MULTIPURPOSE CONTROLLER FOR MULTISTATE WINDOWS

• US 20180157141A1
• Filed: 02/08/2018
• Published: 06/07/2018
• Est. Priority Date: 03/16/2011
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: View Incorporated
• Original Assignee: View Incorporated
• Inventors: Brown, Stephen C., Shrivastava, Dhairya
• Granted Patent: US 10,908,470 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• CPC Class Codes: E06B 2009/2464 featuring transparency control by applying voltage, e.g. LCD, electrochromic panels
• CPC Class Codes: E06B 7/28 Other arrangements on doors or windows, e.g. door-plates, windows adapted to carry plants, hooks for window cleaners edge protecting devices for door leaves E06B3/88; special glazing; emergency glazing; double glazing E06B3/66
• CPC Class Codes: E06B 9/24 Screens or other constructions affording protection against light, especially against sunshine; Similar screens for privacy or appearance; Slat blindsoperating, guiding or securing devices or arrangements for roll-type closures E06B9/56; free-hanging flexible screens A47H23/00
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/13318 Circuits comprising a photodetector
• CPC Class Codes: G02F 1/163 Operation of electrochromic cells, e.g. electrodeposition cells; Circuit arrangements therefor
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 12/2803 Home automation networks

Abstract

“Smart” controllers for windows having controllable optical transitions are described. Controllers with multiple features can sense and adapt to local environmental conditions. Controllers described herein can be integrated with a building management system (BMS) to greatly enhance the BMS'"'"'s effectiveness at managing local environments in a building. The controllers may have one, two, three or more functions such as powering a smart window, determining the percent transmittance, size, and/or temperature of a smart window, providing wireless communication between the controller and a separate communication node, etc.

Claims

1. (canceled)

2. A building management system (BMS) for controlling an amount of light transmitted through one or more windows and energy usage in a building, wherein the BMS comprises:

a computer-based control system configured for controlling an environment and energy usage in the building; and

a communication interface for communicating with at least one multipurpose controller configured to adjust the transmissivity of the one or more windows in the building.

3. The BMS of claim 2, wherein the computer-based control system is further configured to control an amount of light transmitted through the one or more windows.

4. The BMS of claim 3, wherein the BMS further comprises the at least one multipurpose controller configured to adjust the transmissivity of the one or more windows in the building.

5. The BMS of claim 2, wherein the computer-based control system is configured to maintain the environment and control energy usage based on feedback received from an interior and/or exterior sensor.

6. The BMS of claim 2, wherein the computer-based control system is configured for wireless communication.

7. The BMS of claim 2, wherein the communication interface is further configured to receive user preferences for maintaining the environment.

8. The BMS of claim 2, wherein the communication interface is further configured to communicate with one or more mechanical and/or electrical systems in the building to maintain the environment and control energy usage.

9. The BMS of claim 8, wherein the one or more of mechanical and/or electrical systems in the building further comprises a ventilation system, a heating system, and/or a cooling system.

10. The BMS of claim 9, wherein the computer-based control system is configured to maintain the environment at least in part by controlling temperature, controlling carbon dioxide levels, and/or controlling humidity within the building.

11. The BMS of claim 8, wherein the one or more of mechanical and/or electrical systems in the building further comprise a power system.

12. The BMS of claim 11, wherein the computer-based control system is configured to control energy usage within the building at least in part by control of the main power supply for the building, a backup generator, and/or an uninterrupted power source.

13. The BMS of claim 8, wherein the one or more of mechanical and/or electrical systems in the building further comprise a lighting system.

14. The BMS of claim 13, wherein the computer-based control system is configured to maintain the environment and control energy usage at least based in part by controlling interior lighting or exterior lighting.

15. The BMS of claim 13, wherein the computer-based control system is further configured to control emergency warning lights, emergency exit signs, and/or emergency floor egress lighting.

16. The BMS of claim 2, wherein the computer-based control system is further configured to monitor and/or control an elevator system.

17. The BMS of claim 2, wherein the computer-based control system is further configured to monitor and/or control a fire system.

18. The BMS of claim 17, wherein the monitor and/or control of the fire system comprises control of a fire suppression system or control of a fire alarm.

19. The BMS of claim 2, wherein the computer-based control system is further configured to monitor and/or control a security system.

20. The BMS of claim 19, wherein the monitor and/or control of the security system comprises monitor and/or control of a magnetic card access, a turnstile, a solenoid driven door lock, a surveillance camera, a burglar alarm, and/or a metal detector.

21. The BMS of claim 19, wherein at least one of the one or more multipurpose controllers is configured to determine that one of the one or more windows is damaged, and wherein the computer-based control system is configured alert repair personnel and/or security personnel responsive to the determination.

22. The BMS of claim 21, wherein the at least one multipurpose controller is configured to determine that one of the one or more windows is damaged by comparing a voltage and current profile to a historic voltage and current profile.

23. A building management system (BMS) for controlling one or more windows in a building, the BMS comprising a controller comprising one or more processors configured to control an amount of light transmitted through the one or more windows, to maintain an environment in the building, and to control energy usage in the building.

24. The BMS of claim 23, wherein the BMS is further configured to communicate with one or more mechanical and/or electrical systems in the building to maintain the environment and control energy usage.

25. The BMS of claim 24, wherein the one or more one or more mechanical and/or electrical systems comprise a ventilation system, a heating system, and/or a cooling system, a power system, or a power system.

26. The BMS of claim 23, wherein the BMS is further configured to monitor and/or control an elevator system, a fire system, or a security system.