Electrochromic Window Network Commissioning for Accurate Location Mapping

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electrochromic window technologies face challenges in correct assignment of network addresses and locations of windows and controllers, as well as manual control of tint states in buildings with multiple windows, hindering their widespread adoption.

Innovation Solution

A system for automated commissioning of electrochromic window networks using wireless communication and commissioning logic to associate network IDs with installed locations, enabling easy installation and user-friendly control through graphical user interfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If automated commissioning is implemented, then ease of installation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of installationVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The commissioning system performs automated self-service by automatically detecting windows, assigning network addresses, and configuring control parameters without requiring manual intervention. The system autonomously commissions itself and the window network, eliminating the need for complex manual commissioning procedures while maintaining simplicity for the installer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring commissioning logic and detection algorithms before installation. The automated commissioning process is prepared in advance, allowing the system to automatically handle window detection, network address assignment, and parameter configuration immediately upon installation, thereby simplifying the installation process without adding operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If manual control of tint states is used, then ease of operation is maintained, but productivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidproductivity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the commissioning logic automatically detects window states, monitors network address assignments, and adjusts control parameters based on detected conditions. This automated feedback loop enables the system to efficiently manage multiple windows without manual intervention, improving productivity while maintaining ease of operation through the user interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical control processes with automated electronic commissioning logic. The system uses automated detection, wireless communication, and algorithmic control to substitute manual commissioning operations, thereby increasing productivity in managing multiple windows while preserving user-friendly control through the graphical interface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Manufacturing precision

If network address assignment is automated, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassignment precisionVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The commissioning logic performs self-service by automatically detecting windows, assigning network addresses, and configuring control parameters without requiring manual intervention. The system autonomously commissions itself and the window network, eliminating the need for complex manual commissioning procedures while maintaining simplicity for the installer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The automated commissioning logic acts as an intermediary between the window network and the control system. It mediates the complex tasks of window detection, network address assignment, and parameter configuration, thereby achieving precise assignment without requiring the end user to directly handle the complexity of network configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12493223B2Automated commissioning of controllers in a window network

Publication Date: 2025.12.09 VIEW OPERATING CORP

AI summary

A method, system, and/or computer program product are described for generating a graphical user interface for providing information and controlling optically switchable windows connected by a network. Windows are graphically represented using interactive smart objects placed within views of the graphical user interface in a manner corresponding to their physical location. A method, system, and/or computer program product are described for associating network IDs of optically switchable windows with the locations at which the windows are installed. Window locations are determined by analyzing received wireless transmissions that are sent from transmitters associated with each of the optically switchable windows. The determined locations are then compared with a representation of the building that provides the window locations. Upon comparison, the network ID of each window, which is communicated through eh window transmissions, is associated with the appropriate window location on the representation of the building.