied to the learning module to predict the failure of a second group of colorable windows. In block 1012, the time frame of the learning module is adjusted using the approximate time frame during which color failure can be observed.

[0197] In some embodiments, the acquired data is consolidated into a repository and / or into multiple repositories that are communicatively coupled. All data metrics can be maintained in the repository (or repositories). For example, analysis queries can be performed based on Controller Area Network identifiers (abbreviated herein as "CAN ID", which is a form of network ID), switchable window ID (e.g., reduced ID), IGU, and / or switchable glass size (e.g., FLS), transition type, time frame. The analysis queries can be performed within the same facility or across facilities (e.g., across sites). A schedule can be executed for automated extraction. The data extraction can be performed according to a schedule or occasionally. Automatically generated reports of switchable window performance can be performed per facility or across facilities. A learning module can be applied to the data to generate failure warnings and / or reports, for example, using the acquired current, voltage, and / or other sensor data. The learning module can learn failure flags specific to: (i) the facility, (ii) the layer construction type of the electrochromic glass, (iii) the type of switchable window, (iv) the surface area of the window, (v) the FLS of the window, (vi) the tint transition type, (vii) the elevation orientation where the switchable window is installed, (viii) the geographical location of the facility, (ix) external weather conditions, (x) temperature, pressure, and / or noise (internal or external) to which the window is exposed. The pressure includes pressure gradients, such as those experienced during an explosion, earthquake, and / or wind (e.g., tornado). The noise can include loud noises, such as thunder, gunshots, and / or explosions. The learning module can utilize historical and / or real-time measurements from / to other sites. The learning module can add noise to the data.

[0198] In some embodiments, the learning module goes through several stages. For example, a low-fidelity stage and a higher-fidelity stage. The higher-fidelity stage is capable of achieving better failure prediction compared to the lower-fidelity stage. The higher-fidelity stage can have a larger, more diverse, and / or more accurate training set compared to the lower-fidelity stage.

[0199] Figure 11An example of flowchart 1100 is shown, which shows an example of a method for predicting and learning failure flags for a failure of a switchable window having a lower fidelity stage 1130 and a higher fidelity stage 1140. In block 1110, voltage, current, and / or other sensor data are combined into at least one repository. This data may be related to the switchable window (e.g., voltage and / or current are used to effect a tint transition of the switchable window). Next, in block 1112, data metrics are maintained in the repository. In block 1114, at least one learning module is applied to the data to predict failure and optionally generate one or more failure warnings and / or reports. In block 1116, a validation mechanism is incorporated into the learning module for data management. Then, in block 1118, historical, real-time, and / or synthetic measurements from this site and / or other sites having switchable windows are used to learn failure flags. These failure flags may be specific (e.g., as disclosed herein, e.g., they may be site-specific). The ML module may search for specificity (e.g., FLS, site, and / or weather specificity). For example, at optional block 1120, the specificity and nature of the failure flags may be learned. At optional block 1122, noise is added to the data to generate synthetic data. In block 1124, the data is compared with the learned failure flags to predict failure and optionally generate a failure warning and / or report.

[0200] In some embodiments, synthetic event data is generated for a learning set to be used by the learning module. This synthetic data may cover rare, unusual, and / or infrequently observed situations, e.g., to allow the ML module to accurately discern it when a subsequent infrequent event occurs. The synthetic data may use historical, real-time, and / or synthetic event data from this site and / or other sites having switchable windows to learn failure flags. The event data may be compared with the learned failure flags to predict failure. The ML module may perform calculations in real-time and / or during periods of low building activity (e.g., at night and / or on holidays). For example, a baseline (e.g., a threshold) may vary over time, and thus, the baseline (e.g., a threshold function) applied in the ML module may be dynamic over time.

[0201] In some embodiments, the leakage current (e.g., open circuit voltage Voc) can be used as an indication of a problematic colorable window (e.g., including an electrochromic device). The voting ensemble can be communicatively coupled to the statistical verification layer to implement the current leakage degradation test. In some embodiments, voting is an overall method available for classification. The first operation can be to use a training data set to create multiple classification and / or regression models. At least one of the multiple base models can be created using different splits of the same training data set and the same computational scheme (e.g., algorithm) or using the same data set with different computational schemes. In most voting (sometimes called majority voting), each model makes a prediction (votes) for each test instance. The final output prediction is the prediction that receives more than half of the votes. If none of the predictions receives more than half of the votes, the ensemble method cannot make a stable prediction for that instance. In this case, the prediction with the most votes (even if that prediction receives less than half of the votes) can be used as the final prediction. Different from most voting where each model has the same weight (e.g., the same weight throughout the scheme), the importance of one or more models can be increased (e.g., increasing its relative weight). In weighted voting, the predictions of the better models are multiplied by their corresponding higher weights relative to the poorer models (e.g., counted multiple times).

[0202] In simple averaging, for each instance of the test data set, the average prediction can be calculated. This method can reduce overfitting and / or create a smoother regression model.

[0203] In some embodiments, the change in leakage current over time indicates the potential failure of the colorable window. The AI and / or statistical verification layer can look for leakage current degradation over time. The AI and / or statistical verification layer can look for leakage current degradation and / or other failure characteristics (e.g., the hue transition time and the hue transition peak current can depend on the size of the window. The leakage current may not depend on the size of the window).

[0204] In some embodiments, the controller selects (or guides the selection of) a facility to extract metrics for a given time period (e.g., the most recent nine (9) months). The controller may maintain (or guide the maintenance of) a job history (e.g., historical data). The controller data may be used to estimate the health of the switchable window. The controller may estimate or guide the estimation of the health of the switchable window. For example, by using a learning module to track field failures that have not been replaced (% of all uniquely identifiable lean IDs). For example, by tracking any issues identified by the ML, AI, and / or statistical validation layers. The controller may identify (or guide the identification of) one or more switchable windows at risk of failure. The controller estimates (or guides the estimation of) the severity of the risk (at the model ensemble confidence level). The controller may identify (or guide the identification of) the predicted date of failure and / or the predicted length of time before failure occurs. The controller is capable of implementing or guiding the detection of any switchable window (e.g., insulated glass unit - IGU) exhibiting deteriorating current and / or voltage signatures. When the ML module discerns a failure event, the controller may automatically generate (or guide the automatic generation of) a warning and / or a report. If deployed at the edge in real time, the controller may send (or guide the sending of) warnings, reports, and / or any other action messages. The controller may schedule (or guide the scheduling of) inspections, repairs, manufacturing, and / or storage of this type of switchable window at risk (e.g., making it convenient once the risk materializes and / or when scheduling repairs). The controller may include a processor.

[0205] In some embodiments, failures manifest themselves on different timescales. Failures may manifest themselves differently over time. (e.g., gradual decline vs. rapid decline). Calibration control calibration may be used to manage some failures (e.g., the window may require different (e.g., more) current and / or voltage to achieve the same tint level as previously required). The controller may label and / or classify failure types and / or severity (e.g., estimate failure risk). Examples of failure types are corrosion-type failures and irreversible tinting. The controller may provide over time visualizations of one or more (e.g., all) metrics for all window controllers, one or more (e.g., all) transition types. Warnings and / or reports may be associated with failure events in order to automatically report problems for case resolution. The controller may perform the operations disclosed herein, or guide the performance of the operations disclosed herein.

[0206] In some embodiments, one or more colorable window metrics are measured. The metrics can include a transition time. The transition time can be the total transition time (e.g., in minutes) required to effect a change from a first tint state to a second tint state, e.g., from T1 to T4. The tint states can be characterized by color, chromaticity, transparency level, and / or absorbance. The first tint state can be the least tinted state of the window. The second tint state can be the most tinted state of the window. The first tint state can be an intermediate state between the least tinted state and the most tinted state of the window, where the first tint state is less tinted than the second tint state. The second tint state can be an intermediate state between the least tinted state and the most tinted state of the window, where the first tint state is less tinted than the second tint state. In some examples, only data from a complete transition (e.g., an uninterrupted transition from a first tint state to a second tint state) can be considered.

[0207] Figure 12 is a flowchart showing an example of a method for generating a warning and / or a report in response to identifying a colorable window at risk of failure. In block 1210, a learning module is used to simulate an event related to a rare case to facilitate subsequent identification of similar events at a future time. In block 1220, a learning module is used to perform calculations in real time and / or during low-activity periods in the perimeter structure. In block 1240, a learning module is used to identify leakage current, voltage, and / or current changes (e.g., looking for deterioration of IGU leakage current). At optional block 1250, a site (e.g., a facility) is selected to extract metrics for a given time period. In block 1260, the health of at least one colorable window is estimated by tracking failures using a learning module. In block 1270, any colorable window at risk of failure is identified. The risk of failure, failure timing, and / or failure severity can be estimated. In block 1280, a report and / or a warning is generated in response to identifying the risk of failure and / or the timing of failure. The report and / or warning can be sent by sending a warning or action message, and / or by providing a visualization of the IGU metrics over time for all transition types. Next, in block 1290, the report and / or warning is associated with the failure event. This association can be used for the purposes of automated failure detection, rapid resolution of failures, and / or prevention of larger and / or more obvious failures in colorable windows. This association can warn of an inventory of colorable windows similar to the colorable window predicted to fail. This association can facilitate coordination of replacement of the window predicted to fail, e.g., before its complete and / or visible failure.

[0208] Figure 13An example flowchart is shown that illustrates an example method of processing sensor (e.g., other than current, voltage, and / or Voc) readings to generate a result. At block 1310, sensor readings are obtained from one or more sensors. These sensor readings can be obtained from one or more sensor assemblies or from one or more stand-alone sensors. At block 1320, the sensor readings are processed (e.g., by considering the surrounding structure, historical readings, benchmarks, and / or modeling) to generate a result. At block 1330, the result is used to detect outlier data, predict subsequent electrochromic glass failures, and / or predict future readings of one or more sensors. Any sensor result (e.g., including current, voltage, and / or Voc) in the sensor results can be used to extract (e.g., characteristic) noise data, which can be used for example to synthesize data for a learning set.

[0209] Figure 14 An example flowchart is shown that illustrates an example method for determining the reliability of sensor readings. At block 1455, sensor readings are obtained from one or more sensors (e.g., disposed in a surrounding structure). The sensor readings can be obtained from a sensor assembly and / or from stand-alone sensors. At block 1460, correlation data from other sensors (e.g., disposed in a surrounding structure) is accessed. At block 1465, the reliability of the obtained sensor readings is determined at least in part based on the accessed correlation data. At block 1470, the obtained sensor readings are adjusted at least in part based on the determined reliability of the obtained sensor readings. At block 1475, a reliability value for one or more sensors is assigned or updated at least in part based on the adjusted obtained sensor readings. Next, at block 1477, the reliability value is used to adjust the prediction of subsequent electrochromic window failures.

[0210] Examples of sensors, their calibration, operation, and control can be found in U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62 / 967,204, filed on January 29, 2020, entitled "TANDEM SENSOR WINDOW AND MEDIA DISPLAY", which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Examples of sensors, their coexistence, operation, and control can be found in U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 079,851, filed on September 17, 2020, entitled "DEVICE ENSEMBLES AND COEXISTENCE MANAGEMENT OF DEVICES", which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

[0211] Figure 15An example of a controller 1505 for controlling one or more sensors is shown. Controller 1505 includes a sensor correlator 1510, a model generator 1515, an event detector 1520, a processor 1525, and a network interface 1550. Sensor correlator 1510 operates to detect correlations between various sensor types. For example, an infrared radiation sensor that measures an increase in infrared energy can be positively correlated with an increase in measured temperature. Sensor correlator 1510 can establish a correlation coefficient, such as a coefficient for negatively correlated sensor readings (e.g., a correlation coefficient between -1 and 0). For example, sensor correlator 1510 can establish a coefficient for positively correlated sensor readings (e.g., a correlation coefficient between 0 and 1).

[0212] In some embodiments, multiple devices (e.g., sensors, emitters, actuators, transmitters, and / or receivers) are integrated into a common assembly (such as integrated onto a common circuit board). The assembly can have a single housing (e.g., a cover). One or more circuit boards can be disposed within the single housing to form an assembly of devices. The circuit boards within the housing can be physically coupled or can not be physically coupled (e.g., using wiring). The boards within the housing can be communicatively coupled. Communicative coupling can occur, for example, directly or indirectly using a network (e.g., wired or wireless communication). The common assembly can be referred to herein as an "assembly".

[0213] In some embodiments, multiple assemblies (e.g., assemblies) containing such elements can be deployed in close proximity to each other. The close proximity of at least two devices within the same assembly or different assemblies can result in one or more drawbacks in their operation. These one or more drawbacks can occur during their normal (e.g., designed and / or intended) operation. The one or more drawbacks can be caused by: (i) interference between devices within an assembly (e.g., in-component interference); and / or (ii) interference between devices in different assemblies (e.g., inter-component interference). An assembly can include or be operatively coupled to at least one controller. The at least one controller can include a digital architecture system controller. The at least one controller can be disposed within a component housing (referred to herein as a "housing" or "package"). The package can be adapted to be mounted to a window, wall, ceiling, or any other structure and / or fixture within a perimeter structure (e.g., a building, a facility, or a room) to perform various functions. The various functions can include tinted window control, environmental monitoring, building management, video communication, audio communication, lighting (e.g., optical communication), and / or wireless networking. For example, interference can occur during simultaneous operation of the elements. Interference can result in reduced sensor accuracy, false readings, sensor saturation, loss of consistency, signal transmission failures, power imbalances, and any combination thereof.

[0214] In some embodiments, multiple devices (e.g., modules) are combined into an assembly within a common housing to, for example, provide a useful suite of functions to be provided to a particular user. These functions can improve building efficiency (e.g., energy and / or money), improve occupant hygiene, improve occupant health, provide a networking platform, and / or provide a communication platform. Examples of the various devices (e.g., modules) included in the combined components include temperature sensors, humidity sensors, carbon dioxide sensors, particulate (e.g., dust) sensors, volatile organic compound sensors, ambient light sensors, glass break sensors, microphones, speakers / buzzers, digital amplifiers, cameras, video displays, LED indicators, Bluetooth transceivers, ultra-wideband transceivers, passive infrared motion sensors, radar sensors, accelerometers, and pressure sensors. The combined components can include power conditioning components, processing units, memories, and / or network interfaces. In some embodiments, the component has a form factor adapted to be installed in various locations within a perimeter structure. For example, corresponding mounting adapters can be provided for mounting the component to at least a portion of a fixture (such as a window mullion, building wall, or ceiling).

[0215] The controller can monitor and / or direct (e.g., physical) changes in the operating conditions of the devices, software, and / or methods described herein. Control can include regulating, manipulating, restricting, guiding, monitoring, adjusting, modulating, changing, altering, suppressing, checking, directing, or managing. Being controlled (e.g., by the controller) can include attenuating, modulating, changing, managing, suppressing, regulating, constraining, supervising, manipulating, and / or guiding. Control can include controlling control variables (e.g., temperature, power, voltage, and / or distribution). Control can include real-time or off-line control. The calculations utilized by the controller can be done in real-time and / or off-line. The controller can be a manual or non-manual controller. The controller can be an automatic controller. The controller can operate upon request. The controller can be a programmable controller. The controller can be programmed. The controller can include a processing unit (e.g., CPU or GPU). The controller can receive inputs (e.g., from at least one sensor). The controller can transmit outputs. The controller can include multiple (e.g., sub-) controllers. The controller can be part of a control system. The control system can include a master controller, a floor controller, local controllers (e.g., perimeter controllers or window controllers). The controller can receive one or more inputs. The controller can generate one or more outputs. The controller can be a single-input single-output controller (SISO) or a multi-input multi-output controller (MIMO). The controller can interpret the received input signals. The controller can obtain data from one or more sensors. Obtaining can include receiving or extracting. The data can include measurements, estimates, determinations, generations, or any combination thereof. The controller can include feedback control. The controller can include feed-forward control. Control can include on-off control, proportional control, proportional-integral (PI) control, or proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control. Control can include open-loop control or closed-loop control. The controller can include closed-loop control. The controller can include open-loop control. The controller can include a user interface. The user interface can include (or be operatively coupled to) a keyboard, keypad, mouse, touch screen, microphone, speech recognition package, camera, imaging system, or any combination thereof. The outputs can include a display (e.g., a screen), a speaker, or a printer.

[0216] The methods, systems, and / or devices described herein may include a control system. The control system may communicate with any of the devices (e.g., sensors) described herein. The sensors may be of the same type or different types, such as described herein. For example, the control system may communicate with a first sensor and / or a second sensor. The control system may control one or more sensors. The control system may control one or more components of a building management system (e.g., lighting, security, and / or HVAC systems). The controller may adjust at least one (e.g., environmental) characteristic of the enclosure. The control system may use any component of the building management system to adjust the enclosure environment. For example, the control system may adjust the energy supplied by a heating element and / or by a cooling element. For example, the control system may adjust the speed of air flowing into and / or out of the enclosure through a vent. The control system may include a processor. The processor may be a processing unit. The controller may include a processing unit. The processing unit may be central. The processing unit may include a central processing unit (abbreviated herein as "CPU"). The processing unit may be a graphics processing unit (abbreviated herein as "GPU"). The controller or control mechanism (e.g., including a computer system) may be programmed to implement one or more of the methods of the present disclosure. The processor may be programmed to implement the methods of the present disclosure. The controller may control at least one component of the shaping systems and / or devices disclosed herein. The output may include a display (e.g., a screen), a speaker, or a printer.

[0217] Figure 7 A schematic example of a computer system 700 is shown that is programmed or otherwise configured to perform one or more operations of any of the methods provided herein. The computer system may control (e.g., direct, monitor, and / or regulate) various features of the methods, devices, and systems of the present disclosure, such as controlling the heating, cooling, lighting, and / or ventilation of an enclosure or any combination thereof. The computer system may be part of or communicate with any of the sensors or sensor assemblies disclosed herein. The computer may be coupled to one or more of the mechanisms and / or any part thereof disclosed herein. For example, the computer may be coupled to one or more sensors, valves, switches, lights, windows (e.g., IGU), motors, pumps, optical components, or any combination thereof.

[0218] A computer system may include a processing unit (e.g., 706) (also referred to herein as a "processor", "computer", and "computer processor"). The computer system may include a memory or memory location (e.g., 702) (e.g., random access memory, read only memory, flash memory), an electronic storage unit (e.g., 704) (e.g., hard disk), a communication interface for communicating with one or more other systems (e.g., 703) (e.g., network adapter), and peripheral devices (e.g., 705), such as a cache, other memory, data storage, and / or an electronic display adapter. In Figure 7 In the example shown, the memory 702, storage unit 704, interface 703, and peripheral devices 705 communicate with the processing unit 706 via a communication bus (solid lines) such as a motherboard. The storage unit may be a data storage unit (or data repository) for storing data. With the help of the communication interface, the computer system is operably coupled to a computer network ("network") (e.g., 701). The network may be the Internet, an intranet, and / or an extranet, or an intranet and / or extranet communicating with the Internet. In some cases, the network is a telecommunications and / or data network. The network may include one or more computer servers that can implement distributed computing such as cloud computing. In some cases, with the help of the computer system, the network can implement a peer-to-peer network, which can enable devices coupled to the computer system to act as clients or servers.

[0219] The processing unit may execute a series of machine-readable instructions that may be embodied in a program or software. The instructions may be stored in a memory location such as the memory 702. The instructions may be directed to the processing unit, which may then program or otherwise configure the processing unit to implement the methods of the present disclosure. Examples of operations performed by the processing unit may include fetching, decoding, executing, and writing back. The processing unit may interpret and / or execute the instructions. The processor may include a microprocessor, data processor, central processing unit (CPU), graphics processing unit (GPU), system on a chip (SOC), coprocessor, network processor, application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), application specific instruction set processor (ASIP), controller, programmable logic device (PLD), chipset, field programmable gate array (FPGA), or any combination thereof. The processing unit may be part of a circuit such as an integrated circuit. One or more other components of the system 700 may be included in the circuit.

[0220] The storage unit may store files such as drivers, libraries, and saved programs. The storage unit may store user data (e.g., user preferences and user programs). In some cases, the computer system may include one or more additional data storage units located outside the computer system, such as on a remote server communicating with the computer system via an intranet or the Internet.

[0221] A computer system may communicate with one or more remote computer systems via a network. For example, a computer system may communicate with a remote computer system of a user (e.g., an operator). Examples of remote computer systems include personal computers (e.g., portable PCs), tablet personal computers or tablets (e.g., iPad, Galaxy Tab), telephones, smartphones (e.g., iPhone, Android - enabled devices, ) or personal digital assistants. A user (e.g., a client) may access the computer system via the network.

[0222] The methods described herein may be implemented by machine - (e.g., computer processor) executable code stored on an electronic storage location of a computer system such as, for example, memory 702 or electronic storage unit 704. The machine - executable or machine - readable code may be provided in the form of software. During use, processor 706 may execute the code. In some cases, the code may be retrieved from the storage unit and stored on the memory for ready access by the processor. In some cases, the electronic storage unit may be excluded and the machine - executable instructions may be stored on the memory.

[0223] The code may be pre - compiled and configured to be used with a machine of a processor adapted to execute the code, or may be compiled at runtime. The code may be provided in a programming language selected such that the code can be executed in a pre - compiled or just - in - time compiled manner.

[0224] In some embodiments, the processor includes code. The code may be program instructions. The program instructions may cause at least one processor (e.g., a computer) to steer a feed - forward and / or feedback control loop. In some embodiments, the program instructions cause at least one processor to steer a closed - loop and / or open - loop control scheme. The control may be based at least in part on one or more sensor readings (e.g., sensor data). A controller may steer multiple operations. At least two operations may be steered by different controllers. In some embodiments, different controllers may steer at least two of operations (a), (b), and (c). In some embodiments, different controllers may steer at least two of operations (a), (b), and (c). In some embodiments, non - transitory computer - readable media cause each different computer to steer at least two of operations (a), (b), and (c). In some embodiments, different non - transitory computer - readable media cause each different computer to steer at least two of operations (a), (b), and (c). The controller and / or computer - readable media may steer any device or its components disclosed herein. The controller and / or computer - readable media may steer any operation of the methods disclosed herein.

[0225] In some embodiments, the at least one sensor is operatively coupled to a control system (e.g., a computer control system). The sensor may include an optical sensor, an acoustic sensor, a vibration sensor, a chemical sensor, an electrical sensor, a magnetic sensor, a fluidity sensor, a movement sensor, a speed sensor, a position sensor, a pressure sensor, a force sensor, a density sensor, a distance sensor, or a proximity sensor. The sensor may include a temperature sensor, a weight sensor, a material (e.g., powder) level sensor, a metering sensor, a gas sensor, or a humidity sensor. The metering sensor may include a measurement sensor (e.g., height, length, width, angle, and / or volume). The metering sensor may include a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, an orientation sensor, or an optical sensor. The sensor may send and / or receive sound (e.g., echo) signals, magnetic signals, electrical signals, or electromagnetic signals. The electromagnetic signals may include visible light signals, infrared signals, ultraviolet signals, ultrasonic signals, radio wave signals, or microwave signals. The gas sensor may sense any gas described herein. The distance sensor may be a type of metering sensor. The distance sensor may include an optical sensor or a capacitance sensor. The temperature sensor may include a bolometer, a bimetallic strip, a calorimeter, an exhaust gas thermometer, a flame detector, a Gardon gauge, a Golay detector, a heat flux sensor, an infrared thermometer, a microbolometer, a microwave radiometer, a net radiometer, a quartz thermometer, a resistance temperature detector, a resistance thermometer, a silicon bandgap temperature sensor, a special sensor microwave / imager, a thermometer, a thermistor, a thermocouple, a thermometer (e.g., resistance thermometer), or a pyrometer. The temperature sensor may include an optical sensor. The temperature sensor may include image processing. The temperature sensor may include a camera (e.g., an IR camera, a CCD camera). The pressure sensor may include an aneroid barometer, a barometer, a booster gauge, a Bourdon tube pressure gauge, a hot wire ionization gauge, an ionization gauge, a McLeod gauge, an oscillating U-tube, a permanent downhole pressure gauge, a piezometer, a Pirani gauge, a pressure sensor, a pressure gauge, a tactile sensor, or a time pressure gauge. The position sensor may include an auxiliary gauge, a capacitance displacement sensor, a capacitive sensing device, a free fall sensor, a gravimeter, a gyroscopic sensor, a shock sensor, an inclinometer, an integrated circuit piezoelectric sensor, a laser rangefinder, a laser surface velocimeter, a lidar, a linear encoder, a linear variable differential transformer (LVDT), a liquid capacitance inclinometer, an odometer, an optoelectronic sensor, a piezoelectric accelerometer, a rate sensor, a rotary encoder, a rotary variable differential transformer, a selsyn, a shock detector, a shock data recorder, an inclination sensor, a tachometer, an ultrasonic thickness gauge, a variable reluctance sensor, or a speed receiver.An optical sensor may include a charge-coupled device, a colorimeter, a contact image sensor, an electro-optical sensor, an infrared sensor, a dynamic inductance detector, a light-emitting diode (e.g., a light sensor), a light-addressable potentiometric sensor, a Nichols radiometer, an optical fiber sensor, an optical position sensor, a photodetector, a photodiode, a photomultiplier tube, a phototransistor, a photosensor, a photoionization detector, a photomultiplier tube, a photoresistor, a photosensitive switch, a phototube, a scintillometer, a Shack-Hartmann, a single-photon avalanche diode, a superconducting nanowire single-photon detector, a transition edge sensor, a visible light photon counter, or a wavefront sensor. The one or more sensors may be connected to a control system (e.g., connected to a processor, a computer).

[0226] While the preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. The present invention is not intended to be limited by the specific examples provided within the specification. While the present invention has been described with reference to the foregoing specification, the description and illustration of the embodiments herein are not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Various changes, alterations, and substitutions will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the present invention. In addition, it should be understood that all aspects of the present invention are not limited to the specific depictions, configurations, or relative proportions set forth herein, which depend on various conditions and variables. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the present invention described herein may be employed in practicing the present invention. It is thus contemplated that the present invention should cover any such alternatives, modifications, variations, or equivalents. The following claims are intended to define the scope of the present invention and thus may cover methods and structures within the scope of these claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A method for predicting the failure of a colorable window in a facility, the method comprising: Obtaining one or more measurement results related to a hue transition of the colorable window disposed in the facility, wherein the hue transition is from a first hue to a second hue; Analyzing the obtained one or more measurement results by considering data that: (i) is related to the type of the one or more measurement results, (ii) is related to the hue transition from the first hue to the second hue, and (iii) has characteristics of an incomplete transition and / or a non-characteristic hue transition from the first hue to the second hue, wherein the data includes data obtained from at least one of the following: a facility different from the facility; or a building different from the building in which the colorable window is disposed; Using the result of the analysis to predict the coloring failure of the colorable window; And Adjusting a control scheme to facilitate the hue transition of the colorable window.

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the hue transition includes a complete hue transition from the first hue to the second hue.

3. The method according to claim 2 further comprises: Consider data having characteristics of the complete hue transition and / or the characteristic hue transition from the first hue to the second hue.

4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the one or more measurement results include a current measurement result obtained in real time during the hue transition.

5. The method according to claim 1, wherein the one or more measurement results include an open circuit voltage measurement result.

6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the one or more measurement results include one or more measurement results from at least one sensor, and wherein the method further comprises: Using the result of the analysis to determine a reliability value of the at least one sensor.

7. The method according to claim 6, further comprising: Using the reliability value to adjust the one or more measurement results of the at least one sensor to form one or more adjusted sensor measurement results.

8. The method according to claim 7, further comprising: Using the one or more adjusted sensor measurement results to update the reliability value.

9. The method according to claim 7, further comprising: Using the reliability value to generate a prediction of a subsequent coloring failure of the colorable window in the facility.

10. The method according to claim 1, wherein the incomplete hue transition and / or the non-characteristic hue transition is of a type having at least one recognizable data flag.

11. The method according to claim 1, wherein the correlation data is related to one or more measurement results obtained from one or more different windows having the size of the colorable window or substantially having the size of the colorable window.

12. The method according to claim 1, wherein the data includes data obtained during at least about 10, 50, 100, or 1,000 occurrences of the hue transition and / or data obtained within at least about 12, 25, 52, 104, or 156 weeks.

13. The method according to claim 1, wherein analyzing the one or more measurement results includes any data flag specific to the following: the facility, the window type of the colorable window, weather conditions, time of day, time of year, the relative geographical location of the colorable window in the facility, and / or the geographical location of the facility.

14. The method according to claim 1, wherein using the result of the analysis includes providing a warning and / or a report of the failure of the colorable window, and wherein providing the warning and / or the report includes at least one of the following: predicting the time of a visible failure visible to an ordinary person; or scheduling maintenance.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the colorable window is a first colorable window, and wherein providing the warning and / or the report comprises: Scheduling the inventory of another colorable window and / or scheduling the production of the another colorable window to replace the first colorable window.

16. The method according to claim 1, wherein the prediction of the failure is before an ordinary person can see any defective hue transition.

17. An apparatus for predicting the failure of a colorable window in a facility, the apparatus including at least one controller configured to: Obtain or direct the obtaining of one or more measurement results related to a hue transition of the colorable window disposed in the facility, wherein the hue transition is from a first hue to a second hue; Analyze or direct the analysis of the obtained one or more measurement results by considering data that: (i) is related to the type of the one or more measurement results, (ii) is related to the hue transition from the first hue to the second hue, and (iii) has characteristics of an incomplete hue transition and / or a non-characteristic hue transition from the first hue to the second hue, wherein the data includes data obtained from at least one of the following: a facility different from the facility; or a building different from the building in which the colorable window is disposed; Use or direct the use of the analysis to predict the coloring failure of the colorable window; And Adjust a control scheme to facilitate the hue transition of the colorable window.

18. A method for predicting the failure of a colorable window installed in a building, the method including: Obtaining a measurement result related to a hue transition of the colorable window installed in the building, wherein the hue transition is from a first hue toward a target hue; Analyzing the obtained measurement result by considering data that: (i) is related to the type of the measurement result, (ii) is related to the hue transition from the first hue toward the target hue, and (iii) has characteristics of an incomplete transition from the first hue to the target hue and / or a non-characteristic hue transition from the first hue to the target hue; And Using the result of the analysis to predict the coloring failure of the colorable window, which includes characterizing the change in the measurement result obtained during a first stage and / or during a second stage after the first stage, applying a gradual voltage to the colorable window during the first stage to cause the hue transition, and delivering a charge to the colorable window during the second stage.

19. The method according to claim 18, further comprising: Adjusting a control scheme to facilitate the hue transition performed by the colorable window.

20. The method according to claim 18, wherein the analysis includes characterizing the change in the measurement result obtained during at least the first stage or the second stage.

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