TW202001071A - Optically switchable windows for selectively impeding propagation of light from an artificial source - Google Patents
Optically switchable windows for selectively impeding propagation of light from an artificial source Download PDFInfo
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Images
Classifications
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- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
- G02F1/00—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
- G02F1/01—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour
- G02F1/15—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour based on an electrochromic effect
- G02F1/153—Constructional details
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
- E06B—FIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
- E06B3/00—Window sashes, door leaves, or like elements for closing wall or like openings; Layout of fixed or moving closures, e.g. windows in wall or like openings; Features of rigidly-mounted outer frames relating to the mounting of wing frames
- E06B3/66—Units comprising two or more parallel glass or like panes permanently secured together
- E06B3/67—Units comprising two or more parallel glass or like panes permanently secured together characterised by additional arrangements or devices for heat or sound insulation or for controlled passage of light
- E06B3/6715—Units comprising two or more parallel glass or like panes permanently secured together characterised by additional arrangements or devices for heat or sound insulation or for controlled passage of light specially adapted for increased thermal insulation or for controlled passage of light
- E06B3/6722—Units comprising two or more parallel glass or like panes permanently secured together characterised by additional arrangements or devices for heat or sound insulation or for controlled passage of light specially adapted for increased thermal insulation or for controlled passage of light with adjustable passage of light
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
- E06B—FIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
- E06B9/00—Screening or protective devices for wall or similar openings, with or without operating or securing mechanisms; Closures of similar construction
- E06B9/24—Screens or other constructions affording protection against light, especially against sunshine; Similar screens for privacy or appearance; Slat blinds
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
- G02F1/00—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics
- G02F1/01—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour
- G02F1/15—Devices or arrangements for the control of the intensity, colour, phase, polarisation or direction of light arriving from an independent light source, e.g. switching, gating or modulating; Non-linear optics for the control of the intensity, phase, polarisation or colour based on an electrochromic effect
- G02F1/153—Constructional details
- G02F1/1533—Constructional details structural features not otherwise provided for
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G05—CONTROLLING; REGULATING
- G05B—CONTROL OR REGULATING SYSTEMS IN GENERAL; FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS OF SUCH SYSTEMS; MONITORING OR TESTING ARRANGEMENTS FOR SUCH SYSTEMS OR ELEMENTS
- G05B19/00—Programme-control systems
- G05B19/02—Programme-control systems electric
- G05B19/04—Programme control other than numerical control, i.e. in sequence controllers or logic controllers
- G05B19/042—Programme control other than numerical control, i.e. in sequence controllers or logic controllers using digital processors
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05K—PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
- H05K9/00—Screening of apparatus or components against electric or magnetic fields
- H05K9/0001—Rooms or chambers
- H05K9/0005—Shielded windows
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
- E06B—FIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
- E06B9/00—Screening or protective devices for wall or similar openings, with or without operating or securing mechanisms; Closures of similar construction
- E06B9/24—Screens or other constructions affording protection against light, especially against sunshine; Similar screens for privacy or appearance; Slat blinds
- E06B2009/2464—Screens or other constructions affording protection against light, especially against sunshine; Similar screens for privacy or appearance; Slat blinds featuring transparency control by applying voltage, e.g. LCD, electrochromic panels
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- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
- G02F2201/00—Constructional arrangements not provided for in groups G02F1/00 - G02F7/00
- G02F2201/08—Constructional arrangements not provided for in groups G02F1/00 - G02F7/00 light absorbing layer
- G02F2201/083—Constructional arrangements not provided for in groups G02F1/00 - G02F7/00 light absorbing layer infrared absorbing
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- G—PHYSICS
- G02—OPTICS
- G02F—OPTICAL DEVICES OR ARRANGEMENTS FOR THE CONTROL OF LIGHT BY MODIFICATION OF THE OPTICAL PROPERTIES OF THE MEDIA OF THE ELEMENTS INVOLVED THEREIN; NON-LINEAR OPTICS; FREQUENCY-CHANGING OF LIGHT; OPTICAL LOGIC ELEMENTS; OPTICAL ANALOGUE/DIGITAL CONVERTERS
- G02F2201/00—Constructional arrangements not provided for in groups G02F1/00 - G02F7/00
- G02F2201/08—Constructional arrangements not provided for in groups G02F1/00 - G02F7/00 light absorbing layer
- G02F2201/086—UV absorbing
Landscapes
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Nonlinear Science (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
- Optics & Photonics (AREA)
- Architecture (AREA)
- Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
- Automation & Control Theory (AREA)
- Electrochromic Elements, Electrophoresis, Or Variable Reflection Or Absorption Elements (AREA)
- Instruments For Viewing The Inside Of Hollow Bodies (AREA)
- Mechanical Light Control Or Optical Switches (AREA)
Abstract
Description
本文中所揭示之實施例大體上係關於控制建築物內或建築物之間的無線通信,所述建築物包含光學可切換窗,且更具體而言係關於使用光學可切換窗,所述窗經組態以選擇性地阻止來自人造源之光或其他電磁能的傳播。 The embodiments disclosed herein relate generally to controlling wireless communication within or between buildings that include optically switchable windows, and more specifically, to the use of optically switchable windows that It is configured to selectively prevent the propagation of light or other electromagnetic energy from artificial sources.
電致變色為材料在置於不同電子狀態時通常藉由經受電壓改變而展現光學性質之可逆電化學介導改變的現象。光學性質通常為色彩、透射率、吸收率及反射率中之一或多者。 Electrochromism is a phenomenon in which a material exhibits a reversible electrochemically-mediated change in optical properties when subjected to a voltage change when placed in different electronic states. The optical property is usually one or more of color, transmittance, absorption, and reflectance.
電致變色材料可被併入至例如住宅、商業及其他用途之窗中作為窗玻璃上之薄膜塗層。此類窗之色彩、透射率、吸收率及/或反射率可藉由誘發電致變色材料之改變而改變,例如,電致變色窗為可以電子方式變暗或變亮之窗。施加至窗之電致變色裝置的小電壓將使其變暗;反轉電壓極性使所述窗變亮。此能力允許控制通過窗之光量,且為電致變色窗呈現被用作節能裝置的機會。 Electrochromic materials can be incorporated into windows for residential, commercial, and other uses as thin film coatings on window glass. The color, transmittance, absorption and/or reflectance of such windows can be changed by inducing changes in electrochromic materials. For example, electrochromic windows are windows that can be darkened or brightened electronically. A small voltage applied to the electrochromic device of the window will darken it; reversing the polarity of the voltage brightens the window. This capability allows controlling the amount of light passing through the window and presents the electrochromic window with an opportunity to be used as an energy saving device.
有時被稱作「智慧型窗」(無論係電致變色窗抑或其他窗)之光學可切換窗已用於建築物中以控制太陽能之傳輸。可切換窗可藉由加熱、空氣調節及/或照明系統手動地或自動地著色及脫色以減小能量消耗,同時維持居住 者的舒適性。 Optical switchable windows, sometimes called "smart windows" (whether electrochromic windows or other windows), have been used in buildings to control the transmission of solar energy. The switchable windows can be manually or automatically colored and decolored by heating, air conditioning and/or lighting systems to reduce energy consumption while maintaining occupant comfort.
本發明之一個態樣係關於一種可著色窗,所述可著色窗具有:(i)至少一個窗片,所述窗片具有面向一第一環境之一第一表面及面向一第二環境的一第二表面;(ii)一電致變色裝置塗層,其安置在所述至少一個窗片之所述第一表面或所述第二表面上;(iii)一或多個控制器,其具有用於(a)控制所述電致變色裝置塗層之一色調狀態,及(b)處理在所述可著色窗處接收到之光保真(LiFi)信號的邏輯;及(iv)一接收器,其經組態以接收無線資料且提供所述無線資料至所述控制器,其中所述無線資料經由紅外、可見及/或紫外LiFi信號予以傳輸。在一些實施例中,所述接收器進一步經組態以接收經由射頻(RF)信號傳輸之無線資料。 An aspect of the present invention relates to a tintable window, the tintable window having: (i) at least one window sheet having a first surface facing a first environment and facing a second environment A second surface; (ii) an electrochromic device coating disposed on the first surface or the second surface of the at least one window pane; (iii) one or more controllers, which Having logic for (a) controlling a tone state of the coating of the electrochromic device, and (b) processing the light fidelity (LiFi) signal received at the tintable window; and (iv) one A receiver configured to receive wireless data and provide the wireless data to the controller, wherein the wireless data is transmitted via infrared, visible, and/or ultraviolet LiFi signals. In some embodiments, the receiver is further configured to receive wireless data transmitted via radio frequency (RF) signals.
在一些實施例中,所述可著色窗具有一屏蔽層,其係於所述第一表面與所述第二表面之間在所述至少一個窗片上,其中所述屏蔽層經組態以衰減或阻斷RF及/或LiFi信號在所述第一表面與所述第二表面之間傳輸。在一些狀況下,所述屏蔽層可在如下兩種狀態之間調整:一第一狀態,其經組態以衰減或阻斷RF及/或LiFi信號在所述第一表面與所述第二表面之間傳輸;及一第二狀態,其允許RF及/或LiFi信號在所述第一表面與所述第二表面之間傳輸。在一些實施例中,所述控制器具有防火牆邏輯,其經組態以對接收到之無線資料進行濾波且基於所述經濾波之無線資料判定所述屏蔽層應調整至所述第一狀態還是所述第二狀態。 In some embodiments, the tintable window has a shielding layer that is on the at least one window between the first surface and the second surface, wherein the shielding layer is configured to attenuate Or block the transmission of RF and/or LiFi signals between the first surface and the second surface. In some situations, the shielding layer can be adjusted between two states: a first state, which is configured to attenuate or block RF and/or LiFi signals on the first surface and the second Transmission between surfaces; and a second state that allows RF and/or LiFi signals to be transmitted between the first surface and the second surface. In some embodiments, the controller has firewall logic configured to filter the received wireless data and determine whether the shielding layer should be adjusted to the first state or based on the filtered wireless data The second state.
在一些實施例中,所述可著色窗具有一傳輸器(藉由所述控制器控制),其經組態以經由紅外、可見或紫外LiFi信號傳輸無線資料。所述傳輸 器亦可經組態以經由射頻(RF)信號傳輸無線資料。所述可著色窗可具有一屏蔽層,其係於所述第一表面與所述第二表面之間在所述至少一個窗片上,其中所述屏蔽層經組態以衰減或阻斷RF及/或LiFi信號在所述第一表面與所述第二表面之間傳輸。在一些狀況下,所述屏蔽層可在如下兩種狀態之間調整:一第一狀態,其經組態以衰減或阻斷RF及/或LiFi信號在所述第一表面與所述第二表面之間傳輸;及一第二狀態,其允許RF及/或LiFi信號在所述第一表面與所述第二表面之間傳輸。在一些實施例中,所述控制器具有防火牆邏輯,其經組態以對所述接收到之無線資料進行濾波且基於所述經濾波之無線資料判定所述屏蔽層應調整{2至所述第一狀態還是所述第二狀態。在一些實施例中,所述控制器經組態以經由所述傳輸器傳輸無線資料,其中所述經傳輸資料包含藉由所述接收器接收到的無線資料。在一些實施例中,所述接收器經組態以自所述第一環境接收無線資料,且所述傳輸器經組態以將無線資料傳輸至所述第一環境。在一些實施例中,所述接收器經組態以自所述第一環境接收無線資料,且所述傳輸器經組態以將無線資料傳輸至所述第二環境。 In some embodiments, the tintable window has a transmitter (controlled by the controller) that is configured to transmit wireless data via infrared, visible, or ultraviolet LiFi signals. The transmitter can also be configured to transmit wireless data via radio frequency (RF) signals. The tintable window may have a shielding layer that is between the first surface and the second surface on the at least one window, wherein the shielding layer is configured to attenuate or block RF and The LiFi signal is transmitted between the first surface and the second surface. In some situations, the shielding layer can be adjusted between two states: a first state, which is configured to attenuate or block RF and/or LiFi signals on the first surface and the second Transmission between surfaces; and a second state that allows RF and/or LiFi signals to be transmitted between the first surface and the second surface. In some embodiments, the controller has firewall logic configured to filter the received wireless data and determine based on the filtered wireless data that the shielding layer should adjust {2 to the The first state is also the second state. In some embodiments, the controller is configured to transmit wireless data via the transmitter, wherein the transmitted data includes wireless data received by the receiver. In some embodiments, the receiver is configured to receive wireless data from the first environment, and the transmitter is configured to transmit wireless data to the first environment. In some embodiments, the receiver is configured to receive wireless data from the first environment, and the transmitter is configured to transmit wireless data to the second environment.
在一些實施例中,所述控制器經組態以至少部分地基於接收到之無線資料來調整所述電致變色裝置塗層的所述色調狀態。在一些實施例中,所述傳輸器包含所述至少一個窗片上之一透明顯示器。在一些實施例中,所述透明顯示器為一有機發光二極體顯示器。 In some embodiments, the controller is configured to adjust the hue state of the electrochromic device coating based at least in part on the received wireless data. In some embodiments, the transmitter includes a transparent display on the at least one window pane. In some embodiments, the transparent display is an organic light emitting diode display.
本發明之另一態樣係關於一種可著色窗,所述可著色窗具有:(i)至少一個窗片,所述至少一個窗片具有面向一第一環境之一第一表面及面向一第二環境的一第二表面;(ii)一電致變色裝置塗層,其安置在所述至少一個窗片之所述第一表面或所述第二表面上;(iii)一傳輸器,其經組態以經由紅外、可見或紫外光保真LiFi信號傳輸無線資料;及(iv)一或多個控制器,其具有用於(a)控制所述電致變色裝置塗層之一色調狀態,及(b)控制藉由所述傳 輸器傳輸之所述無線資料的邏輯。 Another aspect of the present invention relates to a tintable window, the tintable window having: (i) at least one window panel, the at least one window panel has a first surface facing a first environment and facing a first A second surface of the two environments; (ii) an electrochromic device coating, which is disposed on the first surface or the second surface of the at least one window; (iii) a transmitter, which Configured to transmit wireless data via infrared, visible or ultraviolet fidelity LiFi signals; and (iv) one or more controllers having a tone state for (a) controlling the coating of the electrochromic device , And (b) control the logic of the wireless data transmitted by the transmitter.
本發明之另一態樣係關於一種可著色窗,所述可著色窗具有:(i)至少一個窗片,所述至少一個窗片具有面向一第一環境之一第一表面及面向一第二環境的一第二表面;(ii)一電致變色裝置塗層,其安置在所述至少一個窗片之所述第一表面或所述第二表面上;(iii)一或多個控制器,其具有用於控制所述電致變色裝置塗層之一色調狀態的邏輯;及(iv)一屏蔽層,其係於所述第一表面與所述第二表面之間在所述至少一個窗片上,其中所述屏蔽層經組態以衰減或阻斷RF及/或LiFi信號在所述第一表面與所述第二表面之間傳輸。 Another aspect of the present invention relates to a tintable window, the tintable window having: (i) at least one window panel, the at least one window panel has a first surface facing a first environment and facing a first A second surface of two environments; (ii) an electrochromic device coating, which is disposed on the first surface or the second surface of the at least one window; (iii) one or more controls A device having logic for controlling a tone state of the coating of the electrochromic device; and (iv) a shielding layer between the first surface and the second surface On a window, wherein the shielding layer is configured to attenuate or block the transmission of RF and/or LiFi signals between the first surface and the second surface.
本發明之另一態樣係關於一種建築物,所述建築物具有:(i)多個可著色窗,其中每一窗具有一電致變色裝置塗層;(ii)多個控制器,其經組態以控制所述多個可著色窗上之所述電致變色裝置塗層;及(iii)連接多個控制器之一網路。所述網路包含:多個接收器,其經組態以接收經由紅外、可見或紫外光保真(LiFi)信號傳輸之無線資料;及多個傳輸器,其經組態以經由紅外、可見或紫外LiFi信號傳輸無線資料。 Another aspect of the invention relates to a building having: (i) a plurality of tintable windows, each of which has an electrochromic device coating; (ii) a plurality of controllers, which Configured to control the electrochromic device coating on the plurality of colorable windows; and (iii) a network connected to a plurality of controllers. The network includes: multiple receivers configured to receive wireless data transmitted via infrared, visible or ultraviolet fidelity (LiFi) signals; and multiple transmitters configured to transmit infrared and visible Or ultraviolet LiFi signal to transmit wireless data.
在一些實施例中,連接所述控制器之所述網路為一網狀網路。在一些實施例中,所述控制器經組態以經由LiFi信號接收指令從而控制所述可著色窗,所述LiFi信號經由所述網路提供。在一些實施例中,連接所述多個控制器之所述網路包含用於接收射頻(RF)信號之接收器及/或2]用於傳輸射頻(RF)信號之傳輸器。 In some embodiments, the network connected to the controller is a mesh network. In some embodiments, the controller is configured to receive commands via a LiFi signal to control the colorable window, the LiFi signal being provided via the network. In some embodiments, the network connecting the plurality of controllers includes a receiver for receiving radio frequency (RF) signals and/or 2] a transmitter for transmitting radio frequency (RF) signals.
在一些實施例中,所述網路經組態以經由所述接收器及傳輸器向一建築物內或附近之行動裝置發送資料及/或自所述行動裝置接收資料。所述網路可連接至網際網路。 In some embodiments, the network is configured to send data to and/or receive data from mobile devices in or near a building via the receiver and transmitter. The network can be connected to the Internet.
在一些實施例中,所述網路經組態以經由面向一第二建築物之一或多個LiFi傳輸器及面向所述第二建築物之一或多個LiFi接收器通信至位於所 述第二建築物中的一第二網狀網路。 In some embodiments, the network is configured to communicate via one or more LiFi transmitters facing a second building and one or more LiFi receivers facing the second building to the A second mesh network in the second building.
所述網路可包含經組態以調節經由LiFi信號傳輸之資料的防火牆邏輯。在一些實施例中,所述可著色窗中之至少一者具有一屏蔽層,所述屏蔽層經組態以阻斷或衰減射頻(RF)及/或LiFi信號而不讓其通過所述至少一個可著色窗。在一些實施例中,所述至少一個可著色窗上之所述屏蔽層可在如下兩種狀態之間調整:阻斷或衰減RF及/或LiFi信號之一狀態,及准許RF及/或LiFi信號通過所述至少一個可著色窗的一狀態。屏蔽層可經組態以防止RF及/或LiFi信號離開及/或進入建築物。 The network may include firewall logic configured to regulate data transmitted via LiFi signals. In some embodiments, at least one of the tintable windows has a shielding layer that is configured to block or attenuate radio frequency (RF) and/or LiFi signals from passing through the at least A tintable window. In some embodiments, the shielding layer on the at least one colorable window can be adjusted between two states: one of blocking or attenuating RF and/or LiFi signals, and permitting RF and/or LiFi The signal passes a state of the at least one colorable window. The shielding layer can be configured to prevent RF and/or LiFi signals from leaving and/or entering the building.
本發明之另一態樣係關於一種用於控制一建築物之一內部與一外部之間的電致變色窗之控制器。所述控制器經組態以:(i)接收紅外、可見或紫外無線光保真信號,所述信號具有用於控制至少一個電致變色窗之一光學狀態的指令;及(ii)基於所述接收到之紅外、可見或紫外無線光保真信號中之所述指令而控制一或多個電致變色窗的所述光學狀態。 Another aspect of the invention relates to a controller for controlling an electrochromic window between an interior and an exterior of a building. The controller is configured to: (i) receive infrared, visible or ultraviolet wireless optical fidelity signals with instructions for controlling the optical state of at least one electrochromic window; and (ii) based on The instructions in the received infrared, visible or ultraviolet wireless light fidelity signals control the optical state of one or more electrochromic windows.
在一些實施例中,所述控制器進一步經組態以傳輸紅外、可見或紫外無線光保真信號。所述控制器可經組態以傳輸紅外、可見或紫外無線光保真信號與所述至少一個電致變色窗的狀態資訊。所述狀態資訊可包含所述至少一個電致變色窗之效率資料或循環資料。 In some embodiments, the controller is further configured to transmit infrared, visible or ultraviolet wireless optical fidelity signals. The controller may be configured to transmit infrared, visible or ultraviolet wireless optical fidelity signals and status information of the at least one electrochromic window. The state information may include efficiency data or cycle data of the at least one electrochromic window.
在一些實施例中,所述控制器經組態以傳輸紅外、可見或紫外無線光保真信號至一窗控制器及/或一建築物管理系統(BMS)。所述控制器可包含經組態以傳輸所述紅外、可見或紫外無線光保真信號的一二極體雷射。 In some embodiments, the controller is configured to transmit infrared, visible or ultraviolet wireless optical fidelity signals to a window controller and/or a building management system (BMS). The controller may include a diode laser configured to transmit the infrared, visible, or ultraviolet wireless optical fidelity signal.
在一些狀況下,所述控制器經組態以經由一光纖纜線接收紅外、可見或紫外無線光保真信號。在一些狀況下,所述控制器經組態以接收經由自由空間傳輸之紅外、可見或紫外無線光保真信號。 In some cases, the controller is configured to receive infrared, visible, or ultraviolet wireless fidelity signals via a fiber optic cable. In some cases, the controller is configured to receive infrared, visible or ultraviolet wireless fidelity signals transmitted via free space.
在一些狀況下,所述控制器為具有一微控制器之一窗控制器,所 述微控制器經組態以藉由光保真信號發送資訊。 In some cases, the controller is a window controller with a microcontroller that is configured to send information by optical fidelity signals.
本發明之另一態樣係關於一種用於在一網路上控制光學可切換窗的系統,其中所述光學可切換窗中之每一者係在一建築物之一內部與一外部之間。所述系統具有:一第一控制器,其經組態以傳輸光保真信號,所述信號具有用於控制至少一個光學可切換窗之光學狀態的指令;及一第二控制器,其經組態以接收所述經傳輸光保真信號且基於所述經傳輸之指令控制所述至少一個光學可切換窗的所述光學狀態。 Another aspect of the present invention relates to a system for controlling optically switchable windows on a network, wherein each of the optically switchable windows is between an interior and an exterior of a building. The system has: a first controller configured to transmit optical fidelity signals, the signal having instructions for controlling the optical state of at least one optically switchable window; and a second controller, which is It is configured to receive the transmitted optical fidelity signal and control the optical state of the at least one optically switchable window based on the transmitted instruction.
在一些狀況下,所述光保真信號包含可見光、紅外光及/或近紫外光。在一些實施例中,所述第一控制器包含用於傳輸所述光保真信號之一發光二極體(LED)。所述LED可藉由一使用者控制以在所述建築物中提供可見照明。在一些實施例中,所述LED包含一鈣鈦礦材料(例如,銫鉛溴化物)。 In some cases, the optical fidelity signal includes visible light, infrared light, and/or near ultraviolet light. In some embodiments, the first controller includes a light emitting diode (LED) for transmitting the optical fidelity signal. The LED can be controlled by a user to provide visible illumination in the building. In some embodiments, the LED includes a perovskite material (eg, cesium lead bromide).
在一些狀況下,所述第二控制器可具有一光偵測器,所述光偵測器經組態以接收所述經傳輸之光保真信號。在一些狀況下,所述第二控制器經組態以傳輸額外光保真信號,所述信號具有用於所述至少一個電致變色窗之狀態資訊,且所述第一控制器經組態以接收藉由所述第二控制器傳輸之所述額外光保真信號。在一些實施例中,所述狀態資訊包含所述至少一個光學可切換窗之效率資料或循環資料。在一些實施例中,所述第二控制器經組態以傳輸所述額外光保真信號至一建築物管理系統(BMS)。 In some cases, the second controller may have an optical detector configured to receive the transmitted optical fidelity signal. In some cases, the second controller is configured to transmit additional optical fidelity signals, the signal has status information for the at least one electrochromic window, and the first controller is configured To receive the additional optical fidelity signal transmitted by the second controller. In some embodiments, the status information includes efficiency data or cycle data of the at least one optically switchable window. In some embodiments, the second controller is configured to transmit the additional optical fidelity signal to a building management system (BMS).
在一個實施例中,本發明包括一種界定一內部及一外部之系統,所述系統包括:安置於所述內部與所述外部之間的多個可著色窗,其中每一窗包括一面向內部窗格以及至少一個面向外部窗格,且其中所述窗格中的至少一者具有安置於其上的一電致變色裝置塗層;及至少一個控制器,其經組態以控制所述多個可著色窗中之至少一個上之所述電致變色裝置塗層的一色調,以便選擇性地形成一屏蔽層,所述屏蔽層經組態以衰減或阻斷來自人造或人工製造 源(「人造光」)之紅外或可見光的傳輸而不讓其通過所述多個可著色窗中之所述至少一個的所述窗格中的至少一者。在一個實施例中,所述塗層安置於所述窗之所述至少一個面向外部窗格上。在一個實施例中,所述塗層安置於所述至少一個面向外部窗格之一面向內側上。在一個實施例中,所述人造光藉由一LiFi裝置產生。在一個實施例中,所述人造光藉由一雷射產生。在一個實施例中,所述系統進一步包括功能上耦接至所述至少一個控制器之至少一個偵測器。所述控制器經組態以回應於藉由所述至少一個偵測器偵測到人造光而控制所述多個可著色窗中至少一個的所述色調。 In one embodiment, the invention includes a system that defines an interior and an exterior, the system including: a plurality of tintable windows disposed between the interior and the exterior, wherein each window includes an interior-facing The pane and at least one facing the exterior pane, and wherein at least one of the panes has an electrochromic device coating disposed thereon; and at least one controller configured to control the multiple A tint of the electrochromic device coating on at least one of the tintable windows to selectively form a shielding layer that is configured to attenuate or block sources from artificial or artificial sources ( "Artificial light") transmission of infrared or visible light without passing it through at least one of the panes of the at least one of the plurality of colorable windows. In one embodiment, the coating is disposed on the at least one outward facing pane of the window. In one embodiment, the coating is disposed on the inner side of one of the at least one outer-facing pane. In one embodiment, the artificial light is generated by a LiFi device. In one embodiment, the artificial light is generated by a laser. In one embodiment, the system further includes at least one detector functionally coupled to the at least one controller. The controller is configured to control the hue of at least one of the plurality of colorable windows in response to detection of artificial light by the at least one detector.
在一個實施例中,本發明包括:一種運用如下步驟控制人造光通過一可著色窗的方法,所述步驟包括:用一控制器控制所述可著色窗之一色調以阻斷可見或紅外光傳輸而不讓其通過所述可著色窗之窗格中的至少一者,其中所述紅外或可見光係來自一人造源。在一個實施例中,所述窗包括安置於所述窗之至少一個窗格上的一電致變色塗層。在一個實施例中,所述窗係一建築物之部分,且其中所述塗層安置於所述窗之一面向外部窗格上。在一個實施例中,所述塗層安置於所述面向外部窗格之一面向內側上。在一個實施例中,所述人造光藉由一LiFi裝置產生。在一個實施例中,所述人造光藉由一雷射產生。在一個實施例中,所述方法進一步包括運用一偵測器偵測所述人造光之所述存在且回應於藉由所述偵測器偵測到所述人造光而用所述控制器控制所述窗之所述色調的一步驟。 In one embodiment, the present invention includes: a method of controlling artificial light through a tintable window by using the following steps: the controller includes controlling a hue of the tintable window with a controller to block visible or infrared light Transmit without passing it through at least one of the panes of the tintable window, wherein the infrared or visible light is from an artificial source. In one embodiment, the window includes an electrochromic coating disposed on at least one pane of the window. In one embodiment, the window is part of a building, and wherein the coating is disposed on one of the windows facing the exterior pane. In one embodiment, the coating is disposed on the inner side of one of the outward-facing panes. In one embodiment, the artificial light is generated by a LiFi device. In one embodiment, the artificial light is generated by a laser. In one embodiment, the method further includes using a detector to detect the presence of the artificial light and responding to the detection of the artificial light by the detector to be controlled by the controller A step of the hue of the window.
將在下文更詳細地描述本發明之此等及其他態樣。 These and other aspects of the invention will be described in more detail below.
100‧‧‧電致變色裝置 100‧‧‧Electrochromic device
102‧‧‧基板 102‧‧‧ substrate
104‧‧‧透明導電層(TCL)/元件 104‧‧‧Transparent conductive layer (TCL)/component
106‧‧‧電致變色層(EC)/元件 106‧‧‧Electrochromic layer (EC)/component
108‧‧‧離子導電層或區(IC)/元件 108‧‧‧ ion conductive layer or area (IC)/component
110‧‧‧相對電極層(CE)/元件 110‧‧‧ counter electrode layer (CE)/component
114‧‧‧第二透明導電層(TCL) 114‧‧‧Second transparent conductive layer (TCL)
116‧‧‧電壓源 116‧‧‧Voltage source
120‧‧‧電致變色堆疊 120‧‧‧Electrochromic stacking
200‧‧‧隔熱玻璃單元(IGU) 200‧‧‧Insulated glass unit (IGU)
204‧‧‧第一窗格/窗片/基板 204‧‧‧First pane/window/substrate
206‧‧‧第二窗格/窗片/基板 206‧‧‧Second pane/window/substrate
208‧‧‧內部容積 208‧‧‧ Internal volume
210‧‧‧電致變色裝置(ECD) 210‧‧‧Electrochromic device (ECD)
212‧‧‧層 212‧‧‧ storey
214‧‧‧層 214‧‧‧ storey
216‧‧‧層 216‧‧‧ storey
218‧‧‧間隔件 218‧‧‧ spacer
220‧‧‧密封劑/第一初級密封件 220‧‧‧Sealant/first primary seal
222‧‧‧密封劑/第二初級密封件 222‧‧‧sealant/secondary primary seal
224‧‧‧次要密封件 224‧‧‧Secondary seals
226‧‧‧匯流條 226‧‧‧Bus bar
228‧‧‧匯流條 228‧‧‧Bus bar
300‧‧‧窗控制系統 300‧‧‧Window control system
301‧‧‧控制網路 301‧‧‧Control network
302‧‧‧主控網路控制器/主控控制器 302‧‧‧Master network controller/master controller
304‧‧‧網路控制器 304‧‧‧Network Controller
306‧‧‧窗控制器 306‧‧‧Window controller
308‧‧‧光學可切換窗 308‧‧‧Optical switchable window
309‧‧‧面向外網路 309‧‧‧For Internet
402‧‧‧電致變色(EC)裝置塗層 402‧‧‧Electrochromic (EC) device coating
404‧‧‧射頻(RF)屏蔽件 404‧‧‧radio frequency (RF) shield
406‧‧‧層 406‧‧‧ storey
501‧‧‧防反射層 501‧‧‧Anti-reflection layer
502‧‧‧跨界層/導電層 502‧‧‧Transboundary layer/conductive layer
503‧‧‧夾層區 503‧‧‧ Mezzanine area
510‧‧‧區段
511‧‧‧區段/屏蔽堆疊 511‧‧‧section/shield stack
612‧‧‧屏蔽堆疊 612‧‧‧Shield stack
613‧‧‧屏蔽堆疊 613‧‧‧Shield stack
700‧‧‧屏蔽膜 700‧‧‧Shielding film
701‧‧‧第一薄膜層/約束外層 701‧‧‧First film layer/constrained outer layer
702‧‧‧屏蔽堆疊 702‧‧‧Shield stack
703‧‧‧層壓黏附層 703‧‧‧ Laminated adhesive layer
704‧‧‧第二薄膜層 704‧‧‧Second film layer
705‧‧‧安裝黏附層 705‧‧‧Install the adhesive layer
710‧‧‧表面 710‧‧‧Surface
711‧‧‧表面 711‧‧‧Surface
800‧‧‧房間 800‧‧‧Room
801‧‧‧可著色窗 801‧‧‧Colorable window
802‧‧‧可著色窗 802‧‧‧Colorable window
803‧‧‧可著色窗 803‧‧‧Colorable window
804‧‧‧可著色窗 804‧‧‧Colorable window
811‧‧‧窗控制器 811‧‧‧window controller
811‧‧‧窗控制器 811‧‧‧window controller
813‧‧‧窗控制器 813‧‧‧Window controller
820‧‧‧光保真(LiFi)接收器 820‧‧‧Fidelity (LiFi) receiver
900‧‧‧建築物 900‧‧‧Building
901‧‧‧窗 901‧‧‧window
902‧‧‧窗 902‧‧‧window
903‧‧‧光保真(LiFi)傳輸器 903‧‧‧Fidelity (LiFi) transmitter
905‧‧‧裝置 905‧‧‧ installation
910‧‧‧光保真(LiFi)信號 910‧‧‧Fidelity (LiFi) signal
911‧‧‧窗 911‧‧‧window
912‧‧‧光保真(LiFi)信號 912‧‧‧Fidelity (LiFi) signal
1000‧‧‧可著色窗 1000‧‧‧Colorable window
1002‧‧‧電磁屏蔽層 1002‧‧‧Electromagnetic shielding layer
1004‧‧‧窗片/基板 1004‧‧‧Window/substrate
1006‧‧‧窗片 1006‧‧‧Window
1008‧‧‧側/可選層 1008‧‧‧side/optional layer
1010‧‧‧側/可選層 1010‧‧‧side/optional layer
1012‧‧‧EC裝置塗層 1012‧‧‧EC device coating
1014‧‧‧光保真(LiFi)接收器 1014‧‧‧Fidelity (LiFi) receiver
1015‧‧‧光保真(LiFi)接收器 1015‧‧‧Fidelity (LiFi) receiver
1016‧‧‧光保真(LiFi)傳輸器 1016‧‧‧Fidelity (LiFi) transmitter
1017‧‧‧光保真(LiFi)傳輸器 1017‧‧‧Fidelity (LiFi) transmitter
1020‧‧‧窗控制器 1020‧‧‧Window controller
1022‧‧‧窗控制系統 1022‧‧‧window control system
1024‧‧‧外部網路 1024‧‧‧External network
1026‧‧‧光保真(LiFi)傳輸器 1026‧‧‧Fidelity (LiFi) transmitter
1028‧‧‧光保真(LiFi)接收器 1028‧‧‧Fidelity (LiFi) receiver
1030‧‧‧光保真(LiFi)邏輯 1030‧‧‧Fidelity (LiFi) logic
1100‧‧‧可著色窗 1100‧‧‧Colorable window
1102‧‧‧內部環境 1102‧‧‧Internal environment
1104‧‧‧內部環境 1104‧‧‧Internal environment
1106‧‧‧外部環境 1106‧‧‧External environment
1108‧‧‧外部環境 1108‧‧‧External environment
1110‧‧‧射頻(RF)信號 1110‧‧‧ radio frequency (RF) signal
1112‧‧‧射頻(RF)信號 1112‧‧‧ radio frequency (RF) signal
1114‧‧‧射頻(RF)信號 1114‧‧‧ radio frequency (RF) signal
1116‧‧‧射頻(RF)信號 1116‧‧‧ radio frequency (RF) signal
1118‧‧‧信號 1118‧‧‧Signal
1119‧‧‧信號 1119‧‧‧Signal
1120‧‧‧窗控制器 1120‧‧‧window controller
1201至1209‧‧‧可著色窗 1201 to 1209‧‧‧Colorable window
1220‧‧‧行動裝置 1220‧‧‧Mobile device
1221‧‧‧裝置 1221‧‧‧Installation
1222‧‧‧電腦 1222‧‧‧ Computer
1224‧‧‧建築物 1224‧‧‧Building
1230‧‧‧無線裝置 1230‧‧‧Wireless device
1231‧‧‧無線通信 1231‧‧‧Wireless communication
1232‧‧‧有線通信 1232‧‧‧Wired communication
1234‧‧‧外部網路 1234‧‧‧External network
1244‧‧‧光保真(LiFi)通信路徑 1244‧‧‧Fidelity (LiFi) communication path
1300‧‧‧市區 1300‧‧‧Urban
1301‧‧‧建築物 1301‧‧‧ Building
1302‧‧‧建築物 1302‧‧‧Building
1303‧‧‧建築物 1303‧‧‧Building
1310‧‧‧裝置 1310‧‧‧device
C‧‧‧高度/間隔 C‧‧‧Height/Interval
D‧‧‧寬度 D‧‧‧Width
E‧‧‧距離 E‧‧‧Distance
S1‧‧‧第一表面 S1‧‧‧First surface
S2‧‧‧第二表面 S2‧‧‧Second surface
S3‧‧‧第一表面 S3‧‧‧First surface
S4‧‧‧第二表面 S4‧‧‧Second surface
T‧‧‧厚度 T‧‧‧thickness
W‧‧‧寬度 W‧‧‧Width
圖1展示可用於可著色窗中之電致變色裝置的橫截面圖。 Figure 1 shows a cross-sectional view of an electrochromic device that can be used in a tintable window.
圖2展示作為隔熱玻璃單元(「insulated glass unit;IGU」)構建之可著色窗的橫截面側視圖。 Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional side view of a tintable window constructed as an insulated glass unit ("insulated glass unit; IGU").
圖3描繪由具有一或多個可著色窗之窗控制系統提供的窗控制網路。 Figure 3 depicts a window control network provided by a window control system with one or more tintable windows.
圖4a至圖4c提供針對IGU內之電致變色裝置塗層及電磁屏蔽層的若干配置。 Figures 4a to 4c provide several configurations for electrochromic device coatings and electromagnetic shielding layers within the IGU.
圖5描繪可用於可著色窗中以提供電磁屏蔽的兩個屏蔽堆疊。 Figure 5 depicts two shield stacks that can be used in a tintable window to provide electromagnetic shielding.
圖6描繪分別具有兩個導電層及具有三個導電層的屏蔽堆疊。 Figure 6 depicts a shield stack with two conductive layers and three conductive layers, respectively.
圖7描繪可安裝在窗片表面上以提供電磁屏蔽的屏蔽薄膜。 Figure 7 depicts a shielding film that can be installed on the surface of the window to provide electromagnetic shielding.
圖8描繪組態有LiFi傳輸器及/或接收器的可著色窗。 Figure 8 depicts a tintable window configured with a LiFi transmitter and/or receiver.
圖9a至圖9c描繪建築物中LiFi資料遞送的若干實例。 Figures 9a to 9c depict several examples of LiFi data delivery in buildings.
圖10描繪經組態用於無線通信之可著色窗。 Figure 10 depicts a colorable window configured for wireless communication.
圖11描繪經組態用於無線通信之可著色窗。 Figure 11 depicts a colorable window configured for wireless communication.
圖12提供建築物之平面圖,在所述建築物處,窗控制系統提供可在建築物內部或附近存取的通信網路。 Figure 12 provides a plan view of a building where the window control system provides a communication network that can be accessed inside or near the building.
圖13a及圖13b說明針對LiFi裝備之建築物可如何在城區內提供通信網路的方式。 Figures 13a and 13b illustrate how LiFi-equipped buildings can provide communication networks in urban areas.
引言introduction
出於描述所揭示態樣之目的,以下實施方式係針對某些實施例或實施方案。然而,可以眾多不同方式來應用並實施本文中之教示。在以下詳細 描述中,對隨附圖式進行參考。儘管足夠詳細地描述所揭示之實施方案以使熟習此項技術者能夠實踐實施方案,但應理解,此等實例並非限制性的;可使用其他實施方案且可對所揭示之實施方案進行改變而不脫離其精神及範疇。此外,雖然所揭示之實施例聚焦於電致變色窗(亦被稱作光學可切換窗、可著色及智慧型窗),但本文中所揭示之概念可應用於其他類型之可切換光學裝置,包含例如液晶裝置及懸浮粒子裝置連同其他者。舉例而言,液晶裝置或懸浮粒子裝置而非電致變色裝置可併入至所揭示實施方案中之一些或全部中。另外,除非以其他方式指示,否則在適當時,本文中意欲以包含性意義理解連接詞「或」;例如,片語「A、B或C」意欲包含「A」、「B」、「C」、「A及B」、「B及C」、「A及C」以及「A、B及C」的可能性。 For the purpose of describing the disclosed aspects, the following embodiments are directed to certain examples or implementations. However, the teachings in this article can be applied and implemented in many different ways. In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings. Although the disclosed embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments, it should be understood that these examples are not limiting; other embodiments can be used and changes can be made to the disclosed embodiments. Do not deviate from its spirit and scope. Furthermore, although the disclosed embodiments focus on electrochromic windows (also known as optically switchable windows, tintable and smart windows), the concepts disclosed herein can be applied to other types of switchable optical devices, Examples include liquid crystal devices and suspended particle devices, among others. For example, liquid crystal devices or suspended particle devices rather than electrochromic devices may be incorporated into some or all of the disclosed implementations. In addition, unless otherwise indicated, where appropriate, this article intends to understand the conjunction "or" in an inclusive sense; for example, the phrase "A, B or C" is intended to include "A", "B", "C ", "A and B", "B and C", "A and C" and "A, B and C".
LiFi-光保真(「Light fidelity;LiFi」)為使用光來傳輸資料的裝置之間的無線通信之方法。類似於WiFi,LiFi經由電磁頻譜而非利用無線電波傳輸資料,Li-Fi使用可見、紫外線及/或紅外光。LiFi優於射頻(「radio frequency;RF」)通信的一個顯著優點是可用於傳輸光通信的廣泛頻譜。可見光光譜相較於整個300GHz之無線電、微波及毫米波無線電頻譜單獨地大出約1000倍。此增大之頻寬具有解決與WiFi波段在許多設定中變得飽和之無線通信相關聯的許多擁塞問題之潛能。LiFi之另一個優勢為,其可被容易地含有,此係由於LiFi信號不能通過諸如大部分牆及天花板之不透明表面,因此降低無線通信出於偏差目的可能被監視的風險。藉由經由LiFi傳輸器調變光之強度,資料可被耦接至光傳輸。所發射光在LiFi接收器處接收到,其中光發射被解調變成電子形式。在LiFi利用具有介於約780nm與約375nm之間的波長之光的狀況下,通信亦被稱作可見光通信(visible light communication;VLC)。當使用VLC時,光可以一方式(例如,藉由以足夠頻率快速地脈衝化)調變,使得調變對於人眼為不可感知的。最近已經證明,當使用紅外波長時,LiFi能夠以40gbp之速度支 援通信。如本文中將更詳細地描述,窗網路上之一或多個控制器可經組態以發送及/或接收LiFi信號。 LiFi-Fidelity ("Light fidelity; LiFi") is a method of wireless communication between devices that use light to transmit data. Similar to WiFi, LiFi transmits data through the electromagnetic spectrum instead of using radio waves, and Li-Fi uses visible, ultraviolet, and/or infrared light. A significant advantage of LiFi over radio frequency ("radio frequency; RF") communications is that it can be used to transmit a wide spectrum of optical communications. The visible light spectrum is about 1000 times larger than the entire 300GHz radio, microwave and millimeter wave radio spectrum alone. This increased bandwidth has the potential to solve many congestion problems associated with wireless communications where the WiFi band becomes saturated in many settings. Another advantage of LiFi is that it can be easily contained because LiFi signals cannot pass through opaque surfaces such as most walls and ceilings, thus reducing the risk that wireless communications may be monitored for deviations. By modulating the intensity of light through a LiFi transmitter, the data can be coupled to the optical transmission. The emitted light is received at the LiFi receiver, where the light emission is demodulated into an electronic form. In the case where LiFi utilizes light having a wavelength between about 780 nm and about 375 nm, communication is also referred to as visible light communication (visible light communication; VLC). When using VLC, the light can be modulated in a manner (for example, by quickly pulsed at a sufficient frequency) so that the modulation is imperceptible to the human eye. It has recently been demonstrated that when using infrared wavelengths, LiFi can support communications at a speed of 40 gbp. As will be described in more detail herein, one or more controllers on the window network may be configured to send and/or receive LiFi signals.
以下描述係關於一種經裝備用於LiFi通信傳輸及/或屏蔽的窗控制系統。在窗控制系統中,窗(通常具有整合式玻璃單元或「integrated glass unit;IGU」結構)經組態為通信節點,且可裝備有LiFi接收器、LiFi傳輸器及LiFi屏蔽層中的一或多者。LiFi傳輸器使用發光二極體(「light emitting diodes;LED」)或其他光源來產生LiFi通信信號。LiFi接收器通常使用光偵測器,且經組態以接收LiFi通信信號。具有LiFi屏蔽件之窗經組態,使得一些或全部LiFi通信且在一些狀況下WiFi通信大體上被衰減或有效地被阻斷而不通過窗。除非以其他方式陳述,否則「阻斷」及「衰減」在本文中可互換地使用。舉例而言,當窗描述為「阻斷」LiFi信號時,LiFi信號可經簡單地衰減,使得接收裝置不能至少可靠地接收LiFi信號。因此,儘管信號可經僅衰減,但經由LiFi之通信可經阻斷。LiFi屏蔽層可為被動層,或其可經選擇性地控制以在准許LiFi通信之模式與阻斷(或衰減)LiFi通信之模式之間切換。在一些實施例中,EC裝置塗層可著色,從而致使某些波長的光被衰減或阻斷。在各種實施例中,屏蔽層與EC層分離。在一些此類實施例中,屏蔽層可以阻斷或簡單地衰減LiFi信號的全部或一部分,如下文更詳細描述。 The following description relates to a window control system equipped for LiFi communication transmission and/or shielding. In a window control system, a window (usually with an integrated glass unit or "integrated glass unit; IGU" structure) is configured as a communication node and can be equipped with one of a LiFi receiver, a LiFi transmitter, and a LiFi shielding layer or More. LiFi transmitters use light emitting diodes ("light emitting diodes; LEDs") or other light sources to generate LiFi communication signals. LiFi receivers typically use light detectors and are configured to receive LiFi communication signals. The window with the LiFi shield is configured so that some or all of the LiFi communication and under some conditions the WiFi communication is substantially attenuated or effectively blocked without passing through the window. Unless stated otherwise, "blocking" and "attenuating" are used interchangeably herein. For example, when the window is described as "blocking" the LiFi signal, the LiFi signal can be simply attenuated, so that the receiving device cannot at least reliably receive the LiFi signal. Therefore, although the signal may only be attenuated, communication via LiFi may be blocked. The LiFi shielding layer may be a passive layer, or it may be selectively controlled to switch between a mode that permits LiFi communication and a mode that blocks (or attenuates) LiFi communication. In some embodiments, the EC device coating may be colored, causing light of certain wavelengths to be attenuated or blocked. In various embodiments, the shielding layer is separate from the EC layer. In some such embodiments, the shielding layer may block or simply attenuate all or part of the LiFi signal, as described in more detail below.
在一些狀況下,窗網路可經組態為LiFi中繼器。舉例而言,藉由窗之一側上之光偵測器接收到的LiFi信號可藉由與彼窗相關聯之傳輸器經重播。在一些狀況下,接收到之通信可經由有線或光纖網路傳輸,且接著經由在建築物中之不同LiFi傳輸器重播。重播LiFi信號可增大可能受視距通信限制之LiFi通信網路的範圍。當組態有LiFi屏蔽時,本文所述之窗可被用作可控制哪些通信信號可在內部空間與外部空間之間通信的防火牆。在一些狀況下,如本文描述之窗控制系統可用作LiFi網路之一部分,所述LiFi網路可由諸如電話、 膝上型電腦及電腦之個人計算裝置及/或其他建築系統存取。藉由窗控制系統提供之LiFi網路可用以替換習知WiFi網路或可結合習知WiFi網路使用。基於窗之LiFi網路本文中例如參見圖10至圖12及其關聯描述內容予以描述。 In some cases, the window network can be configured as a LiFi repeater. For example, the LiFi signal received by the light detector on one side of the window can be replayed by the transmitter associated with that window. In some situations, the received communication may be transmitted via a wired or fiber optic network, and then replayed via different LiFi transmitters in the building. Replaying LiFi signals can increase the range of LiFi communication networks that may be restricted by line-of-sight communication. When LiFi shielding is configured, the window described in this article can be used as a firewall that can control which communication signals can communicate between the internal space and the external space. In some situations, a window control system as described herein can be used as part of a LiFi network that can be accessed by personal computing devices such as phones, laptops, and computers, and/or other building systems. The LiFi network provided by the window control system can be used to replace the conventional WiFi network or can be used in combination with the conventional WiFi network. The window-based LiFi network is described herein with reference to FIGS. 10 to 12 and their associated descriptions, for example.
可著色窗-可著色窗(有時被稱作光學可切換窗)為在施加例如所施加電壓之激勵時展現光學性質之可控制且可逆之改變的窗。可著色窗可用以藉由調節太陽能之傳輸且因此調節強加於建築物內部之熱負荷來控制建築物內之照明條件及溫度。控制可為手動或自動的,且可用於維持居住者舒適性,同時減少加熱、空氣調節及/或照明系統之能量消耗。在一些狀況下,可著色窗可係回應於環境感測器及使用者控制。在本發明中,參考位於建築物或結構之內部與外部之間的電致變色窗來最常見地描述可著色窗。然而,無需為此狀況。在一些狀況下,可著色窗可位於建築物之內部,例如位於會議室與走廊之間。在一些狀況下,可著色窗可用於汽車、火車、飛機及其他載具中。可著色窗可使用液晶裝置、懸浮顆粒裝置或現在已知的任何技術或以後開發的技術來操作,所述技術經組態以經由窗來控制光透射。 Colorable window-A colorable window (sometimes referred to as an optically switchable window) is a window that exhibits a controllable and reversible change in optical properties when an excitation such as an applied voltage is applied. The tintable window can be used to control the lighting conditions and temperature in the building by adjusting the transmission of solar energy and thus the heat load imposed on the inside of the building. The control can be manual or automatic, and can be used to maintain occupant comfort while reducing energy consumption of heating, air conditioning, and/or lighting systems. In some situations, the tintable window may respond to environmental sensors and user control. In the present invention, colorable windows are most commonly described with reference to electrochromic windows located between the interior and exterior of a building or structure. However, this need not be the case. In some cases, the tintable windows can be located inside the building, for example between the conference room and the corridor. In some cases, tintable windows can be used in cars, trains, airplanes, and other vehicles. The tintable window can be operated using a liquid crystal device, a suspended particle device, or any technology now known or later developed technology that is configured to control light transmission through the window.
電致變色(EC)裝置塗層-EC裝置塗層(有時稱為EC裝置(ECD))為包括至少一層電致變色材料的塗層,當跨越EC裝置施加電位時,所述電致變色材料層展現自一個光學狀態至另一種光學狀態的改變。電致變色層自一個光學狀態至另一光學狀態之轉變可由至電致變色材料中之可逆離子插入(例如,藉助於嵌入)及電荷平衡電子之對應注入引起。在一些情況下,負責光學轉變的某一分率之離子不可逆地束縛於電致變色材料中。在許多EC裝置中,不可逆束縛離子中之一些或全部可用以補償材料中之「盲電荷」。在一些實施方案中,合適的離子包括鋰離子(Li+)及氫離子(H+)(亦即,質子)。在一些其他實施方案中,其他離子可為合適的。鋰離子例如至氧化鎢(WO3-y(0<y~0.3))中之嵌入使氧化鎢自透明狀態改變至藍色狀態。如本文中所描述之EC裝置塗層 位於可著色窗之可檢視部分內,使得EC裝置塗層之著色可用以控制可著色窗之光學狀態。 Electrochromic (EC) device coating-An EC device coating (sometimes referred to as an EC device (ECD)) is a coating that includes at least one layer of electrochromic material that is applied when a potential is applied across the EC device The material layer exhibits a change from one optical state to another. The transition of the electrochromic layer from one optical state to another can be caused by reversible ion insertion into the electrochromic material (eg, by means of intercalation) and corresponding injection of charge-balanced electrons. In some cases, ions responsible for a certain fraction of the optical transformation are irreversibly bound in the electrochromic material. In many EC devices, some or all of the irreversibly bound ions can be used to compensate for the "blind charge" in the material. In some embodiments, suitable ions include lithium ions (Li+) and hydrogen ions (H+) (ie, protons). In some other embodiments, other ions may be suitable. Lithium ions such as tungsten oxide (WO 3-y (0<y ~0.3)) embedding changes tungsten oxide from transparent state to blue state. The EC device coating as described herein is located within the viewable portion of the tintable window, so that the coloration of the EC device coating can be used to control the optical state of the tintable window.
圖1中展示根據一些實施例之電致變色裝置100之示意性橫截面。EC裝置100包含基板102、透明導電層(transparent conductive layer;TCL)104、電致變色層(EC)106(有時亦被稱作陰極染色層或陰極著色層)、離子導電層或區(IC)108、相對電極層(counter electrode;CE)110(有時亦被稱作陽極染色層或陽極著色層),以及第二TCL 114。元件104、106、108、110以及114共同地構成電致變色堆疊120。可操作以越過電致變色堆疊120施加電位之電壓源116實現電致變色塗層自例如清透狀態至著色狀態之轉變。在其他實施例中,層之次序相對於基板反轉。即,層呈以下次序:基板、TCL、相對電極層、離子導電層、電致變色材料層、TCL。 A schematic cross-section of an
在各種實施例中,離子導體區108可自EC層106之一部分及/或自CE層110之一部分形成。在此等實施例中,電致變色堆疊120可經沈積以包含與陽極染色相對電極材料(CE層)直接實體接觸之陰極染色電致變色材料(EC層)。離子導體區108(有時被稱作界面區或離子導電的實質上電子絕緣層或區)可接著例如經由加熱及/或其他處理步驟形成於EC層106與CE層110會合之處。在不沈積相異導體材料之情況下製造的電致變色裝置進一步論述於2012年5月2日申請且題為「電致變色裝置(ELECTROCHROMIC DEVICES)」之美國專利申請案第13/462,725號中,所述專利申請案以全文引用之方式併入本文中。在一些實施例中,EC裝置塗層亦可包含一或多個額外層,諸如一或多個被動層。舉例而言,被動層可用以改良某些光學性質以提供抗濕性或提供耐刮擦性。此等或其他被動層亦可提供服務以使EC堆疊120氣密密封。另外,可用防反射或保護性氧化物或氮化物層處置包含透明導電層(諸如,104及114)之各種層。 In various embodiments, the
在某些實施例中,電致變色裝置在清透狀態與著色狀態之間可逆地循環。在清透狀態下,電位施加至電致變色堆疊120,使得堆疊中可使電致變色材料106呈著色狀態之可用離子主要駐留於相對電極110中。當施加至電致變色堆疊之電位經反轉時,離子跨越離子導電層108被輸送至電致變色材料106且使材料進入著色狀態。 In some embodiments, the electrochromic device reversibly cycles between a clear state and a colored state. In the clear state, a potential is applied to the
應理解,對清透狀態與著色狀態之間的轉變之參考係非限制性的且建議可實施之電致變色轉變的許多實例當中之僅一個實例。除非本文中另外指定,否則只要對清透狀態與著色狀態之間的轉變進行參考,對應裝置或程序涵蓋其他光學狀態轉變,諸如非反射至反射、透明至不透明等。另外,術語「清透」及「漂白」係指光學中性狀態,例如未著色、透明或半透明。再者,除非本文中另外指定,否則電致變色轉變之「色彩」或「色調」不限於任何特定波長或波長範圍。如由熟習此項技術者所理解,適當的電致變色及反電極材料之選擇控管相關光學轉變。 It should be understood that the reference to the transition between the clear state and the coloring state is non-limiting and suggests only one of many examples of electrochromic transitions that can be implemented. Unless otherwise specified herein, as long as reference is made to the transition between the clear state and the coloring state, the corresponding device or procedure covers other optical state transitions, such as non-reflective to reflective, transparent to opaque, etc. In addition, the terms "clear" and "bleaching" refer to optically neutral states, such as uncolored, transparent, or translucent. Furthermore, unless otherwise specified herein, the "color" or "hue" of the electrochromic transition is not limited to any particular wavelength or range of wavelengths. As understood by those skilled in the art, the appropriate electrochromic and counter electrode material selection controls the related optical transitions.
在某些實施例中,構成電致變色堆疊120之所有材料皆為無機、固體(亦即,呈固態),或無機及固體兩者。因為有機材料隨著時間推移而傾向於降解,特別是當著色建築物窗暴露在熱及UV時,無機材料給予可起作用歷時延長之時段的可靠之電致變色堆疊的優點。呈固態之材料亦給予不具有圍阻及洩漏問題之優點,此係因為呈液態之材料常常有圍阻及洩漏問題。應理解,堆疊中之層中之任何一或多者可含有某量之有機材料,但在許多實施方案中,層中之一或多者含有極少有機物或不含有機物。對於可以小量存在於一或多個層中之液體可據稱係相同情況。亦應理解,可藉由使用液體組份之製程(諸如,使用溶膠-凝膠之某些製程或化學氣相沈積)來沈積或以其他方式形成固態材料。 In some embodiments, all materials that make up the
圖2展示根據一些實施方案之採用IGU 200之形式的實例可著色窗的橫截面視圖。一般而言,除非另外陳述,否則術語「IGU」、「可著色窗」 及「光學可切換窗」可互換地使用。舉例而言,通常使用此所描繪慣例,此係因為其為常見的且因為可能需要使IGU充當用於在提供電致變色窗格(亦被稱作「窗片」)以用於安設於建築物中時固持電致變色窗格的基本構造。IGU窗片或窗格可為單一基板或多基板構造,諸如兩個基板之層壓物。IGU,尤其具有雙窗格或三窗格組態之IGU可提供優於單窗格組態之數個優點;例如,在與單窗格組態比較時,多窗格組態可提供增強之熱絕緣、雜訊絕緣、環境保護及/或耐久性。舉例而言,多窗格組態亦可提供對ECD之增大之保護,此係因為電致變色薄膜以及相關聯之層及導電互連件可形成於多窗格IGU之內部表面上且受IGU之內部容積208中的惰性氣體填充物保護。惰性氣體填充物提供IGU之(熱)絕緣功能中之至少一些功能。電致變色IGU已藉助於吸收(或反射)熱及光之可著色塗層而添加有熱阻隔能力。 2 shows a cross-sectional view of an example tintable window in the form of
圖2更明確而言展示IGU 200之實例實施方案,所述IGU包含具有第一表面S1及第二表面S2的第一窗格204。在一些實施方案中,第一窗格204之第一表面S1面向外部環境,諸如戶外或外部環境。IGU 200亦包含具有第一表面S3及第二表面S4之第二窗格206。在一些實施方案中,第二窗格206之第二表面S4面向內部環境,諸如住宅、建築物或載具之內部環境或者住宅、建築物或載具內之房間或隔室。 FIG. 2 more specifically shows an example implementation of an
在一些實施方案中,第一窗格204及第二窗格206中之每一者為透明的,或至少對於可見光光譜中之光為半透明的。舉例而言,窗格204及206中之每一者可由玻璃材料形成,且尤其而言由建築用玻璃或諸如氧化矽(SOx)類玻璃材料的其他抗碎裂玻璃材料形成。作為更特定實例,第一窗格204及第二窗格206中之每一者可為鈉鈣玻璃基板或浮法玻璃基板。此類玻璃基板可由例如大約75%之二氧化矽(SiO2)以及Na2O、CaO及若干微量添加劑構成。然而,第一窗格204及第二窗格206中之每一者可由具有合適光學、電、熱及機械 性質之任何材料形成。舉例而言,可用作第一窗格204及第二窗格206中之一或兩個的其他合適基板可包含其他玻璃材料以及塑膠、半塑膠及熱塑性材料(例如,聚(甲基丙烯酸甲酯)、聚苯乙烯,聚碳酸酯,烯丙基二甘醇碳酸酯、苯乙烯丙烯腈共聚物(styrene acrylonitrile copolymer;SAN);聚(4-甲基-1-戊烯)、聚酯、聚醯胺)或鏡面材料。在一些實施方案中,第一窗格204及第二窗格206中之每一者可例如藉由回火、加熱或化學強化來強化。 In some implementations, each of the
頻繁地,第一窗格204及第二窗格206中之每一者以及IGU 200整體上為矩形固體。然而,在一些實施方案中,其他形狀為可能的,且可被需要(例如,圓形、橢圓形、三角形、曲線形、凸面或凹面形狀)。在一些特定實施方案中,第一窗格204及第二窗格206中之每一者的長度「L」可在大約20吋(inch、in.)至大約10呎(foot、ft.)之範圍內,第一窗格204及第二窗格206中之每一者的寬度「W」可在大約20吋至大約10呎之範圍內,且第一窗格204及第二窗格206中之每一者的厚度「T」可在大約0.3毫米(mm)至大約10mm之範圍內(但其他長度、寬度或厚度(較小及較大兩者)係可能的且可基於特定使用者、管理者、管理員、建造者、建築師或所有者之需要而為合乎需要的)。在基板204之厚度T小於3mm的實例中,基板通常經層壓至較厚且因此保護薄基板204之額外基板。另外,雖然IGU 200包含兩個窗格(204及206),但在一些其他實施方案中,IGU可包含三個或多於三個窗格。此外,在一些實施方案中,窗格中之一或多者可自身為具有兩個、三個或多於三個層或子窗格之層壓結構。 Frequently, each of the
在說明之實例中,第一窗格204及第二窗格206藉由間隔件218彼此間隔開以形成內部容積208,所述間隔件通常是框架結構。在一些實施方案中,內部容積填充有氬氣(Ar),但在一些其他實施方案中,內部容積208可填充有另一氣體,諸如另一惰性氣體(例如,氪氣(Kr)或氙氣(Xe))、另 一(非惰性)氣體或氣體混合物(例如,空氣)。用諸如Ar、Kr或Xe之氣體填充內部容積208可因為此等氣體之低的導熱率經由IGU 200減小熱傳遞,以及歸因於其原子量增加而改良隔音性。在一些其他實施方案中,內部容積208可被抽空空氣或其他氣體。間隔件218通常判定內部容積208之高度「C」;亦即,第一窗格204與第二窗格206之間的間隔。在圖2中,ECD、密封劑220/222及匯流條226/228之厚度未按比例;此等組件通常極薄,但此處僅為了易於說明而誇示。在一些實施方案中,第一窗格204與第二窗格206之間的間隔「C」介於大約6mm至大約30mm之範圍內。間隔件218之寬度「D」可介於大約5mm至大約25mm之範圍內(但其他寬度係可能的且可為合乎需要的)。 In the illustrated example, the
儘管在圖2之橫截面圖中未展示,但間隔件218通常為圍繞IGU 200之所有側(例如,IGU 200之頂部、底部、左側以及右側)而形成的框架結構。舉例而言,間隔件218可由發泡體或塑膠材料形成。然而,在一些其他實施方案中,間隔件218可由金屬或其他導電材料形成,例如,由具有至少3個側之金屬套管或通道結構形成,兩個側用於密封至基板中之每一者且一側用以支撐並分離窗片且作為塗覆密封劑224的表面。第一初級密封件220黏附且氣密密封間隔件218及第一窗格204之第二表面S2。第二初級密封件222黏附且氣密密封間隔件218及第二窗格206之第一表面S3。在一些實施方案中,初級密封件220及222中之每一者可由諸如聚異丁烯(PIB)之黏附密封劑形成。在一些實施方案中,IGU 200進一步包含氣密密封在間隔件218外部圍繞整個IGU 200之邊界的次要密封件224。為此目的,間隔件218可自第一窗格204及第二窗格206之邊緣插入距離「E」。距離「E」可介於大約4mm至大約8mm之範圍內(但其他距離係可能的且可為合乎需要的)。在一些實施方案中,次要密封件224可由以下各者形成:黏附密封劑,諸如防水且向總成添加結構支撐之聚合材料,諸如聚矽氧、聚胺基甲酸酯;以及形成水密密封之類似結構封閉劑。 Although not shown in the cross-sectional view of FIG. 2, the
在圖2中所展示之實施方案中,ECD 210形成於第一窗格204之第二表面S2上。在一些其他實施方案中,ECD 210可形成於另一合適表面上,例如第一窗格204之第一表面S1、第二窗格206之第一表面S3或第二窗格206之第二表面S4上。ECD 210包含電致變色(「EC」)堆疊,其自身可包含如參看圖1所描述之一或多個層。在所說明實例中,EC堆疊包含層212、214及216。 In the implementation shown in FIG. 2, the
窗控制器-窗控制器與一或多個可著色窗相關聯,且經組態以藉由將激勵施加至窗,例如藉由將電壓或電流施加至EC裝置塗層來控制窗之光學狀態。如本文中所描述之窗控制器相對於其控制之光學可切換窗可具有許多大小、格式及部位。通常,控制器可附接至IGU或層壓物的窗片,但其亦可係在收容IGU或層壓物的框架中或甚至在分離位置中。如先前所提及,可著色窗可包含一個、兩個、三個或多於三個的個別電致變色窗格(透明基板上之電致變色裝置)。又,電致變色窗之個別窗格可具有電致變色塗層,所述電致變色塗層具有獨立可著色分區。如本文中所描述之控制器可控制與此類窗相關聯之所有電致變色塗層,無論電致變色塗層為單體抑或分區的。 Window Controller -The window controller is associated with one or more tintable windows and is configured to control the optical state of the window by applying excitation to the window, such as by applying voltage or current to the EC device coating . The window controller as described herein may have many sizes, formats, and locations relative to the optically switchable window it controls. Generally, the controller can be attached to the window of the IGU or laminate, but it can also be tied in a frame that houses the IGU or laminate or even in a separate location. As mentioned previously, the tintable window may include one, two, three, or more than three individual electrochromic panes (electrochromic devices on a transparent substrate). In addition, individual panes of the electrochromic window may have electrochromic coatings that have independently colorable partitions. A controller as described herein can control all electrochromic coatings associated with such windows, whether the electrochromic coating is monomeric or partitioned.
若不直接附接至可著色窗、IGU或框架,則窗控制器通常位於可著色窗附近,或至少與窗相同之建築物中。舉例而言,窗控制器可鄰近於窗,在窗之窗片中之一者的表面上,在接近窗之牆壁內或在獨立窗總成之框架內。在一些實施例中,窗控制器為「現場」控制器;即,控制器為窗總成、IGU或層壓物之部分,且可不必與電致變色窗匹配並在現場安設,例如控制器與作為總成之部分的窗一起自工廠轉運。控制器可安設於窗總成之窗框架中,或為IGU或層壓物總成之部分,例如安裝於IGU之窗格或層壓物之窗格上或安裝於IGU之窗格或層壓物之窗格之間。在控制器位於IGU之可見部分上之狀況下,控制器之至少一部分可為基本上透明的。玻璃上控制器之其他實例提供於2015年11月14日申請且題為「獨立EC IGU(SELF CONTAINED EC IGU)」之美國專利 申請案第14/951,410號中,所述專利申請案以全文引用之方式併入本文中。在一些實施例中,可將局部控制器提供為一個以上部件,其中將至少一個部件(例如,包含儲存關於相關聯電致變色窗之資訊的記憶體組件)提供為窗總成之一部件,且至少一個其他部件為分離的且經組態以與至少一個部件配合,所述至少一個部件為窗總成、IGU或層壓物之部件。在某些實施例中,控制器可為並非在單一外殼中而是間隔開(例如,在IGU之次要密封件中)之互連部件的總成。在其他實施例中,控制器為緊湊單元,例如在單一外殼中或在組合例如對接及外殼總成之兩個或多於兩個組件中,所述緊湊單元接近玻璃,並非在可檢視區域中或安裝於可檢視區域中之玻璃上。 If not directly attached to the tintable window, IGU or frame, the window controller is usually located near the tintable window, or at least in the same building as the window. For example, the window controller may be adjacent to the window, on the surface of one of the windows' windows, within the wall close to the window or within the frame of the individual window assembly. In some embodiments, the window controller is a "field" controller; that is, the controller is part of the window assembly, IGU, or laminate, and may not necessarily match the electrochromic window and be installed in the field, such as to control The device is transferred from the factory together with the window as part of the assembly. The controller can be installed in the window frame of the window assembly, or be part of the IGU or laminate assembly, such as installed on the pane of the IGU or the pane of the laminate or installed on the pane or layer of the IGU Between the panes of pressure. In the case where the controller is located on the visible part of the IGU, at least a part of the controller may be substantially transparent. Other examples of controllers on glass are provided in US Patent Application No. 14/951,410, entitled "Independent EC IGU (SELF CONTAINED EC IGU)", which was applied on November 14, 2015, and the patent application is cited in full Is incorporated into this article. In some embodiments, the local controller may be provided as more than one component, wherein at least one component (e.g., a memory component that includes information storing associated electrochromic windows) is provided as one component of the window assembly, and At least one other component is separate and configured to cooperate with at least one component that is a component of a window assembly, IGU, or laminate. In some embodiments, the controller may be an assembly of interconnected components that are not in a single housing but are spaced apart (eg, in the secondary seal of the IGU). In other embodiments, the controller is a compact unit, for example in a single housing or in a combination of two or more components such as docking and housing assemblies, the compact unit is close to glass and not in a viewable area Or install on the glass in the viewable area.
在一個實施例中,窗控制器在安設至可著色窗之前併入IGU及/或窗框架中或上。在一個實施例中,控制器在離開製造設施之前併入至IGU及/或窗框架中或上。在一個實施例中,控制器併入至IGU中,實質上在次要密封件內。在另一實施例中,控制器併入至IGU中或上,部分地、基本上或完全在由密封分隔物與基板之間的主要密封件界定的周邊內。 In one embodiment, the window controller is incorporated into or on the IGU and/or window frame before being installed in the tintable window. In one embodiment, the controller is incorporated into or on the IGU and/or window frame before leaving the manufacturing facility. In one embodiment, the controller is incorporated into the IGU, substantially within the secondary seal. In another embodiment, the controller is incorporated into or on the IGU, partially, substantially or completely within the perimeter defined by the main seal between the sealing divider and the substrate.
在控制器作為IGU及/或窗總成之部分的情況下,IGU可擁有例如與IGU或窗單元一起轉運之控制器的邏輯及特徵。舉例而言,當控制器為IGU總成之部分時,在電致變色裝置之特性隨時間改變(例如,經由降解)的情況下,可使用特性化功能例如以更新用以驅動色調狀態轉變之控制參數。在另一實例中,若已安設於電致變色窗單元中,則控制器之邏輯及特徵可用於校準控制參數以匹配所欲安設,且例如若已安設,則可重新校準控制參數以匹配電致變色窗格之效能特性。 In the case where the controller is part of the IGU and/or window assembly, the IGU may possess the logic and features of the controller that is transferred with the IGU or window unit, for example. For example, when the controller is part of the IGU assembly, in the case where the characteristics of the electrochromic device change over time (eg, via degradation), the characterization function can be used, for example, to update the control parameter. In another example, if installed in the electrochromic window unit, the logic and characteristics of the controller can be used to calibrate the control parameters to match the desired installation, and for example, if installed, the control parameters can be recalibrated To match the performance characteristics of the electrochromic pane.
在其他實施例中,控制器不與窗預先相關聯,而是例如具有對任何電致變色窗通用之部件的對接組件在工廠處與每一窗相關聯。在窗安設之後或在現場以其他方式,控制器之第二組件與對接組件組合以使電致變色窗控制 器總成完整。對接組件可包含晶片,其在工廠處藉由對接件附接至(例如,在安設之後將面向建築物之內部的表面上,有時被稱作表面4或「S4」)的特定窗之物理特性及參數來程式化。第二組件(有時被稱作「載體」、「殼體」、「外殼」或「控制器」)與對接件配合,且在供電時,第二組件可讀取晶片並根據儲存於晶片上之特定特性及參數而組態其自身以對窗供電。以此方式,經運送窗僅需要使其相關聯參數儲存在與窗成一體式之晶片上,而更複雜的電路系統及組件可稍後組合(例如,分開地運送且由窗製造商在玻璃工已安設窗之後安設,繼之以由窗製造商調測)。各種實施例將在下文更詳細地進行描述。在一些實施例中,晶片包含於附接至窗控制器之電線或電線連接器中。具有連接器之此類電線有時被稱作尾光纖。 In other embodiments, the controller is not pre-associated with the window, but, for example, a docking assembly with components common to any electrochromic window is associated with each window at the factory. After the window is installed or otherwise in the field, the second component of the controller is combined with the docking component to complete the electrochromic window controller assembly. The docking assembly may include a wafer that is attached at the factory by a docking member to a specific window (for example, a surface that will face the interior of the building after installation, sometimes referred to as
如上文所指示,「IGU」包含兩個(或多於兩個)基本上透明的基板,例如兩個玻璃窗格,其中至少一個基板包含安置於其上之電致變色裝置,且窗格具有安置於其間的分隔物(間隔件)。IGU通常經氣密密封,從而具有與周圍環境隔離之內部區。「窗總成」可包含IGU或例如單獨的層壓物,且包含用於將IGU、層壓物及/或一或多個電致變色裝置連接至電壓源、開關及其類似者之電引線,且可包含支撐IGU或層壓物之框架。窗總成可包含如本文所描述之窗控制器,及/或窗控制器之組件(例如,對接件)。 As indicated above, "IGU" includes two (or more than two) substantially transparent substrates, such as two glass panes, at least one of which includes an electrochromic device disposed thereon, and the pane has The partition (spacer) placed therebetween. IGUs are usually hermetically sealed so as to have an internal area isolated from the surrounding environment. "Window assembly" may include an IGU or, for example, a separate laminate, and include electrical leads for connecting the IGU, laminate, and/or one or more electrochromic devices to a voltage source, switch, and the like , And may include a frame supporting IGU or laminate. The window assembly may include a window controller as described herein, and/or components (eg, docking members) of the window controller.
如本文中所使用,術語外側意謂更靠近於外部環境,而術語內側意謂較靠近於建築物之內部。舉例而言,在具有兩個窗格之IGU的狀況下,較靠近於外部環境定位之窗格被稱作外側窗格或外窗格,而較靠近於建築物之內部定位的窗格被稱作內側窗格或內窗格。如圖2中所標記,IGU之不同表面可被稱作S1、S2、S3以及S4(假定雙窗格IGU)。S1係指外側窗片之面向外部表面(亦即,可由站立於外部之某人實體地觸摸的表面)。S2係指外側窗片之面向內部表面。S3係指內側窗片之面向外部表面。S4係指內側窗片之面向內部 的表面(亦即,可由站立於建築物內部之某人實體地觸摸的表面)。換言之,自IGU之最外表面開始且向內計數,表面被標記為S1至S4。在IGU包含三個窗格之狀況下,使用此相同慣例(其中S6係可由站立於建築物內部之某人實體地觸摸的表面)。在使用兩個窗格之某些實施例中,電致變色裝置(或其他光學可切換裝置)安置於S3上。 As used herein, the term outside means closer to the external environment, and the term inside means closer to the interior of the building. For example, in the case of an IGU with two panes, the pane located closer to the external environment is called the outer pane or outer pane, and the pane located closer to the interior of the building is called As the inner pane or inner pane. As marked in Figure 2, the different surfaces of the IGU can be referred to as S1, S2, S3, and S4 (assuming a dual pane IGU). S1 refers to the exterior-facing surface of the outside window (ie, the surface that can be physically touched by someone standing outside). S2 refers to the inner facing surface of the outer window. S3 refers to the outward facing surface of the inside window. S4 refers to the interior-facing surface of the inside window (that is, the surface that can be physically touched by someone standing inside the building). In other words, starting from the outermost surface of the IGU and counting inward, the surfaces are labeled S1 to S4. In the case where the IGU contains three panes, use this same convention (where S6 is a surface that can be physically touched by someone standing inside the building). In some embodiments using two panes, an electrochromic device (or other optically switchable device) is placed on S3.
窗控制器及其特徵之其他實例呈現於以下各者中;2012年4月17日申請且題為「用於光學可切換窗之控制器(CONTROLLER FOR OPTICALLY-SWITCHABLE WINDOWS)」的美國專利申請案第13/449,248號;2012年4月17日申請且題為「用於光學可切換窗之控制器(CONTROLLER FOR OPTICALLY-SWITCHABLE WINDOWS)」的美國專利申請案第13/449,251號;2016年10月26日申請且題為「用於光學可切換裝置之控制器(CONTROLLERS FOR OPTICALLY-SWITCHABLE DEVICES)」的美國專利申請案第15/334,835號;以及2017年3月3日申請且題為「調測電致變色窗之方法(METHOD OF COMMISSIONING ELECTROCHROMIC WINDOWS)」的國際專利申請案第PCT/US17/20805號,所述申請案中之每一者以全文引用之方式併入本文中。 Other examples of window controllers and their characteristics are presented in the following; US patent application filed on April 17, 2012 and entitled "CONTROLLER FOR OPTICALLY-SWITCHABLE WINDOWS" No. 13/449,248; US Patent Application No. 13/449,251 filed on April 17, 2012 and entitled "CONTROLLER FOR OPTICALLY-SWITCHABLE WINDOWS"; October 2016 US Patent Application No. 15/334,835, filed on the 26th and entitled "CONTROLLERS FOR OPTICALLY-SWITCHABLE DEVICES"; and filed on March 3, 2017, and entitled "Commissioning International Patent Application No. PCT/US17/20805 of "METHOD OF COMMISSIONING ELECTROCHROMIC WINDOWS", each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
窗控制系統-當建築物配備可著色窗時,窗控制器可經由有時被稱作窗控制網路或窗網路之通信網路連接至彼此及/或其他實體。網路及經由網路(例如,有線或無線電力傳輸及/或通信)連接之各種裝置(例如,控制器及感測器)在本文中被稱作窗控制系統。窗控制網路可將色調指令提供至窗控制器,將窗資訊提供至主控制器或其他網路實體,及其類似者。窗資訊之實例包含當前色調狀態或由窗控制器收集之其他資訊。在一些狀況下,窗控制器具有經由網路提供所感測資訊之一或多個相關聯感測器,包含例如光感測器、溫度感測器、佔用率感測器及/或氣體感測器。在一些狀況下,經由窗通信網路傳輸之資訊不必影響窗控制。舉例而言,在經組態以接收WiFi或LiFi信號之第一窗處接 收到的資訊可經由通信網路傳輸至經組態以將資訊無線地廣播為例如WiFi或LiFi信號的第二窗。窗控制網路不必限於提供用於控制可著色窗之資訊,而是亦可能夠傳達用於與通信網路介接之其他裝置的通信資訊,其他裝置係諸如HVAC系統、光照系統、安全系統、個人計算裝置以及其類似者。 Window control system-When a building is equipped with tintable windows, the window controllers can be connected to each other and/or other entities via a communication network sometimes referred to as a window control network or window network. A network and various devices (eg, controllers and sensors) connected via a network (eg, wired or wireless power transmission and/or communication) are referred to herein as a window control system. The window control network can provide tone commands to the window controller, and window information to the main controller or other network entities, and the like. Examples of window information include the current tone state or other information collected by the window controller. In some cases, the window controller has one or more associated sensors that provide the sensed information via the network, including, for example, light sensors, temperature sensors, occupancy sensors, and/or gas sensors Device. In some cases, the information transmitted via the window communication network does not have to affect the window control. For example, information received at a first window configured to receive WiFi or LiFi signals can be transmitted via a communication network to a second window configured to wirelessly broadcast the information as, for example, WiFi or LiFi signals. The window control network need not be limited to providing information for controlling the tintable windows, but can also communicate communication information for other devices that interface with the communication network, such as HVAC systems, lighting systems, security systems, Personal computing devices and the like.
圖3提供窗控制系統300之控制網路301的實例。網路可分佈控制指令及回饋兩者,以及充當電力分配網路。主控制器302結合多個網路控制器304通信及起作用,網路控制器中之每一者能夠定址施加電壓或電流以控制一或多個光學可切換窗308之色調狀態的多個窗控制器306(在本文中有時被稱作葉控制器)。NC 304、WC 306及窗308之間的通信可經由有線(例如,乙太網路)或經由無線(例如,WiFi或LiFi)連接發生。在一些實施方案中,主網路控制器302將高階指令(諸如,電致變色窗之最終色調狀態)發佈至NC 304,且NC 304接著將指令傳達至對應WC 308。通常,主網路控制器302可經組態以與一或多個面向外網路309通信。窗控制網路301可包含具有各種能力或功能的任何合適數目個分散式控制器,且不需要以圖3中所描繪之階層式結構配置。如本文中在其他地方所論述,控制網路301亦可用作充當至其他裝置或系統(例如,309)之通信節點的分散式控制器(例如,302、304、306)之間的通信網路。 FIG. 3 provides an example of the
在一些實施例中,面向外網路309為建築物管理系統(building management system;BMS)之部分或連接至所述建築物管理系統(BMS)。BMS為可安設於建築物中以監視及控制建築物之機械及電設備的基於電腦之控制系統。BMS可經組態以控制HVAC系統、照明系統、電力系統、電梯、防火系統、安全系統以及其他安全系統之操作。BMS頻繁地用於大型建築物中,在所述大型建築物處,BMS起作用以控制建築物內之環境。舉例而言,BMS可監視及控制建築物內之照明、溫度、二氧化碳含量以及濕度。在此情況下,BMS可控制 鍋爐、空氣調節器、鼓風機、通風口、氣體管線、水管線以及其類似者之操作。為了控制建築物之環境,BMS可根據由例如建築物管理員建立之規則來接通及關斷此等各種裝置。BMS之一個功能係為建築物之居住者維持舒適的環境。在一些實施方案中,BMS可經組態以不僅監視及控制建築物條件,而且最佳化各種系統之間的協同作用,例如以節約能量且降低建築物運作成本。在一些實施方案中,BMS可經組態有災難回應。舉例而言,BMS可起始備用發電機之使用且斷開水管線及氣體管線。在一些狀況下,BMS具有更集中的應用──例如簡單地控制HVAC系統──而諸如照明系統、可著色窗及/或安全系統之並行系統係單獨的或與BMS互動。在其他狀況下,BMS整合單獨系統之功能性或整合於單獨系統之功能性內,例如,在一個實施例中,用於控制可著色窗之主控制器302可提供BMS的額外功能性。 In some embodiments, the outward-facing
在一些實施例中,窗控制網路301自身可向建築物提供通常由BMS提供之服務。在一些狀況下,窗控制器302、304及306可給予可用於其他建築物系統之計算資源。舉例而言,窗控制網路上之控制器可個別地或共同執行用於如先前所描述之一或多個BMS應用的軟體。在一些狀況下,窗控制網路301可提供至其他建築物系統之通信及/或將電力提供至其他建築物系統。窗控制網路可如何提供用於監視及/或控制建築物中之其他系統的實例進一步描述於2018年5月25日申請且題為「用於建築物服務之可著色窗系統(TINTABLE WINDOW SYSTEM FOR BUILDING SERVICES)」之國際專利申請案第PCT/US18/29460號中,所述國際專利申請案以全文引用之方式併入本文中。 In some embodiments, the
在一些實施例中,網路309為遠端網路。舉例而言,網路309可在雲端或遠離具有光學可切換窗之建築物的裝置上操作。在一些實施例中,網路309為提供資訊或允許經由遠端無線裝置控制光學可切換窗之網路。在一些狀況下,網路309包含地震事件偵測邏輯。窗控制系統及其特徵之其他實例呈 現於2016年10月26日申請且題為「用於光學可切換裝置之控制器(CONTROLLERS FOR OPTICALLY-SWITCHABLE DEVICES)」之美國專利申請案第15/334,832號及2016年11月23日申請且題為「窗網路中之控制器的自動調測(AUTOMATED COMMISSIONING OF CONTROLLERS IN A WINDOW NETWORK)」之國際專利申請案第PCT/US17/62634號中,所述兩個專利申請案以全文引用之方式併入本文中。 In some embodiments, the
影響LIFI之窗特徵Affect the characteristics of LIFI window
LiFi及RF屏蔽件LiFi and RF shield
在一些實施例中,窗裝備為阻斷或基本上衰減LiFi信號而不讓其通過窗之LiFi屏蔽件。在一些實施例中,LiFi屏蔽件亦經組態用於阻斷及/或衰減對應於例如藍芽或WiFi通信的射頻(「radio frequency;RF」)傳輸。此等屏蔽件有時被稱作電磁干擾(electromagnetic interference;EMI)屏蔽件。由於LiFi通信在視距基礎上操作,因此可有效地使用LiFi屏蔽窗來調節進入及/或離開房間或建築物的通信。在一些狀況下,LiFi屏蔽件阻斷用於LiFi通信之所有頻段的光而不讓其通過窗,且在一些狀況下,LiFi屏蔽件僅阻斷對應於例如LiFi通信協定的某些頻率範圍之光。舉例而言,LiFi協定有時利用第一頻帶來承載資料,且使用不同的通常不重疊之頻帶來攜載控制信號。若LiFi資料攜載於可見頻率範圍中而LiFi控制信號攜載於紅外頻率範圍內,則LiFi屏蔽件可選擇性地阻斷僅紅外頻率範圍。 In some embodiments, the window is equipped with a LiFi shield that blocks or substantially attenuates the LiFi signal from passing through the window. In some embodiments, the LiFi shield is also configured to block and/or attenuate radio frequency ("radio frequency; RF") transmission corresponding to, for example, Bluetooth or WiFi communications. Such shields are sometimes referred to as electromagnetic interference (EMI) shields. Since LiFi communications operate on a line-of-sight basis, LiFi shielded windows can be effectively used to regulate communications entering and/or leaving rooms or buildings. In some cases, the LiFi shield blocks light in all frequency bands used for LiFi communication from passing through the window, and in some cases, the LiFi shield only blocks certain frequency ranges corresponding to, for example, the LiFi communication protocol Light. For example, the LiFi protocol sometimes uses the first frequency band to carry data, and uses different frequency bands that generally do not overlap to carry control signals. If the LiFi data is carried in the visible frequency range and the LiFi control signal is carried in the infrared frequency range, then the LiFi shield can selectively block only the infrared frequency range.
在一些實施例中,可著色窗之屏蔽特徵為可控制的,且LiFi屏蔽可在接通狀態與關斷狀態之間切換。在窗控制網路上操作之防火牆邏輯可用來用來藉由例如施加電位或其他驅動程式至LiFi屏蔽件來判定阻斷LiFi通信的時間,此使得屏蔽件在阻斷狀態與非阻斷狀態之間轉變。 In some embodiments, the shielding feature of the tintable window is controllable, and the LiFi shield can be switched between an on state and an off state. The firewall logic operating on the window control network can be used to determine the time to block LiFi communication by, for example, applying a potential or other driver to the LiFi shield, which causes the shield to be between a blocked state and a non-blocked state change.
在一些實施例中,可著色窗之LiFi阻斷特徵(例如,藉由LiFi 屏蔽薄膜提供)為被動的,且始終經啟用。此於某些私密性或安全應用例如安全房間中可為適當的,在所述私密或安全應用中,始終需要通信之私密性或控制。被動屏蔽特徵通常限於紅外、紫外、及/或可見光譜內之特定的有限頻率範圍。被動屏蔽層不能阻斷可見光譜之所有範圍──否則居住者永遠不能透過窗查看。因此,「始終接通」LiFi屏蔽件通常限於LiFi通信要求至少某通信發生在EM頻譜之可見部分外的情形。在一些狀況下,被動屏蔽件藉由選擇性地阻斷窄帶可見光而仍可有效阻斷LiFi所需的可見光通信。舉例而言,被動屏蔽件可藉由阻斷具有小於約50nm或接著小於約10nm或接著小於約5nm之波長範圍之頻帶而阻斷LiFi通信,因此僅導致輕微可觀測差異(若可察覺)。 In some embodiments, the LiFi blocking feature of the tintable window (eg, provided by a LiFi shielding film) is passive and is always enabled. This may be appropriate in certain privacy or security applications, such as secure rooms, where the privacy or control of communication is always required. Passive shielding features are usually limited to a specific limited frequency range in the infrared, ultraviolet, and/or visible spectrum. The passive shielding layer cannot block the entire range of the visible spectrum-otherwise the occupants will never be able to view through the window. Therefore, "always on" LiFi shields are usually limited to situations where LiFi communication requires at least some communication to occur outside the visible part of the EM spectrum. In some cases, the passive shield can effectively block the visible light communication required by LiFi by selectively blocking the narrow-band visible light. For example, a passive shield can block LiFi communication by blocking a frequency band having a wavelength range of less than about 50 nm or then less than about 10 nm or then less than about 5 nm, thus only causing a slight observable difference (if noticeable).
當LiFi傳輸藉由一LiFi屏蔽件之一或多個實體層吸收或以其他方式防止通過時,LiFi阻斷發生。在一些實施例中,當LiFi傳輸藉由屏蔽件反射、散射及/或繞射時,LiFi阻斷發生。舉例而言,低發射率(「低e」)薄膜通常用於習知窗中以反射紅外光且改良建築物之絕緣。在一些實施例中,LiFi屏蔽件使用反射及吸收兩者阻斷LiFi。在一些實施例中,反射層可置放於吸收層之間以增大某些LiFi通信頻率上的衰減。 LiFi blocking occurs when LiFi transmission is absorbed or otherwise prevented by one or more physical layers of a LiFi shield. In some embodiments, LiFi blocking occurs when LiFi transmission is reflected, scattered, and/or diffracted by the shield. For example, low emissivity ("low e") films are commonly used in conventional windows to reflect infrared light and improve the insulation of buildings. In some embodiments, the LiFi shield blocks LiFi using both reflection and absorption. In some embodiments, a reflective layer can be placed between the absorption layers to increase attenuation at certain LiFi communication frequencies.
在一些實施例中,電致變色裝置塗層或另一著色結構塗層亦充當LiFi屏蔽件。因此,EC裝置塗層可起到阻斷LiFi通信同時提供光之可見波長之著色的目的。在某些實施例中,EC層、IC層、CE層、TCL或此類層的組合(參見圖1:104至110)經設計,使得一或多個層吸收頻譜之LiFi通信發生收所在之區中的輻射。 In some embodiments, the electrochromic device coating or another colored structural coating also acts as a LiFi shield. Therefore, the EC device coating can serve to block LiFi communication while providing coloration at the visible wavelength of light. In some embodiments, the EC layer, the IC layer, the CE layer, the TCL, or a combination of such layers (see FIG. 1: 104 to 110) is designed so that one or more layers absorb spectrum and LiFi communication takes place Radiation in the area.
在一個實例中,已知LiFi通信發生在頻譜之紅外區(或可能是UV區)中,且第一或第二透明導電層(104或114)經設計以使可見光透射但阻斷IR光。在其他實例中,電致變色層經組態,使得其在頻譜之LiFi傳輸發生的區中始終阻斷輻射,但可變地透射頻譜之可見部分中的輻射。當然,此假設 LiFi傳輸並不僅在可見區中發生。在又一實例中,頻譜之可見區之某部分被要求用於LiFi傳輸,而可見光譜之其他區不被要求。在此狀況下,著色可衰減越過整個可見光譜之光透射,而用於LiFi傳輸之特定波長始終被阻斷或選擇性地阻斷。在一些實施例中,可著色窗之著色僅在減小不用於LiFi通信之波長傳輸中有效。 In one example, it is known that LiFi communication occurs in the infrared region (or possibly the UV region) of the spectrum, and the first or second transparent conductive layer (104 or 114) is designed to transmit visible light but block IR light. In other examples, the electrochromic layer is configured so that it always blocks radiation in the region where LiFi transmission of the spectrum occurs, but variably transmits radiation in the visible portion of the spectrum. Of course, this assumes that LiFi transmission does not only occur in the visible area. In yet another example, some part of the visible region of the spectrum is required for LiFi transmission, while other regions of the visible spectrum are not required. In this situation, coloring can attenuate light transmission across the entire visible spectrum, while specific wavelengths used for LiFi transmission are always blocked or selectively blocked. In some embodiments, colorable window coloring is only effective in reducing wavelength transmission that is not used for LiFi communication.
在一些狀況下,電致變色裝置塗層自身之操作用於控制LiFi傳輸。在此類狀況下,LiFi傳輸或無LiFi傳輸與可著色窗之光學狀態一致。當電位經施加以驅動對可著色窗之色調改變時,LiFi信號之}吸收對應地被影響。處於清透或輕微著色狀態之EC窗對於可見光可為大體上透明的且允許某LiFi傳輸,而處於較黑色調狀態之EC窗可具有足夠低之可見光透射率(「visual light transmittance;VLT」)並衰減LiFi信號達其不可再由LiFi接收器偵測到的量。由於可著色窗並不轉變至完全不透明狀態,因此電致變色裝置塗層僅衰減而非完全阻斷可見範圍內的LiFi傳輸。常常地,LiFi信號之衰減為中斷LiFi通信需要的全部。LiFi頻帶至小於約60%、小於約40%、小於約10%或小於約5%之衰減可足夠以在一些狀況下中斷LiFi通信。舉例而言,當窗之兩側上的通信正使用同一頻率之光時,此衰減可足以防止窗之一側上之LiFi通信與窗之另一側上之LiFi通信干擾。在其他狀況下,衰減可僅足以減小LiFi信號強度至運用LiFi接收器接收LiFi信號需要的位準以下。歸因於透射率與窗色調中之可感知差異之間的非線性關係,衰減或吸收率並不具有與窗之可感知色調的1:1相關。感知到之著色效應與光學密度更緊密地對準,界定為透射率之常用對數的絕對值。對應於此關係,人眼對於低透射率狀態下窗色調狀態的改變愈加敏感。因此,在一些狀況下,可見光譜中LiFi信號之足夠衰減仍可在不調整可著色窗至最黑色調狀態情況下達成。舉例而言,若電致變色窗經組態以在範圍為基本上清透(TS 0)至完全著色狀態(TS 4)之五個光學色調狀態(清透或TS 0、TS 1、TS 2、TS 3及TS 4)之間轉變,則即使在諸如TS 0及TS 1之更透明狀態或色調狀態TS 1與TS 2之間的轉變亦可足以使LiFi屏蔽在接通狀態與斷開狀態之間切換。在一個實施例中,可著色窗經組態有五個光學色調狀態TS 0、TS 1、TS 2、TS 3及TS 4,其分別具有約82%、58%、40%、7%及1%的可見光透射率。在一些狀況下,藉由在此等色調狀態之間進行調整提供之衰減可足以切換LiFi屏蔽。 In some cases, the operation of the electrochromic device coating itself is used to control LiFi transmission. Under such conditions, LiFi transmission or no LiFi transmission is consistent with the optical state of the tintable window. When the potential is applied to drive the hue of the tintable window to change, the absorption of the LiFi signal is correspondingly affected. An EC window in a clear or slightly colored state may be substantially transparent to visible light and allow a certain LiFi transmission, while an EC window in a darker tone state may have a sufficiently low visible light transmittance ("visual light transmittance; VLT") And attenuate the LiFi signal to an amount that can no longer be detected by the LiFi receiver. Since the tintable window does not transition to a completely opaque state, the electrochromic device coating only attenuates rather than completely blocks LiFi transmission in the visible range. Often, the attenuation of the LiFi signal is all that is needed to interrupt LiFi communication. Attenuation of the LiFi band to less than about 60%, less than about 40%, less than about 10%, or less than about 5% may be sufficient to interrupt LiFi communication under some conditions. For example, when communications on both sides of the window are using light of the same frequency, this attenuation may be sufficient to prevent LiFi communications on one side of the window from interfering with LiFi communications on the other side of the window. In other cases, the attenuation may only be sufficient to reduce the strength of the LiFi signal to below the level required to use the LiFi receiver to receive the LiFi signal. Due to the non-linear relationship between the transmittance and the perceptible difference in the color tone of the window, the attenuation or absorption rate does not have a 1:1 correlation with the perceptible color tone of the window. The perceived color effect is more closely aligned with the optical density, defined as the absolute value of the common logarithm of transmittance. Corresponding to this relationship, the human eye is more sensitive to changes in the window tone state in the low transmittance state. Therefore, under some conditions, sufficient attenuation of the LiFi signal in the visible spectrum can still be achieved without adjusting the tintable window to the darkest tone. For example, if the electrochromic window is configured to five optical tonal states (clear or TS 0,
電致變色裝置之操作對於阻斷使用紅外光之LiFi通信可甚至為更有效的。舉例而言,來自以上實例之較黑色調狀態(例如,TS 3及TS 4)可大體上阻斷紅外LiFi傳輸,從而減小用於LiFi通信之紅外光頻帶的傳輸小於約3%、小於約1%或在一些狀況下小於約0.1%。因此,電致變色裝置塗層可足以使用紅外光在一些狀況下使用可見光選擇性地阻斷LiFi通信。 The operation of the electrochromic device may be even more effective for blocking LiFi communication using infrared light. For example, the blacker tone states (eg TS 3 and TS 4) from the above example can substantially block infrared LiFi transmission, thereby reducing the transmission of infrared bands used for LiFi communication by less than about 3% and less than about 1% or less than about 0.1% in some cases. Therefore, the electrochromic device coating may be sufficient to use infrared light to selectively block LiFi communication using visible light under some conditions.
在一些實施例中,可著色窗具有與可著色窗之EC裝置塗層分離之LiFi屏蔽件。LiFi吸收結構通常為一或多個層,所述一或多個層平行於(或大體上平行於)EC裝置塗層的層(或其他可著色層)。在某些實施例中,LiFi屏蔽件具有一表面,所述表面與電致變色裝置塗層之可檢視區域(有時被稱為「視覺區域」)共同延伸。塗層可具有與電致變色裝置塗層之佔據面積相同的佔據面積。然而,此並非必要的,只要LiFi屏蔽件延伸至可檢視區域之邊緣,因此阻斷光經由窗傳入及傳出。 In some embodiments, the tintable window has a LiFi shield separate from the EC device coating of the tintable window. The LiFi absorption structure is generally one or more layers that are parallel (or substantially parallel) to the layer (or other colorable layer) of the EC device coating. In some embodiments, the LiFi shield has a surface that extends coextensive with the viewable area (sometimes referred to as the "visual area") of the electrochromic device coating. The coating may have the same footprint as the electrochromic device coating. However, this is not necessary, as long as the LiFi shield extends to the edge of the viewable area, thus blocking light in and out through the window.
LiFi屏蔽層之位置定位於與EC裝置並行或大體上並行的定向。在一些實施例中,LiFi屏蔽件與EC裝置塗層分開某距離,使得當例如LiFi屏蔽件在接通狀態與關斷狀態之間切換時,施加至EC裝置塗層之電位不影響LiFi屏蔽結構的效能。在屏蔽層與可著色層藉由空氣或諸如氬氣之惰性氣體分離之狀況下,分離距離可為至少約1mm,或約5與50mm之間。在一些狀況下,LiFi屏蔽件藉由介電材料與EC裝置塗層分離開。當藉由介電材料分離開時,分離距 離可為至少約1mm,或約1與10mm之間。 The position of the LiFi shielding layer is positioned in parallel or substantially parallel orientation with the EC device. In some embodiments, the LiFi shield is separated from the EC device coating by a distance such that when, for example, the LiFi shield is switched between an on state and an off state, the potential applied to the EC device coating does not affect the LiFi shielding structure Performance. In the case where the shielding layer and the colorable layer are separated by air or an inert gas such as argon, the separation distance may be at least about 1 mm, or between about 5 and 50 mm. In some cases, the LiFi shield is separated from the EC device coating by a dielectric material. When separated by a dielectric material, the separation distance may be at least about 1 mm, or between about 1 and 10 mm.
在可著色窗為IGU或其他多窗片可著色窗結構的狀況下,存在用於置放LiFi屏蔽件及EC裝置塗層的若干組態。考慮例如圖2中描繪之IGU,其中EC裝置塗層位於窗片204之S2上。在一些實施例中,LiFi屏蔽結構可位於與EC塗層(S1)相同的窗片上。在一些實施例中,LiFi屏蔽結構位於不同窗片(窗片206之S3或S4)上。當LiFi屏蔽件包括電接地層或在LiFi阻斷模式期間固持於特定電位之數個層時,此配置可有益於提供電絕緣。在其他實施例中,LiFi屏蔽結構及EC裝置塗層兩者可位於同一窗片之同一側上(S2)。在上一狀況下,屏蔽層可位於基板204與EC裝置塗層之間,或EC裝置塗層與IGU 208之內部容積之間。如所提到,可存在一或多個介電層,其提供EC裝置塗層與LiFi屏蔽層之間的電絕緣。 In the case where the colorable window is an IGU or other multi-window colorable window structure, there are several configurations for placing LiFi shields and EC device coatings. Consider, for example, the IGU depicted in FIG. 2 where the EC device coating is on S2 of the
圖4a至圖4c描繪一EC裝置塗層402之若干非限制性配置,所述EC裝置塗層經組態以與IGU內之LiFi及/或RF屏蔽層404一起起作用。為了清楚,一些特徵已被省略或並未標記出。在圖4a中,EC裝置塗層402以及LiFi及/或RF屏蔽件404位於IGU之分離燈上。雖然EC裝置塗層402及LiFi及/或RF屏蔽件404描繪在內部窗片表面S2及S3上,但此等層層亦可定位在面向外表面S1及S4上。在圖4b中,EC裝置塗層402以及LiFi及/或RF屏蔽件404兩者位於IGU之S3上。在一些狀況下,例如,當屏蔽層接地時,EC裝置塗層402以及LiFi及/或RF屏蔽件404藉由中間介電層電隔離。雖然在表面S3上描繪,但層402、404及406可替代地係在S4上。圖4c描繪S2上之EC裝置塗層402及IGU之S1上作為外部塗層或薄膜之LiFi及/或RF屏蔽404的實例。在一些狀況下,除了阻斷LiFi或RF通信之外,在面向外表面(S1或S4)上之LiFi及/或RF屏蔽件可保護IGU。亦可瞭解,描繪於圖4a至圖4c中之配置可經反轉,使得S1面向內部環境而非外部環境。 4a-4c depict several non-limiting configurations of an
可著色窗亦可經組態以為結構或建築物提供電磁屏蔽,從而有效地將建築物、房間或空間轉變為法拉第籠,限制條件為結構本身衰減電磁信號(例如,所述結構由諸如鋼或鋁之導電材料製成,或經恰當地接地,以便如法拉第籠將以其他方式阻斷般阻斷)。經組態用於RF屏蔽之窗可表徵為越過一頻率範圍例如在20MHz與10,000MHz之間充分衰減電磁傳輸。當然,一些應用可允許受限程度更大或更具選擇性衰減。舉例而言,依據屏蔽件之結構,一或多個子範圍可自衰減排除。RF屏蔽件可用以防止電磁干擾(electromagnetic interference;EMI),從而允許靈敏電磁傳輸在經屏蔽空間中被觀測到或阻斷無線通信且產生私密空間,在所述私密空間中,防止2]外部裝置竊聽源自所述空間內之無線傳輸。舉例而言,在一些實施例中,電磁輻射可在所選擇之範圍上衰減約10dB至70dB,或在所選擇範圍上衰減約20dB至50dB。雖然以下實施例參看阻斷RF通信而描述,但所屬領域中具通常知識者可瞭解本文中所論述之實施例之尺寸,特別而言各種層之厚度,可出於阻斷較高能量電磁輻射包含紅外、可見及/或紫外射LiFi通信之目的而調整。除非另有陳述,否則意欲所有以下實施例亦適用於阻斷LiFi通信。 Colorable windows can also be configured to provide electromagnetic shielding for structures or buildings, effectively transforming buildings, rooms, or spaces into Faraday cages, with the restriction that the structure itself attenuates electromagnetic signals (for example, the structure is made of materials such as steel or (The conductive material of aluminum is made of or properly grounded so that it can be blocked like the Faraday cage would otherwise block). A window configured for RF shielding can be characterized as sufficiently attenuating electromagnetic transmission across a frequency range, such as between 20 MHz and 10,000 MHz. Of course, some applications may allow for more restricted or more selective attenuation. For example, depending on the structure of the shield, one or more sub-ranges can be excluded from attenuation. RF shields can be used to prevent electromagnetic interference (EMI), allowing sensitive electromagnetic transmission to be observed in shielded spaces or blocking wireless communication and creating private spaces in which 2) external devices are prevented Eavesdropping originates from wireless transmissions in the space. For example, in some embodiments, electromagnetic radiation may be attenuated by about 10dB to 70dB over the selected range, or by about 20dB to 50dB over the selected range. Although the following embodiments are described with reference to blocking RF communications, those of ordinary skill in the art can understand the dimensions of the embodiments discussed herein, in particular the thickness of various layers, which can be used to block higher energy electromagnetic radiation Including infrared, visible and/or ultraviolet LiFi communication for adjustment purposes. Unless otherwise stated, it is intended that all the following embodiments are also applicable to blocking LiFi communication.
在一些實施例中,可著色窗經組態以在導電材料之一或多個層製造為與窗片之表面共同延伸時用於RF或LiFi屏蔽,以提供電磁輻射的衰減。在一些狀況下,當導電層經接地或固持於特定電壓以提供電磁輻射之衰減時,經組態用於屏蔽之窗的衰減效應可得以增加。在一些情況下,導電材料之一或多個層不連接至接地或外部電路,且具有浮動電位。如本文中所描述,衰減層可為具有間距之網狀結構,所述間隔經選擇以對應於經尋求以被屏蔽之輻射的波長。用於窗應用之電磁屏蔽先前已在例如US5139850A及US5147694A中描述。 In some embodiments, the tintable window is configured to be used for RF or LiFi shielding when one or more layers of conductive material are fabricated to coextensive with the surface of the window sheet to provide attenuation of electromagnetic radiation. In some cases, when the conductive layer is grounded or held at a specific voltage to provide attenuation of electromagnetic radiation, the attenuation effect of the window configured for shielding may be increased. In some cases, one or more layers of conductive material are not connected to ground or an external circuit and have a floating potential. As described herein, the attenuation layer may be a mesh structure with a pitch selected to correspond to the wavelength of radiation sought to be shielded. Electromagnetic shielding for window applications has been previously described in, for example, US5139850A and US5147694A.
在各種實施例中,屏蔽結構包含跨越整個區域之一導電材料板片,在所述整個區域處,電磁輻射之傳輸被阻斷。舉例而言,結構可跨越窗片 之整個區域。在屏蔽結構由諸如金屬之不透明或反射材料(呈其塊體形式)製成的狀況下,結構可經設計以使可見光輻射之衰減最小化,同時仍強烈地衰減常用於無線通信中之更長波長下的輻射。使可見光輻射之衰減最小化的一種方式包含緊接於導電層諸如銀層的防反射層。如本文中所描述,通常防反射層將具有不同於其近接於之導電層的折射率。在一些實施例中,防反射層之厚度及折射率經選擇以產生在層介面處反射之光的相消干涉及通過層界面透射之光的相長干涉。在一些狀況下,防反射層之厚度及折射率具體而言經選擇為在用於LiFi通信之波長處產生相消干涉。 In various embodiments, the shielding structure includes a sheet of conductive material that spans an entire area where the transmission of electromagnetic radiation is blocked. For example, the structure can span the entire area of the window. In the case where the shielding structure is made of an opaque or reflective material such as metal (in its bulk form), the structure can be designed to minimize the attenuation of visible radiation while still strongly attenuating the longer commonly used in wireless communications Radiation at wavelength. One way to minimize the attenuation of visible radiation includes an anti-reflection layer next to a conductive layer such as a silver layer. As described herein, in general, the anti-reflection layer will have a different refractive index than the conductive layer it is close to. In some embodiments, the thickness and refractive index of the anti-reflection layer are selected to produce destructive interference of light reflected at the layer interface involving constructive interference of light transmitted through the layer interface. In some cases, the thickness and refractive index of the anti-reflection layer are specifically selected to produce destructive interference at the wavelength used for LiFi communication.
在一些實施例中,使用兩個或兩個以上分離金屬層以及金屬層之間的夾層或防反射層,前述各者一起有效地衰減用於無線通信之頻率中的電磁輻射之傳輸,同時透射在可見區中之大部分輻射。用於電磁屏蔽之含有至少一個導電層、至少一個防反射層且視情況夾層的多層結構本文中將被稱作屏蔽堆疊。此類多層結構之分離距離及厚度的實例呈現如下。 In some embodiments, two or more separate metal layers and an interlayer or anti-reflection layer between the metal layers are used, and together the foregoing effectively attenuate the transmission of electromagnetic radiation in the frequency used for wireless communication while transmitting Most of the radiation in the visible area. A multilayer structure for electromagnetic shielding that contains at least one conductive layer, at least one anti-reflection layer, and optionally an interlayer will be referred to herein as a shielding stack. Examples of the separation distance and thickness of such multilayer structures are shown below.
屏蔽堆疊之某些實施例在圖5中展示為區段510及511,每一區段具有至少一個導電層502及至少兩個防反射層501、跨界層502。在屏蔽堆疊511之狀況下,夾層區503分離開兩個導電層。屏蔽堆疊可置放於基板之任何表面(或內部區)諸如圖2之S1、S2、S3、S4上,或電致變色裝置、介電層、透明顯示器或甚至含有窗天線結構之層的任何表面上。可用以阻斷RF通信通過窗之屏蔽堆疊進一步描述於題為「窗天線(WINDOW ANTENNAS)」且在2017年5月4日申請之國際專利申請案第PCT/US17/31106號中,所述國際專利申請案全文併入本文中。當屏蔽堆疊設置在電致變色裝置或天線層上時,窗片可包含分離屏蔽堆疊與裝置或天線的絕緣層。 Some embodiments of the shielding stack are shown in FIG. 5 as
在一些實施例中,屏蔽堆疊可包含兩個或兩個以上導電層502,其中每個導電層由防反射層501包夾。圖6描繪包含兩個導電層502之屏蔽堆疊 612及包含三個導電層502之屏蔽堆疊613的實例。在一些實施例中,四個或四個以上導電層可用於單個屏蔽堆疊中。 In some embodiments, the shielding stack may include two or more
在一些實施例中,屏蔽堆疊安置在電致變色IGU的配合窗片(IGU中之第二或額外窗片,例如不同於電致變色窗片)上或作為層合物中的配合窗片,其中一個窗片包含電致變色裝置塗層且層壓物之其他窗片具有屏蔽堆疊從而例如藉由用開關將屏蔽堆疊之金屬層接地來選擇性地阻斷或不阻斷電磁輻射。此功能可併入至例如關聯窗控制器中。一個實施例為電致變色窗,其包含具有電致變色裝置塗層之一個窗片及具有如本文中所描述之屏蔽堆疊的另一窗片。在一個實施例中,屏蔽堆疊經選擇性地控制以運用接地功能屏蔽或不屏蔽。接地功能可藉由窗控制器控制,所述窗控制器亦控制電致變色裝置之切換功能。在屏蔽堆疊及電致變色裝置堆疊係在不同基板上之此等實施例中,窗可採用IGU、層壓物或其一組合之形式,例如IGU之一個或兩個窗片為層壓物的IGU。在一個實例中,IGU之層壓物窗片包含屏蔽堆疊,而IGU之非層壓物窗片包含電致變色裝置塗層。在另一實施例中,IGU之兩個窗片為層壓物,其中一個層壓物窗片包含屏蔽堆疊,且另一層壓物窗片包含電致變色裝置塗層。在另外其他實施例中,單一層壓物包含電致變色裝置塗層及屏蔽堆疊兩者。層壓物自身可為IGU之窗片或並非IGU的窗片。 In some embodiments, the shielding stack is placed on the mating window of the electrochromic IGU (the second or additional window in the IGU, for example different from the electrochromic window) or as a mating window in the laminate, One of the windows includes an electrochromic device coating and the other windows of the laminate have a shielding stack to selectively block or not block electromagnetic radiation, for example, by grounding the metal layer of the shielding stack with a switch. This function can be incorporated into, for example, an associated window controller. One embodiment is an electrochromic window that includes one window with an electrochromic device coating and another window with a shielding stack as described herein. In one embodiment, the shielding stack is selectively controlled to use the grounding function to shield or not shield. The grounding function can be controlled by the window controller, which also controls the switching function of the electrochromic device. In such embodiments where the shielding stack and the electrochromic device stack are on different substrates, the window may take the form of an IGU, a laminate, or a combination thereof, for example, one or two windows of the IGU are laminated IGU. In one example, the laminate windows of the IGU include a shielding stack, and the non-laminate windows of the IGU include an electrochromic device coating. In another embodiment, the two windows of the IGU are laminates, where one laminate window includes a shielding stack and the other laminate window includes an electrochromic device coating. In still other embodiments, the single laminate includes both the electrochromic device coating and the shield stack. The laminate itself may be a window of an IGU or a window that is not an IGU.
導電層501可由諸如以下各者之多種導電材料製成:銀、銅、金、鎳、鋁、鉻、鉑、及混合物、金屬間化合物以及其合金。導電層之增大之高度導致較低薄層電阻且通常產生較大衰減效應,然而,增大之厚度亦增大材料成本並可降低可見光透射率。 The
在一些實施例中,諸如用於屏蔽堆疊612中之導電層可由具有兩個或兩個以上不同金屬子層之「金屬夾層結構」構造製成或包含所述「金屬夾層結構」構造。舉例而言,金屬層可包含「金屬夾層結構」構造,諸如包含Cu/Ag/Cu 子層而非例如單一Cu層的構造。在另一實例中,導電層可包含NiCr/金屬/NiCr之「金屬夾層結構」構造,其中金屬子層為前述金屬中之一者。 In some embodiments, a conductive layer such as that used in shielding
在一些實施例中,諸如當屏蔽堆疊鄰近於電致變色裝置定位時,導電層或子層為金屬合金。金屬之電遷移阻力可經由製成合金來增大。增大金屬導電層中金屬層之電遷移阻力減小金屬遷移至電致變色堆疊中且與裝置之操作干擾的傾向。藉由使用金屬合金,金屬至電致變色堆疊中之遷移可被減緩及/或減小,此可改良電致變色裝置之耐久性。舉例而言,添加小量Cu或Pd至銀可大體上增大銀之電遷移阻力。在一個實施例中,例如,具有Cu或Pd之銀合金用於導電層中以減小銀至電致變色堆疊中之遷移的傾向以減緩或防止此遷移干擾正常裝置操作。在一些狀況下,導電子層可包含氧化物具有低電阻率的合金。在一個實例中,金屬層或子層在氧化物之製備期間可進一步包括另一材料(例如,Hg、Ge、Sn、Pb、As、Sb或Bi)作為複合物以增大密度及/或減低電阻率。 In some embodiments, such as when the shielding stack is positioned adjacent to the electrochromic device, the conductive layer or sublayer is a metal alloy. The electromigration resistance of metals can be increased by making alloys. Increasing the electromigration resistance of the metal layer in the metal conductive layer reduces the tendency of the metal to migrate into the electrochromic stack and interfere with the operation of the device. By using metal alloys, the migration of metal into the electrochromic stack can be slowed and/or reduced, which can improve the durability of the electrochromic device. For example, adding a small amount of Cu or Pd to silver can substantially increase the electromigration resistance of silver. In one embodiment, for example, a silver alloy with Cu or Pd is used in the conductive layer to reduce the tendency of silver to migrate into the electrochromic stack to slow or prevent this migration from interfering with normal device operation. In some cases, the conductive sublayer may include an alloy whose oxide has low resistivity. In one example, the metal layer or sublayer may further include another material (eg, Hg, Ge, Sn, Pb, As, Sb, or Bi) as a composite during the preparation of the oxide to increase density and/or decrease Resistivity.
在一些實施例中,複合導電層之一或多個金屬子層為透明的。通常,透明金屬層厚度小於10nm,例如,為約5nm或小於5nm。在其他實施例中,複合導體之一或多個金屬層為不透明的或並非完全透明的。 In some embodiments, one or more metal sublayers of the composite conductive layer are transparent. Generally, the thickness of the transparent metal layer is less than 10 nm, for example, about 5 nm or less. In other embodiments, one or more metal layers of the composite conductor are opaque or not completely transparent.
在一些狀況下,防反射層置放於導電層之任一側上以增強通過具有屏蔽堆疊之經塗佈玻璃基板的光透射。通常,防反射層為介電材料或金屬氧化物材料。防反射層之實例包含氧化銦錫(ITO)、In2O3、TiO2、Nb2O5、Ta2O5、SnO2、ZnO,或Bi2O3。在某些實施例中,防反射層為氧化錫層,所述氧化錫層具有介於約15至80nm或者介於約30至50nm之範圍內的厚度。一般而言,防反射層之厚度可取決於導電層之厚度。 In some cases, an anti-reflection layer is placed on either side of the conductive layer to enhance light transmission through the coated glass substrate with a shielding stack. Generally, the anti-reflection layer is a dielectric material or a metal oxide material. Examples of the anti-reflection layer include indium tin oxide (ITO), In2O3, TiO2, Nb2O5, Ta2O5, SnO2, ZnO, or Bi2O3. In some embodiments, the anti-reflection layer is a tin oxide layer having a thickness in the range of about 15 to 80 nm or about 30 to 50 nm. In general, the thickness of the anti-reflection layer may depend on the thickness of the conductive layer.
在某些實施例中,防反射層為對於鄰接導電金屬層具有相對電磁化率之材料層。材料之電磁化率指在所施加電場中極化的能力。磁化率愈大, 材料回應於電場極化之能力愈大。包含具有相對磁化率之層可改變波長吸收特性以增大導電層之透明度及/或移位通過組合層透射之波長。舉例而言,導電層可包含鄰接於金屬層的具有相對磁化率的高折射率介電材料層(例如TiO2),以增大金屬層的透明度。在一些狀況下,鄰接金屬層之具有相對磁化率的所添加層可使得並非完全透明之金屬層為更透明的。舉例而言,厚度為約5nm至約30nm或約10nm與約25nm之間或約15nm與約25nm之間的金屬層(例如,銀層)本身可能並非完全透明的。然而,當緊接具有相對磁化率之防反射層(例如,銀層頂部上之TiO2層)定位時,通過組合層之透射高於單獨金屬或介電層的透射。 In some embodiments, the anti-reflection layer is a material layer having a relative electromagnetic susceptibility to the adjacent conductive metal layer. The electromagnetic susceptibility of a material refers to the ability to polarize in the applied electric field. The greater the magnetic susceptibility, the greater the ability of the material to respond to electric field polarization. Including a layer with a relative magnetic susceptibility can change the wavelength absorption characteristics to increase the transparency of the conductive layer and/or shift the wavelength transmitted through the combined layer. For example, the conductive layer may include a high-refractive-index dielectric material layer (eg, TiO2) adjacent to the metal layer to increase the transparency of the metal layer. In some cases, the added layer with relative magnetic susceptibility adjacent to the metal layer may make the metal layer that is not completely transparent more transparent. For example, a metal layer (for example, a silver layer) having a thickness of about 5 nm to about 30 nm or between about 10 nm and about 25 nm or between about 15 nm and about 25 nm may not be completely transparent by itself. However, when positioned next to an anti-reflection layer with relative magnetic susceptibility (eg, a TiO2 layer on top of the silver layer), the transmission through the combined layer is higher than the transmission of the individual metal or dielectric layers.
在某些實施例中,複合導電層可包含一或多個金屬層及亦被稱作折射率匹配子層的一或多個色彩調諧子層。此等色彩調諧層通常具有高折射率、低耗損介電材料,所述介電材料具與一或多個金屬層相對之磁化率。可用於彩色調諧層中之材料的一些實例包含氧化矽、氧化錫、氧化銦錫及類似者。在此等實施例中,用於一或多個色彩調諧層中之厚度及/或材料改變吸收特性以移位通過材料層之組合透射的波長。舉例而言,一或多個彩色調諧層之厚度可經選擇以調諧通過屏蔽堆疊透射之光的色彩。在另一實例中,調諧層經選擇並組態以減小某些波長(例如黃色)通過屏蔽堆疊的透射。調諧層可用以例如阻斷用於通信之特定頻帶。 In some embodiments, the composite conductive layer may include one or more metal layers and one or more color tuning sub-layers also referred to as index matching sub-layers. These color tuning layers generally have high refractive index, low loss dielectric materials with magnetic susceptibility relative to one or more metal layers. Some examples of materials that can be used in the color tuning layer include silicon oxide, tin oxide, indium tin oxide, and the like. In such embodiments, the thickness and/or material used in one or more color tuning layers changes the absorption characteristics to shift the wavelength transmitted through the combination of material layers. For example, the thickness of one or more color tuning layers can be selected to tune the color of light transmitted through the shield stack. In another example, the tuning layer is selected and configured to reduce the transmission of certain wavelengths (eg, yellow) through the shielding stack. The tuning layer can be used, for example, to block specific frequency bands for communication.
在一個實施例中,屏蔽堆疊510包含具有約15至60nm之厚度的單一銀(或其他導電材料)層。厚度大於約15nm之銀確保,將達成低薄層電阻,例如小於5歐姆/平方的薄層電阻。在某些實施例中,單一導電銀層厚度將介於7與30nm之間,且單一導電銀層因此允許通信頻率中電磁輻射的足夠吸收,同時維持足夠高的光透射率。在此實施例中,銀層可藉由實體連接(例如,匯流條)或藉由導電層與金屬框架之間的電容耦合電耦接至接地,所述金屬框 架與導電層至少部分重疊。 In one embodiment, the shielding
在另一實施例中,屏蔽堆疊511包含兩個銀層(或兩個其他導電材料層),每一銀層具有約7至30nm之厚度。已發現,與在使用單一但較厚銀層時相比較,具有減小之光反射的屏蔽面板可針對給定衰減而產生。一個導電層可藉由實體連接(例如,匯流條)或藉由導電層與接地金屬框架之間的電容耦合而電耦接至接地,所述接地金屬框架與導電層至少部分重疊。第二導電層可電容耦合至第一接地導電層,因此將第二導電層連接至接地。在一些實施例中,第一導電層及第二導電層兩者實體連接至接地。在一些實施例中,兩個導電層具有浮動電位(亦即,其未電連接至接地或所界定電位之來源)。在此實施例中,大部分衰減可歸因於電磁輻射在第一導電層處的反射。其他衰減由於導電層(或其近接防反射層)之間的夾層區中之吸收發生,此係由於傳入波之路徑長度歸因於導電層之間的反射經極大增大,從而導致在夾層內反射之輻射的顯著吸收。 In another embodiment, the shielding
在另一實施例中,諸如堆疊612或堆疊613之屏蔽堆疊包含具有浮動電位之銀導電層,其中每一銀層具有約10nm至20nm的厚度。可由氧化銦錫製成之防反射層在鄰近於一個銀層時可具有約30nm至約40nm之厚度,且在插入於兩個銀層之間時具有約75nm至約85nm的厚度。 In another embodiment, a shielding stack such as
在一些實施例中,夾層可由數種材料製成,所述材料對於可見光譜中之短波電磁輻射為透明的,同時吸收具有用於通信之更長波長的頻率。夾層可為單層或包括若干材料層的複合層。若電致變色窗製造為無絕緣氣體層,或若IGU包含安置在窗片204與206之間的額外窗片,則諸如聚乙烯醇縮丁醛(「polyvinyl butyral;PVB」)或聚氨酯之現場澆鑄樹脂可用作夾層以將兩個窗片層壓在一起,每個窗片上面具有一導電層。在其他實施例中,單一窗片可由使用夾層樹脂層壓之兩個或兩個以上薄玻璃(或塑膠)板片構成。在某些實施 例中,當使用諸如PVB之樹脂時,夾層之厚度係在約0.25mm至約1.5mm之範圍內。 In some embodiments, the interlayer may be made of several materials that are transparent to short-wave electromagnetic radiation in the visible spectrum while absorbing frequencies with longer wavelengths used for communication. The interlayer may be a single layer or a composite layer including several material layers. If the electrochromic window is manufactured without an insulating gas layer, or if the IGU includes additional windows placed between
在又一實施例中,一個基板之外表面(例如,S1或S4)塗佈有透明耐磨塗層,所述塗層包含導電半導體金屬氧化物層,其可用於屏蔽堆疊或其一部分之用途。在所描繪之實施例中,窗片亦包含具有單一銀(或其他導電材料)層的屏蔽堆疊510,所述銀層具有例如在約15與50nm之間的厚度、置放在玻璃之內表面中的一者(例如,S3或S4)上,諸如不具有電致變色堆疊或窗天線的表面上。視需要,夾層可置放於金屬氧化物層與屏蔽堆疊之間的任何位置處,以增大在兩個導電層之間反射之波的吸收。在一些個例中,金屬氧化物層及屏蔽堆疊置放在IGU之相對窗片上,使得在金屬氧化物層與屏蔽堆疊之間存在間隙。作為實例,耐磨塗層可由金屬氧化物諸如摻錫氧化銦、摻雜氧化錫、氧化銻及類似者製成。在此實施例中,導電層及耐磨塗層藉由實體連接(例如,匯流條)或藉由例如導電層與金屬框架之間的電容耦合而電耦接至接地,所述接地金屬框架與所述層至少部分重疊。 In yet another embodiment, the outer surface of a substrate (for example, S1 or S4) is coated with a transparent wear-resistant coating that includes a conductive semiconductor metal oxide layer that can be used to shield the stack or a portion of it . In the depicted embodiment, the window also includes a shielding
當具有單個導電層之屏蔽堆疊(例如,510)與半導體金屬氧化物層結合使用時,或當使用具有兩個導電層之屏蔽堆疊(例如,511)時,達成RF或LiFi傳輸之所要衰減要求的導電層之間的間距可取決於位於兩個導電層之間的層的組成物(例如,玻璃、空氣、氣體或EC裝置層)及厚度。 When a shield stack with a single conductive layer (eg, 510) is used in combination with a semiconductor metal oxide layer, or when a shield stack with two conductive layers (eg, 511) is used, the required attenuation requirements for RF or LiFi transmission are achieved The spacing between the conductive layers may depend on the composition (eg, glass, air, gas, or EC device layer) and thickness of the layer between the two conductive layers.
針對電磁屏蔽描述之層可使用多種沈積製程來製造,所述沈積製程包含用於製造電致變色裝置之彼等沈積製程。在一些個例中,用於沈積屏蔽堆疊之步驟可整合至用於沈積電致變色裝置的製造製程中。一般而言,屏蔽堆疊或係半導體金屬氧化物之耐磨塗層可在製造製程中之任何步驟處藉由物理及/或化學氣相技術沈積於基板(例如,圖2之基板204或206)上。屏蔽堆疊之個別層(501、502及503)通常良好適合於藉由諸如濺鍍之物理氣相沈積技術沈 積。在一些狀況下,銀(或其他金屬)層藉由諸如冷噴塗之技術或諸如用金屬墨進行塗佈的基於液體的製程來沈積。在使用諸如PVB之樹脂材料的狀況下,夾層可經由層壓製程形成,在所述層壓製程中,兩個基板(視需要上面具有一或多個層)接合在一起。 The layers described for electromagnetic shielding can be manufactured using a variety of deposition processes, including other deposition processes used to manufacture electrochromic devices. In some cases, the steps for depositing the shield stack can be integrated into the manufacturing process for depositing the electrochromic device. Generally speaking, a shielding stack or a wear-resistant coating of a semiconductor metal oxide can be deposited on the substrate by physical and/or chemical vapor techniques at any step in the manufacturing process (eg,
在又一實施例中,用於阻斷RF或LiFi通信之屏蔽堆疊併入至下文被稱作屏蔽薄膜之可撓性薄膜中,所述可撓性薄膜可黏附或以其他方式安裝至窗。舉例而言,IGU可藉由將屏蔽薄膜黏附至IGU窗片之表面S1或S4而組態為用於電磁屏蔽。替代地,在IGU之組裝期間,窗可藉由將屏蔽薄膜附接至IGU窗片之表面S2或S3組態為用於屏蔽。屏蔽薄膜亦可嵌入於層壓物中且用作如本文所描述之電致變色IGU的配合窗片。舉例而言,IGU可經構建,使得S2具有電致變色薄膜,且IGU之配合窗片為在構成層壓物之兩個窗片內部具有屏蔽薄膜之層壓物。 In yet another embodiment, a shielding stack for blocking RF or LiFi communication is incorporated into a flexible film, hereinafter referred to as a shielding film, which can be adhered or otherwise mounted to the window. For example, the IGU can be configured for electromagnetic shielding by attaching a shielding film to the surface S1 or S4 of the IGU window. Alternatively, during the assembly of the IGU, the window may be configured for shielding by attaching a shielding film to the surface S2 or S3 of the IGU window. The shielding film can also be embedded in the laminate and used as a mating window for the electrochromic IGU as described herein. For example, the IGU can be constructed so that S2 has an electrochromic film, and the mating window of the IGU is a laminate with a shielding film inside the two windows constituting the laminate.
屏蔽薄膜可阻斷RF、IR及/或UV信號。舉例而言,諸如由馬里蘭州歐文斯米爾(Owings Mills,Maryland)之Signals Defense出售的諸如SD2500/SD2510、SD 1000/SD 1010及DAS ShieldTM薄膜的市售薄膜可適用於本文中所描述之實施例。 The shielding film can block RF, IR and/or UV signals. For example, commercially available films such as SD2500/SD2510,
圖7描繪可安裝在窗片表面上以提供電磁屏蔽之屏蔽薄膜700的實施例。第一薄膜層701為約束外層,屏蔽堆疊702沈積在所述約束外層上。接著,層壓黏附層703用於將屏蔽堆疊結合至第二薄膜層704,使得屏蔽堆疊701囊封在可撓性薄膜(層701及704)內。接著,安裝黏附層705可用以將屏蔽薄膜結構結合至窗片之表面。在一些實施例中,額外保護層可1}位於表面710上。保護層在窗環境下發生變化,且可包含諸如環氧樹脂、樹脂或任何天然或合成材料的材料,所述天然或合成材料對屏蔽薄膜結構提供足夠保護。在一些實施例中,薄膜結構700可不同於圖7中描繪之說明性實施例。舉例而言,在一些實 施例中,安裝黏附層可將屏蔽堆疊702直接結合至窗表面,且可省略層合物層703及第二薄膜層704。在某些實施例中,屏蔽薄膜之總厚度在安裝於窗片上時係在約25μm與1000μm之間。 7 depicts an embodiment of a
許多材料可適用於薄膜層701及704、層壓黏附層703及安裝黏附層704。通常,所選擇之材料對於可見光應為透明的,且具有足夠低之混濁度,使得窗片之光學特性並非經實質上減小。當然,此假設,屏蔽堆疊目的並非在於阻斷可見光通信。在某些實施例中,薄膜層厚度小於約300μm(例如,厚度介於約10μm與275μm之間),且由熱塑性聚合物樹脂製成。薄膜材料之實例包含聚對苯二甲酸伸乙酯、聚碳酸酯、聚萘二甲酸乙二酯。所屬領域中具通常知識者可自多種可接受黏附層及安裝黏附層選出。不同黏附劑可取決於以下各者來使用:屏蔽堆疊之厚度、薄膜在IGU單元內之置放,或自經組態用於電磁屏蔽之窗所需的光學性質。在一些實施例中,安裝黏附層704可由壓敏黏附劑例如可購自Ingredion Inc.之National Starch 80-1057之黏附劑製成。其他合適黏附劑之實例包含可購自Rohm & Haas之Adcote 76R36與催化劑9H1H以及可購自Rohm & Haas的Adcote 89R3。當屏蔽薄膜在安設於玻璃窗上之前予以運輸時,離型薄膜層可位於表面711上。離型薄膜層可保護安裝黏附層705,直至離型薄膜被移除而安設時。 Many materials are suitable for the film layers 701 and 704, the laminated
LiFi接收器LiFi receiver
LiFi接收器用以將接收到之LiFi傳輸信號轉換為電信號。LiFi接收器經由光偵測器或光感測器來接收LiFi信號。任何光偵測器都可用作LiFi接收器,只要其具有讀取接收到之LiFi信號所需的靈敏度及取樣速率即可。合適的光偵測器包含諸如以下各者之裝置:光倍增器、CMOS影像感測器、電荷耦接裝置(charge coupled device;CCD)、經反向偏置以充當光電二極體之LED、光電二極體(例如,雪崩光電二極體)、光電電池及類似者。通常,來自LiFi 信號之光經由電壓或電流量測。在一些狀況下,LiFi接收器可具有解調變或解碼電路及/或邏輯,所述解碼電路及邏輯自所量測電壓及/或電路提取資訊並輸出信號,所述信號可由相關聯控制器或其他電子裝置解譯。在一些狀況下,輸出信號經由至窗控制器、網路控制器及/或主控制器之導線驗證。在一些狀況下,控制器接收原始光量測值(例如,經由所量測電壓及/或電流),且控制器具有解調變或解碼電路及/或邏輯,所述解調變或解碼電路及/或邏輯用於將所述原始資料轉換為可由在控制器或窗控制系統上操作之邏輯解譯的格式。 The LiFi receiver is used to convert the received LiFi transmission signal into an electrical signal. The LiFi receiver receives the LiFi signal through a light detector or a light sensor. Any light detector can be used as a LiFi receiver, as long as it has the sensitivity and sampling rate required to read the received LiFi signal. Suitable photodetectors include devices such as: photomultipliers, CMOS image sensors, charge coupled devices (CCD), LEDs reverse-biased to act as photodiodes, Photodiodes (eg, avalanche photodiodes), photovoltaic cells, and the like. Usually, the light from the LiFi signal is measured by voltage or current. In some cases, the LiFi receiver may have a demodulation or decoding circuit and/or logic that extracts information from the measured voltage and/or circuit and outputs a signal, which may be associated with a controller Or other electronic device interpretation. In some cases, the output signal is verified by wires to the window controller, network controller, and/or main controller. In some cases, the controller receives the original light measurement value (eg, via the measured voltage and/or current), and the controller has a demodulation or decoding circuit and/or logic, the demodulation or decoding circuit And/or logic is used to convert the original data into a format that can be interpreted by logic operating on a controller or window control system.
LiFi接收器通常置放在位置中以改良光偵測器具有至提供LiFi傳輸之LiFi傳輸器之不間斷直接視距的似然性。LiFi接收器可位於窗控制器中(附接至對應窗或定位於對應窗附近)、近接於IGU(例如,窗總成之框架內部),或遠離IGU一短距離地定位但電連接至窗控制器。通常,LiFi接收器可位於抬高位置中,諸如高於窗之天花板上,以減小居住者可能阻斷LiFi傳輸的機會。在一些實施例中,光偵測器可為透明的,例如,由透明光電電池製成。在此類狀況下,光偵測器可置放於可著色窗之一或多個發光體處。在一些狀況下,IGU之內部區內置放之光探測器可經組態自所述可著色窗的任一側接收LiFi信號。在一些狀況下,窗可經組態有多個備用LiFi接收器或改良LiFi信號的接收。若阻斷LiFi傳輸而不到達LiFi接收器中之一者,則LiFi傳輸仍可到達另一LiFi接收器,從而允許不間斷通信。 LiFi receivers are usually placed in positions to improve the likelihood that the photodetector has an uninterrupted direct line-of-sight to the LiFi transmitter that provides LiFi transmission. The LiFi receiver can be located in the window controller (attached to the corresponding window or positioned near the corresponding window), close to the IGU (eg, inside the frame of the window assembly), or located a short distance away from the IGU but electrically connected to the window Controller. Generally, the LiFi receiver can be located in a raised position, such as on a ceiling above a window, to reduce the chance that a occupant may block LiFi transmission. In some embodiments, the light detector may be transparent, for example, made of transparent photovoltaic cells. Under such conditions, the light detector can be placed at one or more of the lightable windows. In some cases, the light detectors built into the internal area of the IGU can be configured to receive LiFi signals from either side of the tintable window. In some cases, the window may be configured with multiple spare LiFi receivers or improved LiFi signal reception. If the LiFi transmission is blocked without reaching one of the LiFi receivers, the LiFi transmission can still reach the other LiFi receiver, allowing uninterrupted communication.
在一些實施例中,一可著色窗可具有經組態以接收不同頻寬範圍中LiFi通信的LiFi接收器。作為說明性實例,第一LiFi接收器可經組態以接收紅外範圍內之LiFi通信,而第二LiFi接收器可經組態以接收可見範圍內的LiFi通信。在一些實施例中,經組態用於在不同頻寬下進行之LiFi通信的LiFi接收器可具有不同用途。舉例而言,第一LiFi接收器可能經組態用於接收用於控制窗控制器之動作(例如,控制窗之色調)的指令,而第二LiFi接收器可能經組 態以利用LiFi通信網路傳輸自或至其他系統的資料。在一些實施例中,LiFi接收器對於某些波長的光可極具選擇性。此可在減小接收到之信號LiFi中之雜訊或消除藉由在近旁波長傳輸之LiFi信號引起的干擾中為有用的。在一些狀況下,LiFi接收器經組態以在一或多個濾光器(例如,高通濾波器、低通濾波器或帶通濾波器)位於光偵測器前方時接收特定頻寬的光。在一些狀況下,光偵測器可具有光電(「photovoltaic;PV」)電池,所述光電電池具有不同帶隙能量,使得僅具有足夠能量(通常恰好低於LiFi頻率)之光在光偵測器處偵測到。 In some embodiments, a tintable window may have a LiFi receiver configured to receive LiFi communications in different frequency ranges. As an illustrative example, the first LiFi receiver may be configured to receive LiFi communication in the infrared range, and the second LiFi receiver may be configured to receive LiFi communication in the visible range. In some embodiments, LiFi receivers configured for LiFi communication at different bandwidths may have different uses. For example, the first LiFi receiver may be configured to receive commands for controlling the actions of the window controller (for example, controlling the hue of the window), and the second LiFi receiver may be configured to utilize the LiFi communication network Data transmitted from or to other systems. In some embodiments, the LiFi receiver can be very selective for certain wavelengths of light. This may be useful in reducing noise in the received signal LiFi or eliminating interference caused by LiFi signals transmitted at nearby wavelengths. In some cases, the LiFi receiver is configured to receive light of a specific bandwidth when one or more filters (eg, high-pass filter, low-pass filter, or band-pass filter) are located in front of the light detector . In some cases, the photodetector may have a photovoltaic (“photovoltaic; PV”) battery with different band gap energies, so that only light with sufficient energy (usually just below the LiFi frequency) is detected in the light Detected at the device.
LiFi傳輸器 LiFi transmitter
LiFi傳輸器負責產生LiFi信號。LiFi傳輸器獲取藉由例如控制器、窗控制網路或另一關聯裝置提供之資料,並將資料轉換成驅動信號(例如,數位或類比信號)用於控制LiFi傳輸。驅動信號指定經發射LiFi信號的照明狀態。舉例而言,驅動信號可指定LiFi信號之亮度、WiFi信號之波長及/或及與LiFi信號之調變相關聯的塑形。LiFi驅動信號可藉由窗控制器提供,或可藉由與LiFi傳輸器整合或電連通的電路及/或邏輯產生。在一些狀況下,窗控制器或窗網路上之另一控制器可具有用於產生驅動信號的電路。驅動信號接著提供至對產生LiFi信號負責之光源及/或光調變特徵。在一些狀況下,為LED驅動器提供指定一系列電壓位準之驅動信號,所述LED驅動器產生對應於驅動信號中之所述系列電壓的經調變光子信號。在一些狀況下,所發射之LiFi信號為使用許多小型頻寬通道而非單一大型頻寬通道的正交頻率維度多工(Orthogonal Frequency Dimension Multiplex;OFDM)信號。 The LiFi transmitter is responsible for generating LiFi signals. The LiFi transmitter acquires data provided by, for example, a controller, a window control network, or another associated device, and converts the data into driving signals (eg, digital or analog signals) for controlling LiFi transmission. The drive signal specifies the lighting state via the transmitted LiFi signal. For example, the driving signal may specify the brightness of the LiFi signal, the wavelength of the WiFi signal, and/or the shaping associated with the modulation of the LiFi signal. The LiFi driving signal may be provided by the window controller, or may be generated by a circuit and/or logic integrated or in electrical communication with the LiFi transmitter. In some cases, the window controller or another controller on the window network may have circuits for generating driving signals. The drive signal is then provided to the light source and/or light modulation feature responsible for generating the LiFi signal. In some cases, the LED driver is provided with a drive signal specifying a series of voltage levels, and the LED driver generates a modulated photon signal corresponding to the series of voltages in the drive signal. In some cases, the transmitted LiFi signal is an Orthogonal Frequency Dimension Multiplex (OFDM) signal using many small bandwidth channels instead of a single large bandwidth channel.
發光二極體(LED)或有機發光二極體(OLED)通常用作用於產生LiFi信號的光源。迄今為止,LED係因為LED可接通、關斷之速度的選擇技術。LED可以約1GHz的頻率接通關斷,並以足以在大多數情況下傳輸LiFi通信之亮度脈動。舉例而言,在可見範圍內之LED通常需要以大約或高於60 勒克司來操作以確保可靠LiFi通信,儘管LED的所要求之亮度可取決於若干因素,諸如建築物中之環境照明條件及/或LiFi接收器的靈敏度。LiFi傳輸器通常使用LED用於產生LiFi信號,然而,可使用任何光源,只要其可在數個狀態(例如,開、關或中間狀態)之間快速切換,且其輸出足夠明亮以供對應LiFi接收器接收。 Light emitting diodes (LEDs) or organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs) are commonly used as light sources for generating LiFi signals. So far, LEDs are based on the selection technology of the speed at which LEDs can be turned on and off. The LED can be turned on and off at a frequency of about 1 GHz and pulsates with sufficient brightness to transmit LiFi communication in most cases. For example, LEDs in the visible range usually need to operate at about or above 60 lux to ensure reliable LiFi communication, although the required brightness of the LED may depend on several factors, such as the ambient lighting conditions in the building and /Or the sensitivity of the LiFi receiver. LiFi transmitters usually use LEDs to generate LiFi signals, however, any light source can be used as long as it can quickly switch between several states (eg, on, off, or intermediate states), and its output is bright enough for corresponding LiFi Receiver to receive.
與窗相關聯之LiFi傳輸器可位於LiFi接收器可定位所在之任何地方。舉例而言,傳輸器可為窗控制器之部分(附接至對應窗或定位於對應窗附近)、近接於IGU(例如,窗總成之框架內部),或遠離IGU一短距離地定位但電連接至窗控制器。如同接收器,LiFi傳輸器通常位於抬高位置,諸如在天花板上或窗上方以改良至LiFi接收器之直接視距通信的似然性。 The LiFi transmitter associated with the window can be located where the LiFi receiver can be located. For example, the transmitter may be part of the window controller (attached to the corresponding window or located near the corresponding window), close to the IGU (eg, inside the frame of the window assembly), or located a short distance away from the IGU but Electrically connected to the window controller. Like the receiver, the LiFi transmitter is usually located in an elevated position, such as on a ceiling or above a window, to improve the likelihood of direct line-of-sight communication to the LiFi receiver.
圖8描繪具有可著色窗801至804之房間800,所述窗具有沿著其周邊的LiFi傳輸器及/或LiFi接收器820。LiFi傳輸器820可包含例如跨越對應窗之至少一部分的LED條帶。類似地,LiFi接收器820可包含在窗之周邊周圍的一或多個位置分佈之光偵測器從而接收LiFi信號。當窗具有以此方式分佈之LiFi傳輸器及/或接收器時,至對應裝置之不間斷視距通信之似然性可得到改善。在一些狀況下,傳輸器及/或接收器位於可著色窗之成框單元內或IGU之間隔件內。窗控制器811至813可組態有如本文中所描述之控制LiFi通信的LiFi邏輯。在一些實施例中,可著色窗具有分離控制器且經組態以彼此獨立地發送及/或接收通信、LiFi通信。舉例而言,窗控制器811可獨立於經由窗803傳輸之LiFi通信經由窗801發送並接收LiFi通信,所述窗803由窗控制器812控制。在一些實施例中,單一窗控制器可用以控制一個以上可著色窗的色調狀態。在一些狀況下,窗控制器813可經組態以控制窗803及804兩者上之LiFi傳輸器及/或接收器。舉例而言,來自窗803及804之LiFi傳輸可一致地發射,因此進一步減小個人或物件可能中斷至房間800中之裝置之LiFi通信的機會。 FIG. 8 depicts a
LED非常適合於產生LiFi傳輸,此是因為LED可以極窄之頻帶頻率發射光。在希望LiFi傳輸受約束至特定波長之狀況下,可將光學濾波器置放在LED或其他光源前方。在某些狀況下,此可能有助於減小與其他LiFi通信的干擾。在一些實施例中,諸如當LiFi接收器之位置已知曉或可予以判定時,LiFi傳輸器可在接收器之方向上導引LiFi傳輸。此可藉由例如調整傳輸器處之鏡面來執行。當LiFi傳輸聚焦在接收器之方向上而非在寬廣視野上廣播時,對其他系統之干擾可被減小且光學信號可經加強──在一些狀況下減輕傳輸器之輸出要求或接收器的靈敏度。 LEDs are very suitable for generating LiFi transmission, because LEDs can emit light in a very narrow frequency band. In situations where LiFi transmission is desired to be restricted to a specific wavelength, the optical filter can be placed in front of the LED or other light source. In some situations, this may help reduce interference with other LiFi communications. In some embodiments, such as when the location of the LiFi receiver is known or can be determined, the LiFi transmitter may direct LiFi transmission in the direction of the receiver. This can be performed by, for example, adjusting the mirror at the transmitter. When LiFi transmission is focused in the direction of the receiver rather than broadcasting in a wide field of view, the interference to other systems can be reduced and the optical signal can be strengthened-in some cases to reduce the transmitter's output requirements or the receiver's output Sensitivity.
在一些狀況下,LiFi傳輸器可包含位於2]可著色窗之可檢視部分中的透明的LED(或OLED)。透明LED可位於IGU之任何表面(例如,圖2中之S1至S4)上。當置放在IGU之可檢視部分中時,LiFi傳輸可廣播至窗之兩側外部。在一些實施例中,諸如當可著色窗具有LiFi屏蔽層時,LiFi發射僅廣播至可著色窗之內側或外側。在一些實施例中,LiFi傳輸器使用位於可著色窗之可檢視部分中的透明顯示器。透明顯示器可為例如OLED或LCD。窗顯示器可具有其他功能,例如顯示使用者介面從而允許使用者控制可著色窗或顯示與個人計算裝置相關聯之作業系統的使用者介面。在一些狀況下,透明顯示器可在正常顯示操作期間間歇地產生LiFi傳輸。舉例而言,藉由顯示器提供之影像可在產生LiFi傳輸同時經暫時中斷。歸因於LiFi傳輸的短持續時間及/或間歇本質,LiFi傳輸對於裸眼為不可偵測的。在一些狀況下,僅透明顯示器之一部分用於用於產生LiFi發射,例如在一些實施例中,使用透明顯示器之僅周邊像素。可使用之透明顯示器的實例提供於2018年4月25日申請且題為「用於可著色窗之顯示器(DISPLAYS FOR TINTABLE WINDOWS)」的國際專利申請案第PCT/US18/29476號中,所述專利申請案全文併入本文中。 In some cases, the LiFi transmitter may include a transparent LED (or OLED) located in the viewable portion of the 2] tintable window. The transparent LED may be located on any surface of the IGU (for example, S1 to S4 in FIG. 2). When placed in the viewable part of the IGU, LiFi transmission can be broadcast to the outside of both sides of the window. In some embodiments, such as when the tintable window has a LiFi shielding layer, the LiFi emission is only broadcast to the inside or outside of the tintable window. In some embodiments, the LiFi transmitter uses a transparent display located in the viewable portion of the tintable window. The transparent display may be, for example, OLED or LCD. The window display may have other functions, such as displaying a user interface to allow a user to control a tintable window or displaying a user interface of an operating system associated with a personal computing device. Under some conditions, the transparent display may intermittently generate LiFi transmission during normal display operation. For example, the image provided by the display can be temporarily interrupted while generating LiFi transmission. Due to the short duration and/or intermittent nature of LiFi transmission, LiFi transmission is undetectable to the naked eye. In some cases, only a portion of the transparent display is used to generate LiFi emissions, for example, in some embodiments, only the peripheral pixels of the transparent display are used. An example of a transparent display that can be used is provided in International Patent Application No. PCT/US18/29476, entitled "DISPLAYS FOR TINTABLE WINDOWS", filed on April 25, 2018, The full text of the patent application is incorporated herein.
在窗經組態有可在數個屏蔽狀態之間進行調變之LiFi屏蔽件的 實施例中,LiFi屏蔽件之調變可用來產生LiFi信號。在此組態中,外部光源諸如日光可提供光用於LiFi信號。如在其他地方所提到,可在接通狀態與關斷狀態之間切換的動態LiFi屏蔽件可藉由例如選擇性地接地或施加電位至橫跨可著色窗之可檢視區之一或多個透明導電層來操作。LiFi屏蔽件當以與一LED或其他光源類似的方式調變時可用以在紅外、可見及/或紫外頻率範圍中產生LiFi通信。經組態以經由屏蔽層產生LiFi信號的可著色窗亦可具有用於產生驅動信號的電路,所述驅動信號用於控制LiFi屏蔽層的狀態。在一些實施例中,屏蔽層可經組態以在兩個以上狀態之間轉變。例如,除了阻斷並允許LiFi輻射之狀態之外,可能存在簡單地衰減LiFi傳輸之中間狀態及/或選擇性地阻斷一些波長的光但不阻斷其他波長之光的狀態。 In an embodiment where the window is configured with a LiFi shield that can be modulated between several shielding states, the modulation of the LiFi shield can be used to generate a LiFi signal. In this configuration, external light sources such as daylight can provide light for LiFi signals. As mentioned elsewhere, a dynamic LiFi shield that can be switched between an on state and an off state can be achieved by, for example, selectively grounding or applying a potential to one or more of the viewable areas across the tintable window A transparent conductive layer to operate. LiFi shields can be used to generate LiFi communications in the infrared, visible, and/or ultraviolet frequency range when modulated in a manner similar to an LED or other light source. The tintable window configured to generate the LiFi signal via the shielding layer may also have a circuit for generating a driving signal for controlling the state of the LiFi shielding layer. In some embodiments, the shielding layer may be configured to transition between more than two states. For example, in addition to the state of blocking and allowing LiFi radiation, there may be a state of simply attenuating the intermediate state of LiFi transmission and/or selectively blocking light of some wavelengths but not of other wavelengths.
在某些實施例中,窗可使用電潤濕透明顯示器技術。電潤濕顯示器為像素化顯示器,其中每一像素具有一或多個胞元。每一胞元可以例如高於30Hz、高於60Hz或高於120Hz之頻率在大體上透明光學狀態與不透明光學狀態之間振盪。胞元利用表面張力及靜電力來控制胞元內之疏水性溶液及親水性溶液的移動。胞元在其不透明狀態下可為例如白色、黑色、藍綠色、洋紅色、黃色、紅色、綠色、藍色或某其他色彩(藉由胞元內之疏水性溶液或親水性溶液判定)。染色像素可具有例如呈堆疊配置之藍綠色、洋紅色、黃色胞元。所感知色彩藉由使像素之胞元(具有不同色彩之每一胞元)以各種頻率振盪來產生。此類顯示器可具有數千或數百萬個可個別定址之胞元,所述胞元可產生高解析度影像且進一步描述於國際專利申請案第PCT/US18/29476號中,所述專利申請案如先前般已以引用方式併入。在一些狀況下,電潤濕顯示器可用以藉由調變通過窗透射之光及/或調變由一個透明電潤濕顯示器反射的光來產生LiFi信號。在一些實施例中,可同步地控制透明顯示器上之每個像素以產生LiFi信號。在其他狀況下,LiFi信號可藉由非異步地控制所述顯示器之像素來產生。在一 些狀況下,胞元內之疏水性溶液及親水性溶液兩者是基本上透明的,但溶液中之一者含有磷光體或量子點(QD)材料,所述磷光體或量子點產生光之波長轉換。換言之,並非具有清透狀態及不透明狀態,胞元具有第一基本透明狀態,及具有磷光體或量子點(QD)材料之光學簽名的第二基本透明狀態。命中磷光體或光子點(QD)材料之光中的一些被吸收且以針對LiFi通信使用之頻率重新發射。舉例而言,在一些實施例中,量子點可吸收UV及可見光,且發射近紅外光或紅外光。在一些狀況下,磷光體或QD材料可包含於彩色電潤濕顯示器中以產生LiFi信號 In some embodiments, the window may use electrowetting transparent display technology. An electrowetting display is a pixelated display, where each pixel has one or more cells. Each cell may oscillate between a substantially transparent optical state and an opaque optical state at frequencies above 30 Hz, above 60 Hz, or above 120 Hz, for example. Cells use surface tension and electrostatic force to control the movement of hydrophobic and hydrophilic solutions within the cell. The cell may be, for example, white, black, cyan, magenta, yellow, red, green, blue, or some other color in its opaque state (determined by the hydrophobic solution or hydrophilic solution in the cell). The colored pixels may have cyan, magenta, and yellow cells in a stacked configuration, for example. The perceived color is generated by oscillating the cells of the pixel (each cell with a different color) at various frequencies. Such displays can have thousands or millions of individually addressable cells, which can produce high-resolution images and are further described in International Patent Application No. PCT/US18/29476. The case has been incorporated by reference as before. In some cases, electrowetting displays can be used to generate LiFi signals by modulating the light transmitted through the window and/or modulating the light reflected by a transparent electrowetting display. In some embodiments, each pixel on the transparent display can be controlled synchronously to generate a LiFi signal. In other situations, the LiFi signal can be generated by controlling the pixels of the display asynchronously. In some cases, both the hydrophobic solution and the hydrophilic solution in the cell are substantially transparent, but one of the solutions contains a phosphor or quantum dot (QD) material that generates light Wavelength conversion. In other words, instead of having a clear state and an opaque state, the cell has a first substantially transparent state, and a second substantially transparent state with an optical signature of phosphor or quantum dot (QD) material. Some of the light hitting the phosphor or photon point (QD) material is absorbed and re-emitted at the frequency used for LiFi communication. For example, in some embodiments, quantum dots can absorb UV and visible light, and emit near-infrared light or infrared light. In some cases, phosphors or QD materials may be included in the color electrowetting display to generate LiFi signals
在一些實施例中,可著色窗可具有LiFi傳輸器,其經組態以使用不同波長或不同波長集合(例如,在OFDM信號的狀況下)產生LiFi通信。作為說明性實例,第一LiFi傳輸器可經組態以傳輸紅外範圍內之LiFi通信,而第二LiFi傳輸器可經組態以傳輸可見範圍內的LiFi通信。以不同波長操作之LiFi傳輸器可用於不同用途,例如,一個LiFi傳輸器可用於發送關於窗之控制的通信,而另一LiFi傳輸器可用於經由網路LiFi傳輸資料。 In some embodiments, the colorable window may have a LiFi transmitter configured to generate LiFi communication using different wavelengths or different sets of wavelengths (eg, in the case of OFDM signals). As an illustrative example, the first LiFi transmitter may be configured to transmit LiFi communication in the infrared range, and the second LiFi transmitter may be configured to transmit LiFi communication in the visible range. LiFi transmitters that operate at different wavelengths can be used for different purposes. For example, one LiFi transmitter can be used to send communications about window control, while another LiFi transmitter can be used to transmit data over the network LiFi.
在一些狀況下,窗可組態有LiFi傳輸器及/或LiFi接收器兩者──使得可著色窗能夠具有具有經由LiFi的雙向通信。傳輸器及接收器可在空間上分離,或可共用共同外殼。在一些狀況下,傳輸器共用經組態以既產生驅動信號且又解碼所接收LiFi傳輸之共同電路。在一些實施例中,LiFi傳輸器及接收器皆收容在窗控制器之外殼內。 In some cases, the window may be configured with both a LiFi transmitter and/or a LiFi receiver-enabling the tintable window to have bidirectional communication via LiFi. The transmitter and receiver can be separated in space, or they can share a common housing. In some cases, the transmitter shares a common circuit configured to both generate drive signals and decode received LiFi transmissions. In some embodiments, the LiFi transmitter and receiver are housed in the housing of the window controller.
當可著色窗經組態有發送及接收LiFi通信兩者之能力時,其不需要依賴其他形式之有線或無線通信來與窗控制系統之剩餘部分通信。經組態以發送及接收無線通信的窗可經組態以充當重新發送所接收之LiFi傳輸的LiFi中繼器。作為LiFi中繼器,可著色窗可延伸LiFi網路之涵蓋區域。在一些狀況下,LiFi中繼器經組態以藉由傳輸所接收之LiFi信號之放大複本來增大LiFi通信的 強度。 When the tintable window is configured with the ability to send and receive LiFi communications, it does not need to rely on other forms of wired or wireless communications to communicate with the rest of the window control system. The window configured to send and receive wireless communication may be configured to act as a LiFi repeater that resends the received LiFi transmission. As a LiFi repeater, the colorable window can extend the coverage area of the LiFi network. In some cases, the LiFi repeater is configured to increase the strength of LiFi communication by transmitting amplified copies of the received LiFi signal.
LiFi邏輯LiFi logic
用於控制建築物中之LiFi通信(及諸如WiFi及藍芽之其他無線通信)的邏輯可經由窗控制網路來實施。邏輯可駐留在窗控制器、網路控制器、主控制器或與窗控制網路通信之任何控制器上。在一些狀況下,用於控制LiFi通信之邏輯儲存於雲端中。如本文所述,用於控制LiFi通信之邏輯(下文中有時稱作LiFi邏輯)與用於控制窗之色調的邏輯分離,儘管兩種類型之邏輯可共置於同一實體控制器上及/或使用共用電路操作。 The logic used to control LiFi communications in buildings (and other wireless communications such as WiFi and Bluetooth) can be implemented via the window control network. The logic can reside on the window controller, network controller, main controller, or any controller that communicates with the window control network. In some cases, the logic used to control LiFi communication is stored in the cloud. As described herein, the logic used to control LiFi communication (hereinafter sometimes referred to as LiFi logic) is separate from the logic used to control the hue of the window, although the two types of logic can be co-located on the same physical controller and/or Or use a common circuit operation.
LiFi邏輯可經組態以發送、接收及/或阻斷已知、知曉或稍後開發的任何LiFi通信協定。在一些狀況下,LiFi邏輯經組態從而使用以全文引用之方式併入本文中的IEEE 802標準(例如,802.11及802.15.7)中之一者用於LiFi通信。在一些實施例中,LiFi邏輯可經劃分為用於處置窗控制網路之控制信號(例如,傳輸色調命令)的邏輯組件及用於處置經由窗網路傳遞之其他資料的邏輯組件。 The LiFi logic can be configured to send, receive, and/or block any LiFi communication protocol that is known, known, or later developed. In some cases, LiFi logic is configured to use one of the
LiFi邏輯可經組態以藉由准許一些無線傳輸而不准許其他無線傳輸來調節LiFi(且在一些狀況下,RF通信)。當建築物裝備有用於RF及/或LiFi屏蔽的窗時,窗可經組態為存取點,來自電話、電腦及其他行動裝置的通信在離開或進入建築物或在一些狀況下房間之前必須經由所述存取點傳遞。LiFi邏輯可經組態以准許源自(或被遞送至)授權裝置或授權使用者的通信。以此方式,經組態以接收、傳輸及阻斷LiFi及/或RF信號的窗可充當防火牆,從而控制在建築物內准許之無線通信的形式。在一些狀況下,LiFi邏輯可拒絕傳入信號重傳至其所欲目的地。在一些狀況下,LiFi邏輯可經組態以通信至裝置以向所述裝置告知通信請求已被決絕。若LiFi通信被核准,則其可接著由LiFi(例如,藉由可著色窗之另一側上或建築物之另一部分中之LiFi傳輸器)、由RF 傳輸器(例如,經由WiFi或藍芽)重傳LiFi通信或至外部網路。 The LiFi logic can be configured to adjust LiFi by permitting some wireless transmissions and not other wireless transmissions (and in some cases, RF communication). When a building is equipped with windows for RF and/or LiFi shielding, the windows can be configured as access points, and communications from phones, computers, and other mobile devices must leave the building before entering or entering the building or under certain conditions. Pass through the access point. The LiFi logic can be configured to permit communication originating from (or delivered to) authorized devices or authorized users. In this way, a window configured to receive, transmit, and block LiFi and/or RF signals can act as a firewall to control the form of wireless communication permitted within the building. In some situations, LiFi logic may reject incoming signals to retransmit to their desired destination. In some situations, the LiFi logic may be configured to communicate to the device to inform the device that the communication request has been rejected. If LiFi communication is approved, then it can be followed by LiFi (eg, by a LiFi transmitter on the other side of the tintable window or in another part of the building), by an RF transmitter (eg, via WiFi or Bluetooth) ) Retransmit LiFi communication or to external network.
在一些狀況下,具有現有電致變色窗之建築物可經更新,使得電致變色窗提供動態LiFi屏蔽。舉例而言,經更新軟體可經部署於窗控制系統之一或多個控制器上以調整電致變色窗之色調狀態,所述調整係基於例如LiFi阻斷優選項(例如,在用於控制光學可切換窗之使用者應用中)經接通抑或關斷。在一些狀況下,調整窗至著色狀態可使得以下情形成為必要的:可藉由LiFi以其他方式通信之裝置轉變至藍芽、WiFi或有線連接,同時窗保持於著色狀態。 In some cases, buildings with existing electrochromic windows can be updated so that the electrochromic windows provide dynamic LiFi shielding. For example, the updated software may be deployed on one or more controllers of the window control system to adjust the hue state of the electrochromic window, the adjustment is based on, for example, LiFi blocking preferences (e.g. (In the user application of the optical switchable window) It is turned on or off. In some cases, adjusting the window to the tinted state may make it necessary for devices that can communicate via LiFi to switch to Bluetooth, WiFi, or wired connections while the window remains in the tinted state.
LiFi網路 LiFi network
圖9a至圖9c描繪網路操作之三個非限制性實例,所述網路操作可藉由可著色窗執行以將資料遞送至裝置905,所述裝置經裝備以接收建築物900中之LiFi通信。在圖9a中,窗901經由LiFi信號910接收資料,且經由作為窗911之另一側上的LiFi信號傳輸資料,使得資料被遞送至裝置905。在圖9b中,窗901經由LiFi信號910接收資料,且經由窗控制網路(例如,經由導線、光纖、WiFi或LiFi)傳輸資料,並經由LiFi信號912自另一窗902傳輸所述資料。若例如窗901不具有至裝置905之直接視距,則可使用此通信路徑。在圖9c中,窗901經由LiFi信號910接收資料,且經由窗控制網路(例如,經由導線、光纖、WiFi或LiFi)傳輸資料,並經由連接至窗控制網路之LiFi傳輸器903傳輸所述資料。LiFi傳輸器可為例如在建築物900中提供照明之一或多個LED燈泡。 9a to 9c depict three non-limiting examples of network operations that can be performed with tintable windows to deliver data to the
圖10描繪可著色窗1000,其經組態用於接收、發送及調節LiFi通信。為了簡單起見,各種特徵(例如,EC裝置塗層之如圖2中所示的層)已被省略。此外,應瞭解,在本申請案之情形下,圖10描述對應於窗僅具有所描繪之特徵的子組合時之多個實施例及/或對應於特徵相對於可著色窗1000位於不同位置時的多個實施例。如所描繪,可著色窗1000係在內部環境與外部環境 之間。在其他實施例中,可著色窗可能係在兩個內部空間之間,例如房間與走廊之間。窗1000具有相關聯之窗控制器1020用於經由EC裝置塗層1012及無線通信控制窗之光學狀態,所述無線通信由窗接收、傳輸及/或阻斷。如其他地方所提及,窗控制器1020可為現場控制器或以其他方式定位於窗1000附近。在所說明之實例中,窗1000具有近接於表面S3安置的電磁屏蔽層1002。電磁屏蔽件可經組態以阻斷無線通信,諸如藍芽、WiFi及/或LiFi傳輸。在一些實施例中,窗控制器1020可使屏蔽層1002在「接通」、「關斷」、及/或中間衰減狀態之間切換。在屏蔽層1002之內側上,窗1000具有LiFi接收器1015及LiFi傳輸器1017,其經組態用於在內部方向上接收及傳輸LiFi通信至一或多個裝置或窗。在屏蔽層1002之外側上,窗1000具有LiFi接收器1015及LiFi傳輸器1016面向,其經組態以在外部方向上接收及傳輸LiFi通信至裝置及/或窗。如所描繪,LiFi傳輸器及接收器在IGU之IGU間隔件與兩個窗片(1004及1006)之間的密封劑區域中置放於窗1000之可檢視區外部。然而,如在其他地方所提到的,存在針對LiFi傳輸器及接收器之許多其他可能位置,使得其例如為窗總成的部分或近接於IGU定位。當屏蔽層1002不存在,不經組態用於阻斷LiFi通信,或被切換至「關斷」狀態(即,允許LiFi傳輸通過窗)時,LiFi傳輸器及或接收器可位於窗之可檢視部分中,且可經組態以向發送或接收至內部及外部環境的通信。在一些實施例中,屏蔽層1002經組態用於LiFi屏蔽,且可在兩個或兩個以上狀態之間快速地調變,從而使得LiFi傳輸經由光之選擇性阻斷而非選擇性光產生而產生。當窗經組態以自外部光源諸如太陽接收光時,窗控制器1020可經組態以經由LiFi屏蔽件的控制選擇性地以一或多個LiFi頻率調變自然或外部照明,以在內部環境中產生LiFi傳輸。 FIG. 10 depicts a
在一些實施例中,窗1000可包含一或多個窗天線,其經組態以接收RF通信,諸如蜂巢式、藍芽及WiFi通信。當窗具有經組態用於阻斷RF 傳輸之屏蔽層1002時,窗可在屏蔽層之任一側(1008及1010)上具有窗天線。當位於可著色窗1000之可檢視區中時,窗天線為實質上透明的。在一些狀況下,指向內部或外部環境之窗天線位於諸如窗之成框結構上或中或窗控制單元內的其他位置處。當窗並不具有經組態以阻斷RF傳輸之屏蔽層1002時,或當窗天線之屏蔽功能性關斷時,窗可具有經組態以發送及/或接收至內部及外部環境兩者的無線通信之天線(例如,位於S2或S3上的天線)。窗天線進一步描述於題為「窗天線(WINDOW ANTENNAS」)之國際專利申請案第PCT/US17/31106號中,所述申請案先前已以引用方式併入本申請案中。 In some embodiments,
在一些實施例中,可著色窗可進一步包含在窗之可檢視部分中的面向內部環境(例如,置放於層1010內)或面向外部環境(例如,置放於層1008內)的一或多個透明顯示器。透明顯示器及窗天線通常設置在IGU之分離層上。為簡單起見,此處,分離層展示為可選層1008及1010。透明顯示器可經組態以提供影像且由窗控制器1020控制。在一些狀況下,所顯示影像或視訊信號的資料經由窗天線、LiFi接收器或經由窗控制網路接收。在一些狀況下,透明顯示器經組態以作為LiFi傳輸器操作,所述LiFi傳輸器將LiFi傳輸廣播至內部環境或外部環境。在一些狀況下,透明顯示器可替換專用LiFi傳輸器(1016或1017)或與LiFi傳輸器一起起作用。當屏蔽層1002不存在時,不經組態用於阻斷LiFi通信,或被切換至「關斷」狀態(即,允許LiFi傳輸通過至窗)時,透明顯示器可位於窗之可檢視部分中,且經組態以發送或接收至內部及外部環境兩者的LiFi通信。透明顯示器進一步描述於先前已併入之題為「用於可著色窗之顯示器(DISPLAYS FOR TINTABLE WINDOWS)」的國際專利申請案第PCT/US18/29476號中。 In some embodiments, the tintable window may further include one of the interior-facing environment (e.g., placed within layer 1010) or the exterior environment (e.g., placed within layer 1008) in the viewable portion of the window or Multiple transparent displays. Transparent displays and window antennas are usually placed on separate layers of the IGU. For simplicity, here, the separation layers are shown as
在所說明之實例中,窗控制器1020連接至窗控制系統1022(參見圖2),所述窗控制系統具有用於在系統中之控制器與其他裝置之間傳輸資料 且在一些狀況下用於傳輸電力的控制網路。在一些狀況下,通信經由諸如乙太網路連接或光纖連接之有線連接傳輸。在一些實施例中,窗控制器經由無線連接例如經由WiFi或LiFi通信經由窗控制系統傳達。當建築物具有經組態以發送、接收及/或阻斷無線通信之多個窗時,無線網路可在安設窗之處貫穿建築物設置。在一些狀況下,窗控制網路可包含一或多個LiFi傳輸器1026或LiFi接收器1028,其可用以將LiFi網路延伸至例如建築物的內部區。在一些狀況下,LiFi傳輸可經由建築物之照明系統來提供。窗控制系統亦可連接至外部網路(例如,蜂巢式網路或網際網路),且窗控制網路可用作建築物中之電子裝置可連接至外部網路經由的閘道器。 In the illustrated example, the
諸如圖10之窗1000的可著色窗可用作用於各種類型之通信的通信節點或網路存取點。圖11描繪可著色窗1100(類似於圖10之窗1000),所述窗可經組態為用於電、RF及WiFi通信的通信節點。 Colorable windows such as
在一些狀況下,窗1100為用於LiFi至LiFi通信之節點。舉例而言,基於自內部環境1102接收到之LiFi信號,LiFi信號接著可傳輸回至內部環境1104中及/或朝向窗外部1106傳輸。類似地,若自外部環境1108接收LiFi信號,則LiFi信號可經傳輸回至外部環境1106及/或傳輸至內部環境1102中。在一些狀況下,基於在窗(例如,1108或1108)處接收到之LiFi信號,窗控制器1120可經組態以將電信號1118(例如,經由乙太網)發送至窗控制網路,或將諸如WiFi或藍芽信號之RF信號(1110或1114)發送出窗的一側或兩側。當電信號1119在窗控制器1120處經由有線連接接收時,可著色窗1100可經組態以藉由傳輸電信號1118、LiFi信號(1102及/或1106)及/或RF信號(1110及/或1114)作出回應。類似地,若窗接收RF信號(1112或1116),則窗控制器可經組態以藉由傳輸電信號1118、LiFi信號(1102及/或1106)及/或RF信號(1110及/或1114)作出回應。雖然信號1118及1119描述為經由導線傳遞之電信號, 但在一些實施例中,窗控制器可經由LiFi通信連接至窗控制系統,所述LiFi通信係經由光纖傳輸。 In some cases, the
在一些狀況下,窗不需要組態有圖11中描繪之通信介面中之每一者,而是可僅具有所描繪之通信介面的子集。在一些狀況下,對窗控制器1120或窗控制系統操作之LiFi邏輯負責判定信號是否應予以傳輸,且判定信號是否應作為電、RF抑或LiFi信號予以傳輸。此可取決於各種因素,諸如給定已發送信號之裝置或使用者的准許及信號之所欲目的地。 In some cases, the window need not be configured with each of the communication interfaces depicted in FIG. 11, but may only have a subset of the communication interfaces depicted. In some situations, the LiFi logic operating on the
當建築物配備有經組態用於無線通信之可著色窗時,窗控制網路可充當用於連接建築物中之各種電子裝置的網路。圖12描繪建築物,且說明可著色窗1201至1209可如何用以提供建築物範圍網路。如所說明,窗經組態以發送及接收無線通信1231,諸如LiFi通信或RF通信。窗亦可藉由有線通信1232彼此連接。現將描述若干非限制性說明性實例通信路徑。 When the building is equipped with tintable windows configured for wireless communication, the window control network can serve as a network for connecting various electronic devices in the building. Figure 12 depicts a building and illustrates how the
在一些狀況下,可著色窗可調節及/或充當用於建築物中之無線裝置之間與諸如無線裝置1230的建築物外部之無線裝置之間的無線通信的閘道器。無線裝置1230可為例如蜂巢式電話塔、相鄰建築上之具有LiFi能力之可著色窗或經組態用於無線通信的任何裝置。在一些狀況下,窗1201可允許LiFi或RF通信,使得通信可不受阻礙地自建築物1230外部之裝置傳遞至建築物1224內部的裝置。此可係因為窗1201並未經組態用於RF及/或LiFi屏蔽,或係因為屏蔽功能被切換為「關斷」以允許通信通過所述窗。在一些狀況下,窗可充當用於建築物1230外部之裝置與建築物內之行動裝置1220之間的通信之防火牆。舉例而言,窗1202可經組態用於用於RF或LiFi屏蔽,且要求通信經由與所述窗相關聯之窗控制器進行路由。如圖所示,網路上之窗可使用LiFi或RF信號在彼此之間(如在諸如1201及1209之窗的各種集合中所描述)傳遞資料。在一些狀況下,可著色窗可以電方式(例如,藉由乙太網)或藉由光纖(參見 有線連接1232)連接。有線連接亦可直接連接至個人電腦1220或外部網路1232諸如網際網路。因此,電腦1222可能經由多個可著色窗之間的有線及無線連接通信至無線裝置1220。在一些狀況下,諸如當裝置位置為未知時,由窗通信網路接收到之LiFi信號可藉由例如LiFi傳輸器在建築物中之每一房間中經重播。如藉由此圖示可看出,窗控制系統可提供平台,建築物中或建築物外部之電子裝置可經由所述平台通信。 In some situations, the tintable window can be adjusted and/or act as a gateway for wireless communication between wireless devices in the building and between wireless devices outside the building, such as
作為經由窗網路之通信之媒體的LiFi LiFi as a medium for communication via Windows
在一些狀況下,經裝備用於LiFi之窗控制系統可用作建築物之主要通信網路,從而為個人裝置、建築物系統、IoT裝置及類似者提供至彼此及網際網路之連接性。諸如圖12中之建築物的建築物提供分佈式網路,在所述分佈式網路處,經組態用於LiFi及/或WiFi通信之每一窗充當裝置可連接經由的存取點。經組態以提供LiFi網路之窗控制系統相較於習知RF網路給予數個優點。由於愈來愈多裝置經由RF通信連接且由於裝置正在使用較大量之資料(用於諸如視訊串流之目的),因此RF頻寬正變得愈來愈擁擠。在諸如公寓樓之擁擠區域中,WiFi擁塞通常會產生連接性問題。LiFi通信具有大程度地減輕RF擁塞問題的潛能,此係由於LiFi頻率相較於無線電頻率大出大約1000倍且並不引起與RF頻率的干擾。藉由具有如此多之可用頻率,藉由共用頻率之使用引起之信號干擾的機會被極大地減小。增大之頻寬亦意謂,相較於諸如WiFi之RF通信,LiFi理論上給予顯著較高之資料密度。由於LiFi信號由牆壁及LiFi屏蔽件含有,因此無線通信進行調節可容易得多。能夠調節LiFi網路之實體空間改良無線網路之安全性且減小可能干擾之機會。不同於可常常延伸出至隔開之公眾網路的WiFi網路(在所述公眾網路處,WiFi網路可經監視),LiFi網路更安全,此係因為希望連接至網路或監視LiFi通信之裝置必須位於LiFi網路之視距及實體空間內。LiFi上之干擾亦被減小,此係因為牆壁及LiFi屏蔽件亦阻斷外部LiFi通 信而不進入網路區域。此干擾減小提供優於WiFi技術之顯著改良,WiFi技術易受來自諸如無繩電話之廣泛範圍裝置、微波及鄰近WiFi網路的干擾影響。由於LiFi網路僅延伸遠至照射區域,因此相鄰房間中之LiFi通信在一些狀況下在相同LiFi頻率上發生而不會引起彼此之干擾。相較於RF通信所需要,用於LiFi通信之硬體亦更簡單,且具有低廉得多之潛能。雖然RF通信需要無線電電路、天線及複雜接收器,但LiFi模組簡單得多,在某些狀況下,類似於在習知電視機遙控系統中發現的紅外調變硬體。 In some cases, a window control system equipped for LiFi can be used as the main communication network of a building, thereby providing connectivity to each other and the Internet for personal devices, building systems, IoT devices, and the like. Buildings such as the one in FIG. 12 provide a distributed network where each window configured for LiFi and/or WiFi communication acts as an access point via which the device can be connected. Window control systems configured to provide LiFi networks offer several advantages over conventional RF networks. As more and more devices are connected via RF communication and because devices are using a larger amount of data (for purposes such as video streaming), RF bandwidth is becoming more and more crowded. In crowded areas such as apartment buildings, WiFi congestion often creates connectivity issues. LiFi communication has the potential to greatly alleviate the RF congestion problem. This is because the LiFi frequency is about 1000 times larger than the radio frequency and does not cause interference with the RF frequency. By having so many available frequencies, the chance of signal interference caused by the use of shared frequencies is greatly reduced. The increased bandwidth also means that LiFi theoretically gives a significantly higher data density compared to RF communications such as WiFi. Since the LiFi signal is contained by the wall and the LiFi shield, it is much easier to adjust for wireless communication. It can adjust the physical space of the LiFi network to improve the security of the wireless network and reduce the chance of possible interference. Unlike WiFi networks that can often be extended to separate public networks (where the WiFi network can be monitored), LiFi networks are more secure because of the desire to connect to the network or monitor LiFi communication devices must be located within the line-of-sight and physical space of the LiFi network. The interference on LiFi is also reduced because the walls and LiFi shields also block external LiFi communication from entering the network area. This interference reduction provides a significant improvement over WiFi technology, which is susceptible to interference from a wide range of devices such as cordless phones, microwaves, and nearby WiFi networks. Since the LiFi network only extends as far as the illuminated area, LiFi communication in adjacent rooms occurs in the same LiFi frequency under some conditions without causing interference to each other. Compared to what RF communication requires, the hardware used for LiFi communication is also simpler and has much lower potential. Although RF communication requires radio circuits, antennas, and complex receivers, LiFi modules are much simpler, and in some cases, similar to infrared modulation hardware found in conventional television remote control systems.
使用案例Use Cases
用於安設經組態用於LiFi屏蔽之窗的一個使用案例為調節建築物內之LiFi通信。建築物外部與內部之間的可著色窗可用於調節進出建築物之通信。在更大粒度規模上,建築物內部之窗可用以含有至建築物內之特定房間或區域的無線通信。用於啟用LiFi屏蔽之特徵本文中已予以描述,且在圖5至圖7中予以描繪。用於LiFi屏蔽之可著色窗可具有LiFi接收器或LiFi傳輸器,儘管此對於調節LiFi通信並非必需的。在一些狀況下,可著色窗始終「接通」並經組態以阻斷LiFi通信信號。舉例而言,用於私密或敏感事宜之建築物可始終希望嚴格地調節無線通信,且可使可著色窗安設有始終處於一「接通」狀態的被動LiF阻斷層。在其他實施例中,可著色窗可在「接通」模式與「關斷」模式之間切換,以阻斷或允許LiFi通信。選擇窗之屏蔽模式可涉及與壁式開關之使用者互動,或例如,與用於控制窗色調狀態之應用的使用者互動。在LiFi屏蔽由使用者選擇的狀況下,窗控制系統不需要經組態以接收或甚至解碼LiFi通信。在一些狀況下,可著色窗亦可阻斷RF通信。當建築物具有例如鋼及/或混凝土結構時,建築物內部與外部之間的RF通信路徑可已限於窗。在此類狀況下,添加被動RF屏蔽層可顯著地衰減及阻斷蜂巢式、WiFi或其他RF通信不進入或離開建築物。在一些狀況下,類似於LiFi屏蔽件,RF屏蔽件可在「接通」 及「關斷」模式之間切換以阻斷或允許RF通信。儘管使用案例主要參看LiFi通信在本文中描述,但意欲以下使用案例亦可應用至RF通信,除非另有說明。舉例而言,LiFi屏蔽件、傳輸器及接收器可由RF屏蔽件、傳輸器及接收器替換或結合RF屏蔽件、傳輸器及接收器使用。 One use case for installing windows configured for LiFi shielding is to regulate LiFi communications within a building. Colorable windows between the outside and inside of the building can be used to regulate the communication between the building and the building. On a larger scale, windows inside the building can be used to contain wireless communication to specific rooms or areas within the building. Features for enabling LiFi shielding have been described herein and are depicted in Figures 5-7. The tintable window used for LiFi shielding may have a LiFi receiver or LiFi transmitter, although this is not necessary to regulate LiFi communication. In some situations, the colorable window is always "on" and configured to block LiFi communication signals. For example, buildings used for private or sensitive matters may always wish to strictly regulate wireless communication, and the colorable window may be provided with a passive LiF blocking layer that is always in an "on" state. In other embodiments, the tintable window can be switched between "on" mode and "off" mode to block or allow LiFi communication. Selecting the masking mode of the window may involve interaction with the user of the wall switch, or, for example, with the user of the application used to control the tone state of the window. In a situation where LiFi shielding is selected by the user, the window control system does not need to be configured to receive or even decode LiFi communications. In some cases, the colorable window can also block RF communication. When the building has, for example, a steel and/or concrete structure, the RF communication path between the inside and the outside of the building may have been limited to windows. Under such conditions, the addition of passive RF shielding can significantly attenuate and block cellular, WiFi, or other RF communications from entering or leaving the building. In some situations, similar to LiFi shields, RF shields can be switched between "on" and "off" modes to block or allow RF communication. Although the use cases mainly refer to LiFi communication described in this article, it is intended that the following use cases can also be applied to RF communication unless otherwise stated. For example, LiFi shields, transmitters, and receivers can be replaced by or used in conjunction with RF shields, transmitters, and receivers.
在一些狀況下,經組態用於LiFi屏蔽之窗可用來加強防火牆系統且選擇性地調節在建築物內准許哪些通信。在窗控制系統上操作之防火牆邏輯可判定接收到之LiFi信號是否滿足防火牆邏輯的預定規則。可藉由具有LiFi接收器之可著色窗或與窗網路通信之其他LiFi接收器(例如,第三方接收器)來接收LiFi信號。防火牆邏輯之預定規則可類似於用於調節網路訊務之WiFi路由器及網路安全系統上的彼等規則。規則可藉由建築物管理員或IT團隊組態;為了簡潔,防火牆系統中司空見慣之各種規則在此處並不進一步論述。 In some situations, windows configured for LiFi shielding can be used to strengthen firewall systems and selectively adjust which communications are allowed within the building. The firewall logic operating on the window control system can determine whether the received LiFi signal meets the predetermined rules of the firewall logic. The LiFi signal can be received through a tintable window with a LiFi receiver or other LiFi receiver (eg, a third-party receiver) that communicates with the window network. The predetermined rules of the firewall logic may be similar to those rules on WiFi routers and network security systems used to regulate network traffic. Rules can be configured by the building manager or IT team; for simplicity, the various rules that are commonplace in firewall systems are not discussed further here.
仍參看圖12,現將描述運作中LiFi防火牆的若干說明性實例。在第一情形下,窗1202經裝備用於LiFi屏蔽,且具有面向外部環境之LiFi接收器(參見例如圖10中的1002及1015)。藉由外部裝置1230傳輸之信號可由防火牆邏輯進行濾波,以判定傳入之通信是否滿足預定規則。若傳入信號被防火牆邏輯認為是可接受的,則所述傳輸可接著使用LiFi、WiFi、有線連接或其一組合被重傳至建築物內的一或多個裝置(例如,1220,1222及1224)。具有LiFi接收器之面向內部環境的可著色窗可類似地用以調節傳出LiFi資料。 Still referring to FIG. 12, several illustrative examples of LiFi firewalls in operation will now be described. In the first case, the
在一些狀況下,防火牆邏輯可用以判定LiFi屏蔽設定為「接通」模式抑或「關斷」模式。在一些實施例中,窗1230可經組態以收聽窗之任一側上之裝置(1230及1224)之間的LiFi通信。若兩個裝置之間的通信被判定為打破由防火牆邏輯施加的規則,則屏蔽功能性可被接通以阻斷進一步通信。在其他情形下,LiFi屏蔽件可首先處於「接通」或阻斷狀態,且稍後在判定來自窗之任一側上之裝置的通信滿足防火牆邏輯的規則之後關斷。在一些實施例中, 諸如當LiFi通信藉由使LiFi屏蔽件在「接通」狀態與「關斷」狀態之間切換來加強,窗不需要組態有LiFi傳輸器。此亦為當接收到之LiFi信號經由窗之另一側上的RF傳輸或有線傳輸重傳時的狀況。 In some situations, firewall logic can be used to determine whether the LiFi shield is set to "on" mode or "off" mode. In some embodiments,
在一些應用中,窗用以既接收及發送LiFi通信。在此個例中,窗必須具有至少一個傳輸器及至少一個接收器。在一些狀況下,經組態以既發送及又接收LiFi通信之可著色窗可經組態為LiFi中繼器,從而在窗之接收LiFi信號的一側上或在所接收LiFi信號之另一側上中繼一LiFi信號。舉例而言,在圖12中,窗1203可中繼最初由窗1202傳輸之LiFi信號,使得經中繼信號可被遞送至窗1205。 In some applications, windows are used to both receive and send LiFi communications. In this case, the window must have at least one transmitter and at least one receiver. In some cases, a tintable window configured to both send and receive LiFi communication may be configured as a LiFi repeater, such that on the side of the window that receives the LiFi signal or on the other side of the received LiFi signal A LiFi signal is relayed on the side. For example, in FIG. 12,
LiFi傳輸器、LiFi接收器、窗控制器或或窗控制網路上之邏輯及電路可用以產生對應於所接收LiFi信號的電子位元串流,所接收LiFi信號可予以使用或經修改且產生中繼LiFi。在一些狀況下,傳入LiFi信號首先藉由防火牆邏輯處理,以判定信號是否應予以中繼,且在一些狀況下中繼所有傳入信號。在一些狀況下,僅控制信號且並非經傳輸LiFi信號之有效負載可藉由邏輯控制處理。 The logic and circuits on the LiFi transmitter, LiFi receiver, window controller, or window control network can be used to generate an electronic bit stream corresponding to the received LiFi signal. The received LiFi signal can be used or modified and is being generated Following LiFi. In some cases, the incoming LiFi signal is first processed by the firewall logic to determine whether the signal should be relayed, and in some cases, all incoming signals are relayed. In some cases, only the control signal and not the payload of the transmitted LiFi signal can be processed by logic control.
在一些應用中,可著色窗之網路可被共同用作LiFi中繼器。舉例而言,第一窗可經組態以接收通信LiFi,其經處理並傳輸至所接收LiFi傳輸經中繼的另一窗。舉例而言,參看圖12,窗1205可接收信號並傳輸信號至窗1206,所述窗1206接著在建築物之不同區域中中繼LiFi信號,使得信號可遞送至裝置1221。在此實例中,LiFi窗可經由光纖、有線通信,或RF通信諸如WiFi來通信。此可能是有用的,為當例如信號在建築物之一樓層上接收且接著在同一建築物之不同樓層上傳輸時的數個情形。在一些實施例中,在第一窗處接收到之LiFi信號可經加密且作為LiFi信號予以重傳(在一些狀況下,在多個中間窗之間),在其之前,信號未經加密且藉由第二窗中繼。在一些狀況下,經加密信 號可在其到達第二窗之前經接收並在一或多個窗之間予以重傳。 In some applications, a network of tintable windows can be used together as a LiFi repeater. For example, the first window may be configured to receive communication LiFi, which is processed and transmitted to another window through which the received LiFi transmission is relayed. For example, referring to FIG. 12,
圖13a及圖13b說明經組態用於LiFi通信之可著色窗可如何用以提供跨越市區1300之通信網路的實例。市區1300具有三個建築物──1301、1302及1303──每個建築物組態有用於發送及接收LiFi通信的可著色窗。在此實例中,亦存在並未經組態用於LiFi通信之建築物1304。此等兩個圖說明了建築物1301、1302及1303之LiFi網路可經連接以產生較大通信網路從而允許資料在裝置1301與裝置1303之間傳送的兩個可能方式,即使兩個裝置係在不同建築物中。 13a and 13b illustrate examples of how colorable windows configured for LiFi communication can be used to provide a communication network across
圖13a描繪市區1300之平面圖。建築物1304並未經組態用於LiFi通信並阻斷將以其他方式係建築物1301與建築物1303之間的視距通信路徑的通信路徑。歸因於藉由建築物1304產生之障礙物,一個可能通信路徑將經由建築物1302投送資料,所述建築物具有兩個建築物1301及1303之視距視圖。在所描繪之實例中,經由內部LiFi網路將來自裝置1310之資料首先傳輸至建築物1301的邊緣(例如,外部窗)。與外部窗通信之面向外部的LiFi傳輸器用於將LiFi信號播送至位於建築物1302上之面向外部的LiFi接收器。建築物1302之LiFi網路接著藉由將信號播送至建築物1303來中繼信號,在所述建築物處,信號可被遞送至裝置1312。一般而言,在更長之距離上的LiFi傳輸,諸如建築物之間的LiFi傳輸以某種方式集中以維持信號強度,儘管此並非總是必要的。 Figure 13a depicts a plan view of the
圖13b描繪建築物1301、1304及1303之正視圖。在所描繪之狀況下,建築物1301與1303之間在兩個建築物之四樓上的直接視距為可用的。對於待自裝置1310傳輸至四樓上之外部LiFi傳輸器的資料,需要遍歷樓層之間的通信路徑及在一或多個樓層之間水平地延伸的路徑。雖然對於不同樓層上之窗可能的是係在彼此之視距內(因此允許LiFi通信),但通常並非為此狀況。因此此情形,樓層之間(例如,分離樓層上之可著色窗之間)的通信係通常經由 電線、光纖或WiFi。在一些狀況下,樓層內之傳輸路徑的至少一部分可使用此等通信構件中之一者。一旦來自裝置1310之資料到達外部RF傳輸器,所述資料便經由LiFi播送至建築物1303且遞送至裝置13012。在一些狀況下,建築物可具有專用LiFi傳輸器及/或接收器以允許建築物之間的通信。在一些狀況下,LiFi傳輸器可在建築物之間產生LiFi雷射束。在一些狀況下,並非使用與可著色窗相關聯之RF傳輸器或接收器,RF傳輸器或接收器可位於建築物之屋頂。在一些狀況下,RF傳輸器及/或接收器可併入至屋頂感測器中,所述屋頂感測器亦提供照明資料至窗控制網路。屋頂感測器進一步描述於以全文引用之方式併入本文中的題為「多感測器(MULTI-SENSOR)」並於2016年10月6日申請的美國專利申請案第15/287,646號中。 Figure 13b depicts front views of buildings 1301, 1304, and 1303. In the depicted situation, direct line-of-sight between the buildings 1301 and 1303 on the fourth floor of the two buildings is available. For data to be transmitted from the
在一些狀況下,在建築物(例如,建築物1301、1302及1303)之間延伸的網路可為私密網路,且在一些狀況下,網路可為公眾網路。在一些狀況下,網路可提供某私密性(例如,每一建築物內之私密性),同時仍提供公眾通信服務至跨越多個建築物的較大網路。與建築物中之窗控制系統相關聯之防火牆邏輯可具有不同規則,所述不同規則取決於資料之目標目的地應用至傳入資料串流。舉例而言,一旦判定信號應中繼至建築物1303,則在圖13a之實例中與建築物1302相關聯的防火牆邏輯可能不進行發源自裝置1310之資料的任何處理。在一些狀況下,建築物控制系統可劃分其可用LiFi頻寬用於不同用途。舉例而言,第一分區可專用於窗控制系統之操作,而第二分區可設定用於連接至建築物安全LiFi網路的裝置。在一些狀況下,可能會為通信分配另一分區,所述通信僅通過建築物之LiFi網路(例如圖13a中描繪之通信)。在一些狀況下,跨越多個建築物之LiFi網路可提供存取城區中之網際網路的改良式構件。 In some cases, the network extending between buildings (eg,
基於已描述且描繪於例如圖12中之所說明實例,可理解LiFi通 信可如何用作網路主幹的部分。在一些狀況下,LiFi不用作用以將裝置連接至網際網路之「最後一英里」連接,但可用作通信網路中之大型通信脈絡(參見例如圖12中之LiFi通信路徑1244)。如同WiFi及其他形式之無線通信一般,LiFi信號或封包可經發送以確認資訊已被接收到或請求中繼傳輸(例如,若LiFi傳輸被暫時阻斷)。LiFi信號亦可傳輸各種投送及資訊,所述各種投送及資訊可判定LiFi信號如何經由窗控制網路被投送。 Based on the illustrated example that has been described and depicted in, for example, FIG. 12, it can be understood how LiFi communication can be used as part of the network backbone. In some cases, LiFi is not used to connect the device to the "last mile" connection of the Internet, but can be used as a large communication context in a communication network (see, for example,
在一些狀況下,經組態用於LiFi通信之窗控制系統可為自動成網或自動修復通信網路,在所述通信網路中,可著色窗控制器在窗首先安設並接通時基於感測到及/或程式化之輸入辨識彼此。嚙合可藉由LiFi及/或WiFi通信的組合來執行,所述LiFi及/或WiFi通信發生於可著色窗及/或控制器之間。控制器中之一或多者,例如主制器可基於自動成網網路及藉由所感測及程式化輸入提供之資訊來開發窗的地圖。換言之,所述系統藉由產生模型來「自虛擬化」,在所述模型處,每一窗與其他窗相關且視情況與全域位置(例如,GPS位置)相關。以此方式,窗之安設及控制經簡化,此係因為窗本身在解決其定位且其如何定向上進行許多工作。需要很少或不需要個別地程式化每一個別窗之位置及定向。 Under some conditions, the window control system configured for LiFi communication may be an automatic network or an automatic repair communication network in which the colorable window controller is installed when the window is first installed and turned on Recognize each other based on sensed and/or programmed input. Engagement can be performed by a combination of LiFi and/or WiFi communication that occurs between the tintable windows and/or controllers. One or more of the controllers, such as the master, can develop a map of the window based on the automatically networked network and the information provided by the sensed and programmed inputs. In other words, the system "self-virtualizes" by generating a model where each window is related to other windows and, as the case may be, a global location (eg, GPS location). In this way, the installation and control of the window is simplified, because the window itself does a lot of work on solving its positioning and how it is oriented. There is little or no need to individually program the position and orientation of each individual window.
無線網狀網路可用以使窗中之每一者彼此連接。無線網狀網路可包含以網狀拓樸結構組織的無線電節點或用戶端(例如,窗/本地窗控制器)。除網狀用戶端外,例如,網狀網路可包含網狀路由器及閘道器。網狀路由器將轉遞至且自閘道器之訊務。在一些實施例中,閘道器與網際網路連接。無線節點彼此協作以產生無線電網路,所述無線電網路涵蓋可被稱作網狀雲端的實體區域。網狀雲端與論述遠端資料儲存及處理時經常提到之「雲端」不同,儘管在一些實施例中可使用兩者。舉例而言,藉由裝置產生之網狀雲端中之資料可在雲端中儲存及/或處理(亦即,經由網際網路遠端地)。 A wireless mesh network can be used to connect each of the windows to each other. A wireless mesh network may include radio nodes or clients (eg, window/local window controller) organized in a mesh topology. In addition to mesh clients, for example, mesh networks may include mesh routers and gateways. The mesh router will forward the traffic to and from the gateway. In some embodiments, the gateway is connected to the Internet. The wireless nodes cooperate with each other to create a radio network that covers a physical area that can be referred to as a mesh cloud. The mesh cloud is different from the "cloud" often mentioned when discussing remote data storage and processing, although both may be used in some embodiments. For example, the data in the mesh cloud generated by the device can be stored and/or processed in the cloud (ie, remotely via the Internet).
無線網狀架構於在特定涵蓋區域(網狀雲端)上提供動態網路上是有效的。舉例而言,使用同級間無線電或LiFi裝置(節點/用戶端)構建此類架構,所述同級間無線電或LiFi裝置相比於WLAN存取點並非必須纜線連接至有線埠。無線網狀架構能夠藉由將長距離打破成一系列更短的距離來維持信號強度。舉例而言,可存在位於建築物之地下室中的單一網路控制器及位於建築物之1至5樓的十個本地控制器。習知網路架構將要求,網路控制器能夠直接與十個本地控制器中之每一個通信。在一些狀況下,網路控制器可能難以與本地控制器通信,尤其是與於5樓最遠地定位的控制器通信。在使用網狀網路之處,每個本地可著色窗充當中間節點。中間節點按需要提昇並投送信號。換言之,中間節點基於網路之知識協作地做出信號轉遞決策。可在每一裝置中實施動態投送演算法以允許此類投送發生。以此方式,信號僅需要在小得多之距離(例如,自地下室至樓層1、自樓層1至樓層2等)上傳輸。此意謂信號傳輸器可功率較低且價格低廉。網狀網路可為集中式或分散式(亦即,其可包含控制本地窗控制器之特定網路控制器,或網路可簡單地由本地窗控制器製成)。可著色窗之網狀網路進一步描述於在2017年3月3日申請且題為「調測電致變色窗之方法(METHOD OF COMMISSIONING ELECTROCHROMIC WINDOWS)之國際專利申請案第PCT/US17/20805號中,所述申請案先前以引用方式併入本文中。 The wireless mesh architecture is effective in providing a dynamic network in a specific coverage area (mesh cloud). For example, such inter-level radios or LiFi devices (nodes/clients) are used to build such architectures, which do not necessarily require cables to connect to wired ports compared to WLAN access points. The wireless mesh architecture can maintain signal strength by breaking long distances into a series of shorter distances. For example, there may be a single network controller located in the basement of the building and ten local controllers located on the 1st to 5th floors of the building. The conventional network architecture will require that the network controller be able to communicate directly with each of the ten local controllers. In some situations, the network controller may have difficulty communicating with the local controller, especially with the controller located furthest on the fifth floor. Where a mesh network is used, each local tintable window acts as an intermediate node. Intermediate nodes raise and send signals as needed. In other words, the intermediate nodes cooperatively make signal transmission decisions based on the knowledge of the network. Dynamic delivery algorithms can be implemented in each device to allow such delivery to occur. In this way, the signal only needs to be transmitted over a much smaller distance (eg, from the basement to
在一些實施例中,用於LiFi傳輸之光源既用於傳輸資料且用以遞送電力。舉例而言,光可用以提供電力從而使窗轉變及/或出於為諸如為電話充電的目的提供電力至房間中之裝置。在一些實例中,經由窗控制網路之通信經由光纖纜線發生,其中光用以將電力遞送至可著色窗。當通信經由光纖發生時,通信可遵守如本文中引用之LiFi協定,然而此並非為必要的。光子電力及通信網路的實例進一步描述於題為「光子供電EC裝置(PHOTONIC-POWERED EC DEVICES)」且在2015年2月20日申請之美國專利申請案第14/423,085號中, 所述所述申請案以全文引用之方式併入本文中。 In some embodiments, the light source used for LiFi transmission is used both to transmit data and to deliver power. For example, light can be used to provide power to transform windows and/or to provide power to devices in the room for purposes such as charging phones. In some examples, communication via the window control network occurs via fiber optic cables, where light is used to deliver power to the tintable window. When communication occurs via optical fiber, the communication may comply with the LiFi agreement as cited herein, however this is not necessary. Examples of photonic power and communication networks are further described in US Patent Application No. 14/423,085 entitled "PHOTONIC-POWERED EC DEVICES" and filed on February 20, 2015. The application is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
雖然用於LiFi通信之可著色窗已參看建築物中之通信網路予以描述,但當可著色窗替代習知窗使用時,類似通信系統可經啟用用於汽車、火車、飛機及其他載具。在一些狀況下,將裝備用於LiFi通信之窗可提供相較於可能更容易中斷或攔截之其他形式之通信獨特的優勢。舉例而言,在晴天,LiFi可特別適用於戰場應用,從而允許更安全之通信手段。 Although colorable windows for LiFi communication have been described with reference to the communication network in buildings, when colorable windows are used instead of conventional windows, similar communication systems can be activated for cars, trains, airplanes, and other vehicles . In some cases, the use of equipment for LiFi communication windows may provide unique advantages over other forms of communication that may be easier to interrupt or intercept. For example, on sunny days, LiFi can be particularly suitable for battlefield applications, allowing for more secure means of communication.
以上一些實施例已描述了對可著色窗之色調的控制,以阻斷由通信裝置產生之信號的波長。本發明亦涵蓋使用可著色窗來阻斷藉由其他類型之裝置產生之信號的波長。眾所周知的是,呈指向窗玻璃板之窗格之一側的雷射束形式的信號之反射可用於監測窗格之另一側上的聲音信號,此係因為玻璃窗格之一側上的聲音致使玻璃中之振動,此致使調變強加於反射信號上,反射信號隨後可經解調變以獲得聲音的表示。亦眾所周知的是,在使用具有兩個或兩個以上玻璃窗格之窗的個例中,面向內部之窗格相較於面向外部之窗格由聲音振動更大。當雷射束指向此多窗格窗時,強加於反射信號上之大部分調變(若非全部)因此將藉由面向內部窗格的振動引起。因此,當雷射束用以監測具有多玻璃窗格窗內部之通信時,雷射束來自內部大部分玻璃窗格之反射的偵測為較佳的。 Some of the above embodiments have described the control of the tint of the tintable window to block the wavelength of the signal generated by the communication device. The invention also covers the use of colorable windows to block the wavelength of signals generated by other types of devices. It is well known that the reflection of the signal in the form of a laser beam pointing to one side of the pane of the window pane can be used to monitor the sound signal on the other side of the pane, because of the sound on the side of the pane Vibration in the glass is caused, which causes modulation to be imposed on the reflected signal, which can then be demodulated to obtain a sound representation. It is also known that in the case of using a window with two or more glass panes, the inner-facing pane is more vibrated by sound than the outer-facing pane. When the laser beam is directed at this multi-pane window, most of the modulation (if not all) imposed on the reflected signal will therefore be caused by vibrations facing the inner pane. Therefore, when the laser beam is used to monitor the communication inside the window with multiple glass panes, the detection of the reflection of the laser beam from most of the glass panes inside is preferable.
亦眾所周知的是,當監測以上述方式運用雷射束執行時,雷射束可包括對於人類不可見之波長,例如,紅外波長。由於使用可著色電致變色層上文已描述為能夠用以阻斷紅外波長,但本發明亦涵蓋,設置於窗之窗格上之可著色電致變色層亦可用以大體上減小或完全消除使用指向窗之紅外線信號來監測窗之另一側上之聲音的能力。因此,在一個實施例中,在至少一個可著色電致變色層設置於多窗格窗之至少一個面向外部窗格之處,層大體上衰減或完全阻斷紅外信號而不穿過層且大體上或完全防止反射脫離面向內部窗格之信號 能夠被偵測到。在一個實施例中,認識到,信號中之一些可初始地並非完全被阻斷,而是在面向內部之窗格的反射之後,信號之反射可大體上或完全藉由一或多個面向外部之窗格阻斷。在一個實施例中,信號包括紅外信號。在一個實施例中,信號以自建築物外部導向建築物之窗的信號之形式體現。在一個實施例中,信號包括雷射束。在一個實施例中,雷射束包括紅外雷射束。在一個實施例中,建築物之面向外部窗之窗格的面向內部側上之電致變色層之色調的控制回應於位於建築物外部之人造光的偵測而起始。在一個實施例中,建築物之面向外部窗之窗格的面向內部側上電致變色層之色調的控制回應於偵測到位於建築物外部之鐳射光而起始。在一個實施例中,建築物之面向外部窗之窗格的面向內部側上電致變色層之色調的控制回應於偵測到定位於建築物外部之紅外光而起始。在一個實施例中,人造光、雷射光或紅外光之偵測藉由功能上耦接至一或多個窗控制器之光感測器起始,所述窗控制器用以回應於偵測到人造光、雷射光或紅外光而實現光的著色。 It is also well known that when monitoring is performed using a laser beam in the above manner, the laser beam may include wavelengths that are not visible to humans, for example, infrared wavelengths. Since the use of a colorable electrochromic layer has been described above as being able to block infrared wavelengths, the invention also covers that the colorable electrochromic layer provided on the window pane can also be used to substantially reduce or completely Eliminate the ability to use the infrared signal pointing to the window to monitor the sound on the other side of the window. Therefore, in one embodiment, where at least one colorable electrochromic layer is disposed on at least one of the multi-pane windows facing the outer pane, the layer substantially attenuates or completely blocks infrared signals without passing through the layer and generally Signals that are on or completely prevented from reflecting off the facing inner pane can be detected. In one embodiment, it is recognized that some of the signals may not initially be completely blocked, but after the reflection of the inner facing pane, the reflection of the signal may be substantially or completely by one or more facing outward The pane is blocked. In one embodiment, the signal includes an infrared signal. In one embodiment, the signal is embodied in the form of a signal leading from the outside of the building to the window of the building. In one embodiment, the signal includes a laser beam. In one embodiment, the laser beam includes an infrared laser beam. In one embodiment, the control of the hue of the electrochromic layer on the interior-facing side of the window-facing pane of the building is initiated in response to the detection of artificial light located outside the building. In one embodiment, the control of the hue of the electrochromic layer on the interior facing side of the pane of the exterior facing window of the building is initiated in response to the detection of laser light located outside the building. In one embodiment, the control of the hue of the electrochromic layer on the interior-facing side of the pane of the exterior-facing window of the building is initiated in response to the detection of infrared light positioned outside the building. In one embodiment, the detection of artificial light, laser light, or infrared light is initiated by a light sensor that is functionally coupled to one or more window controllers that are responsive to the detection The color of light is achieved by artificial light, laser light or infrared light.
結論in conclusion
儘管已出於理解清楚之目的相當詳細地描述了前述實施例,但顯而易見地,可以在所附申請專利範圍之範疇內實踐某些改變及修改。應注意,存在實施本發明實施例之程序、系統以及設備的許多替代方式。因此,本發明實施例被視為說明性而非限制性的,且實施例不限於本文中所給出之細節。 Although the foregoing embodiments have been described in considerable detail for the purposes of understanding and clarity, it is obvious that certain changes and modifications can be practiced within the scope of the appended patent application. It should be noted that there are many alternative ways of implementing the programs, systems, and devices of the embodiments of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments of the present invention are regarded as illustrative rather than restrictive, and the embodiments are not limited to the details given herein.
1000‧‧‧可著色窗 1000‧‧‧Colorable window
1002‧‧‧電磁屏蔽層 1002‧‧‧Electromagnetic shielding layer
1004‧‧‧窗片/基板 1004‧‧‧Window/substrate
1006‧‧‧窗片 1006‧‧‧Window
1008‧‧‧側/可選層 1008‧‧‧side/optional layer
1010‧‧‧側/可選層 1010‧‧‧side/optional layer
1012‧‧‧EC裝置塗層 1012‧‧‧EC device coating
1014‧‧‧光保真(LiFi)接收器 1014‧‧‧Fidelity (LiFi) receiver
1015‧‧‧光保真(LiFi)接收器 1015‧‧‧Fidelity (LiFi) receiver
1016‧‧‧光保真(LiFi)傳輸器 1016‧‧‧Fidelity (LiFi) transmitter
1017‧‧‧光保真(LiFi)傳輸器 1017‧‧‧Fidelity (LiFi) transmitter
1020‧‧‧窗控制器 1020‧‧‧Window controller
1022‧‧‧窗控制系統 1022‧‧‧window control system
1024‧‧‧外部網路 1024‧‧‧External network
1026‧‧‧光保真(LiFi)傳輸器 1026‧‧‧Fidelity (LiFi) transmitter
1028‧‧‧光保真(LiFi)接收器 1028‧‧‧Fidelity (LiFi) receiver
1030‧‧‧光保真(LiFi)邏輯 1030‧‧‧Fidelity (LiFi) logic
S1‧‧‧第一表面 S1‧‧‧First surface
S2‧‧‧第二表面 S2‧‧‧Second surface
S3‧‧‧第一表面 S3‧‧‧First surface
S4‧‧‧第二表面 S4‧‧‧Second surface
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CN107851413B (en) * | 2015-07-08 | 2021-11-26 | 唯景公司 | Network, method and system for electrochromic windows |
US10137764B2 (en) * | 2016-05-20 | 2018-11-27 | Gentex Corporation | Electro-optic window control system |
EP3500891A4 (en) * | 2016-08-22 | 2020-03-25 | View, Inc. | Electromagnetic-shielding electrochromic windows |
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2019
- 2019-06-11 CA CA3102958A patent/CA3102958A1/en active Pending
- 2019-06-11 CN CN201980037999.8A patent/CN112262341A/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2019-06-11 WO PCT/US2019/036571 patent/WO2019241264A2/en unknown
- 2019-06-11 EP EP19734997.0A patent/EP3803506A2/en active Pending
- 2019-06-11 TW TW108120142A patent/TWI810311B/en active
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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TWI815580B (en) * | 2022-08-01 | 2023-09-11 | 萬達光電科技股份有限公司 | A display device that allows external objects to be displayed |
Also Published As
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WO2019241264A3 (en) | 2020-01-23 |
EP3803506A2 (en) | 2021-04-14 |
WO2019241264A2 (en) | 2019-12-19 |
TWI810311B (en) | 2023-08-01 |
CN112262341A (en) | 2021-01-22 |
CA3102958A1 (en) | 2019-12-19 |
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