Multipurpose controller for multistate windows
First Claim
1. A method of independently controlling tint states for multiple windows of a building, the method comprising:
- adjusting a first window of the building to a first tint state selected from a plurality of discrete tint states, wherein the first tint state is selected based on a percentage of the first window covered by a shadow;
adjusting a second window of the building to a second tint state selected from the plurality of discrete tint states, wherein the second tint state is selected based on a percentage of the second window covered by the shadow, anddetermining the effects of the shadow on the first and second windows using one or more sensors, wherein the shadow has different effects on the first and second windows and the first tint state is different from the second tint state,wherein the controlling of the tint states of the multiple windows is implemented by a system comprising one or more window controllers.
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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.
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Citations
18 Claims
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1. A method of independently controlling tint states for multiple windows of a building, the method comprising:
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adjusting a first window of the building to a first tint state selected from a plurality of discrete tint states, wherein the first tint state is selected based on a percentage of the first window covered by a shadow; adjusting a second window of the building to a second tint state selected from the plurality of discrete tint states, wherein the second tint state is selected based on a percentage of the second window covered by the shadow, and determining the effects of the shadow on the first and second windows using one or more sensors, wherein the shadow has different effects on the first and second windows and the first tint state is different from the second tint state, wherein the controlling of the tint states of the multiple windows is implemented by a system comprising one or more window controllers. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A controller for controlling tint states of multiple windows, the controller comprising:
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(a) a communications interface configured to communicate with one or more sensors; and (b) controller logic configured to adjust a tint level of a first window of a building to a first tint state selected from a plurality of discrete tint states, wherein the first tint state is selected based on a percentage of the first window covered by a shadow; and adjust a tint level of a second window of the building to a second tint state selected from the plurality of discrete tint states, wherein the second tint state is selected based on a percentage of the second window covered by a shadow, wherein when the shadow has different effects on the first and second windows and the first tint state is different from the second tint state. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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Specification