Tintable Window Display Control for Building-Integrated User Interfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrochromic windows have not realized their full commercial potential due to limitations in technology and integration with building systems.
Innovation Solution
A personal computing unit is integrated with a window system resource, including a display associated with an optically switchable window, processors, controllers, and memory, to control and allocate window resources dynamically, enabling features like tinting and display functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electrochromic windows are integrated with personal computing units and window system resources, then functionality and user interaction are enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple window system resources (display, processors, controllers, memory) into a unified personal computing unit that operates as an integrated system. This merging approach allows the window to function as both a building component and a computing platform, enhancing versatility while managing complexity through unified architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The window system is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it serves as an electrochromic device for light control, a display device for information presentation, and a personal computing unit for user interaction. This multi-functionality is achieved through a single integrated system that coordinates these diverse functions through shared hardware and software resources.
2Productivity
If window system resources are allocated dynamically to personal computing units, then user interaction and energy efficiency improve, but control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically allocates window resources based on real-time user needs and environmental conditions. The controller adjusts tint states, display content, and computing resource allocation in response to changing conditions, enabling energy efficiency improvements while adapting to varying productivity requirements throughout the day.
Solution Approach 2:
The personal computing unit incorporates sensors and user interfaces that provide feedback about environmental conditions and user preferences. This feedback loop allows the control system to automatically adjust window tinting and resource allocation to optimize energy efficiency while responding to actual building conditions and user needs.
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
Enhances the functionality of electrochromic windows by allowing dynamic control and integration with building systems, improving energy efficiency and user interaction.
Implementation Method 1
Electrochromism is a phenomenon in which a material exhibits a reversible electrochemically-mediated change in an optical property when placed in a different electronic state, typically by being subjected to a voltage change.
Data Source
AI summary
Resources of a system for controlling optically switchable windows may be used for a personal computing unit. The window system resources may include (i) a display associated with an optically switchable window, (ii) one or more processors of one or more controllers on a window network connected to a plurality of optically switchable windows in a building, wherein the one or more controllers are configured to vary tint states of the plurality of optically switchable windows in the building, (iii) memory of one or more controllers on the window network connected to the plurality of optically switchable windows in the building, and/or (iv) at least a part of the window network.