CN114729559A

CN114729559A - Method and system for controlling tintable windows using cloud detection

Info

Publication number: CN114729559A
Application number: CN202080075246.9A
Authority: CN
Inventors: S·C·布朗; J·D·泽德利茨; J·拉斯姆斯-沃拉斯; N·康纳; 钟蕊灿; V·帕雷克; N·蒂瓦里; K·夏尔马
Original assignee: View Inc
Current assignee: View Inc
Priority date: 2019-10-24
Filing date: 2020-10-16
Publication date: 2022-07-08
Also published as: EP4048851A1; WO2021080879A1; CA3155214A1

Abstract

The present invention provides a method and system for controlling a tintable window based on cloud detection.

Description

Method and system for controlling tintable windows using cloud detection

Cross Reference to Related Applications

The application requires that the name submitted in 24.10.2019 is "METHOD AND SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING TINTABLE WINDOWS WITH CLOOUD DETECTION; "priority and interest of U.S. provisional application 62/925,716; this patent application is a continuation of U.S. patent application 17/027,601 entitled "METHOD AND SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING TINTABLE WINDOWS WITH CLOUD DETECTION" filed on 21/9/2020, which is a partial continuation of international PCT application PCT/US2019/023186 (named US) entitled "METHOD AND SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING TINTABLE WINDOWS WITH CLOUD DETECTION" filed on 20/3/20/2018, entitled "METHOD AND SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING TINTABLE WINDOWS WITH CLOUD DETECTION", filed on 21/3/2018; "priority and benefit of U.S. provisional application 62/646,260; international PCT application PCT/US2019/023186, a partial continuation of international PCT application PCT/US2017/055631 (assigned the united states) entitled "INFRARED CLOUD DETECTOR SYSTEMS AND METHODS" filed on 6/10/2017, claims the benefits and priority of U.S. provisional application 62/453,407 entitled "INFRARED CLOUD DETECTOR SYSTEMS AND METHODS" filed on 2/2017/055631; international PCT application PCT/US2017/055631 is a continuation-in-part application entitled "MULTI-SENSOR" filed on 6.10.2016 and entitled "international PCT application PCT/US2016/055709 (assigned US), which PCT application PCT/US2016/055709 is a continuation-in-part application filed on 6.10.2015.2015 and entitled" MULTI-SENSOR "and entitled" U.S. patent application 14/998,019; international PCT application PCT/US2017/055631 is also a continuation-in-part application with US patent application 15/287,646 entitled "MULTI-SENSOR DEVICE AND SYSTEM WITH A LIGHT DIFFUSING ELEMENT AROUND A PERIPHERY OF a RING OF PHOTOSENSORS AND AN INFRARED SENSOR" filed on 6.10.2016, which is a continuation-in-part application with US patent application 14/998,019 entitled "MULTI-SENSOR HAVING A RING OF PHOTOSENSORS" filed on 6.10.2015.; US patent application 17/027,601 is also a continuation-in-part application of US patent application 16/695,057 entitled "COMBI-SENSOR SYSTEMS" filed on 25.11.2019, which US patent application 16/695,057 is a continuation-in-part application of US patent application 15/514,480 entitled "COMBI-SENSOR SYSTEMS" filed on 24.3.2017, 15/514,480 is a national phase application in accordance with 35u.s.c. § 371 to international PCT application PCT/US2015/052822 (designating the US) entitled "COMBI-SENSOR SYSTEMS" filed on 29.9.2015.9, 2014, which international PCT application requires priority and benefit of US provisional application 62/057,104 entitled "COMBI-SENSOR SYSTEMS" filed on 29.9.2014.; each of these applications is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety and for all purposes.

Technical Field

The present disclosure relates generally to arrangements of sensing elements for detecting cloud conditions, and in particular to infrared cloud detector systems and methods for detecting cloud conditions thereof.

Background

Detecting clouds can be an important part of deciding to put equipment into operation at, for example, a robotic astronomical stage, as astronomers may want to detect clouds that may interfere with their observations. Conventional methods of mapping the sky to detect clouds rely on expensive imaging devices, which typically rely on visible light measurements.

Disclosure of Invention

Certain aspects relate to a controller for controlling tint of one or more tintable windows in a zone of a building. The controller includes a computer-readable medium having control logic configured to determine a level of tint for a zone of one or more tintable windows at a future time based on cloud conditions based on one or both of light sensor readings and infrared sensor readings. The controller also includes a processor in communication with the computer readable medium and in communication with a local window controller of the tintable window. The processor is configured to determine a cloud condition based on one or both of the light sensor readings and the infrared sensor readings, calculate a hue level of the zones of the one or more tintable windows at a future time from the determined cloud condition, and send, via the network, hue instructions to the local window controller to transition the hues of the zones of the tintable windows to the calculated hue levels.

Certain aspects relate to a method of controlling the tint of zones of one or more tintable windows of a building. The method includes determining a cloud condition based on one or both of light sensor readings and infrared sensor readings, calculating a hue level of one or more tintable window zones at a future time from the determined cloud condition, and transmitting, via a network, hue instructions to a local window controller to transition the hue of the tintable window zones to the calculated hue level. Certain aspects relate to methods and systems for controlling the tint level of a tintable window using cloud detection.

Certain aspects relate to an infrared cloud detector system. In some aspects, an infrared cloud detector system includes: an infrared sensor configured to measure sky temperature based on infrared radiation received within its field of view; an ambient temperature sensor configured to measure an ambient temperature; and logic configured to determine a cloud condition based on a difference between the measured sky temperature and the measured ambient temperature.

In some aspects, an infrared cloud detector system includes: an infrared sensor configured to measure sky temperature based on infrared radiation received within its field of view; an ambient temperature sensor configured to measure an ambient temperature; a light sensor configured to measure an intensity of visible light; and logic configured to determine a cloud condition. The logic is configured to determine a cloud condition based on a difference between the measured sky temperature and the measured ambient temperature if the time of day is between a first time before sunrise and a second time after sunrise or between a third time before sunset and sunset. If the time of day is between a second time after sunrise and a third time before sunset, the logic is configured to determine a cloud condition based on the measured intensity of visible light from the light sensor.

Certain aspects relate to infrared cloud detector methods. In some aspects, an infrared cloud detector method comprises: receiving a sky temperature reading from an infrared sensor and an ambient temperature reading from an ambient temperature sensor; calculating a difference between the sky temperature reading and the ambient temperature reading; and determining a cloud condition based on the calculated difference between the sky temperature reading and the ambient temperature reading.

In some aspects, an infrared cloud detector method comprises: receiving a sky temperature reading from an infrared sensor, an ambient temperature reading from an ambient temperature sensor, and an intensity from a light sensor; and determining whether the time of day is: (i) between a first time before sunrise and a second time after sunrise or between a third time before sunset and sunset; (ii) between a second time after sunrise and a third time before sunset; (iii) (iv) after (i) and before (iii); or (iv) after (iii) and before (i). If the time of day is (i), (iii) or (iv), a cloud condition is determined based on a difference between the measured sky temperature and the measured ambient temperature. If the time of day is (iii), a cloud condition is determined based on the intensity readings received from the light sensors.

In another aspect, a method of controlling a tintable window mounted in or on a structure comprises: (a) determining one or more maximum light sensor readings from the group of light sensors; (b) determining a cloud condition based at least in part on one or more maximum light sensor readings from the group of light sensors; (c) calculating one or more tint levels for the tintable window based, at least in part, on the cloud conditions determined to generate the tint instructions; and (d) communicating a tint instruction to the at least one window controller to transition the tint of the tintable window to the calculated one or more tint levels.

In some implementations, the hue instructions are transmitted via a network. In some embodiments, the at least one window controller comprises a local window controller. In some embodiments, the one or more tint levels calculated for the tintable window are different for windows mounted on or in different sides of the structure. In some embodiments, the set of photosensors comprises at least two immediately adjacent subgroups of photosensors. In some embodiments, the method further comprises determining an orientation of at least one member of the set of photosensors relative to a side of the structure. In some embodiments, determining the orientation comprises using a direction determination device. In some embodiments, the direction-determining device comprises a compass or a Global Positioning System (GPS) device. In some embodiments, determining the orientation includes using a longitude and/or latitude of the structure. In some embodiments, a set of light sensors is arranged to point radially outward. In some embodiments, a set of light sensors is directed radially outward from a common center. In some embodiments, calculating the one or more tonal levels is based at least in part on readings from at least one infrared sensor. In some embodiments, the calculation of the one or more tone levels is based at least in part on a reading from the at least one infrared sensor and a reading from another type of temperature sensor. In some embodiments, calculating the one or more tonal levels is based at least in part on readings from an ambient temperature sensor at the structure. In some embodiments, calculating the one or more tint levels is based at least in part on ambient temperature readings obtained from external weather feed data. In some embodiments, calculating the one or more tone levels is based at least in part on applying a correction factor to the ambient temperature sensor reading. In some embodiments, the correction factor is based at least in part on ambient temperature data obtained from an external weather feed.

In another aspect, an apparatus for controlling a tintable window comprises: at least one processor operably coupled with the tintable window, wherein the at least one processor is configured to: (i) direct a determination or determination of a cloud condition to generate a determined cloud condition based at least in part on readings from at least one light sensor; (ii) direct a calculation or a calculation of one or more hue levels based at least in part on the determined cloud conditions; and (iii) one or more instructions to direct the sending or sending of the tint to the tintable window to transition the tintable window to one or more tint levels.

In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises control logic embodied in a non-transitory computer readable medium, wherein the at least one processor is in communication with the non-transitory computer readable medium. In some embodiments, the at least one processor is configured to direct the determination or determination of cloud conditions based at least in part on readings from the at least one infrared sensor. In some embodiments, the calculation of the one or more tone levels is based at least in part on a reading from the at least one infrared sensor and a reading from another type of temperature sensor. In some embodiments, the at least one processor is configured to direct the calculation or calculation of one or more tint levels based at least in part on ambient temperature sensor readings obtained at a location of a structure on or in which the tintable window is installed. In some embodiments, the at least one processor is configured to direct application or application of a correction factor based at least in part on ambient temperature sensor readings of ambient temperature weather feed data. In some embodiments, the at least one processor is configured to direct the calculation or calculation of one or more tonal levels based at least in part on the weather feed data. In some embodiments, the at least one light sensor comprises a plurality of light sensors, wherein the processor is configured to direct a determination or a determination of an orientation of at least one of the light sensors relative to an orientation of a side of a structure, and wherein the tintable window is mounted on or in the structure. In some embodiments, the plurality of light sensors includes a set of at least two immediately adjacent light sensors. In some embodiments, the plurality of light sensors are configured to point radially outward. In some embodiments, the plurality of light sensors are configured to point radially outward from a common center. In some embodiments, one or more of the tint levels are different for windows on different sides of the structure. In some embodiments, the at least one processor is configured to determine the orientation of the at least one light sensor using the longitude and/or latitude of the structure. In some embodiments, the orientation of at least one sensor of the light sensors is based on readings from a compass or a Global Positioning System (GPS) device.

In another aspect, a non-transitory computer-readable medium includes program instructions for tinting one or more tintable windows, where the program instructions are configured to cause the one or more processors to: (i) generating a determination of a cloud condition based at least in part on readings from the at least one light sensor; (ii) calculating one or more hue levels based at least in part on the determined cloud condition; and (iii) generating one or more commands for tinting the one or more tintable windows to transition the one or more tintable windows to the one or more tint levels.

In some embodiments, the determined determination of cloud conditions is based at least in part on readings from at least one infrared sensor. In some embodiments, the calculation of the one or more tint levels is based, at least in part, on ambient temperature sensor readings obtained at a location of the structure in or on which the one or more tintable windows are installed. In some embodiments, the program instructions are configured to apply a correction factor to ambient temperature sensor readings based at least in part on the ambient temperature weather feed data. In some embodiments, the calculation of the one or more tonal levels is based at least in part on weather feed data. In some embodiments, the at least one light sensor comprises a plurality of light sensors, wherein the program instructions are configured to determine an orientation of the plurality of light sensors relative to an orientation of a side of the structure, and wherein the one or more tintable windows are mounted on or in the structure. In some embodiments, one or more of the tint levels are different for windows on different sides of the structure. In some embodiments, the program instructions are configured to determine the orientation of the at least one light sensor using the longitude and/or latitude of the structure. In some embodiments, the calculation is based at least in part on a determination of an orientation of the at least one light sensor, the determination based at least in part on one or more readings from a compass and/or a Global Positioning System (GPS) device. In some embodiments, the program instructions are configured for use by one or more controllers. In some embodiments, the controller includes a master controller, a network controller, and/or a local window controller. In some embodiments, the calculation of the one or more hue levels is based, at least in part, on (i) readings from at least one infrared sensor and/or (ii) readings from an ambient temperature sensor. In some embodiments, the program instructions are configured to be transmitted via a Building Management System (BMS) network. In some embodiments, the program instructions are configured to be utilized by a Building Management System (BMS) of a structure including one or more tintable windows.

In another aspect, a computer system for tinting one or more tintable windows includes processing circuitry coupled to a memory having recorded thereon instructions that, when executed by the processing circuitry, cause the processing circuitry to be configured to generate instructions to: (i) determining or causing determination of a cloud condition based at least in part on a reading from at least one light sensor; (ii) calculating or causing calculation of one or more hue levels based at least in part on the determined cloud condition; and (iii) generate or cause to be generated one or more commands for tinting the one or more tintable windows to cause the one or more tintable windows to transition to the one or more tint levels.

In some embodiments, the determination of cloud conditions is based at least in part on readings from at least one infrared sensor. In some embodiments, the calculation of the one or more tint levels is based, at least in part, on ambient temperature sensor readings obtained at a location of a structure in or on which the one or more tintable windows are mounted. In some embodiments, the calculation of one or more tonal levels includes calculation of a correction factor for the ambient temperature sensor readings, the correction factor based at least in part on ambient temperature weather data. In some embodiments, the calculation of the one or more tonal levels is based at least in part on weather data. In some embodiments, the at least one light sensor comprises a plurality of light sensors, and wherein the instructions are configured to determine an orientation of the plurality of light sensors relative to an orientation of a side of the structure, and wherein the tintable window is mounted on or in the structure. In some embodiments, one or more of the tint levels are different for windows on different sides of the structure. In some embodiments, the instructions are configured to determine an orientation of at least one light sensor using a longitude and/or latitude of the structure. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the circuitry is disposed in a mullion of one or more tintable windows. In some embodiments, the calculation is based at least in part on a determination of an orientation of at least one light sensor, wherein the orientation of the at least one light sensor is based at least in part on one or more readings from a compass or a Global Positioning System (GPS) device. In some embodiments, the computer system comprises one or more controllers, wherein the one or more commands are generated by the one or more controllers. In some embodiments, the one or more controllers include a master controller, a network controller, and/or a local window controller. In some embodiments, the one or more tone levels are based at least in part on readings from the at least one infrared sensor and readings from the ambient temperature sensor. In some embodiments, the computer system comprises or is operatively coupled to a Building Management System (BMS), wherein the one or more commands are configured to be transmitted via a network of the Building Management System (BMS). In some embodiments, the instructions are configured to be utilized by a Building Management System (BMS) of a structure including one or more tintable windows. In some embodiments, the computer system is operably coupled to one or more controllers. In some embodiments, the one or more controllers include a master controller, a network controller, and/or a local window controller.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides systems, devices (e.g., controllers) and/or non-transitory computer-readable media (e.g., software) that implement any of the methods disclosed herein.

In another aspect, an apparatus comprises at least one controller programmed to direct a mechanism for performing (e.g., implementing) any of the methods disclosed herein, wherein the at least one controller is operably coupled to the mechanism.

In another aspect, an apparatus includes at least one controller configured (e.g., programmed) to implement (e.g., realize) the methods disclosed herein. The at least one controller may implement any of the methods disclosed herein.

In another aspect, a system comprises: at least one controller programmed to direct operation of at least one other device (or component thereof); and the device (or components thereof), wherein the at least one controller is operatively coupled to the device (or components thereof). The device (or components thereof) may comprise any device (or components thereof) disclosed herein. The at least one controller may direct any of the devices (or components thereof) disclosed herein.

In another aspect, a computer software product comprises a non-transitory computer-readable medium having program instructions stored therein, which when read by a computer, cause the computer to direct a mechanism disclosed herein to implement (e.g., realize) any method disclosed herein, wherein the non-transitory computer-readable medium is operably coupled to the mechanism. The mechanism may comprise any of the devices (or any component thereof) disclosed herein.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising machine-executable code that, when executed by one or more computer processors, implements any of the methods disclosed herein.

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a non-transitory computer-readable medium comprising machine-executable code that, when executed by one or more computer processors, implements guidance of a controller (e.g., as disclosed herein).

In another aspect, the present disclosure provides a computer system comprising one or more computer processors and a non-transitory computer-readable medium coupled to the one or more computer processors. The non-transitory computer-readable medium comprises machine-executable code that, when executed by one or more computer processors, implements any of the methods disclosed herein and/or implements the guidance of the controller disclosed herein.

Other aspects and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description, wherein only illustrative embodiments of the present disclosure are shown and described. As will be realized, the disclosure is capable of other and different embodiments and its several details are capable of modifications in various obvious respects, all without departing from the disclosure. Accordingly, the drawings and description are to be regarded as illustrative in nature, and not as restrictive.

These and other features and embodiments will be described in more detail below with reference to the drawings.

Is incorporated by reference

All publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

Drawings

The novel features believed characteristic of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. A better understanding of the features and advantages of the present invention will be obtained by reference to the following detailed description that sets forth illustrative embodiments, in which the principles of the invention are utilized, and the accompanying drawings or figures (also referred to herein as "figures")

In the figure:

fig. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a side view of an infrared cloud detector system according to some embodiments.

Fig. 2A shows a graph including two curves of temperature readings taken over time by an infrared sensor of an infrared cloud detector according to this embodiment.

Fig. 2B shows a graph with two curves of temperature readings taken over time by the ambient temperature sensor of the infrared cloud detector discussed with respect to fig. 2A.

Fig. 2C shows a graph with two curves of the calculated delta between the temperature reading taken by the infrared sensor and the ambient temperature reading taken by the ambient temperature sensor of the infrared cloud detector discussed with respect to fig. 2A and 2B.

Fig. 3 depicts a schematic diagram (side view) of an infrared cloud detector system including an infrared cloud detector and a light sensor, according to an embodiment.

Fig. 4A shows a perspective view of a diagrammatic schematic view of an infrared cloud detector system comprising an infrared cloud detector in the form of a multi-sensor according to an embodiment.

Fig. 4B illustrates another perspective view of the infrared cloud detector system illustrated in fig. 4A including an infrared cloud detector in the form of a multisensor.

Fig. 4C illustrates a perspective view of some of the internal components of the multi-sensor device of the infrared cloud detector system illustrated in fig. 4A and 4B.

Fig. 5A is a graph with a plot of intensity readings taken over time by a visible light photosensor.

Fig. 5B is a graph having a plot of the difference between temperature readings taken over time by an infrared sensor and temperature readings taken over time by an ambient temperature sensor.

Fig. 6A is a graph with plots of intensity readings taken over time by a visible light photosensor.

Fig. 6B is a graph having a plot of the difference between temperature readings taken by an infrared sensor over time and temperature readings taken by an ambient temperature sensor over time.

Fig. 7A is a graph with plots of intensity readings taken over time by a visible light photosensor.

Fig. 7B is a graph having a plot of the difference between temperature readings taken over time by an infrared sensor and temperature readings taken over time by an ambient temperature sensor.

Fig. 8 shows a flow chart describing a method of determining a cloud cover condition using temperature readings from an infrared sensor and an ambient temperature sensor, according to an embodiment.

Fig. 9 shows a flow chart describing a method of determining a cloud cover condition using readings from an infrared sensor, an ambient temperature sensor, and a light sensor of an infrared cloud detector system, according to an embodiment.

Fig. 10 depicts a schematic cross section of an electrochromic device.

Fig. 11A depicts a schematic cross-section of an electrochromic device in a faded state (or transitioning to a faded state).

Fig. 11B depicts the schematic cross-section of the electrochromic device shown in fig. 11A, but in (or transitioning to) the colored state.

Fig. 12 depicts a simplified block diagram of components of a window controller according to an embodiment.

Fig. 13 depicts a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a BMS according to an embodiment.

Fig. 14 is a block diagram of components of a system for controlling the function of one or more tintable windows of a building, according to an embodiment.

Fig. 15A illustrates a penetration depth of direct sunlight into a room through an electrochromic window between an exterior and an interior of a building including the room, according to an embodiment.

Fig. 15B shows direct sunlight and radiation entering a room through an electrochromic window under clear sky conditions according to an embodiment.

Fig. 15C illustrates radiated light from the sky when it may be blocked or reflected by objects such as clouds and other buildings, according to an embodiment.

Fig. 16 is a flow diagram illustrating general control logic for a method for controlling one or more electrochromic windows in a building, according to an embodiment.

Fig. 17 is a diagram illustrating a particular implementation of one of the blocks from fig. 16, according to an embodiment.

Fig. 18 depicts a flowchart showing a particular implementation of control logic for the operations shown in fig. 16, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 19 is a flow diagram depicting a particular embodiment of control logic for the operation shown in FIG. 18, in accordance with an embodiment.

Fig. 20A illustrates a penetration depth of direct sunlight into a room through an electrochromic window between an exterior and an interior of a building including the room, according to an embodiment.

Fig. 20B shows direct sunlight and radiation entering a room through an electrochromic window under clear sky conditions according to an embodiment.

Fig. 20C illustrates radiated light from the sky when it may be blocked or reflected by objects such as clouds and other buildings, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 20D illustrates infrared radiation from the sky, according to an embodiment.

Fig. 21 includes a flow diagram depicting general control logic for a method for controlling one or more electrochromic windows in a building, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 22 includes a flowchart of the logic according to one embodiment of the blocks of the flowchart shown in FIG. 21.

Fig. 23 includes a flowchart depicting control logic of module D' for determining filtered infrared sensor values, in accordance with an embodiment.

Fig. 24 includes a flowchart depicting control logic for making a coloring decision based on infrared sensor and/or light sensor data depending on whether it is during a morning area, during a daytime area, during an evening area, or during nighttime, in accordance with an embodiment.

Fig. 25 is an example of an occupancy look-up table in accordance with certain aspects.

Fig. 26 includes a flow diagram depicting control logic for determining a level of tint from module D when the current time is during a daytime zone, according to certain aspects.

Fig. 27 includes a flow diagram depicting control logic for determining a hue level from module D when the current time is during the evening region, in accordance with certain aspects.

Fig. 28 includes a flow diagram depicting control logic for determining a level of tint from module C1 and/or module D when the current time is during the daytime zone, in accordance with certain aspects.

Fig. 29 shows a graph of filtered infrared sensor values in millidegrees versus time during a 24 hour period, in accordance with an embodiment.

Fig. 30 includes a flowchart depicting control logic of module C1 for determining tint levels of one or more electrochromic windows in a building, in accordance with an embodiment.

Fig. 31 includes a flowchart depicting the control logic of module C' for determining filtered light sensor values, in accordance with an embodiment.

Fig. 32A shows a perspective view of a diagrammatic schematic of an infrared cloud detector system with a multi-sensor device, in accordance with an embodiment.

Fig. 32B illustrates another perspective view of the multi-sensor apparatus shown in fig. 32A.

Fig. 33A shows a perspective view of a diagrammatic schematic view of a multi-sensor device according to an embodiment.

Fig. 33B illustrates another perspective view of the multi-sensor apparatus shown in fig. 32A.

The drawings and components therein may not be to scale. The components in the figures described herein may not be drawn to scale.

Detailed Description

While various embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions will now occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the invention described herein may be employed.

Terms such as "a," "an," and "the" are not intended to refer to only a singular entity, but include the general class of which a particular example may be used for illustration. The terminology herein is used to describe specific embodiments of the invention, but their usage does not limit the invention.

When referring to ranges, the ranges are meant to include the endpoints unless otherwise indicated. For example, a range between a value of 1 and a value of 2 is meant to be inclusive and includes both values of 1 and 2. Ranges, inclusive, will span any value from about the value 1 to about the value 2. As used herein, the term "adjacent" or "adjacent to … includes" immediately adjacent "," abutting "," contacting ", and" proximate ".

The terms "operably coupled" or "operably connected" refer to a first mechanism being coupled (or connected) to a second mechanism to allow for the intended operation of the second mechanism and/or the first mechanism. Coupling may include physical or non-physical coupling. The non-physical coupling may include signal inductive coupling (e.g., wireless coupling).

I. Introduction to

At certain times of the day, the intensity of visible light is at a low level, for example in the morning of the sunrise hours and in the evening just before sunset. Light sensors calibrated to measure the intensity of visible light (referred to herein as "visible light sensors" or as "light sensors") do not detect direct sunlight, and their intensity measurements at these times of the day may not be effective in determining cloud conditions. In certain aspects, the cloud condition is determined as one of: 1) a "clear" condition when the sky is clear and cloudless or nearly cloudless; 2) a "partially cloudy" condition; and 3) a "cloudy" or "cloudy" condition when the sky is cloudy. That is, visible light sensors that are towards the sky at these times will measure low intensity values during "sunny" conditions, "partly cloudy" conditions, and "cloudy" conditions. Thus, intensity measurements made only by the visible light sensor may not accurately distinguish between different cloud conditions at these times. If only the intensity measurements from the visible light sensor are used to determine a "cloudy" condition (e.g., when the measured intensity level falls below a certain minimum), then a false "cloudy" condition may be detected during the dusk immediately before sunset. Similarly, visible light sensor measurements cannot effectively distinguish between "cloudy" conditions and "sunny" conditions just before sunrise in the absence of direct sunlight. At any of these time periods, the light sensor measurements may be used to detect a false "cloudy" condition. A controller that relies on a false "cloudy" determination from such photosensor readings may therefore implement inappropriate control decisions based at least in part on the false "cloudy" determination. For example, if the light sensor readings determine a false "cloudy" condition just before sunrise, a window controller controlling the level of tint in an eastward optically switchable window (e.g., an electrochromic window) may improperly make the window transparent, allowing direct glare from sunrise sunlight to shine into the room.

Furthermore, a controller making decisions based primarily on current readings from the visible light sensor does not take into account historical intensity levels in geographical areas that may be subject to possible current/future cloudiness conditions, e.g., to issue control commands in anticipation of conditions that may occur. For example, there may be historically low light levels in the morning when a cloudlet passes through the geographic area. In this case, temporarily blocking sunlight to a small cloud of light sensors will result in the same determination of a "cloudy" condition as when a large storm rolls into the area. In this case, the passage of the cloudiness may cause the controller to transition the tintable window and may lock the optically switchable window to an inappropriately low tint level until the window can transition to a higher (darker) tint level.

Infrared (IR) cloud detector system

Both the cloud and the water vapor absorb and re-emit radiation in discrete bands across the Infrared (IR) spectrum. The cloud is generally warmer (has a higher temperature) than clear air, as the cloud absorbs and re-emits IR radiation and clear air transmits IR radiation. In other words, the presence of clouds typically produces an enhanced IR signal (which corresponds to an approximate blackbody spectrum at about ground temperature) above the signal from clear sky. The effect of atmospheric humidity is also small, which may also produce enhanced IR signals, especially in low altitude areas. Based at least in part on these differences, the means for measuring IR radiation may effectively detect cloud conditions.

Various embodiments relate to infrared cloud detectors and methods thereof that detect cloud cover and/or other cloud conditions based at least in part on infrared readings. Infrared cloud detectors typically include at least one Infrared (IR) sensor and at least one ambient temperature sensor used in conjunction to obtain temperature readings of the sky that may be used to detect a cloud condition. In general, the amount of infrared radiation emitted by the medium/object and then measured by the IR sensor varies depending on the temperature of the medium/object, the surface and other physical characteristics of the medium/object, the field of view of the IR sensor, and the distance between the medium/object and the IR sensor. The IR sensor converts IR radiation received within its field of view to a voltage/current and converts the voltage/current to a corresponding temperature reading (e.g., a digital temperature reading) of the medium/object within its field of view. For example, an IR sensor directed (directed) to face the sky outputs temperature readings for regions of the sky within its field of view. The IR sensor may be oriented in a particular direction (e.g., azimuth and elevation angles) to preferentially capture IR radiation in a geographic area of the sky within its field of view centered about that direction. An ambient temperature sensor measures the temperature of the ambient air surrounding the sensor. Typically, the ambient temperature sensor is positioned to measure the temperature of the ambient air surrounding the infrared cloud detector. The infrared cloud detector also has a processor that determines a difference between temperature readings taken by the IR sensor and the ambient temperature sensor and uses the difference to detect an amount of cloud cover in an area of the sky within the field of view of the IR sensor.

In general, the temperature readings taken by ambient temperature sensors tend to fluctuate less than the amplitude of fluctuations in the sky temperature readings taken by infrared radiation sensors as weather conditions change. For example, in a fast moving weather pattern, during "intermittent cloudy" conditions, sky temperature readings taken by infrared radiation sensors tend to fluctuate at a high frequency. Certain embodiments of the infrared cloud detector have determining infrared according to equation 1Sensor sky temperature reading (T)_sky) And ambient temperature reading (T)_amb) Logic of difference delta (Δ) therebetween to assist in reading the infrared sensor temperature (T)_sky) Is normalized to any fluctuations in the measured value. In one example, the logic determines a "cloudy" condition if delta (Δ) is determined to be above an upper threshold (e.g., about 0 millidegrees celsius), a "clear" condition if delta (Δ) is determined to be below a lower threshold (e.g., about-5 millidegrees celsius), and an "intermittent cloudy" condition if delta (Δ) is between the upper and lower thresholds. In another example, the logic determines a "cloudy" condition if delta (Δ) is above a single threshold and determines a "not sunny" condition if delta (Δ) is below the threshold. In one aspect, logic may apply one or more correction factors to delta (Δ) before determining whether it is above or below a threshold. Some examples of correction factors that may be used in embodiments include humidity, sun angle/solar height, and field altitude. For example, a correction factor may be applied based at least in part on the height and density of the detected clouds. Lower altitude clouds and/or higher density clouds are more closely correlated with ambient temperature readings than are infrared sensor readings. The higher altitude cloud and/or the lower density cloud correlates well with the infrared sensor readings and then with the ambient temperature readings. In this example, a correction factor may be applied to give a higher altitude and/or higher weight ambient temperature reading of the higher density cloud. In another example, infrared sensor readings may give a higher altitude and/or a less dense cloud weight. In another example, a correction factor may be applied based at least in part on humidity and/or solar orientation to more accurately describe the cloud cover and/or remove any outliers. Technical advantages of using delta (Δ) to determine cloud conditions are illustrated with reference to fig. 2A-2C below.

Since temperature readings are generally independent of the presence of direct sunlight, temperature readings may be used to detect the cloud cover condition more accurately in some cases than visible light sensors may detect when the sunlight intensity is low (e.g., in the early morning just before sunrise and in the early morning after sunrise, in the evening before sunset). At these times, the visible light sensor may potentially detect a false "cloudy" condition. According to these embodiments, infrared cloud detectors may be used to detect clouds and their accuracy of detection is independent of whether the sun is present or whether otherwise there is a low light intensity level, e.g. just sunrise or sunset. In these embodiments, a relatively low temperature generally indicates a likelihood of a "sunny" condition, and a relatively high temperature reading generally indicates a likelihood of a "cloudy" condition (i.e., cloud cover).

In various embodiments, the IR sensor of the infrared cloud detector is calibrated to measure radiant flux of long wave infrared radiation within a particular range. A processor of the IR sensor and/or a separate processor may be used to infer temperature readings from these measurements. In one aspect, the IR sensor is calibrated to detect infrared radiation in a wavelength range between about 8 μm and about 14 μm. In another aspect, the IR sensor is calibrated to detect infrared radiation having a wavelength greater than about 5 μm. In another aspect, the IR sensor is calibrated to detect infrared radiation in a wavelength range between about 9.5 μm and about 11.5 μm. In another aspect, the IR sensor is calibrated to detect infrared radiation in a wavelength range between about 10.5 μm to 12.5 μm. In another aspect, the IR sensor is calibrated to detect infrared radiation in a wavelength range between about 6.6 μm to 20 μm. Some examples of types of IR sensors that may be used include infrared thermometers (e.g., thermopiles), infrared radiometers, infrared atmospheric radiometers, infrared pyrometers, and the like. An example of a commercially available IR sensor is MLX90614 manufactured by Melexis of Detroit, Michigan. Another example of a commercially available IR sensor is the TS305-11C55 temperature sensor manufactured by TE connectivity ltd. Another example of a commercially available IR sensor is the SI-111 infrared radiometer manufactured by TE connectivity ltd.

In various embodiments, the infrared cloud detector has an IR sensor positioned and oriented such that its field of view may receive infrared radiation from a particular region of the sky of interest. In one embodiment, the IR sensor may be located on the roof of a building and oriented with its sensing surface facing vertically upward or at a small angle to the vertical, such that its field of view is an area of sky above or at some distance from the building.

In certain embodiments, the infrared cloud detector has a protective housing and the infrared sensor is located within the housing. The housing may have a cover with one or more apertures or thinned regions that allow/limit the transmission of infrared radiation to the infrared sensor. In some cases, the cover may be made of a plastic such as polycarbonate, polyethylene, polypropylene, and/or a thermoplastic such as nylon or other polyamides, polyesters, or other thermoplastics, among other suitable materials. In one example, the material is a weather resistant plastic. In other cases, the cover may be formed of a metal material such as aluminum, cobalt, or titanium, or a semi-metal material such as aluminum. In some embodiments, the cover may be sloped or convex to prevent the accumulation of water. Depending on the type of material used to form the cover, the cover may be 3D printed, injection molded, and/or formed via another suitable process.

In some embodiments, the cover includes one or more apertures or thinned regions to increase transmission of incident radiation or other signals to the detector within the housing (reduce blocking). For example, the cover may include one or more apertures or thinned regions proximate the infrared sensor in the housing to allow for improved transmission of incident infrared radiation to the infrared sensor. The apertures and/or thinned regions may also improve the transmission of other signals (e.g., GPS signals) to other detection devices within the housing. Additionally or alternatively, some or all of the cover may be formed of a light diffusing material. In some embodiments, the cap may be connected to the housing via an adhesive, or to some mechanical coupling mechanism, for example, by using a screw and thread arrangement or via a pressure washer or other crimp fitting.

The field of view of the sensing surface of the infrared sensor is defined by its material composition and its structure. In some cases, the field of view of the infrared sensor may be narrowed by an obstacle. Some examples of obstacles include a building structure, such as a projection or roof structure, an obstacle near the building, such as a tree or another building, and so forth. As another example, if the infrared sensor is located within the housing, structures within the housing may narrow the field of view.

In one aspect, a single IR sensor has a vertical unconstrained field of view that deviates from vertical by about 50 degrees to about 130 degrees + -40 degrees. In one aspect, the IR sensor has a field of view in a range of 50 degrees to 100 degrees. In another aspect, the IR sensor has a field of view in a range of 50 degrees to 80 degrees. In another aspect, the IR sensor has a field of view of about 88 degrees. In another aspect, the IR sensor has a field of view of about 70 degrees. In another aspect, the IR sensor has a field of view of about 44 degrees. The field of view of an IR sensor is typically defined as a cone-shaped volume. IR sensors typically have a wider field of view than visible light sensors and are therefore able to receive radiation from a larger area of the sky. Since IR sensors can read readings of a large area in the sky, IR sensors are more useful in determining proximity conditions (e.g., an upcoming storm cloud) than visible light sensors, which will be more limited to detecting current conditions in the immediate vicinity of the light sensor that affect within its smaller field of view. In one aspect, a five sensor blocked IR sensor arrangement of mounted sensors (e.g., in a multi-sensor configuration) has four angularly mounted IR sensors, each sensor constrained by a field of view of 20-70 degrees or 110-160 degrees, and one upwardly facing IR sensor constrained by a field of view of 70-110 degrees.

Some IR sensors tend to measure the sky temperature more effectively when direct sunlight does not strike the sensing surface. In certain embodiments, the infrared cloud detector has a structure that shields direct sunlight from the sensing surface of the IR sensor, and/or has a structure that diffuses direct sunlight before it strikes the sensing surface of the IR sensor (e.g., an enclosure of opaque plastic). In one embodiment, the IR sensor may be obscured by the overhanging structure of the building and/or by an infrared cloud detector. In another embodiment, the IR sensor may be located within a protective housing having a diffusing material between the sensing surface of the IR sensor and the sky to diffuse any direct sunlight from reaching the sensing surface of the IR sensor and also to provide protection from potentially harmful elements such as dirt, animals, etc. Additionally or alternatively, some embodiments use only IR sensor readings taken before or after sunrise to avoid the possibility of direct sunlight striking the IR sensor. In these embodiments, light sensor readings and/or other sensor readings may be used to detect a cloud cover condition between sunrise and sunset.

In various embodiments of the infrared cloud detector, there is an ambient temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the air surrounding the ambient temperature sensor. Typically, an ambient temperature sensor is positioned in contact with the outdoor environment (e.g., located outside of a building) to take temperature readings of the sky. The ambient temperature sensor may be, for example, a thermistor, thermocouple, resistance thermometer, thermocouple, silicon bandgap temperature sensor, or the like. A commercially available example of an ambient temperature sensor that can be used is a Pt100 thermometer probe manufactured by Omega. Certain embodiments include an ambient temperature sensor positioned to avoid direct sunlight from striking its sensing surface. For example, the ambient temperature sensor may be located under an overhang or mounted under a structure that shields the ambient temperature sensor from direct sunlight.

Although many embodiments of the infrared cloud detector described herein include one IR sensor and one ambient temperature sensor, it should be understood that other embodiments may include more than one IR sensor and/or more than one ambient temperature sensor. For example, in one embodiment, the infrared cloud detector includes two or more IR sensors for redundancy and/or to point the IR sensors to different areas of the sky. Additionally or alternatively, the infrared cloud detector may have two or more ambient temperature sensors for redundancy in another embodiment. An example of a system for detecting CLOUDs using two IR sensors directed at different areas of the sky can be found in international application PCT/US15/53041 entitled "sun DETECTION with DETECTION DISTANCE SENSING", filed on 29/9/2015, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Various embodiments of infrared cloud detectors have the basic function of detecting cloud cover conditions. In some cases, the infrared cloud detector may detect a "cloudy" condition and a "sunny" condition. Additionally, some embodiments may further distinguish "cloudy" conditions as gradual. For example, one embodiment may distinguish a "cloudy" condition as "cloudy" or "intermittent cloud". In another example, different cloud cover levels (e.g., 1-10) may be assigned to a "cloudy" condition. In yet another example, an embodiment may determine future cloud conditions. Additionally or alternatively, some embodiments may also detect other weather conditions.

In various embodiments, the infrared cloud detector includes a detector configured to acquire a sky temperature reading T_skyAnd is configured to take an ambient temperature reading T_ambThe ambient temperature sensor of (1). The infrared cloud detector also includes one or more processors comprising program instructions that are executable to perform various functions of the infrared cloud detector. The processor executes the program instructions to determine the temperature difference delta (Δ) between the temperature readings as provided by equation 1. The processor also executes program instructions to determine a cloud cover condition based at least in part on the delta (Δ). As described above, in some cases, using ambient temperature readings may help to normalize for any rapid fluctuations in the temperature readings of the IR sensor.

Delta (Delta) sky temperature reading (T) of infrared sensor_sky)

-ambient temperature reading (T)_amb) (equation 1)

In one embodiment, the processor executes program instructions to compare delta (Δ) to an upper threshold and a lower threshold and determine a cloud status. If delta (Δ) is above the upper threshold, a "clear" condition is determined. If delta (Δ) is below the lower threshold, a "cloudy" condition is determined. If delta (Δ) is below the upper threshold and above the lower threshold (i.e., between the thresholds), a "intermittent" cloud cover condition is determined. Additionally or alternatively, when delta (Δ) is between thresholds, additional factors may be used to determine the cloud cover condition. Such an embodiment works well on the morning of dawn hours and the evening of dusk hours to accurately determine a "cloudy" condition or a "sunny" condition. Between sunrise and sunset, additional factors may be used to determine the cloud cover condition, for example, by using visible light sensor values. Some examples of other factors include: altitude, wind speed/direction and solar altitude/sun angle.

A. Infrared (IR) sensor cloud detection system

Fig. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a side view of a system having an infrared cloud detector 100, according to some embodiments. The infrared cloud detector 100 has a housing 101 with a cover 102 having an aperture or thinned portion 104 at a first surface 106 of the housing 101. The housing 101 also has a second surface 108 opposite the first surface 106. The infrared cloud detector 100 further includes: an IR sensor 110 configured to acquire a temperature reading T based on infrared radiation received within its conical field of view 114 _sky(ii) a An ambient temperature sensor 130 for taking an ambient temperature reading T_amb(ii) a And a processor 140 in communication (wired or wirelessly) with the IR sensor 110 and the ambient temperature sensor 130. In one aspect, the IR sensor is one of an infrared thermometer (e.g., thermopile), an infrared radiometer, an atmospheric radiometer, and an infrared pyrometer. In one aspect, the ambient temperature sensor is one of a thermistor, a thermometer, and a thermocouple.

In fig. 1, the IR sensor 110 is located behind the aperture or thinned portion 104 and within the housing of the housing 101. The perforated or thinned portion 104 enables the IR sensor 110 to measure infrared radiation that is transmitted through the perforated or thinned portion 104 and received at its sensing surface. The IR sensor 110 includes an imaginary axis 112 that is orthogonal to the sensing surface of the IR sensor 110 and passes through the center of the IR sensor 110. In the illustrated example, the IR sensor 110 is oriented such that its axis 112 is in a vertical direction and the sensing surface faces upward. In other examples, the IR sensor 110 may be directed such that the sensing surface faces another orientation to direct the IR sensor to a particular area of the sky, for example. The IR sensor 110 has a tapered field of view 114 through the aperture or thinned portion 104 to the exterior of the housing 102. In this example, the portion of the cover 102 surrounding the aperture or thinned portion 104 is made of a material that blocks infrared radiation, and the perimeter of the aperture or thinned portion 104 defines the field of view 114. The view 114 of the field of view has an angle α and is centered about the axis 112. In fig. 1, the ambient temperature sensor 130 is positioned and secured to the second surface 108 of the housing 102 away from the edge to avoid direct sunlight from striking the ambient temperature sensor 130 when the infrared cloud detector 100 is in this orientation. Although not shown, infrared cloud detector 100 also includes one or more structures that hold infrared sensor 110 and other components in place within housing 101.

Infrared cloud detector 100 also includes logic that calculates an infrared sensor sky temperature reading (T) at each read time_sky) And ambient temperature reading (T)_amb) And determining a cloud condition based at least in part on the calculated delta (Δ). During operation, the IR sensor 110 obtains a sky temperature reading T based at least in part on infrared radiation received from a region of the sky within its field of view 114_skyAnd the ambient temperature sensor 130 obtains an ambient temperature reading T of the ambient air surrounding the infrared cloud detector 100_amb. The processor 140 receives the signal from the IR sensor 110 with a temperature reading T_skyAnd receives a signal having an ambient temperature reading T from the ambient temperature sensor 130_ambOf the signal of (a). Processor 140 executes instructions stored in a memory (not shown) that uses this logic to calculate a temperature reading (T) of the infrared sensor at a particular time_sky) And ambient temperature reading (T)_amb) Delta (Δ) in between to determine the cloud cover condition. For example, processor 140 may execute instructions that determine a "cloudy" condition if delta (Δ) at that time is above an upper threshold, a "clear" condition if delta (Δ) is below a lower threshold, and a "time" if delta (Δ) is determined to be between the upper and lower thresholds A cloudy "condition. The processor 140 may also execute instructions stored in the memory to perform other operations of the methods described herein.

Although a single infrared sensor 110 is illustrated in fig. 1, in another embodiment, two or more infrared sensors may be used for redundancy in the event of one failure and/or shadowing, for example, by bird droppings and/or other environmental objects. In one embodiment, two or more infrared sensors are used to face different orientations to capture IR radiation from different fields of view and/or at different distances from the building/structure. If two or more IR sensors are located within the housing of the infrared cloud detector 100, the IR sensors are typically offset from each other by a sufficient distance to reduce the likelihood that a shield will affect all of the IR sensors. For example, the IR sensors may be separated by at least about one inch or at least about two inches.

B. Comparison of infrared sensor temperature readings, ambient temperature readings, and delta values during a day of sunny and afternoon clouds

As described above, the sky temperature readings obtained by the ambient temperature sensor tend to fluctuate with a smaller amplitude than the sky temperature readings obtained by the infrared radiation sensor. According to equation 1, certain embodiments of the infrared cloud detector have determining an infrared sensor temperature reading (T;) _sky) And ambient temperature reading (T)_amb) Logic of the difference delta (Δ) therebetween to assist in reading the infrared sensor temperature (T)_sky) Is normalized to any fluctuations in the measured value. In contrast, fig. 2A-2C include temperature readings T taken by an infrared sensor of an infrared cloud detector according to an embodiment_IRTemperature reading T acquired by environment temperature sensor of infrared cloud detector_skyAnd a plot of an example of delta (Δ) between these readings. Each graph includes two curves: a plot of readings taken on a sunny day and a plot of readings taken on a day with a afternoon cloud. The infrared cloud detector used in this example includes components similar to those described with respect to infrared cloud detector 100 shown in fig. 1. In this case, the infrared cloud detector is located in the house of the buildingOn top, the infrared sensor is facing vertically upwards. The infrared sensor is calibrated to measure infrared radiation in a wavelength range from about 8 μm to about 14 μm. To avoid direct sunlight striking the infrared sensor, the infrared sensor is located behind a cover formed of a light diffusing material, such as a plastic, such as polycarbonate, polyethylene, polypropylene, and/or a thermoplastic, such as nylon or other polyamides, polyesters or other thermoplastics, among other suitable materials. In this example, the infrared cloud detector also has logic operable to calculate a sky temperature reading T acquired by the IR sensor _skyAnd an ambient temperature reading T obtained by an ambient temperature sensor of the infrared cloud detector_ambThe difference between them delta (Δ). The logic may also be configured to determine a "cloudy" condition if delta (Δ) is equal to or above an upper threshold, a "sunny" condition if delta (Δ) is equal to or below a lower threshold, and an "intermittent cloudy" condition if delta (Δ) is between the upper and lower thresholds.

FIG. 2A shows a temperature reading T taken over time by an infrared sensor including an infrared cloud detector according to this embodiment_skyGraph of two curves of (a). Each of the two curves has a temperature reading T taken by an infrared sensor over a period of one day_sky. A first curve 110 is a temperature reading T taken by an infrared sensor during a first day with a afternoon cloud_sky. The second curve 112 has temperature readings T taken by the infrared sensor during the second day of sunny weather all day_sky. As shown, the temperature readings T of the first curve 110 taken during the afternoon on the first day of the cloudy afternoon_skyThe higher the temperature reading of the second curve 112, which is generally taken during the second day of sunny weather throughout the day _skyAnd higher.

FIG. 2B shows the ambient temperature readings T taken over time by the ambient temperature sensor of the infrared cloud detector discussed with respect to FIG. 2A_ambGraph of two curves. Each of the two curves has been acquired by an ambient temperature sensor over a period of a dayTaken temperature reading T_amb. To avoid direct sunlight from striking the ambient temperature sensor, it is protected from direct sunlight. The first curve 220 has temperature readings taken by the ambient temperature sensor during the second day of the full sunny day. The second curve 222 has temperature readings taken by the infrared sensor during the second day of the full sunny day. As shown, the ambient temperature reading T of the first curve 220 taken during the first day with the afternoon cloud_ambAt a level below the temperature reading T of the second curve 222 on the second day of sunny weather all day_ambThe level of (c).

FIG. 2C illustrates the sky temperature reading T with information obtained by an IR sensor discussed with respect to FIGS. 2A and 2B_skyAnd an ambient temperature reading T obtained by an ambient temperature sensor of the infrared cloud detector_ambA plot of two curves of the calculated delta (Δ). Each of the two curves has a delta (Δ) calculated over a period of one day. The first curve 230 is the calculated delta (Δ) of readings taken during the first day with the afternoon cloud. The second curve 232 is the calculated delta (Δ) taken during the second day of sunny all day. The graph also includes an upper threshold and a lower threshold.

In fig. 2C, the value of delta (Δ) of the second curve 232 during the time interval from just before sunrise to just after sunrise and during the time interval from just before sunset to sunset is lower than the lower threshold value. Using the calculated delta (Δ) values shown in the curve in fig. 2C, the logic of the infrared cloud detector will determine a "sunny" condition during this time interval. Moreover, since the value of delta (Δ) of second curve 232 is below the lower threshold at most other times of the day, the logic of the infrared cloud detector will also determine a "sunny" condition at other times.

In fig. 2C, the value of delta (Δ) of the first curve 230 is above the upper threshold for most of the afternoon, and the infrared cloud detector will determine a "cloudy" condition during the afternoon. The value of delta (Δ) of the first curve 230 is below the lower threshold during the time interval from just before sunrise to just after sunrise and during the time interval from just before sunset to sunset. Based at least in part on these calculated delta (Δ) values, the logic of the infrared cloud detector will determine a "sunny" condition during the time interval. The value of delta (Δ) of the first curve 230 is between the lower threshold and the upper threshold during the brief period in the transition between early and late afternoons. Based at least in part on these calculated delta (Δ) values, the logic of the infrared cloud detector will determine an "intermittent cloudy" condition.

C. Infrared cloud detector system with optical sensor

In certain embodiments, the infrared cloud detector system also includes a visible light photosensor (e.g., a photodiode) for measuring the intensity of visible radiation during operation. These systems generally include at least one infrared sensor, at least one ambient temperature sensor, at least one visible light sensor, and logic to determine a cloud status based at least in part on readings taken by one or more of the infrared sensor, the ambient temperature sensor, and the visible light sensor. In some cases, the infrared sensor is calibrated to measure wavelengths in the 8 μm-14 μm spectrum. In some cases, the light sensor is calibrated to detect the intensity of visible light in the photopic range (e.g., between about 390nm and about 700 nm). The light sensor may be located in/on the same housing as the infrared sensor and the ambient temperature sensor, or may be separately located. In some cases, such as when the confidence level of the infrared sensor is high and/or the confidence level of the light sensor is low, the logic is based on the temperature reading T of the infrared sensor _skyAnd ambient temperature reading T_ambThe calculated delta (delta) values in between to determine the cloud cover condition. When the confidence level of the infrared sensor is low and/or the confidence level of the light sensor is high, the logic determines a cloud status based at least in part on the light sensor readings.

In various embodiments, the infrared cloud detector system includes logic to use time of day, day of year, temperature readings T from the infrared sensor_skyAmbient temperature reading T from ambient temperature sensor_ambAnd light intensity readings from the light sensor, oscillation frequency of visible light intensity readings from the light sensor, and temperature readings T from the infrared sensor_skyAs an input to determine the cloud cover condition. In some cases, the logic determines the oscillation frequency from the visible light intensity reading and/or from the temperature reading T_skyThe oscillation frequency of (2). The logic determines whether the time of day is in one of four time periods: (i) a period of time shortly before sunrise until later after sunrise; (ii) (iv) daytime is defined as after (i) and before (iii); (iii) the period of time shortly before sunset (dusk) until sunset; or (iv) nighttime is defined as after (iii) and before (i). In one case, the sunrise time may be determined from the measurement of a visible wavelength light sensor. For example, time period (i) may end at the point where the visible light wavelength photosensor begins to measure direct sunlight, i.e., where the intensity reading of the visible light photosensor is equal to or above the minimum intensity value. Additionally or alternatively, the time period (iii) may be determined to end at a point where the intensity reading from the visible wavelength light sensor is at or below the minimum intensity value. In another example, sunrise and/or sunset times may be calculated using a solar calculator based on one day of the year, and time periods (i) and (iii) may be calculated by defined time periods (e.g., 45 minutes) before and after the calculated sunrise/sunset times. If the time of day is within the (i) or (iii) time period, the confidence level of the light sensor reading tends to be low and the infrared sensor reading tends to be high. In this case, the logic determines the cloud cover condition based at least in part on the calculated delta (Δ) with or without the correction factor. For example, the logic may determine a "cloudy" condition if delta (Δ) is above an upper threshold, a "clear" condition if delta (Δ) is below a lower threshold, and a "intermittent cloudy" condition if delta (Δ) is between the upper and lower thresholds. As another example, the logic may determine a "cloudy" condition if delta (Δ) is above a single threshold and determine a "sunny" condition if delta (Δ) is below the threshold. If the time of day is during (ii) the day, the confidence level of the light sensor reading is at a high level and the confidence level of the infrared sensor reading tends to be low. In this case, the logic may use the light sensor readings to determine the cloud status as long as the calculated difference between the infrared readings and the light sensor readings remains at or below an acceptable value. For example, the logic may determine a "sunny" condition if the light sensor reading is above a certain intensity level, and may determine a "cloudy" condition if the light sensor reading is at or below the intensity level. If the calculated difference between the infrared reading and the light sensor reading increases above an acceptable value, the confidence of the infrared reading increases, and the logic determines a cloud cover condition based at least in part on delta (Δ) as described above. Alternatively or additionally, if it is determined that the light sensor reading oscillates at a frequency greater than the first defined level, the confidence level of the infrared reading is increased, and the logic determines the cloud cover condition based on delta (Δ). If it is determined that the infrared readings oscillate at a frequency greater than a second defined level, a confidence level of the light sensor readings is increased, and logic determines a cloud status based at least in part on the light sensor readings. If the time of day is during (iv) nighttime, the logic may determine the cloud cover condition based at least in part on delta (Δ) as described above. Other embodiments of logic usable with infrared cloud detector systems are described herein, including the various logic described with reference to fig. 21, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, 28, and 30, and 31.

Fig. 3 depicts a schematic diagram (side view) of an infrared cloud detector system 300 including an infrared cloud detector 310 and an external visible light photosensor 320, in accordance with an embodiment. Infrared cloud detector 310 includes a housing 312, an infrared sensor 314 within the casing of housing 312, and an ambient temperature sensor 316 also within the casing of housing 312. Infrared sensor 314 is configured to obtain a temperature reading T based at least in part on infrared radiation received from an area of the sky within its conical field of view 315_sky. Ambient temperature sensor 316 is configured to acquire an ambient temperature of ambient air surrounding infrared cloud detector 310Reading T_amb. In one aspect, infrared sensor 314 is one of an infrared thermometer (e.g., a thermopile), an infrared radiometer, an atmospheric radiometer, and an infrared pyrometer. In one aspect, the ambient temperature sensor is one of a thermistor, a thermometer, and a thermocouple.

Infrared cloud detector 310 is shown positioned on the roof of a building having a room 330 with a tintable window 332 (e.g., an electrochromic window having at least one electrochromic device), and external visible light sensor 320 is positioned on an exterior surface of the building. Tintable window 332 is located between the exterior and interior of a building that includes room 330. Fig. 5 also shows a table 334 in the room 330. Although light sensor 320 is located separately from infrared cloud detector 310 in this example, in other embodiments light sensor 320 is located in a housing shell of housing or outside of housing 312.

Infrared sensor 314 includes an imaginary axis that is perpendicular to a sensing surface of infrared sensor 314 and passes through its center. Infrared cloud detector 310 is supported by a wedge-shaped structure that orients infrared cloud detector 310 with its axis pointing at an oblique angle β from horizontal. In other embodiments, other components may be used to support infrared cloud detector 310. The infrared sensor 314 is directed such that the sensing surface faces the sky and may receive infrared radiation from regions of the sky within its field of view 315. The ambient temperature sensor 130 is located within a housing of the housing 312 away from the edges and is shielded by overhanging portions of the housing 312 from direct sunlight striking the sensing surface of the ambient temperature sensor 130. Although not shown, infrared cloud detector 310 also includes one or more structures that retain its components within housing 312.

In fig. 3, infrared cloud detector system 300 also includes a controller 340 having a processor that can execute instructions stored in a memory (not shown) to use the logic of infrared cloud detector system 300. Controller 340 communicates (wirelessly or by wire) with infrared sensor 314 and ambient temperature sensor 316 to receive signals having temperature readings. The controller 340 is also in communication (wirelessly or wired) with the light sensor 320 to receive signals having visible light intensity readings.

In some implementations, the power/communication lines can extend from a building or another structure to the infrared cloud detector 310. In one embodiment, infrared cloud detector 310 includes a network interface that may couple infrared cloud detector 310 to a suitable cable. The infrared cloud detector 310 may transmit data to the controller 340 or at least one other controller (e.g., a network controller and/or a master controller) of the building through a network interface. In some other embodiments, the infrared cloud detector 310 may additionally or alternatively include a wireless network interface capable of wireless communication with one or more external controllers.

In some implementations, the infrared cloud detector 310 or other examples of infrared cloud detectors may also include a battery within or coupled with its housing to power the sensors and electronic components therein. The battery may provide such power instead of or in addition to power from a power source (e.g., from a building power source). In one embodiment, the infrared cloud detector further comprises at least one photovoltaic cell, for example on an outer surface of the housing. The at least one photovoltaic cell may provide power in lieu of or in addition to power provided by any other power source.

Infrared cloud detector system 300 also includes logic for using time of day, day of year, temperature reading T from infrared sensor 314_skyAmbient temperature reading T from ambient temperature sensor 316_ambAnd the visible light intensity reading from light sensor 320, the frequency of oscillation of the visible light intensity reading from light sensor 320, and the temperature reading T from infrared sensor 314_skyAs an input to determine the cloud cover condition. During operation, infrared sensor 314 obtains temperature readings T based at least in part on infrared radiation received from regions of the sky within its field of view 315_skyThe ambient temperature sensor 316 takes an ambient temperature reading T of the ambient air surrounding the infrared cloud detector 310_ambAnd a light sensor 320 takes an intensity reading of the visible light received at its sensing surface. The processor of controller 340 receives a signal having a temperature reading T from infrared sensor 314_skyWith an ambient temperature reading T from an ambient temperature sensor 316_ambAnd a signal having an intensity reading from the light sensor 320. The processor executes instructions stored in the memory to determine, using logic, a cloud volume condition based at least in part on the various inputs. An example of such logic is described above and also with reference to fig. 9. In one embodiment, the controller 340 is also in communication with and configured to control one or more building components. For example, the controller 340 may be in communication with the tintable window 332 and configured to control the tint level of the tintable window 332. In this embodiment, the infrared cloud detector system 300 further includes logic to determine a control decision for one or more building components, such as the tintable window 332, based at least in part on the determined cloud volume condition. An example of logic for determining a control decision based at least in part on the determined cloud cover condition is described in more detail with reference to fig. 10.

While a single infrared sensor 314, ambient temperature sensor 316, and visible light sensor 320 are illustrated in fig. 3, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not so limited, and additional components may be used in another embodiment. For example, multiple components may be used for redundancy in case of one failure and/or is masked or otherwise prevented from functioning. In another example, two or more components may be used at different locations or in different orientations to capture different information. In one embodiment, two or more infrared sensors are used to face different orientations to capture infrared radiation from different fields of view and/or different distances from the building/structure. In the case of multiple sensors, an average or mean of values from the multiple sensors may be used to determine the cloud status. If two or more IR sensors are located within the housing of the infrared cloud detector, the IR sensors are typically offset from each other by a sufficient distance to reduce the likelihood that a shield will affect all of the IR sensors. For example, the IR sensors may be separated by at least about one inch or at least about two inches.

Other examples of infrared cloud detector systems in the form of multi-sensor devices are described in section D below.

D. Multi-sensor device

According to various aspects, an infrared cloud detector system includes thermal sensors for measuring thermal radiation from the sky and ambient temperature of the environment. The thermal sensor readings are output in degrees (e.g., milli-degrees celsius, degrees fahrenheit, degrees kelvin, etc.). Some examples of types of thermal sensors that may be implemented include for measuring sky temperature (T)_sky) For measuring the ambient temperature (T)_amb) And including means for measuring the temperature (T) of the sky_sky) And for measuring the environment (T)_amb) The ambient temperature sensor of (1) or (b). In embodiments using an infrared sensor device having an onboard infrared sensor and an onboard ambient temperature sensor, the device may output a sky temperature (T)_sky) Ambient temperature (T)_amb) And T_skyAnd T_ambA reading of one or more of the differences Δ therebetween.

According to certain aspects, the ambient temperature may be implemented as a thermocouple, thermistor, or the like. The ambient temperature sensor may be part of the infrared sensor or may be a separate sensor.

In certain embodiments, an infrared cloud detector system includes an infrared cloud detector having one or more infrared sensors and one or more visible light sensors within a multi-sensor device format having a plurality of other optional sensors (e.g., ambient temperature sensors) and their electrical components within and/or on the housing. Details of different examples of MULTI-SENSOR devices are described in U.S. patent application No. 15/287,646 entitled "MULTI-SENSOR" filed on 6.10.2016 and U.S. patent application No. 14/998,019 entitled "MULTI-SENSOR" filed on 6.10.2015, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entireties. The multi-sensor apparatus of these embodiments is configured to be located in an environment external to a building so as to expose the sensors to the external environment, for example on a roof of the building. In some of these embodiments, the power/communication lines extend from the building to the multi-sensor device. In one such case, the multi-sensor device includes a network interface that can couple the multi-sensor device to a suitable cable. The multi-sensor device may communicate sensor data and other information to one or more external controllers, such as a local controller, a network controller, and/or a master controller of a building, via a network interface. In other embodiments, the multi-sensor device may additionally or alternatively include a wireless network interface capable of wireless communication with one or more external controllers. In some embodiments, the multi-sensor device may also include a battery within or coupled with its housing to power the sensors and electronic components within. The battery may provide such power instead of or in addition to power from a power source (e.g., from a building power source). In some embodiments, the multi-sensor device further comprises at least one photovoltaic cell, for example on a surface of its housing. The photovoltaic cell may provide power to the multi-sensor device instead of or in addition to power from another power source.

Examples A

Fig. 4A, 4B and 4C show perspective views of a diagrammatic schematic of an infrared cloud detector system 400 comprising an infrared cloud detector in the form of a multi-sensor device 401 according to one such embodiment. Fig. 4A and 4B show that multi-sensor device 401 includes a housing 410 coupled to a stem 420. The mast 420 may serve as a mounting assembly including a first end for coupling to the base portion 414 of the housing 410 and a second end for mounting to a building. In one example, the base portion 414 is fixedly attached or otherwise coupled to or connected with the first end of the rod 420 via mechanical threads or via a compression rubber washer. The pole 420 may also include a second end that may include a mounting and/or attachment mechanism for mounting or attaching the pole 420 to a roof top of a building (e.g., a roof of a building having the room 330 shown in fig. 3), such as a surface of the roof, a wall on the roof, or another structure on the roof. The housing includes a cover 411, which is depicted as being formed of a light diffusing material. The cover 411 also includes a thinned portion 412. In other examples, the cover 411 may include opaque or transparent portions (e.g., may be opaque or transparent).

Fig. 4B also shows that multi-sensor device 401 includes an ambient temperature sensor 420 located on the bottom exterior surface of base portion 414. The ambient temperature sensor 420 is configured to measure an ambient temperature of the external environment during operation. The ambient temperature sensor 420 is located on the bottom surface to help shield it from direct solar radiation, such as when the infrared cloud detector system 400 is located in an outdoor environment with the top surface facing upward. The temperature sensor 420 may be, for example, a thermistor, a thermocouple, a resistance thermometer, a silicon bandgap temperature sensor, and the like.

Fig. 4C illustrates a perspective view of some of the internal components of the multi-sensor device 401 of the infrared cloud detector system 400 illustrated in fig. 4A and 4B. As shown, infrared cloud detector system 400 also includes visible light sensor 440, redundant first infrared sensor apparatus 452, and second infrared sensor apparatus 454. First infrared sensor device 452 and second infrared sensor device 454 are located at an upper portion of multi-sensor device 401 and are positioned behind cover 411 (shown in fig. 4A and 4B) formed of a light diffusing material.

As shown in fig. 4C, first infrared sensor device 452 has a first orientation axis 453 that is perpendicular to its sensing surface. Second infrared sensor device 454 has a second orientation axis 455 that is perpendicular to its sensing surface. In the illustrated example, first and second infrared sensor devices 452, 454 are positioned such that their orientation axes 453, 455 face outward from a top portion of housing 410 (shown in fig. 4A and 4B) to enable temperature readings to be taken during operation, at least the temperature readings being Based in part on infrared radiation captured from above the multi-sensor device 401. First infrared sensor apparatus 452 is separated from second infrared sensor apparatus 454 by at least about one inch. In one aspect, each infrared sensor apparatus 452, 454 has a sensor for measuring sky temperature (T;)_sky) The infrared sensor of (2). In another aspect, each infrared sensor apparatus 452, 454 has a sensor for detecting thermal radiation to measure sky temperature (T)_sky) And for measuring the ambient temperature (T)_amb) Both on-board ambient temperature sensors.

During operation, first infrared sensor device 452 and second infrared sensor device 454 detect infrared radiation that radiates from any object or medium within their field of view to measure the sky temperature (T)_sky). The field of view is based at least in part on the physical and material properties of first infrared sensor 452 and second infrared sensor 454. Some examples of infrared sensors have a field of view ranging from about 50 degrees to about 80 degrees based only in part on their physical and material properties. In one particular example, the infrared sensor has a field of view of about 70.

The light sensor 440 has an orientation axis 442 perpendicular to its sensing surface. The light sensor 440 is positioned behind the thinned portion 412 of the housing 410 as shown in fig. 4A. The thinned portion 412 allows the photosensor 440 to receive visible radiation through the thinned portion 412. During operation, the light sensor 440 measures the intensity of visible light received through the thinned portion 412.

The infrared cloud detector system 400 also includes logic for making a determination based at least in part on sensor data collected by the multi-sensor device 401. In this case, multi-sensor device 401 and/or one or more external controllers (not shown) include a memory and one or more processors that can execute instructions stored in the memory (not shown) to use the logic of infrared cloud detector system 400. One or more external controllers are in communication with multi-sensor device 401 (e.g., by wireless or wired communication) to receive signals having sensor readings or filtered sensor values acquired by infrared sensors 452, 454, ambient temperature sensor 420 and light sensor 440. In some implementations, the power/communication lines can extend from a building or another structure to the infrared cloud detector system 400. In one embodiment, the infrared cloud detector system 400 includes a network interface that may be coupled to a suitable cable. The infrared cloud detector system 400 may transmit data to one or more external controllers of the building through a network interface. In some other implementations, the infrared cloud detector system 400 can additionally or alternatively include a wireless network interface capable of wireless communication with one or more external controllers. In some implementations, the infrared cloud detector system 400 can also include a battery within or coupled with the housing to power the sensors and the electronic components therein. The battery may provide such power instead of or in addition to power from a power source (e.g., from a building power source). In some embodiments, the infrared cloud detector system 400 further includes at least one photovoltaic cell, for example, on a surface of the housing.

According to one aspect, the infrared cloud detector system 400 includes logic for using the time of day, day of year, temperature readings T from one or both of the infrared sensor devices 452, 454_skyAmbient temperature reading T from ambient temperature sensor 420_ambAnd the visible light intensity reading from the light sensor 440, the frequency of oscillation of the visible light intensity reading from the light sensor 440, and the temperature reading T from the infrared sensor devices 452, 454_skyAs an input to determine the cloud cover condition. Examples of such logic are described herein, for example, with respect to fig. 8-10.

According to another aspect, the infrared cloud detector system 400 includes the various logic described with reference to fig. 21, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, 28, and 30, and 31. In one embodiment, for example, multi-sensor device 401 and/or one or more external controllers include logic for: 1) based at least in part on temperature readings T from one or both of infrared sensor devices 452, 454_skyAnd an ambient temperature reading T from ambient temperature sensor 420_ambDetermining a filtered infrared sensor value; and/or 2) determine a filtered light sensor value based at least in part on a light intensity reading from light sensor 440. An example of logic for determining filtered infrared sensor values is module D' described with reference to flowchart 2300 shown in fig. 23. According to certain implementations, the control logic may determine the filtered infrared sensor value based at least in part on one or more sky sensors, one or more environmental sensors, or both the sky sensor and the environmental sensor. An example of logic for determining filtered light sensor values is block C' described with reference to flowchart 3100 shown in fig. 31.

In one case, multi-sensor device 401 may execute instructions stored in memory for determining and/or communicating filtered sensor values to an external controller via a communication network. An example of an infrared cloud detector system 400 is shown in fig. 14, which includes a multi-sensor device that can communicate sensor readings and/or filtered values to an external controller via a communication network 1410. Control logic implemented by an external controller may make shading decisions to determine a tint level and/or implement tint instructions to transition the tint of one or more tintable windows in a building. Such control logic is described by reference to modulo a1, B, C1, and D shown in fig. 22, 24-28, and 30.

Example B

Fig. 32A and 32B show perspective views of a diagrammatic schematic of an infrared cloud detector system 3200 according to various embodiments, which includes an infrared cloud detector in the form of a multi-sensor device 3201 and one or more external controllers (not shown) in communication with the multi-sensor device 3201 via a communication network (not shown). Fig. 33A and 33B show perspective views of a diagrammatic schematic of internal components of a multi-sensor apparatus 3301 according to one aspect. In one embodiment, multi-sensor device 3201 of fig. 32A and 32B may implement the components of multi-sensor device 3301 shown in fig. 33A and 33B.

In fig. 32A and 32B, the multi-sensor device 3201 includes a housing 3210 coupled to a rod 3220. The rod 3220 may serve as a mounting assembly including a first end for coupling to the base portion 3214 of the housing 3210 and a second end for mounting to a building. In one example, the base portion 3214 is fixedly attached or otherwise coupled to the first end of the rod 3220 or connected with the first end of the rod 3220 via mechanical threads or via a compression rubber washer. The rod 3220 may also include a second end, which may include a mounting or attachment mechanism for mounting or attaching the rod 3220 to the roof top of a building (e.g., the roof of a building having a room 3230 shown in fig. 3), such as a surface of the roof, a wall on the roof, or another structure on the roof. The housing includes a cover 3211 formed of a light diffusing material. The cover 3211 also includes a thinned portion 3212.

As shown in fig. 32B, the multi-sensor device 3201 also includes a first ambient temperature sensor 3222 located on a bottom exterior surface of the base portion 3214. The first ambient temperature sensor 3222 is configured to measure the ambient temperature of the external environment during operation. First ambient temperature sensor 3222 is located on the bottom surface to help shield it from direct solar radiation, such as when infrared cloud detector system 3200 is located in an outdoor environment with its upper surface facing upward. The first ambient temperature sensor 3222 may be, for example, a thermistor, thermocouple, resistance thermometer, silicon bandgap temperature sensor, or the like.

Fig. 33A and 33B show perspective views of a diagrammatic schematic of internal components of a multi-sensor apparatus 3301 according to one aspect. The multi-sensor device 3301 generally includes a housing 3302 (shown portion) having a cover formed of a light diffusing material that includes at least one thinned portion. The multi-sensor device 3301 also includes a diffuser 3304. As shown, in some embodiments, the housing 3302 and diffuser 3304 are rotationally symmetric about an imaginary axis 3342 that passes through the center of the multi-sensor apparatus 3301.

The multi-sensor device 3301 includes a first infrared sensor device 3372 and a second infrared sensor device 3372 located on an upper portion of the multi-sensor device 3301 and positioned behind a cover formed of a light diffusing materialA sensor device 3374. Each of first infrared sensor device 3372 and second infrared sensor device 3374 includes a sensor for measuring a sky temperature (T |)_sky) And for measuring ambient temperature (T)_amb) An on-board ambient temperature sensor. First infrared sensor device 3372 is positioned to face outward from the upper surface of multisensor device 3201 in a direction along imaginary axis 3373. Second infrared sensor device 3374 is positioned to face outward from the upper surface of multi-sensor device 3201 in a direction along imaginary axis 3375. The multi-sensor device 3301 can include an optional third infrared sensor device 3360 located at an upper portion of the multi-sensor device 3301 and positioned behind a cover formed of a light diffusing material. The third infrared sensor arrangement 3360 is a stand-alone infrared sensor or includes an on-board infrared sensor and an on-board ambient temperature sensor. Optional third infrared sensor device 3360 is positioned to face outward from the upper surface of multi-sensor device 3201 in a direction along imaginary axis 3361. In the illustrated example, the first infrared sensor device 3372 and the second infrared sensor device 3374 are positioned such that their

axes

3373, 3375 face outward from a top portion of a housing (e.g., the housings shown in fig. 4A and 4B) to enable temperature readings to be taken during operation that are based at least in part on infrared radiation captured from above the multi-sensor device 3301. In one aspect, first infrared sensor device 3372 is separated from second infrared sensor device 3374 by at least about one inch.

Optionally, the multi-sensor apparatus 3301 may also include a separate ambient temperature sensor (not shown) located on the bottom exterior surface of the housing to shield it from direct solar radiation. A separate ambient temperature sensor (e.g., thermistor, thermocouple, resistance thermometer, silicon bandgap temperature sensor) is configured to measure an ambient temperature of the external environment during operation.

Returning to fig. 33A and 33B, the multi-sensor apparatus 3301 includes a plurality of visible light photosensors 3342 positioned behind a cover formed of a light diffusing material. Although twelve (12) visible light sensors 3342 are shown, it should be understood that a different number may be implemented. The plurality of visible light photosensors 3342 are positioned annularly along the ring (e.g., the ring may have a center coincident with the axis 3342 and may define a plane perpendicular to the axis 3342). In this embodiment, the visible light sensors 3342 may be more specifically positioned equidistant along the circumference of the ring. Each visible light photosensor 3342 has a photosensitive region 3343. The multi-sensor device 3301 optionally includes an additional upward-facing visible light sensor 3340 located on an upper portion of the multi-sensor device 3301. The orientation axis of the optional visible light photosensor 3340 is parallel to and in some cases along and concentric with axis 3342. Visible light photosensor 3340 has a photosensitive region 3343.

In some embodiments, the viewing angle of each visible-light photosensor 3342, 3340 is in a range of about 30 degrees to about 120 degrees. For example, in one particular application, the viewing angle is about 100 degrees. In some embodiments, the distribution of incident light detectable by each visible light photosensor 3342, 3340 approximates a gaussian (or "normal") distribution. Assuming that the light detected by each visible light photosensor 3342, 3340 is associated with a gaussian distribution, half of the power detected by each photosensor (the (-3dB point) is found to be within the cone of view defined by the viewing angle.

The diffuser 3304 is located at the periphery of the ring of visible light photosensors 3342 to diffuse light incident on the device before the light is sensed by the photosensors 3342. For example, the diffuser 3304 may effectively act as a light integrator that more evenly spreads or distributes incident light. Such a configuration reduces the likelihood that any one of the visible light photosensors 3342 will receive the full intensity of an accurate reflection or glare (e.g., from an automobile windshield, metal surface, or mirror). The diffuser 3342 may increase detection of light incident at oblique angles. Fig. 33A shows a diagrammatic, schematic view of an example diffuser 3304 that can be used in the multi-sensor device 3301 of fig. 33A, according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the diffuser 3304 is a single unitary structure having an annular shape. For example, the diffuser 3304 may have a hollow cylindrical shape with an inner diameter, an outer diameter, and a thickness defined by the inner and outer diameters. In some embodiments, the diffuser 3304 has a height that encompasses the field of view of each visible light photosensor 3342 (the field of view is defined by the viewing angle and the distance or spacing between the outer surface of the light sensitive region of the visible light photosensor 3342 and the inner surface of the diffuser 3304).

During operation, the infrared sensors of first infrared sensor device 3372 and second infrared sensor device 3374 detect infrared radiation that radiates from any object or medium within their field of view to measure sky temperature (T)_sky) The infrared sensor of (2). The field of view is based at least in part on physical and material properties of the infrared sensor. Some examples of infrared sensors have a field of view ranging from about 50 degrees to about 80 degrees based only in part on their physical and material properties. In one particular example, the infrared sensor has a field of view of about 70. During operation, the ambient temperature sensors of first infrared sensor arrangement 3372 and second infrared sensor arrangement 3374 measure ambient temperature (T)_amb). Although the multisensor 3301 is shown with redundant infrared sensors, it should be understood that the multisensor includes one or more infrared sensors. During operation, the plurality of visible light photosensors 3342 and the upward facing photosensor 3340 positioned behind the cover formed of light diffusing material measure the intensity of the received visible light.

Returning to fig. 32A and 32B, the infrared cloud detector system 3200 may include logic for making a determination based at least in part on sensor data based on readings taken by sensors of the multi-sensor device. In this case, the multi-sensor device and/or one or more external controllers (not shown) include a memory and one or more processors that can execute instructions stored in the memory (not shown) to use the logic of the infrared cloud detector system 3200. The one or more external controllers communicate (wirelessly or wired) with the multi-sensor device to receive signals having sensor readings or filtered sensor values obtained by infrared sensors (e.g., infrared sensors of the first and second

infrared sensor devices

3372, 3374 and/or infrared sensor 3360), ambient temperature sensors (e.g., ambient temperature sensors of the first and second

infrared sensor devices

3372, 3374 or optional stand-alone temperature sensor 3222 located on the bottom exterior surface of the housing to shield them from direct solar radiation), and visible light sensors (e.g., light sensor 3342 or upward facing light sensor 3340). In some embodiments, the power/communication lines may extend from a building or another structure to the infrared cloud detector system 3200. In one embodiment, the infrared cloud detector system 3200 includes a network interface that may be coupled to a suitable cable. The infrared cloud detector system 3200 may transmit data to one or more external controllers of the building through a network interface. In some other embodiments, the infrared cloud detector system 3200 may additionally or alternatively include a wireless network interface capable of wirelessly communicating with one or more external controllers. In some embodiments, the infrared cloud detector system 3200 may include a battery within or coupled with the housing to power the sensors and the electronic components therein. The battery may provide such power as an alternative to or in addition to power from a power source (e.g., from a building power source). In some embodiments, the infrared cloud detector system 3200 further comprises at least one photovoltaic cell, for example on a surface of the housing.

According to one aspect, infrared cloud detector system 3200 further comprises logic to use a time of day, a day of the year, one or more sky temperature readings T from infrared sensors (e.g., infrared sensors of first infrared sensor device 3372 and second infrared sensor device 3374 and/or infrared sensor 3360)_skyAmbient temperature readings T from one or more ambient temperature sensors (e.g., ambient temperature sensors of first and second

infrared sensor devices

3372 and 3374 or optional stand-alone temperature sensor 3222 located on the bottom exterior surface of the housing to shield it from direct solar radiation)_ambAnd visible light intensity readings from one or more light sensors (e.g., light sensor 3342 or upward facing light sensor 3340), and fromTemperature reading T of infrared sensor_skyAs an input to determine the cloud cover condition. Examples of such logic are described herein, for example, with respect to fig. 8-10.

According to another aspect, the infrared cloud detector system 3200 also includes the various logic described with reference to fig. 21, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, 28, and 30, and 31. In one embodiment, for example, the multi-sensor device 3301 and/or one or more external controllers include logic for: 1) based at least in part on temperature readings T from one or more of the infrared sensors (e.g., infrared sensors of first infrared sensor device 3372 and second infrared sensor device 3374 and/or infrared sensor 3360) _skyAnd ambient temperature readings T from one or more ambient temperature sensors (e.g., ambient temperature sensors of first and second

infrared sensor devices

3372 and 3374 or optional stand-alone temperature sensor 3222 located on a bottom exterior surface of the housing so as to be shielded from direct solar radiation)_ambDetermining a filtered infrared sensor value; and/or 2) determine a filtered light sensor value based at least in part on light intensity readings from one or more light sensors (e.g., light sensor 3342 or upward facing light sensor 3340). An example of logic for determining filtered infrared sensor values is module D' described with reference to flowchart 2300 shown in fig. 23. An example of logic for determining filtered infrared sensor values is block C1' described with reference to flowchart 3100 shown in fig. 31. In one case, multi-sensor device 401 may execute instructions stored in memory for determining and communicating filtered sensor values to an external controller via a communication network. An example of an infrared cloud detector system is shown in fig. 14, which includes a multi-sensor device that can communicate sensor readings and/or filtered values to an external controller via a communication network 1410. Control logic implemented by an external controller may make shading decisions to determine a tint level and implement tint instructions to change the tint of one or more tintable windows in a building. Such control logic is described by reference to modulo a1, B, C1, and D shown in fig. 22, 24-28, and 30.

E. Comparing intensity readings of light sensors to delta values under different cloud conditions

As described above, the infrared sensor may be more accurate than the visible light optical sensor when detecting a "clear" condition early in the morning and evening. However, direct sunlight and other conditions can cause some noise that causes the infrared sensor readings to oscillate. If the frequency and/or amplitude of these oscillations is low, then the infrared sensor readings can be used to make a high confidence assessment of the cloud status. While certain conditions (e.g., fast moving clouds) may cause oscillations in the light sensor readings. If the oscillation frequency is low, the light sensor readings can be used to make a high confidence assessment of the daytime cloudiness condition. In some implementations, the logic can determine whether the oscillations of the infrared sensor readings have a high frequency and/or whether the oscillations of the light sensor readings have a high frequency. If it is determined that the oscillation of the infrared sensor reading has a high frequency, the logic uses the light sensor reading to determine the cloud status. If it is determined that the oscillation of the light sensor reading has a high frequency, the logic uses the difference between the infrared sensor reading and the ambient temperature sensor reading to determine the cloud status. To illustrate the technical advantages of this logic of selecting the type of sensor reading to use in accordance with oscillation, fig. 5A, 5B, 6A, 6B, 7A, and 7B include a graph of a plot of intensity readings I acquired by a visible light photosensor for comparing temperature readings T acquired by an infrared sensor under different cloud conditions _skyWith temperature readings T taken by ambient temperature sensors_ambDelta (Δ) therebetween. The visible light sensor, the infrared sensor, and the ambient temperature sensor are similar to those described with respect to the components of the infrared cloud detector 310 shown in fig. 3. Each of the curves has readings taken over a period of one day.

One advantage of implementing an infrared sensor in a multi-sensor device is that the oscillation amplitude will typically be lower compared to a light sensor due to the typically larger field of view, light diffuser, and consistent response of the infrared sensor to heat during the day, so that an evaluation based at least in part on the infrared sensor can be made with higher confidence.

Fig. 5A-5B include graphs of readings taken during a day, which is a clear day and clear, except for a cloud passing during the noon of the day. Fig. 5A is a graph of a curve 510 with intensity readings I taken over time by a visible light photosensor. FIG. 5B is a graph having temperature readings T taken over time by an infrared sensor_skyWith temperature readings T taken over time by ambient temperature sensors_ambA plot of the curve 520 for the difference delta (Δ) therebetween. As shown in curve 510 of fig. 5A, the intensity reading I taken by the visible light photosensor is high for most of the day and falls off with high frequency (short period) oscillations when a cloud passes at noon in the day. Curve 520 of fig. 5A shows that the value of delta (Δ) does not increase above the lower threshold during the entire day, indicating a high confidence "sunny" condition.

Fig. 6A-6B include graphs of plots of readings taken during the day with a frequent passing cloud in the morning until the afternoon and two slow moving clouds passing later in the afternoon. Fig. 6A is a graph with a curve 610 of intensity readings I taken over time by a visible light photosensor. FIG. 6B is a graph having temperature readings T taken over time by an infrared sensor_skyAnd temperature readings T taken over time by ambient temperature sensors_ambA plot of curve 640 for the difference delta (Δ) therebetween. As shown in the curve 610 of fig. 6A, the intensity readings I taken by the visible light photosensor have a high frequency portion 620 during the time period that clouds frequently pass in the morning until afternoon. When two slow moving clouds pass, the curve 610 has a low frequency portion 630 later in the afternoon. Curve 640 in fig. 6B shows that the value of delta (Δ) has a high frequency during the time period that clouds frequently pass in the morning until afternoon, and remains between the upper and lower thresholds indicating intermittent cloudiness. The delta (Δ) value at late afternoon has a low frequency oscillation with a value between the upper and lower thresholds and below the lower threshold for transitioning between the "intermittent cloudy" and "sunny" conditions The value is obtained. In this case, the infrared sensor value indicates a high-confidence "intermittent cloudy" condition from morning to afternoon, and the light sensor value indicates a high-confidence "intermittent cloudy" condition at late afternoon.

7A-7B include graphs of plots of readings taken over time during a day that is cloudy except for the short times during the noon of the day. Fig. 7A is a graph with a curve 710 of intensity readings I taken over time by a visible light photosensor. FIG. 7B is a graph having temperature readings T taken over time by an infrared sensor_skyAnd temperature readings T taken over time by ambient temperature sensors_ambA plot of curve 720 for the difference delta (Δ) between. As is evident from the curve 710 of fig. 7A, the intensity readings I taken by the visible light photosensor are low most of the day and increase with high frequency (short period) oscillations when the sky is briefly clear during the midday of the day. Curve 720 of fig. 7A shows that the value of delta (Δ) is not below the upper threshold throughout the day, indicating a high confidence "cloudy" condition.

In some embodiments, the infrared cloud detector system uses readings from an infrared sensor that measures wavelengths in the infrared range, such as between 8 microns and 14 microns, to estimate the difference Δ between the ambient temperature and the temperature reading of the measuring infrared sensor. In some cases, one or more correction factors are applied to the calculated difference Δ. The difference Δ provides a relative sky temperature value that may be used to classify the cloud cover condition. For example, the cloudiness condition may be determined in one of three situations, a "sunny", "cloudy", and "cloudy". When using the infrared cloud detector system, the determined cloud cover condition is independent of whether the sun is present or whether it is sunrise/sunset-ahead.

An infrared cloud detector system according to certain embodiments may have one or more technical advantages. For example, in early morning and evening conditions, the infrared sensor may determine whether it is a cloudy or fine day, regardless of the visible light intensity level. This determination of the cloud cover condition during these times may provide an additional background to determine the tint state (also referred to herein as the "tint level") of the tintable window when the light sensor is not active when the sun is not rising. As another example, an infrared sensor may be used to detect general cloud cover conditions within its field of view. This information may be used in conjunction with the light sensor readings to determine whether a "sunny" condition or a "cloudy" condition determined by the light sensor may persist. For example, if the light sensor detects a sharp rise in intensity level (which tends to indicate a "sunny" condition), but the infrared sensor indicates a "cloudy" condition, then the "sunny" condition is not expected to persist.

Conversely, if the infrared sensor shows a "sunny" condition and the light sensor reading indicates that it is in a "sunny" condition, then the "sunny" condition may persist. As another example, where the tintable window needs to be in a steady state at sunrise, the transition needs to begin at X times (e.g., transition times) before sunrise. During this time, the light sensor is not active because the illumination is minimal. The IR sensor may determine the cloud cover condition before sunrise to inform the control logic whether to start the tinting process (during clear sky) or to keep the tintable window transparent in anticipation of a "cloudy" condition at sunrise.

Example of a method of determining cloud cover conditions using infrared and ambient temperature readings

Fig. 8-10 show flow diagrams describing methods of determining cloud cover conditions using readings from at least one infrared sensor and one ambient temperature sensor, according to various embodiments. In fig. 9-10, readings from at least one light sensor may also be used to determine cloud conditions under certain conditions. In some cases, the infrared sensor used to take the temperature readings is calibrated to detect infrared radiation in the spectrum of about 8 μm to 14 μm and/or has a field of view of about 72 degrees. In some cases, the photosensor used to take the photosensor reading is calibrated to detect the intensity of visible light within a photopic range (e.g., between about 390nm and about 700 nm), which is typically referred to under lighting conditions (e.g., a luminance level of about 10 cd/m)²To about 108cd/m²In between) light visible to the normal human eye. While the methods are described with respect to readings from a single infrared sensor, a single ambient temperature sensor, and/or a single light sensor, it should be understood that values from multiple sensors of a type may be used, e.g., multiple sensors oriented in different directions may be used. If multiple sensors are used, the method may use a single value based at least in part on a sensor of a particular orientation (e.g., a functional sensor), or take an average, mean, or other statistically relevant value of readings from multiple functional sensors. In other cases, there may be redundant sensors and the infrared cloud detector may have logic to use values from the functional sensors. For example, by evaluating which sensors are operating and/or which sensors are not functioning based at least in part on comparing readings from the various sensors.

A. Method I

Fig. 8 shows a flow chart 800 describing a method of determining a cloud cover condition using temperature readings from an infrared sensor and an ambient temperature sensor, according to an embodiment. The infrared sensor and the ambient temperature sensor of the infrared cloud detector system typically take readings (at sample times) periodically. The processor executes instructions stored in the memory to perform the operations of the method. In one embodiment, the infrared cloud detector system has components similar to those described with respect to the system having the infrared cloud detector 100 described with respect to fig. 1. In another embodiment, an infrared cloud detector system has components similar to those described with respect to the system having infrared cloud detector 310 in fig. 3.

In fig. 8, the method begins at operation 801. At operation 810, a sky temperature reading T is received at a processor with an infrared sensor acquisition_skyAnd a temperature reading T obtained by an ambient temperature sensor_ambOf the signal of (1). Signals from the infrared sensor and/or the ambient temperature sensor are received wirelessly and/or via a wired electrical connection. At least one infrared sensor Temperature readings are taken based in part on infrared radiation received within its field of view. The infrared sensors are typically oriented toward an area of the sky of interest, such as an area above a building. The ambient temperature sensor is configured to be exposed to an external environment to measure an ambient temperature.

At operation 820, the processor calculates a temperature reading T taken by the infrared sensor_skyWith temperature readings T taken by an ambient temperature sensor at the sampling time_ambThe difference between delta (Δ). Optionally (represented by the dashed line), a correction factor is applied to the calculated delta (Δ) (operation 830). Some examples of correction factors that may be applied include humidity, sun angle/solar altitude angle, and field altitude.

At operation 840, the processor determines whether the calculated delta (Δ) value is below a lower threshold (e.g., -5 millidegrees celsius, -2 millidegrees celsius, etc.). If it is determined that the calculated delta (Δ) value is below the lower threshold, the cloudiness condition is determined to be a "clear" condition (operation 850). During operation of the infrared cloud detector, the method then increments to the next sample time and returns to operation 810.

If it is determined that the calculated delta (Δ) is above the lower threshold, the processor determines whether the calculated delta (Δ) is above an upper threshold (e.g., 0 millidegrees Celsius, 2 millidegrees Celsius, etc.) at operation 860. If it is determined that the calculated delta (Δ) is above the upper threshold at operation 860, the processor determines the cloudiness condition as a "cloudy" condition (operation 870). During operation of the infrared cloud detector, the method then increments to the next sample time and returns to operation 810.

If it is determined that the delta (Δ) calculated at operation 860 is below the upper threshold, the processor determines the cloud cover condition as "intermittent cloudy" or another intermediate condition (operation 880). During operation of the infrared cloud detector, the method then increments to the next sample time and returns to operation 810.

B. Method II

Fig. 9 shows a flow chart 900 describing the logic of a method of determining a cloud cover condition using readings from an infrared sensor, an ambient temperature sensor, and a light sensor of an infrared cloud detector system, according to an embodiment. Infrared sensors, ambient temperature sensors, and light sensors typically take readings periodically (at sample time). The infrared cloud detector system may include a processor that may execute instructions stored in a memory to perform logical operations of the method. In one embodiment, the infrared sensor, ambient temperature sensor, and light sensor are similar to the components of the infrared cloud detector system 300 described with respect to fig. 3. In another embodiment, the infrared sensor, the ambient temperature sensor, and the light sensor are similar to the components of the infrared cloud detector system 400 described with respect to fig. 4A-4C.

In fig. 9, the logic for the method begins at operation 901. At operation 910, one or more signals having temperature readings T taken by an infrared sensor at particular sampling times are received at a processor _skyTemperature reading T acquired at sampling time through ambient temperature sensor_ambAnd intensity readings taken by the light sensor at the sampling times. Signals from the infrared sensor, ambient temperature sensor, and light sensor are received wirelessly and/or via a wired electrical connection. The infrared sensor obtains a temperature reading based at least in part on infrared radiation received within its field of view. The infrared sensors are typically oriented toward an area of interest of the sky, such as an area above a building. The ambient temperature sensor is configured to be exposed to an external environment to measure an ambient temperature. The sensing surface of the light sensor may also be directed towards the sky area of interest and direct sunlight is blocked or diffused without illuminating the sensing surface.

At operation 920, the logic determines whether the time of day is during one of the following time periods: (i) a period of time shortly before sunrise (e.g., beginning at a first time of 45 minutes before sunrise, 30 minutes before sunrise, 20 minutes before sunrise, or other suitable period of time before sunrise) until later after sunrise (e.g., beginning at a second time of 45 minutes after sunrise, 30 minutes after sunrise, 20 minutes after sunrise, or other suitable period of time); and (iii) a period of time from shortly before sunset (dusk) (e.g., beginning at a third time of 45 minutes before sunset, 30 minutes before sunset, 20 minutes before sunset, or other suitable period of time before sunset) until sunset. In one case, the sunrise time may be determined from the measurement of the visible wavelength light sensor. For example, time period (i) may end at the point where the visible light wavelength photosensor begins to measure direct sunlight, i.e., where the intensity reading of the visible light photosensor is equal to or above the minimum intensity value. Additionally or alternatively, the time period (iii) may be determined to end at a point where the intensity reading from the visible wavelength light sensor is at or below the minimum intensity value. In another example, sunrise and/or sunset times may be calculated using a solar calculator, and the day of the year and time periods (i) and (iii) may be calculated by a defined time period (e.g., 45 minutes) before and after the calculated sunrise/sunset time.

In certain embodiments, the logic determines whether the current time is during one of time periods (i), (ii), (iii), or (iv) based at least in part on the calculated solar altitude. The logic currently determines the solar altitude using one of a variety of common codes. If the logic determines that the calculated solar altitude is less than 0, the logic determines that the time is in the nighttime time period (iv). The logic may determine that if it is determined that the calculated solar altitude is greater than 0 and less than a first solar altitude threshold associated with a time immediately after sunrise (e.g., 10 minutes after sunrise, 20 minutes after sunrise, 45 minutes after sunrise, etc.), then that time is in a time period (i) between immediately before and immediately after sunrise. In one example, the first solar altitude threshold is 5 degrees on the horizon. In another example, the first solar altitude threshold is 10 degrees on the horizon. The logic may determine that if it is determined that the calculated solar altitude is less than 180 degrees and greater than a second threshold associated with a time just before sunset (e.g., 10 minutes after sunset, 20 minutes after sunset, 45 minutes after sunset, etc.), then that time is in a time period (iii) between just before and after sunset. In one example, the second solar height threshold is 175 degrees or 5 degrees from the horizon. In another example, the second solar height threshold is 170 degrees or 10 degrees from the horizon. The logic may determine that if the logic determines that the calculated solar altitude is greater than the first solar altitude threshold and less than the second solar altitude threshold, then the time is in time period (ii) between time periods (i) and (iii).

If it is determined at operation 920 that the time of day is during any of time periods (i) or (iii), logic is implemented to calculate the temperature reading T at the time taken by the infrared sensor_skyWith the temperature reading T taken at the sample time (operation 930) by the ambient temperature sensor_ambThe difference between them delta (Δ). Optionally (represented by the dashed line), a correction factor is applied to the calculated delta (Δ) (operation 930). Some examples of correction factors that may be applied include humidity, sun angle/solar altitude angle, and field altitude.

In one embodiment, the logic also determines whether the infrared reading oscillates at a frequency greater than a second defined level at operation 920. If the processor determines that the time of day is within time period (i) or (iii) and the infrared readings oscillate at a frequency greater than a second defined level at operation 920, the processor applies operation 990 to determine cloud conditions using the light sensor readings. For example, if the light sensor reading is above a certain minimum intensity level, the processor may determine a "sunny" condition, and if the light sensor reading is at or below the minimum intensity level, the processor may determine a "cloudy" condition. If the system is still running, the method increments to the next sample time and returns to operation 910.

At operation 934, the processor determines whether the calculated delta (Δ) value is below a lower threshold (e.g., -5 millidegrees Celsius, -2 millidegrees Celsius, etc.). If it is determined that the calculated delta (Δ) value is below the lower threshold, then the cloud cover condition is determined to be a "clear" condition (operation 936). During operation of the infrared cloud detector, the method then increments to the next sample time and returns to operation 910.

If it is determined that the calculated delta (Δ) is above the lower threshold, the processor determines whether the calculated delta (Δ) is above an upper threshold (e.g., 0 millidegrees Celsius, 2 millidegrees Celsius, etc.) at operation 940. If it is determined that the calculated delta (Δ) is above the upper threshold at operation 940, the processor determines the cloudiness condition as a "cloudy" condition (operation 942). If still in operation, the method increments to the next sample time and returns to operation 910.

If it is determined that the delta (Δ) calculated at operation 940 is below the upper threshold, the processor determines the cloudiness condition as "intermittently cloudy" or another intermediate condition (operation 950). If the system is still running, the method increments to the next sample time and returns to operation 910.

If it is determined at operation 920 that the time of day is not during either of time periods (i) or (iii), the processor determines whether the time of day is during time period (ii), which is the time of day after time period (i) and before time period (iii) (operation 960). If the processor determines at operation 960 that the time of day is during the daytime of time period (ii), the processor calculates a temperature reading T taken by the infrared sensor _skyAnd intensity readings taken by the light sensor (operation 970). At operation 980, the processor determines whether the calculated difference is within acceptable limits. If the processor determines that the calculated difference is greater than acceptable limits at operation 980, the processor applies operation 930 to calculate a delta (Δ) and uses the calculated delta (Δ) to determine the cloud cover condition as discussed above.

In one embodiment, the processor also determines whether the infrared readings oscillate at a frequency greater than a second defined level at operation 960. If the processor determines that the time of day is within the time period (ii) and the infrared readings oscillate at a frequency greater than a second defined level at operation 960, the processor applies operation 990 to determine a cloud condition using the light sensor readings. For example, if the light sensor reading is above a certain minimum intensity level, the processor may determine a "sunny" condition, and if the light sensor reading is at or below the minimum intensity level, the processor may determine a "cloudy" condition. If the system is still running, the method increments to the next sample time and returns to operation 910.

If the processor determines at operation 980 that the calculated difference is within acceptable limits, the light sensor readings are used to determine a cloudiness condition (operation 990). For example, if the light sensor reading is above a certain minimum intensity level, the processor may determine a "sunny" condition, and if the light sensor reading is at or below the minimum intensity level, the processor may determine a "cloudy" condition. If the system is still running, the method increments to the next sample time and returns to operation 910.

In one embodiment, the processor determines at operation 970 whether the light sensor reading oscillates at a frequency greater than a first defined level and whether the infrared reading oscillates at a frequency greater than a second defined level. If the processor determines at operation 980 that the calculated difference is within acceptable limits and the processor determines that the light sensor reading oscillates at a frequency greater than a first defined level, the processor applies operation 930 to calculate delta (Δ) and uses the calculated delta (Δ) for determining the cloud status as described above. If the processor determines at operation 980 that the calculated difference is not within acceptable limits and the processor determines that the infrared readings are oscillating at a frequency greater than a second defined level, the processor applies operation 990 to determine a cloud condition using the light sensor readings. For example, if the light sensor reading is above a certain minimum intensity level, the processor may determine a "sunny" condition, and if the light sensor reading is at or below the minimum intensity level, the processor may determine a "cloudy" condition. If the system is still running, the method increments to the next sample time and returns to operation 910.

In another embodiment, instead of or in addition to

operations

970, 980, and 990, the processor executes instructions to implement logic that runs both the daytime infrared sensor algorithm and the daytime light sensor algorithm to independently determine cloudy/sunny/intermediate conditions, each based on its own signal threshold and corresponding tone level, at least in part. The control logic then applies the darker of the two tone levels independently determined by the daytime light sensor algorithm and the daytime infrared sensor algorithm. Examples of similar control logic are described with respect to

operations

2820, 2830, 2832, and 2840 depicted in fig. 28.

Returning to fig. 9, if the processor determines at operation 960 that the time of day is in the night time period (iv) after time period (iii) and before time period (i), the processor calculates Δ at operation 930 and determines the cloud volume condition as described above using the calculated delta (Δ).

Methods and systems for controlling tintable windows using infrared sensor and/or light sensor readings

In an energy efficient building, the control logic for setting its building system level may take into account the cloud cover in its decision. For example, in a building having optically switchable windows (also referred to herein as "tintable windows"), the control logic may consider the cloud cover when setting the optical state of the optically switchable windows (e.g., the tint state of the electrochromic windows). The conventional systems purporting to provide such functionality typically employ expensive sensing devices to map the entire sky and track the motion of the clouds. This mapping technique can be thwarted by being unable to register clouds until there is enough visible light to see them. Thus, the building system may not need to be adjusted until the time the cloud is registered.

In various embodiments described herein, sensor data from an infrared cloud detector system (e.g., the system of fig. 1, the system 300 of fig. 3, the system 400 of fig. 4A-4C, or other infrared cloud detector systems described herein) may be used to set a level of a building system. As an example, this section describes control logic that determines a cloud status using readings including infrared measurements taken by sensors in an infrared cloud detector system, and sets a tint level in one or more optically switchable windows (e.g., electrochromic windows) of a building based at least in part on the determined cloud status. Although the control logic described in this section is described with reference to controlling tint states in electrochromic windows, it should be understood that the logic may be used to control other types of optically switchable windows and other building systems. The ELECTROCHROMIC window has one or more ELECTROCHROMIC DEVICES, such as described in U.S. patent 8,764,950 entitled "electrochrome DEVICES," published 7/1/2014 and U.S. patent application 13/462,725 entitled "electrochrome DEVICES," published as U.S. patent 9,261,751, filed 5/2/2012, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

I) Electrochromic device/window

Fig. 10 schematically depicts a cross-section of an electrochromic device 1000. The electrochromic device 1000 includes a substrate 1002, a first Conductive Layer (CL)1004, an electrochromic layer (EC)1006, an ion conductive layer (IC)1008, a counter electrode layer (CE)1010, and a second Conductive Layer (CL) 1014. In one embodiment, the electrochromic layer (EC)1006 and the counter electrode layer (CE)1010 comprising tungsten oxide comprise nickel-tungsten oxide. The

layers

1004, 1006, 1008, 1010, and 1014 are collectively referred to as an electrochromic stack 1020. A voltage source 1016 operable to apply a potential across the electrochromic stack 1020 affects a transition of the electrochromic device, e.g., a transition between a faded state (e.g., as depicted in fig. 11A) and a colored state (e.g., as depicted in fig. 11B). The order of the layers may be reversed relative to the substrate 1002.

In some cases, electrochromic devices having different layers may be fabricated as all solid state devices and/or all inorganic devices. Examples of such Devices and methods of making them are described in more detail in U.S. patent application No. 12/645,111 (published as U.S. patent No. 9,664,974), entitled "Fabrication of Low-defect electrochemical Devices", filed on 12-22-2009, and U.S. patent application No. 12/645,159 (published as U.S. patent No. 8,432,603, 30-4-2013), filed on 12-22-2009, both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. However, it should be understood that any one or more layers in the stack may contain some amount of organic material. The same is true for liquids that may be present in small amounts in one or more layers. It is also understood that the solid material may be deposited or otherwise formed by processes employing liquid components, such as certain processes employing sol-gel or chemical vapor deposition. Additionally, it should be understood that reference to a transition between a faded state and a colored state is non-limiting and suggests only one example of many of the electrochromic transitions that may be implemented. Unless otherwise specified herein (including the foregoing discussion), whenever reference is made to a fading coloration transition, the corresponding device or process encompasses other optical state transitions, such as non-reflective, transparent opaque, and the like. Further, the term "discolored" refers to an optically neutral state, e.g., colorless, transparent, or translucent. Still further, unless otherwise specified herein, the "color" of the electrochromic transition is not limited to any particular wavelength or range of wavelengths. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the selection of appropriate electrochromic and counter electrode materials determines the relevant optical transitions.

In some embodiments, the electrochromic device is configured to reversibly cycle between a faded state and a colored state. When the electrochromic device is in the bleached state, a potential is applied to the electrochromic stack 1020 such that the available ions in the stack are primarily located in the counter electrode 1010. When the potential on the electrochromic stack is reversed, ions are transported across the ion conducting layer 1008 to the electrochromic material 1006 and cause the material to transition to a colored state. In a similar manner, the electrochromic devices of certain embodiments described herein are configured to reversibly cycle between different tint levels (e.g., a faded state, a darkest state, and an intermediate level between the faded and darkest state).

Referring again to fig. 10, the voltage source 1016 is configured to operate with input from the sensor. The voltage source 1016 interfaces with a device controller (not shown in this figure) as described herein. In addition, the voltage source 1016 may interface with an energy management system that controls the electrochromic device according to various criteria such as time of year, time of day, and measured environmental conditions. Such an energy management system in combination with a large area electrochromic device can significantly reduce energy consumption of a building having electrochromic windows.

Any material having suitable optical, electrical, thermal, and mechanical properties may be used as substrate 1002 or other substrate for the electrochromic stack described herein. Examples of suitable substrates include, for example, glass, plastic, and mirror materials. Suitable glasses include clear or tinted soda lime glass, including soda lime float glass. The glass may be tempered or untempered. In many cases, the substrate is a glass pane sized for residential window applications. The dimensions of such panes of glass can vary widely depending on the particular needs of the dwelling. In other cases, the substrate is architectural glass. Building glass is commonly used in commercial buildings, but may also be used in residential buildings, and typically, but not necessarily, separates the indoor environment from the outdoor environment. In certain examples, the building glass is at least 20 inches by 20 inches, and may be larger, for example up to about 80 inches by 120 inches. Building glass is typically at least about 2mm thick, and typically between about 3mm and about 6mm thick. Of course, electrochromic devices may be scaled relative to substrates smaller or larger than architectural glass. Further, the electrochromic device may be disposed on any size and shape of mirror.

On top of the illustrated substrate 1002 is a conductive layer 1004. In certain embodiments, one or both of

conductive layers

1004 and 1014 are inorganic and/or solid.

Conductive layers

1004 and 1014 can be made of many different materials, including conductive oxides, thin metal coatings, conductive metal nitrides, and composite conductors. Typically, the

conductive layers

1004 and 1014 are transparent at least in the wavelength range in which the electrochromic layer exhibits electrochromism. Transparent conductive oxides include metal oxides and metal oxides doped with one or more metals. Examples of such metal oxides and doped metal oxides include indium oxide, indium tin oxide, doped indium oxide, tin oxide, doped tin oxide, zinc aluminum oxide, doped zinc oxide, ruthenium oxide, doped ruthenium oxide, and the like. Since oxides are commonly used for these layers, they are sometimes referred to as "transparent conductive oxide" (TCO) layers. Substantially transparent thin metal coatings, as well as combinations of TCOs and metal coatings may be used.

The function of the conductive layers is to spread the potential provided by the voltage source 1016 across the surface of the electrochromic stack 1020 to the interior regions of the stack with a relatively small ohmic potential drop. The potential is transferred to the conductive layer through an electrical connection with the conductive layer. In some aspects, at least one bus bar in contact with conductive layer 1004 and at least one bus bar in contact with conductive layer 1014 provides an electrical connection between voltage source 1016 and

conductive layers

1004 and 1014.

Conductive layers

1004 and 1014 are connected to voltage source 1016 by other conventional means.

Overlying the exemplary conductive layer 1004 is an electrochromic layer 1006. In some aspects, the electrochromic layer 1006 is inorganic and/or solid. The electrochromic layer may comprise any one or more of a number of different electrochromic materials, including metal oxides. Some examples of suitable metal oxides include tungsten oxide (WO)₃) Molybdenum oxide (MoO)₃) Niobium oxide (Nb)₂O₅) Titanium oxide (TiO)₂) Copper oxide (CuO), iridium oxide (Ir 2O)₃) Chromium oxide (Cr)₂O₃) Manganese oxide (Mn)₂O₃) Vanadium oxide (V)₂O₅) Nickel oxide (Ni)₂O₃) Cobalt oxide (Co)₂O₃) And the like. During operation, the electrochromic layer 1006 transfers ions to and receives ions from the counter electrode layer 1010 to cause a reversible optical transition. Typically, the coloration (or any change in optical properties-e.g., absorbance, reflectance, and transmittance) of an electrochromic material is caused by reversible ion insertion (e.g., intercalation) into the material and corresponding charge-balanced electron injection. Typically, a portion of the ions responsible for the optical transition are irreversibly bound in the electrochromic material. Some or all of the irreversibly bound ions are used to compensate for "blind charges" in the material. In most electrochromic materials, suitable ions include lithium ions (Li +) and hydrogen ions (H +) (i.e., protons). However, in some cases, other ions will be suitable. In various embodiments, lithium ions are used to create the electrochromic phenomenon. Lithium ion intercalating tungsten oxide (WO) _3-y(0<y is less than or equal to 0.3)) to change the tungsten oxide from transparent (faded state) to blue (colored state).

Referring again to fig. 10, in electrochromic stack 1020, ion conducting layer 1008 is sandwiched between electrochromic layer 1006 and counter electrode layer 1010. In some embodiments, the counter electrode layer 1010 is inorganic and/or solid. The counter electrode layer may comprise a plurality ofOne or more of different materials that act as ion reservoirs when the electrochromic device is in a faded state. During the electrochromic transition initiated by, for example, application of an appropriate potential, the counter electrode layer transfers some or all of the ions it holds to the electrochromic layer, changing the electrochromic layer to a colored state. Meanwhile, in the case of NiWO, the counter electrode layer is colored with loss of ions. In some examples, for use with WO₃Suitable materials for the complementary counter electrode include nickel oxide (NiO), nickel tungsten oxide (NiWO), nickel vanadium oxide, nickel chromium oxide, nickel aluminum oxide, nickel manganese oxide, nickel magnesium oxide, chromium oxide (Cr)₂O₃) Manganese oxide (MnO)₂) And prussian blue. When charge is removed from the counter electrode 1010 made of nickel tungsten oxide (i.e., ions are transferred from the counter electrode 1010 to the electrochromic layer 1006), the counter electrode layer 1010 will transition from the transparent state to the colored state.

In the illustrated electrochromic device 1100, an ionically conductive layer 1008 is present between the electrochromic layer 1006 and the counter electrode layer 1010. The ionically conductive layer 1008 serves as a medium through which ions (in the form of an electrolyte) are transported as the electrochromic device transitions between the faded and colored states. Preferably, the ionically conductive layer 1008 has a high conductivity for the relevant ions of the electrochromic layer and the counter electrode layer, but a sufficiently low electronic conductivity such that negligible electron transfer occurs during normal operation. Thin ion-conducting layers with high ion conductivity allow fast ion conduction and thus fast switching for achieving high performance electrochromic devices. In certain aspects, the ionically conductive layer 1008 is inorganic and/or solid.

Examples of suitable materials for the ion-conducting layer (i.e., for electrochromic devices with different IC layers) include silicates, silicon oxides, tungsten oxides, tantalum oxides, niobium oxides, and borates. These materials may be doped with different dopants, including lithium. Lithium doped silica includes lithium silicon-aluminum-oxide. In some embodiments, the ion-conducting layer comprises a silicate-based structure. In some examples, silicon-aluminum-oxide (SiAlO) is used for the ion conductive layer 1008.

In certain embodiments, electrochromic device 1000 may include one or more additional layers (not shown), such as one or more passive layers. Passive layers for improving certain optical properties may be included in the electrochromic device 1000. A passive layer for providing moisture or scratch resistance may be included in the electrochromic device 1000. For example, the conductive layer may be treated with an antireflective or protective oxide or nitride layer. Other passive layers may be used to hermetically seal the electrochromic device 300.

Fig. 11A is a schematic cross-section of an electrochromic device in a faded state (or transitioning to a faded state). According to the illustrated example, the electrochromic device 1100 includes a tungsten oxide electrochromic layer (EC)1106 and a nickel-tungsten oxide counter electrode layer (CE) 1110. Electrochromic device 1100 includes substrate 1102, Conductive Layer (CL)11011, ion conductive layer (IC)1108, and Conductive Layer (CL) 1114.

Layers

1104, 1106, 1108, 1010, and 1114 are collectively referred to as an electrochromic stack 1120. The power supply 1116 is configured to apply a voltage potential and/or current to the electrochromic stack 1120 through suitable electrical connections (e.g., bus bars) to the

conductive layers

1104 and 1114. In one aspect, the voltage source is configured to apply a potential of about a few volts in order to drive a transition of the device from one optical state to another. The polarity of the potential as shown in fig. 11A is such that ions (lithium ions in this example) are present primarily in the nickel-tungsten oxide counter electrode layer 1110 (as indicated by the dashed arrows).

Fig. 11B is a schematic cross-section of the electrochromic device 1100 shown in fig. 11A but in (or transitioning to) a colored state. In fig. 11B, the polarity of the voltage source 1116 is reversed, making the electrochromic layer 1106 more negative to accept additional lithium ions to transition to the colored state. As indicated by the dashed arrows, lithium ions are transported across the ionically conductive layer 1108 to the tungsten oxide electrochromic layer 1106. The tungsten oxide electrochromic layer 1106 is shown in a colored state or transition to a colored state. The nickel-tungsten oxide counter electrode 1110 is shown in a colored state or transitioning to a colored state. As explained, nickel-tungsten oxide gradually becomes more opaque as it gives up (deintercalates) lithium ions. In this example, there is a synergistic effect in that the transition to the colored state of both

layers

1106 and 1110 helps to reduce the amount of light transmitted through the electrochromic stack and the substrate.

In certain embodiments, an electrochromic device may include an Electrochromic (EC) electrode layer and a Counter Electrode (CE) layer separated by an ion-conducting (IC) layer having high conductivity to ions and high resistance to electrons. As is conventionally understood, the ion-conducting layer thus prevents a short circuit between the electrochromic layer and the counter electrode layer. The ion-conducting layer allows the electrochromic electrode and the counter electrode to hold an electric charge, thereby maintaining their faded or colored state. In electrochromic devices having different layers, the components form a stack comprising an ion conducting layer sandwiched between an electrochromic electrode layer and a counter electrode layer. The boundaries between the three stacked components are defined by abrupt changes in composition and/or microstructure. Thus, these devices have three distinct layers with two abrupt interfaces.

According to certain embodiments, the counter electrode and the electrochromic electrode are formed in close proximity to each other, sometimes in direct contact, without separately depositing an ionically conductive layer. In some embodiments, electrochromic devices having an interface region rather than a different IC layer are used. These Devices and methods of making them are described in U.S. patent 8,300,298, U.S. patent 8,582,193, U.S. patent 8,764,950, U.S. patent 8,764,951, each of which is entitled "Electrochromic Devices" and each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

In certain embodiments, the electrochromic device may be integrated into an Insulated Glass Unit (IGU) of an electrochromic window, or may be in a single-pane electrochromic window. For example, an electrochromic window may have an IGU that includes a first electrochromic lite and a second lite. The IGU also includes a spacer separating the first electrochromic lite and the second lite. The second foil in the IGU may be a non-electrochromic foil or other foil. For example, the second sheet may have an electrochromic device and/or one or more coatings thereon, such as a low-E coating or the like. Any of the sheets may be laminated glass. Between the spacer and the first TCO layer of the electrochromic lite is a primary sealing material. The primary sealing material may be between the spacer and the second glass sheet. Around the periphery of the spacer is a secondary seal. These seals help to keep moisture out of the interior space of the IGU. They also serve to prevent the escape of argon or other gases directed into the interior space of the IGU. The IGU also includes a bus bar for connection to a window controller. In some embodiments, one or both of the bus bars are internal to the finished IGU, however in one embodiment, one bus bar is external to the seal of the IGU and one bus bar is internal to the IGU. In the former embodiment, the area is used to form a seal with one face of the spacer used to form the IGU. Thus, wires or other connections to the bus bars extend between the spacer and the glass. Since many spacers are made of conductive metal (e.g., stainless steel), it is desirable to take measures to avoid short circuits due to electrical communication between the bus bars and the connectors and the metal spacers.

ii) Window controller

The window controller is used to control the tint state (also referred to herein as the "tint level") of one or more electrochromic devices in an electrochromic window or a zone of one or more electrochromic windows. In some embodiments, the window controller is capable of transitioning the electrochromic window between two tint states (i.e., a faded state and a tinted state). In other embodiments, the controller may additionally transition the electrochromic window (e.g., a window having a single electrochromic device) between tint states including: a fade state, one or more intermediate hue levels, and a hue state. In some embodiments, the window controller is capable of transitioning the electrochromic window between four or more tint states. In other embodiments, the window controller is capable of transitioning an electrochromic window comprising an electrochromic device between any number of tint levels between a fade state and a tint state. Some electrochromic windows allow for intermediate tint levels by using two (more than two) electrochromic lite in a single IGU, where each electrochromic lite is a two-state lite.

In some embodiments, an electrochromic window may include an electrochromic device on one sheet of an Insulated Glass Unit (IGU) and another electrochromic device on another sheet thereof. If the window controller is capable of transitioning each electrochromic device between two states (a fade state and a tint state), the IGU is capable of achieving four different states (tint levels): a tint state in which both electrochromic devices are colored, a first intermediate state in which one electrochromic device is colored, a second intermediate state in which the other electrochromic device is colored, and a fade state in which both electrochromic devices are faded. Embodiments of MULTI-PANE ELECTROCHROMIC WINDOWS such as IGUs are further described in U.S. patent 8,270,059, entitled "MULTI-PANE ELECTROCHEROCHOMIC WINDOWS," to the inventor of Robin Friedman et al, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

In some embodiments, a window controller may be executed to transition an electrochromic window having an electrochromic device capable of transitioning between two or more tint levels. For example, the window controller may be capable of transitioning the electrochromic window to a faded state, one or more intermediate levels, and a tinted state. In some other embodiments, the window controller is capable of transitioning an electrochromic window comprising an electrochromic device between any number of tint levels between a fade state and a tint state. Embodiments of METHODS and controllers FOR transitioning an electrochromic window to one or more intermediate tone levels are also described IN U.S. patent 8,254,013 to Disha Mehtani et al, entitled "CONTROLLING TRANSITIONS IN optional switch DEVICES," and International PCT application No. PCT/US17/35290, entitled "CONTROL METHOD FOR INTERABLE WINDOWS IMPLEMENTING INTERMEDIATE TINTSTATES," filed 2017, 5/31, which is hereby incorporated by reference IN its entirety.

In some embodiments, the window controller can power one or more electrochromic devices in the electrochromic window. Typically, this functionality of the window controller is enhanced by one or more other functions described in more detail below. The window controllers described herein are not limited to window controllers having functionality to power electrochromic devices associated therewith for control purposes. That is, the power supply for the electrochromic window may be separate from the window controller, with the controller having its own power supply and applying power from the window power supply to the window. However, it is convenient to include a power supply with the window controller and configure the controller to power the window directly, as it eliminates the need for separate wiring to power the electrochromic window.

In some cases, the window controller is a stand-alone controller configured to control the functionality of a single window or a plurality of electrochromic windows without integrating the window controller into a building control network or a Building Management System (BMS). However, the window controller can be integrated into a building control network or BMS, as further described in this section.

Fig. 12 depicts a block diagram of some components of window controller 1250, as well as other components of a window controller system, of the disclosed embodiments. Fig. 12 is a simplified block diagram of window controller 1250, and more details regarding the window controller can be found in: U.S. patent applications 13/449,248 and 13/449,251, both issued to the inventors on day 4/17 of 2012 as Stephen Brown and both entitled "CONTROLLER FOR optional-switch WINDOWS", and U.S. patent application 13/449,235 (published as U.S. patent 8,705,162), issued to Stephen Brown et al on day 4/17 of 2012 as Stephen Brown et al entitled "CONTROLLING transmitting IN optional switch DEVICES"; all of the above applications are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

In fig. 12, the illustrated components of window controller 1250 include a microprocessor 1255 or other processor, a pulse width modulator 1260(PWM), a signal conditioning module 1265, and a computer readable medium (e.g., memory) 1270 having a configuration file 1275. The window controller 1250 is in electronic communication (wired or wirelessly) with one or more electrochromic devices 1200 in the electrochromic window over a network 1280 to send control instructions to the one or more electrochromic devices 1200. In some embodiments, the window controller 1250 may be a local window controller that communicates with the master window controller over a network (wired or wireless).

In some disclosed examples, a building has one or more electrochromic windows between the exterior and interior of the building. One or more sensors (e.g., light sensors, infrared sensors, ambient temperature sensors, etc.) are located outside of the building and/or within one or more rooms having electrochromic windows. Outputs from one or more sensors may be input (e.g., via a communication network) to the signal conditioning module 1265 of the window controller 1250. In some cases, as further described in this section, outputs from one or more sensors may be received as inputs to a Building Management System (BMS). Although the sensors of the depicted embodiment are shown to be located on the roof, the sensors may additionally or alternatively be located in other locations, such as vertical exterior walls of a building, inside a room, or on other surfaces on the outside. In some examples, the multisensor is used with two or more sensors that measure the same or nearly the same input (e.g., two infrared sensors toward the same general area of the sky), which may provide redundancy in the event of a failure or reading error of one of the sensors.

An external sensor of a building, such as a light sensor of a multi-sensor device on a roof, is able to detect radiated light incident on the light sensor that is reflected to the sensor from a light source, e.g., the sun, or from a surface, particles in the atmosphere, clouds, etc. Each photosensor can generate a signal in the form of a current that is produced by the photoelectric effect and that is a function of the light incident on the photosensor. In some cases, the light sensor may detect the radiant light from irradiance in watts per square meter or other similar units. In some cases, the light sensor detects light in the visible wavelength range in foot candles or similar units. In some cases, there is a linear relationship between these values of irradiance and visible light.

Because the angle at which sunlight strikes the earth is changing, the value of irradiance from sunlight during sunny conditions may be predicted based at least in part on the time of day and the time of year. The external light sensor may detect actual radiated light in real time, accounting for reflections and shading of light due to buildings or other structures, weather changes (e.g., clouds), and so forth. For example, on cloudy days, sunlight may be obscured by clouds and the radiated light detected by external sensors will be lower than on cloudy days (sunny days).

In the morning and evening, the sunlight level is low and the corresponding reading taken by the light sensor is low, which can be considered to be consistent with the reading taken during the cloudy day at noon. If considered in isolation, light sensor readings taken in the morning and evening may falsely indicate a cloudy condition. Additionally, any obstruction from a building or hill/mountain may result in a false positive indication for cloudy days based at least in part on the light sensor readings. In addition, the use of external light sensor values alone just prior to sunrise can result in false positives of cloudy day conditions, which can result in transitioning the electrochromic window to a transparent state at sunrise, allowing a glare condition in a room with a transparent window. In certain embodiments, readings from at least two infrared sensors may be used to determine cloud conditions at a time just before sunrise and in the morning and evening. These infrared sensors can operate independently of the sun level, allowing the tint control logic to determine the cloud conditions before sunrise and to determine and maintain the proper tint state of the electrochromic window in the morning and evening when the sun is falling. Additionally, readings from at least two infrared sensors may be used to detect cloud conditions even when the sensors are shaded or otherwise blocked from receiving direct sunlight.

In some aspects, a single device (sometimes referred to herein as a "multi-sensor device") includes an infrared sensor for detecting thermal radiation and an on-board ambient temperature sensor. An infrared sensor is typically positioned towards the sky to measure sky temperature (T)_sky). An on-board ambient temperature sensor is typically positioned to measure the ambient temperature (T) at the device_amb). Additionally or alternatively, the infrared sensor arrangement outputs a temperature reading of a difference delta (Δ) between the sky temperature and the ambient temperature reading. Infrared sensor device temperature reading (T)_sky、T_ambAnd/or Δ) is typically in degrees, e.g.Millidegrees celsius or millidegrees fahrenheit.

According to certain aspects, there may be multiple sensors associated with a single electrochromic window of a building or multiple electrochromic window sensors of a building, such as zones of an electrochromic window. For example, the plurality of sensors may be in the form of a multi-sensor device having at least two infrared sensors, an ambient temperature sensor (e.g., a portion of an infrared sensor), and a plurality of light sensors. The multi-sensor device may be located, for example, on a roof of a building having one or more electrochromic windows. In one embodiment, the outputs from the redundant sensors are compared to one another to determine, for example, whether one of the sensors is obscured by an object, such as a bird landing on a roof on the multi-sensor device. In some cases, it may be desirable to use relatively few sensors in a building, as having multiple sensors may be expensive and/or some sensors may be unreliable. In certain embodiments, a single sensor or multiple sensors (e.g., 2, 3, 4, 5) may be used to determine the current level of radiant light from sunlight impinging on a building or possibly a side of a building. The cloud may pass in front of the sun, or the construction vehicle may be parked in front of the sun. These events will cause deviations from the amount of radiation from the sun that would be calculated to normally shine on the building during clear sky conditions.

In examples with a photosensor, the photosensor may be, for example, a Charge Coupled Device (CCD), a photodiode, a photoresistor, or a photovoltaic cell. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that future developments in light sensors and other sensor technologies will also play a role in that they measure light intensity and provide an electrical output indicative of light level.

In some embodiments, the output from the sensor may be input to the signal conditioning module 1265. The input may be in the form of a voltage signal to the signal conditioning module 1265. The signal conditioning module 1265 passes the output signal to the microprocessor 1255 or other processor. The microprocessor 1255 or other processor determines the tint level of the electrochromic window based at least in part on information from the configuration file 1275, an output from the signal conditioning module 1265, or an override value. Microprocessor 1255 then sends instructions to PWM 1260 to apply a voltage and/or current to electrochromic device 1200 of the electrochromic window of the building via network 1280 to transition the electrochromic window to the desired tint level.

In one aspect, the signal conditioning module 1265 is part of a multi-sensor device (e.g., a rooftop multi-sensor device) that receives output from one or more sensors of the multi-sensor device. In this case, the signal conditioning module 1265 transmits the output signal to the microprocessor 1255 or other processor of the window controller 1250 via a wired or wireless network. Microprocessor 1255 or other processor determines the tint level of the electrochromic window and sends instructions to PWM 1260 to apply a voltage and/or current to electrochromic device 1200 of the electrochromic window of the building over network 1280 to transition the electrochromic window to the desired tint level.

In some embodiments, the microprocessor 1260 can instruct the PWM 1260 to apply a voltage and/or current to the electrochromic window to transition the window to any one of four or more different tint levels. In one case, the electrochromic window can be transitioned to at least eight different tint levels, which are described as: 0 (brightest), 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30 and 35 (darkest). The tint level can correspond linearly to a visual transmittance value and a solar gain coefficient (SHGC) value for light transmitted through the electrochromic window. For example, using the eight tone levels described above, the brightest tone level 0 may correspond to an SHGC value of 0.80, tone level 5 may correspond to an SHGC value of 0.70, tone level 10 may correspond to an SHGC value of 0.60, tone level 15 may correspond to an SHGC value of 0.50, tone level 20 may correspond to an SHGC value of 0.40, tone level 25 may correspond to an SHGC value of 0.30, tone level 30 may correspond to an SHGC value of 0.20, and tone level 35 (darkest) may correspond to an SHGC value of 0.10.

The window controller 1250, or a master controller in communication with the window controller 1250, may use any one or more control logic components to determine a desired level of tint based, at least in part, on signals from sensors and/or other inputs. Window controller 1250 may instruct PWM 1260 to apply voltages and/or currents to one or more electrochromic windows to transition them to desired tint levels.

-Building Management System (BMS)

The window controller described herein may be adapted to be integrated with a Building Management System (BMS). BMS are computer-based control systems installed in buildings to monitor and control the mechanical and electrical equipment of the building, such as ventilation, lighting, electrical systems, elevators, fire protection systems and safety systems. The BMS consists of hardware including interconnections with one or more computers through communication channels and associated software for maintaining conditions in the building in accordance with preferences set by occupants and/or building managers. For example, the BMS may be implemented using a local area network such as ethernet. The software may be based, at least in part, on, for example, an internet protocol and/or open standards. One example is software from Tridium corporation (Richmond, Virginia). One communication protocol commonly used with BMS is BACnet (building automation and control network).

BMS are most common in larger buildings and are often used at least to control the environment within the building. For example, BMS can control temperature, carbon dioxide levels and humidity within buildings. Generally, there are many mechanical devices controlled by the BMS, such as heaters, air conditioners, blowers, vents, and the like. The BMS may turn on and off these various devices under defined conditions in order to control the building environment. A core function of a typical modern BMS is to maintain a comfortable environment for the occupants of a building while minimizing heating and cooling costs/requirements. Therefore, modern BMS are not only used for monitoring and control, but also for optimizing the synergy between the various systems, for example, to save energy and reduce building operating costs.

In some embodiments, a window controller is integrated with the BMS, wherein the window controller is configured to control one or more electrochromic or other tintable windows. In one embodiment, the one or more electrochromic windows include at least one all-solid and inorganic electrochromic device, but may include more than one electrochromic device, for example where each sheet or pane of the IGU is tintable. In one embodiment, the one or more electrochromic windows include only all solid state and inorganic electrochromic devices. In one embodiment, the Electrochromic window is a polymorphic Electrochromic window as described in U.S. patent application serial No. 12/851,514 entitled "Multipane Electrochromic Windows," filed on 5.8.2010 (now U.S. patent 8,705,162), which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Fig. 13 depicts a schematic diagram of an embodiment of BMS 1300 that manages various systems of a building 1301, including security systems, heating/ventilation/air conditioning (HVAC), lighting of the building, power systems, elevators, fire protection systems, and the like. Security systems may include magnetic card channels, turnstiles, electromagnetic-driven door locks, surveillance cameras, burglar alarms, metal detectors, and the like. The fire protection system may include a fire alarm and a fire suppression system including a water pipe control. The lighting system may include interior lighting, exterior lighting, emergency warning lights, emergency exit signs, and emergency floor exit lighting. The power system may include a main power source, a backup generator, and an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) grid.

Also, the BMS 1300 manages the main window controller 1302. In this example, the master window controller 3102 is depicted as a distributed network of window controllers including a master network controller 1303,

intermediate network controllers

1305a and 1305b, and a terminal or leaf controller 1310. The terminal or leaf controller 1310 may be similar to the window controller 1250 described with respect to fig. 12. In one example, the master network controller 1303 may be near BMS 1300, and each floor of the building 1301 may have one or more

intermediate network controllers

1305a and 1305b, while each window of the building has its own terminal controller 1310. In this example, each terminal or leaf controller 1310 controls a particular electrochromic window of building 1301.

Each of the terminals or leaf controllers 1310 may be in a separate location from the electrochromic window it controls or may be integrated into the electrochromic window. For simplicity, only ten electrochromic windows of building 1301 are depicted as being controlled by primary window controller 1302. There may be a large number of electrochromic windows in a building controlled by the master window controller 1302 in a typical setting. The master window controller 1302 need not be a distributed network of window controllers. For example, a master window controller 1302 that is a single terminal controller that controls the functionality of a single electrochromic window also falls within the scope of the embodiments disclosed herein, as described above.

One aspect of the disclosed embodiments is a BMS that includes a multi-sensor device (e.g., multi-sensor device 401 shown in fig. 4A-4C) or other form of infrared cloud detector system. By incorporating feedback from the infrared cloud detector system, the BMS can provide, for example, enhanced: 1) environmental control, 2) energy savings, 3) safety, 4) flexibility in control options, 5) improved reliability and service life due to less reliance and less maintenance of other systems, 6) information availability and diagnostics, and 7) efficient use of personnel and higher productivity, as well as various combinations of these. In some embodiments, the BMS may not be present or the BMS may be present but may not communicate with the master network controller or communicate with the master network controller at a high level. In certain embodiments, maintenance of the BMS does not disrupt control of the electrochromic window.

In some cases, the system of BMS 1300 may operate according to a daily, monthly, quarterly, or yearly schedule. For example, lighting control systems, window control systems, HVAC and security systems may operate based on a 24 hour schedule that takes into account when people are in the building during the work day. At night, the building may enter an energy saving mode, and during the day, the system may operate in a manner that minimizes the building's energy consumption while providing occupant comfort. As another example, the system may shut down or enter a power saving mode during the vacation.

The scheduling information may be combined with geographic information. The geographic information may include the latitude and longitude of the building. The geographical information may also include information about the direction each side of the building is facing. Using this information, different rooms on different sides of the building can be controlled in different ways. For example, for a room of a building facing east in winter, the window controller may indicate that the window has no tint in the morning so that the room is warmed by sunlight shining in the room, and the lighting control panel may indicate that the lights are dimmed by lighting from the sunlight. The west facing window may be controlled by the occupant of the room in the morning because the tint of the west side window may have no effect on energy savings. However, the operational modes of the east-facing window and the west-facing window may be switched at night (e.g., when the sun is on, the west-facing window is uncolored to allow sunlight in for heating and lighting).

Furthermore, the temperature inside the building may be influenced by external light and/or external temperature. For example, in cold weather and where the building is heated by a heating system, rooms closer to the doors and/or windows will lose heat faster than the interior zone of the building and be cooler than the interior zone.

In one embodiment employing external sensors, the building may include external sensors on the roof of the building. Alternatively, the building may include exterior sensors associated with each exterior window or exterior sensors on each side of the building. External sensors on each side of the building may track the irradiance of one side of the building as the sun changes azimuth throughout the day.

One example of a building, such as building 1301 in fig. 13, includes a building network or BMS, tintable windows for the exterior windows of the building (i.e., windows that separate the interior of the building from the exterior of the building), and a number of different sensors. Light from an exterior window of a building typically has an effect on interior lighting in the building about 20 feet or about 30 feet from the window. That is, space in the building that is more than about 20 feet or about 30 feet from the exterior window receives little light from the exterior window. Such spaces remote from exterior windows in buildings are primarily illuminated by the interior lighting system of the building.

Fig. 14 is a block diagram of components of a system 1400 for controlling a function (e.g., transitioning to a different tint level) of one or more tintable windows of a building (e.g., building 1301 shown in fig. 13), according to an embodiment. System 1400 may be one of the systems managed by a BMS (e.g., BMS 1300 shown in fig. 13) or may operate independently of a BMS.

The system 1400 includes a master window controller 1402 that can send control signals to one or more tintable windows to control their functions. The system 1400 also includes a network 1410 in electronic communication with the master window controller 1402. The control logic and instructions for controlling the functionality of the tintable windows, and/or sensor data may be transmitted to the master window controller 1402 over the network 1410. The network 1410 may be a wired or wireless network (e.g., a cloud network). In one embodiment, the network 1410 may communicate with the BMS to allow the BMS to send instructions for controlling the one or more tintable windows to the one or more tintable windows in the building through the network 1410.

The system 1400 also includes an EC device 400 (not shown) in each of the one or more tintable windows and an optional wall switch 1490, both in electronic communication with the main window controller 1402. In the example shown here, the master window controller 1402 may send control signals to one or more EC devices 1401 to control the tint level of a tintable window having one or more EC devices 400. Each wall switch 1490 is also in communication with one or more EC devices 1401 and the main window controller 1402. An end user (e.g., an occupant of a room with tintable windows) may use the wall switch 1490 to control the tint level and other functions of the tintable windows with the EC device 1401.

In fig. 14, a master window controller 1402 is depicted as a distributed network of window controllers including a master network controller 1403, a plurality of intermediate network controllers 1405 in communication with the master network controller 1403, and a plurality of terminal or leaf-end window controllers 1410. Each multiple terminal or leaf-end window controller 1410 communicates with a single intermediate network controller 1405. Although the master window controller 1402 is shown as a distributed network of window controllers, in other embodiments, the master window controller 1402 may be a single window controller that controls the functionality of a single tintable window. The components of the system 1400 shown in fig. 14 may be similar in some respects to the components described with reference to fig. 13. For example, master network controller 1403 may be similar to master network controller 1303 and intermediate network controllers 1405 may be similar to intermediate network controllers 1305. Each of the window controllers in the distributed network of fig. 14 may include a processor (e.g., a microprocessor) and a computer-readable medium in electrical communication with the processor.

In fig. 14, each leaf or terminal window controller 1410 communicates with one or more EC devices 1401 of a single tintable window to control the tint level of the tintable window in a building. In the case of an IGU, a leaf or end window controller 1410 may communicate with EC devices 1401 on multiple sheets of the IGU to control the tint level of the IGU. In other embodiments, each leaf-end or terminal window controller 1410 may communicate with multiple tintable windows (e.g., a band of tintable windows). The tip or end window controller 1410 may be integrated into the tintable window or may be separate from the tintable window it controls. The leaf and terminal window controller 1410 in fig. 14 may be similar to the terminal or leaf controller 1410 in fig. 13 and/or may also be similar to the window controller 1250 described with respect to fig. 12.

Each wall switch 1490 is operable by an end user (e.g., an occupant of the room) to control the tint level and other functions of the tintable window in communication with the wall switch 1490. An end user may operate the wall switch 1490 to communicate control signals to the EC device 400 in the associated tintable window. In some cases, these signals from the wall switch 1490 may override the signals from the master window controller 1402. In other cases (e.g., high demand cases), the control signal from the master window controller 1402 may override the control signal from the wall switch 1490. Each wall switch 1490 also communicates with the leaf or terminal window controller 1410 to send information (e.g., time, date, desired tint, etc.) back to the main window controller 1402 regarding the control signals sent from the wall switch 1490. In some cases, the wall switch 1490 may be manually operated. In other cases, the wall switch 1490 may be wirelessly controlled by the end user using a remote device (e.g., a cellular phone, a tablet computer, etc.) that sends wireless communications with control signals, for example, using Infrared (IR) and/or Radio Frequency (RF) signals. In some cases, the wall switch 1490 may include a wireless protocol chip, such as bluetooth, EnOcean, WiFi, Zigbee, and the like. Although wall switches 1490 are depicted in fig. 14 as being positioned on one or more walls, other embodiments of the system 1400 may have switches positioned elsewhere in the room.

The system 1400 also includes a multi-sensor device 1412 in electronic communication with one or more controllers via a communication network 1410 to communicate sensor readings and/or filtered sensor values to the one or more controllers.

iii) logic for controlling electrochromic devices/windows

In some embodiments, a controller (e.g., a local terminal or leaf window controller, a network controller, a master controller, etc.) includes intelligent control logic for calculating, determining, selecting, or otherwise generating a tint state for one or more optically switchable windows (e.g., electrochromic windows) of a building. The control logic may be operative to determine a cloudiness condition based at least in part on sensor data from an infrared cloud detector system at the building, and to determine a tint state of the optically switchable window using the determined cloudiness condition. Such control logic may be used to implement methods of determining and controlling a desired level of tint for one or more electrochromic or other tintable windows to account for occupant comfort, energy conservation, and other considerations. In some cases, the control logic uses one or more logic modules.

For example, fig. 15A-15C depict a common input to each of the three logic modules A, B and C of the exemplary control logic, according to some embodiments. Other examples of modules A, B and C are described in International patent application No. PCT/US16/41344 entitled "CONTROL METHOD FOR TINTABLE WINDOWS" filed on 7.7.2016 and International patent application No. PCT/US15/29675 entitled "CONTROL METHOD FOR TINTABLE WINDOWS" and filed 5.5.5.2015, each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Other examples of logic modules are described in international patent application PCT/US17PCT/US17/66198 entitled "CONTROL METHOD FOR convertible WINDOWS", filed on 13.12.2017, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Another example of exemplary control logic comprising four (4) logic modules is described later in this section.

Examples of modules A, B and C

Fig. 15A-15C include diagrams depicting some general inputs to each of the three logic modules A, B and C of the exemplary control logic of the disclosed embodiments. Each drawing depicts a schematic side view of a room 1500 of a building having a desk 1501 and an electrochromic window 1505 located between the exterior and interior of the building. The figure also depicts an infrared cloud detector system 1502 according to an example. In other implementations, other examples of the infrared cloud detector systems described herein may be used. In the illustrated example, infrared cloud detector system 1502 includes an infrared cloud detector 1530 located on a roof of a building. The infrared cloud detector 1530 has a housing 1532 with a cover made of light diffusing material, an infrared sensor 1534 and a light sensor 1510 within a shell of the housing 1532, and an ambient temperature sensor 1536 located on a shadow surface of the housing 1532. The infrared sensor 1534 is configured to obtain a temperature reading T based at least in part on infrared radiation received from a region of the sky within its field of view_IR. The ambient temperature sensor 1536 is configured to acquire an ambient temperature reading T of ambient air surrounding the infrared cloud detector 1530 _amb. In one aspect, the infrared sensor and the ambient temperature sensor are integrated in the same sensor. The infrared sensor 1534 includes an imaginary axis (not shown) that is perpendicular to a sensing surface of the infrared sensor 1534 and passes through a center thereof. The infrared sensor 1534 is directed such that its sensing surface faces upward and can receive infrared radiation from regions of the sky within its field of view. The ambient temperature sensor 1536 is located on the shadow surface to avoid direct sunlight from striking its sensing surface. Although not shown, the infrared cloud detector 1530 also includes one or more structures that retain its components within the housing 1532.

Infrared cloud detector system 1502 also includes a local window controller 1550 having a processor (not shown) that can execute instructions stored in a memory (not shown) for implementing control logic for controlling the tint level of electrochromic window 1505. The local window controller 1550 communicates with the electrochromic window 1505 to send control signals. The local window controller 1550 is also in communication (wirelessly or by wire) with an infrared sensor 1534 and an ambient temperature sensor 1536 to receive signals having temperature readings. The local window controller 1550 is also in communication (wirelessly or by wire) with the light sensor 1510 to receive a signal having a visible light intensity reading.

According to certain aspects, the power/communication line extends from a building or another structure to the infrared cloud detector 1530. In one embodiment, the infrared cloud detector 1530 includes a network interface that may couple the infrared cloud detector 1530 to a suitable cable. The infrared cloud detector 1530 may communicate data to the local window controller 1550 or another controller (e.g., a network controller and/or a master controller) of the building through a network interface. In some other embodiments, the infrared cloud detector 1530 may additionally or alternatively include a wireless network interface capable of wireless communication with one or more external controllers. In some aspects, the infrared cloud detector 1530 may also include a battery within or coupled with its housing to power the sensors and electronic components therein. The battery may provide such power as an alternative to or in addition to power from a power source (e.g., from a building power source). In one aspect, the infrared cloud detector 1530 also includes at least one photovoltaic cell, for example, on an exterior surface of the housing. The at least one photovoltaic cell may provide power in lieu of or in addition to power provided by any other power source.

Fig. 15A shows the penetration depth of direct sunlight into a room 1500 through an electrochromic window 1505 between the exterior and interior of a building that includes the room 1500. Penetration depth is a measure of the degree to which direct sunlight may penetrate into the room 1500. As shown, the penetration depth is measured in a horizontal direction away from the sill (bottom) of window 1505. Typically, the window defines an aperture that provides an acceptance angle for direct sunlight. The penetration depth is calculated based on the geometry of the window (e.g., the size of the window), its orientation and orientation in the room, any fins or other external shades outside the window, and the orientation of the sun (e.g., the solar angle of direct sunlight at a particular time and date of day). The external shading of electrochromic window 1505 may be due to any type of structure capable of shading the window, such as overhangs, fins, etc. In fig. 15A, there is a overhang 1520 over the electrochromic window 1505 that blocks a portion of the direct sunlight entering the room 1500, thereby reducing the penetration depth.

Module a may be used to determine a tint level that takes into account the comfort of the occupant, avoiding direct sunlight through the electrochromic window 1505 onto the occupant or their active area (also referred to herein as a "glare condition"). The tint level is determined based at least in part on the calculated penetration depth of the direct sunlight into the room and the type of space in the room at a particular time (e.g., a table, a lobby near a window, etc.). In some cases, the hue level determination may also be based at least in part on sufficient natural light provided into the room. In some cases, the penetration depth is calculated at a future time to account for the glass transition time (the time required for window tinting, e.g., 80%, 90%, or 100% of the desired level of tint). The problem addressed in module a is that direct sunlight can penetrate deep into the room 1500 to shine directly on people working at the table or other active areas in the room. Publicly available programs can be used to calculate the sun's azimuth and allow easy calculation of penetration depth.

Fig. 15A-15C also show a desk 1501 in a room 1500, which is associated with an activity area (i.e., a desk) and a location of the activity area (i.e., a location of the desk), as an example of a single office-occupied space type having a desk. Each space type is associated with a different level of tint for occupant comfort. For example, if the activity is a critical activity (such as a job in an office done at a desk or computer) and the desk is positioned near the window, the desired tint level may be higher than if the desk was farther away from the window. As another example, if the activity is non-critical (such as activity in a lobby), the desired hue level may be lower than the hue level of the same space in an office with a desk.

Fig. 15B shows direct sunlight and radiation entering the room 1500 through the electrochromic window 1505 under clear sky conditions, in accordance with an embodiment. The radiation may come from sunlight scattered by molecules and particles in the atmosphere. Module B determines the level of tint based at least in part on a calculated value of irradiance flowing through the electrochromic window 1505 under clear sky conditions under consideration. Various software, such as the open source radar program, may be used to calculate clear sky irradiance for a certain latitude, longitude, time of year, time of day, and orientation of a given window.

Fig. 15C illustrates radiated light from the sky as may be blocked or reflected by objects such as clouds and other buildings, according to an embodiment. These obstacles and reflections are not considered in clear sky radiation calculations. The radiated light from the sky is determined based at least in part on sensor data from sensors, such as an infrared cloud sensor 1534, a light sensor 1510, and an ambient temperature sensor 1536 of an infrared cloud detector system. The level of hue determined by module C is based at least in part on the sensor data. In many cases, the level of tint is based at least in part on the cloud cover condition determined using readings from the sensor. In general, operation of module B will determine the level of hue that darkens (or does not change) the level of hue determined by module A, while operation of module C will determine the level of hue that lightens (or does not change) the level of hue determined by module B.

Control logic may implement one or more of logic modules A, B and C individually for each electrochromic window 1505 in the building or for representative windows of zones in the electrochromic window, respectively. Each electrochromic window 1505 may have a unique set of dimensions, orientations (e.g., vertical, horizontal, tilted at an angle), orientations, associated spatial types, and the like. A profile with this and other information may be maintained for each electrochromic window 1505. The configuration file may be stored in a computer readable medium of the local window controller 1550 of the electrochromic window 1505 or in a building management system ("BMS") described later in this disclosure. The profile may include information such as window configurations, occupancy look-up tables, information relating to the associated reference glass, and/or other data used by the control logic. The window configuration may include information such as the size of electrochromic window 1505, the orientation of electrochromic window 1505, and the like. The occupancy look-up table describes the level of tint that provides occupant comfort for certain space types and penetration depths. That is, the tint levels in the occupancy lookup table are designed to provide comfort to occupants who may be in the room 1500, avoiding direct sunlight onto the occupants or their workspace. The type of space is a measure for determining how much coloration is needed to solve occupant comfort issues for a given penetration depth and/or to provide comfortable natural lighting in a room. The spatial type parameter may take into account a number of factors. These factors include the type of work or other activity being performed within a particular room and location of the activity. The intensive work associated with detailed studies that require great attention may be of one type of space, while rest or conference rooms may be of a different type of space. Additionally, the orientation of the table or other work surface relative to the window is a consideration in defining the type of space. For example, the space type may be associated with a single occupant's office having a desk or other workspace located near the electrochromic window 1505. As another example, the space type may be a lobby.

In certain embodiments, one or more modules of the control logic may determine a desired level of tint while accounting for energy savings other than occupant comfort. These modules may determine the energy savings associated with a particular tone level by comparing the performance of electrochromic window 1505 at that tone level to the performance of a baseline glass or other standard reference window. The purpose of using the reference window may be to ensure that the control logic meets the requirements of municipal building codes or other requirements of the reference window used in the building yard. Municipalities often use conventional low emissivity glass to define reference windows to control air conditioning load in buildings. As an example of how the reference windows 1505 fit into the control logic, the logic may be designed such that the irradiance through a given electrochromic window 1505 is never greater than the maximum irradiance of the reference window specified by the respective municipality. In the disclosed embodiments, the control logic may use the solar gain coefficient (SHGC) value of the electrochromic window 1505 and the SHGC of the reference window at a particular tone level to determine the energy savings using the tone level. Typically, the value of SHGC is the fraction of incident light of all wavelengths transmitted through the window. Although reference glass is described in many embodiments, other standard reference windows may be used. Typically, the SHGC of a reference window (e.g., a glass reference) is a different variable for different geographic locations and window orientations, and is based at least in part on code requirements specified by the respective municipalities.

Typically, buildings are designed with heating, ventilation and air conditioning ("HVAC") systems that have a capacity to meet the maximum anticipated heating and/or air conditioning load required in any given situation. The calculation of the required capacity may take into account a reference glass or window required in the building at the particular location where the building is being constructed. Therefore, it is important that the control logic meet or exceed the functional requirements of the reference glass in order to allow the building designer to confidently determine how much HVAC capacity to place into a particular building. Because the control logic can be used to tint the window to provide additional energy savings to the reference glass, the control logic can be used to allow a building designer to have a lower HVAC capacity than would be required using the reference glass specified by the specifications and standards.

Certain embodiments described herein assume energy savings by reducing air conditioning loads in a building. Thus, many embodiments attempt to achieve the maximum coloration possible while taking into account the occupant comfort level and possible lighting loads in the room with the window in question. However, in some climates, such as those with far north and south latitudes, heating may be more of a concern than air conditioning. Thus, the control logic can be modified, in particular the road surface can be changed in some circumstances, so that less coloring takes place, to ensure that the heating load of the building is reduced.

Examples of control logic including modules A, B and C

Fig. 16 depicts a flowchart 1600 showing general control logic for a method for controlling one or more electrochromic windows (e.g., electrochromic window 1505 in fig. 15A-15C) in a building, according to an embodiment. Control logic uses one or more of modules A, B and C to calculate the tint level of the window and sends instructions to transition the electrochromic window to that tint level. At operation 1610, the calculations in the control logic are run 1 to n times at intervals timed by the timer. For example, the level of hue may be recalculated 1 to n times by one or more of modules A, B and C, and for time t_i＝t₁,t₂…t_nExample calculation of (1). n is the number of recalculations performed, and n may be at least 1. In some cases, the logical computations may be done at constant time intervals. In one case, the logical calculation may be completed every 2 to 5 minutes. However, the hue transition of large pieces of electrochromic glass (e.g., up to 6 feet x10 feet) may take as long as 30 minutes or more. For these larger windows, the calculations may be performed on a less frequent basis, such as every 30 minutes.

At operation 1620, the logic modules A, B and C perform calculations to determine that at a single time t _iOf each electrochromic window. These calculations may be performed by a processor of the controller. In certain embodiments, the control logic is prediction logic that calculates how the window should transition before the actual transition. In these cases, the calculations in modules A, B and C are based at least in part on the future time (e.g., t)_iCurrent time + duration, e.g., transition time of the electrochromic window), e.g., during or after completion of the transition. For example, the future time used in the calculation may be a future time sufficient to allow the transition to complete after receiving the hue instruction. In these cases, the controller may send the tone instructions at the current time prior to the actual transition. By completing the transition, the window will transition to the level of hue desired at said future time。

At operation 1630, the control logic allows certain types of overrides that disengage the algorithms at modules A, B and C and define an override tone level at operation 1640 based at least in part on some other consideration. One type of override is a manual override. This is an override implemented by the end user occupying the room and determines that a particular tone level (override value) is required. There may be situations where the user's manual override is overridden by itself. An example of an override is a high demand (or peak load) override, which is associated with utility requirements in a building where energy consumption is to be reduced. For example, on particularly hot days in a metropolitan area, it may be necessary to reduce the energy consumption of the entire municipality in order to avoid unduly imposing taxes on the energy production and delivery systems of the municipality. In this case, the building may override the tint levels from the control logic described herein to ensure that all windows have particularly high tint levels. Another example of an override may be whether there are no occupants in a commercial office building on an example weekend of rooms. In these cases, the building may be detached from the module or modules associated with occupant comfort, and all windows may have a low level of tint in cold weather and a high level of tint in warm weather.

At operation 1650, control signals for implementing the tint levels are transmitted via a network to a power supply in electrical communication with electrochromic devices in one or more electrochromic windows in a building. In certain embodiments, the transmission of the tint level to all windows of a building may be implemented with efficiency in mind. For example, if the recalculation of the tone level indicates that there is no need to change the tone from the current tone level, no instruction with an updated tone level is sent. As another example, a building may be divided into zones based at least in part on window size and/or location in the building. In one case, the control logic recalculates the tint level for the region with the smaller window more frequently than for the region with the larger window.

In some embodiments, the control logic in fig. 16 for implementing the control method for multiple electrochromic windows throughout a building may be on a single device, e.g., on a single master window controller. This device can perform calculations for each tintable window in a building and also provide an interface for passing tint levels into individual electrochromic windows, such as one or more electrochromic devices in a multi-zone window or on multiple EC sheets of an insulated glass unit. Some examples of MULTI-ZONE WINDOWS may be found in international PCT application PCT/US14/71314 entitled "MULTI-ZONE EC WINDOWS," filed 12, 14, 2014, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Also, there may be some adaptive components of the control logic of the embodiments. For example, the control logic may determine how the end user (e.g., occupant) is attempting to override the algorithm at a particular time of day and utilize this information in a more predictive manner to determine the desired level of tint. In one case, the end user may use a wall switch to override the level of tint provided by the control logic at a certain time of day to an override value. The control logic may receive information about these conditions and change the control logic to change the level of tint to an override value at the time of day.

Figure 17 is a diagram illustrating a particular implementation of block 1620 from figure 16. The figure shows that all three modules A, B and C are executed in sequence to calculate a single time t_iTo the final tint level of the particular electrochromic window. In the case of prediction logic, modules A, B and C are executed based at least in part on determining a final level of hue at some future time. The final level of tint may be the maximum allowed transmittance of the window under consideration. Fig. 17 also shows some exemplary inputs and outputs of modules A, B and C. The calculations in modules a, B and C are performed by a processor of a local window controller, a network controller or a master controller. Although certain examples describe all three modules A, B and C being used, other implementations may use one or more of modules A, B and C, or may use additional/different modules.

At operation 1770, the processor uses module a to determine a level of tint for occupant comfort to prevent direct glare from sunlight from penetrating into the room. The processor uses module a to calculate the penetration depth of direct sunlight into the room from the sun's azimuth in the sky and the window configuration in the profile. The sun's azimuth is calculated from the latitude and longitude of the building and the time and date of day. The occupancy lookup table and the space type are input from a configuration file for a particular window. Module a outputs the level of hue from module a to module B. The goal of module a is generally to ensure that direct sunlight or glare does not illuminate the occupant or his or her workspace. The level of hue from module a is determined to achieve this. Subsequent calculations of the level of hue in module B and module C may reduce energy consumption and may require even larger hues. However, if subsequent calculations based at least in part on the hue level of energy consumption indicate less hue than the coloration needed to avoid disturbing the occupant, the logic prevents the calculated higher level of transmissivity from being performed to ensure occupant comfort.

At operation 1780, the level of hue calculated in module a is input into module B. Typically, module B determines a level of shade that darkens (or does not change) the level of shade calculated in module B. The hue level is calculated based at least in part on the calculation of irradiance under clear sky conditions (clear sky irradiance). The processor of the controller uses module B to calculate clear sky irradiance of the electrochromic window based at least in part on the window orientation from the profile and based at least in part on the latitude and longitude of the building. These calculations are based at least in part on the time of day and date. Publicly available software, such as the radar program, is an open source program that can provide calculations for calculating clear sky irradiance. The SHGC of the reference glass is also input into module B from the configuration file. The processor uses module B to determine a darker tint level than the tint level in a and delivers less heat than the reference glass calculated to deliver at maximum clear sky irradiance. The maximum clear sky irradiance is the highest irradiance level at all times calculated under clear sky conditions.

At operation 1790, the tone level from module B and the calculated clear sky irradiance are input to module C. Sensor readings are input to module C based at least in part on measurements made by infrared sensors, ambient temperature sensors, and/or light sensors. The processor uses module C to determine the cloud status based at least in part on the sensor readings and the actual irradiance. The processor also uses module C to calculate the irradiance delivered to the room if the window is tinted to a level of tint from module B under clear sky conditions. If the actual irradiance through the window with this hue level is less than or equal to the irradiance through the window with the hue level from module B based at least in part on the determined cloud conditions from the sensor readings, the processor finds the appropriate hue level using module C. Typically, the operation of module C will determine a level of tint that brightens (or does not change) the level of tint determined by the operation of module B. The level of hue determined in block C is the final level of hue in this example.

Most of the information input to the control logic is determined by fixed information relating to latitude and longitude, time of day and date. This information describes the position of the sun relative to the building, and more specifically, relative to the window of the control logic being implemented. The orientation of the sun relative to the window provides information such as the penetration depth of direct sunlight entering the room with the aid of the window. It also provides an indication of the maximum irradiance or solar radiant energy flux through the window. This calculated irradiance level may be based at least in part on sensor input that may be reduced based at least in part on the determined cloud cover condition or another obstacle between the window and the sun.

Using a procedure such as the open source procedure Radiance to target a single time t_iAnd a maximum value at all times determining clear sky irradiance based at least in part on the window orientation and latitude and longitude coordinates of the building. The SHGC of the reference glass and the calculated maximum clear sky irradiance are input into module B. Module B steps up the level of hue calculated in module a and selects a level of hue where the internal radiation is less than or equal to a reference internal irradiance, where: the internal irradiance is hue level SHGC × clear sky irradiance, and the reference internal irradiance is reference SHGC × maximum clear sky irradiance. However, when module A calculates the maximum tint of the glass, module B does notThe tone is changed to make it brighter. The level of hue calculated in block B is then input into block C. The calculated clear sky irradiance is also input into module C.

Examples of control logic for shading decisions using an infrared cloud detector system with light sensors

Fig. 18 is a flow diagram 1800 depicting a particular implementation of the control logic of the operation shown in fig. 16, in accordance with an embodiment. Although the control logic is described with respect to a single window, it should be understood that the control logic may be used to control multiple windows or regions of one or more windows.

At operation 1810, the control logic determines whether the time of day is during one of the following periods of time: (i) a period beginning at a first time shortly before sunrise (e.g., beginning at a first time 45 minutes before sunrise, 30 minutes before sunrise, 20 minutes before sunrise, or other suitable period of time before sunrise) and ending at a second time shortly after sunrise (e.g., ending at a second time 45 minutes after sunrise, 30 minutes after sunrise, 20 minutes after sunrise, or other suitable period of time); (ii) a time period starting at a third time before sunset and ending at sunset; (iii) a period beginning after the second time after sunrise and ending at a third time before sunset (dusk) or at sunset (e.g., ending at a third time 45 minutes before sunset, 30 minutes before sunset, 20 minutes before sunset, 0 minutes before sunset, that is, at sunset or other suitable amount of time before sunset); and (iv) a time period beginning at the third time and ending at the first time prior to sunrise. In one case, the sunrise time may be determined from the measurement of a visible wavelength light sensor. For example, the second time may end at a point where the visible light wavelength light sensor begins measuring direct sunlight, i.e., where the intensity reading of the visible light sensor is at or above the minimum intensity value. Additionally or alternatively, the third time may be determined to end at a point where the intensity reading from the visible wavelength light sensor is at or below the minimum intensity value. In another example, sunrise and/or sunset times may be calculated using a solar calculator, and the day of the year and time periods (i) - (iv) may be calculated by a defined time period (e.g., 45 minutes) before and after the calculated sunrise/sunset time.

If it is determined at operation 1810 that the time of day is not during one of time periods (i), (ii), or (iii), the control logic determines that the time of day is in time period (iv) after time period (iii) and before time period (i), i.e., at night. In this case, the control logic passes through the night tone state (e.g., a "clear" tone state or a dark tone state for safety) and proceeds to operation 1870 to determine if an override is present, e.g., an override command is received in a signal from the operator or occupant. If it is determined that there is an override at operation 1860, the override value is the final level of tint. If no ready override is determined, the night tint state is the final tint level. At operation 1870, a control command is sent via the network or directly to the electrochromic device of the window to transition the window to a final tint level, the time of day is updated, and the method returns to operation 1810. Conversely, if it is determined at operation 1810 that the time of day is one of time periods (i), (ii), or (iii), then the time of day is between immediately before sunrise and immediately before sunset or sunset, and the control logic continues to determine at operation 1820 whether the solar azimuth is between the critical angles of the tintable windows.

If the sun azimuth is determined by the control logic to be outside the critical angle at operation 1820, module a is bypassed, a "clear" tint level is passed to module B, and the calculation is performed using module B at operation 1840. If the solar azimuth angle is determined to be between the critical angles at operation 1820, then at operation 1830, the control logic in module A is operable to calculate a penetration depth and an appropriate tint level based at least in part on the penetration depth. The level of hue determined by module a is then input to module B and, at operation 1840, a calculation is made using module B.

At operation 1840, the control logic from module B determines the tone level to dim (or not change) the tone level received from module a or the "clear" tone level obtained from operation 1820. The level of hue in module B is calculated based at least in part on the calculation of irradiance under clear sky conditions (clear sky irradiance). Module B is to calculate clear sky irradiance of the window based at least in part on the window orientation from the profile and based at least in part on the latitude and longitude of the building. These calculations are also based at least in part on the time of day and the day of the year (date). Publicly available software, such as the radar program, is an open source program that can provide calculations for determining clear sky irradiance. The SHGC of the reference glass is also input into module B from the configuration file. The processor uses the control logic of module B to determine a tint level that is darker (or the same) than the tint level it receives from module a and delivers less heat than the reference glass was calculated to deliver under maximum clear sky irradiance. The maximum clear sky irradiance is the highest irradiance level at all times calculated under clear sky conditions.

At operation 1850, the hue level from module B, the calculated clear sky irradiance, and sensor readings from the infrared sensor, the ambient temperature sensor, and the light sensor are input to module C. The control logic of module C determines a cloud status based at least in part on the sensor readings and determines an actual irradiance based at least in part on the cloud status. The control logic of module C also calculates the irradiance level that would be delivered into the room if the window were tinted to the tint level of module B under clear sky conditions. If the determined actual irradiance based on the cloud conditions through the window when coloring to the tone level from module B is less than or equal to the calculated irradiance through the window, the control logic in module C will decrease the tone level. Typically, the operation of module C will determine a level of tint that brightens (or does not change) the level of tint determined by the operation of module B.

At operation 1850, the control logic determines the level of tint from module C based at least in part on the sensor readings, and then proceeds to operation 1860 to determine if there is a ready override, e.g., an override command received in a signal from the operator. If it is determined that there is an override at operation 1860, the override value is the final level of tint. If no ready override is determined, the level of tint from module C is the final level of tint. At operation 1870, control commands are sent via the network or directed to the electrochromic device of the window to transition the window to the final tint level, the time of day is updated, and the method returns to operation 1810.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart 1900 depicting a particular embodiment of control logic implementing operation 1850 of module C shown in FIG. 18. At operation 1910, one or more signals are received at a processor having a temperature reading T taken by an infrared sensor at a particular sampling time_IRTemperature reading T acquired at sampling time by ambient temperature sensor_ambAnd intensity readings taken by the light sensor at the sampling time. Signals from the infrared sensor, ambient temperature sensor, and light sensor are received wirelessly and/or via a wired electrical connection. The infrared sensor obtains a temperature reading based at least in part on infrared radiation received within its field of view. The infrared sensors are typically oriented toward an area of sky of interest, such as an area above a building having windows. The ambient temperature sensor is configured to be exposed to an external environment outside the building to measure an ambient temperature. An ambient temperature sensor is typically placed and its sensing surface oriented so that direct sunlight is blocked or spread from illuminating the sensing surface. Typically, direct sunlight is diffused (e.g., using a diffuser) before illuminating the sensing surface of the light sensor. In some cases, the sensing surface of the light sensor is oriented in the same direction as the window face.

If it is determined that the time of day is during any of time periods (i) or (iii) at operation 1920, the processor calculates a temperature reading T taken by the infrared sensor_IRWith temperature readings T taken at sample times by ambient temperature sensors_ambThe difference delta (Δ) therebetween (operation 1930). Optionally (represented by the dashed line), a correction factor is applied to the calculated delta (Δ) (operation 1930). Some examples of correction factors that may be applied include humidity, sun angle/solar altitude, and field altitude.

In one embodiment, the processor also determines whether the infrared readings oscillate at a frequency greater than a second defined level at operation 1920. If the processor determines at operation 1920 that the time of day is within time period (i) or (iii) and the infrared reading oscillates at a frequency greater than a second defined level, the processor applies operation 1990 to determine cloud conditions using the light sensor reading. For example, if the light sensor reading is above a certain minimum intensity level, the processor may determine a "sunny" condition, and if the light sensor reading is at or below the minimum intensity level, the processor may determine a "cloudy" condition. If the system is still running, the method increments to the next sample time and returns to operation 1910. If not, the method returns to operation 1860 in FIG. 18.

At operation 1934, the processor determines whether the calculated delta (Δ) value is below a lower threshold (e.g., -5 millidegrees Celsius (m ° c), -2 milli (m ° c), etc.). If it is determined that the calculated delta (Δ) value is below the lower threshold, the cloud cover condition is determined to be a "sunny" condition (operation 1936). Control logic then applies operation 1995 to determine a tone level based on the determined cloud condition. During operation of the infrared cloud detector, the method then increments to the next sample time and returns to operation 1910. If no infrared cloud detector is implemented, the method returns to operation 1860 in FIG. 18.

If it is determined that the calculated delta (Δ) is above the lower threshold, the processor determines whether the calculated delta (Δ) is above an upper threshold (e.g., 0 millidegrees Celsius (m ° C), 2 millidegrees (m ° C), etc.) at operation 1940. If it is determined at operation 1940 that the calculated delta (Δ) is above the upper threshold, the processor determines the cloudiness condition as a "cloudy" condition (operation 1942) and applies operation 1995 to determine the tint level based on the determined cloudy condition. During operation/implementation of the infrared cloud detector, the method then increments to the next sample time and returns to operation 1910. If no infrared cloud detector is implemented, the method returns to operation 1860 in FIG. 18.

At operation 1995, if the window is tinted to a level of tint from module B under clear sky conditions, the control logic determines the actual irradiance based at least in part on the cloud conditions and calculates the irradiance level to be delivered to the room. Control logic in module C typically reduces the tint level from module B if the irradiance based at least in part on the cloud cover condition is less than or equal to the calculated irradiance through the window when tinting the tint level from module B. During operation/implementation of the infrared cloud detector, the method then increments to the next sample time and returns to operation 1910. If the infrared cloud detector has not been implemented, the method returns to operation 1860 in FIG. 18.

If it is determined that the delta (Δ) calculated at operation 1940 is below the upper threshold, the processor determines the cloudiness condition as "intermittently cloudy" or another intermediate condition (operation 1950) and proceeds to operation 1995, which is described in detail above.

If it is determined at operation 1920 that the time of day is not during either of time periods (i) or (iii), the time of day is during time period (ii) the day, and the temperature reading, T, taken by the infrared sensor is calculated by the processor at operation 1970 _IRAnd intensity readings taken by the light sensor. At operation 1980, the processor determines whether the calculated difference is within acceptable limits. If the processor determines that the difference calculated at operation 1980 is greater than an acceptable limit, the processor applies operation 1930 to calculate a delta (Δ) and uses the calculated delta (Δ) to determine the cloud status as discussed above.

In one embodiment, the processor also determines whether the infrared readings oscillate at a frequency greater than a second defined level at operation 1960. If the processor determines that the time of day is within the time period (ii) and the infrared readings oscillate at a frequency greater than a second defined level at operation 1960, the processor applies operation 1990 to determine cloud conditions using the light sensor readings. For example, if the light sensor reading is above a certain minimum intensity level, the processor may determine a "sunny" condition, and if the light sensor reading is at or below the minimum intensity level, the processor may determine a "cloudy" condition. The control logic then proceeds to operation 1995, which is described in detail above.

If the processor determines at operation 1980 that the calculated difference is within acceptable limits, the light sensor reading is used to determine the cloudiness condition (operation 1990). For example, if the light sensor reading is above a certain minimum intensity level, the processor may determine a "sunny" condition, and if the light sensor reading is at or below the minimum intensity level, the processor may determine a "cloudy" condition. The control logic then proceeds to operation 1995, which is described in detail above.

In one embodiment, the processor also determines whether the light sensor readings are oscillating at a frequency greater than a first defined level and whether the infrared readings are oscillating at a frequency greater than a second defined level at operation 1910. If the processor determines at operation 1970 that the calculated difference is within acceptable limits and the processor determines that the light sensor reading oscillates at a frequency greater than the first defined level, the processor applies operation 1930 to calculate delta (Δ) and uses the calculated delta (Δ) for determining the cloud condition as described above. If the processor determines at operation 1970 that the calculated difference is not within acceptable limits and the processor determines that the infrared readings are oscillating at a frequency greater than a second defined level, the processor applies operation 1990 to determine cloud conditions using the light sensor readings. For example, if the light sensor reading is above a certain minimum intensity level, the processor may determine a "sunny" condition, and if the light sensor reading is at or below the minimum intensity level, the processor may determine a "cloudy" condition. The control logic then proceeds to operation 1995, which is described in more detail above.

Examples of modules C1 and D

One example of exemplary tone control logic includes four (4) logic modules A, B, C1 and D. Modules C1 and D use sensor readings taken by various sensors (e.g., temperature sensors and visible light sensors) to determine the level of tint. In one embodiment, modules C1 and D also use ambient temperature readings from weather transmission data. Typically, these sensors are part of an infrared cloud detector system, such as part in the form of a multi-sensor device (e.g., multi-sensor device 2030 shown in fig. 20A-20D, multi-sensor device 401 shown in fig. 4A-4C, or multi-sensor device 3201 shown in fig. 32A-32C).

Fig. 20A-20D include schematic diagrams depicting some common inputs of logic modules A, B, C1 and D. To illustrate the general inputs, each figure depicts a schematic side view of a room 2000 of a building with a desk 2001 and an electrochromic window 2005 located between the exterior and interior of the building. The figure also depicts that the local window controller 2050 communicates with the electrochromic window 2005 to send control signals to control the voltage applied to the electrochromic window 2005, thereby controlling its transition. The figure also depicts an infrared cloud detector system in the form of a multi-sensor device 2030 that is located on the roof of a building with one or more tintable windows.

A multi-sensor device 2030 is shown in simplified form in fig. 20A-20D. The components of multi-sensor device 2030 are similar to the components of multi-sensor device 3201 described in more detail with respect to fig. 32A-32C. In the illustrated example shown in fig. 20A-20D, the multi-sensor device 2030 includes a housing 2032 having an outer shell made of a light diffusing material. Multi-sensor device 2030 also includes at least two redundant infrared sensor devices 2034, e.g., a plurality of infrared sensor devices, to provide redundancy in the event one device fails or is unavailable. Each infrared sensor device 2034 has an on-board ambient temperature sensor and an infrared sensor for measuring thermal radiation from the sky. In addition, multi-sensor device 2030 includes a plurality of visible light photosensors 2010 located within a housing shell of a housing and facing outward and/or upward in different directions. For example, multi-sensor device 20134 may have thirteen (13) visible light sensors 2010. The infrared sensor is configured to obtain a sky temperature reading T based at least in part on infrared radiation received from a sky region within its field of view _sky. Each on-board ambient temperature sensor is configured to take an ambient temperature reading T of the ambient air_amb. Each infrared sensor device 2034 includes an imaginary axis perpendicular to the sensing surface of the infrared sensor and passing substantially through the center of the sensing surface. Although not shown, multi-sensor device 2030 also includes one or more structures that retain its components in a housing2032. Although for simplicity the logic modules A, B, C1 and D are described with reference to sensor data from a multi-sensor device 2030, it will be understood that these modules may use data derived from one or more other sources, e.g., other infrared cloud detector systems, weather transmission data, other sensors in a building, e.g., a stand-alone sensor available at one or more electrochromic windows, user input, etc.

Multi-sensor device 2030 also includes a processor capable of executing instructions stored in a memory (not shown) for implementing logic. For example, in one embodiment, the processor of multi-sensor device 2030 filters the sensor readings using the logic of module D (e.g., the logic of module D' described with reference to fig. 23). In this example, the processor of multi-sensor device 2030 receives sensor readings from sensors at multi-sensor device 2030 and/or weather transmission data via a network to filter the sensor readings over time to determine filtered sensor values as input to the control logic. In this embodiment, the window controller 2050 receives a signal having a filtered sensor value and uses the filtered sensor value as input into the logic of modules C1 and/or D.

The room 2000 also includes a local window controller 2050 having a processor (not shown) that can execute instructions stored in a memory (not shown) for implementing control logic for controlling the tint level of the electrochromic window 2005. The window controller 2050 communicates with the electrochromic window 2005 to send control signals. The window controller 2050 is also in communication (wireless or wired) with the multi-sensor device 2030 to receive signals having, for example, filtered sensor values or sensor readings. For example, the window controller 2050 may receive a window having an infrared sensor reading (T) taken by the infrared sensor_sky) And ambient temperature readings (T) taken by an on-board ambient temperature sensor of the infrared sensor arrangement 2034_amb) And/or signals of visible light readings taken by the plurality of light sensors 2010. Additionally or alternatively, window controller 2050 may receive filtered infrared sensor values having readings taken based at least in part on infrared sensor 2034 and/or at leastA signal based in part on the filtered light sensor values of the readings taken by light sensor 2010.

According to certain aspects, power/communication lines extend from a building or another structure to the multi-sensor device 2030. In one embodiment, multi-sensor device 2030 includes a network interface that may couple multi-sensor device 2030 to a suitable cable. The multi-sensor device 2030 may transmit data to the window controller 2050 or another controller (e.g., a network controller and/or a master controller) of the building through a network interface. In some other embodiments, the multi-sensor device 2030 may additionally or alternatively include a wireless network interface capable of wireless communication with one or more external controllers. In some aspects, multi-sensor device 2030 may also include a battery within or coupled with its housing to power the sensors and electronic components therein. The battery may provide such power as an alternative to or in addition to power from a power source (e.g., from a building power source). In one aspect, multi-sensor device 2030 further includes at least one photovoltaic cell, for example, on an outer surface of the housing. The at least one photovoltaic cell may provide power in lieu of or in addition to power provided by any other power source.

Fig. 20A shows the penetration depth of direct sunlight into a room 2000 through an electrochromic window 2005 between the exterior and interior of a building, including the room 2000. Penetration depth is a measure of the extent to which direct sunlight may penetrate into the room 2000. As shown, the penetration depth is measured in a horizontal direction away from the sill (bottom) of the electrochromic window 2005. Typically, the window defines an aperture that provides an acceptance angle for direct sunlight. The penetration depth is calculated based on the geometry of the window (e.g., the size of the window), its orientation and orientation in the room, any fins or other external coverings outside the window, and the orientation of the sun (e.g., the sun angle of direct sunlight at a particular time and date of the day). The external shading of the electrochromic window 2005 may be due to any type of structure of the shadable window, such as overhangs, fins, etc. In fig. 20A, there is a overhang 2020 above the electrochromic window 2005 that blocks a portion of direct sunlight entering the room 2000, thereby shortening the penetration depth.

Module a1 may be used to determine a tint level that takes into account the comfort of the occupant, avoiding direct sunlight through the electrochromic window 2005 onto the occupant or their active area (also referred to herein as a "glare condition"). The tint level is determined based at least in part on the calculated penetration depth of the direct sunlight into the room and the type of space in the room at a particular time (e.g., a table, a lobby near a window, etc.). In some cases, the level of tint may also be based at least in part on sufficient natural light provided into the room. In some cases, the penetration depth is a value calculated at a future time to account for the glass transition time (the time required for window tinting, e.g., 80%, 90%, or 100% of the desired level of tint). The problem addressed in module a1 is that direct sunlight can penetrate deep into the room 2000 to shine directly on people working at the table or other active areas in the room. Publicly available programs can provide calculation of solar azimuth and allow easy calculation of penetration depth.

Fig. 20A-20D also show a table 2001 in the room 2000 as an example of the type of space associated with the activity area (i.e., the table) and the location of the activity area (i.e., the location of the table). Each space type is associated with a different level of tint for occupant comfort. For example, if the activity is a critical activity (such as work done in an office at a desk or computer) and the desk is positioned near the window, the desired tint level may be higher than if the desk was farther from the window. As another example, if an activity is non-critical (such as an activity in a lobby), the desired hue level may be lower than the hue level of the same space with a table.

Fig. 20B shows direct sunlight and radiation entering the room 2000 through the electrochromic window 2005 under clear sky conditions according to an embodiment. The radiation may come from sunlight scattered by molecules and particles in the atmosphere. Module B determines the tint level based at least in part on the calculated value of irradiance flowing through the electrochromic window 2005 under clear sky conditions under consideration. Various software, such as the open source radar program, can be used to calculate clear sky irradiance for a certain latitude, longitude, time of year, time of day, and orientation of a given window.

Fig. 20C illustrates radiated light from the sky when it may be blocked or reflected by an object, such as a cloud or other building or structure, according to an embodiment. These obstacles and reflections are not considered in clear sky radiation calculations. The radiated light from the sky is determined based at least in part on light sensor data from the plurality of light sensors 2010 of the multi-sensor device 2030. The level of hue determined by the logic of module C1 is based at least in part on the light sensor data. The level of hue is based at least in part on the cloud cover condition determined using readings taken by the plurality of light sensors 2010. In some cases, the cloud status is determined based at least in part on filtered light sensor values determined based on readings from the plurality of light sensors 2010 acquired over time.

Fig. 20D shows infrared radiation 2090 from the sky, which may radiate from clouds and other obstacles, in accordance with an embodiment. As mentioned above with reference to fig. 20C, these obstacles are not considered in the clear sky radiation calculation. In the morning and evening, when the visible radiation level is low and the visible light sensor reading is low and may give false positives for cloudy conditions, the operation of module D uses the sky and ambient temperature data to determine cloud conditions.

In one embodiment, the operational use of module D is based at least in part on a sky-based temperature reading (T)_sky) And ambient temperature reading (T)_amb) Determining filtered infrared sensor values to determine each time instant t_iCloud cover condition. Ambient temperature readings come either from one or more ambient temperature sensors or from weather transmitted data. For example, a sky temperature reading may be determined based at least in part on readings taken by an infrared sensor of multi-sensor device 2030. Determining a level of hue based at least in part on a cloudiness condition determined from the filtered infrared sensor value. Generally, operation of module B will determine the level of shade that darkens (or does not change) the level of shade determined by module A1, while operation of module C1 or DA determination is made as to the level of hue that will brighten (or not change) the level of hue determined by module B.

For one or more windows in a building, the control logic may implement one or more of logic modules A1, B, C1, and D. Each electrochromic window may have a unique set of dimensions, orientations (e.g., vertical, horizontal, tilted at an angle), orientations, associated spatial types, and so forth. A profile with this and other information may be maintained for each electrochromic window or zone of electrochromic windows in a building. In one example, the configuration file may be stored in a computer readable medium of the local window controller 2050 of the electrochromic window 2005 or in a building management system ("BMS") described later in this disclosure. The profile may include information such as window configurations, occupancy look-up tables, information relating to the associated reference glass, and/or other data used by the control logic. The window configuration may include information such as the size of the electrochromic window 2005, the orientation of the electrochromic window 2005, and the like. The occupancy look-up table describes the level of tint that provides occupant comfort for certain space types and penetration depths. That is, the level of tint in the occupancy look-up table is designed to provide comfort to occupants who may be in the room 2000, avoiding direct sunlight onto the occupants or their workspace. The type of space is a measure for determining how much coloration is needed to solve occupant comfort issues for a given penetration depth and/or to provide comfortable natural lighting in a room. The spatial type parameter may take into account a number of factors. These factors include the type of work or other activity being performed within a particular room and location of the activity. The intensive work associated with detailed studies that require great attention may be of one type of space, while rest or conference rooms may be of a different type of space. Additionally, the orientation of the table or other work surface relative to the window is a consideration in defining the type of space. For example, the space type may be associated with a single occupant's office having a desk or other workspace located near the electrochromic window 1505. As another example, the space type may be a lobby.

In certain embodiments, one or more modules of the control logic may determine a desired level of hue while accounting for energy savings in addition to occupant comfort. These modules can determine the energy savings associated with a particular level of tint by comparing the performance of the electrochromic window at that level of tint to the performance of a benchmark glass or other standard reference window. The purpose of using the reference window may be to ensure that the control logic meets the requirements of municipal building codes or other requirements of reference windows used in the building yard. Municipalities often use conventional low emissivity glass to define reference windows to control the amount of air conditioning load in a building. As an example of how the reference window 2005 fits into the control logic, the logic may be designed such that the irradiance through a given electrochromic window 2005 is never greater than the maximum irradiance of the reference window specified by the respective municipality. In the disclosed embodiments, the control logic may use the solar gain coefficient (SHGC) value of the electrochromic window 2005 at a particular tint level and the SHGC of the reference window to determine the energy savings using that tint level. Typically, the value of SHGC is the fraction of incident light of all wavelengths transmitted through the window. Although reference glass is described in many embodiments, other standard reference windows may be used. Typically, the SHGC of a reference window (e.g., a glass reference) is a different variable for different geographic locations and window orientations, and is based at least in part on code requirements specified by the respective municipalities.

Examples of control logic including modules A, B, C1 and D

Fig. 21 depicts a flowchart 2100 showing the general control logic of a method for controlling one or more electrochromic windows in a building, according to an embodiment. For example, the control logic may be implemented to control one or more zones of the electrochromic window. The control logic implements one or more of modules a1, B, C1, and D to calculate a tint level for one or more electrochromic windows and send instructions to transition the electrochromic devices of the one or more electrochromic windows (e.g., electrochromic devices in a multi-zone electrochromic window or electrochromic devices on multiple electrochromic sheets of an insulated glass unit) to that tint level. Some examples of MULTI-ZONE WINDOWS may be found in international PCT application PCT/US14/71314 entitled "MULTI-ZONE EC WINDOWS," filed 12, 14, 2014, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. Modules a1 and B are similar to modules a and B described with respect to fig. 15A and 15B.

At operation 2110, the calculations in the control logic run at intervals timed by the timer. In some cases, the logical computations may be done at constant time intervals. In one case, the logical calculation is completed every 2 to 5 minutes. In other cases, it may be desirable to perform the calculations less frequently, such as every 30 minutes or every 20 minutes, for example, for tone transitions for large pieces of electrochromic flakes (e.g., up to 6 feet by 10 feet) that may take 30 minutes or more to transition.

At operation 2120, logic moduli A1, B, C1, and D perform calculations to determine that at a single time t_iOf one or more electrochromic windows. These calculations may be performed by one or more processors of the window controller and/or the multi-sensor apparatus. For example, a processor of the multi-sensor device may determine filtered sensor values and communicate these filtered sensor values to a window controller that determines a level of tint as a function of the filtered sensor values. In another example, the one or more processors of the window controller may determine the filtered sensor values and corresponding tint levels based, at least in part, on sensor readings received from the multi-sensor device.

In some implementations, the control logic is prediction logic that calculates how the window should transition before the actual transition. In these cases, the calculations in modules A1, B, C1, and D are based at least in part on the future time (e.g., t)_iCurrent time + duration, e.g., transition time of one or more electrochromic windows), e.g., during or after completion of the transition. For example, the future time used in the calculation may be a future time sufficient to allow the transition to complete after the hue instruction is received. In these cases, the window controller may precede the actual transition Sends a tone instruction. By completing the transition, the window will transition to the level of hue desired at the future time.

At operation 2130, the control logic allows various types of overrides of the escape algorithm at modulo a1, B, C1, and D, and at operation 2140 defines an override tone level based at least in part on some other consideration. One type of override is a manual override. This is an override implemented by the end user occupying the room and determines that a particular tone level (override value) is required. There may be situations where the user's manual override is overridden by itself. An example of an override is a high demand (or peak load) override, which is associated with utility requirements in a building where energy consumption is to be reduced. For example, on particularly hot days in a metropolitan area, it may be necessary to reduce the energy consumption of the entire municipality in order to avoid unduly imposing taxes on the energy production and delivery systems of the municipality. In such situations, the building may override the tint levels from the control logic to ensure that all windows have particularly high tint levels. This override may override the user manual override. Another example of an override is when a room has no occupants, such as a commercial office building on a weekend. In this case, the building may be detached from the module or modules related to occupant comfort, and all windows may have a low level of coloration in cold weather and a high level of coloration in warm weather.

At operation 2150, control signals for implementing a tint level are transmitted via a network to a power source in electrical communication with electrochromic devices in one or more electrochromic windows to transition the windows to the tint level. In certain embodiments, the transmission of the tint level to the window of the building may be implemented with efficiency in mind. For example, if the recalculation of the tone level indicates that the tone of the current tone level does not need to be changed, then no instruction with an updated tone level is transmitted. As another example, a building may be divided into zones of windows based at least in part on window size and/or location in the building. In one case, the control logic recalculates the tint level for the region with the smaller window more frequently than for the region with the larger window.

In one case, the control logic in FIG. 21 implements a control method for controlling the tint levels of all electrochromic windows throughout a building on a single device, such as a single master window controller. This device can perform calculations for each and every electrochromic window in a building and also provide an interface for transmitting the tint level to the electrochromic devices in the individual electrochromic windows.

Also, there may be some adaptive components of the control logic of the embodiments. For example, the control logic may determine how an end user (e.g., occupant) attempts to override the algorithm at a particular time of day, and then utilize this information in a more predictive manner to determine the desired level of tint. For example, an end user may be using a wall switch to override the level of tint that the control logic provides at a particular time of day on successive sequential days to an override value. The control logic may receive information about these instances and change the control logic to introduce an override value that will change the level of tint to the end user's override value at that time of the day.

Fig. 22 is a diagram illustrating a particular implementation of block 2020 from fig. 21. The figure shows that all four modulo A1, B, C1, and D are performed in sequence to calculate a single time t_iTo the final tint level of the particular electrochromic window. In the case of prediction logic, the determination of the future time t is based at least in part on_iTo perform blocks a1, B, C1, and D. The final level of tint may be the maximum allowed transmittance of the window under consideration. In one embodiment, the computations of modules a1, B, C1, and D are performed by a processor of a local window controller, a network controller, or a master controller.

At operation 2270, the processor uses module a1 to determine a hue level for occupant comfort to prevent direct glare from sunlight from penetrating into the room. The processor uses module a1 to calculate the penetration depth of direct sunlight into the room based on the sun's position in the sky and the window configuration in the profile. The orientation of the sun is calculated from the latitude and longitude of the building and the time and date of the day. The occupancy look-up table and the type of space are input from the configuration file for a particular window. Module a1 outputs the level of hue from module a to module B. The goal of module a1 is generally to ensure that direct sunlight or glare does not strike the occupant or his or her workspace. The level of hue from module a1 is determined to achieve this. Subsequent calculations of the level of hue in modules B, C and D may reduce energy consumption and may require even larger hues. However, if subsequent calculations based at least in part on the hue level of energy consumption indicate less hue than the coloration needed to avoid disturbing the occupant, the logic prevents the calculated higher level of transmissivity from being performed to ensure occupant comfort.

At operation 2280, the hue level calculated in block a1 is input into block B. Typically, module B determines a level of shade that darkens (or does not change) the level of shade calculated in module B. The hue level is calculated based at least in part on the calculation of irradiance under clear sky conditions (clear sky irradiance). The processor of the controller uses module B to calculate clear sky irradiance of one or more electrochromic windows based at least in part on the window orientation from the profile and based at least in part on latitude and longitude coordinates of the building. These calculations are also based at least in part on time t _iThe time of day and/or the maximum value of all times. Publicly available software, such as the radar program, is an open source program that can provide calculations for calculating clear sky irradiance. The SHGC of the reference glass is also input into module B from the configuration file. The processor uses module B to determine a darker tint level than the tint level in a and delivers less heat than the reference glass was calculated to deliver at maximum clear sky irradiance. The maximum clear sky irradiance is the highest irradiance level at all times calculated under clear sky conditions. In one example, module B increases the level of hue calculated in module a1 and selects a level of hue where the internal irradiance is less than or equal to a baseline internal irradiance, where: the inside irradiance is hue level SHGC x clear sky irradiance, and the baseline inside irradiance is baseline SHGC x maximum clear sky irradiance.

At operation 2290, the level of hue and the photosensor reading and/or the filtered photosensor value from module B are input to module C1. The calculated clear sky irradiance is also input into block C1. The light sensor readings are based at least in part on measurements made by a plurality of light sensors, such as a plurality of light sensor devices. The processor determines the cloud status using the logic of block C1 by comparing the filtered light sensor value to a threshold value. In one case, module C1 determines a filtered light sensor value based at least in part on the raw light sensor reading. In another case, module C1 receives as input the filtered light sensor value. The processor implements the logic of module C1 to determine a level of tint based at least in part on the determined cloud cover condition. Typically, operation of module C1 will determine a level of hue that will either brighten or not change the level of hue determined by operation of module B.

At operation 2295, the level of hue from module C1 is input to module D, and in addition, the infrared sensor readings and ambient temperature sensor readings and/or their associated filtered infrared sensor values are input to module D. The infrared sensor readings and the ambient temperature sensor readings include a sky temperature reading (T)_sky) Ambient temperature reading (T) from building local sensors_amb) Or ambient temperature readings (T) from weather transmitted data_weather) And/or T_sky–T_ambThe difference between them. The filtered infrared sensor value is based on a sky temperature reading (T)_sky) And ambient temperature reading (T) from local sensors_amb) Or ambient temperature readings (T) from weather data_weather) And (4) determining. Sky temperature readings are taken by infrared sensors. Ambient temperature readings are taken by one or more ambient temperature sensors. Ambient temperature readings may be received from various sources. For example, the ambient temperature readings may be communicated from one or more ambient temperature sensors located on an infrared sensor and/or from a separate temperature sensor in the building, such as a multi-sensor device. As another example, an ambient temperature reading may be received from a weather transmission. The logic of module D is determined by comparing the filtered infrared sensor value to a threshold value Determining cloud cover status. Generally, the level of hue determined by the operation of module D darkens (or does not change) the level of hue determined by the operation of module C1. The hue level determined in module D in this example is the final hue level. In one embodiment, (i) a history of local ambient temperature readings from one or more local temperature sensors is compared to (ii) a history of ambient temperature readings obtained from an external weather data source to form a comparison. Statistical analysis using multivariate regression models can be performed to identify differences between the two types of historical readings. In some embodiments, it has been found that statistical analysis can be used to identify sensor reading deviations and/or inaccuracies. Such deviations and/or inaccuracies may be caused by local thermal effects that may not otherwise be present. Examples of heating effects include those that can be caused by radiant heat of the building and/or insufficient ventilation through the sensor housing. If such deviations and/or inaccuracies are present, the hue decision made by module D may be negatively impacted. In one embodiment, module D uses one or more differences between two sets of historical readings as input, e.g., before determining the final level of tint.

Much information input to the control logic described with reference to fig. 22 is determined according to fixed information about the latitude and longitude of the building, and also according to the time of day and the day of the year (date). This information describes the position of the sun relative to the building, and more specifically, relative to each of the one or more windows in which the control logic is being implemented. The orientation of the sun relative to the windows can be used to calculate information such as the penetration depth of direct sunlight into the room through each window. It also provides an indication of the maximum irradiance or solar radiant energy flux through the window during clear sky conditions.

In the morning and evening, the sunlight level is low, and the readings taken by the external visible light sensor, for example in a multisensor, are low, possibly considered to coincide with readings during cloudy times of the day. Thus, if considered in isolation, the external visible light photosensor readings taken in the morning and evening may falsely indicate a cloudy condition. Furthermore, any obstruction of a building or hill/mountain may also result in a false positive indication of a cloudy condition based only at least in part on the acquired readings of the visible light sensor. Furthermore, if taken alone, external visible light photosensor readings taken before sunrise may result in a false positive cloudy condition. Where the control logic predetermines the level of tint at sunrise based at least in part on visible light sensor readings taken only just prior to sunrise, a false positive cloudy condition may result in transitioning the electrochromic window to a transparent state at sunrise, thereby causing glare to the room.

In certain embodiments, the control logic described herein uses filtered sensor values based at least in part on temperature readings from one or more infrared sensors and from an ambient temperature sensor to determine cloud conditions in the morning and evening and/or at a time just before sunrise. The one or more infrared sensors typically operate independently of the sun level, allowing the tint control logic to determine cloud conditions before sunrise and determine and maintain the appropriate tint levels in the morning and evening while the sun is falling. Further, filtered sensor values based at least in part on temperature readings from one or more infrared sensors may be used to determine cloud conditions even if visible light sensors are obscured or otherwise blocked.

In one embodiment, the control logic described with respect to FIG. 22 is based at least in part on the time t determined by the sun's altitude_iModule C1 and/or module D are implemented in the morning, daytime, or evening area. An example of such an implementation is described in detail with reference to fig. 24.

Examples of Module D

In certain implementations, module D uses the filtered Infrared (IR) sensor values (e.g., a rolling average or median of the sensor readings) as input to determine the tint level of one or more electrochromic windows in the building. The filtered IR sensor value may be calculated by logic and passed to module D, or module D may query a database to retrieve the stored filtered IR sensor value. In one aspect, module D includes logic to use a cloudy offset value and a day Empty temperature reading (T)_sky) And ambient temperature reading (T) of local sensor_amb) Or ambient temperature readings (T) from weather data_weather) And/or the difference delta (Δ) between the sky temperature reading and the ambient temperature reading. The cloudy offset value is a temperature offset corresponding to a threshold value used to determine a cloudy condition by logic in module D. The logic of module D may be executed by one or more processors executing the logic of module D, such as a local window controller, a network controller, or a master controller.

For example, another embodiment of the control logic shown in fig. 22 also includes a module D' that receives infrared sensor readings and ambient temperature readings from the sensors, calculates filtered infrared sensor values, and passes the filtered infrared sensor values to module D. Alternatively, the logic of module D' may be executed by one or more processors of the multi-sensor device. In one case, the filtered IR sensor values calculated from module D' are saved to an IR sensor measurement database stored in memory. In this case, the one or more processors of module D that perform the calculations retrieve the filtered IR sensor values from the IR sensor measurement database as input.

FIG. 23 illustrates a flow diagram 2300 depicting the logic of module D', according to some embodiments. The logic of module D' may be executed by one or more processors of a local window controller, a network controller, a master controller, or a multi-processor device. At operation 2310, the processor performing the operations of module D' receives as input the sensor reading at the current time. The sensor readings may be received via a communication network at the building, for example, from a rooftop multi-sensor device. The received sensor readings include a sky temperature reading (T)_sky) And ambient temperature readings (T) from building local sensors_amb) Or ambient temperature readings (T) from weather data_weather) And/or T_skyAnd T_ambThe difference (Δ) between. Ambient temperature reading (T) of building local sensors_amb) Is a measurement made by an ambient temperature sensor located on or separate from the IR sensor device. Ring (C)Ambient temperature sensor readings may also be from weather transmission data.

In one embodiment, the logic of module D' receives and uses raw sensor readings of measurements made by two or more IR sensor devices (e.g., of a rooftop multi-sensor device) in a building, each having a sensor for measuring an ambient temperature (T;) _amb) And a skyward sensor for measuring sky temperature (T) based at least in part on infrared radiation received within its field of view_sky) An on-board IR sensor. Two or more IR sensor devices are typically used to provide redundancy. In one case, each infrared sensor device outputs an ambient temperature (T)_amb) And sky temperature (T)_sky) Is read. In another case, each infrared sensor device outputs an ambient temperature (T)_amb) Sky temperature (T)_sky) And T_skyAnd T_ambThe difference between them is a reading of delta. In one case, each infrared sensor device outputs T_skyAnd T_ambThe difference between them is a reading of delta. According to one aspect, the logic of module D' uses raw sensor readings of measurements made by two IR sensor devices in the building. In another aspect, the logic of module D' uses raw sensor readings of measurements made by 1-10 IR sensor devices in the building.

In another embodiment, the logic of module D' receives and uses the original sky temperature (T) acquired by an infrared sensor at the building and facing the sky to receive infrared radiation within its field of view_sky) Readings and ambient temperature readings (T) from weather transmitted data _weather). Weather transmission data is received from one or more weather services and/or other data sources over a communications network. The weather transmission data typically includes data associated with weather conditions, such as cloud coverage, visibility data, wind speed data, temperature data, percent probability of precipitation, and/or humidity. Typically, the weather transmission data is received in a signal by the window controller via a communication network. According to certain aspects, a window controller may send weather-related transmissions to one or more weather services over a communication interface on a communication networkA request for data. The request typically includes at least the longitude and latitude of the location of the window being controlled. In response, one or more weather services transmit a signal with weather transmission data to the window controller via the communication interface over the communication network. The communication interface and network may be wired or wireless in form. In some cases, the weather service may be accessed through a weather website. Can be arranged inwww.forecast.ioAn example of a weather web site is found. Another example is the national weather service (www.weather.gov). The weather transmission data may be based at least in part on a current time or may be predicted at a future time. More details regarding the logic of sending data using weather can be found in International application PCT/US16/41344 entitled "CONTROL METHOD FOR TINTABLE WINDOWS" filed on 7.7.2016, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Returning to FIG. 23, at operation 2320, a temperature value (T) is calculated based at least in part on the sky temperature readings from the one or more infrared sensors, the ambient temperature readings from the one or more local ambient temperature sensors or from the weather transmission, and the multi-cloud offset value_calc). The cloudy offset value is a temperature offset that determines a first threshold and a second threshold for determining a cloud condition in module D. In one embodiment, the cloudy offset value is-17 millidegrees Celsius. In one example, a cloudy offset value of-17 millidegrees celsius corresponds to a first threshold of 0 millidegrees celsius. In one embodiment, the cloudy offset value is in the range of-30 millidegrees Celsius to 0 millidegrees Celsius.

In one embodiment, a temperature value (T) is calculated based at least in part on sky temperature readings from two or more pairs of thermal sensors_calc). Each pair of thermal sensors has an infrared sensor and an ambient temperature sensor. In one case, the thermal sensors of each pair are integral components of the IR sensor device. Each IR sensor device has an onboard IR sensor and an onboard ambient temperature sensor. Two IR sensor devices are typically used to provide redundancy. In another case, the infrared sensor and the ambient temperature sensor are separate. In this embodiment, the temperature value is calculated as:

T_calcMinimum value (T)_sky1,T_sky2,..) -minimum value (T)_amb1,T_amb2… -cloudy offset value (Eq. 2) T_sky1,T_sky2… are temperature readings taken by a plurality of infrared sensors, and T_amb1,T_amb2And … are temperature readings taken by a plurality of ambient temperature sensors. If two infrared sensors and two ambient temperature sensors are used, T_calcMinimum value (T)_sky1,T_sky2) Minimum value (T)_amb1,T_amb2) -a cloudy offset value. A minimum of readings of multiple sensors of the same type is used to bias the results towards lower temperature values, which indicate lower cloud cover, and result in higher tone levels, to bias the results towards avoiding glare.

In another embodiment, the logic of module D' may switch from using the local ambient temperature sensor to sending data using the weather when the ambient temperature sensor reading becomes unavailable or inaccurate, for example, when the ambient temperature sensor is reading heat emanating from a local source (e.g., a rooftop). In this embodiment, an ambient temperature reading (T) is transmitted based at least in part on the sky temperature reading and the data from the weather_weather) Calculating a temperature value (T)_calc). In this embodiment, the temperature value is calculated as:

T_calcminimum value (T)_sky1,T_sky2,…)–T_weather-cloudy offset value (Eq. 3)

In another embodiment, a temperature value (T) is calculated based at least in part on a reading of a difference Δ between a sky temperature and an ambient temperature measured at two or more IR sensor devices _calc) Each IR sensor device has an onboard IR sensor measurement and an ambient temperature sensor. In this embodiment, the temperature value is calculated as:

T_calcminimum value (Δ)₁,Δ₂…) -cloudy offset value (Eq.4)

Wherein Δ₁,Δ₂… is a reading of the difference delta between the sky temperature and the ambient temperature measured by a plurality of IR sensor devices. In makingIn the embodiments of equations 1, 2 and 2, the control logic uses the difference between the sky temperature and the ambient temperature to determine the IR sensor value input to module D to determine the cloud condition. The fluctuations in ambient temperature readings tend to be smaller than the fluctuations in sky temperature readings. By using the difference between the sky temperature and the ambient temperature as an input to determine the hue state, the determined hue state may fluctuate to a lesser extent over time and provide a more stable coloration of the window.

In another embodiment, the control logic calculates T based only on sky temperature readings from two or more infrared sensors_calc. In this embodiment, the IR sensor values determined by module D' and input into module D are based at least in part on the sky temperature readings, rather than on the ambient temperature readings. In this case, module D determines a cloud condition based at least in part on the sky temperature reading. Although for determining T _calcThe above embodiments of (a) are based at least in part on two or more redundant sensors of each type, but it should be understood that the control logic may be implemented using readings from a single sensor of a different type.

At operation 2330, the processor uses the T determined in operation 2320_calcAnd updating the short-term rectangular wave strings and the long-term rectangular wave strings. To update the boxcar, the newest sensor reading is added to the boxcar, and the oldest sensor reading is deleted from the boxcar. For module D and other control logic described herein, the filtered sensor values are used as inputs to make shading decisions. Module D' and other logic described herein determine filtered sensor values using short-term and long-term boxcar (filters). Short rectangular wave trains (e.g., rectangular wave trains employing sample values taken over 10 minutes, 20 minutes, 5 minutes, etc.) are based at least in part on a smaller number of sensor samples (e.g., n 1, 2, 3, … 10, etc.) relative to a larger number of sensor samples (e.g.,

n

10, 20, 30, 40, etc.) in long rectangular wave trains (e.g., rectangular wave trains employing sample values taken over 1 hour, 2 hours, etc.). The boxcar (illumination) values may be based at least in part on the samples in the boxcar The average, mean, median or other representative value of this value. In one example, the short rectangular wave train value is the median of the sensor samples and the long rectangular wave train value is the median of the sensor samples. Module D' typically uses a rolling median of the sensor samples for each of the short and long boxcar values. In another example, the short rectangular wave string value is a mean of the sensor samples and the long rectangular wave string value is a mean of the sensor samples. Module C1 generally uses the filtered light sensor values, which are determined from the short and/or long rectangular wave train values based at least in part on the mean of the sensor samples.

Because the short rectangular wave train values are based at least in part on a smaller number of sensor samples, the short rectangular wave train values more closely follow the current sensor readings than the long rectangular wave train values. Thus, short rectangular burst values respond more quickly and to a greater extent to rapidly changing conditions than long rectangular burst values. Although both the calculated short and long rectangular burst values lag behind the sensor reading, the short rectangular burst values will lag less than the long rectangular burst values. Short rectangular wave trains tend to react more quickly to the current conditions than long rectangular wave trains. A long rectangular wave train may be used to smooth the response of the window controller to frequent short duration weather fluctuations, such as passing clouds, while a short rectangular wave train is not also smoothed, but responds more quickly to rapid and significant weather changes, such as cloudy conditions. In the case of a passing cloud condition, control logic using only long boxcar values will not react quickly to the current passing cloud condition. In this case, long boxcar values may be used in the coloring decision to determine an appropriate high level of hue. In the case of fog-out conditions, it may be more appropriate to use short-term boxcar values in the coloring decisions. In this case, the short-term rectangular wave trains react more quickly to new sunny conditions after the fog has been dissipated. By using short-term boxcar values to make coloring decisions, the tintable window can be quickly adjusted to sunny conditions and keep occupants comfortable when fog is quickly dispersed.

In operation 2340, the processor determines a short rectangular wave train value (Sboxcar value) and a long rectangular wave train value (lbooxcar value) based at least in part on updating the current sensor reading in the rectangular wave train in operation 2330. In this example, each boxcar value is calculated by taking the median of the sensor readings in the boxcar after the last update made in operation 2330. In another embodiment, each boxcar value is calculated by taking the average of the current sensor readings in each boxcar. In other embodiments, other calculations of the sensor readings in each rectangular wave string may be used.

In certain embodiments, the control logic described herein evaluates the difference between the short-term boxcar value and the long-term boxcar value to determine the boxcar value to implement in making the coloring decision. For example, the short-term boxcar value may be used in the coloring decision when the absolute value of the difference between the short-term boxcar value and the long-term boxcar value exceeds a threshold. In this case, the short rectangular wave string value of the sensor reading in the short term is greater than the value of the long term sensor reading by a threshold value, which may indicate sufficiently large short term fluctuations, e.g., may imply a large cloud transitioning to a lower hue state. If the absolute value of the difference between the short and long boxcar values does not exceed the threshold, then the long-term boxcar is used. Returning to fig. 23, at operation 2350, the logic evaluates whether the absolute value of the difference between the Sboxcar value and the lbooxcar value is greater than a delta threshold (| Sboxcar value-lbooxcar value | > delta threshold). In some cases, the value of the delta threshold is in a range of 0 milli-degrees celsius to 10 milli-degrees celsius. In one case, the Δ threshold has a value of 0 millidegrees Celsius.

If the absolute value of the difference is above the delta threshold, a Sboxcar value is assigned to the IR sensor value and the short term boxcar string is reset to clear its value (operation 2360). If the absolute value of the difference is not above the Δ threshold, then the Lboxcar value is assigned to the IR sensor value and the long-term boxcar is reset to clear its value (operation 2370). At operation 2380, the filtered IR sensor values are saved into the IR sensor measurement database for retrieval by module D. Alternatively, the filtered IR sensor values may be passed directly to module D.

Based on infrared transmissionSensor and/or light sensor readings are made depending on morning, daytime, evening, night time zones Examples of control logic for color decision

In some embodiments, the shading control logic uses filtered values based on temperature readings from the infrared sensor and the ambient temperature sensor to determine cloud conditions in the morning and evening and/or at a time just before sunrise. Since infrared sensors typically operate independently of solar intensity levels, the tint control logic is allowed to determine cloud conditions just before sunrise and maintain appropriate tint levels during the morning and evening hours while the sun is falling. Further, readings from the infrared sensor may be used to determine cloud conditions even if the visible light photosensor is obscured or otherwise blocked. During daytime when the infrared sensor is enabled, the tint control logic determines a first tint level based at least in part on the infrared sensor reading and the ambient temperature reading, and determines a second tint level based at least in part on the light sensor reading, then uses the maximum of the first and second tint levels. If the IR sensor is not enabled, the control logic will use a second level of hue based at least in part on the light sensor reading.

In one embodiment, the control logic described with respect to FIG. 22 depends on the calculated time t determined by the solar altitude_iModule C1 and/or module D are implemented in the morning, daytime, or evening area. An example of such control logic is described in detail with reference to fig. 24.

FIG. 24 shows a flow chart 2400 depicting control logic for making shading decisions as a function of calculated time t_iWhether in the morning, daytime or evening areas, infrared sensor and/or light sensor data is used. An example of some of the operations of the control logic described with respect to the flowchart shown in fig. 24 are described with reference to the flowcharts shown in fig. 26-28. In one aspect, the control logic is prediction logic that calculates the level of tint to which the window should transition in advance. In this regard, the calculations in blocks A1, B, C1, and D are performed to determine the appropriate level of hue (i.e., t) at a future time_iCurrent time plus duration, e.g.Transition times of one or more windows). For example, the time used in the calculation may be a future time sufficient to allow the transition to complete after receiving the shading instruction. In these cases, the window controller may send a tone instruction prior to the transition. One or more windows will transition to the level of tint desired at the future time before the transition is completed.

In the flowchart 2400 illustrated in fig. 24, the calculation of the control logic is run at intervals timed by the timer at operation 2405. In one embodiment, the logical calculations are performed at constant time intervals. In one example, the logical calculation is completed every 2 to 5 minutes. In another example, it may be desirable to perform the calculations less frequently, such as every 30 minutes or every 20 minutes, such as for a tint transition for a large area electrochromic window, which may take as long as 30 minutes or more to transition.

At operation 2412, the control logic of module a1 is implemented to determine a tint level that takes into account the comfort of the occupant, avoiding direct sunlight through one or more electrochromic windows onto the occupant or their active area. First, control logic is used to determine if the solar azimuth angle is outside the critical angle of one or more electrochromic windows. The logic of module A1 is to base at least in part on the longitude and latitude of a building having a window and a time of day t_iAnd the day of the year (date) the sun's position in the sky is calculated. The azimuth of the sun includes the sun azimuth angle (also referred to as the sun azimuth). Publicly available programs may provide calculations to determine the sun's orientation. The critical angle is input from the profile of one or more windows. At operation 2414, if it is determined that the solar azimuth is outside the critical angle, it is determined that the sunlight is shining at an angle such that direct sunlight does not enter one or more rooms having one or more windows, and the control logic proceeds to block B. In this case, module A1 passes the "clear" hue level (i.e., the lowest hue state) as input to module B.

On the other hand, if the solar azimuth is determined to be between the critical angles of one or more windows, sunlight may be passing through one window to direct sunlightOr the angle at which multiple windows enter the room. In this case, the logic of module A1 is implemented to calculate at time t based at least in part on the calculated sun azimuth and window configuration information_iThe window configuration information includes one or more of the orientation of the window, the size of the window, the orientation of the window (i.e., the direction in which it faces), and the details of any external obscuration. The logic of module a1 is then implemented to determine a tint level that will provide occupant comfort for the calculated penetration depth based at least in part on the space type of the room by looking up a desired tint level for the calculated penetration depth for the space type associated with the window (e.g., an office, a lobby, a conference room with a desk near the window, etc.) in an occupancy lookup table or other data that corresponds different tint levels to space types and penetration depths. The space type and occupancy look-up table or similar data is provided as input to module a1 from a configuration file associated with one or more windows. In some cases, the tint level may also be based, at least in part, on providing sufficient natural lighting for a room having one or more fenestrations. In this case, the hue level determined for the spatial type and the calculated penetration depth is taken as input to module B.

An example of an occupancy look-up table is provided in fig. 25. The values in the table are based on the hue level and the associated SHGC value in parentheses. Fig. 25 shows different hue levels (SHGC values) for different combinations of calculated penetration values and spatial types. The table is based at least in part on eight hue levels, including 0 (brightest), 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, and 35 (brightest). The brightest hue level 0 corresponds to an SHGC value of 0.80, the hue level 5 corresponds to an SHGC value of 0.70, the hue level 10 corresponds to an SHGC value of 0.60, the hue level 15 corresponds to an SHGC value of 0.50, the hue level 20 corresponds to an SHGC value of 0.40, the hue level 25 corresponds to an SHGC value of 0.30, the hue level 30 corresponds to an SHGC value of 0.20, and the hue level 35 (darkest) corresponds to an SHGC value of 0.10. The illustrated example includes three spatial types: table 1, table 2, and the lobby, and six penetration depths.

At operation 2415, the control logic of module B is implemented to at least partiallyThe hue level is determined based on the predicted irradiance under clear sky conditions (clear sky irradiance). Module B for predicting t in clear sky conditions_iIrradiance at one or more windows and maximum clear sky irradiance at all times. The maximum clear sky irradiance is the highest level irradiance at all times predicted for clear sky conditions. Clear sky irradiance is based at least in part on latitude and longitude coordinates of the building, window orientation (i.e., the direction the window faces), and time of day t _iAnd one day of the year. These predicted values of clear sky irradiance may be calculated using open source software such as Radiance. Module B typically determines a darker tone level than the tone level input from module a 1. The tint level determined by module B delivers less heat than the reference glass predicted to deliver at maximum clear sky irradiance. The logic of Block B determines the level of hue by incrementally increasing the level of hue input from Block A1, and selects a level of hue based at least in part on t_iThe predicted interior irradiance in the room under clear sky irradiance is less than or equal to the reference interior irradiance, wherein: the internal irradiance is hue level SHGC × clear sky irradiance, and the reference internal irradiance is reference SHGC × maximum clear sky irradiance. The SHGC of the reference glass is input into module B from the configuration file. The level of hue from module B is provided as input to modules C1 and D.

Control logic uses infrared sensor and/or photosensor data as a function of time t_iA coloring decision is made during the morning, daytime or evening area. Control logic determines time t based at least in part on solar altitude_iIn the morning, daytime, evening, night area. The logic of module A1 determines at time t _iIncluding the solar altitude. The solar altitude is transmitted from module a1 to modules C1 and D. At operation 2422, the control logic determines at time t_iIs less than 0. If at time t_iIs determined to be less than 0, it is night and at operation 2424, the control logic sets a night hue state. An example of a nighttime hue state is a cleared hue level, which is the lowest hue state. The removed color level can be used as nighttimeThe hue state, for example, to provide security by allowing security personnel outside the building to see into the illuminated room inside the building through the cleared window. Another example of a nighttime tint state is a maximum tint level, which can provide privacy and/or security by not allowing others to see inside a building at night when the window is in the darkest tint state. If at time t_iIs determined to be less than 0, the control logic determines whether a ready override exists at operation 2490. If the override is not ready, the final tint level is set to the nighttime tint level. If the override is ready, the control logic sets the final level of tint to an override value in operation 2492. At operation 2496, control logic is implemented to communicate the final tint level to transition the one or more windows to the final tint level. The control logic then proceeds to a timer at operation 2405 to perform the calculation at the next time interval.

If at time t_iIs greater than or equal to 0 at operation 2422, the control logic determines whether the solar altitude is less than the solar altitude threshold at operation 2430. If the solar altitude is less than the solar altitude threshold, time t_iIn the morning or evening. In one example, the solar altitude threshold is less than 10 degrees. In another example, the solar height threshold is less than 15 degrees. In another example, the solar height threshold is less than 20 degrees. If the solar altitude is less than the solar altitude threshold, the control logic determines whether the solar altitude is increasing.

At operation 2432, the control logic is to determine whether it is morning based at least in part on whether the sun altitude is increasing or decreasing. Control logic compares at t_iThe calculated solar height values obtained at one time and another time determine whether the solar height is increasing or decreasing. If the control logic determines that the sun altitude is increasing, then at operation 2434, it is determined to be morning and the control logic runs the morning IR sensor algorithm implementation of module D. An example of a morning IR sensor algorithm that may be used is described with respect to flowchart 2600 in fig. 26. Module D typically queries the IR sensor measurement database for filtered IR sensing at the current time And determining a cloud condition and an associated level of hue based at least in part on the filtered IR sensor value. If the filtered IR sensor value is below the lower threshold, then it is in a "sunny" condition and the tone level of module D is set to the highest tone level. If the filtered IR sensor value is above the upper threshold, then a "cloudy" condition is present and the tone level of module D is set to the lowest tone level. If the filtered IR sensor value is less than or equal to the upper threshold and greater than or equal to the lower threshold, then the level of hue from module D will be set to the intermediate level of hue. If at operation 2432 the control logic determines that the sun altitude has not increased (decreased), then it is determined to be evening, and the control logic runs the evening IR sensor algorithm implementation of module D at operation 2436. An example of an evening IR sensor algorithm that may be used is described with respect to flowchart 2700 shown in FIG. 27.

After running the morning or evening IR sensor algorithm of module D to determine the level of tint based at least in part on module D, the control logic determines whether the override is ready at operation 2490. If the override is not ready, the final tint level is set to the tint level determined by module D. If the override is ready, the control logic sets the final level of tint to an override value in operation 2492. At operation 2496, control logic is implemented to communicate the final tint level to transition one or more electrochromic devices on one or more windows to the final tint level. The control logic then proceeds to a timer at operation 2405 to perform the calculation at the next time interval.

If it is determined at operation 2430 that the solar altitude is not less than (greater than or equal to) the solar altitude threshold, then time t_iDuring the daytime zone and the control logic runs a daytime algorithm that is directed to module C1 and/or module D to determine a level of tint based at least in part on the light sensor and/or infrared sensor readings (operation 2440). The control logic then determines whether the override is ready at operation 2490. If the override is not ready, the final tint level is set to the tint level determined by the daytime algorithm of module C1 and/or module D. An example of a daytime algorithm that may be used is described with respect to flowchart 2800 shown in fig. 28. If overriddenThread, the control logic sets the final level of tint to an override value in operation 2492. At operation 2496, control logic is implemented to communicate the final tint level to transition the one or more windows to the final tint level. The control logic then proceeds to a timer at operation 2405 to perform the calculation at the next time interval.

In one embodiment, instead of running the morning IR sensor algorithm of module D at operation 2434, the evening IR sensor algorithm of module D is run at operation 2436 and the daytime algorithm of module C1 and/or module D is run at operation 2440, the morning light sensor algorithm of module C is used at operation 2434, the evening light sensor algorithm of module C1 is used at operation 2436, and the daytime algorithm of module C1 is used at operation 2440.

Examples of morning and evening IR sensor algorithms for Module D

Module D queries the IR sensor measurement database to obtain the filtered IR sensor value (or receives it directly from another logic module) and then determines cloud conditions and associated tone levels based at least in part on the filtered IR sensor value. If the filtered IR sensor value is below the lower threshold, then a "sunny" condition is present and the tone level of module D is set to the highest tone level. If the filtered IR sensor value is above the upper threshold, then a "cloudy" condition is present and the tone level of module D is set to the lowest tone level. If the filtered IR sensor value is less than or equal to the upper threshold and greater than or equal to the lower threshold, then the level of hue from module D will be set to the intermediate level of hue. The upper and lower thresholds used in these calculations are based at least in part on whether a morning IR sensor algorithm, an evening IR sensor algorithm, or a daytime algorithm is being implemented.

Fig. 29 shows a plot of filtered IR sensor values versus time in millidegrees celsius over 24 hours. The graph shows three regions of the filtered IR sensor value range. The upper region above the upper threshold is the "cloudy" region. Filtered IR sensor values above the upper threshold are located in "cloudy" areas. The middle region between the upper and lower thresholds is an "intermittent cloudy" or "partially cloudy" region. The lower region below the lower threshold is the "clear" region, also referred to as the "sunny day" region. Filtered IR sensor values below the upper threshold are located in the "sunny" or "sunny" region. The graph has two curves of filtered IR sensor values calculated based at least in part on readings taken over two 24 hours. A first curve 2930 shows calculated filtered IR sensor values acquired on the first day with a cloud in the afternoon. A second curve 2932 shows calculated filtered IR sensor values acquired on a sunny/second day of sunny all day. The lower threshold describes a lower boundary between the middle region and the lower region. The upper threshold describes an upper boundary between the middle region and the upper region. The lower and upper thresholds for evening use (the evening lower threshold and the evening threshold) are typically higher than the lower and upper thresholds for morning use (the morning lower threshold and the morning upper threshold).

Fig. 26 shows a flow diagram 2600 depicting the control logic for a morning IR sensor algorithm implementation of module D. The morning IR sensor algorithm may be implemented when the coloration control logic determines that the current time is during the morning area. The morning IR sensor algorithm is an example of control logic that may be implemented at operation 2434 of the flowchart shown in fig. 24 when the control logic determines that the solar altitude is less than the altitude threshold and that the solar altitude is increasing.

The control logic of flowchart 2600 begins at operation 2610 and compares the filtered IR sensor value to the lower morning threshold to determine whether the filtered IR sensor value is less than the lower morning threshold. The control logic of module D queries the IR sensor measurement database or other database to retrieve the filtered IR sensor values. Alternatively, the control logic calculates a filtered IR sensor value. One example of control logic that may be used to calculate the filtered IR sensor value and store that value to the IR sensor measurement database is the control logic of module D' described with reference to the flow chart in fig. 23. The lower morning threshold is the temperature value at the lower boundary of the filtered IR sensor values between the lower region (the "sunny" or "sunny" region) and the middle region (the "partially cloudy" region) where the morning region applies. In certain embodiments, the lower morning threshold is in the range of-20 to 20 milli-degrees celsius. In one example, the lower morning threshold is 1 degree celsius.

If it is determined at operation 2610 that the filtered IR sensor value is less than the lower morning threshold, then the filtered IR sensor value is in a lower region, which is a "sunny" or "sunny" region. In this case, the control logic sets the tone level from module D to a high tone state (e.g., tone level 4) and passes the tone level from module D (operation 2620).

If it is determined at operation 2610 that the filtered IR sensor value is not less than the lower morning threshold, the control logic continues to determine at operation 2630 whether the filtered IR sensor value is less than or equal to the upper morning threshold and greater than or equal to the lower morning threshold. The upper morning threshold is the temperature at the upper boundary of the filtered IR sensor values between the middle region ("partly cloudy" region) and the upper region ("cloudy" region) for which the morning region of the day applies. In certain embodiments, the morning upper threshold is in the range of-20 to 20 milli-degrees celsius. In one example, the morning upper threshold is 3 milli-degrees celsius.

If it is determined in operation 2630 that the filtered IR sensor value is less than or equal to the morning up threshold and greater than or equal to the morning down threshold, it is determined that the filtered IR sensor value is in the middle region that is a "locally cloudy" region (operation 2640). In this case, the control logic sets the tone level of module D to the midtone state (e.g., tone level 2 or 3) and passes the tone level of module D.

If it is determined in operation 2630 that the filtered IR sensor value is not less than or equal to the morning upper threshold and is greater than or equal to the morning lower threshold (i.e., the filtered sensor value is greater than the morning upper threshold), it is determined that the filtered IR sensor value is in an upper region that is "cloudy" (operation 2650). In this case, the control logic sets the tone level of module D to a low tone state (e.g., a tone level of 2 or less), and passes the tone level of module D.

Fig. 27 shows a flow chart 2700 depicting control logic for the night IR sensor algorithm implementation of module D. When the coloration control logic determines that the current time is during the night region, a night IR sensor algorithm may be implemented. The evening IR sensor algorithm is an example of control logic that may be implemented at operation 2436 of the flowchart shown in FIG. 24 when the control logic determines that the solar altitude is less than the altitude threshold and that the solar altitude is decreasing.

The control logic of flowchart 2700 begins at operation 2710 and compares the filtered IR sensor value to the lower evening threshold to determine whether the filtered IR sensor value is less than the lower evening threshold. The control logic of module D queries the IR sensor measurement database or other database to retrieve the filtered IR sensor values. Alternatively, the control logic calculates a filtered IR sensor value. One example of control logic that may be used to calculate the filtered IR sensor value and store that value to the IR sensor measurement database is the control logic of module D' described with reference to the flow chart in fig. 23. The lower evening threshold is the temperature value at the lower boundary of the filtered IR sensor values between the lower region (the "sunny" or "sunny" region) and the middle region (the "partly cloudy" region) where the evening region applies. In some embodiments, the lower evening threshold is in the range of-20 to 20 millidegrees celsius. In one example, the evening lower threshold is 2 millidegrees celsius.

If it is determined at operation 2710 that the filtered IR sensor values are less than the lower evening threshold, then the filtered IR sensor values are in a lower region, which is a "sunny" or "sunny" region. In this case, the control logic sets the tone level from module D to a high tone state (e.g., tone level 4) and passes the tone level from module D at operation 2720.

If it is determined at operation 2710 that the filtered IR sensor value is not less than the evening sub-threshold, the control logic continues to determine at operation 2730 whether the filtered IR sensor value is less than or equal to the evening sub-threshold and greater than or equal to the evening sub-threshold. The evening night threshold is the temperature at the upper boundary of the filtered IR sensor values between the middle region ("partly cloudy" region) and the upper region ("cloudy" region) where the evening region of the day applies. In some embodiments, the evening threshold is in the range of-20 to 20 milli-Celsius. In one example, the evening threshold is 5 milli-degrees celsius.

If it is determined in operation 2730 that the filtered IR sensor value is less than or equal to the evening threshold and greater than or equal to the evening sub-threshold, it is determined that the filtered IR sensor value is in a middle region that is a "locally cloudy" region (operation 2750). In this case, the control logic sets the tone level of module D to the midtone state (e.g., tone level 2 or 3) and passes the tone level of module D.

If it is determined in operation 2730 that the filtered IR sensor value is not less than or equal to the early evening threshold and is greater than or equal to the late evening threshold (i.e., the filtered sensor value is greater than the early evening threshold), it is determined that the filtered IR sensor value is in an upper region that is "cloudy" (operation 2740). In this case, the control logic sets the tone level of module D to a low tone state (e.g., a tone level of 2 or less) and passes the tone level of module D.

Examples of daytime algorithms of module C1 and/or module D

Temperature readings taken by the infrared sensor may fluctuate during the daytime if the local area around the infrared sensor heats up. For example, an infrared sensor located on the roof may absorb the solar light at noon and thus be heated by the roof. In some embodiments, the daytime algorithm disables the use of IR sensor readings in its hue decision under certain circumstances, and determines the hue level from the light sensor readings only using module C1. In other cases, the daytime algorithm determines a first hue level based at least in part on the IR sensor readings using module D, determines a second hue level based at least in part on the photosensor readings using module C1, and then sets the hue level to the maximum of the first hue level and the second hue level.

Fig. 28 shows a flow chart 2800 depicting the control logic of a daytime algorithm that may implement the daytime IR sensor algorithm of module C1 and/or the daytime photosensor algorithm of module D. The daytime algorithm is used when the coloration control logic determines that the current time is during the daytime zone. The daytime algorithm is an example of control logic that may be implemented at operation 2440 of the flowchart shown in fig. 24 when the solar altitude angle is greater than or equal to 0 and less than or equal to the altitude threshold.

At operation 2810, it is determined whether use of IR sensor readings is enabled. In one case, the default setting of the shading control logic is to disable use of the IR sensor readings unless the light sensor readings are not available, e.g., due to a light sensor failure. In another case, if the IR sensor data is not available, for example due to an IR sensor failure, the control logic will disable the IR sensor reading. If it is determined at operation 2810 that the use of IR sensor readings is enabled, control logic runs the daytime IR sensor algorithm of module D and the daytime light sensor algorithm of module C1 simultaneously (operation 2820). If it is determined at operation 2810 that the use of IR sensor readings is not enabled, control logic runs the daytime light sensor algorithm of module C1 (operation 2850).

At operation 2830, the logic of the daytime IR sensor algorithm of module D is run to determine a first hue state. The filtered IR sensor values are retrieved from an IR sensor measurement database or other database. Alternatively, the logic of the daytime IR sensor algorithm calculates a filtered IR sensor value. One example of logic that may be used to calculate the filtered IR sensor value and store that value to the IR sensor measurement database is the control logic of module D' described with reference to the flow chart in fig. 23. Logic of the daytime IR sensor algorithm compares the filtered IR sensor value to a lower daytime threshold to determine whether the filtered IR sensor value is less than the lower daytime threshold, greater than an upper daytime threshold, or between the lower and upper daytime thresholds. The lower daytime threshold is the temperature value at the lower boundary of the filtered IR sensor values between the lower region (the "sunny" or "sunny" region) and the middle region (the "partially cloudy" region) where the daytime region applies. In certain embodiments, the lower daytime threshold is in the range of-20 to 20 millidegrees celsius. In one example, the lower daytime threshold is-1 millidegrees celsius. The daytime upper threshold is the temperature value at the upper boundary of the filtered IR sensor value between the middle zone (the "partially cloudy" zone) and the upper zone (the "cloudy" zone) applicable in the evening region of the day. In certain embodiments, the upper daytime threshold is in the range of-20 to 20 millidegrees celsius. In one example, the upper daytime threshold is 5 millidegrees celsius. If it is determined that the filtered IR sensor value is less than the lower daytime threshold, then the filtered IR sensor value is in a lower region, which is a "clear" or "sunny" region. In this case, the control logic sets the first tone level of module D to a high tone state (e.g., tone level 4). If it is determined that the filtered IR sensor value is less than or equal to the upper daytime threshold and greater than or equal to the upper daytime threshold, then the filtered IR sensor value is determined to be in a middle region that is a "partially cloudy" region. In this case, the control logic sets the first tone level to a mid-tone state (e.g., tone level 2 or 3). If it is determined that the filtered IR sensor value is not less than or equal to the upper daytime threshold and is greater than or equal to the lower daytime threshold (i.e., the filtered sensor value is greater than the upper daytime threshold), then it is determined that the filtered IR sensor value is in an upper region that is a "cloudy" region. In this case, the control logic sets the first tone level of module D to a low tone state (e.g., a tone level of 2 or less).

At operation 2832, the logic of the daytime light sensor algorithm of module C1 is run to determine a second hue level. Module C1 determines a second hue level based at least in part on the real-time irradiance using the light sensor reading. An example of the control logic of module C1 that may be used to determine the second hue level is described in the next section with respect to flowchart 3000 shown in fig. 30.

At operation 2840, logic of the daytime algorithm calculates a maximum value of the first tint state based at least in part on the IR sensor readings using module D, and calculates a maximum value of the second tint state based at least in part on the photosensor readings using module C1. The tint level from the daytime algorithm is set to the maximum of a first tint state calculated based at least in part on the IR sensor readings and a second tint state calculated based at least in part on the photosensor readings. The level of hue from module C1 is returned.

If it is determined at operation 2810 that the use of IR sensor readings is not enabled, control logic runs the daytime light sensor algorithm of module C1 (operation 2850). At operation 2850, the logic of the daytime light sensor algorithm of module C1 is run to determine a second hue level. In this case, the hue state from the daytime algorithm is set to a second hue level based at least in part on the light sensor reading and returned to that hue level of block C1. An example of control logic of module C1 that may be used to determine the second hue level is described with respect to the flowchart shown in fig. 30.

Example of Module C1

As shown, fig. 30 includes a flow chart 3000 depicting control logic of an example of module C1 for determining tint levels for one or more electrochromic windows, according to one aspect. Module C1 receives as input the level of hue from module B.

At operation 3020, current light sensor values reflecting conditions outside the building are received and thresholding is performed to calculate suggested levels of hue for application. In one example, the current light sensor value is the maximum of measurements made by multiple light sensors (e.g., 13 light sensors of a multi-sensor device) at one sample time. In another example, the light sensor value is a filtered rolling average of a plurality of readings taken at different sampling times, where each reading is a maximum of the measurements taken by the plurality of light sensors. An example of control logic that may be used to calculate the current light sensor value is described in the flowchart 3100 of fig. 31 depicting the control logic of module C'.

Returning to fig. 30, at operation 3020, thresholding is used to calculate a suggested level of hue by determining whether the current filtered light sensor value has exceeded one or more thresholds over a period of time. The time period may be, for example, a time period between the current time and the last sample time acquired by the light sensor, or a time period between the current time and the first of the plurality of sample readings previously acquired. The light sensor readings may be taken on a periodic basis, such as once a minute, once every 10 seconds, once every 10 minutes, etc. In one embodiment, the threshold uses two thresholds: a lower photosensor threshold and an upper photosensor threshold. If it is determined that the light sensor value is above the upper light sensor threshold, the light sensor value is located in a higher region, i.e., a "clear" or "sunny" region. In this case, the control logic determines that the suggested tone level of module C1 is a high tone state (e.g., tone level 4). If the light sensor value is determined to be less than or equal to the upper light sensor threshold and greater than or equal to the lower light sensor threshold, the light sensor value is determined to be in an intermediate region that is a "partially cloudy" region. In this case, the control logic determines that the suggested tone level of module C1 is a mid-tone state (e.g., tone level 2 or 3). If the light sensor value is determined to be greater than the evening threshold, the light sensor value is determined to be in an upper region that is a "cloudy" region. In this case, the control logic determines that the suggested tone level of module C1 is a low tone state (e.g., a tone level of 2 or less).

If the current time is a time after the end of the lock-out period, the control logic calculates 3020 a suggested tone level based at least in part on the conditions monitored during the lock-out period. The suggested level of tint calculated based at least in part on the conditions monitored during the lockout period is based at least in part on a statistical evaluation of the monitored inputs. Various techniques may be used to statistically evaluate the inputs monitored during the wait time. One example is the average of the tone level during the waiting time. During the wait time, the control logic performs operations to monitor the inputs and calculate the determined level of hue, for example using one or more of modules a1, B, and C1. The determined hue level averaged over the waiting time is then operated to determine which direction is suggested for a hue region transition.

At operation 3025, it is determined whether the current time is within the lock period. If the current time is during the lock period, module C1 does not alter the level of hue received from module B. During the lock-in period, the light sensor value under external conditions is monitored. Further, the control logic monitors the suggested level of tint determined by operation 3020 during the lock period. If it is determined that the current time is not during the lock period, the control logic proceeds to operation 3030.

At operation 3030, the logic of module C1 continues to determine whether the current information suggests a tone transition. This operation 3030 compares the suggested tone level determined at operation 3020 to the current tone level applied to the one or more windows to determine if the tone levels are different. If the suggested tone level is not different from the current tone level, the tone level is not changed.

At operation 3050, if the suggested tone level is different from the current tone level, the module C1 sets a new tone level that is one tone level towards the suggested tone level determined at operation 3020 (even if the suggested tone level is two or more tone levels from the current tone level). For example, if the suggested tonal area determined at operation 3020 is from a first tonal level to a third tonal level, the tonal level returned by module C1 is to transition one tonal level to a second tonal level.

In operation 3070, a lock-in period is set to lock in transitions to other tone levels during the lock-in period. During the lock-in period, the light sensor value under external conditions is monitored. In addition, the control logic calculates a suggested hue region during the interval based at least in part on the condition monitored during the lock-in period. The new hue level passed from block C1 is determined at operation 3050 to be one toward the suggested hue level determined at operation 3020.

Example of Module C1

FIG. 31 illustrates a flow diagram 3100 depicting the logic of module C1', in accordance with certain embodiments. The logic of block C1' may be executed by one or more processors of a local window controller, a network controller, a master controller, or a multi-processor device. At operation 3110, the processor performing the operations of module C1' receives as input the light sensor reading at the current time. The light sensor readings may be received via a communication network at the building, for example, from a rooftop multi-sensor device. The received photosensor reading is a real-time irradiance reading.

In one embodiment, the logic of module C1' receives and uses raw light sensor readings of measurements taken by two or more light sensors on a building (e.g., a rooftop multi-sensor device). Two or more light sensors are typically used to provide redundancy. According to one aspect, the logic of module C1' uses raw light sensor readings of measurements made by two light sensor devices in a building. In another aspect, the logic of module C1' uses raw light sensor readings of measurements made by 1-10 light sensors in the building. In another aspect, the logic of module C1' uses raw light sensor readings of measurements made by thirteen (13) light sensors in the building.

At operation 3120, a light sensor value is calculated based at least in part on raw measurements made based on two or more light sensors. For example, the light sensor value may be calculated as the maximum of measurements taken by two or more light sensors at a single sample time.

At operation 3130, the processor updates the short-term and long-term boxcar strings with the light sensor values determined at operation 3120. In block C1' and other control logic described herein, the filtered light sensor values are used as inputs to make shading decisions. Module C1' and other logic described herein determine filtered sensor values using short-term and long-term boxcar (filters). Short rectangular wave trains (e.g., rectangular wave trains employing sample values taken over 10 minutes, 20 minutes, 5 minutes, etc.) are based at least in part on a smaller number of sensor samples (e.g., n 1, 2, 3, … 10, etc.) relative to a larger number of sensor samples (e.g.,

n

10, 20, 30, 40, etc.) in long rectangular wave trains (e.g., rectangular wave trains employing sample values taken over 1 hour, 2 hours, etc.). The boxcar (illumination) values may be based at least in part on an average, mean, median, or other representative value of the sample values in the boxcar. In one example, the short rectangular wave string value is a mean of the sensor samples and the long rectangular wave string value is a mean of the light sensor samples. Module D' typically uses a rolling average of the sensor samples for each of the short and long boxcar values. In another example, the short rectangular wave string value is a mean of the sensor samples and the long rectangular wave string value is a mean of the sensor samples.

At operation 3140, the processor determines a short rectangular wave train value (Sboxcar value) and a long rectangular wave train value (lbooxcar value) based at least in part on updating the current light sensor reading in the rectangular wave train at operation 3130. In this example, each boxcar value is calculated by taking the average of the light sensor readings in the boxcar after the last update by operation 3130. In another example, each boxcar value is calculated by taking the median of the light sensor readings in the boxcar after the last update made at operation 3130.

At operation 3150, the logic evaluates whether the value of the absolute value of the difference between the Sboxcar value and the lbooxcar value is greater than a delta threshold (| Sboxcar value-lbooxcar value | > delta threshold). In some cases, the value of the delta threshold is in a range of 0 milli-degrees celsius to 10 milli-degrees celsius. In one case, the Δ threshold has a value of 0 millidegrees Celsius.

If the difference is above the Δ threshold, a Sbox value is assigned to the photosensor value and the short-term boxcar is reset to clear its value (operation 3160). If the difference is not above the Δ threshold, then a Lboxcar value is assigned to the photosensor value and the long-term boxcar string is reset to clear its value (operation 3170). At operation 3180, the light sensor values are saved to a database.

Although a single infrared sensor is described as being included in the infrared cloud detector of certain embodiments, according to another embodiment, two or more infrared sensors may be used to provide redundancy in the event that one of them fails and/or is obscured by, for example, bird droppings or another environmental factor. In one aspect, two or more infrared sensors may be included that face different orientations to capture infrared radiation from different fields of view and/or different distances from a building/structure. If two or more infrared sensors are located within the housing of the infrared cloud detector, the infrared sensors are typically offset from each other by a sufficient distance to reduce the likelihood that a shelter will affect all of the infrared sensors. For example, the infrared sensors may be separated by at least about one inch or at least about two inches.

In certain embodiments described herein, the control logic determines the level of tint based on conditions that may occur at a future time (also referred to herein as "future conditions"). For example, the tone level (e.g., t) may be determined based on a likelihood of a cloud condition occurring at a future time_iCurrent time + duration, e.g., transition time of one or more electrochromic windows). The future time used in these logical operations may be set to a future time sufficient to allow the window to transition to the level of tint to be completed upon receipt of a control instruction. In these cases, the controller may send the instruction at the current time prior to the actual transition. By completing the transition, the window will transition to the level of tint desired at a future time. In other embodiments, the disclosed control logic may be used to determine the level of tint based on conditions that may or may not occur at the current time, such as by setting the duration to 0. For example, in some electrochromic windows, the transition time to a new hue level (e.g., to an intermediate hue level) may be very short, so it would be appropriate to send an instruction to transition to a hue level based on the current time.

It should be understood that the invention as described above may be implemented in the form of control logic using computer software in a modular or integrated manner. Based at least in part on the disclosure and teachings provided herein, a person of ordinary skill in the art will know and appreciate other ways and/or methods to implement the present invention using hardware and a combination of hardware and software.

Fig. 33A shows an example of a plurality of light sensors 3342 arranged to point radially outward with respect to an axis of the multi-sensor apparatus 3301. In one embodiment, the light sensors provide a 360 degree radiation-based view of the environment, where module C1 provides module D with a level of hue signal using only one maximum radiation value from a plurality (e.g., all) of the light sensors at any given time. Module D may then provide a tone level command. The command may be used to control the tint of (e.g., all) windows of the building. The use of one tint level command does not take into account that windows located on different faces and/or sides of a building may be exposed to different amounts of solar radiation.

In one embodiment, the multi-sensor device described herein may include a compass, an onboard GPS sensor, and/or other direction determining device 3379. In one embodiment, the direction-determining device may be used to determine the extent to which the multi-sensor device and/or its light sensors are physically oriented relative to a known direction. The physical orientation of the device may be performed during initial installation and/or as may be subsequently required due to a change in initial orientation. In one embodiment, the light sensors of the multi-sensor device are assigned to groups, and each group is assigned to at least one facade or side of the building. In some embodiments, the number of different facades or sides is 2, 3, 4 or more sides of the building. In some embodiments, the group includes 2, 3, 4, or more adjacent photosensors. In some embodiments, the number of facades and/or sides of the building comprises 2, 3, 4 or more facades and/or sides. In some embodiments, module C1 receives maximum radiation readings from groups 2, 3, and 4 of the photosensors. In some embodiments, module C1 provides 2, 3, 4, or more individual hue level commands to module D. Separate tint level commands may be used to enable the tint levels of windows located on different facades or sides of a building to be controlled independently of each other.

In one embodiment, the orientation of the multi-sensor devices described herein can be determined, requiring minimal (e.g., or no) physical alignment of the multi-sensor devices. In one implementation, the orientation of the multi-sensor device is determined, at least in part, via a computational (e.g., algorithm-based) method. In one embodiment, the calculated method uses as inputs: solar azimuth information provided to module a1 and/or time-stamped radiation readings obtained from at least two (e.g., all) radially oriented light sensors of the multi-sensor device. In one embodiment, the time-stamped radiation readings are analyzed to obtain a maximum photosensor radiation reading. In one embodiment, data of the maximum photosensor radiation readings are stored (e.g., accumulated over a period of one week or less) for analysis by an algorithm. In some embodiments, it may be difficult to determine different maximum radiance readings, for example, due to extended periods of fog, rain, and/or snow. In some embodiments, the period of time may be increased by one week or less, for example up to 2 weeks, 3 weeks or 4 weeks. Although the solar azimuth information input to module a1 may be used to determine the east-west orientation of the multi-sensor device, the orientation (itself) may not necessarily provide a separate orientation for each photosensor of the multi-sensor device. In one embodiment, the east-west orientation may be used as a reference point to take a subset of the rows of maximum photosensor radiation data with solar azimuth angles closest to 90 degrees and 270 degrees, respectively. The maximum photosensor radiation data for each photosensor at a particular timestamp can then be compared to clear sky model radiation data. The radiation data provided to module a1, as well as the solar azimuth data, may be obtained from a publicly available radiation program or another (e.g., similar) program or database. To account for the effects of cloudy weather on photosensor readings, in one embodiment, the algorithm may iteratively subset the data rows for the measurement of brightness. If no data is available within a certain range, the threshold may be incrementally lowered. The preliminary light sensor orientation assignment can be determined accordingly. In regions with high north latitudes, such as in winter, there may be no data corresponding to solar azimuth values of about 90 ° and 270 ° (the symbol "°" represents degrees). Without data corresponding to the solar azimuth, the southwest and southeast directions may be used as reference points to take subsets of the photosensor data lines with solar azimuths closest to 150 ° and 210 °, respectively. The photosensor maximum threshold can be incrementally lowered, for example, until a row is obtained that allows comparison of (i) a timestamp of clear sky data with (ii) photosensor maximum data. These comparisons may yield two possible preliminary assignments for each reference light sensor. For example, reference light sensor #1 may be oriented slightly 90 south east (i.e., southeast), or it may be oriented slightly 90 north east (i.e., northeast). The same is true for the preliminary assignment of opposite radially facing light sensor #7 (i.e., either southwest or northwest). From at least one of the four possible mappings (e.g., two per reference photosensor), the assignments of the remaining sensors can be extrapolated. Extrapolated allocations may be compared to select a mapping that is consistent. If there is no majority mapping (e.g., an equal count of possible mappings derived from two reference light sensors), the algorithm may return the allocation at a 60 ° granularity, taking into account the two possible allocations attributed to each of the 12 light sensors. If the mapping protocol is not identified, an alert may be issued in the log file output. If no mapping protocol is identified, a 60 ° granularity mapping may be extrapolated from the preliminary photosensor assignment whose solar azimuth is closest to the location of the historical radiation reference point (e.g., 89.89 ° is closer to the true east than 268.12 ° rather than the true west). In one embodiment, the calculated method of determining the orientation of the photosensors of a multi-sensor device may be used to replace and/or supplement the physical alignment of the multi-sensor device and its sensors.

Any of the software components or functions described herein may be implemented as software code implemented by a processor using any suitable computer language, such as Java, C + + or Python, using, for example, conventional or object-oriented techniques. The software code may be stored as a series of instructions or commands on a computer readable medium, such as a Random Access Memory (RAM), a Read Only Memory (ROM), a magnetic medium such as a hard drive or floppy disk, a magnetic disk, or an optical medium such as a CD-ROM. Any such computer-readable media may reside on or within a single computing device, and may be present on or within different computing devices within a system or network.

Although the foregoing disclosed embodiments have been described in some detail for purposes of clarity of understanding, the described embodiments are to be considered as illustrative and not restrictive. It will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that certain changes and modifications may be practiced within the scope of the appended claims.

One or more features from any embodiment may be combined with one or more features of any other embodiment without departing from the scope of this disclosure. Moreover, modifications, additions, or omissions may be made to any of the embodiments without departing from the scope of the disclosure. The components of any embodiment may be integrated or separated according to particular needs without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. The invention is not intended to be limited to the specific examples provided within the specification. While the invention has been described with reference to the foregoing specification, the description and illustrations of the embodiments herein are not meant to be construed in a limiting sense. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions will occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the invention herein. Further, it is to be understood that all aspects of the present invention are not limited to the specific depictions, configurations or relative proportions set forth herein which depend upon a variety of conditions and variables. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the invention described herein may be employed in practicing the invention. It is therefore contemplated that the present invention will also cover any such alternatives, modifications, variations or equivalents. It is intended that the following claims define the scope of the invention and that methods and structures within the scope of these claims and their equivalents be covered thereby.

Claims

1. A method of controlling a tintable window mounted in or on a structure, the method comprising:

Determining one or more maximum light sensor readings from the group of light sensors;

determining a cloud condition based at least in part on the one or more maximum light sensor readings from the set of light sensors;

calculating one or more tint levels for the tintable window based at least in part on the determined cloud conditions; and

transmitting, via a network, a tint instruction to a window controller to transition the tint of the tintable window to the calculated one or more tint levels.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the one or more tint levels calculated for the tintable window are different for tintable windows installed on or within different facades or sides of the structure.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the set of photosensors comprises a subset of two, three, or four adjacent photosensors.

4. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of determining an orientation of at least one of the subset of adjacent light sensors relative to an orientation of a facade or side of the structure.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the step of determining the orientation is determined using a direction determination device.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein the direction-determining device comprises a compass or a GPS device.

7. The method of claim 4, wherein the step of determining the orientation is determined using a longitude and latitude of the structure.

8. The method of claim 1, wherein the set of light sensors are arranged to point radially outward from an axis.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of calculating the one or more tonal levels is further based on one or more readings from at least one infrared sensor.

10. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of calculating the one or more tonal levels is further based on one or more readings from an ambient temperature sensor at the location of the structure.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the step of calculating one or more tonal levels is further based on ambient temperature data from an external weather feed.

12. The method of claim 10, wherein the step of calculating one or more tonal levels is further based on applying a correction factor to the ambient temperature sensor readings, wherein the correction factor is based on ambient temperature data obtained from an external weather feed.

13. A system for controlling a tintable window mounted in or on a structure, the system comprising:

control logic embodied in a computer readable medium; and

a processor in communication with the computer-readable medium and the tintable window, wherein the processor is configured with the control logic to:

determining a cloud condition based at least in part on one or more readings from at least one light sensor;

calculating one or more tone levels based at least in part on the determined cloud condition; and

sending, via a network, a tint instruction to the tintable window to transition the tintable window to a respective one of the one or more tint levels.

14. The system of claim 13, wherein the calculated one or more tint levels are different for windows on different facades or sides of the structure.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the at least one light sensor comprises a plurality of light sensors, and wherein the processor is configured to determine an orientation of at least one light sensor of the plurality of light sensors relative to an orientation of a facade or side of the structure.

16. The system of claim 15, wherein the plurality of light sensors comprises groups of two, three, or four adjacent light sensors.

17. The system of claim 13, wherein the processor is further configured to determine an orientation of the at least one light sensor using a longitude and latitude of the structure.

18. The system of claim 17, wherein the orientation of the at least one light sensor is based at least in part on readings from a compass or a global positioning system device.

19. The system of claim 15, wherein the plurality of light sensors are configured to point radially outward from an axis.

20. The system of claim 13, wherein the processor is further configured to determine the cloud condition also based on one or more readings from at least one infrared sensor.

21. The system of claim 13, wherein the processor is further configured to calculate the one or more tonal levels further based on ambient temperature sensor readings obtained at a location of the structure.

22. The system of claim 13, wherein the processor is further configured to calculate the one or more tonal levels further based on weather feed data.

23. The system of claim 21, wherein the processor is further configured to apply a correction factor to the ambient temperature sensor reading, the correction factor based at least in part on weather feed data.