Tintable Window Control With Transparent Display and Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electrochromic devices, particularly electrochromic windows, have not realized their full commercial potential due to limited functionality and integration with advanced control systems.
Innovation Solution
Integration of electrochromic devices with transparent displays and environmental sensors, along with a controller system that adjusts optical states and receives user inputs, enabling advanced control and functionality such as image projection, environmental monitoring, and networked control of multiple windows.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electrochromic devices are integrated with transparent displays and environmental sensors, then functionality and user interaction are enhanced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional components (electrochromic device, transparent display, environmental sensors) into a single integrated window system. The controller unit coordinates these components to work together, allowing the window to simultaneously provide tinting control, display information, and environmental monitoring through a unified interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The window system is designed to perform multiple functions through a single integrated structure. The electrochromic window can display images, monitor environmental conditions (temperature, humidity, air quality), control light transmission, and provide user interaction all through one system, eliminating the need for separate devices.
2Extent of automation
If a controller system with environmental sensors and networked control is implemented, then energy efficiency and automation are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The window system incorporates environmental sensors that automatically monitor conditions and trigger appropriate responses without user intervention. The controller can automatically adjust the electrochromic tinting based on environmental data, and the system can autonomously manage display content and control signals.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated environmental sensors provide continuous feedback to the controller about temperature, humidity, and air quality conditions. This feedback loop enables the system to automatically adjust its behavior to optimize energy efficiency and comfort, creating a responsive closed-loop control system.
3Loss of information
If transparent display technology is integrated into the window, then information display capability is enhanced, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The transparent display is integrated specifically into the window structure where it is needed for information display, while maintaining the electrochromic tinting functionality in other areas. This localized integration allows the display to be added only where information needs to be shown, rather than requiring the entire window to have full display capabilities.
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 of light transmission, display of images, and environmental sensing, improving energy efficiency and user interaction, thereby expanding their commercial applications.
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.
Implementation Method 2
In some embodiments, the transparent display is an electrowetting display having a plurality of pixels where each pixel has at least one cell that can be oscillated between a transparent state and an opaque state.
Implementation Method 3
In some embodiments, the transparent display is an organic light emitting diode (OLED) display. An OLED display in some embodiments can be used to provide lighting to an interior or exterior environment.
Data Source
AI summary
A tintable window is described having a tintable coating, e.g., an electrochromic device coating, for regulating light transmitted through the window. In some embodiments, the window has a transparent display in the window's viewable region. Transparent displays may be substantially transparent when not in use, or when the window is viewed in a direction facing away from the transparent display. Windows may have sensors for receiving user commands and/or for monitoring environmental conditions. Transparent displays can display graphical user interfaces to, e.g., control window functions. Windows, as described herein, offer an alternative display to conventional projectors, TVs, and monitors. Windows may also be configured to receive, transmit, or block wireless communications from passing through the window. A window control system may share computational resources between controllers (e.g., at different windows). In some cases, the computational resources of the window control system are utilized by other building systems and devices.