Programmable Window Opacity Control via SPD Pixelation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current display technologies for building facades either block light completely or lack efficient methods for regulating light transmission, limiting their use in architectural applications for both display and environmental control.
Innovation Solution
A programmable electronic device that controls the opacity of small-scale areas within a large transparent membrane, using Suspended Particle Devices (SPD) to vary light transmission through voltage control, allowing for dynamic display and environmental regulation while maintaining external visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional display devices (LED panels, OLED arrays) are used on building facades, then information display capability is improved, but light transmission is blocked completely
Solution Approach 1:
The facade is divided into multiple independently controllable pixel elements or zones. Each segment can be individually addressed to display information while maintaining selective light transmission, allowing different parts of the facade to have different opacity levels simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The display device incorporates dynamically adjustable opacity control, allowing the material to transition between transparent and opaque states. This dynamic property enables the facade to adapt its light transmission characteristics based on whether information display or natural lighting is the priority at any given moment.
2Illumination intensity
If Liquid Crystal, SPD, or ECD devices are used for environmental control, then light regulation capability is improved, but pixellating capability for large scale display is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges two previously separate functions into a single integrated system: environmental light control and information display. By combining pixellated LCD/SPD/ECD technology with display capabilities, the facade can simultaneously regulate light transmission for environmental control and present visual information, eliminating the need for separate systems.
3Device complexity
If uniform opacity control is applied across the entire facade, then environmental control simplicity is improved, but lighting accuracy within architectural space deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The facade is divided into multiple independently controllable pixel elements or zones. Each segment can be individually addressed to display information while maintaining selective light transmission, allowing different parts of the facade to have different opacity levels simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the facade can have different opacity levels tailored to specific lighting requirements. This allows precise control of natural lighting in different architectural spaces, with each zone optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system manageability.
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
Enables flexible and accurate control of light transmission and display on building facades, balancing interior aesthetics and exterior visibility, with potential applications in architecture, automotive, and other fields.
Implementation Method 1
using Suspended Particle Devices (SPD) to vary light transmission through voltage control
Data Source
AI summary
Natural lighting profiles are affected in a building facade and internal transparent membrane using a transparent sheet having one or more pixel elements, wherein each of the pixel elements is capable of being driven to control opacity (by shading). A programmable controller is used to send control commands to control opacity of the pixel elements, wherein the percentage of light transmitted through the display panel forming part of the facade is controlled via the controller.