Machine perception-mediated dynamic architecture

Abstract

A machine perception-mediated dynamic architecture may include smart components that can be controlled by a decision-making system. The decision-making system may utilize a thermal control program or a privacy control program. Methods for controlling a machine perception-mediated dynamic architecture may account for user preferences including climate preferences, privacy preferences, and sound preferences.

Description

MACHINE PERCEPTION-MEDIATED DYNAMIC ARCHITECTURECROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 623,053, filed January 19, 2024, which is incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.BACKGROUND

[0002] Architectural design provides thermal comfort to occupants. Entire buildings are traditionally treated as a monolithic unit for heating or cooling.SUMMARY

[0003] Apparatus, systems, methods, and related computer program products disclosed herein address the above problems by building a machine perception-mediated dynamic architecture. According to one aspect, a machine perception-mediated dynamic architecture includes smart glazing and smart vents and a decision-making system (e.g., a decision-making unit) coupled to the smart glazing and the smart vents. The smart glazing is configured to dynamically adjust its tint and frost properties to provide automated thermal comfort and privacy of the dynamic architecture. The smart vents are configured to dynamically adjust an opening or closing of one or more of the vents so as to automatically control airflow within the dynamic architecture. The machine perception- mediated dynamic architecture further provides individual perceived climate zones within a single room, to allow different individuals in the room to experience different thermal comforts.Additionally, the machine perception-mediated dynamic architecture provides one or more selfdiagnosing and replicable building panels to facilitate maintenance including failure detection and removal and replacement of failed parts.

[0004] In one aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for controlling a machine perception-mediated dynamic architecture according to a user preference of a user.

[0005] In some embodiments, the method comprises providing the machine perception- mediated dynamic architecture comprising a smart glazing, a smart vent, and a person identification and location unit.

[0006] In some embodiments, the method comprises providing a decision-making unit coupled to the smart glazing, the smart vent, and the person identification and location unit.

[0007] In some embodiments, the method comprises detecting, via the person identification and location unit, a location of the user within the machine perception-mediated architecture.

[0008] In some embodiments, the method comprises adjusting, via the decision-making unit: (i) a tint of the smart glazing to maintain the user preference when the user preference is a climate preference; (ii) a frost of the smart glazing to maintain the user preference when the user preferenceis a privacy preference; or (iii) an opening or a closing of a smart vent when the user preference is the climate preference.

[0009] In some embodiments, the adjusting comprises adjusting, via the decision-making unit, the tint of the smart glazing to maintain the user preference when the user preference is the climate preference.

[0010] In some embodiments, the adjusting comprises adjusting, via the decision-making unit, the frost of the smart glazing to maintain the user preference when the user preference is the privacy preference.

[0011] In some embodiments, the adjusting comprises adjusting, via the decision-making unit, the opening or the closing of the smart vent when the user preference is the climate preference.

[0012] In some embodiments, the adjusting comprises adjusting, via the decision-making unit: (i) the tint of the smart glazing to maintain the user preference when the user preference is the climate preference; and (ii) the frost of the smart glazing to maintain the user preference when the user preference is the privacy preference.

[0013] In some embodiments, the adjusting comprises adjusting, via the decision-making unit:(i) the tint of the smart glazing to maintain the user preference when the user preference is the climate preference; and (iii) the opening or the closing of the smart vent when the user preference is the climate preference.

[0014] In some embodiments, the adjusting comprises adjusting, via the decision-making unit:(ii) the frost of the smart glazing to maintain the user preference when the user preference is the privacy preference; and (iii) the opening or the closing of the smart vent when the user preference is the climate preference.

[0015] In some embodiments, the adjusting comprises adjusting, via the decision-making unit: (i) the tint of the smart glazing to maintain the user preference when the user preference is the climate preference; (ii) the frost of the smart glazing to maintain the user preference when the user preference is the privacy preference; and (iii) the opening or the closing of the smart vent when the user preference is the climate preference.

[0016] In some embodiments, the method further comprises adjusting, via the decision-making unit: a transducer comprised in a sound modifying panel comprised in the machine perception- mediated architecture when the user preference is a sound preference.

[0017] In some embodiments, the method further comprises adjusting, via the decision-making unit: an electrically controlled material comprised in a structural panel comprised in the machine perception-mediated architecture when the user preference is a climate preference or a privacy preference.

[0018] In some embodiments, the detecting further comprises detecting the location of the user within an individual perceived climate zone comprised in the machine perception-mediated architecture.

[0019] In some embodiments, the method further comprises adjusting, via the decision-making unit: a fan comprised in the machine perception-mediated architecture when the user preference is the climate preference.

[0020] In some embodiments, the adjusting of the fan maintains the individual perceived climate zone.

[0021] In some embodiments, the method further comprises controlling the machine perception- mediated dynamic architecture according to a second user preference of a second user.

[0022] In some embodiments, the detecting further comprises detecting the location of the second user within a second individual perceived climate zone comprised in the machine perception-mediated architecture.

[0023] In some embodiments, the method further comprises replacing a self-diagnosing and replicable building panel when the building panel self-diagnoses damage or lost functionality.

[0024] In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a system comprising a machine perception-mediated dynamic architecture. In some embodiments, the machine perception-mediated dynamic architecture comprises a smart glazing, a smart vent, and a person identification and location unit configured to detect a location of the user within the machine perception-mediated architecture. In some embodiments, the system further comprises a decision-making unit coupled to the smart glazing, the smart vent, and the person identification and location unit. In some embodiments, the decision-making unit is configured to adjust: (i) a tint of the smart glazing; (ii) a frost of the smart glazing; or (iii) an opening or a closing of a smart vent.

[0025] In some embodiments, the decision-making unit is configured to maintain a user preference of a user. In some embodiments, the user is located within the machine perception- mediated architecture.

[0026] In some embodiments, the decision-making unit is configured to adjust the tint of the smart glazing to maintain the user preference when the user preference is the climate preference.

[0027] In some embodiments, the decision-making unit is configured to adjust the frost of the smart glazing to maintain the user preference when the user preference is the privacy preference.

[0028] In some embodiments, the decision-making unit is configured to adjust the opening or the closing of the smart vent to maintain the user preference when the user preference is the climate preference.

[0029] In some embodiments, the decision-making unit is configured to adjust: (i) the tint of the smart glazing to maintain the user preference when the user preference is the climate preference; and (ii) the frost of the smart glazing to maintain the user preference when the user preference is the privacy preference.

[0030] In some embodiments, the decision-making unit is configured to adjust: (i) the tint of the smart glazing to maintain the user preference when the user preference is the climate preference; and (iii) the opening or the closing of the smart vent to maintain the user preference when the user preference is the climate preference.

[0031] In some embodiments, the decision-making unit is configured to adjust: (ii) the frost of the smart glazing to maintain the user preference when the user preference is the privacy preference; and (iii) the opening or the closing of the smart vent to maintain the user preference when the user preference is the climate preference.

[0032] In some embodiments, the decision-making unit is configured to adjust: (i) the tint of the smart glazing to maintain the user preference when the user preference is the climate preference; (ii) the frost of the smart glazing to maintain the user preference when the user preference is the privacy preference; and (iii) the opening or the closing of the smart vent to maintain the user preference when the user preference is the climate preference.

[0033] In some embodiments, the decision-making unit is configured to adjust the tint of the smart glazing via a thermal control program.

[0034] In some embodiments, the decision-making unit is configured to adjust the frost of the smart glazing via a privacy control program.

[0035] In some embodiments, the decision-making unit is configured to adjust the opening or the closing of the smart vent via a thermal control program.

[0036] In some embodiments, the system further comprises a sound modifying panel coupled to the decision-making unit. In some embodiments, the sound modifying panel comprises an outer glass layer equipped with an outer microphone configured to receive input from an exterior environment, and an inner glass layer equipped with a transducer coupled to the outer microphone. In some embodiments, the decision-making unit is configured to adjust the transducer when the user preference is a sound preference.

[0037] In some embodiments, the inner glass layer is further equipped with an inner microphone configured to receive input from an interior environment.

[0038] In some embodiments, the system further comprises a structural panel coupled to the decision-making unit. In some embodiments, the structural panel comprises a matrix layer of an electrically controlled material, and a sandwich structure of a plurality of transparent conductor-coated film or glass. In some embodiments, the sandwich structure encloses the matrix layer. In some embodiments, the decision-making unit is configured to adjust the electrically controlled material when the user preference is the climate preference or the privacy preference.

[0039] In some embodiments, the electrically controlled material comprises electrochromic materials, liquid crystal materials, or e-ink materials.

[0040] In some embodiments, the system further comprises a fan coupled to the decisionmaking unit and an individual perceived climate zone. In some embodiments, the decision-making unit is configured to adjust the fan when the user preference is the climate preference. In some embodiments, the fan is configured to maintain the individual perceived climate zone.

[0041] In some embodiments, the system further comprises a self-diagnosing and replicable building panel configured to self-diagnoses damage or lost functionality.

[0042] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter. Furthermore, the claimed subject matter is not limited to embodiments that solve any or all disadvantages noted in any part of this disclosure.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0043] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will become better understood with regard to the following description and accompanying drawings. It is noted that wherever practicable similar or like reference numbers may be used in the figures and may indicate similar or like functionality. For example, a letter after a reference numeral, such as “third party entity 110 A,” indicates that the text refers specifically to the element having that particular reference numeral. A reference numeral in the text without a following letter, such as “third party entity 110,” refers to any or all of the elements in the figures bearing that reference numeral (e.g., “third party entity 110” in the text refers to reference numerals “third party entity 110A” and / or “third party entity HOB” in the figures).

[0044] FIG. 1 illustrates an overview of a dynamic architecture, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0045] FIG. 2 illustrates an example smart glazing component in dynamic architecture, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0046] FIGS. 3A-3B illustrate example patterns for smart glazing, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0047] FIG. 4 illustrates an example shading pattern in other existing architectures.

[0048] FIGS. 5A-5C illustrate various example solar light entrance patterns in other existing architectures.

[0049] FIGS. 6A-6B illustrate various natural sunlight shading patterns.

[0050] FIG. 7 illustrates an example animation display for smart glazing, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0051] FIG. 8 illustrates an example lighting of interior space through smart glazing, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0052] FIG. 9A illustrates a block diagram of an example structure for smart glazing, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0053] FIGS. 9B-9C illustrate example processes for privacy and thermal comfort control, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0054] FIG. 10 illustrates a block diagram of an example process for controlling smart vents, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0055] FIG. 11 illustrates an example structure and outcomes for glass damage detection, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0056] FIG. 12 illustrates example components included in smart glazing, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0057] FIG. 13 illustrates an example communication system between a house and a third-party maintenance company, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0058] FIG. 14 illustrates various sound modifying panels, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0059] FIG. 15 illustrates an example process for noise cancellation or amplification, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0060] FIG. 16 illustrates an example mechanism for noise cancellation or amplification, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0061] FIG. 17 illustrates an example structure and controlling process of controllable materials included in smart glazing, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0062] FIG. 18 illustrates an example structure and controlling process for smart glazing, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0063] FIG. 19 illustrates an example arbitrary zone dynamic glass, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0064] FIG. 20 illustrates example individual perceived climate zones, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0065] FIG. 21 illustrates an example replaceable building panel, in accordance with an embodiment.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0066] The present disclosure generally relates to architecture design and, more particularly, to apparatus, systems, methods, and related computer program products for building machine perception-mediated dynamic architecture and smarter electrical systems based on knowledge of occupant identification and location.

[0067] As used herein any reference to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a particular element, feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.

[0068] Some embodiments may be described using the expression “coupled” and “connected” along with their derivatives. For example, some embodiments may be described using the term “coupled” to indicate that two or more elements are in direct physical or electrical contact. The term “coupled,” however, may also mean that two or more elements are not in direct contact with each other, but yet still co-operate or interact with each other. The embodiments are not limited in this context.

[0069] As used herein, the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” “including,” “has,” “having” or any other variation thereof, are intended to cover a non-exclusive inclusion. For example, a process, method, article, or apparatus that includes a list of elements is not necessarily limited to only those elements but may include other elements not expressly listed or inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus. Further, unless expressly stated to the contrary, “or” refers to an inclusive or and not to an exclusive or. For example, a condition A or Bis satisfied by any one of the following: A is true (or present) and B is false (or not present), A is false (or not present) and B is true (or present), and both A and B are true (or present).

[0070] In addition, use of the “a” or “an” is employed to describe elements and components of the embodiments herein. This is done merely for convenience and to give a general sense of the claimed invention. This description should be read to include one or at least one and the singular also includes the plural unless it is obvious that it is meant otherwise.

[0071] The term “dynamic architecture” or “machine-perception mediated dynamic architecture,” as used herein, generally refers to an enclosure that may include a user, for example, a house, an apartment, an office, a store, or another type of building inhabited or frequented by users.

[0072] The term “smart glazing,” as used herein, generally refers to a substrate, such as glass or a window, for which a tint and / or a frost may be adjusted. The term “smart glazing,” as usedherein, also generally refers to a substrate, such as glass or a window, coupled to a, for example by opening and / or closing the blinds and / or curtains.

[0073] The term “tint,” as used herein, generally refers to an ability or property of a substrate, such as glass or a window, to transmit light. For example, a substrate with a high or dark tint may not allow much light to pass through the substrate. Tint may block light from passing through the substrate while permitting vision through the substrate. Tint may be adjusted, for example, by applying a voltage to the substrate to change the color of electrochromic materials comprised in the substrate or to change the directionality of crystals comprised in the substrate (e.g., changing the direction of the crystals to allow or permit light to pass through the substrate). In some instances, tint may be adjusted by using a physical obstruction, such as blinds and / or curtains, which may be adjusted to moderate light and / or heat transferrance through the substrate.

[0074] The term “frost,” as used herein, generally refers to an ability or property of a substrate, such as glass or a window, to scatter light. For example, a substrate with a high frost may scatter light passing through the substrate, while permitting the light to pass through the substrate. Frost may obscure vision through the substrate while permitting light to pass through the substrate. Frost may be adjusted, for example, by applying a voltage to the substrate to change the directionality of crystals comprised in the substrate (e.g., changing the direction of the crystals to allow or permit light to pass through the substrate).

[0075] The term “smart vent,” as used herein, generally refers to air vents configured to digitally control airflow, for example via opening or closing of the smart vent.

[0076] Architecture today statically and manually mediates the natural environment and social contracts. The end goal of architectural design is to provide thermal comfort to occupants in a house. But in reality, the entire house is often treated as a monolithic unit for cooling / heating. Temperature and environmental conditions (e.g., humidity, air velocity) vary from room to room, hour to hour, and season to season. However, the material used to construct each house is often static. For example, the windows on the south side of the house and the north side of the house remain the same throughout the year and hours of the day.

[0077] Thermal efficiency and aesthetics are usually inversely correlated. For example, adding bigger / more windows may improve views and create more natural lighting conditions, but glass (also referred to as glazing) has some of the worst R-values of all insulating materials. In addition, historically there has been an inverse correlation between the total area of glazing (i.e., glass) in a house and the privacy of its occupants. People often have to make hard privacy tradeoffs between aesthetics and privacy. For example, closing blinds to preserve privacy instead of getting natural lighting.

[0078] Further, although there have been great improvements made in building construction to modularize pieces, once they have been assembled, it is still difficult to diagnose and repair the components included therein. If a window is broken and needs replacing, the process of doing so is disruptive both physically (e.g., it requires someone to destructively remove the entire framed window unit from the wall) and temporally (e.g., it is a time-intensive process to do this).

[0079] In the following detailed description of embodiments, reference is made to the accompanying drawings which form a part hereof, and which are shown by way of illustrations. It is to be understood that features of various described embodiments may be combined, other embodiments may be utilized, and structural changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. It is also to be understood that features of the various embodiments and examples herein can be combined, exchanged, or removed without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure. In addition, reference numerals and descriptions of redundant elements between figures may be omitted for clarity.

[0080] In the present disclosure, a dynamic architecture attempts to deconstruct the social / environmental contracts between two spaces, by first treating individuals in either space as human cursors, albeit with different levels of permissions, while also respecting the user / owner of the house’s desire for privacy, thermal comfort, personal relationships, and relationship with the natural environment outside. Factors considered in an ideal perceived space by the disclosed dynamic architecture may include distance (e.g., distance from a house), auditory levels of either side of the house, gaze vectors from the inside of the house (it’s unlikely to compute gaze vectors from a potentially unbounded space outside of the house), pose and ordinal direction, and a users’ preferred thermal comfort level.

[0081] To address these concerns, the disclosed dynamic architecture is focused on two specific programs, that is, a privacy program that exercises the privacy of each occupant in a house, and a thermal program that maintains the thermal comfort of each occupant inside the house. According to one embodiment, the disclosed dynamic architecture achieves thermal comfort through thermodynamic control and perception. Consider how hot the interior of a car can get on a sunny afternoon, the power of the sun on any given day can be readily obvious. There are a number of ways people have dealt with this over time. For example, people have used trees for shade, and have used a thermal management system that contains progressively better materials to reflect the heat in hot seasons or absorb the day’s heat for warmer interiors in cold regions. Depending on how a house is designed and engineered, not all rooms are equal in the heat they capture or reflect, nor are they able to move that thermodynamic energy around, except the use of extremely energy- intensive A / C, which is one of the biggest offenders of climate change.

[0082] To address the problems in the existing static architecture, the disclosed dynamic architecture adds more controllable “knobs” (e.g., electrochromic glass and fan arrays) to the environment / architecture, to increase the headroom for energy optimization strategies, including using the machine learning-based optimization strategies. It has already been proven that with sufficient fine-grained controls, machine learning can be used to improve the energy efficiency of the cooling system for data centers. Similar or even better results are expected in the residential use case. The reason why better results are expected is that data centers only need cooling, but residential houses need heating as well. It costs twice as much to heat a house than to cool a house.

[0083] Accordingly, by adding controllable knobs and by applying machine learning-based strategies, it is expected that a target reduction in energy usage for a house can be as high as 50%- 70% when compared to traditional forms of thermal mediation averaged over the course of a year and dependent on the biome. This is made possible via a combination of perception to target and isolate thermal targets, and the use of machine perception-directed dynamic architecture to take advantage of physical thermal differentials and natural systems.

[0084] For example, by using dynamic / electrochromic glass, it allows to dynamically control the pressure and thermals of a house to achieve things that are not possible via static architecture alone (e.g., facing the windows south depending on the sites). By choosing which rooms to take in light and by choosing venting points through smart gazing and smart vents as will be described in detail below, it is possible to create much more efficient, naturally quiet, and more pleasurable forms of air conditioning.System Overview

[0085] FIG. 1 illustrates an overview of dynamic architecture according to one embodiment. As illustrated in the figure, the overall architecture may include a physical space and a digital space. The physical space may refer to hardware components or facilities that are physical parts of the architecture, while the digital space refers to the information collection, processing, transmission, and so on.

[0086] According to the illustrated embodiment, the physical space may include, but are not limited to, smart glazing component(s), heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, electric lines, watering heating and circulation, smart micro vents, and one or more sensors. The smart glazing component(s) may be configured to dynamically control light passing through windows, so as to control proper privacy and provide thermal comfort for occupants inside the architecture. The smart micro vents may be configured to control airflows, so as to control thermal comfort. The sensors may be configured to monitor the external and internal environment of the architecture. According to one embodiment, one or more sensors may be configured to detectand / or identify occupants within the architecture and monitor the environment including the environment temperature, solar light, and other weather conditions as well as certain other nonweather information such as stranger detection. In some embodiments, one or more sensors may be also configured for self-diagnosis and maintenance monitoring purposes or for other different purposes.

[0087] As illustrated in FIG. 1, besides the smart glazing components and the smart micro vents configured to dynamically adjust the thermal condition of the architecture, the HVAC, electric lines, and water heating and circulation can be also intelligently controlled to adjust the thermal or certain other conditions of the architecture. For example, the decision-making system may properly control the HVAC, electric lines, and water heating and circulation, so as to efficiently provide thermal comfort for occupants of the architecture.

[0088] As also illustrated in the above figure, the digital space of the dynamic architecture may include, but is not limited to, time series data collected by the sensors, digital layout information of the architecture, user preference information, and a decision-making system configured to monitor the aforementioned physical components based on the information collected from the sensors, based on the user preference and building layout information and other certain other information.

[0089] According to one embodiment, the prior knowledge of the building layout may be acquired from a certain resource(s) and may be provided to the decision-making system (e.g., the decision-making unit) for decision-making. For example, the room size of a living room facing south and a room size of a bedroom facing north can be included in the building layout information, and provided to the decision-making system for decision-making (e.g., determining to turn on the heater for the bedroom in the north but not the living room in the south in winter). For another example, the decision-making system may map the occupant locations to optimize energy usage based on the occupant location information. The decision-making system may also perform certain environmental modeling using the building layout information in a decision-making process. In some embodiments, the user preference information and time series data collected from the sensor may be also utilized by the decision-making system in decision making. For example, a user who does not like to stay in a bedroom during the daytime may allow the decision-making system not to turn on the heater of the bedroom for the user. The time series data may include information where (e.g., which room) an occupant is currently located, which then allows the decision-making system to determine to dynamically adjust the thermal comfort for the detected location of the occupant, but no other spaces.

[0090] In some embodiments, the decision-making system may include different components or modules configured to perform different functions. According to the illustrated embodiment in FIG.1, the decision-making system may implement one or more of the following programs: privacy program, safety program, thermal program, and comfort / utility program.

[0091] In some embodiments, the decision-making system may trigger the privacy program when an occupant is inside the architecture. The goal is to protect the privacy of occupants from external agents (e.g., strangers) outside of the architecture. The decision-making system may rely on the presence detection system to determine the presence of the occupants, and control smart glazing of the windows to prevent external agents from seeing inside the architecture, so as to protect the privacy of occupants, as will be described in detail later.

[0092] In some embodiments, with the abundance of sensors located throughout the architecture, the decision-making system may implement the safety program to monitor for early signs of safety risks (e.g., fires) before these risks reach a level that causes necessary attention (e.g. caught by smoke detectors). Furthermore, the decision-making system can also leverage the external camera system to provide comprehensive security monitoring for the architecture, and control or interface with physical locks providing access to or within the property.

[0093] In some embodiments, the decision-making system may implement the thermal program based on the information received from the presence detection sensors suite and uses it to determine the desired temperature for each occupant / room. In addition, the decision-making system may leverage existing sources to automatically determine the thermal comfort level of occupants passively and seamlessly in the background, while optimizing for reduced energy usage. This can interface with smart vents, radiant heating systems, distributed HVAC systems, traditional HVAC systems, and so on.

[0094] In some embodiments, the decision-making system may implement the control and utility program, another presence-based program that interfaces with auxiliary systems like interior or exterior lighting, hot water systems (tank or tankless water heaters, water circulation units), house battery or microgrid energy storage solutions, and doors. Through interaction with the auxiliary systems, the decision-making system can optimize for occupant comfort and reduce energy usage.

[0095] In some embodiments, the decision-making system may implement additional programs not mentioned above. In addition, in the disclosed embodiments, the decision-making system may be implemented inside a computing unit, which may be a central control unit locally presented or may be remote control unit operated in a cloud environment. Alternatively, the decision-making system may be a hybrid system that is partially implemented locally and partially implemented in the cloud. The specific functions of the decision-making system will be provided further in detail in light of the specific hardware components as described below.Physical Space - Smart Glazing

[0096] Smart glazing (otherwise known as smart glass or smart windows) generally refers to the use of electrochromic glass, which can be thought of as a simplified form of a liquid crystal display, to control the transmission of light into an interior space of the dynamic architecture.

[0097] Historically, the transmission of light has been controlled with manual switches, smartphone apps, or in some cases external-facing light (intensity) sensors. Furthermore, existing solutions for smart glazing only control one property between pure transmission of light (referred to as “tint”) or scattering of light (referred to as “frost”). Tint-type smart glazing is generally used for exterior windows, and frost-type smart glazing is generally reserved for interior glass usage, e.g., for room dividers, bathroom glass doors, or conference room windows.

[0098] In the disclosed embodiments, smart glazing may be configured to control both tint and frost, and rely primarily on machine perception on either side (interior and exterior of the building) to autonomously mediate properties like privacy, visual appeal, and the temperature of the space. In some embodiments, the disclosed smart glazing can employ a high-resolution, fully addressable matrix, essentially a standalone display that can augment an existing view and lighting, adding to the visual appeal.Physical Construction

[0099] According to one embodiment, the disclosed smart glazing unit can be configured to be similar to a traditional double, triple, or quadruple-glazed window in construction, with the addition of certain electrochromic layers laminated to the exterior glass panel. FIG. 2 illustrates an example smart glazing consistent with the disclosed dynamic architecture. As shown in the figure, the smart glazing may include an exterior soda-lime glass layer, a set of interlayers with electrochromic layers disposed therebetween, an intermediate substrate, an interior soda-lime glass layer, and a spacer layer between the intermediate substrate and the interior soda-lime glass layer.

[0100] The exterior glass may be composed of soda-lime glass, with thickness ranging from 5-8 mm. The interlayers may be configured to bond the electrochromic layers to one another or to the exterior glass. In some embodiments, materials like polyvinyl butyral (PVB) or polyethylene terephthalate (PET) that are optimized for strong adhesion, optical clarity, sound damping, and strength may be used for the interlayers. The thickness of the interlayers may be roughly 1-2 mm. It is to be understood that while three interlayers are illustrated in FIG. 2, the disclosure is not limited to such configuration, and may include another different number of interlayers.

[0101] The electrochromic layers may be composed of a battery-like structure. According to one embodiment, transparent conductive oxide (TCO) layers can sandwich the construction of electrochromic layers (e.g., Tungsten oxide, Titanium oxide, or Molybdenum Oxide) to formcontrollable electrochromic layers. According to one embodiment, the electrochromic layers may include one electrochromic layer for tint control and another electrochromic layer for frost control. In some embodiments, a flexible printed circuit (FPC) (e.g., polyimide-based flexible printed circuit) may be further included and attached to the aforementioned TCO layers. For monolithic (non-pattemed) architectures, a silver (Ag) paste can be used to connect the FPC to the TCO layer. For patterned architectures, an anisotropic conductive film (ACF) can be used to make an FPC to TCO connection.

[0102] As described elsewhere herein, printed circuit board assembly may be configured to set the level of tint or turn on / off the frost. In some embodiments, a remote master controller may be used to maintain occupant location and the building’s layout information and environmental information and may be configured to provide instructions to the flexible printed circuit to set the level of tint or turn on / off the frost. The connection between the flexible printed circuit and the master controller may be maintained through a wireless mesh or network.

[0103] The spacer layer may include a set of spacers (e.g., spaces surrounding the edges alone the windows frame to separate the intermediate layer and the interior soda-lime glass. In some embodiments, the space sealed by the spacers may be vacuumed or may be filled with argon for thermal and / or noise isolation.

[0104] FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-section view of an example double-glazed construction, according to some embodiments. A triple-glazed construction would consist of an additional spacer, vacuum / argon fill, and soda-lime glass layer (5- 8 mm).Display Patterns

[0105] In some embodiments, in addition to coarse control of tint and frost for an entire window frame, certain methods may be used to create patterns displayed in the smart glazing that can be functionally useful in providing more of a viewing zone while preserving user privacy and also enhance the visual appeal.

[0106] According to one embodiment, the patterned electrochromic method may be used for simple patterns. For example, electrochromic layers can be constructed of dispersed ions sandwiched between the TCO layers. An example of a TCO material is Indium Tin Oxide (ITO). In this configuration, the TCO layers can be patterned through lithography after the deposition process with rows on one layer and columns on the other layer to create a fully addressable grid. The resolution of this grid will depend on the number of rows and columns used, which may be limited by the amount of space that can be used for routing to the controller, and the complexity of the controller itself. FIG. 3 A illustrates an example structure of patterned electrochromic layers and FIG. 3B illustrates an example process for forming the patterned electrochromic structure.According to another embodiment, a fully transparent display may be used for both simple and complex patterns. Specifically, a transparent display may be used in place of or in combination with an electrochromic layer, such as liquid crystal without a backlight or polarizer, an e-ink display, or organic light emitting diode (OLED). This additional complexity enables correspondingly detailed graphics to be displayed, to augment or replace the existing view.

[0107] In some embodiments, simple patterns can be generated by the above patterned electrochromic method or fully transparent display method to replicate various types of window blinds or shades that consumers currently perceive as familiar, as shown in FIG. 4. In one example, a simple row-column pattern can be leveraged to control these types of patterns, used with only frost control, only tint control, or both frost and tint controls. These simple row-column patterns may include top-down, bottom-up, or mid-up / down; right-left, left-right, or mid-left / right; horizontal blind-like at varying widths, deployed partially or fully top-down; vertical blind-like at varying widths, deployed partially or fully left-right or right-left.

[0108] In some embodiments, a Komorebi pattern may be also generated. Komorebi is a word that does not exist in English and refers to the light that is filtered by the trees. Komorebi is a very Japanese aesthetic that considers shadows as important as light in representing nature. It is a very abstract concept to bring into a design doc, but it represents the personal enjoyment that light brings to people and how much analog depth there is to its expression. One of the reasons architects spend so much time maximizing natural light is because it is important to everything people do in terms of work, creating things, and the mood that people have. Utilizing natural light allows people to save a modicum of energy, but also maximizes the experience of individuals.

[0109] In generating the Komorebi pattern, there is not so much about the binary state of off or on with the dynamic windows. Instead, the Komorebi pattern is about treating light as a material by which people can elevate the experience of people’s living in their house, and it’s something that static manual materials cannot even come close to matching. Above the functional use of this, the Komorebi pattern is the aesthetic value that it could potentially provide, while this is highly dependent on culture and taste a dynamic material such as the one we are proposing could adapt to any culture or taste. In one example, Indian architecture employs heavy usage of Jali’s in their architecture to maintain airflow but resist thermal buildup. An example picture showing the usage of Jali’s is shown in FIGS. 5A-5C.

[0110] With the production of LCDs, it’s possible to create patterns that are similar to Jali’s architecture, which makes it difficult to see into a house from a distance, but easy for residents inside the house to see out of the house. In addition, forest bathing (as shown in FIGS. 6A-6B) hasreal physiological and psychological improvements on our stress and well-being. This effect may be achieved through the use of dynamic materials to create a similar feeling.

[0111] In some embodiments, for transparent displays, it is possible to layer on additional graphics to augment an existing view for visual appeal. For example, fireflies over a forest view, snowflakes in the winter, or falling leaves in the autumn, any other graphics can be added for the transparent displays. FIG. 7 illustrates an example firefly pattern for transparent displays, according to some embodiments.

[0112] In some embodiments, for transparent emissive displays (containing their own light source), it is possible to reconfigure smart glazing into a form of interior lighting that is only constrained by the size of the glazing itself. It can be used to display much more visibly aesthetic patterns, without the need for individual light bulbs or lamps. In addition, in some embodiments, the lighting pattern itself can be dynamic rather than just aesthetic static patterns. Here, the dynamic patterns mean that certain movements can be added to the lighting patterns. FIG. 8 illustrates an example pattern for interior lighting, according to some embodiments.Control

[0113] FIG. 9A illustrates a block diagram of a smart glazing unit, according to some embodiments. As illustrated, a local window controller may be disposed inside the window, which can be further controlled by a remote master controller, which may be configured to control the window controller through a wireless mesh or network. The window controller may control the window in the tint level and in the frost level so as to control the privacy of a house through the smart glazing unit.

[0114] FIG. 9B illustrates an example method for privacy control, according to some embodiments. As illustrated in the figure, a person identification component (e.g., a vision-based sensor or other types of sensors) may be used to detect strangers. If there is no stranger detected outside, no action will be taken. If a stranger is detected, the user’s privacy tolerance setting will be checked. If the setting indicates that the presence of strangers outside the house is tolerated, no action will be taken. Otherwise, the frost control will be activated to adjust the window transparency so that privacy can be protected.

[0115] FIG. 9C illustrates an example method for thermal control, according to some embodiments. As illustrated in the figure, the method starts by detecting the presence of a person inside a house by using the aforementioned presence detection system. If a person is detected by the presence detection system, the detected person’s ID (PID) is determined and the user’s visual preference is then determined. Next, it may be checked whether the user has a preference or requirement for clear views. If the user does, the tint control is then activated to reduce the tint ofthe windows to provide clearer views. If the user does not, the preferred temperature of the user is then fetched (e.g., from the user preference profile). If the current room temperature is lower than the preferred temperature of the user, the tint control is activated to allow more sunlight to get into the house to warm up the house. If the current room temperature is higher than the preferred temperature of the user, the tint control is activated to increase the tint of the windows to prevent sunlight from entering the house.

[0116] In some embodiments, if a user is not detected by the presence detection system, the preferred temperatures can be then fetched for other users in the house. If the current room temperature is lower than the preferred temperatures of all users, the tint control is activated to reduce the tint of the windows. If the current room temperature is higher than the preferred temperature of all users, the tint control is then activated to increase the tint of the windows.Engineered Greenhouse Effect

[0117] Using dynamic glass can reduce the amount of energy used during hot weather, and utilize the greenhouse effect to heat a house during winter months. In some example applications where electrochromic glass is integrated, there are energy savings of up to 73%.

[0118] The ways for energy saving include dynamically adjusting the light transmittance property of electrochromic glass by turning it on / off, thereby preventing undesired radiative transfer through the windows.Physical Space - Smart Vents

[0119] As described in the system overview, the physical space of the dynamic architecture further includes certain smart vents that are configured to digitally control airflow. The idea is to create digitally controlled micro vents (e.g., small openings) all around the house. These microvents may have a size range between 5 cmA2 - 50 cmA2 and may open / close with an electric signal. When paired with a fan, these openings can create “cross-winds” around the house.

[0120] A window air conditioner compressor may use up to 1400 watts of power. By comparison, the average fan only uses around 75 watts of power. However, an AC compressor acts primarily on the ambient temperature of a room, while a fan needs to be positioned correctly to a target in order to create convective heat loss via the windchill effect.

[0121] For the most part, a body wants to maintain homeostasis (37 °C), and people’s perception of temperature is based on how far they sense they are away from homeostasis at which point their hypothalamus will send signals to the body to either sweat or shiver, creating a level of discomfort.

[0122] The capacity of the disclosed dynamic architecture to understand an individual’s personal temperature and position within a house allows the smart vents to automatically target afan array in a house to cool an individual down and escalate to AC systems to further regulate temperature only when needed, saving a tremendous amount of energy.Controlled Convection

[0123] As described earlier, using the dynamic light transmittance property of electrochromic glass, a “greenhouse effect” can be engineered. However, greenhouses in the real world function primarily based on a different physical phenomenon - convection, which is a way for heat to move, also referred to as a heat transfer mechanism. That is, a greenhouse is not primarily warmed by the greenhouse effect, but rather is actually a misnomer since heating in the usual greenhouse is due to the reduction of convection, while the “greenhouse effect” works by preventing absorbed heat from leaving the structure through radiative transfer.” A greenhouse may be built of any material that passes sunlight such as glass or plastic. The sun warms the ground and contents inside just like the outside, which then warms the air. Outside, the warm air near the surface rises and mixes with cooler air aloft, keeping the temperature lower than inside, where the air continues to heat up because it is confined within the greenhouse. This can be demonstrated by opening a small window near the roof of a greenhouse: the temperature will drop considerably. Thus greenhouses work primarily by preventing convective cooling. To put this into layman’s terms, hot air naturally moves up and cold air moves down. Greenhouses retain heat by preventing hot air from leaving by sealing the top of the structure. In the present disclosure, a similar concept is applied to mimic real-world greenhouses by leveraging digitally controlled airflow.

[0124] FIG. 10 illustrates an example method for controlling airflow inside a house, according to some embodiments. As illustrated, the method may begin with checking whether a user- perceived temperature is lower than the external temperature or not. If the user-perceived temperature is less than the external temperature, it may be further determined whether the user- perceived temperature is lower than the user’s preferred temperature. If the user-perceived temperature is lower than the user’s preferred temperature, all openings are opened to allow maximum airflow. This enables the heat transfer through the convection from outside to inside the house. If the user-perceived temperature is higher than the user’s preferred temperature, a cooling mode is activated to close the lower openings to prevent cold air from leaving the house, so as to cool down the house.

[0125] Under certain circumstances, if the user-perceived temperature is higher than the external temperature, it is then determined whether the user-perceived temperature is lower than the user’s preferred temperature. If the user-perceived temperature is lower than the user’s preferred temperature, a heating mode is activated to close the roof openings or (micro vents) to prevent warm air from leaving the house, mimicking the greenhouse effect in the real world. On the otherhand, if the user-perceived temperature is lower than the user’s preferred temperature, all opening are controlled to open to allow maximum airflow. This enables heat transfer through convection from inside to outside the house.

[0126] It should be understood that, in general, it is the perception of temperature (i.e., the perceived temperature) that directly affects people’s behavior, driving people to change location, activity, and consumption of energy through appliances, even food, and drink. All spaces till today have been designed to focus on sensing and controlling ambient temperature and not the perception of temperature each individual experiences within that space because of the inability to cost- effectively and reliably perceive individuals within a space. Even the current start-of-the-art Nest® device does not focus on individuals, but on an individual’s phone (which may have a different location from the individual). These systems immediately fall down with the slight complexity of multiple individuals with different preferences living in a space, and the majority of installations lack the ability to sense beyond the central unit or control small variables like an open window.Physical Space - Sensors

[0127] Beyond the above-described smart glazing and smart vents, another important feature of the disclosed dynamic architecture is its inclusion of a set of sensors. The sensors included in the architecture may be comprised in a persion identification and location system (e.g., a persion identification and location unit). Based on the functions required by the disclosed dynamic architecture, the sensors included in the architecture may be classified into three different categories, e.g., sensors for presence detection, sensors for environmental monitoring, and sensors for self-diagnosis and maintenance. Based on the technologies employed, the sensors for presence detection may be further divided into two categories, e.g., sensors for privacy-preserving presence detection, and sensors for maximum fidelity person recognition.

[0128] The sensors for privacy-preserving presence detection may be configured mainly for the indoor user (e.g., within a house) to determine the locations of occupants without a direct visual feed. These sensors may include but are not limited to, sensors with low-definition visual capacity, sensors with radio frequency capacity, and sensors with acoustic capacity. For sensors with low- definition visual capacity, these sensors may achieve up to 98-99% accuracy. Such kinds of sensors include infrared sensor array / low definition infrared (IR) cameras (e.g., cameras with a resolution of less than 128 x 128 pixels), low definition cameras (also less than 128 x 128 pixels), and so on. For sensors with radio frequency capacity, these sensors may achieve 98% accuracy for a single occupant. For sensors with acoustic capacity, these sensors may achieve up to 99.6% accuracy.Such kinds of sensors may include certain vibration sensors and microphones. The vibration sensorsmay detect the presence of occupants by detecting floor / wall / structure vibration caused by human activities (e.g., movements). The microphones may detect sound produced by human.

[0129] The sensors for maximum fidelity person recognition may be configured mainly for outdoor use, that is, outside a house to protect the security and privacy of occupants from external agents. Currently, the most accurate person recognition scheme is vision-based facial recognition, which may achieve 99.98% accuracy or even higher. Such kinds of sensors may include cameras, including regular cameras for daytime use and IR cameras for nighttime use.

[0130] For the sensors configured for environmental monitoring, these sensors may be placed throughout a building, to enable an accurate environmental model to be constructed and appropriate actions to be triggered subsequently if necessary. The efficiency of this environmental model and the triggered actions rely on the understanding of both the interior and exterior environments. The sensors configured for monitoring interior and exterior environments may include sensors for monitoring air quality, temperature, humidity, wind speed, light intensity, and so on. In one example, to detect air quality, the sensors may detect the presence and / or concentration of volatile organic compounds, pollutants, or CO levels that may affect a person’s awareness. For temperature detection, the sensors may detect the ambient temperature. In some embodiments, the sensors may also monitor unexpected hotspots that may be early signs of a fire. For humidity detection, the sensors may detect both interior and exterior humidity, so as to build a more accurate model for occupant comfort. For wind speed detection, the sensors may detect the external environment, which may inform whether or not and / or how much to vent from outside. For light intensity detection, the sensors may include visible, UV, and IR sensors that together provide necessary information for the operation of smart glazing throughout the house.

[0131] For the sensors configured for self-diagnosis & maintenance, these sensors enable earlier detection and repair of any damage or loss of functionality for the hardware or physical components configured for the dynamic architecture. These sensors can also be tied into an inventory system for monitoring the maintenance parts so as to reduce lead times for repairs. In addition to the selfreporting of the loss of functionality, self-diagnosis & maintenance sensors can be also used to monitor the structural integrity of the smart glazing or smart vents. For example, a surface-mounted transducer may be used to send out a signal and measure the time or frequency response, the information of which can be used to determine the integrity of glass such as cracks or chips. FIG. 11 illustrates an example scenario for smart glazing glass damage detection, according to some embodiments. As illustrated, a transducer can be mounted to one side of smart glazing glass to monitor whether the glass has cracks or chips by modulating the glass surface. Based on the measured response, it can be determined whether the glass structure is structurally damaged. Insome embodiments, certain current sensors can be also configured to monitor smart glazing by measuring average and instantaneous current for either electrochromic layer or fan operation, to ensure they are within expected operating limits.Virtual Space - Building Layout Information

[0132] One of the critical drawbacks of other existing “smart house” solutions is their lack of knowledge about the space itself. Devices such as smart speakers or nest thermostats are designed to plug and play with any environment, but in doing so, they actually know very little about these environments.

[0133] The solution provided in the present disclosure is to simplify the problem. Starting with a known environment, the disclosed approach builds a platform for a known floorplan that can be mapped out so the entire floor plan is known. Sensors and devices are placed by design in optimal, known locations, which means not only that occupant locations will be known exactly relative to the floor plan, but also that environmental models of the house can be accurately constructed.Benefits of the Dynamic ArchitectureComfort and Utility Auxiliary Systems

[0134] One of the benefits of having knowledge of presence over time, tied with user preferences, is that this information can be applied to additional systems for enhanced user comfort and energy efficiency. For example, an occupant’s location can be used to automatically switch on interior lights as s / he walks towards a room, and switch off these lights when s / he exits. At night, most of the interior lights can be switched on at a dimmer level, and light up “just in time” to lead a path to the bathroom or kitchen when somebody walks along the path. An occupant’s habits can also inform for example when to automatically run a water circulation system with the water heater and engage radiant floor heating, ahead of an expected bath or shower. This information can all be used to estimate energy usage as well, to be fed into smarter energy storage decisions for house batteries or microgrid solutions.

[0135] Some example auxiliary systems that can be interfaced with include but are not limited to electric-powered systems, HVAC, air circulation systems, air filters, water circulation, heating, and motorized doors. For the electric-powered systems, the disclosed decision-making system can send an “on / off ’ signal, intermediate analog or digital signal level that controls the electric current or voltage used to power any electric-powered systems, or it can send a more complex packet containing contextual information (e.g., schedules, predicted power usage). The example electric- powered systems may include but are not limited to interior lighting (e.g., overhead, standalone, lamps, wall mounted, accent lighting), exterior lighting (e.g., overhead, pathway lights, accentlighting, pool lights, string lights), power outlet electric appliances, battery storage systems, car chargers, and smart breaker boxes. The example water circulation and heating systems may include but are not limited to water heaters, circulation pumps, and floor heating systems. The example motorized doors may include but are not limited to exterior doors, interior doors, and garage doors.Building Maintenance & Repair

[0136] In addition, the disclosure also addresses the upkeep and ease of repair by implementing a modular design for the disclosed integrated smart glazing or smart vents. The goal of this is to minimize disruption to the occupants by reducing the time needed for repair and by reducing the amount of physical disruption to the space when conducting repairs.

[0137] For example, for the disclosed smart glazing, the design may include an additional outer frame that is permanently attached to the wall, with an electrical interface (e.g., wiring) connecting to the building’s electrical system and with electrical contacts on the interior face of the outer frame. This interface is designed to handle high voltage (e.g., 120-500 V) or low voltage (e.g., <24 V) AC or DC systems. In some embodiments, the design may additionally include an inner frame that has the corresponding electrical contacts to connect with the outer frame. In some embodiments, the entirety of the smart glazing, controller, and certain sensors are disposed inside the inner frame. In some embodiments, the design also includes interlocks and rubber or silicone gaskets to seal all along the edges of the inner frame, where the interlocks can be electrically or mechanically actuated to release the inner frame. FIG. 12 illustrates example structures for the disclosed outer frame and inner frame including the aforementioned components such as the electrical interfaces, electric contacts, interlocks, and so on.

[0138] In some embodiments, by including sensors in the disclosed dynamic architecture to detect functionality or need for repair, it allows these sensors, when connected to the master controller, to automatically report detected problems to a centralized server maintained by the repair / maintenance company. This would further enable reduced wait times. For example, the system may get an accurate real-time estimate of the number of parts needed for repair and the repair cycles for each part, and parts may be ordered proactively or immediately at the time of failure to ensure short wait times for repair. This would also allow a leaner operation by reducing the number of less-in-demand parts. In addition, the disclosed dynamic architecture also allows more accurate scheduling for repair appointments. For example, customers may schedule repair appointments based on a real-time picture of the parts inventory.

[0139] FIG. 12 illustrates an example setting for interacting with a repair / maintenance company, according to some embodiments. As illustrated, the dynamic architecture may include sensors such as glass sensors and fan sensors for monitoring the operations of the correspondingcomponents. These sensors may be connected to the corresponding controllers such as the smart glazing controller and smart vent controller, which are further connected to a master controller. The master controller may communicate with the connected repair / maintenance company, for example, communicate with the maintenance server, which allows to schedule repairment and to check the part inventory and / or even to order certain parts if these parts are low in inventory.Example ApplicationsExample 1: Automated Thermal and Privacy Control with Dynamic Glass

[0140] According to one example application, a software-controlled glass in the present disclosure may alter its visual states (e.g., frost and / or tint) based on users’ privacy requirements and thermal comfort. As described above in the smart glazing section, the glass may include two controllable parameters, the frost which controls the blurring effect, and tint which controls the amount of light passing through the glass window. The control may be implemented by the decision-making system through the privacy control program and the thermal control program, as described earlier in FIGS. 9B-9C. The software program or the decision-making system may leverage the above-described person identification and location system and the user preference information. The person identification and location system may identify people and determine their locations using a combination of vision, radio frequency, and acoustic sensors. The user preference information may include the user’s privacy and temperature preferences that are stored in a storage system. The glass may be controlled to be in the frost / tint state based on the user preference information, as described earlier in FIGS. 9B-9C.Example 2: Sound Modifying Panel

[0141] According to another example application, the disclosed dynamic architecture also provides a sound modifying panel, which may be configured to modify sound or voice passing through the panel.

[0142] In addition to being a path for heat loss, windows historically have been sources of external noise to make it into a house. Window manufacturers have attempted to address this problem with the same solutions they use to improve insulation, e.g., by adding thickness and layers. Ultimately the end result is a larger and heavier window. In the present disclosure, new techniques leverage the glass properties to attenuate or magnify sound, to fit an occupant’s desires or comfort, without imposing such thickness or weight constraints on the window footprint. The disclosed system relies on a glass-mounted transducer on the inner-most pane of window glass (can apply to any number of paned windows, including double, triple, and quadruple pane windows),along with exterior and interior microphones, and a local processor that interfaces with the other components through wired or wireless connections.

[0143] FIG. 14 illustrates various example sound modifying panels, according to some embodiments, and FIG. 15 illustrates a block diagram of an example sound modifying panel according to some embodiments. As illustrated, the sound modifying panel may include an outer glass layer and an inner glass layer. The outer glass layer may be equipped with a microphone for picking up voice input from the exterior environment. The innermost glass layer may be equipped with a transducer that is electronically connected to the outer microphone. The transducer may cancel or amplify exterior sound input. In one example, the sound input from the exterior environment may be classified first based on the information extracted from the sound input. If the sound input (e.g., sound from a homing car) is classified as noise, the sound input may be canceled by the transducer. On the other hand, if the sound input (e.g., sound from a delivery person) is not classified as noise, the sound input may be amplified to allow the persons inside the house to understand the sound input.

[0144] An example sound modifying process is further illustrated in FIG. 16, and specific processes of sound modification by the disclosed sound modifying panel are further provided in detail below with reference to some example application scenarios.

[0145] In one application scenario, the sound modifying panel may be used for noise cancellation, for example, when the occupant desires complete noise isolation from any external sound stimuli. During the process, external sounds or noise (e.g., input from the external environment) may be picked up by the exterior microphone, digitized, and passed through to a local processor / controller. The processor may pass that measured external noise through a transfer function to predict attenuation based on the sound physically passing through the exterior glass pane(s). The processor then computes the “inverse signal” for a standing wave that would cancel out the sound at the innermost glass pane. This “inverse signal” can be then applied to a transducer that is surface mounted to the innermost glass pane. The occupant then hears no sound from outside.

[0146] In another application scenario, the sound modifying panel may be used for sound pass- through, for example, when the occupant desires external sounds to pass through as if the window were open (without imposing any of the downsides of opening the windows, ex. rain or bugs coming in). This could achieve a comforting effect, such as passing through the sound of birds / crickets chirping, the sound of the wind going through grass or bushes, or the sound of raindrops hitting various surfaces. During the process, the external sounds or noise may be picked up by the exterior microphone, digitized, and passed through to the local processor / controller. Theprocessor then passes that measured external noise through a transfer function to predict attenuation based on the sound physically passing through the exterior glass pane(s). The processor may then compute the “additive signal” for a standing wave that would magnify the sound at the innermost glass pane. This “additive signal” is applied to a transducer that is surface mounted to the innermost glass pane. The occupant is then able to hear sound generated outside the house at the about same level and clarity as if the window was not present.

[0147] In yet another application scenario, the sound modifying panel may be used for audio projection, for example, for augmenting or replacing a speaker setup. During the process, the external sounds or noise are picked up by the exterior microphone, digitized, and passed through to the local processor / controller. The processor passes that measured external noise through a transfer function to predict attenuation based on the sound physically passing through the exterior glass pane(s). Depending on user preference, the processor can compute the “inverse signal” or “additive signal” like above, and apply that to the desired audio broadcast signal (e.g., Bluetooth connection, music source, internal microphone input for amplification, internet radio station, etc.). The combination of these signals would be the “resultant signal.” This “resultant signal” is applied to a transducer that is surface mounted to the innermost glass pane. The occupant is then able to hear the desired audio content, with or without external noise pass-through depending on their preferences.

[0148] According to another application scenario, the sound modifying panel may be used for external soundproofing. For example, the sound modifying panel can be applied to implement a “soundproofing” effect to reduce noise from inside a house from escaping outside and being a nuisance to neighbors. During the process, the internal sounds or noise (e.g., input from the internal environment) may be picked up by an interior microphone, digitized, and passed through to the local processor / controller. The processor passes that measured interior noise through a transfer function to predict attenuation based on the sound physically passing through the exterior glass pane(s). Because the external panes can still attenuate sound, the noise does not have to be fully canceled out at the interior glass pane. The processor then computes the “inverse signal” for a standing wave that would cancel out the sound at the innermost glass pane. This “inverse signal” can be then applied to a transducer that is surface mounted to the innermost glass pane. People outside of the house are not able to hear anything from inside the house.

[0149] It should be understood that the transfer function used to calculate the attenuated signal at the interior glass panel can be adapted or updated, based on real-time and regular measurements during use. Due to part-to-part variation, installation differences, material changes over time, or any specific environmental differences related to a specific house, a pre-programmed transfer function likely won’t be optimal across all cases. Having this adjustability gives the system flexibility tooperate at optimal performance throughout its lifetime. The transfer function for external soundproofing can be updated in a similar manner, using the exterior microphone as the feedback mechanism.Example 3: Dynamically Controlled Building Panel

[0150] According to another example application, the disclosed dynamic architecture allows controlling the thermodynamic profile, occupant privacy, interior lighting, and visual look of a building structure via a singular or set of structural panels. For example, a house may be constructed with additional systems and accessories required to regulate the above properties. Examples of the disclosed dynamic architecture can include the use of electrochromic materials, liquid crystals, and e-ink combined with temperature and light sensors, cameras, and machine intelligence to automatically adjust these properties to optimize for occupant comfort and energy efficiency.

[0151] According to one embodiment, a building component (e.g., a house) may include a structural frame that can be integrated into a building structure, with the necessary utility connections; an exterior glass panel; a plurality of transparent conductor (such as Indium Tin Oxide) coated films or glass, a singular bonding structure or plurality of bonding structures located in the border area of the films or glass; a sandwich structure of transparent conductor coated film or glass enclosing a matrix layer electrically controlled material for the purposes of light transmission control; a sandwich structure of transparent conductor coated film of glass enclosing a matrix layer of electrically controlled material for the purposes of light scattering control; a single or multiple flexible printed circuit boards attached to the bond pads of each transparent conductor coated film or glass; a printed circuit board assembly housing electronic components to control the electrical behavior of the electrochromic, liquid crystal, or e-ink materials, and interface with a central hub controller through a wired or wireless interface; and additional glass layers, spacers, and inert gas optimized for thermal insulation.

[0152] According to some embodiments, the electrically controlled material for light transmission control can be comprised of a matrix of particles such as electrochromic particles, liquid crystals, or e-ink. According to some embodiments, the transparent conductor-coated films can form a single uniform electrode, or a multitude of electrodes to enable selective addressing and control of the panel.

[0153] FIG. 17 illustrates an example structure including electronically controllable material and a corresponding controlling process, according to some embodiments. As illustrated, the structure may include multiple layers, one of which contains a matrix of particles with orientationdependent thermal conductivity. The particles can be orientated by controlling the electrical currentprovided to the particles. By changing the orientation of the particles, it allows the structure to pass through or insulate thermal energy dynamically based on an electrical control signal provided to the particles.

[0154] According to some embodiments, the controller for the controlling process may be attached directly to the glass bonding structures as a chip on the glass structure, or indirectly through bond pads to a flexible printed circuit board and printed circuit board assembly. According to some embodiments, the plurality of sensors may include light intensity, temperature, humidity, or image / cameras and may be standalone assemblies or integrated into the building. According to some embodiments, a separate electronic controller or device may be included, which acts as a central hub for information processing and coordination, and may be connected wirelessly or through a wired connection.

[0155] FIG. 18 illustrates an example structure for achieving automated thermal and privacy control with dynamic glass. As can be seen in the figure, the glass may include a layer for controlling solar and a layer for controlling privacy. Each layer may contain electrically controllable materials, which can be independently to achieve transparency and / or privacy as illustrated in FIG. 18.

[0156] FIG. 19 illustrates an example arbitrary zone dynamic glass. As can be seen, the window includes layers of glass, and one or more electrochromic layers can scatter light and / or reduce transmission of light. In addition, as also illustrated in the figure, the dynamic glass also has electrode patterns designed in a fine grid that can be controlled independently. This allows light scattering and reduced transmission to be achieved based on arbitrary patterns, as shown in FIG. 19.Example 4: Individual Perceived Climate Zones within a Room

[0157] According to another example application, individually perceived climate zones within a same environment can be effectively generated. Typically within a controlled environment, a single HVAC system controls the entire thermodynamic profile of an area. Examples of this disclosure include a presence and identification system that may also store user climate preferences, along with a directional, distributed heating, cooling, or ambient airflow system that can direct warmer or cooler air toward each occupant separately to generate a perceived climate that more closely matches each occupant’s preferences.

[0158] FIG. 20 illustrates an example of individual perceived climate zones, according to some embodiments. As illustrated, the disclosed space includes multiple directional fans that each can be independently controlled. In addition, there is also a perception system that may control each fan to operate independently. As illustrated in the figure, user A may prefer 75 °F while user B may prefer 68 °F. By independently controlling the fans to focus on each user differently, it allows the twousers to have their own perceived climate zones. For example, two fans can be controlled to direct to user B and can be controlled to achieve a more obvious cooling effect, so that the perceived climate zone for user B can be approximately 68 °F. On the other hand, the other two fans can be controlled to direct to user A and can be controlled to achieve a less obvious cooling effect, so that the perceived climate zone for user A can be approximately 75 °F. It can be seen that there are different perceived climate zones that can be generated even for a same room.

[0159] In some embodiments, to generate individual perceived climate zones within a room, the disclosure may include a presence detection system for the detection of the presence of each individual inside the room, including the specific locations of each individual inside the room. The location information of each individual can be forwarded to the decision-making system (together with the presence detection system may be referred to as the perception system). In some embodiments, facial recognition may be performed to identify each individual. In some embodiments, a combination of sensed data can be used for identification. Such sensed data may include but not limited to sound from voice or footsteps, gait analysis, body frame, and certain low resolution images. Once an individual is identified, the decision-making system then retrieves user preference information from the user preference storage and determines the thermodynamic preferences for each individual. The decision-making system can then direct ambient, heated, or cooled air at each user individually to achieve a perceived temperature that matches their respective preferences. This can result in enhanced comfort, and also energy savings.Example 5: Self-Diagnosing and Replaceable Building Panel

[0160] According to another example application, the disclosed dynamic architecture allows automatically detecting maintenance issues, issuing maintenance requests, and enabling a plug-and- play replacement. Building structures are typically constructed with stick-built frames and drywall or pre-fabricated panels that are meant to be assembled once and not easily disassembled. Issues with maintenance, such as damages to the structure, have been generally left to the occupants to notice when something is visually or functionally wrong. The disclosed dynamic architecture includes building panels with built-in sensors to self-diagnose in the event of damage or loss of functionality. The disclosure also provides a method of connecting to a central electronic communication system to automatically notify a third party of the issue and prepare to order replacement parts. The disclosure additionally provides a design of interlocking parts that enable the panel to be quickly and easily removed and replaced with a corresponding panel in the event.

[0161] FIG. 21 illustrates an example replaceable panel that includes interlocking parts for easier removal and / or replacement. According to one embodiment, a building component includes a structural frame that can be integrated into a building structure, with the necessary utilityconnections (e.g., connections for low or high voltage electric, communications signals, water, gas, and so on); an interior frame with gaskets that seal and mechanisms that engage and lock with the structural frame; a panel mounted in the interior frame, which can be layers of glass to be part of a window, or layers of plastic, metal, or wood, or other insulating material, and may include utilities routed through; a set of sensors, which can include temperature or light sensors, transducers, microphones, image sensors, and so on; and electronic components that enable communication through a wired or wireless connection to a central electronic communication system (e.g., central controller or master controller).

[0162] According to some embodiments, the sensors may measure properties of the panel that can represent structural integrity and functionality, thereby allowing to detect maintenance issues. According to some embodiments, the aforementioned central electronic communication system may interface with the panels within the building to check whether maintenance issues are detected. In addition, the central electronic communication system may notify an inventory system to place an order for a replacement panel or certain parts included therein. It is to be noted that the aforementioned third party may be designated to handle maintenance and repair requests.Additional Considerations

[0163] Throughout this specification, plural instances may implement components, operations, or structures described as a single instance. Although individual operations of one or more methods are illustrated and described as separate operations, one or more of the individual operations may be performed concurrently, and nothing requires that the operations be performed in the order illustrated. Structures and functionality presented as separate components in example configurations may be implemented as a combined structure or component.

[0164] Similarly, structures and functionality presented as a single component may be implemented as separate components. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements fall within the scope of the subject matter herein.

[0165] Certain embodiments are described herein as including logic or a number of components, modules, or mechanisms, for example, as illustrated and described in the figures above. Modules may constitute either software modules (e.g., code embodied on a machine readable medium) or hardware modules. A hardware module is a tangible unit capable of performing certain operations and may be configured or arranged in a certain manner. In example embodiments, one or more computer systems (e.g., a standalone, client or server computer system) or one or more hardware modules of a computer system (e.g., a processor or a group of processors) may be configured by software (e.g., an application or application portion) as a hardware module that operates to perform certain operations as described herein.

[0166] In various embodiments, a hardware module may be implemented mechanically or electronically. For example, a hardware module may include dedicated circuitry or logic that is permanently configured (e.g., as a special -purpose processor, such as a field-programmable gate array (FPGA) or an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC)) to perform certain operations. A hardware module may also include programmable logic or circuitry (e.g., as encompassed within a general-purpose processor or other programmable processors) that is temporarily configured by software to perform certain operations. It will be appreciated that the decision to implement a hardware module mechanically, in dedicated and permanently configured circuitry, or in temporarily configured circuitry (e.g., configured by software) may be driven by cost and time considerations.

[0167] The various operations of example methods described herein may be performed, at least partially, by one or more processors that are temporarily configured (e.g., by software) or permanently configured to perform the relevant operations. Whether temporarily or permanently configured, such processors may constitute processor-implemented modules that operate to perform one or more operations or functions. The modules referred to herein may, in some example embodiments, include processor-implemented modules.

[0168] In some embodiments, a computer system is programmed to maintain a user preference of a user when the user is located within a machine perception-mediated architecture. The user preference may be a climate preference. The user preference may be a privacy preference. The user preference may be a sound preference. In some embodiments, a computer system is programmed to adjust a tint of a smart glazing. In some embodiments, a computer system is programmed to adjust a tint of a smart glazing to maintain a user preference that is a climate preference. In some embodiments, a computer system is programmed to adjust a tint of a smart glazing via a thermal control program. In some embodiments, a computer system is programmed to adjust a frost of a smart glazing. In some embodiments, a computer system is programmed to adjust a frost of a smart glazing to maintain a user preference that is a privacy preference. In some embodiments, a computer system is programmed to adjust a frost of a smart glazing via a privacy control program. In some embodiments, a computer system is programmed to adjust an opening of a smart vent. In some embodiments, a computer system is programmed to adjust a closing of a smart vent. In some embodiments, a computer system is programmed to adjust an opening or a closing of a smart vent. In some embodiments, a computer system is programmed to adjust an opening and a closing of a smart vent. In some embodiments, a computer system is programmed to adjust a opening or a closing of a smart vent to maintain a user preference that is a climate preference. In some embodiments, a computer system is programmed to adjust a opening or a closing of a smart vent viaa thermal control program. In some embodiments, a computer system is programmed to adjust a transducer. In some embodiments, a computer system is programmed to adjust a transducer to maintain a user preference that is a sound preference. In some embodiments, a computer system is programmed to adjust an electrically controlled material. In some embodiments, a computer system is programmed to adjust an electrically controlled material to maintain a user preference that is a climate preference. In some embodiments, a computer system is programmed to adjust an electrically controlled material to maintain a user preference that is a privacy preference. In some embodiments, a computer system is programmed to adjust an electrically controlled material to maintain a user preference that is a climate preference or a privacy preference. In some embodiments, a computer system is programmed to adjust an electrically controlled material to maintain a user preference that is a climate preference and a privacy preference. In some embodiments, a computer system is programmed to adjust a fan. In some embodiments, a computer system is programmed to adjust a fan configured to maintain an individual perceived climate zone and to maintain a user preference that is a climate preference. In some embodiments, a computer system is programmed to diagnose damage or loss of functionality in a building panel (e.g., a selfdiagnosing and replicable building panel).

[0169] In some embodiments, a computer processor or plurality of computer processors is programmed to maintain a user preference of a user when the user is located within a machine perception-mediated architecture. The user preference may be a climate preference. The user preference may be a privacy preference. The user preference may be a sound preference. In some embodiments, a computer processor or plurality of computer processors is programmed to adjust a tint of a smart glazing. In some embodiments, a computer processor or plurality of computer processors is programmed to adjust a tint of a smart glazing to maintain a user preference that is a climate preference. In some embodiments, a computer processor or plurality of computer processors is programmed to adjust a tint of a smart glazing via a thermal control program. In some embodiments, a computer processor or plurality of computer processors is programmed to adjust a frost of a smart glazing. In some embodiments, a computer processor or plurality of computer processors is programmed to adjust a frost of a smart glazing to maintain a user preference that is a privacy preference. In some embodiments, a computer processor or plurality of computer processors is programmed to adjust a frost of a smart glazing via a privacy control program. In some embodiments, a computer processor or plurality of computer processors is programmed to adjust an opening of a smart vent. In some embodiments, a computer processor or plurality of computer processors is programmed to adjust a closing of a smart vent. In some embodiments, a computer processor or plurality of computer processors is programmed to adjust an opening or aclosing of a smart vent. In some embodiments, a computer processor or plurality of computer processors is programmed to adjust an opening and a closing of a smart vent. In some embodiments, a computer processor or plurality of computer processors is programmed to adjust a opening or a closing of a smart vent to maintain a user preference that is a climate preference. In some embodiments, a computer processor or plurality of computer processors is programmed to adjust a opening or a closing of a smart vent via a thermal control program. In some embodiments, a computer processor or plurality of computer processors is programmed to adjust a transducer. In some embodiments, a computer processor or plurality of computer processors is programmed to adjust a transducer to maintain a user preference that is a sound preference. In some embodiments, a computer processor or plurality of computer processors is programmed to adjust an electrically controlled material. In some embodiments, a computer processor or plurality of computer processors is programmed to adjust an electrically controlled material to maintain a user preference that is a climate preference. In some embodiments, a computer processor or plurality of computer processors is programmed to adjust an electrically controlled material to maintain a user preference that is a privacy preference. In some embodiments, a computer processor or plurality of computer processors is programmed to adjust an electrically controlled material to maintain a user preference that is a climate preference or a privacy preference. In some embodiments, a computer processor or plurality of computer processors is programmed to adjust an electrically controlled material to maintain a user preference that is a climate preference and a privacy preference. In some embodiments, a computer processor or plurality of computer processors is programmed to adjust a fan. In some embodiments, a computer processor or plurality of computer processors is programmed to adjust a fan configured to maintain an individual perceived climate zone and to maintain a user preference that is a climate preference. In some embodiments, a computer processor or plurality of computer processors is programmed to diagnose damage or loss of functionality in a building panel (e.g., a self-diagnosing and replicable building panel).

[0170] The one or more computer processors (e.g., processors) may also operate to support performance of the relevant operations in a “cloud computing” environment or as a “software as a service”“ (SaaS). For example, at least some of the operations may be performed by a group of computers (as examples of machines including processors), these operations being accessible via a network (e.g., the Internet) and via one or more appropriate interfaces (e.g., application program interfaces (APis).)

[0171] The performance of certain operations may be distributed among the one or more processors, not only residing within a single machine, but deployed across a number of machines. In some example embodiments, the one or more processors or processor-implemented modules maybe located in a single geographic location (e.g., within a home environment, an office environment, or a server farm). In other example embodiments, the one or more processors or processor- implemented modules may be distributed across a number of geographic locations.

[0172] Some portions of this specification are presented in terms of algorithms or symbolic representations of operations on data stored as bits or binary digital signals within a machine memory (e.g., a computer memory). These algorithms or symbolic representations are examples of techniques used by those of ordinary skill in the data processing arts to convey the substance of their work to others skilled in the art. As used herein, an “algorithm” is a self-consi stent sequence of operations or similar processing leading to a desired result. In this context, algorithms and operations involve physical manipulation of physical quantities. Typically, but not necessarily, such quantities may take the form of electrical, magnetic, or optical signals capable of being stored, accessed, transferred, combined, compared, or otherwise manipulated by a machine. It is convenient at times, principally for reasons of common usage, to refer to such signals using words such as “data,” “content,” “bits,” “values,” “elements,” “symbols,” “characters,” “terms,” “numbers,” “numerals,” or the like. These words, however, are merely convenient labels and are to be associated with appropriate physical quantities.

[0173] Unless specifically stated otherwise, discussions herein using words such as “processing,” “computing,” “calculating,” “determining,” “presenting,” “displaying,” or the like may refer to actions or processes of a machine (e.g., a computer) that manipulates or transforms data represented as physical (e.g., electronic, magnetic, or optical) quantities within one or more memories (e.g., volatile memory, non-volatile memory, or a combination thereof), registers, or other machine components that receive, store, transmit, or display information.

[0174] Upon reading this disclosure, those of skill in the art will appreciate still additional alternative structural and functional designs for the system described above. Thus, while particular embodiments and applications have been illustrated and described, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are not limited to the precise construction and components disclosed herein. Various modifications, changes and variations, which will be apparent to those skilled in the art, may be made in the arrangement, operation and details of the method and apparatus disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope defined in the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMSWHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A method for controlling a machine perception-mediated dynamic architecture according to a user preference of a user, comprising: a. providing said machine perception-mediated dynamic architecture comprising a smart glazing, a smart vent, and a person identification and location unit; and a decision-making unit coupled to said smart glazing, said smart vent, and said person identification and location unit; b. detecting, via said person identification and location unit, a location of said user within said machine perception-mediated architecture; and c. adjusting, via said decision-making unit: i. a tint of said smart glazing to maintain said user preference, wherein said user preference is a climate preference; ii. a frost of said smart glazing to maintain said user preference, wherein said user preference is a privacy preference; or iii. an opening or a closing of a smart vent, wherein said user preference is said climate preference.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein said adjusting comprises adjusting, via said decisionmaking unit, said tint of said smart glazing to maintain said user preference, wherein said user preference is said climate preference.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein said adjusting comprises adjusting, via said decisionmaking unit, said frost of said smart glazing to maintain said user preference, wherein said user preference is said privacy preference.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein said adjusting comprises adjusting, via said decisionmaking unit, said opening or said closing of said smart vent, wherein said user preference is said climate preference.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein said adjusting comprises adjusting, via said decisionmaking unit: i. said tint of said smart glazing to maintain said user preference, wherein said user preference is said climate preference; and ii. said frost of said smart glazing to maintain said user preference, wherein said user preference is said privacy preference.

6. The method of claim 1, wherein said adjusting comprises adjusting, via said decisionmaking unit: i. said tint of said smart glazing to maintain said user preference, wherein said user preference is said climate preference; and iii. said opening or said closing of said smart vent, wherein said user preference is said climate preference.

7. The method of claim 1, wherein said adjusting comprises adjusting, via said decisionmaking unit: ii. said frost of said smart glazing to maintain said user preference, wherein said user preference is said privacy preference; and iii. said opening or said closing of said smart vent, wherein said user preference is said climate preference.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein said adjusting comprises adjusting, via said decisionmaking unit: i. said tint of said smart glazing to maintain said user preference, wherein said user preference is said climate preference; ii. said frost of said smart glazing to maintain said user preference, wherein said user preference is said privacy preference; and iii. said opening or said closing of said smart vent, wherein said user preference is said climate preference.

9. The method of claim 1, further comprising adjusting, via said decision-making unit: a transducer comprised in a sound modifying panel comprised in said machine perception-mediated architecture, wherein said user preference is a sound preference.

10. The method of claim 1, further comprising adjusting, via said decision-making unit: an electrically controlled material comprised in a structural panel comprised in said machine perception-mediated architecture, wherein said user preference is a climate preference or a privacy preference.

11. The method of claim 1, wherein said detecting further comprises detecting said location of said user within an individual perceived climate zone comprised in said machine perception- mediated architecture.

12. The method of claim 1, further comprising adjusting, via said decision-making unit: a fan comprised in said machine perception-mediated architecture, wherein said user preference is said climate preference, and wherein said adjusting of said fan maintains said individual perceived climate zone.

13. The method of claim 1, further comprising controlling said machine perception-mediated dynamic architecture according to a second user preference of a second user.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein said detecting further comprises detecting said location of said second user within a second individual perceived climate zone comprised in said machine perception-mediated architecture.

15. The method of claim 1, further comprising replacing a self-diagnosing and replicable building panel when said building panel self-diagnoses damage or lost functionality.

16. A system, comprising: a. a machine perception-mediated dynamic architecture comprising: i. a smart glazing, ii. a smart vent, and iii. a person identification and location unit configured to detect a location of said user within said machine perception-mediated architecture, and b. a decision-making unit coupled to said smart glazing, said smart vent, and said person identification and location unit, wherein said decision-making unit is configured to adjust: i. a tint of said smart glazing; ii. a frost of said smart glazing; or iii. an opening or a closing of a smart vent.

17. The system of claim 16, wherein said decision-making unit is configured to maintain a user preference of a user, wherein said user is located within said machine perception-mediated architecture.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein said decision-making unit is configured to adjust said tint of said smart glazing to maintain said user preference, wherein said user preference is said climate preference.

19. The system of claim 17, wherein said decision-making unit is configured to adjust said frost of said smart glazing to maintain said user preference, wherein said user preference is said privacy preference.

20. The system of claim 17, wherein said decision-making unit is configured to adjust said opening or said closing of said smart vent to maintain said user preference, wherein said user preference is said climate preference.

21. The system of claim 17, wherein said decision-making unit is configured to adjust: i. said tint of said smart glazing to maintain said user preference, wherein said user preference is said climate preference; and ii. said frost of said smart glazing to maintain said user preference, wherein said user preference is said privacy preference.

22. The system of claim 17, wherein said decision-making unit is configured to adjust: i. said tint of said smart glazing to maintain said user preference, wherein said user preference is said climate preference; and iii. said opening or said closing of said smart vent to maintain said user preference, wherein said user preference is said climate preference.

23. The system of claim 17, wherein said decision-making unit is configured to adjust: ii. said frost of said smart glazing to maintain said user preference, wherein said user preference is said privacy preference; and iii. said opening or said closing of said smart vent to maintain said user preference, wherein said user preference is said climate preference.

24. The system of claim 17, wherein said decision-making unit is configured to adjust: i. said tint of said smart glazing to maintain said user preference, wherein said user preference is said climate preference; ii. said frost of said smart glazing to maintain said user preference, wherein said user preference is said privacy preference; and iii. said opening or said closing of said smart vent to maintain said user preference, wherein said user preference is said climate preference.

25. The system of claim 16, wherein said decision-making unit is configured to adjust said tint of said smart glazing via a thermal control program.

26. The system of claim 16, wherein said decision-making unit is configured to adjust said frost of said smart glazing via a privacy control program.

27. The system of claim 16, wherein said decision-making unit is configured to adjust said opening or said closing of said smart vent via a thermal control program.

28. The system of claim 17, further comprising a sound modifying panel coupled to said decision-making unit, comprising: an outer glass layer equipped with an outer microphone configured to receive input from an exterior environment, and an inner glass layer equipped with a transducer coupled to said outer microphone, wherein said decision-making unit is configured to adjust said transducer and wherein said user preference is a sound preference.

29. The system of claim 28, wherein said inner glass layer is further equipped with an inner microphone configured to receive input from an interior environment.

30. The system of claim 17, further comprising a structural panel coupled to said decisionmaking unit, comprising: a matrix layer of an electrically controlled material, and a sandwich structure of a plurality of transparent conductor-coated film or glass, wherein said sandwich structure encloses said matrix layer, wherein said decision-making unit is configured to adjust said electrically controlled material and wherein said user preference is said climate preference or said privacy preference.

31. The system of claim 30, wherein said electrically controlled material comprises electrochromic materials, liquid crystal materials, or e-ink materials.

32. The system of claim 17, further comprising a fan coupled to said decision-making unit and an individual perceived climate zone, wherein said decision-making unit is configured to adjust said fan, wherein said fan is configured to maintain said individual perceived climate zone, and wherein said user preference is said climate preference.

33. The system of claim 16, further comprising a self-diagnosing and replicable building panel configured to self-diagnoses damage or lost functionality.

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