Electrochromic Window Commissioning via Wireless Controller Mapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrochromic devices, particularly electrochromic windows, face challenges with commissioning and user interfaces, limiting their commercial potential despite advancements in technology.
Innovation Solution
A computer program product with instructions for controlling a user interface to provide information about optically switchable windows, allowing users to monitor, group, and control these windows through graphical representations of smart objects, which can be displayed in various views including 2D and 3D models.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual commissioning methods are used for electrochromic windows, then installation flexibility is maintained, but commissioning time and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The commissioning system performs automated identification and configuration of window controllers without requiring manual intervention. The system self-configures by automatically detecting controllers on the network, retrieving their information, and assigning them to appropriate windows based on network IDs, thereby eliminating time-consuming manual commissioning processes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical commissioning processes with an automated electronic system. Instead of physically connecting and manually configuring each controller, the system uses automated network detection and electronic configuration processes to identify and set up controllers, significantly reducing commissioning time and complexity
2Loss of information
If detailed information about each window is displayed, then user awareness and control precision improve, but interface complexity and information overload increase
Solution Approach 1:
The user interface is segmented into multiple hierarchical levels: building-level views showing overall status, floor-level views showing windows on specific floors, and window-level detailed views showing individual controller information. This segmentation allows users to access complete information when needed while avoiding information overload through progressive disclosure
Solution Approach 2:
The interface dynamically adapts its level of detail based on user context and selection. When a user views the building overview, only summary information is displayed. When a user selects a specific window or controller, the interface dynamically expands to show detailed information about that selected element, providing information completeness without constant complexity
3Loss of time
If automated controller assignment is implemented, then commissioning time is reduced, but potential for assignment errors increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that allow users to review automated assignments before finalizing them. The interface displays proposed controller-window assignments for user confirmation, and allows manual correction if needed. This feedback loop maintains the speed benefits of automation while ensuring assignment accuracy through human verification
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary automated detection and proposed assignment of controllers to windows before final configuration is completed. This preliminary action allows the system to prepare assignments based on network detection, which can then be reviewed and confirmed by users, reducing both time and error risks
Data Source
AI summary
A method, system, and/or computer program product are described for generating a graphical user interface for providing information and controlling optically switchable windows connected by a network. Windows are graphically represented using interactive smart objects placed within views of the graphical user interface in a manner corresponding to their physical location. A method, system, and/or computer program product are described for associating network IDs of optically switchable windows with the locations at which the windows are installed. Window locations are determined by analyzing received wireless transmissions that are sent from transmitters associated with each of the optically switchable windows. The determined locations are then compared with a representation of the building that provides the window locations. Upon comparison, the network ID of each window, which is communicated through the window transmissions, is associated with the appropriate window location on the representation of the building.