KR20210023868A - Sensing and communication unit for optically switchable window systems - Google Patents

Abstract

A high-speed data communication network in or on a building comprises a plurality of trunk line segments connected in series with each other by a plurality of passive circuits configured to transmit and receive signals to one or more devices in, on or outside a building. And the signals contain data having a transmission rate greater than 1 Gpbs.

Description

Sensing and communication unit for optically switchable window systems

References included in this application

This application is for U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 16/447,169 (filed on June 20, 2019), U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/688,957 (filed on June 22, 2018), U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/768,775 Priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/803,324 (filed February 8, 2019), and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/858,100 (filed June 6, 2019) This application is a continuation application in part of International Patent Application PCT/US19/30467 claiming the priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/666,033 filed on May 2, 2018. This application is also directed to U.S. Patent Application No. 13/449,251 (filed on April 17, 2012), U.S. Patent Application No. 14/962,975 (filed on December 8, 2015), and U.S. Patent Application No. 15/287,646 (Filed on October 6, 2016), U.S. Patent Application No. 15/334,835 (filed on October 26, 2016), U.S. Patent Application No. 15/347,677 (filed on November 9, 2016), U.S. Patent Application No. 15/365,685 (filed on November 30, 2016), international patent application PCT/US17/31106 (filed on May 4, 2017), international patent application PCT/US17/47664 (filed on August 18, 2017), International patent application PCT/US17/52798 (filed September 21, 2017), International patent application PCT/US17/61054 (filed November 10, 2017), U.S. Patent Application No. 15/742,015 (January 4, 2018) Japanese Patent Application), U.S. Patent Application No. 15/882,719 (filed on January 29, 2018), International Patent Application PCT/US18/29476 (filed on April 25, 2018), PCT Patent Application PCT/US18/29406 (2018 April 25, 2019), international patent application PCT/US19/2219 (filed March 13, 2019), international patent application PCT/US19/30467 (filed May 2, 2019), each of which Its entirety is incorporated herein by reference.

Technical field

The embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to systems of optically switchable windows, and more particularly to communication and sensing techniques associated with optically switchable windows.

Optically switchable windows, often referred to as “smart windows”, exhibit controllable and reversible changes in optical properties when appropriately stimulated, for example by voltage changes. Optical properties are typically color, transmittance, absorbance and/or reflectivity. Electrochromic (EC) devices are often used in optically switchable windows. For example, a well-known electrochromic material is tungsten oxide (WO ₃ ). Tungsten oxide is a cathode electrochromic material that undergoes a color transition from transparent to blue by electrochemical reduction.

Electrically switchable windows, often referred to as "smart windows," whether electrochromic or otherwise, can be used in buildings to control the delivery of solar energy. The switchable windows can be manually or automatically discolored and transparent to reduce energy consumption by the heating system, air conditioning system and/or lighting system while maintaining occupant comfort.

Electrochromic materials can be included in window glass for home, commercial and other uses, for example as a thin film coating on window glass. A small voltage applied to the window's electrochromic device darkens the window, and reversing the voltage polarity brightens the window. This capability allows control of the amount of light passing through the window and provides an opportunity for electrochromic windows to be used as energy saving devices.

While electrochromic devices, especially electrochromic windows, have been found to be applied in building design and construction, their full commercial potential has not begun to be realized.

According to some embodiments, a high-speed data communication network in or on a building is connected in series with each other by a plurality of passive circuits configured to transmit and receive signals to one or more devices in, on or outside the building. And a plurality of trunk line segments, and the signals contain data having a transmission rate greater than 1 Gpbs.

In some examples, the trunk line segments can include coaxial cables. In some examples, the trunk line segments may comprise a twisted pair of conductors.

In some examples, the passive circuit can be configured as a bias T. In some examples, bias T can include an inductor and a capacitor.

In some examples, the passive circuit can be configured as a directional coupler.

In some examples, each passive circuit can include a first conductor having two ends, each end being configured to be connected to one of the trunk line segments. In some examples, the passive circuit can include a second conductor disposed adjacent to and spaced apart from the first conductor. In some examples, the first conductor and the second conductor may be spaced apart in a parallel relationship.

In some examples, at least one of the passive circuits can be configured to convey signals through an inductive connection.

According to some implementations, a method of installing a high-speed data communication network in or on a building includes providing a plurality of trunk line segments, providing one or more circuits, and combining the trunk line segments with one or more circuits. Connecting to a daisy chain trunk line topology to form a network, wherein the plurality of trunk line segments comprise coaxial cables, and one or more circuits may be connected to one or more devices within, on or outside the building. And is configured to transmit signals and to receive signals from one or more devices.

In some examples, one or more devices may include windows. In some examples, one or more devices may include a controller configured to control functions of at least one of the windows.

In some examples, the one or more devices may include a device selected from the group consisting of an Internet of Things (IoT) device, a wireless device, a sensor, an antenna, a 5G device, a mmWave device, a microphone, a speaker, and a microprocessor. In some examples, the method may further include installing one or more devices in or on a structural element of the building.

In some examples, one or more circuits can include an inductor and a capacitor.

In some examples, one or more circuits may include an antenna. In some examples, the antenna may comprise a 5G antenna.

In some examples, one or more circuits may include one or more connectors. In some examples, the connector can include an RF connector.

In some examples, one or more circuits may include two or more connectors.

In some examples, the signals may contain data greater than 1 Gpbs transmission rate.

In some examples, the signals can include power signals. In some examples, the power signals can include CLASS 2 power signals.

In some examples, the signals may include TCP/IP data and power signals.

In some examples, a daisy chain topology can be connected to a building management control panel.

In some examples, the signals can include wireless data.

In some examples, the method may further include installing at least one window in the building. In some examples, at least one window may comprise an optically switchable window.

In some examples, at least one window may comprise an electrochromic window. In some examples, installing at least one window may be formed after forming the network.

In some examples, at least a portion of the trunk line may be installed within or on the exterior wall of the building. In some examples, one or more devices may include an antenna and/or a repeater. In some examples, at least one of the one or more devices may be installed in a building or in a window of a building. In some examples, the window can include a digital display screen.

In some examples, one or more circuits can include a directional coupler.

In some examples, one or more circuits can include a bias T circuit.

In some examples, forming the network may be performed during construction of the building. In some examples, forming the network may include connecting circuits to windows of a building.

According to some embodiments, a high-speed data communication network in or on a building includes a plurality of trunk line segments and one or more circuits, the trunk line segments being connected to one or more circuits to form a daisy chain trunk line configuration. The plurality of segments comprise coaxial cables and the one or more circuits are configured to transmit signals to and receive signals from one or more devices in, on or outside the building.

In some examples, one or more devices may include a window. In some examples, one or more devices may include a controller configured to control functions of the window.

In some examples, one or more devices may be selected from the group consisting of IoT devices, wireless devices, sensors, antennas, 5G devices, microphones, microprocessors, and speakers. In some examples, one or more devices may be in or on the structure of a building.

In some examples, one or more circuits can include an inductor and a capacitor.

In some examples, one or more circuits may include an antenna. In some examples, the antenna may be a 5G antenna.

In some examples, one or more circuits may include two or more connectors. In some examples, two or more connectors may be configured to fasten to a coaxial cable and a pair of conductors. In some examples, the connectors can include an RF connector. In some examples, the connectors can include a terminal block.

In some examples, the signals may contain data greater than 1 Gpbs transmission rate.

In some examples, the signals can include power signals. In some examples, the power signals include CLASS 2 power signals.

In some examples, the signals may include TCP/IP data and power signals.

In some examples, the signals may include 5G signals.

In some examples, the signals can include wireless data.

In some examples, one or more devices may include an optically switchable window. In some examples, the optically switchable window may comprise an electrochromic window. In some examples, the optically switchable window can include digital display technology.

In some examples, at least a portion of the trunk line may be installed within or on the exterior wall of the building.

In some examples, one or more devices may include a transceiver, antenna, and/or repeater, and the one or more devices are installed in or on the exterior structure of the building. In some examples, the exterior structure can include an exterior wall.

In some examples, the exterior structure can include a roof.

In some examples, one or more devices may include an antenna.

In some examples, one or more devices may be installed in a building or on a window of a building.

In some examples, one or more circuits may include a transceiver, antenna, and/or repeater.

In some examples, one or more circuits can include a directional coupler circuit.

In some examples, one or more circuits can include a bias T circuit.

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

1A-1D illustrate various link technologies and topologies that may be used with the present disclosure.
1E shows an example of a data communication system capable of providing data for interaction with optically switchable windows and for non-window purposes.
2A and 2B illustrate a high bandwidth communication network for a building, in accordance with some embodiments.
3 shows a block diagram illustrating an example of components that may exist in certain implementations of a digital architectural element.
4 shows a comparison between a block diagram of a window controller and a block diagram of a typical window controller according to some embodiments.
5A-5D illustrate a number of examples of applications and uses of digital architectural elements and associated components contemplated by the present invention.
6 shows a process flow for measuring a plurality of building conditions and controlling building operating parameters of a plurality of building systems in response to the measured building conditions, in accordance with some embodiments.
7 shows an example of a group of functional modules, configured to execute the process flow shown in FIG. 6 according to one implementation.
8 illustrates exemplary physical packaging of a digital architectural element, in accordance with some implementations.
9A-9C show representations of a trunk line for a high-speed network infrastructure, according to some implementations.
10 illustrates an exemplary power and data distribution system including a control panel, trunk lines, drop lines, and digital architectural elements, in accordance with some embodiments.
11 shows a schematic diagram of an example of a trunk line circuit.
12 shows a cross-section of an exemplary trunk line configured to carry data from a power and control panel, and/or a combination of data to the power and control panel.
13 shows an example of a part of a data and power distribution system with a digital architectural element (DAE) connected by a drop line with a combination module including a directional coupler and a bias T circuit.
14 shows a DAE capable of supporting multiple communication types, according to some embodiments.
15 illustrates a system of components that may be included in or associated with a DAE, in accordance with some embodiments.
16 shows an example of a system of components that may be included within or associated with a digital architectural element, in accordance with some embodiments.

The following detailed description is directed to specific embodiments or implementations for describing the disclosed aspects. However, the teachings herein may be applied and implemented in a number of different ways. In the detailed description below, reference is made to the accompanying drawings. The disclosed implementations are described in sufficient detail to enable a person skilled in the art to implement the implementations, but it should be understood that these examples are not limiting. Other implementations may be used and variations may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosed implementations. In addition, while the disclosed embodiments focus on electrochromic windows (also referred to as optically switchable windows, color changeable and smart windows), the concepts disclosed herein are, for example, liquid crystal devices and floating, among others. It may also be applied to other types of switchable optical devices, including particle devices. For example, a liquid crystal device or a suspended particle device that is not an electrochromic device may be incorporated into some or all of the disclosed embodiments. In addition, the linking word “or” is intended to include the appropriate meaning herein unless stated otherwise. For example, "A, B or C" means "A", "B", "C", "A and B", "B and C", "A and C" and "A, B and C" It is intended to include possibilities.

Enterprise communication/networking component

The window systems and associated components disclosed in these embodiments may facilitate high bandwidth (eg, gigabit) communication and associated data processing. For such communication and data processing, optically switchable window system components can be used, and this department, PCT patent application PCT/US18/29476 (filed April 25, 2018), U.S. patent application No. 62/666,033 (2018 May 2, 2018), and PCT patent application PCT/US18/29406 (filed April 25, 2018). Some of the components of an optically switchable window system, as described in U.S. Patent Application No. 15/365,685, filed on November 30, 2016, consist of a communication network and a power distribution system for supplying power to a window transition. Contains elements.

Exemplary components for improving the ability of a communication network to service optically switchable windows include (1) a control panel with high bandwidth switching and/or routing capabilities (e.g., 1 gigabit or faster Ethernet switch), (2) Backbone including control panels and high bandwidth links between control panels (e.g., 10 Gigabit or faster Ethernet capability), (3) using sensors, display drivers, and high data rate processing. Digital elements with logic for various functions-Digital elements are configured as digital architectural elements, e.g. digital wall interfaces or digital mullions-(4) Access points for wireless communication, e.g. Wi -Improved functional window controller including a Fi access point, and (5) high bandwidth data communication links between control panels and digital elements and/or improved functional window controllers-Data communication links are, for example, As trunk lines or configured to follow paths at least partially overlapping paths of trunk lines.

1A-1D illustrate various link technologies and topologies configured to power and control electrochromic (EC) windows or other types of other types of optically switchable windows. 1A presents a very simplified top level view of a system 100 including a building 101 comprising multiple EC windows. A subset of EC windows is connected to a "control panel" (CP) 103 by EC window power and communication lines. The control panel will be described in more detail below. In the illustrated example, the windows of three buildings are grouped into three subsets, each connected to a respective CP 103, but less than three or more than three CPs are in any given building. It will be understood that can be considered for. In the illustrated example, three CPs 103 are communicatively connected to an external network 105 by a high bandwidth 10 Gbps backbone.

1B shows a more detailed block diagram of the control panel 103 interfacing with a plurality of EC windows 112. In the illustrated example, the control panel 103 includes a master control and power module 104 and network controllers (NC) 110. It will be appreciated that the control panel 103 may include fewer or more NCs 110 than shown. Each NC 110 is competitively connected with two or more window controllers (WC) 111, and each window controller 111 is associated with each EC window 112.

Referring now to FIGS. 1C and 1D, in certain embodiments, the communication connection between the control panels 103 in the window controllers 111 may be achieved in a trunk line format. Implementations of an unshielded twisted pair (UTP) line and/or Multimedia over Coax Alliance (MoCA) data transmission protocol may be integrated into the trunk line system, or may be executed in parallel or independently of the trunk line. . As shown in Fig. 1C, a coaxial cable capable of transmitting data using, for example, MoCA is provided in the trunk line. In other words, the coaxial cable runs within the trunk line architecture. In Fig. 1D, the UTP system is implemented independently and in parallel to the trunk line system. In certain embodiments, the UTP cable is integrated into the trunk line path.

1A-1D only show typical window controllers, the links may also provide data transfer to other components such as digital wall interfaces, advanced functional window controllers, digital architectural elements, and the like. 1E shows an example of a data communication system capable of providing data for interaction with optically switchable windows and for non-window purposes. As shown, the communication system of the building has a number of control panels (CPs) 103, at least one is connected to an external network 105 such as the Internet, which is a cloud-based service and/or content May allow access to various services and/or content, such as. Each control panel 103 may include components for delivering power to one or more window controllers and/or other devices in a building and a master or network controller as described herein. Exemplary features of the control panel and its components are provided in U.S. Patent Application No. 15/365,685, filed Nov. 30, 2016, which is incorporated by reference above. In the illustrated embodiment, each control panel 103 also has a high bandwidth data communication switch, such as a 10 gigabit per second (Gbps) Ethernet switch.

Each control panel 103 is connected to one or more other control panels via suitable cables 107 to create a data network backbone. In certain embodiments, cable 107 includes a twinaxial cable that may utilize copper conductors within the insulating shield. Twinaxial cables are suitable for communication distances of hundreds of feet. In certain embodiments, high bandwidth, eg 2.5 Gbps and higher bandwidth coaxial is used. Current and evolving implementations of the MoCA data transfer protocol support this. Further, in some cases, especially when only relatively short links are needed, non-shielded twisted pair cables can be used. Certain embodiments use high bandwidth (eg, 10 Gbps or more) wireless connections. These embodiments may use sets of parabolic antennas and parabolic receivers.

Various types of data transmission lines may be used to provide data communications between the control panels 103 and destination devices in the building, such as optically switchable windows and/or non-window devices in the building. . In the illustrated embodiment, the data transmission line 109 and associated interfaces support a controller network protocol such as Controller Area Network (CAN) protocol CAN 2.0. In the illustrated embodiment, the transmission line 109 and associated interfaces provide data communications between conventional window controllers 111 and other types of controllers within the control panels 103. Examples of such other controllers include network and master controllers. The data transmission lines 109 may be used to provide communications to other devices (not shown) that may function using the data provided with the bandwidth limitations of the controller area network.

Another type of data transmission line is a high bandwidth network line 113, such as a Gigabit Ethernet (GbE) line, which may be a UTP line (as shown), a twinaxial line, and the like. High bandwidth lines 113 may provide data links between control panels 103 and one or more types of devices that may require high data rates for certain functions. In the illustrated embodiment, these devices include digital wall interfaces 115 and enhanced functional window controllers 117, all of which are described elsewhere herein. In some implementations, the enhanced functionality window controllers 117 are connected to both the controller network (eg, controller network line/CAN bus 109) and the high bandwidth line 113.

In the illustrated embodiment, high bandwidth data transmission may be provided by either or both of one or more coaxial lines 119 and a non-shielded twisted pair line supporting Gigabit Ethernet. In some embodiments, the data transmission over the coaxial line(s) 119 is, for example, a coaxial cable (each channel is a different frequency band in one combined line with a high bandwidth of about 1 Gbps or more). It can be done according to a protocol as published by MoCA that functionally combines the channels within). The MoCA protocol is described elsewhere herein. Other link technology, such as radio, may be used instead of or to supplement UTP or coaxial lines.

As shown, the upper control panel 103 serves three digital components (in this case, one digital mullions 121 connected to the video display device 122). Either or both of the GbE UTP line 113 and coaxial cable 119 may be used to provide high bandwidth data communication between the control panel and the digital building element.

2A and 2B illustrate a high bandwidth communication network for a building, in accordance with some embodiments. In both figures, a control panel that may have a function similar to the CP 103 described in connection with FIGS. 1A-1E is identified as a module labeled CP2 or CP3. In the illustrated example, each control panel includes a master and/or network controller (MC/NC), a control panel monitor (CPM), and a communication network switch 225a or 225b. In certain embodiments, control panel monitors have one or more of the features set forth in US Patent Application No. 15/365,685 filed Nov. 30, 2016, which is incorporated by reference above. In some implementations, CP2 network switch 225a includes multiple (e.g., two) small form-factor pluggable (SFP) transceiver ports and multiple (e.g., four) 100 Mb Ethernet ports. do. An example of a suitable network switch is an IE 2000 switch available from Cisco Systems of San Jose, CA. The SFP port is a plug-in for fiber optic connections. In certain embodiments, the one or more SFP ports support 850 nm optical communication, or 1310 nm optical communication, or 1550 nm optical communication.

In the CP3 control panel, the network switch 225b can accommodate data rates above those required for an optically switchable window system. As such, the CP3 switch 225b may require more bandwidth than is provided for components dedicated only to the window system (eg, CP2s). In certain embodiments, the high bandwidth switches of the high bandwidth control panels (e.g., CP3s) have multiple (e.g., 4) SFPs, multiple (e.g., 8) Gb Ethernet ports. , And multiple (eg, 8) Power over Ethernet (PoE) Gb Ethernet ports. In certain embodiments, each port can support at least a 10 Gb line. In certain embodiments, switches can be configured to aggregate ports to create up to 40 Gb Ethernet ports, if desired. An example of a suitable network switch is the IE 4000 switch, available from Cisco Systems of San Jose, CA.

The backbone for high-bandwidth cables can be oriented upwards through vertical rise conduits in multi-storey buildings. If necessary to support high-bandwidth communications across all communication elements of the building (e.g., including all digital architectural elements and all wall interfaces), high-bandwidth cables are oriented horizontally on one or more floors of the building. Can be. In a core and shell building, for example, the initial construction may include vertical rising conduits, but may not include horizontal conduits, and the horizontal conduits will be installed later when there are occupants in the building.

In certain embodiments, control panels and associated links with high bandwidth capability are used together as a network backbone. That is, all components in the backbone have high bandwidth transmission performance. As used herein, unless otherwise specified, “high bandwidth” describes a network component having at least about 0.5 gigabits per second or faster data transfer and/or data processing capabilities. In certain embodiments, the data transmission network includes a 10 Gbps backbone.

In certain embodiments, the network backbone provides connectivity to other networks located outside the building with the backbone. In one example, the other network is a wide area network or simply the Internet. For example, the control panel may include components for connecting to Comcast Business, Level 3 Communications, and the like.

As mentioned above, some network configurations include controller network components such as window controllers and a CAN interface in control panels. In addition, some network configurations further include high bandwidth network components such as Ethernet switches and Ethernet lines from the control panel.

As described above in connection with FIGS. 1A-1E, the controller network can provide data transfer for standard window controllers (WC2s) dedicated to controlling optically switchable windows. In addition, the controller network may provide data transmission to support improved functional window controllers (WC3s) that may have Wi-Fi access points, cellular capabilities, and the like. In certain embodiments, advanced functional window controllers are connected to a controller network bus to transmit and receive data relating to controlling optically switchable windows assigned to the window controllers. Additionally, advanced functional window controllers can be connected to a high bandwidth line, such as a Gigabit Ethernet line, to transmit and receive data regarding non-window functions such as Wi-Fi and/or cellular communications.

In certain embodiments, advanced functional window controllers are placed in the locations necessary to provide wireless communication service within a building. As an example, one improved functional window controller may be placed every 2500 square feet of building space, which may correspond to about one improved functional window controller per 50 feet. More generally, improved functional window controllers can be placed within a building such that adjacent controllers are separated by a distance between about 30 feet and 100 feet. In certain embodiments, an adjacent enhanced functional window controller is separated by about 4 to 10 IGUs, for example about every 6 IGUs along the trunk line.

In certain embodiments, improved functional window controllers are in accordance with the examples described in U.S. Patent Application No. 15/365,685 filed Nov. 30, 2016, shown in FIGS. 1, 2A, and 2B and incorporated herein by reference. Receive data via drops from the trunk line as illustrated. Trunk lines can be used to carry data transmission cables. A drop line from the trunk line can be used to provide data (and power) from the trunk line to an individual enhanced functional window controller. In alternative embodiments, the network topology includes a separate data line running for each of the one or more advanced functional window controllers.

In certain embodiments, the lines that provide data from the control panels to the enhanced functional window controller WC3 (and, in some embodiments, conventional window controllers WC2) are Gigabit Ethernet lines, which are non- -Can be implemented as a shielded twisted pair (UTP), a twinaxial cable, etc. In some cases, data for all or many of the advanced functional window controllers is entirely over Gigabit Ethernet UTP lines.

In certain embodiments, some or all of the data provided to one or more of the enhanced functional window controllers WC3 is provided via a high bandwidth coaxial cable. In one example, coaxial cables and associated network controllers are designed or configured to transmit data using one of the MoCA standards providing a suite of Internet protocols that are at least partially envisioned by the cable TV industry. As mentioned, in some implementations, MoCA provides Gigabit Ethernet bandwidth over coaxial cable.

The MoCA protocol includes a technique known as concatenation to provide multiple channels (each with a limited bandwidth) so that the channels together provide a much higher bandwidth. In some implementations, each of the combined channels uses a separate frequency band at about 155 kB each. In some implementations, 16 coaxial channels are aggregated to be a gigabit channel to provide gigabit bandwidth. If less than a gigabit bandwidth is required, fewer channels need to be combined. In some cases, different channels are coupled to different end points, allowing different bands. The network can separate the traffic to different endpoints, allowing the implementation of virtual networks, for example. The cable cap can be placed on the coaxial cable to connect with other advanced functional window controllers. In some embodiments, a MoCA or similar bandwidth scalable approach allows the building infrastructure to add and remove window controllers, including improved functional window controllers, relatively seamlessly.

In certain embodiments, the trunk line from the control panel to one or more window controllers and/or digital elements (eg, digital wall interfaces or digital architectural elements) uses both coaxial and non-coaxial lines. For example, the first part of the line from the control panel is a twinaxial or UTP line, and the second part connected to the first part of that line is a coaxial line configured to transmit data using, for example, the MoCA protocol. . Both the first portion and the second portion of the trunk line may be designed or configured to support gigabit transmission rates. In certain embodiments, the first and second portions of the trunk line are connected using a T connector. For example, a twinaxial or UTP line leads from the control panel and then is connected to a coaxial cable (for the MoCA protocol), where it extends to the end where the last window controller (conventional or improved) is located.

In some embodiments, the coaxial cable is configured as or integrated into a trunk line. In this way, cable drops can lead to window controllers and/or other devices along the length of the trunk line, if necessary. In some cases, no additional lines are required, and there is only one coaxial cable per trunk line. In certain embodiments, high bandwidth data communication lines (coaxial, UTP, twinaxial, etc.) may follow trunk line paths as defined for power delivery, for example. If desired, these high-bandwidth lines can be installed during construction, but assuming that digital elements are installed later rather than during building construction, they can only be used later when the digital elements are installed.

In some embodiments, as shown in FIG. 2B, a high bandwidth communication network for a building includes digital mullions 221 or other advanced functional digital architectural elements.

Multi-component digital elements of building elements

As described above, a high bandwidth network as described herein may include a plurality of digital elements with robust sensing and data processing capabilities, and/or one or more additional features such as data storage and/or user interface capabilities. I can. The components that enable these capabilities are described below and may generally be referred to as “sensors and other surrounding” components or elements. The use and functions of digital elements are also described below.

As described below, digital elements are, as desired, in various formats that allow them to be installed on building structural elements, which are typically permanent elements, and/or on building walls, floors, ceilings, or roofs. And may be provided in the housings. In various embodiments, the chassis or housing of the digital element is less than or equal to about 5 meters in all dimensions, or less than or equal to about 3 meters in all dimensions. In various embodiments, the housing is rigid or semi-rigid and contains some or all of the components. In some cases, the housing provides a frame or scaffold for attaching one or more components such as speakers, displays, antennas, or sensors. In some embodiments, the housing provides external access to one or more ports or cables, such as a port or cable for attaching to a network link, video display, mobile electronic device, battery charger, and the like.

Window controller networks and associated digital elements can be installed relatively early in the construction of office buildings and other types of buildings. Frequently, the window controller network precedes any other network, e.g. before the network for other building functions, such as a building management system (BMS), a security system, a tenant's information technology (IT) system, etc. , Is installed.

In the absence of this teaching, sensors and other surrounding elements are designed around the walls and ceilings of the building after construction, and as a result can be expensive to install, operate and maintain. In certain embodiments of the present disclosure, the high bandwidth window network and associated digital elements are initially installed, and associated sensors and peripherals within the skin or fabric of the building (e.g., structural building configuration). Elements, especially those around the building or room, such as walls, partitions, frames, beams, mullions, transoms, etc.). Installation can take place during building construction. The installed network can take advantage of the remote operating capabilities of window networks (eg, sensing, data transmission, processing) to reduce the cost of installing and operating currently silo-ed sensor and edge network technologies.

In terms of operating costs, managing and operating a siled sensor network is very expensive. In certain embodiments, the high bandwidth building network and associated digital elements facilitate central monitoring and operation of sensors and other peripheral devices, significantly reducing the operating cost of sensor networks.

In certain embodiments, sensors on the window network are installed close to where building occupants spend their time, enhancing the effectiveness of the sensors in providing occupant comfort. As described below, digital elements as described herein that are connected to a high bandwidth network can be placed in various locations throughout the building. Examples of such locations include building structural elements such as offices, lobbies, mezzanines, bathrooms, stairs, and terraces. Within any of these locations, digital elements can be positioned and/or oriented in proximity to occupant locations, whereby the environment most suitable to trigger building systems to act in a manner that maintains or enhances occupant comfort. Data can be collected.

In certain embodiments, the detection, data processing, and data storage capabilities of a high-bandwidth window network are capable of building interactive applications or Microsoft's Cortana, Apple's Siri, Amazon's Alexa, and Google. It provides the infrastructure for personal digital assistants, such as Google Home. The usefulness of these applications and personal digital assistants is extended by the range of sensors and the direct interaction between occupants of the building. As explained more fully below, these interactions include computer vision, analytics, machine learning, and the like.

Digital architectural elements

A digital architectural element (DAE) may include various sensors, a processor (eg, a microcontroller), a network interface, and one or more peripheral device interfaces. Examples of DAE sensors include light sensors, optionally image capture sensors such as cameras, audio sensors such as voice coils or microphones, air quality sensors, and proximity sensors (e.g., specific IR and/or Or RF sensors). The network interface may be a high bandwidth interface such as a gigabit (or faster) Ethernet interface. Examples of DAE peripherals include video display monitors, expansion speakers, mobile devices, battery chargers, and the like. Examples of peripheral device interfaces include standard Bluetooth modules, ports such as USB ports and network ports, and the like. Additionally or alternatively, the ports include any of a variety of dedicated ports for third party devices.

In certain embodiments, the digital architectural element works with other hardware and software provided for an optically switchable window system (eg, a display on a window). In certain embodiments, the digital architectural element comprises a window controller or other controller such as a master controller, network controller, and the like.

In certain embodiments, the digital architectural element includes one or more signal generating devices such as a speaker, light source (eg, LED), beacon, antenna (eg, Wi-Fi or cellular communication antenna), and the like. In certain embodiments, the digital building element comprises an energy storage component and/or a power harvesting component. For example, a component may include one or more batteries or capacitors as an energy storage device. These components may further comprise photovoltaic cells. In one example, the digital architectural element has one or more user interface components (e.g., microphone or speaker), and one or more sensors (e.g., proximity sensor), as well as a network interface for high bandwidth communication. .

In various embodiments, the digital architectural element is designed or configured to be attached to, or otherwise disposed with, a structural element of a building. In some cases, a digital architectural element has an appearance that blends with the structural elements to which it is associated. For example, digital architectural elements can have shapes, sizes, and colors that blend with the associated structural elements. In some cases, digital architectural elements are not easily visible to occupants of the building. That is, the component is completely or partially disguised. However, these components can interface with other components that are not mixed, such as video display monitors, touch screens, projectors, and the like.

Building structural elements to which digital architectural elements may be attached include any of a variety of building structures. In certain embodiments, the building structures to which the digital architectural elements are attached are structures installed during building construction, and in some cases initially installed within the building structure. In certain embodiments, building structural elements for digital architectural elements are elements that function as a building structural function. These elements can be permanent, that is, they can be difficult to remove from the building. Examples include walls, partitions (eg, office space partitions), doors, beams, stairs, facades, moldings, mullions and transoms, and the like. In various examples, building structural elements are located around a building or room. In some cases, digital architectural elements are provided as separate modular units or boxes that are connected to the building structural elements. In some cases, digital architectural elements serve as facades for building structural elements. For example, a digital architectural element can serve as a cover for a mullion, a transom, or a portion of a door. In one example, the digital architectural element is constructed as, placed within, or placed on a mullion. When a digital architectural element is attached to the mullion, it can be bolted or otherwise attached to the rigid part of the mullion. In certain embodiments, a digital architectural element can be snapped onto a building structural element. In certain embodiments, the digital architectural element functions as a molding, for example a crown molding. In certain embodiments, the digital architectural element is modular. That is, it functions as a module for a portion of a larger system, such as a communication network, a power distribution network, and/or a computing system that utilizes external video displays and/or other user interface components.

In some embodiments, the digital architectural element is a digital mullion designed to be placed on some but not all of the mullions within a room, floor, or building. In some cases, digital mullions are placed in a regular or periodic manner. For example, a digital mullion can be placed in every six mullions.

In certain embodiments, in addition to the high-bandwidth network connection (port, switch, router, etc.) and housing, the digital architectural element includes many of the following digital and/or analog components: camera, proximity sensor, or movement. Location services via sensors, occupancy sensors, color temperature sensors, biometric sensors, speakers, microphones, air quality sensors, hubs for power and/or data connectivity, display video drivers, Wi-Fi access points, antennas, beacons or other mechanisms, Power sources, light sources, processors and/or auxiliary and processing units.

One or more cameras may include sensors and processing logic to image features in visible light, IR (see Using Thermal Imaging below), or other wavelength regions, and various resolutions are possible, including HD or higher.

One or more proximity or movement sensors may comprise an infrared sensor, for example an IR sensor. In some embodiments, the proximity sensor is a radar or radar-like device that detects distances from and between objects using a distance measurement function. Radar sensors can also be used to distinguish closely spaced occupants through detection of biometric functions of closely spaced occupants, for example detection of their different breathing movements. If a radar or radar-like sensor is used, better operation can be facilitated when the plastic case of the digital building element does not interfere with it or is placed behind it.

One or more occupancy sensors may include a multi-pixel thermal imager, which, when configured with an appropriate computer implemented algorithm, can be used to detect and/or count the number of occupants in a room. In one embodiment, data from a thermal imager or thermal camera is correlated with data from a radar sensor, providing a better level of confidence in the particular decision being made. In embodiments, thermal imager measurements may be used to assess other thermal events at a particular location, e.g., changes in airflow caused by open windows and doors, presence of intruders, and/or fire. I can.

One or more color temperature sensors analyze the spectrum of lighting present in a particular location and provide outputs that can be used to implement changes in lighting as required or necessary, for example, to improve the health or mood of the occupant. Can be used for

One or more biometric sensors (eg, fingerprint, retina or facial recognition sensors) may be provided as standalone sensors or may be integrated with other sensors such as cameras.

One or more speakers and associated power amplifiers may be included as part of a digital architectural element or separated from it. In some embodiments, two or more speakers and an amplifier may collectively be configured as a sound bar, ie a bar-shaped device comprising a plurality of speakers. The device may be designed or configured to provide high fidelity sound.

One or more microphones and logic for detecting and processing sound may be provided as part of a digital architectural element or may be separate from it. Microphones can be configured to detect one or both of sounds generated internally or externally. In one embodiment, the processing and analysis of sounds may include logic embodied as software, firmware, or hardware within one or more digital structural elements, and/or one or more other devices connected to a network, e.g., one or more connected to a network. This is done by the logic of the controllers. In one embodiment, based on the analysis, the logic is driven by sounds, frequency fluctuations, echoes, and one or more microphones that negatively affect (or potentially negatively affect) occupants present at specific locations within the building. It is configured to automatically adjust the sound output of one or more speakers to mask and/or cancel other detected factors. In one embodiment, the sound includes, but is not limited to, sounds produced by indoor machinery, indoor office equipment, outdoor construction, outdoor traffic, and/or airplanes.

In embodiments, one or more microphones are located on or next to the windows of the building, on the ceilings of the building, and/or on other internal structures of the building. The logic may be structured in a single or arranged manner to analyze and determine the type, intensity, spectrum, location and/or direction of indoor sounds present in the building. In one embodiment, the logic is functionally connected to other fixed or moving networked devices that may be used within a building, e.g., to devices such as computers, smartphones, tablets, etc., and to receive sounds or associated signals from these devices. It is configured to receive and analyze.

In one embodiment, the logic measures real-time delays in signals from microphones to predict the amount and type of sound required to mask or cancel out unwanted external and/or internal sound present at a specific location within the building. And is configured to analyze. In one embodiment, the logic detects unwanted changes in the level and/or location of external and/or internal sounds, e.g., changes that may be caused by movements of objects and people inside and outside a building. And can dynamically adjust the amount of sound masking and/or canceling based on these changes. In one embodiment, the logic is configured to use signals from tracking sensors within the building, and depending on the signals, sounds that mask and/or cancel at a specific location within the building depending on the presence and/or location of one or more occupants. It is configured to increase or decrease. In one embodiment, one or more speakers are positioned to produce masking and/or canceling sounds that are substantially propagated in a plane in which unwanted sound travels, including a horizontal plane, a vertical plane, and/or a combination of the two. .

In one embodiment, the logic includes algorithms designed to acoustically map the interior of a building, identify noise source locations within an office, and improve voice privacy. In one embodiment, after the array of speakers and microphones is installed in a building, logic may be used to perform an acoustic sweep to cause each speaker to generate a sound detected in turn by each microphone. . In one embodiment, time delays, sound level reductions, spectral differences in detected sounds are used to calculate and map effective acoustic distances between speakers, between microphones, and between the two. In one embodiment, the acoustic transfer function inside the building map may be obtained from an acoustic sweep. Using this acoustic map and a set of transfer functions of one or more spaces within a building, the logic can make appropriate masking and/or canceling level decisions when there are causes of unwanted sounds generated within the spaces. If necessary, the logic can adjust the sound produced by the speaker to compensate for the absorption of a particular absorbing surface, for example, sound that would otherwise be reflected off the soft partition and canceled back into sound crisp. Can be adjusted. In addition, the acoustic map of the space can be used to determine what is a direct sound and what is an indirect sound, and to adjust the time delays of the masking and/or canceling sound so that they simultaneously reach the desired location.

One or more air quality sensors (optionally capable of measuring one or more of the following air components: volatile organic compounds (VOC), carbon dioxide temperature, humidity) can be used in conjunction with HVAC to improve air circulation control.

One or more hubs may be provided for power and/or data connection to sensor(s), speakers, microphone, and the like. The hub may be a USB hub, a Bluetooth hub, or the like. The hub may include one or more ports such as a USB port, a High Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI) port, and the like. Alternatively or additionally, the component may include a connector dock for external sensors, lighting fixtures, peripherals (e.g. camera, microphone, speaker(s)), network connection, power, etc. I can.

One or more video drivers may be provided for displays (eg, transparent OLED devices) on or in proximity to an integrated glass unit (IGU) associated with an architectural element. The driver can be wired or optically connected, for example an optical signal is emitted into the window by light transmission. See, for example, a switchable Bragg grating that includes a display with a lens and a light engine focused on a glass waveguide that transmits through the glass and moves perpendicular to the line of sight.

The one or more Wi-Fi access points and antenna(s) may be part of a Wi-Fi access point or may serve other purposes. In certain embodiments, the building element itself, or a faceplate covering all or part of the building element, functions as an antenna. Various approaches can be used to insulate building elements and to have them directionally transmit or receive. Alternatively, a pre-manufactured antenna may be used, or a window antenna as described in PCT patent application PCT/US17/31106, filed May 4, 2017 and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, may be used. have.

One or more power sources may be provided, such as an energy storage device (eg, a rechargeable battery or capacitor) or the like. In some implementations, the power harvesting apparatus comprises, for example, a photovoltaic cell or panel of cells. This allows the device to be either self-standing or partially self-standing. The light harvesting device can be transparent or opaque depending on where it is attached. For example, a photovoltaic cell can be attached to the exterior of a digital mullion and can partially or completely cover it, while a transparent photovoltaic cell can be used for a display or user interface (e.g. dials, buttons, etc.) on a digital architectural element. ) Can be covered.

One or more light sources (eg, light emitting diodes) are configured with a processor that emits light under certain conditions when the device is activated.

One or more processors can be configured to provide a variety of embedded or non-embedded applications. The processor can be a microcontroller. In certain embodiments, the processor is a low power mobile computing unit (MCU) with memory and is configured to run a lightweight secure operating system that hosts applications and data. In certain embodiments, the processor is an embedded system, a system on a chip, or an extension thereof.

One or more auxiliary processing devices, such as graphics processing devices, or an equalizer or other audio processing device configured to interpret an audio signal are provided.

A digital architectural element or a building structural element associated with a digital architectural element may have one or more antennas. They are pre-configured and can be attached or embedded in the component, either inside or on the surface of the component. Alternatively or additionally, the antenna may be configured such that a digital architectural element or structure of a building structural element functions as an antenna element. For example, a mullion's conductive metal piece can function as an antenna element or ground plane. In some embodiments, a digital architectural element or part of a building structural element is removed (or added) so that the remaining portion functions as a tuned antenna element. For example, a portion of the mullion may be punched out to provide a tuned antenna component. By attaching a coaxial or other cable to the component and the RF transmitter or receiver, the building structural element and/or the associated digital architectural element can function as an antenna element. The antenna elements can be designed, for example, with an impedance matching that of the RF transmitter (eg, about 50 ohms).

Depending on the configuration, the antenna element may be a Wi-Fi antenna, a Bluetooth antenna, a cellular communication antenna, or the like. In certain embodiments, the antenna transmits and/or receives in the radio frequency portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. The antenna may be a patch antenna, a monopole antenna, a dipole antenna, or the like. It can be configured to transmit or receive electromagnetic signals in any suitable wavelength range. Examples of antenna elements that can be used in an optically switchable window system are described in PCT patent application PCT/US17/31106, filed May 4, 2017, previously incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

In various embodiments, the digital architectural element's camera is configured to capture images in the visible portion of the electromagnetic spectrum. In some cases, the camera provides the image at a high resolution, for example a high resolution of at least about 720p or at least about 1080p. In certain cases, the camera may also capture images with information about the intensity of wavelengths outside the visible range. For example, a camera can capture an infrared signal. In certain implementations, the digital architectural element comprises a near infrared device such as a forward-looking infrared (FLIR) camera or a near infrared (NIR) camera. Examples of suitable infrared cameras include Boson™ or Lepton™ from FLIR Systems of Wilsonville, Oregon. Such infrared cameras can be used to augment viewable area cameras in digital architectural elements.

In certain embodiments, the camera may be configured to map a thermal signature in a room to function as a temperature sensor with three-dimensional recognition. In some implementations, such cameras within the digital architectural element enable sensing of the occupant, augment the viewable area cameras to facilitate sensing a person instead of a hot wall, and quantitative measurements of solar heating (e.g. , Imaging the floor or desks and measuring what the sun is actually shining on).

In certain embodiments, the speaker, microphone, and associated logic are configured to use acoustic information to characterize air quality or air condition. As an example, the algorithm may issue ultrasonic pulses and detect the transmitted and/or reflected pulses returning to the microphone. The algorithm can be configured to analyze the detected acoustic signal, often using the transmitted audio signal versus the received differential audio signal to determine air density, deflection due to particulate matter, etc. to characterize air quality.

3 shows a block diagram illustrating an example of components that may be present in certain implementations of a digital architectural element (DAE). In the illustrated example, the arrangement 300 includes a DAE 330 and a computer or processor 340. Computer processor 340 is connected to the Internet and, optionally, to external networks such as cloud-based content and/or service providers. The connection may include a suitable modem, router, or switch, and may include a high bandwidth backbone such as the 10G backbone described above. The computer or processor 340 is also connected to the video display 309 via an HDMI link, in this example. In addition, computer 340 is connected to ports 311 (USB, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or the like) to allow additional internal or external resources to be used for DAE 330. As mentioned above, the DAE can include various sensors and peripheral elements. In the example shown in FIG. 3, DAE 330 includes a speaker 317, a microphone 319, and various sensors 321. Any one or more of these components may be connected to the computer or processor 340 through the port 311.

In the illustrated example, the equalizer 313 may be configured to provide tone control to adjust the sound of the room. In some cases, equalizer 313 facilitates adjustment of room acoustics, for example using a real-time time delay reflection method. Thereby, the equalizer and associated components can compensate for unwanted audio artifacts created by the interaction of sound waves with objects in the room or in proximity to the occupant. In certain embodiments, the signal pulse is generated by a speaker associated with a digital architectural element, and one or more microphones pick up the pulse directly and the pulse that is reflected and attenuated by objects in the room. Based on the time delay between the emission and detection of the pulse, and the tone quality of the detected pulse, the system can infer room boundaries and the like. In certain embodiments, the user's smartphone also makes it possible to optimize speaker outputs for the acoustic environment of various locations within the room. During setup mode, a user using a smartphone can move around the room and detect an acoustic response using the smartphone. Based on the location and the detected acoustic response, the digital architectural element can determine how to optimize the speaker output. After the room's acoustic profile is mapped, the digital architectural element is programmed to tune its speaker output based on various factors, such as where the user is located in the room. In some embodiments, the component is any of a number of proximity technologies, such as those described in PCT patent application PCT/US17/31106, filed May 4, 2017, previously incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The user location can be detected by using.

Digital wall interface

Certain aspects of the present disclosure relate to digital wall interfaces comprising some or all of the components used in a digital architectural element, wherein the digital wall interface is designed for mounting on a wall or door of a partially or completely built building. It is configured to include a chassis or housing. The wall interface can be built to provide a user interface that is easily visible to the user. It may have a relatively small footprint (eg, a user facing surface area of up to about 500 square inches) and may be circular or polygonal in shape. In certain embodiments, the digital wall interface is approximately the shape and size of a tablet.

In certain embodiments, the digital wall interface has the same or similar features as the digital architectural element, but it is a wall mounted device. For example, a digital wall interface may include sensors and peripheral elements as described for digital architectural elements. Also, these elements can be included in a bar or similar chassis.

In various embodiments, the digital architectural element is provided with the building as it is being built, while the digital wall interface is installed within the building after the building construction is complete or near completion. In one approach to building architecture, one or more digital wall interfaces are installed, e.g., just before or when occupied by the occupants, while multiple digital architectural elements can be used for basic building structures (walls, partitions, doors, It is installed during the construction of mullions and transoms). Of course, once installed, the digital wall interfaces and digital architectural elements can work together, for example, as part of a mesh network, by sharing sensed results, by sharing analysis and control logic, and the like.

In many embodiments, the digital wall interface includes a user interface and, optionally, an embedded display configured to provide a touch-sensitive interface. In some embodiments, but not in all embodiments, the digital architectural element does not include a display or touch interface. In some embodiments, the digital architectural element does not include a built-in display, but has an associated display, e.g., a display connected to that element by an HDMI cable, or a projector configured to project video controlled by that element. Similarly, the digital wall interface can be configured to work with a separate display such as a window display or projection display.

Many of the descriptions herein of the use, components, and functions of digital devices use digital architectural elements as examples, but in most cases the digital wall interface may serve a similar or the same purpose. Thus, in the case of a description that does not focus on the building structural element to which the digital device is attached or associated, the description applies equally to digital wall interfaces and digital architectural elements.

Improved Functional Window Controller (WC3).

As described above, in certain embodiments, the enhanced functionality window controller WC3 may include a Wi-Fi access point, and optionally also has cellular communication capabilities. It is often configured to connect to multiple networks (eg CAN bus and Ethernet).

In some embodiments, an improved functional window controller may have a basic structure and functionality as described herein, but may have a processor with an added Gigabit Ethernet interface and improved computing power. Like more conventional window controllers, the improved functional window controller can have a CAN bus interface or similar controller network. In some embodiments, the controller may have video capabilities and/or include features described in U.S. Patent Application No. 15/287,646 (October 6, 2016), which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

In certain embodiments, the improved functional window controller includes (i) a processor with high enough processing power to handle video and other functions that require significant processing power, (ii) an Ethernet connection, and (iii) optionally video processing. Capabilities, (iv) optionally a Wi-Fi access point or other wireless communication capability, and the like. This module can be attached to a baseboard with other, more conventional window controller functions, such as another baseboard used with an output amplifier or ring sensor. The resulting device may be used to control an optically switchable window, or simply to provide wireless communications, video, and/or other functions not necessarily associated with controlling the state of an optically switchable window. I can.

In certain embodiments, the improved functional window controller is provided, controlled, and alerted by a CAN bus or similar controller network protocol, such as a conventional window controller described herein, but additionally, video, Wi-Fi, And/or other additional functions.

4 shows a comparison between a block diagram of WC2 (detailed view A) and a block diagram of WC3 (detailed view B) according to some implementations. The WC2 block diagram is an example of a typical window controller such as that available from View Inc. of Milpitas, CA. Some of the components shown include at least one voltage regulator 441, a controller network interface CAN 442, a processing unit (microcontroller) 443, and various ports and connectors. Some of these components and exemplary architectures are described in U.S. Patent Application No. 13/449,251, filed April 17, 2012, and U.S. Patent Application No. 15/334,835, filed October 26, 2016, The entirety is incorporated herein by reference.

Detail B shows an example of an improved functional window controller WC3. In the illustrated embodiments, the conventional window controller WC 2 and the improved functional window controller WC3 have a similar architecture and some common components. The improved functional window controller (WC3) includes a more capable microcontroller 453, a Gigabit Ethernet interface 454, a wireless (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth or cellular) interface 455 and an optional MoCA interface 456. ). The Gigabit Ethernet interface may be a conventional non-shielded twisted pair (eg UTP/CAT5-6) interface and/or a MoCA (GbE over coaxial cable) interface. In certain embodiments, the connection to the enhanced functional window controller is made through a conventional RJ45 modular connector (jack). In certain embodiments supporting MoCA, the controller includes a separate adapter to provide a jack. As an example, such an adapter may be an Actiontec (Actiontec Electronics, Inc., Sunnyvale, Calif.) adapter, such as the ECB6250 MoCA 2.5 network adapter, for example, an adapter that provides a data communication rate of up to about 2.5 Gbps.

Applications and uses

5A-5D illustrate a number of examples of applications and uses of digital architectural elements and associated components contemplated by the present invention. It will be appreciated that the network and high bandwidth backbone described herein may be used for a variety of functions, some of which are not associated with controlling controlled windows. One such function is to provide Internet, local network, and/or computing services for tenants or other building occupants on site, construction staff, and the like during construction of the building. During construction, the network and computing resources provided by the backbone and digital elements can be used for more than just window commissioning. For example, they can be used to provide building information, building orders, and the like. In this way, building staff can access the necessary building information through a high-bandwidth, on-site network.

In some cases, as described herein, the network, communication, and/or computing services provided by the network and computing infrastructure are multiple tenant buildings or shared workspaces, such as those provided by WeWork.com. Used in the field. For example, shared workspace buildings should only provide temporary connectivity and processing power as needed. Building networks as described herein provide central control and flexible allocation of computing resources to specific building locations. This flexibility allows different resources to be allocated to different occupants.

Readings from sensors within a digital element (eg, a digital wall interface or a digital architectural element) can provide information about the environment in the vicinity of the digital architectural element. Examples of such sensors include sensors for any one or more of temperature, humidity, volatile organic compounds (VOC), carbon dioxide, dust, light levels, sunlight, and color temperature. In certain embodiments, readings from one or more of these sensors compensate for deviations in the measured readings, depending on the presence of the occupant and the contextual index of other signals, to achieve target values for occupant comfort or building efficiency. It is entered into an algorithm that determines the actions other building systems should take to obtain.

In certain embodiments, the digital element may be provided on the roof of a building, optionally with a sky sensor or ring sensor such as described in U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2017/0122802 published May 4, 2017. Can be located. Such components may have some or all of the features presented elsewhere herein for digital architectural elements. Examples include sensors, antennas, radios, radars, air quality detectors, and the like. In some implementations, a digital element at a location outside the roof or other building provides information about air quality, and in this way, the digital element can provide information about air quality both inside and outside. This makes it possible, using the entire set of information, to make decisions about window tint conditions and other environmental conditions (e.g., when conditions outside the building are unhealthy (or when conditions outside the building are Worse), a decision can be made to prohibit the inflow of air from outside).

In some cases, the level of illumination, daylight, color temperature, and/or characteristics of ambient or artificial lighting in a particular area of the building are used to determine whether to change the tonal state of the electrochromic device. In certain embodiments, such a decision may be one as described in U.S. Patent Application No. 15/347,677, filed on November 9, 2016, and U.S. Patent Application No. 15/742,015, filed on January 4, 2018. Using the above algorithm or analysis, the entirety is incorporated herein by reference. In one example, a tinting determination is made by using a solar calculator and/or reflection model with an algorithm to interpret light information from sensors of a digital architectural element. The algorithm is used in some cases to help determine whether the window will be discolored and which hue state should be chosen, information about the presence of occupants, how many occupants, and/or where occupants are (digital architectural elements). Data that can be obtained by using) can be used. In some cases, in order to determine the appropriate hue condition, digital architectural elements are instead of sky sensors as described in U.S. Patent Application No. 15/287,646, filed on October 6, 2016 and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Or used with it.

As an example of hue and daylight control, sensors within a digital element may provide feedback on local light, temperature, color, daylight, etc. within a room or other part of a building. The logic associated with the digital element can then determine whether the light intensity, direction, color, etc. should change within a room or part of the building, and can also determine how to affect those changes. Changes may be necessary for user comfort (eg, reducing daylight in the user's workspace, increasing contrast, or correcting the color profile for sensitive users) or for privacy or security. Assuming that the logic determines that a change is needed, then the optically switchable window tint states, the display device output, the switched particle device film states (e.g., transparent, translucent, opaque), and onto the surface. It is possible to send commands to change one or more lighting or solar components, such as light projection of, artificial light output (color, intensity, direction, etc.). All such decisions are made in U.S. Patent Application No. 15/347,677 filed on November 9, 2016, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference, and U.S. Patent Application No. 15/742,015, filed on January 4, 2018. This can be done with or without the aid of building-wide tone state processing logic as described in.

The array of digital architectural elements within a building can form a mesh edge access network that enables interaction between building occupants and the building or machines within the building. When equipped with a suitable network interface, the digital architectural element and/or the digital wall interface and/or the enhanced functional window controller can be used for connection, communication, and application in structural elements (e.g., mullions) for environmental computing processing. It can be used as a digital computing mesh network node that provides execution and the like. It can be powered, monitored and controlled in a similar or identical manner to edge sensor nodes in a mesh network setup within a building. It can be used as a gateway for other sensor nodes.

A non-exclusive list of functions or uses for the high bandwidth window network and associated digital elements contemplated by this disclosure is: (a) a speaker phone (a digital wall interface or digital architectural element configured to provide all the functions of a speaker phone). Can be); (b) Includes spatial personalization (where the occupant's preferences and/or roles are stored and then implemented at a specific location when the occupant is present). In some cases, preferences and/or roles are only implemented temporarily when the user is in a specific location. In some cases, as long as the occupant is allocated a workspace or living space, (c) security (asset tracking, identification of unauthorized individuals at defined locations, door locks, window discoloration, window discoloration, sound warnings). Etc); (d) HVAC, air quality control; (e) communication with occupants, including public address notifications to occupants in the event of an emergency (messages may be communicated through speakers of digital elements); (f) collaboration between occupants using live video; (g) noise cancellation (eg, a microphone detects white noise, and a sound bar removes white noise); (h) linking, streaming or other means of delivery to video or other media content, such as television; (i) enhancements to personal digital assistants such as Alexa from Amazon, Cortana from Microsoft, Google Home from Google, Siri from Apple, and/or other personal digital assistants; (j) facial or other biometrics (determining the identities of people in a room, not simply counting the number of people), for example by cameras and associated image analysis logic; (k) color detection (color balance with room lighting and window tone conditions); (l) The preferences and/or roles are still valid in the local environmental conditions being detected and/or adjusted. Conditions can be determined using one or more of the types of sensed conditions, such as, for example, temperature and humidity, volatile organic compounds (VOC), CO2, dust, smoke and lighting (light level, daylight, color temperature). have.

Computing system and memory devices

The currently disclosed logic and computing processing resources may be provided within a digital element, such as a digital wall interface or digital architectural element as described herein, and/or other buildings using the same or similar resources and services, servers on the Internet. , Cloud-based resources, etc. may be provided through a network connection to a remote location.

Certain embodiments disclosed herein relate to a system for creating and/or using a function for a building, such as the use described in the previous “Applications and Uses” section. A programmed or configured system for performing functions and uses may (i) receive inputs such as sensor data, occupancy details and/or external environmental conditions that characterize conditions within the building, and (ii) receive input about the building environment. It can be configured to execute instructions that determine the effect of such conditions or details, and optionally perform actions to maintain or change the building environment.

Many types of computing systems having any of a variety of computer architectures can be used as the disclosed systems for implementing the functions and uses described herein. For example, systems may include specially designed processors such as software components or programmable logic devices (eg, Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA)) running on one or more general purpose processors. In addition, systems may be implemented on a single device or distributed across multiple devices. The functions of the computing elements may be merged with each other or further divided into multiple sub-modules. In certain embodiments, the computing system includes a microcontroller. In certain embodiments, the computing system includes a general purpose microprocessor. Primarily, the computing system is configured to run an operating system and one or more applications.

In some embodiments, code for performing a function or use described herein is in the form of software elements that can be stored on a non-volatile storage medium (e.g., optical disk, flash storage device, mobile hard disk, etc.). Can be implemented. At one level, the software element is implemented as a set of instructions prepared by the programmer/developer. However, modular software that can be executed by computer hardware is executable code committed to memory using “machine codes” selected from “native instructions” or a specific set of machine language instructions designed with a hardware processor. The machine language instruction set or native instruction set is known and inherently built-in to the hardware processor(s). This is the "language" in which the system and application software communicate with the hardware processors. Each native instruction is recognized by the processing architecture and can specify a specific register for arithmetic, addressing or control functions, a specific memory location or offset, and a specific addressing mode used to interpret the operands. Yes, it is a discrete code. More complex operations are built by combining these simple native instructions that are executed sequentially or as dictated by control flow instructions.

The interrelationship between the executable software instructions and the hardware processor is structural. That is, by themselves, commands are a series of symbols or numeric values. They don't implicitly convey any information. It is the processor that is designed to interpret the symbolic/numeric values that give meaning to instructions.

The algorithm used herein may be configured to run on a single machine in a single location, on multiple machines in a single location, or on multiple machines in multiple locations. When multiple machines are used, individual machines can be tailored to their specific tasks. For example, large blocks of code and/or operations that require significant processing capacity may be implemented on large and/or fixed machines.

Further, certain embodiments relate to tangible and/or non-transitory computer-readable media or computer program products containing program instructions and/or data (including data structures) for performing various computer-implemented operations. will be. Examples of computer-readable media include semiconductor memory devices, phase change devices, magnetic media such as disk drives, magnetic tapes, optical media such as CDs, magnetic optical media, and read-only memory devices (ROM) and random access memory (RAM). A hardware device specially configured to store and execute program instructions such as, but is not limited thereto. The computer-readable medium may be controlled directly by the end user, or the medium may be controlled indirectly by the end user. Examples of directly controlled media include media located at user equipment and/or media that are not shared with other entities. Examples of indirectly controlled media include media that are indirectly accessible to users through external networks and/or through services that provide shared resources such as “cloud”. Examples of program instructions include both machine code as generated by a compiler, and files containing higher level code that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter.

Data or information used in the disclosed methods and devices is provided in digital form. Such data or information may include sensor data, building architecture information, floor plans, operating or environmental conditions, schedules, and the like. As used herein, data or other information provided in digital form may be used for storage to and transmission between machines. Typically, data may be stored as bits and/or bytes in various data structures, lists, databases, and the like. The data can be implemented electronically, optically, and the like.

In certain embodiments, algorithms for implementing the functions and uses described herein may be considered as a form of application software that interfaces with user and system software. In general, system software interfaces with computer hardware and associated memory. In certain embodiments, the system software includes operating system software and/or firmware as well as any middleware and drivers installed on the system. System software provides the basic, non-task-specific functions of a computer. Conversely, modules and other application software are used to perform specific tasks. Each native instruction for a module is stored in a memory device and expressed as a numeric value.

Integrated environmental monitoring and control

As noted above, the techniques disclosed herein contemplate a network of digital architectural elements (DAEs) capable of collecting a rich set of data related to the environment, occupation and security conditions inside and/or outside a building. Digital architectural elements may include optically switchable windows, and/or mullions or other architectural features associated with optically switchable windows. Advantageously, the digital architectural elements can be widely distributed over at least all or most of the perimeter of the building. As a result, the collected data can provide a very dense and detailed representation of the environmental, occupancy and security conditions associated with most or all of the interior and/or exterior of the building. For example, many or all of the windows in a building are light sensors and/or cameras (visible and/or IR), acoustic sensors such as microphone arrays, temperature and humidity sensors, and VOC, CO2, carbon monoxide (CO ) And/or a digital architectural element comprising a group of sensors such as air quality sensors to detect dust.

In some implementations, automated or semi-automated techniques are contemplated, including machine learning, in which the environmental control, communication and/or security systems of a building are intelligently responding to changes in the collected data. As an example, occupancy levels of a room in a building may be determined by light sensors, cameras, and/or acoustic sensors, and a correlation may be made between a desired change in HVAC function and a specific change in occupancy level. For example, an increased occupancy level may be correlated with the need to increase airflow and/or lower the setting of a thermostat. As another example, data from an air quality sensor that detects the level of dust may be associated with the need to perform building maintenance, or to introduce or exclude outside air from an interior space. For example, in one use case scenario, dust levels in the room were observed to rise as occupants were moving around the room, and to decrease as occupants were sitting. In such a scenario, a determination can be made that the floor cover (wiping mop, vacuum cleaner suction) needs to be serviced. In another use case scenario, the measured internal air quality can be observed to (i) improve, or (ii) deteriorate when the window is open. In case (i), it may be determined that the air circulation ducts or filters of the HVAC system are to be serviced. In case (ii), it may be determined that the outside air quality is poor, and the windows of the building should be kept in a closed position first. In another use case scenario, a correlation between the number of occupants in the conference room and whether the door and/or window is open or closed, and the rate of change of CO2 levels and/or CO2 levels can be derived.

More generally, the present techniques consider measuring a plurality of "building conditions" in response to the measured building conditions, and controlling the "building operation parameters" of the plurality of "building systems", as shown in FIG. 6 . As used herein, “building condition” may refer to a physical, measurable condition within a building or in a part of a building. Examples include temperature, air flow rate, light flux and color, occupancy, air quality and composition (fine dust number, carbon dioxide, gas concentration of carbon monoxide, water (ie, humidity)). As used herein, “building system” may refer to a system capable of controlling or adjusting building operating parameters. Examples include HVAC systems, lighting systems, security systems, and window optical condition control systems. Building operating parameters may refer to parameters that can be controlled by one or more building systems to adjust or control building conditions. Examples include heat flux from or to a heater or air conditioner, heat flux from a window or light in a room, air flow through the room, light flux from artificial or natural light through an optically switchable window. do.

Still referring to FIG. 6, method 600 may include collecting inputs from a plurality of sensors (block 610 ). Some or all of the sensors may be placed on or associated with each window and/or each digital architectural element associated with the window and/or digital wall interface. The sensors may include, for example, visible and/or IR light sensors or cameras, acoustic sensors, temperature and humidity sensors and air quality sensors. It will be appreciated that the collected inputs can represent various environmental condition measurements in temporal and spatial terms. In some implementations, at least some of the inputs can include a combination of sensors. For example, _{individual sensors specialized for each measurement of CO 2} , CO, dust and/or smoke can be considered, and a combination of inputs from individual sensors can be analyzed for determination of air quality control ( Block 620). As another example, inputs associated with determination of occupancy levels in a room collected from separate sensors, each measuring optical and acoustic signals, may be analyzed (block 620). As another example, the inputs can be received at about the same time from a spatially distributed sensor. For example, the sensors may be spatially distributed for a given room or may be distributed between multiple rooms and/or floors of a building.

In some implementations, analysis of the measured data at block 620 may take into account specific “context information” that does not necessarily need to be obtained from the sensors. Context information as used herein may include time of day and time of year, local weather and/or climate information, as well as information about the building layout, and usage parameters of various parts of the building. Context information is initially entered by a user (eg, a building manager) and may be updated manually and/or automatically. Examples of usage parameters may include an operational schedule of the building, and the prediction of individual rooms or larger portions (eg, floors) of the building and/or identification of authorized/authorized use. For example, certain portions of the billing may be identified as a lobby space, a restaurant/cafe space, a conference room, an open meeting area, a private office space, and the like. Context information may be used to make a decision as to whether or how to change the building operating parameter (block 630), and may also be used for calibration and, optionally, adjustment of the sensors. For example, based on contextual information, certain sensors may be selectively disabled in certain parts of the building to meet the occupant's privacy expectations. As another example, sensors for rooms (e.g., auditoriums) where a significant number of people can be expected to gather are different from sensors for rooms (e.g., private offices) that are expected to have fewer occupants. Can be calibrated or adjusted.

The purpose of the analysis at block 620 may be to determine that a particular building condition exists or can be predicted to exist. As a simple example, analysis may include comparing sensor readings, such as light flux or temperature measurements, to a threshold. Further, as a more complex example, when the occupancy load in the room is changed (for example, due to a conference call or a break in a conference room), the analysis at block 620 is first, the acoustics associated with the room. And/or the change can be directly recognized as a result of inputs from the optical sensor, and secondly, the corresponding analysis can predict the environmental parameter in which the change can be expected as a result of the change in the occupancy load. For example, an increase in occupancy load can be expected to lead to an increase in the ambient temperature and an increase in _{the level of CO 2.} Advantageously, the analysis at block 620 may be performed automatically, periodically or continuously, using a model or other algorithm that may improve over time using machine learning techniques, for example. In some implementations, the analysis may not explicitly identify a specific building condition (or combination of conditions) to determine if a building operating parameter should be adjusted.

Referring back to block 630, a determination as to whether or how to change the building operation parameter may be made based on the results of analysis block 620. Depending on the decision, building conditions may or may not change. If a determination is made not to change the building operating parameters, the method may return to block 610. If a decision is made to change the charging for an operating parameter, at block 640, one or more buildings, for example, for the purpose of improving occupant comfort or safety and/or reducing operating costs and energy consumption. Conditions can be adjusted. For example, lighting and/or HVAC services may be set to a low power condition in a room that is determined not to be occupied. As another example, a determination may be made that a defect or problem has occurred that requires the attention of building management, maintenance or security personnel.

The decision can be made responsively and/or ahead of time. For example, the determination may respond to a change in the measured parameter, for example, a determination may be made to increase the HVAC flow rate when the increase in _{ambient CO 2 is measured.} Alternatively or additionally, the decision can be made ahead of time, ie the building operating parameters can be adjusted in anticipation of environmental changes before the changes are actually measured. For example, an observed change in occupancy load can lead to a decision to increase the HVAC flow rate regardless of whether the _{ambient CO 2 or a corresponding increase in temperature is measured.}

In some implementations, the determination is based on the measured temperature, CO ₂ levels, humidity and/or local occupancy, the building operating parameters associated with the HVAC, which can be controlled at one or more locations (e.g., Air flow rate and temperature settings). In some implementations, the determination may be related to building operating parameters associated with building security. For example, in response to an abnormal sensor reading, a security system alarm may be triggered, selected doors and windows may be locked or unlocked, and/or the tone state of all or some windows may be changed. Examples of building conditions related to security include detection of broken windows, detection of unauthorized personnel in a controlled area, and detection of unauthorized movement of equipment, tools, electronic devices, or other assets from one location to another.

Building condition information associated with other types of security may include information associated with detection of the occurrence of detection of sound outside and/or within the building. In one embodiment, the detected sound is analyzed for sound type. In some embodiments, the analysis is initiated through one or more digital structural elements or hardware, firmware, or software mounted elsewhere in the building, or even off-site. In some embodiments, sound outside or inside the building causes the conductive layer deposited on the window glass of the electrochromic window to vibrate, the vibration causes a change in capacitance between the conductive layers, and the changes in capacitance It is converted into a signal representing sound. Thus, some windows of the present invention may essentially provide the function of a sound and/or vibration sensor, but in other embodiments, the sound and/or vibration sensor function has been added to windows with or without conductive layers. It may be provided by sensors and/or by one or more sensors implemented in digital structural elements.

In one embodiment, the origin of the sound may be determined by analyzing differences in sound amplitude and/or sound time delays experienced by different of the sound and/or vibration sensors. The types of sounds that are detected and analyzed include window breaking sounds, voices (e.g., voices of persons authorized or not authorized to be in a certain area), sounds caused by movement (people, machines, airflow), and Includes, but is not limited to, sounds caused by the firing of a firearm. In one embodiment, depending on the type of sound detected, one or more appropriate security or other actions are initiated by one or more systems in the building. For example, upon a determination that a firearm has been fired from a location outside or inside a building, the building management system automatically calls 911 to call emergency personnel at that location.

In the case of sound generated by firearms inside a building, knowing the exact location of the sound (eg room, floor, building information) as well as knowing the launcher that generated the sound is essential for proper emergency response. However, in buildings with wide open space planes and/or corridors, text location information that should refer to the plane of a specific building may delay the response. In one embodiment, visual location information is provided rather than simple text location information. The visual location information of the sound, if provided, may be provided by the installed camera system, but in one embodiment, the tint state of one or more windows determined to be closest to the sound generated by the firearm or the launcher is a distinct tint state. Is provided to be changed to. For example, in one embodiment, upon detection of a sound of interest, the tint of the color changeable window closest to the sound of interest changes to a tint darker or vice versa than the tint of windows further away from the sound. Cause. In this way, if the respondents are unable to quickly find a particular room on a particular floor of a particular building, they may do so by visually looking for discolored windows to distinguish them as darker or brighter than other windows.

In one embodiment, a person's current location associated with a particular sound may be different from his initial location, in which case the location change will be updated through detection of other sounds or changes caused by that person to the surrounding environment. I can. For example, in the case of a situation in which a launcher is moving around, a digital architectural element or other element to monitor changes in air quality caused by the presence of exploded gunpowder, and thereby provide an update on the launcher's position to respondents. A gas sensor in a predetermined position can be used. Sound and other sensors can also be used (eg, through infrared detection of their location) to obtain the location of quietly hiding people and roaming launchers. In one embodiment, to confuse a roaming launcher, sound is generated by speakers within the digital architectural elements or other speakers in the launcher position to disperse the launcher, or to hostages attempting to hide from it. Can cancel out the noise produced by it. In one embodiment, speakers and/or microphones in digital architectural elements or other devices can be selectively activated to communicate with people trying to hide from a roaming launcher. In some embodiments, providing more lighting to facilitate entry or exit of one or more persons from a particular location, except to allow the tint of one or more windows to be distinguished to help identify the location of the sound. To provide less illumination for the sake of or to obstruct visibility at a particular location, the distinct tint of the window may need to be changed to a certain different tint.

Still referring to FIG. 6, at block 640, one or more building parameters may be changed in response to a decision made at block 630. The building parameter change may be implemented under the control of the building management system in some embodiments, and may be implemented by one or more of the building's systems, such as, for example, HVAC, lighting, security, and window controller networks. It will be appreciated that building parameter changes may be made selectively on a global basis (across the building) or on local areas (eg, individual rooms, groups of rooms, floors, etc.).

As mentioned, a building system that determines how to change building operating parameters can use machine learning. This means that the machine learning model is trained using the training data. In certain embodiments, the process begins by training the initial model through supervised or semi-supervised learning. Models can be refined through on-going training/learning provided using on-site (eg, while operating in a functioning building). Examples of training data (building conditions interacting with each other and/or building operation parameters) include the following sensed or context data (X or inputs) and a combination of building operation parameters or tags (Y or output) Includes: (a) [X = occupancy (as measured by IR or camera/video), context, light flux (internal + sunlight); Y = ΔT/hour (no cooling)]; (b) [X = occupancy (as measured by IR or camera/video), context; Y = ΔCO ₂ /hour (normally ventilated)]; And (c) [X = occupancy (as measured by IR or camera/video), context, temperature, external relative humidity (RH); Y = ΔRH/hour (normally ventilated)]. Since some purpose of machine learning is to identify unknown or hidden patterns or relationships, learning generally uses a large number of inputs (X) for each possible output (Y).

In some embodiments, execution of the process flow shown in FIG. 6 may be facilitated by providing digital architectural elements with a collection of functional modules for collection and analysis of environmental data, communication and control. 7 shows an example of a group of such functional modules, according to one implementation. In the illustrated embodiment, the digital building element 700 includes a power and communication module 710, an audiovisual (A/V) module 720, an environmental module 730, a calculation/learning module 740, and a controller module ( 750).

The power and communication module 710 may include one or more wired or wireless interfaces for transmitting and receiving communication signals and/or power. Examples of wireless power transmission technologies suitable for use in connection with the currently disclosed technologies are U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/642,478 filed March 13, 2018 (invention title: WIRELESSLY POWERED ELECTROCHROMIC WINDOWS), September 2017. International patent application PCT/US17/52798 filed on the 21st (name of the invention: WIRELESSLY POWERED AND POWERING ELECTROCHROMIC WINDOWS), US patent application No. 14/962,975 filed on December 8, 2015 (name of the invention: WIRELESS POWERED ELECTROCHROMIC WINDOWS) ), and their entirety is incorporated by reference in this application. The power and communication module 710 is communicatively connected to each of the audio visual (A/V) module 720, the environment module 730, the calculation/learning module 740, and the controller module 750, and distributes power. can do. Further, the power and communication module 710 may be communicatively connected to an interface with one or more other digital building elements (not shown) and/or power and/or control distribution nodes of the building.

The A/V module 730 includes one or more of the aforementioned A/V components, including a camera or other visible and/or IR light sensor, a visual display, a touch interface, a microphone or microphone array, and a speaker or speaker array. It may include. In some embodiments, the “touch” interface may additionally include gesture recognition capabilities operable to detect, recognize, and respond to non-touch movements of a human appendage or handheld object.

The environmental module 730 includes a temperature and humidity sensor, an acoustic light sensor, an IR sensor, a particle sensor (eg, for detection of dust, smoke, pollen, etc.), a VOC sensor, a CO sensor, and/or a CO2 sensor. It may include one or more of the above-described environmental sensing elements. The environment module 730 may partially or completely overlap with the sensors described above with respect to the A/V module 730 (e.g., microphones, visible light sensor and/or IR light sensor) and/or It may functionally contain a collection of electromagnetic sensors. In some embodiments, the term “sensor” as used herein may include a particular processing power, for example, to make a determination, such as the degree of occupancy (or number of occupants) within a particular area. Cameras, in particular cameras that detect IR radiation, can be used to directly identify the number of people within a particular area. Also alternatively, the sensor may provide raw (raw) signals to the compute/learn module 740 and/or the controller module 750.

Compute/learn module 740 may include processing elements (including general purpose or special purpose processors and memories) as described above for a digital architectural element, a digital wall interface, and/or an improved functional window controller. Alternatively or additionally, it may include specially designed ASICs, digital signal processors, or other types of hardware, including processors designed or optimized to implement models such as machine learning models (eg, neural networks). Examples include Google's "Tensor Processing Unit" or TPU. Such processors may be designed to efficiently compute activation functions, matrix operations, and/or other mathematical operations required for neural networks or other machine learning computations. In some applications, other special purpose processors such as a graphics processing unit (GPU) may be used. In some cases, processors may be provided within a system on a chip architecture.

The controller module 750 is U.S. Patent Application No. 15/882,719, filed on January 29, 108, each of which is assigned to the assignee of the present application and the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference (name of the invention: CONTROLLER FOR OPTICALLY SWITCHABLE WINDOWS), U.S. Patent Application No. 13/449,251 filed on April 17, 2012 (Name of Invention: CONTROLLER FOR OPTICALLY-SWITCHABLE WINDOWS), International Patent Application PCT/US17/47664 filed on August 18, 2017 ( Title of invention: ELECTROMAGNETIC-SHIELDING ELECTROCHROMIC WINDOWS), U.S. Patent Application No. 15/334,835 filed on October 26, 2016 (Name of invention: CONTROLLERS FOR OPTICALLY-SWITCHABLE DEVICES), International patent filed on November 10, 2017 It may be or may include a window control module comprising one or more features described in application PCT/US17/61054 (name of the invention: POWER DISTRIBUTION NETWORKS FOR ELECTROCHROMIC DEVICES).

For clarity of illustration, FIG. 7 presents digital architectural elements 700 as comprising separate and distinct modules 710, 720, 730, 740, 750. However, it should be understood that two or more modules may be structurally combined with each other and/or with the features of the digital wall interface described above. Also, in a building installation that includes multiple digital architectural elements, it is considered that not all digital architectural elements necessarily include all described modules 710, 720, 730, 740, 750. For example, in some embodiments, one or more of the described modules 710, 720, 730, 740, 750 may be shared by multiple digital architectural elements.

8 illustrates exemplary physical packaging of a digital architectural element, in accordance with some implementations. As can be seen in Figure 8, the functionality of the described modules 710, 720, 730, 740, 750 is within a physical package having a size and form factor that can be easily accommodated by architectural features such as typical window mullions. It is considered to be configurable.

Trunk line for high-speed network infrastructure

The use and implementation of IoT devices requires communication networks capable of supporting their data throughput. In contests of previously constructed buildings, it is increasingly confirmed that existing network infrastructures cannot support this data throughput. The implementation or retrofitting of the building network infrastructure according to the present invention enables faster communication between more devices than was previously possible.

9A-9C show representations of a trunk line for a high-speed network infrastructure, according to some implementations. Referring to FIG. 9A, in one embodiment, a high-speed network infrastructure 900a is implemented with at least one trunk line segment 902 and at least one trunk line 901 including at least one or more circuits 903. As described in more detail below, one or more of the circuits 903 may be disposed within or associated with each digital architectural element. In some embodiments, the network 900a is, for example, as expected by MoCA 2.0, MoCA 2.0 bonded, MoCA 2.5, MoCA 3.0, respectively, with a throughput of 500 Mbps, 1 Gbps, 2.5 Gbps, and 10 Gbps. Configured to transmit signals from and/or to the devices.

Referring now to FIG. 9B, in one embodiment, network infrastructure 900b includes a serial connection of a daisy chained trunk line segment 902, wherein the first segment 902(1) The first end is connected to the control panel (CP) 920, and the second end of the first segment 902(1) is connected to the second segment 902(i) through the trunk line circuit 903. . In one embodiment, the second segment 902(i) includes two or more conductors (902(2) and 902(3) in the example shown). In one embodiment, some or all of the trunk line segments 902 comprise a twisted pair of conductors configured to transmit power signals. In one embodiment, the DC power signals include CLASS 2 power signals. In one embodiment, the ends of at least one segment 902 include RF connectors 905. In one embodiment, the RF connector 905 includes F-type connectors.

In one embodiment, each trunk line circuit 903 is configured to pass signals between two trunk line segments 902 and is also configured to connect signals between the segments and connector 908. In one embodiment, at least one trunk line circuit 903 comprises a connector 908, at least one connector 906 configured to mate with the connector 905 at one end of the segment 202, and conductors. And at least one connector 907 configured to match the power signals carried by 902(2, 3). In one embodiment, connector(s) 906 are or include F-type connectors configured to mate with connectors 905 of segments 902, and connector(s) 907, for example, And at least one fastener including, but not limited to, terminal block type fasteners configured to secure the conductive ends of the conductors.

In one embodiment, trunk line circuit 903 includes one or more passive circuits. Referring now to FIG. 9C, in the illustrated embodiment, trunk line circuit 903 includes a directional coupler circuit 909 coupled to bias T circuit 940. In one embodiment, the directional coupler 909 is proximate to the first conductor 911 and includes a second conductor 912. When the first conductor 911 is configured to conduct a signal between the segments 902, the signal on the first conductor 911 is inductively coupled to the second conductor 912. In one embodiment, the bias T circuit 940 includes an inductor 941 and a capacitor 942, wherein a first end of the inductor 941 is connected to the connector 907 and the second end of the inductor 941 The ends are connected to a capacitor 942 and a connector 908. In one embodiment, the power signal at connector 207 is combined by bias T circuit 940 with signals provided by directional coupler circuit 909 and the combined signals are combined by bias T circuit 940. It is connected to the connector 908. In one embodiment, connector 908 is or includes an RF connector. In one embodiment, connector 908 is or includes an F-type connector. In one embodiment, connector 908 is connected to drop line 913, which may be configured to transmit both power and high speed/high bandwidth data signals to one or more devices 914. In one embodiment, drop line 913 is or includes a coaxial cable conductor.

In one embodiment, the high-speed network 900 is installed on or within a building under construction. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the network 900 is a building such as, for example, unfinished or exposed interior and exterior facing walls, ceilings, and/or floors before the building is occupied for occupancy. It is installed on or in the structural elements of. In some embodiments, at least a portion of the network 200 is installed during or after installation of the electrical infrastructure of the building under construction. In other embodiments, one or more portions of the network 900 are installed prior to or during installation of the windows of the building under construction. Early installation of the network 900 before the final finishing work is completed allows previously unavailable functions to be used during the construction of the building. In one embodiment, when windows are installed concurrently with or after network 900, some or all of the processing power of the network and/or windows may be made available to contractors and other field personnel. For example, in one embodiment, when windows configured with digital display screen technology are installed at the same time as or after the installation of the network 900, the electronic version of the architectural blueprint for display on the display screen to field designers and contractors. Can be made available.

It is also known that during or after construction, certain materials within a building may interfere with or block the transmission of certain frequencies, and that blocking may interfere with devices whose operation depends on those frequencies. For example, it is known that metal structures (e.g., metal girders and metal window glass coatings, but not limited to) that may exist on the interior and/or exterior walls of a building may interfere with the operation of certain wireless devices. have. These devices include, but are not limited to, mobile phones, IoT devices, 5G and mm-wave enabled devices. In one embodiment, trunk line 901 is configured to include or be connected to one or more devices such as transceivers, antennas and/or signal repeaters to avoid such blockage. Proper placement of one or more transceivers, antennas, and/or signal repeaters in or on structures of a building may be used to facilitate communication around and across such structures. In one embodiment, during or after the construction of the building, one or more transceivers, antennas and/or signal repeaters are connected to the trunk line 901 to facilitate communication between devices inside the building. In one embodiment, one or more transceivers, antennas, and/or signal repeaters are located within the building according to the connection to and/or routing of trunk line 901. For example, in one embodiment, during or after construction, the trunk line 901 is installed on or in the exterior wall of the building, and the transceivers, antennas and/or signal repeaters are one or more trunk line circuits 903 ) Separately or as part of it. In one embodiment, routing of trunk line 901 outside the building may be used to improve wireless connectivity to devices that are outside the building. In embodiments, one or more building elements may include a transceiver, antenna and/or signal repeater. In one embodiment, transceivers, antennas and/or signal repeaters may be provided in or on a window or window frame. In one embodiment, the transceivers, antennas and/or signal repeaters are via drop line 913, or through a connection to trunk line 901 at some other point along the trunk line, trunk line 901. Can be connected to. In one embodiment, one or more of the transceivers, antennas and/or signal repeaters are located on the exterior wall or roof of the building, and the trunk line 901 is connected to the transceiver, antenna and/or signal repeater.

Trunk line-drop line interface

10 illustrates an exemplary power and data distribution system including a control panel, trunk lines, drop lines, and digital architectural elements, in accordance with some embodiments. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, control panel 1020 provides power and data to multiple digital building elements 1030.

Conductors (power insertion lines) 1002(2), power injectors 1070, and power segments 1090 are provided to transfer power from control panel 1020 to digital building elements 1030. . Power distribution systems including trunk lines, power inserts, and power injectors are described in PCT Publication No. 2018/102103 (P085X1WO) filed on Nov. 10, 2017, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. .

In certain embodiments, the power insertion lines and power segments include one or more twisted pair conductors, such as pairs of 12 or 14 AWG conductors. In one example, one or both of these types of current carrying lines comprise two pairs of 2 x 14 AWG conductors. In certain embodiments, one or both of these types of power carrying cables are designed for class 2 power (eg, <4 amps and <30 volts DC).

In the illustrated embodiment, power from the control panel 1020 is first via power insertion lines 1002(2) and then from power injectors 1070, and finally through power segments 1090. It is passed to the bias Ts 1040. Bias Ts 1040 connect power and data to drop lines 1013 connected to a number of digital architectural elements 1030.

In the illustrated embodiment, data is provided between the control panel 1020 (or more specifically, a master controller or network controller provided within the control panel, for example) and a number of digital architectural elements 1030. Data is carried from the cable 1002(1) connected to the control panel 1020 to the directional couplers 1009, the bias Ts 1040, and finally the drop lines 1013.

In certain embodiments, data carrying cables 1002(1) and drop lines 1013 are coaxial cables. In certain embodiments, one or both of these coaxial cables are RG6 coaxial cables. As described elsewhere herein, the system may include hardware and/or software logic for conveying high bandwidth data over coaxial cables. In certain embodiments, the system uses components configured to convey data using one or more of the MoCA standards.

In various embodiments, the data from the control panel is each of multiple digital building elements 1030 by extracting a portion of the transport signal from the data carrying cables 1002(1) using directional couplers 1009. Is delivered. As an example, the directional coupler may direct a small portion of the data signal from the data carrying cable 1002(1), thereby directing the extracted signal towards the bias T. As an example, the data signal received from the directional coupler has a first signal strength, the digital coupler extracts a small portion of the signal for bias T, and causes a slightly reduced strength signal downstream towards the next directional coupler. Keep it delivered.

Upstream data from digital components 1030 is transferred to bias Ts 1040 and directional couplers 1009 via drop lines 1013, and finally carries data for transfer to control panel 1020. It is delivered by cable 1002(1) (or often more precisely to the network or master controller in the control panel). Directional couplers 1009, such as those shown in this exemplary system, direct certain data in only one direction. For example, upstream data from digital architectural elements 1030 passing through directional coupler 1009 is directed only upstream towards control panel 1020 on data carrying cable 1002(1).

In the example of FIG. 10, any one or more of the digital architectural elements 1030 may include any one or more of the modules, or may provide one or more of the functions described elsewhere herein. For example, for clarity of explanation, directional couplers 1009 and bias Ts 1040 are shown outside each digital architectural element 1030, although in some embodiments at least some digital architectural elements. It is contemplated that 1030 will include each directional coupler 1009 and/or each bias T 1040. In certain embodiments, at least one of the digital architectural elements 1030 is sensorless or lacks audio and/or video capabilities. For example, digital architectural element 1030 may only include communication functions such as Wi-Fi, cellular, and/or wired network capabilities.

In some cases, the one or more digital architectural elements include modules or other components for controlling one or more electrically discolored windows. In some cases, the digital architectural element includes or communicates with one or more window controllers. To this end, one or more digital building elements may include components such as gateways for implementing controller area network (eg CANbus) functions. In some such cases, the system shown in FIG. 10 may have CANbus cabling provided on trunk lines or other components.

In FIG. 10 and in other drawings showing systems including digital architectural elements, digital architectural elements are replaced with other digital elements that provide any one or more functions that provide control, processing, communication, and/or sensing. It must be understood that it can be. For example, any digital architectural element can be replaced by a digital wall controller, an improved functional window controller, or the like.

11 shows a schematic diagram of an example of a trunk line circuit similar to that described above in connection with FIG. 9C. In the illustrated example, the trunk line circuit includes a combination of characteristics of both the directional coupler 1109 and the bias T circuit 1140, which may be referred to as a multiport coupler or trunk T. In the illustrated example, the directional coupler 1109 is proximate a first conductor 1111 comprising an upstream segment (inlet) 1111(i) and a downstream segment (outlet) 1111(o). The conductor 1111 may be connected to segments of the trunk line of FIG. 10 (eg, segment 902 of FIG. 9C and 1002(i) of FIG. 10 ). The directional coupler 1109 includes a second conductor 1112 that is inductively connected to the first conductor 1111. In the illustrated example, the directional coupler provides a tap line 1150 for data signals extracted from the first conductor 1111. In certain embodiments, the directional coupler includes two parallel conductive elements (eg, two copper traces). These are shown as (i) a first conductor 1111 connecting two portions of a coaxial or other data carrying line (not shown), and (ii) a second conductor 1112 which is a directional finger. Through an inductive connection, the signal from the main data carrying line is fetched or extracted for other use, in which case it is provided to the bias T circuit 1140. Among other parameters, the relative length of the directional fingers along the path of the continuous conductive element, and the separation distance between these two conductive elements, are indicative of the strength of the data carrying signal being drawn out.

As an example, the data signal arrives at the directional coupler from the control panel, and the arriving signal (at 1111(i)) has a signal strength of 25 dB. The directional coupler extracts a portion of the signal (e.g. 2 dB), and the remaining 23 dB of signal (at 1111(o)) continues its journey (away from the control panel (not shown)), e.g. , Is configured to face the next directional coupler (not shown).

The tab 1150 may transmit data to the bias T circuit 1140 with a relatively low signal strength (compared to the signal on the first conductor 1111 ). As shown, the bias T circuit 1140 has an inductive component 1141 connected to a power source (e.g., a power segment such as segment 1090) and a connection to the inductive component 1141. It has a structure that includes a capacitive component 1142 on a link between a node and a directional coupler 1109.

In operation, the bias T circuit 1140 may receive data as an RF signal from the directional coupler 1109 via a coaxial cable, and combine it with DC power from a separate power source. This may be a digital architectural element (e.g., digital architectural element 1030 in FIG. 10) or other digital element, and/or a window controller and/or an electrically discolored window (e.g., IGU). The combined signal is transmitted on drop line 1113 for downstream transmission to 1114. The power provided to bias T 1140 (especially inductive component 1141) can be obtained from any of a variety of sources. In some embodiments, this is provided via cabling originating from the control panel (eg, cabling of a power insertion line such as line 1002(2) or a power segment such as segment 1090). In some embodiments, this is provided through a storage battery, storage capacitor, or other form of energy well (not shown). In certain embodiments, the combination trunk T circuit includes both a power line cable and an energy well. Working together under appropriate control logic, these two power supplies can provide load leveling, power backup, etc. in a power distribution system.

In the alternative embodiment shown in FIG. 11, the device 1114 is configured as a digital architectural element that includes a bias T circuit 1160 to accommodate data and power provided via the drop line 1113. AC power from drop line 113 is directed onto the first circuit leg for the power supply of the digital building element, and data is directed to a different leg for processing at block 1161.

In certain embodiments, the combination trunk T circuit has at least five ports: (i) an input data port for receiving data from an upstream source (e.g., a control panel), and (ii) a downstream trunk. Output data port for transmission to T circuits (and ultimately downstream processing units such as other digital architectural elements), (iii) input power port for receiving power from a power source (e.g., control panel). , (iv) an output power port for transmitting unused power to other devices that consume power, and (iv) a drop line port for transmitting fetched data and power to a device such as a digital architectural element on the drop line. Includes. In certain embodiments, ports (i), (ii), and (iv) include connectors for coaxial cables, while ports (iii) and (iv) include connectors for twisted pair cables. .

In certain embodiments, a directional coupler, such as directional coupler 1109 in trunk T 1103, is a mechanically or electrically controllable knob for controlling or regulating the connection between traces or other conductive elements included in the directional coupler. control or adjustment features such as (knob) or dials. For example, the control or adjustment feature may allow for different degrees of signal coupling by providing control over the relative positions and/or overlapping lengths of the traces.

Depending on where the directional coupler is placed in the communication network (control panel or near the end or somewhere in between), the directional coupler may require different degrees of signal coupling. The adjustable mechanism may allow for different degrees of signal coupling suitable for different locations on the communication network.

In certain embodiments, the trunk line is connected to the control panel and carries both data and power lines. For example, the trunk line may carry the power insertion line 1002(2) and the data carrying cable 1002(1) from the control panel 1020 of the system of FIG. 10.

12 shows a cross-section of an exemplary trunk line 1200 configured to deliver a combination of power and data from and/or to the control panel. Trunk line 1200 has conductors and shields for carrying power and data for both a universal network protocol (eg, Ethernet) and a control area network, eg, a CANbus protocol. As shown in FIG. 12, trunk line 1200 includes an outer jacket 1210, which may be or may include an insulator. In the illustrated example, the outer jacket is an inner coaxial cable 1220 (e.g., RG6 coaxial) for high bandwidth data communication, and two large gauge twisted pair cables 1230 (e.g. , 14 AWG unshielded twisted pair cable), and CANbus shielded multi-conducting cable 1240 for interacting with, for example, window controllers, sensors, and the like. Of course, many of these features can be generalized, such as, for example, the number of twisted pair conductors, the gauge of the conductors, and even the type of data carrying cable (e.g., a non-coaxial line such as an optical fiber). In certain embodiments, the CANbus cable is a twisted pair and includes two data conductors and two power conductors with an overall shielding (eg, foil shielding) over the pair. The two power conductors may simply be a single wire and a drain wire (bare wire, not insulated) that are electrically connected to the overall shield.

13 shows a digital architectural element 1330 ("smart frame" or similar communication/processing module) connected by a drop line 1313 with a combination module 1380 comprising a directional coupler 1389 and a bias T circuit 1384. And some examples of a power distribution system with (such as) are shown. Drop line 1313 can carry both power and data downstream to DAE 1330 and can carry data from DAE 1330 upstream to a control panel (not shown). Data from the control panel (or other upstream source) may be provided through the coaxial cable input port 1381. This data is provided to the directional coupler 1389 of the combining module 1380. The directional coupler 1389 extracts a portion of the data signal and transmits it on a line 1382, which may be a cable, an electrical trace on a circuit board, or the like, depending on the design of the combining module 1380. Data from the control panel not fetched by the combination trunk T exits through the coaxial cable output port 1383.

Line 1382 is connected to bias T circuit 1384 in combination module 1380. Two twisted pair conductors (or other power transfer lines) 1385(1) and 1385(2) are also connected to the bias T circuit 1384. Through these connections, the bias T circuit connects the power and data to the drop line 1313, which may be a coaxial cable. The digital architectural component or other communication/processing component 1330 includes and/or includes components for cellular communication (e.g., antenna shown) and cellular or CBRS processing logic 1335, as shown. Can be connected. In some embodiments, processing logic 1335 may be 5G-compatible. In certain embodiments, as shown, a digital architectural element or other communication/processing component 1330 is connected to one or more CAN bus nodes, such as window controllers, that control the tonal states of the associated optically controllable windows. It provides a CANbus gateway to provide data and power.

In certain embodiments, during construction of the building, modules, such as the combination module 1380 shown in FIG. 13, may initially include some locations that are not connected to digital architectural elements or other processing/communication modules. Can be installed freely throughout. In such embodiments, the combination trunk Ts may be used to install digital processing devices after construction, as required by the building and/or tenants or other occupants.

Digital architectural elements

14, 15, and 16 present block diagrams of versions of a digital architectural element, digital wall interface, or similar device. For convenience, the following description will refer to the Digital Architectural Element (DAE). 14 shows a DAE 1430 that can support multiple communication types, including, for example, Wi-Fi communication with its antenna 1437. Alternatively or additionally, DAE 1430 may include or be connected to a cellular communication infrastructure such as a baseband radio, amplifier and antenna in the illustrated embodiment. Similarly, although not explicitly shown here, the digital architectural element 1530 may support a citizen's band radio system (CBRS) using a similar baseband radio. From a communication and data processing point of view, the digital architectural elements in this drawing have the same general architecture as the fully functional digital architectural elements. However, it does not include sensors, and possibly auxiliary components such as displays, microphones and speakers.

In some embodiments, digital architectural elements support a modular sensor configuration that allows individual upgrade and replacement of sensors through plug and play insertion in a backbone type circuit board having a set of slots or sockets. In one embodiment, the sensors used in the digital structural elements may be normally installed in the backbone of one of a number of standardized slots/sockets to maximize flexibility and functionality. In some embodiments, the sensors are modular and can be plug-and-play replaced through removal and insertion through openings in the housing of digital building elements. A faulty sensor can be replaced, or function/performance can be changed as needed. In one embodiment in which digital architectural elements are installed during the construction phase of a project/building, the use of plug-and-play sensors is the use of digital architectural elements with one or more sensors that may not be needed when the project/building is ready for occupancy. Enables user customization. For example, during construction, sensors may be installed to track building assets at the site, monitor unsafe (OSHA+) noise or air quality levels, and/or the site will not normally be occupied by workers. Night cameras may be installed to monitor the movement of the building site. If necessary, after construction, these or other sensors can be removed during the occupancy phase, and thereafter, sensors with new performance or upgraded sensors can be easily and quickly replaced or replenished as they become necessary or available. have.

15 shows a system 1500 of components that may be integrated within or associated with a DAE. System 1500 receives and transmits data wirelessly (e.g., Wi-Fi communication, cellular communication, civil broadband wireless system communication, etc.), and transmits data upstream via, e.g., a coaxial drop line, It can be configured to receive data downstream. In Figure 15, the components of system 1500 are presented at a relatively high level. The embodiment shown in Fig. 15 includes circuitry that provides similar functionality for the combination module 1380 (described above in connection with Fig. 13) at the interface of the trunk line and drop line, specifically, the bias T circuit 1584. A module 1580 including) receives power and data from individual conductors (trunk line) and transfers it to one cable (drop line 1513). Thus, for downstream transmission, the coaxial drop line can carry both power and data to the digital building element's MoCA interface 1590 on the same conductors.

As shown, system 1500 includes bias T circuit 1584 connected to MoCA interface 1590 by drop line 1513. The MoCA interface 1590 is configured to convert downstream data signals provided in MoCA format over a coaxial cable (dropline in this case) into data in a conventional format that can be used for processing. Similarly, the MoCA interface 1590 may be configured to reformat the upstream data for transmission over a coaxial cable (drop line 1513). For example, packetized Ethernet data can be converted to MoCA format for upstream transmission over a coaxial cable.

In the illustrated example, the DC-DC power supply 1501 receives DC power from the bias T circuit 1584 and transfers this relatively high voltage power to the processing components and other components of the digital building element 1530. Converts to a lower voltage power suitable for powering the field. In certain implementations, the power supply 1501 includes a Buck converter. A power supply can have a variety of outputs, and each output can have a power or voltage level suitable for the component it powers. For example, one component may require 12 volts of power and another component may require 3.3 volts of power.

In some approaches, the bias T circuit 1584, MoCA interface 1590, and power supply 1501 are modules (or other combined units) used across multiple designs of a digital architectural element or similar network device. Is provided within. Such a module may provide data and power to one or more downstream data processing, communication, and/or sensing devices within a digital architectural element. In the illustrated embodiment, the processing block 1503 is cellular (e.g., as enabled by the transmit (Tx) antenna and associated RF power amplifier, and by the receive (Rx) antenna and associated analog-to-digital converter. , 5G) Provides processing logic for communication functions or for other wireless communication functions. In certain embodiments, the antennas and associated transceiver logic are configured for broadband communication (eg, about 800 MHz, 5.8 GHz). The processing block 1503 may be implemented as one or more separate physical processors. The blocks are shown as separate microcontrollers and digital signal processors, but the two can be combined in one physical integrated circuit, such as an ASIC.

The embodiment shown in FIG. 15 provides separate transmit and receive antennas, while other embodiments use a single antenna for transmit and receive. In addition, if the digital architectural element supports multiple wireless communication protocols such as one or more cellular formats (e.g., Sprint 5G, T mobile 5G, ATT 4G/LTE, etc.), this means that the antennas, It may include separate hardware such as amplifiers, and analog-to-digital converters. Also, if the digital architectural element supports non-cellular wireless communication protocols such as Wi-Fi, civil broadband wireless system, etc., separate antennas and/or other hardware may be required for each of them. However, in some embodiments, a single power amplifier may be shared by antennas and/or other hardware for multiple wireless communication formats.

In the illustrated embodiment, processing block 1503 may implement functionality associated with communication, such as, for example, a baseband radio for cellular or civil broadband wireless communication. In some cases, different physical processors are used for each supported wireless communication protocol. In some cases, one physical processor is configured to implement multiple baseband radios, which optionally share certain additional hardware such as power amplifiers and/or antennas. In such case, different baseband radios may be defined in software or other configurable logic.

16 shows an example of a system 1600 of components that may be incorporated into or associated with a digital architectural element. As shown, system 1600 includes a bias T circuit 1684 (eg, similar to bias T circuit 1584 in FIG. 15) that can operate as described above. The data from the bias T circuit 1684 is a MoCA front end module 1690 (e.g., a MoCA front end module 1690 that operates in conjunction with at least a portion of the processing block 1640 to provide high-speed data to one or more components of the system 1600). For example, on-chip coaxial network controller systems such as the MxL3710 available from MaxLinear, Inc. of Carlsbad, CA).

Power (e.g., 24V DC) from the bias T circuit 1584 is provided to one or more voltage regulators in the power supply 1601, at least some of which are the function of the power supply 1501 in FIG. They collectively may be provided, and power may be provided to various components of the processing block 1640. The processing block 1640 is generally an integrated circuit, which may include a general purpose microprocessor, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor, and a multi-core or embedded processor, some or all of which have various processing capabilities, as shown in block 1642. It may include. In certain embodiments, processing block 1640 provides the functions of processing block 1503 of FIG. 15. As an example, the processing block 1640 may provide CANbus functionality for one or more window controllers.

In the illustrated example, the processing block 1640 includes a network switch 1643, which may be, for example, a 5-port Ethernet switch such as SJA1105 available from NXP Semiconductors in the Netherlands. MoCA encoded data arriving from the MoCA front end can be decoded to provide data in conventional Ethernet format. This data can then be provided to a network switch, where this data can be distributed to various data processing components of system 1600.

In one embodiment, a modular electrical connector 1604, such as the RJ45 connector shown, may provide data for any purpose of a building owner or occupant who may have, for example, a user laptop or data center connection. In one example, connector 1604 provides a connection to Gigabit Ethernet over a twisted pair copper wire.

Block 1610 of FIG. 16 includes examples of additional components not shown in the embodiment of FIG. 15. In certain embodiments, they are provided together in a single chassis or case, or otherwise provided as a module. In other embodiments, they are provided separately, each of which can be incorporated into a digital architectural element. As shown, block 1605 includes window controller elements including sensor module 1611, video module 1612, audio module 1613, and window controller logic 1614 and window controller power circuit 1615. Includes. In certain embodiments, some or all of the functionality of the window controller 1614 may be implemented in the processing block 1640, thereby minimizing or eliminating requirements for individual logic components, such as window controller logic 1614. can do.

In some embodiments, 5G infrastructure may replace both Wi-Fi and 4G through a single service protocol and associated infrastructure. For example, one or more 5G antennas and associated components in the area of a building can provide a wireless communication function that serves all demands, effectively replacing the need for Wi-Fi. In certain embodiments, the digital building component utilizes a commercial broadband wireless system (CBRS) that does not require a separate license from the FCC or other regulatory agencies.

conclusion

In this specification, a number of specific details have been set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the presented embodiments. The disclosed embodiments may be practiced without some or all of these specific details. In other instances, well-known process operations have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the disclosed embodiments. While the disclosed embodiments have been described in connection with specific embodiments, it will be understood that these specific embodiments are not intended to limit the disclosed embodiments.

Claims (69)

As a high-speed data communication network in or on a building,
A plurality of trunk line segments connected in series to each other by a plurality of passive circuits configured to transmit signals to and receive signals from one or more devices on, inside or outside the building, the signal The network, which contains data greater than 1 Gpbs transmission rate. The network of claim 1, wherein the trunk line segments comprise coaxial cables. The network according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the trunk line segments comprise a twisted pair of conductors. 4. Network according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the passive circuit is configured as a bias T. 5. The network of claim 4, wherein the bias T comprises an inductor and a capacitor. 6. Network according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the passive circuit is configured as a directional coupler. 7. Network according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each passive circuit comprises a first conductor having two ends configured to connect each end to one of the trunk line segments. 8. The network of claim 7, wherein the passive circuit comprises a second conductor disposed adjacent and spaced apart from the first conductor. 9. The network of claim 8, wherein the first and second conductors are spaced apart in a parallel relationship. 10. Network according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the passive circuits is configured to convey signals via inductive coupling. A method of installing a high-speed data communication network in or on a building, the method comprising:
Providing a plurality of trunk line segments;
Providing one or more circuits; And
Forming the network by connecting the trunk line segments to the one or more circuits to form a daisy chain trunk line topology, the plurality of trunk line segments comprising coaxial cables, the one or more circuits comprising the A method configured to deliver signals to, and to receive signals from, one or more devices on, inside or outside a building. 12. The method of claim 11, wherein the one or more devices comprise windows. 13. The method of claim 11 or 12, wherein the one or more devices comprise a controller configured to control a function of at least one of the windows. The group of any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the at least one device is an Internet of Things (IoT) device, a wireless device, a sensor, an antenna, a 5G device, a mmWave device, a microphone, a speaker, and a microprocessor. A method comprising an apparatus selected from. 15. The method of claim 14, further comprising installing the one or more devices in or on a structural element of the building. 16. The method of any of claims 11-15, wherein the one or more circuits comprise an inductor and a capacitor. 17. The method of any of claims 11-16, wherein the one or more circuits comprise an antenna. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the antenna comprises a 5G antenna. 19. The method of any of claims 11-18, wherein the one or more circuits comprise one or more connectors. 20. The method of claim 19, wherein the connector comprises an RF connector. 21. The method of any of claims 11-20, wherein the one or more circuits comprise two or more connectors. 22. The method of any of claims 11-21, wherein the signals comprise data greater than 1 Gpbs transmission rate. 23. The method of any of claims 11-22, wherein the signals comprise power signals. 24. The method of claim 23, wherein the power signals comprise CLASS 2 power signals. 25. The method of any of claims 11-24, wherein the signals comprise TCP/IP data and power signals. 26. The method of any of claims 11-25, wherein the daisy chain topology is connected to a building management control panel. 27. The method of any of claims 11-26, wherein the signals comprise wireless data. 28. The method of any of claims 11-27, further comprising installing at least one window in the building. 29. The method of claim 28, wherein the at least one window comprises an optically switchable window. 30. The method of claim 29, wherein the at least one window comprises an electrochromic window. 29. The method of claim 28, wherein installing the at least one window is performed after forming the network. 32. The method according to any one of claims 11 to 31, wherein at least a portion of the trunk line is installed in or on an exterior wall of the building. 33. The method of claim 32, wherein the one or more devices comprise an antenna and/or a repeater. 34. The method of claim 33, wherein at least one of the one or more devices is installed in or on a window of the building. 35. The method of claim 34, wherein the window comprises a digital display screen. 36. The method of any of claims 11-35, wherein the one or more circuits comprise a directional coupler. 37. The method of any of claims 11-36, wherein the one or more circuits comprise bias T circuits. 38. The method of any of claims 11-37, wherein forming the network is performed during construction of the building. 39. The method of claim 38, wherein forming the network comprises connecting the circuits to windows of the building. As a high-speed data communication network in or on a building,
A plurality of trunk line segments and one or more circuits, the trunk line segments are connected by the one or more circuits to form a daisy chain trunk line configuration, the plurality of segments comprising coaxial cables, the one Wherein the circuitry is configured to transmit signals to and receive signals from one or more devices on, inside, or outside the building. 41. The network of claim 40, wherein the one or more devices comprise a window. 42. The network of claim 40 or 41, wherein the one or more devices comprise a controller configured to control the function of the window. The method of any one of claims 40-42, wherein the one or more devices are composed of IoT devices, wireless devices, sensors, antennas, 5G devices, microphones, microprocessors, and speakers. Network, selected from a group. 44. The network of any of claims 40-43, wherein the one or more devices are in or on a structure of a building. 45. The network of any of claims 40-44, wherein the one or more circuits comprise an inductor and a capacitor. 46. The network of any of claims 40-45, wherein the one or more circuits comprise an antenna. 47. The network of claim 46, wherein the antenna is a 5G antenna. 48. The network of any of claims 40-47, wherein the one or more circuits comprise two or more connectors. 49. The network of claim 48, wherein the two or more connectors are configured to be secured to a coaxial cable and a pair of conductors. 50. The network of claim 48 or 49, wherein the connectors comprise an RF connector. 51. The network of any of claims 48-50, wherein the connectors comprise a terminal block. 52. The network of any of claims 40-51, wherein the signals comprise data greater than 1 Gpbs transmission rate. 53. The network of any of claims 40-52, wherein the signals comprise power signals. 54. The network of claim 53, wherein the power signals comprise CLASS 2 power signals. 55. The network of any of claims 40-54, wherein the signals comprise TCP/IP data and power signals. 56. The network of any of claims 40-55, wherein the signals comprise 5G signals. 57. The network of any of claims 40-56, wherein the signals comprise wireless data. 58. The network of any of claims 40-57, wherein the one or more devices comprise an optically switchable window. 59. The network of claim 58, wherein the optically switchable window comprises an electrochromic window. 60. The network of claim 58 or 59, wherein the optically switchable window comprises digital display technology. 61. The network according to any one of claims 40 to 60, wherein at least a portion of the trunk line is installed in or on an exterior wall of the building. 62. Network according to any of claims 40 to 61, wherein the one or more devices comprise a transceiver, an antenna and/or a repeater, and the one or more devices are installed in or on an external structure of the building. 63. The network of claim 62, wherein the exterior structure comprises an exterior wall. 64. The network of claim 63, wherein the exterior structure comprises a roof. 65. The network of any of claims 40-64, wherein the one or more devices comprise an antenna. 66. The network of any of claims 40-65, wherein the one or more devices are installed in or over windows of the building. 67. The network of any of claims 40-66, wherein the one or more circuits comprise a transceiver, an antenna and/or a repeater. 68. The network of any of claims 40-67, wherein the one or more circuits comprise a directional coupler circuit. 69. The network of any of claims 40-68, wherein the one or more circuits comprise a bias T circuit.

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