Cloud-Based Remote Management for Electrochromic Window Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems for managing electrochromic glass units in large buildings face inefficiencies due to processor overhead, energy consumption, and manual troubleshooting, as they rely on local computers for control and data processing, leading to lagged responses and increased memory usage.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a cloud-based remote management system that allows for centralized control and data analysis, using a server device to receive data from electrochromic devices, perform analytics, and send instructions for tint level changes, reducing processor overhead and energy consumption while enabling remote scheduling and troubleshooting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If local computers are used to control electrochromic devices and process data, then on-site control functionality is achieved, but processor overhead and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts data processing and analytics functions from local computers and relocates them to cloud-based servers. Local devices only handle basic control commands and display information, while all heavy processing, data storage, and analytical operations are performed remotely in the cloud, eliminating local processor overhead and energy consumption associated with these functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a cloud-based server system as an intermediary between local control devices and electrochromic devices. The cloud server acts as a mediator that receives control commands from local devices, processes all analytical operations, and sends control instructions back to electrochromic devices, thereby offloading all computational burden from local computers.
2Reliability
If local computers store and process accumulated instructions and data over time, then complete local control history is maintained, but memory storage capacity is consumed and access time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts data storage functions from local computers and relocates them to cloud-based servers. Local devices only store minimal cached information for immediate display, while all historical control instructions, sensor data, and system logs are stored in the cloud, providing unlimited storage capacity and fast remote access without consuming local memory resources.
3Ease of repair
If manual troubleshooting of local systems is performed, then on-site expertise is utilized, but labor time and system downtime increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated feedback mechanisms where cloud-based servers continuously monitor system performance, detect anomalies, and automatically send diagnostic information and troubleshooting instructions to local devices. This automated feedback loop enables remote troubleshooting without requiring manual on-site intervention, reducing both labor time and system downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables self-service troubleshooting through automated cloud-based diagnostic systems that monitor system health, detect issues, and automatically generate and transmit troubleshooting solutions to local devices. The system performs self-diagnosis and self-repair coordination without requiring manual on-site technical expertise, thereby reducing labor time and maintaining continuous operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The cloud-based system significantly reduces energy consumption, processor overhead, and bandwidth requirements, allowing for faster and more efficient control of electrochromic devices with improved analytics and remote management capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
An electrochromic glass unit uses electrochromic glass that can change transmissivity with the application of electric current and voltage. The change of transmissivity typically relies on a reversible oxidation of a material.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes receiving data from components of a smart window system and, responsive to determining that a first portion of the data corresponds to a first identifier, storing the first portion of the data in association with the first identifier. The method further includes receiving, via a graphical user interface (GUI) presented on a user device, a view request and, responsive to determining that the view request corresponds to the first identifier, retrieving the first portion of the data. The method further includes causing the GUI to be modified to display the first portion of the data and, responsive to user interaction with the GUI that was modified based on the view request, receiving, via the GUI presented on the user device, a change request to implement a change associated with electrochromic windows. The method includes causing a first component to implement the change associated with the electrochromic windows.