Smart Window Breakage Detection Using I/V Anomaly Monitoring
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing security systems for buildings lack effective methods to detect and respond to security events, particularly damage or breakage of tintable smart windows, which are vulnerable to intrusion and require improved detection techniques that leverage the networked aspects of these windows.
Innovation Solution
A method involving measuring current or voltage in optically switchable windows without disrupting their operation, comparing the measurements to expected values, and performing a security action upon detection of anomalies, such as applying perturbations to detect damage and triggering alerts or responses, including adjusting tint states or lighting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional security systems are used to monitor windows, then security detection capability is provided, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The smart window system performs multiple functions: it controls optical transmission (tinting/clearing) and simultaneously detects security events (breakage, intrusion) through integrated sensors and electrical property monitoring. This eliminates the need for separate dedicated security systems, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining security detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The window structure itself serves as the detection medium through integrated strain gauges, breakage sensors, and electrical property monitoring capabilities. The system monitors its own structural integrity and optical properties without requiring external monitoring equipment, enabling self-diagnosis and self-reporting of security events.
2Duration of action of moving object
If measurements are taken during optical transitions, then continuous monitoring is achieved, but measurement precision may be affected by transition interference
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs measurements at specific periodic intervals and uses timing information to distinguish between measurements taken during optical transitions versus stable states. By scheduling measurements appropriately and analyzing temporal patterns, the system achieves continuous monitoring while filtering out interference from active transitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors optical state and electrical properties, using feedback from these measurements to determine when the window is in a stable state versus transitioning. This feedback mechanism allows the system to selectively process measurements based on the current operational state, improving precision by excluding measurements taken during active transitions.
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 continuous and unobtrusive monitoring of smart windows for damage, reducing security vulnerabilities by allowing for timely responses to potential intrusions and maintaining occupant safety and comfort.
Implementation Method 1
Electrochromic devices are sometimes used in optically switchable windows. One well-known electrochromic material, for example, is tungsten oxide (WO3). Tungsten oxide is a cathodic electrochromic material in which a coloration transition, transparent to blue, occurs by electrochemical reduction.
Implementation Method 2
measuring a current or voltage of an optically switchable device of the optically switchable window without perturbing a process of driving a transition between optical states and/or maintaining an end optical state of the optically switchable window
Data Source
AI summary
Optically controllable windows and an associated window control system provide a building security platform. A window controller or other processing device can monitor for window breakage, cameras associated with windows can monitor for intruders, and transparent displays can provide alerts regarding detected activity within a building. A window control system can detect deviations from expected I/V characteristics of an optically controllable window during normal operation of the window (tint transitions, steady state conditions, etc.) and/or during application of a security-related perturbing event, and provide alerts upon their occurrence.