Optically Switchable Window Commissioning by Wireless Location Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrochromic window technologies face challenges in commissioning and user interface issues, including correct assignment of network addresses to specific windows and controllers, as well as manual control of tint states in buildings with many windows, which complicates installation and user access.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for automated commissioning of optically switchable windows using wireless communication and geo-positioning to associate network IDs with physical locations, enabling a graphical user interface for controlling and monitoring windows, and a network configuration file to manage window controllers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual commissioning methods are used to assign network addresses to windows and controllers, then installation complexity increases and time consumption increases, but system reliability can be ensured through careful manual configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automated commissioning where the window network autonomously discovers controllers, determines their locations using geo-positioning data, and assigns network addresses without requiring manual intervention. The commissioning logic automatically pairs controllers with windows based on location matching, eliminating the need for installers to manually configure each device.
Solution Approach 2:
The system determines controller locations and prepares the network configuration before actual commissioning occurs. By pre-determining locations using geo-positioning and preparing the automated commissioning logic in advance, the system streamlines the commissioning process and enables rapid deployment.
2Ease of operation
If automated commissioning using geo-positioning is implemented, then installation time decreases and ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases due to additional hardware and software requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces manual mechanical commissioning processes with automated electronic and software-based solutions. Instead of physically connecting and manually configuring devices, the system uses wireless geo-positioning signals and automated commissioning logic to identify, locate, and configure controllers and windows automatically.
Solution Approach 2:
The commissioning logic acts as an intermediary between the window network and the controllers. It receives geo-positioning data, determines controller locations, matches controllers with corresponding windows, and assigns network addresses automatically, simplifying the overall system operation despite adding a software layer.
3Measurement precision
If network addresses are manually assigned to each window and controller, then measurement precision of location can be ensured, but loss of time during installation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses geo-positioning technology to continuously receive location data from controllers and provides feedback to the commissioning logic. This feedback mechanism enables the system to automatically determine controller locations, match them with windows, and assign network addresses accurately without manual intervention, maintaining precision while dramatically reducing commissioning time.
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 eh window transmissions, is associated with the appropriate window location on the representation of the building.