Switchable Window Control Apps for Adaptive Tint Management
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control systems for electrochromic devices lack versatility and fail to account for unique features and user preferences, limiting their commercial potential.
Innovation Solution
Software applications that allow users to control optically switchable windows by sending and receiving data and commands, featuring a network controller with a wireless interface, logic for determining user instructions, and integration with building management systems, enabling adaptive control and user authentication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing control systems are used for electrochromic devices, then the system structure is simple, but the functionality and versatility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is designed to perform multiple functions including user authentication, commissioning, adaptive control, and integration with building management systems. The network controller can operate in different modes (manual, automatic, adaptive) and support various device types, making the system universally applicable while maintaining enhanced functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is divided into modular components: network controller, user interface, authentication module, and integration interfaces. This segmentation allows the system to maintain simplicity in individual components while achieving high versatility through their coordinated operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If control systems account for user preferences and unique device features, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where user preferences and device performance data are continuously monitored and used to adjust control parameters. The adaptive control feature learns from user behavior patterns and automatically adjusts device operation to match preferences, reducing the perceived complexity for users.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system automatically adapts to user preferences without requiring complex manual configuration. Through commissioning procedures and adaptive algorithms, the system self-configures and optimizes performance based on observed usage patterns, reducing the burden on users while maintaining high adaptability.
3Ease of operation
If manual control of optical states is enabled, then user ease of operation improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system dynamically switches between manual and automatic modes based on user needs and environmental conditions. Users can easily switch between control modes, and the system adapts its operation to balance user convenience with energy efficiency, using manual control only when necessary.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback to users about energy consumption patterns and automatically suggests or implements energy-saving adjustments. This allows users to maintain ease of operation while the system optimizes energy usage through adaptive control features that learn from manual control patterns.
Data Source
AI summary
Software applications are used for controlling the optical state of one or more optically switchable windows or other optical products installed in a structure such as building. The applications permit users to send and/or receive data and/or commands for controlling the switchable optical products. In some embodiments, the applications provide an interface with a window network controller, which directly or indirectly controls windows in a structure. Relevant processing involving the application may include user authentication, commissioning, adaptive control, and decisions on whether to permit an action or change requested by a user. In some embodiments, the application allows users to directly control the tint state of one or more tintable windows. In some embodiments, the application allows users to change a rule or property associated with controlling a switchable optical product.