Tintable Window Control Apps for Adaptive Building Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control systems for electrochromic and optically switchable devices lack versatility and functionality, failing to account for unique device features and user preferences, limiting their commercial potential.
Innovation Solution
Software applications that enable users to control and monitor optically switchable devices, such as windows, through a network controller with remote device interfaces, user authentication, adaptive control, and rule-based systems, allowing for scheduling and sensor-driven adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing control systems are used for electrochromic devices, then basic switching functionality is provided, but versatility and functionality are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is designed to perform multiple functions including manual control, automated sensor-based control, scheduling, energy management integration, and remote access. This multi-functional approach resolves the contradiction by providing versatile operating modes while maintaining a unified control architecture that manages complexity internally.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adapts its control strategy based on user preferences, environmental conditions, and operational context. Control parameters such as optical state transitions are adjusted dynamically rather than using fixed predefined sequences, enabling versatility while the system self-manages the complexity of adapting to different scenarios.
2Ease of operation
If predefined current and voltage are applied to switch optical states, then basic control is achieved, but user preferences and unique device features are not accounted for
Solution Approach 1:
The control system incorporates feedback loops that continuously monitor user interactions, environmental sensor data, and device state. This feedback enables the system to learn and adapt to user preferences over time, adjusting control strategies to match individual usage patterns while maintaining ease of operation through automated decision-making based on accumulated knowledge.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides self-service capabilities by automatically adjusting optical states based on sensor data and learned user preferences without requiring constant manual intervention. The control system serves itself by making intelligent decisions about when and how to transition between optical states, reducing the operational burden on users while increasing adaptability to their preferences.
3Productivity
If simple switching control is used, then device operation is straightforward, but energy consumption is not optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The control system performs preliminary actions by pre-coordinating optical state transitions with building occupancy patterns, weather forecasts, and energy price signals. This allows the system to proactively optimize energy consumption rather than merely reacting to current conditions, achieving improved energy efficiency while the complexity of forecasting and coordination is managed internally by the control architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces simple mechanical switching with intelligent control algorithms that consider multiple factors including energy pricing, weather conditions, and building occupancy. This substitution of basic switching mechanics with software-based decision-making enables energy optimization while the control system manages the complexity of integrating multiple data sources and optimization criteria.
4Extent of automation
If manual control only is provided, then user autonomy is maximized, but energy management and automated optimization are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The control system implements partial automation where routine optimization tasks are handled automatically based on sensor data and user preferences, while allowing users to intervene when desired. This partial automation approach resolves the contradiction by providing automated energy management for routine operations while maintaining user autonomy for exceptional cases, reducing overall user interaction requirements without eliminating user control.
Data Source
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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.